NFL free agency news: Emmanuel Sanders' contract drama, Patriots sign Edelman, LaFell

Emmanuel Sanders contract drama

The agent of the former Steelers wide receiver engaged in some shady dealings this weekend, agreeing to a contract with the Chiefs before continuing to shop his client around and landing with division rival Denver. It seems like a very strange PR decision by Steve Weinberg, Sanders's agent, who accepted a deal from the Chiefs in principle, and then talked to the Bucs, Broncos and 49ers; upsetting three of those four teams in the process, according to Arrowhead Pride:

You know the reason you don't do something like this? Because you still have to deal with all 32 teams! When the Broncos are in cap hell and they cut Sanders next year, you know who is not going to negotiate with them? Correct. Also, having the national media crap all over you is not a very good tool for recruiting new players next year.

Giants sign Walter Thurmond

The New York Giants and former Seahawks cornerback Walter Thurmond have agreed on a one-year, $3.5 million deal, helping add to a cornerback position that needed some upgrading. Over four years in Seattle, the former Oregon Duck started eight games and defended 15 passes, with his only career interception coming in 2013 (which he returned for a touchdown).

He fits the mold New York is going with during the free agency period, according to Big Blue View:

Thurmond is a four-year veteran of the Seattle Seahawks who will be 27 next season. He seems to fit the 'under 30 with upside' profile GM Jerry Reese appears to be seeking this offseason. Thurmond had a +4.8 Pro Football focus grade and a 67.5 passer rating against in 480 snaps last season.

Patriots sign Brandon LaFell, re-sign Julian Edelman

Tom Brady has some weapons to play with. Former Carolina Panthers receiver Brandon Lafell has signed with New England, while Julian Edelman has re-upped with the team. That's not all, however; former Titan Kenny Britt could be next, according to Pats Pulpit:

I imagine that there is going to be a lot of controversy surrounding Britt, as he has gotten himself the well-deserved reputation of being a highly talented malcontent who never quite lived up to his potential. He is also coming off an injury and a 2013 season that saw him catch less balls all season than Julian Edelman catches in a single game (11 for 96 yards). His off-field issues are well-documented, both by the league and various police logs, and he has been known to turn on a team at the drop of a hat. I'm sure there are more than a few fans out there that want no part of Kenny Britt, and that's understandable.

That said, he's 6'3", 225 pounds, and has the talent and ability to be a #1 receiver should he keep his nose clean and his head down.

Edelman returns to the team with Danny Amendola, Aaron Dobson, Kenbrell Thompkins and Josh Boyce, but the signing of LaFell (and potentially that of Britt) will give the Patriots some more experienced weapons on the outside.