The 2018 NFL free agency frenzy is well underway, and there have been numerous transactions already. Everyone knew that Kirk Cousins was going to get paid by the Vikings or Jets. The same can be said about Case Keenum, who to no surprise signed a big contract with Denver. Some NFL teams made the headlines this past week for letting a player go that no one would have expected at the beginning of the free agent period.

S Tyrann Mathieu - Houston Texans

The Honey Badger was asked to reconstruct his deal and take a pay cut in order to free up cap space to bring in extra help.

After giving him opportunities to take less money, the Cardinals released their starting safety-corner hybrid. All this just over a year after signing a five-year deal with $62 million.

Sure, Mathieu played all 16 games last year, but it was his first time doing so in his entire career. He is also nowhere near the player he was in his career-best 2015 season. The safety is prone to injury, but he can still play and contribute significantly to a team in need. This scenario was bound to happen in the near future regardless.

Mathieu wanted to be on a team that was more of a yearly contender, not one who is in another rebuild. This makes Houston a good choice for him, having pieces in their possession now to get to get to the playoffs and make some noise.

WR Jordy Nelson - Oakland Raiders

Aaron Rodgers is fully healthy, and the Packers are going to start the new season as favorites for the Super Bowl. The team is surrounding Rodgers with as many weapons as he needs to accomplish that, but they were bound to lose at least one longtime face. Due to limited cap room, either Randall Cobb or Jordy Nelson was going to be released from the team.

Cobb seemed likely to be gone, having not played a full season since 2015 and only posting more than 1000 receiving yards in a season once in his career. Jordy has battled injuries as well and had a down year this year, but he is still the better of the two men and one of Rodgers's best red zone threats. The Raiders can still see valuable years and production in Nelson, signing him to a two-year, $15 million contract.

RB Jonathan Stewart - New York Giants

The Panthers drafted Christian McCaffrey with the mindset that he is their future franchise running back, taking over for the aging Jonathan Stewart. It was just a surprise to see them moving on so soon. Last year, Stewart was still a key player on the offense. McCaffrey could have started to take over more of the starts, but Stewart is still the best option the Panthers had for a No.2. The Giants knew this and brought him in on a two-year deal. However, depending on the draft results, Stewart could be a lead back for them, and it will take its toll on his body, as he is 30.

WR Michael Crabtree - Baltimore Ravens

Amari Cooper last season was quite a disappointment for the Raiders, but luckily Michael Crabtree stepped up and helped carry the load.

He had more catches and touchdowns than Cooper did.

Oakland signed Jordy Nelson to add more firepower for Derek Carr, but Crabtree was released when Nelson was signed. Why wouldn't you have three very good receivers on your side for another year, as Nelson is new to the system. You can never have too many weapons to throw to.

Crabtree wasn't the nicest guy ever, but he can still play. He was now with the Ravens, where he will play a similar role: trying to help carry the load with good receivers who are in the dumps.