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Where Ohio State Buckeyes in the NFL landed after free agency

Some players signed extensions and others are headed to a new team in 2016.

By Alexis Chassen
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Just a month before the NFL Draft, teams have been making moves preparing for the 2016 season. Several former Ohio State stars tested the waters of free agency, before either re-signing with their team or heading to a new city for a fresh start. Not all Buckeyes have found their way onto a roster, but there is still plenty of time this offseason for moves to be made and contracts to be signed.

Here's a look at how free agency played out for various pro Buckeyes:

Alex Boone (49ers -> Vikings)

After being openly frustrated with his time in San Francisco, it was little surprise that the guard would try and find a spot elsewhere for the next phase of his career. He couldn't resist at least one more parting shot at the Niners and Colin Kaepernick, saying what he liked best about the opportunity to play with Teddy Bridgewater was that the quarterback wasn't a "prima donna".

As one of the best lineman in the League, it's no surprise he earned the 7th highest contract among guards in the NFL. He signed a four-year deal with the Vikings for $26.8 million, including $10 million guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $6.7 million.

Nate Ebner (Patriots re-signed)

The 26 year old free safety has been a solid special team player for New England over the past four seasons. Heading into the offseason, Ebner was an unrestricted free agent, but the Patriots decided to re-sign the former Buckeye to a two-year deal worth $2.4 million.

Just after signing his new contract, Ebner requested a leave of absence to pursue a dream of his to compete at the Olympics in rugby -- the game he played before pursuing a career in football.

James Laurinaitis (Rams -> Saints)

After being cut by the Rams following seven years with the team, record-breaking linebacker took meetings with several teams -- including the Falcons -- before signing a deal with the New Orleans Saints. Details of his new contract haven't been released yet, but he was the 5th highest paid inside linebacker (among 103) in 2015.

Terrelle Pryor (Browns re-signed)

The former quarterback-turned receiver wasn't nearly as effective as the Browns had hoped last season -- but he also didn't have the whole season to find a groove. Despite only recording three catches for 42 yards in 2015, Pryor got a good sign, when Cleveland hired Hue Jackson as the new head coach.

Having worked together in Oakland, Pryor and Jackson have a rapport, and the head coach -- known for liking tall receivers -- knows the talent potential in the former Buckeye. Jackson is reportedly interested in Pryor's quarterback skills as well, which could lead to some interesting offense from the Browns in 2016.

The team extended a qualifying offer to the restricted free agent, for a one-year deal worth $1.67 million.

John Simon (Texans re-signed)

Heading into his fourth year in the League, the outside linebacker finally found his footing down in Houston. Joining former Ohio State assistant Mike Vrabel, who had a heavy hand in bringing Simon to the Texans. He spent the 2015 season being an impressive stand-in for J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney due to various injuries and other issues. The team rewarded his talent by tendering the restricted free agent, offering a one-year deal worth $1.67 million.

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Not all former Buckeyes have found a home in free agency, with Will Allen and Dan "Boom" Herron still looking for new contracts. Allen is heading into his 13th season in the League, and at 33 years old, might have a hard time finding a team to risk a roster spot on him. Herron on the other hand, is only a few years removed from Ohio State, but bounced from team-to-team in his time since college -- his lack of production makes him an RB3 at best, which limits his signing options.

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