Previously, we looked at what players came out on top in the latest round of NFL Free agency. Next we’ll dive into which teams made the best, and worst, moves.
Winners
Philadelphia Eagles
While the signing of Sam Bradford doesn’t exactly excite me, nor is he the player who played in the same system in college, I always like the story of a player who, when given a second chance, succeeds – Drew Brees, Darren Sproles, etc. And with Demarco Murray also in that backfield, they definitely will see an upgraded offense. Now to get a receiver in the draft and some linemen.
Denver Broncos
With Peyton Manning not only safely in the fold, but with a restructured contract that should let them re-sign Demaryius Thomas, the Broncos have virtually guaranteed, barring injuries, another trip to the playoffs. Owen Daniels is no Julius Thomas, but he’s solid and should give Manning a good outlet. With Montee Ball healthy going into camp, they’ll have an embarrassment of riches in the backfield. The OL will need work, but that can be addressed in the draft. Losing ‘Pot Roast’ on the defense will hurt, but Vance Walker at DE helps add some much needed depth. The only question will be the coaching staff, but Kubiak had success with the Texans with less talent.
Seattle Seahawks
Seriously? As if they needed another weapon? They get Jimmy Graham? Good lord. They lost their center, Max Unger to free agency, but will likely sign Stefen Wisniewski, a younger, more talented replacement. They’ve not lost anyone significant to free agency, and they’ve also picked up Cary Williams from the Eagles. While he’s no shut-down corner, he’s on the bigger side and quick. He definitely makes up for the loss of Byron Maxwell.
Losers
Detroit Lions
Losing Nick Fairley and Ndamukong Suh will hurt. A lot. Good defensive linemen help your corners be good, because instead of 4-5 seconds to pick apart the secondary, the QB has 2-3. With the added time, suddenly that Lion secondary that looked good last year, will be pedestrian this year. Sure they picked up Haloti Ngata, and he’s a great player, but he’s no Suh.
New England Patriots
How can the defending Super Bowl champs possibly be losers? Belichick just picks up guys, plugs them in holes, and BAM, they win, right? Well, sure, that’s pretty close to the truth, but they’re losing some major talent on their defense, between Vince Woolfork, Brandon Browner, Revis. And no matter how good your system and front office is, losing two guys in the secondary with the talent of Revis and Browner, it’s going to hurt.
New Orleans Saints
They look like the Florida Marlins of old, getting rid of high dollar players in what looks to be almost a fire-sale….except Drew Brees, of course. Cutting Curtis Lofton, a starting LB and forcing Junior Galette to restructure his deal in order to stay. Getting rid of Graham in a trade and getting a player who has missed almost as many games that he’s played over the last two years in Unger.
Hope you enjoyed this review of NFL Free Agency. We’d love to hear what you guys thought!