FSU Football: Former Noles getting paid in NFL free agency period

Several former FSU football stars have taken full advantage of the free agency period that started last week by signing for big money contracts.

Last week, the flood gates opened in the world of free agency for players in the National Football Leagues as millions and millions of dollars were handed out like candy to hundreds of players with either their team from last season or a new squad – and those who once suited up for the FSU football team were among those cashing in.

For a couple former Seminoles, the signing period meant inking a new and somewhat profitable deal with their teams from last season – while several others took the chance to find a new team and cash an even bigger check than they had scene before.

Here is a list of which FSU football alums have inked new deals to keep them employed for the upcoming season in the National Football League (list is as of Monday morning):

"Safety Terrence Brooks (New York Jets to New England Patriots, 2 year deal)Cornerback Ronald Darby (Resigned with Philadelphia Eagles, 1 year deal for $8.5 million)Defensive Tackle Mario Edwards Jr. (New York Giants to New Orleans Saints, 2 year deal for $5 million)Offensive Lineman Bobby Hart (Resigned with Cincinnati Bengals, 3 year deal for $16.15 million)Defensive Back Lamarcus Joyner (Los Angeles Rams to Oakland Raiders, 4 year deal for $42 million)"

Joyner is going to the biggest named out of the group to make a move, as the former FSU football star stays in the state of California but leaves the defending NFC champs for a team who is clearly rebuilding and in need of paying for star talent in an effort to win right away – but kudos to Darby for getting a big money deal one year after a serious injury ended his season in Week 10.

With the action less than a week old, there are several former Seminoles still out there looking for a home for next season – including names such as wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin, who spent last season with both the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs, along with veteran kicker Sebastian Janikowski (Seattle Seahawks), DT Timmy Jernigan (Philadelphia) and more.

If anything, this can serve as a lesson to future NFL players across the country: coming to play for FSU football will get you paid at the next level when the time comes for you to get that big deal.