NFL Free Agency Recap 3/30-4/1 - Aldon Smith back in the league?

With teams being unusually more active at the beginning of free agency, it makes sense why things have slowed down as they have. The big headline moves over the past few days have been headed by Cincinnati releasing veteran cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick and linebacker Aldon Smith appearing to be back on track to sign with the Cowboys once he's been reinstated.

Kirkpatrick has battled with injuries the past two seasons, effectively clearing up 8.29 million in cap space for the team. Meanwhile, Smith hasn't seen NFL action since 2015 but he's since sobered up and seems primed for a return. He has agreed to sign for a one year, two million dollar contract and this gamble could pay off in a massive way for Dallas as they are getting a former Pro Bowler if he's in his old form.

In other action around the league, Seattle released tight end Dickson and waived safety Tedric Thompson in order to bring back defensive end Benson Mayowa who the team originally drafted back in 2013. The Steelers added two prospects in defensive end Dewayne Hendrix and linebacker Christian Kuntz, both of which were playing in the XFL earlier this year. Indianapolis picked up cornerback Travis Carrie, the Rams resigned safety Donte Deayon and former Detroit Lions draft pick Ameer Abdullah resigned with Minnesota for a one year contract. Cleveland made another nice addition to the team when they signed veteran defensive end Adrian Clayborn for a two year, 5.75 million dollar contract.

Tennessee may have picked up a key piece moving forward as they added former Falcons defensive tackle Jack Crawford. They were also able to resign up-and-coming linebacker Kamalei Correa who saw much playing time a year ago. The Bengals re-signed cornerback and special teams player Greg Mabin and quarterback David Fales returned to the Jets for a one year contract. Defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan is looking for an increased role with his new home in Houston and the Giants picked up another long snapper in Casey Kreiter. The last move of note the past couple of days was the Patriots releasing quarterback Cody Kessler who figured to be third on the depth chart before his release.