With NFL agency finally grinding to a halt, it’s time to break down all the signings and trade rumors of current NC State alumni.
J.R. Sweezy, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After spending his first four seasons with Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks, Sweezy agreed to terms with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a five-year, $32 million contract, with more than $14.5 million guaranteed. After starting three games his rookie season with the Seahawks, Sweezy made 46 starts on the offensive line for the team, including two Super Bowl appearances and one Super Bowl win.
Mario Williams, Miami Dolphins
Following four years in Buffalo with the Bills, the 11-year veteran signed a two-year contract with the Miami Dolphins worth $17 million in total. Since being the No. 1 overall pick by the Texans in 2006, Williams has amassed 96 sacks, but only had five sacks in 2015, which is half a sack higher than his career-low 4.5 in 2006.
Mike Glennon, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Although he’s not a free agent, the former Wolfpack quarterback has been the target in many trade rumors this offseason. The Bucs are reportedly seeking at least a high third-round pick in the 2016 draft, and the Denver Broncos and New York Jets have been linked to be viable trade partners. Since leaving NC State, Glennon has a 29-15 touchdown-interception ratio as a pro, and while Tampa only had a record of 6-26 during his first two seasons with the team, he was the starter for five of those wins.
Audie Cole, Minnesota Vikings
Enjoying a decent career with the Vikings, Cole resigned with the team this offseason on a one-year contract. Cole has been very serviceable with the Vikings on special teams and as the starting linebacker over the last four years. Despite being a valued part of the linebacking rotation, the seventh-round pick is coming off a fractured ankle that sidelined him for the last nine games of the 2015 season.
Stephen Tulloch, Detroit Lions
Following a five-year stint with the team, the 11-year pro was told by the Lions that he did not fit into their plans for 2016. Despite being told he would be cut, Tulloch remained on the roster due to contractual complications. Despite having over 900 tackles in his career, the former Wolfpack linebacker is most infamously known for tearing his ACL doing the “discount doublecheck” dance after sacking Aaron Rodgers in 2014.