NFL Free Agency: Update on Mountaineers in the NFL
By Ken Durbin
Nov.11, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver Darius Reynaud (25) runs past Miami Dolphins cornerback Jimmy Wilson (27) during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. Tennessee won 37-3. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
With free agency one week deep, there has been a good bit of activity involving West Virginia Mountaineers alumni. Here is the latest on WVU players in NFL free agency:
Pat McAfee: Received franchise tag from the Indianapolis Colts. McAfee has spent his entire 4 year career with the Colts, averaging 45.5 yards per punt and 89 punts inside the opponent 20. The Colts and McAfee were not able to come to terms on a long term deal, so the Colts gave McAfee the franchise tag to keep him around for one more season, giving them plenty of time to work out a contract extension.
Darius Reynaud: Signed a one year contract extension with the Tennessee Titans. Reynaud, who sat out the 2011 season without a contract offer, revived his career in Nashville this past season. He took over the role of kick and punt returner for the Titans, compiling 1,650 total return yards and 3 return touchdowns. Reynaud’s ability to take kicks the distance is a valuable skill that the Titans could not be without, at least for one more season. If he can maintain his level of production this season, he should have the opportunity to get a multi-year deal from Tennessee.
Ryan Mundy: Signed a one year contract with the New York Giants. After serving in a back-up capacity with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the past 4 seasons, Mundy made the move to compete for a starting job in New York. Mundy, who has been up and down in his relief of Ryan Clark and Troy Polamalu the past 4 seasons, is looking to show the Giants that he is an every game safety that can take-over for the departed Kenny Phillips. In 3 starts this past season, Mundy registered 39 tackles and 2 pass defensed.
Adam “Pacman” Jones: Still unsigned. Jones played well this past season with the Cincinnati Bengals, registering 40 tackles and a sack. Serving predominantly as a defender in nickel packages this past season, Jones appears to be a bit of a high priced nickel option for the overly cap conscious Bengals. Until all the bigger name defensive backs find homes, Jones figures to remain available. He could be a nice discount option for a team that loses out on big ticket players like Nnamdi Asamougha.
Corey McIntyre: Still unsigned. McIntyre has spent the last 5 years of his 9 year career with the Buffalo Bills, serving as the lead blocker for emerging star running back C.J. Spiller. The Buffalo Bills, currently in the process of a roster overhaul under new head coach Doug Marrone. It remains to be seen whether Marrone’s system will have room for a fullback like McIntyre. If the Bills ultimately decide to move forward with a system that does not utilize a fullback, he should draw interest from the New York Jets or the Oakland Raiders.