Free agency and trades are very important ways of making your team better, usually before the NFL Draft. This year started out backwards due to the lockout, with the draft coming first. With that in mind, I want to take a look and see which teams have improved themselves the most since the lockout has been lifted. Here we go:
These teams get a solid A:
Philadelphia Eagles - The Eagles have focused on the defensive side of the ball since the draft. They have brought in CB Nnamdi Asomugha, CB Dominique-Rodgers Cromartie (in the Kolb trade), DE/DT Cullen Jenkins and DE Jason Babin. All of those guys will be starters or have big roles on the D. The Eagles also brought in other quality defensive players like safety Jarrad Page, DE/DT Anthony Hargrove, DT Derek Landri and OLB Chris Wilson. Offensively, the Eagles brought in OT Ryan Harris, who will help try to keep Michael Vick’s uniform semi-clean. QB Vince Young, TE Donald Lee, OG Evan Mathis, RB Ronnie Brown and WR Johnnie Lee Higgins were added to provide depth offensively. The final move was a doosy as the Eagles swooped in and signed veteran WR Steve Smith away from the division rival Giants.
Detroit Lions: The Detroit Lions decided to focus on defense after the lockout was lifted and they were aggressive. LB Justin Durant, CB Eric Wright and LB Stephen Tulloch were all signed to start for the Lions in 2011 and each of them could be impact players. Offensively the Lions signed up RB Jerome Harrison, RB Mike Bell, WR Rashied Davis, WR Maurice Stovall, C Rudy Niswanger, G/T Isaac Sowells and OT Kirk Chambers to fill up the bench and provide depth for 2011.
Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars used free agency to help rebuild the defense. LBs Paul Poslusny and Clint Session were the first two free agents the Jags signed and they will help improve the run defense quite a bit in 2011. DE/OLB Matt Roth is a solid edge rusher, which was also a need for the Jags coming into this year. Safety Dawan Landry and CB Drew Coleman were also signed to be starters in 2011 for the Jags. Veteran punter Matt Turk was signed to replace Adam Podlesh (he was signed by the Bears). Offensively, the Jags signed OG Jason Spitz and G/T Tony Moll. Both of those guys will be competing for starting jobs in 2011.
Teams getting a B:
Arizona Cardinals: The biggest move the Cardinals made during the off-season was when they dealt CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie along with a 2nd round pick to the Eagles for QB Kevin Kolb. Kolb will be a huge upgrade over the guys the Cardinals had taking snaps last year. The Cardinals signed OGs Daryn Colledge and Floyd “Pork Chop” Womack to help out with keeping Kevin Kolb clean in 2011. The Cardinals also brought in some guys for Kolb to target in the passing game as they added TE Todd Heap, WR Chansi Stuckey and TE Jeff King. The Cardinals also brought in some guys to help out on defense. LB Stewart Bradley and CB Richard Marshall should be starters from Day #1 for the Cardinals. DT/DE Nick Eason and DE Vonnie Holliday will add depth to the D-Line in 2011.
St. Louis Rams: The Rams did a good job of adding to both sides of the football after the lockout and they will benefit greatly from it as a team. Defensively, the Rams have signed safety Quintin Mikell and LB Zac Diles to add toughness to the back seven of the D. CB Al Harris, DT Justin Bannan, DT Daniel Muir, LB Brady Poppinga and LB Ben Weber will add quality depth to the Rams’ D in 2011. Offensively, the Rams signed up RBs Cadillac Williams and Jerious Norwood to ensure that they don’t run Steven Jackson into the ground this year. The Rams signed OG Harvey Dahl to start in 2011 and they also brought in G/T Quinn Ojinnaka to provide some depth along the O-Line.
Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks focused on adding some firepower to a so-so offense. Tarvaris Jackson will take over as the starting QB for the Seahawks. I don’t know if he will be an improvement over Matt Hasselbeck or not, but the Seahawks also brought over his favorite WR from his old team (the Vikings) in Sidney Rice, which has to make him happy. The Seahawks also signed TE Zach Miller and OG Robert Gallery away from the Raiders, and they will both have huge roles in 2011. Defensively, the Seahawks focused on bringing in backup types to add depth. DT Alan Branch, DT Ryan Sims, DT Jimmy Wilkerson and safety Atari Bigby have been brought in by the Seahawks. Kicker Jeff Reed was signed to replace Olindo Mare (he signed with Carolina).
New Orleans Saints: Most of the Saints moves in free agency and the trade market have been about adding quality depth to the roster. Offensively, the Saints have added Darren Sproles, FB Korey Hall, C Olin Kreutz, OT Jordan Black, OT Alex Barron and RB/KR Patrick Cobbs. Sproles will replace Reggie Bush (he was dealt to Miami) and Olin Kreutz will step into the starting lineup to replace Jonathan Goodwin (he signed with the Niners). Defensively, the Saints have added some decent players in NT Aubrayo Franklin, CB Fabian Washington, LB Clint Ingram and DE Turk McBride.
New England Patriots: The Patriots dealt for WR Chad Ocho Cinco as one of their first moves when the lockout was lifted and I think he’s going to have a big year catching passes from Tom Brady. The rest of the moves the Patriots have been made have been to help out the defense. Veteran defensive linemen Albert Haynesworth (DT), Shaun Ellis (DE) and Andre Carter (DE) were added to give the Patriots more of a pass rush while also helping out the run defense. DE/OLB Mark Anderson and LB Niko Koutouvides were added to give the Patriots some quality depth behind the starters.
Houston Texans: The Texans wanted quality over quantity and that’s what they have gotten in free agency. CB Jonathan Joseph was the biggest addition to the defense as he is a true lockdown type corner. The Texans also signed safety Danieal Manning to help out at the back end of the defense. Look for the Texans’ secondary to be vastly improved in 2011. LB Tim Dobbins was recently signed and he will help out with depth at linebacker as he is a pretty decent player. FB Lawrence Vickers will be Arian Foster’s new lead blocker and he should do a good job. Punter Brad Maynard has signed on to start for the Texans in 2011.
These teams get a C:
Washington Redskins: The Redskins did a lot of good things in free agency and the trade market. But they get a C, because they still have a huge hole at QB. The Redskins added QBs Kellen Clemens and Matt Gutierrez while subtracting Donovan McNabb. The Redskins did make a nice deal to bring in RB Tim Hightower, and he might be the #1 RB for them in 2011 because he fits in well in the running scheme. WRs Jabar Gaffney (trade with Denver) and Donte’ Stallworth (free agent) were brought in to help a below average passing offense. C/G Chris Chester (starter at guard), OT Sean Locklear and C/G Donovan Raiola will add depth and talent to the O-Line for the Skins. DT Barry Cofield and DE Stephen Bowen were added to give the D-Line some thump. CB Josh Wilson will likely step right in and start for the Skins in 2011. Punter Sav Rocca was signed away from the rival Philadelphia Eagles. The Redskins made some nice additions but they still have a huge hole at QB.
San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers added a few players who should help them in 2011. It all starts up front where the Niners signed Jonathan Goodwin to take over as the starting center. WR Braylon Edwards could help out the passing game of the Niners if he doesn’t drop too many passes that hit him in the hands. CB Carlos Rogers will likely step into Nate Clements’ old shoes and that will be a downgrade. Safeties Madieu Williams and Donte Whitner will bring some thump to the back end of the Niners’ D in 2011.
Chicago Bears: The Bears focused on offense since the lockout has been lifted. WR Roy Williams will be the guy to watch as he made it to the Pro Bowl under offensive coordinator Mike Martz when they were together in Detroit. WR Sam Hurd, TE Matt Spaeth and RB Marion Barber have been added to provide the Bears depth on offense. Center Chris Spencer will be replacing Olin Kreutz at center in 2011 and that will be a downgrade. Punter Adam Podlesh was signed to help the Bears with field position and he’s a good one. DT Amobi Okoye and DE Vernon Gholston have been huge disappointments to this point in their careers. The Bears hope a change of scenery will get one or both of those guys going.
Minnesota Vikings: The headlining move for the Vikings since the lockout was the deal for QB Donovan McNabb. He will be the starting QB for the Vikings when the 2011 season begins. WRs Mike Jenkins and Devin Aromashodu were added to give McNabb a couple of guys to throw to. G/T Charlie Johnson will likely be the biggest free agent the Vikings signed as he will be trying to keep McNabb in one piece. Defensively, the Vikings added DT Remi Ayodele with the idea of starting him in 2011. CB Tony Carter will give the Vikings more options in the secondary.
Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons have only signed two free agents, but I like them. DE Ray Edwards was the first FA the Falcons signed. He will provide a nice pass rush opposite of John Abraham in 2011 and beyond. The Falcons also brought back TE Reggie Kelly to help out with the run blocking in 2011.
Buffalo Bills: The Bills have only added one surefire starter in free agency. LB Nick Barnett will be manning the middle of the Bills’ D in 2011 and he’s a good player when healthy. The Bills also spent a lot of cash on WR/RB/QB Brad Smith. Smith will be the Wildcat QB for the Bills but he will also be on the field a lot more than that. The Bills signed QB Tyler Thigpen to serve as Ryan Fitzpatrick’s backup in 2011 and beyond. WR Craig Davis and DE Lionel Dotson were also added for depth.
Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins added a lot of depth since the lockout, but not much big time talent. QB Matt Moore was brought in to push starter Chad Henne. The Fins dealt for Reggie Bush, but he’s never had a huge workload in the pros. OT Marc Colombo, QB Kevin O’Connell and OT Ray Willis will add depth to the offense in 2011. DT Ronald Fields will add depth up front for the Fins in 2011. The Fins also signed a load of LBs in Jason Trusnik, Kevin Burnett, Jason Taylor, David Nixon and Marvin Mitchell. Of that group, only Burnett is likely to be a starter. It was a nice move to bring Taylor back.
Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs didn’t bring in any huge impact players in free agency, but they brought in some solid ones. OT Jared Gaither, WR Steve Breaston and RB Le’Ron McClain should give the Chiefs a nice little bump offensively in 2011. DT Kelly Gregg and LB Brandon Siler could have decent roles for the Chiefs in 2011. Safety Sabby Piscitelli and DT Amon Gordon will add depth and little more for the Chiefs in 2011.
Tennessee Titans: The Titans have been very blah since the lockout was lifted. I like the signing of QB Matt Hasselbeck but he needs more to work with than just Chris Johnson at RB. TE Daniel Graham could have a big role with the Titans in 2011 but he has never been a top target in the passing game. G/T Pat McQuistan and OT Adam Terry have been brought in to help out with the depth on the O-Line. Defensively, the only impact player the Titans have brought in is tackling machine Barrett Ruud (inside linebacker). DT Shaun Smith, CB Frank Walker, safety Jordan Babineaux and safety Anthony Smith have been added to help out with the depth.
Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens have walked quietly in free agency but still have added some quality players. FB Vonta Leach is one of the best blocking fullbacks in the NFL and he should help out the Ravens’ running game in 2011. RB Ricky Williams will take over Willis McGahee’s old role and he will likely do a solid job for the Ravens. TEs Kris Wilson and Jonathan Stupar will provide depth at TE just in case the younger guys (Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta) aren’t ready for prime time. Safety Bernard Pollard has been added to the secondary and he will provide some thump as he is a nasty hitter.
Cincinnati Bengals: I like what the Bengals did to add to the defense, but they did next to nothing to help out the offense. CB Nate Clements, LB Thomas Howard and OLB Manny Lawson were all really good pickups for the Bengals as they could all start in 2011. QB Bruce Gradkowski, WR Andrew Hawkins, OG Max Jean-Gilles, TE John Nalbone and TE Bo Scaife were added to the offense and none of them are expected to make a huge impact.
Carolina Panthers: The Panthers have casted a wide net to add talent since the lockout was lifted. The biggest addition to the Panthers was when they acquired TE Greg Olsen in a deal with the Bears. He could have a breakout year in 2011 for the Panthers. WR Legedu Naanee, QB Derek Anderson and TE Ben Hartsock were also brought in to help with the offense in 2011. Defensively, the Panthers signed LB Omar Gaither, safety Sean Considine and safety Michael Greco to help out in 2011. Kicker Olindo Mare was also signed to a nice deal to make sure the Panthers don’t leave many points on the field.
These teams get a D:
New York Giants: The Giants only added one player projected to be a starter since the lockout was lifted and that isn’t good enough. Center David Baas will step right into the starting lineup for Shaun O’Hara who was released because he was having trouble staying healthy the last couple of years. The Giants brought in punter Steve Weatherford to compete with Matt Dodge for the starting job and that was a good move. QB David Carr, C Chris White, RB Andre Brown and TE Daniel Coats were added for depth reasons. Defensively the Giants added only DT Gabe Watson and safety Derrick Martin.
Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys are right against the salary cap and that really hurt them as far as adding players. The only two players the Cowboys added who will make the team is safety Abram Elam and DE Kenyon Coleman. Both Elam and Coleman have followed defensive coordinator Rob Ryan from the Browns, so at least they know his system. Elam will be a starter from Day #1 for the Cowboys.
New York Jets: The Jets dropped the ball in free agency. They signed WR Plaxico Burriss who has been playing football in jail the last year and a half. At least the Jets were smart enough to sign WR Derrick Mason in case Burriss doesn’t work out. OG Trevor Canfield was added for depth along the O-Line. CB Donald Strickland, safety DaJuan Morgan and OLB Aaron Maybin have been added for depth but none of them are expected to make much of an impact in 2011. Punter Chris Bryan could be the starter in 2011 for the Jets, and if he is, the Jets won’t be winning many field position wars.
San Diego Chargers: The San Diego Chargers have brought in ILB Takeo Spikes to add more toughness against the run. Other than that, the Chargers have done little to improve the team since the lockout has been lifted. OLB Travis LaBoy will be able help out the Chargers with the pass rush in 2011. WR Laurent Robinson could help the Chargers if he can stay healthy in 2011.
Denver Broncos: The Broncos have not added much talent since the lockout was lifted. RB Willis McGahee is the headliner as he will push Knowshon Moreno for carries in 2011 and beyond. WR David Anderson has been the only other offensive player added to the roster since the lockout was lifted and he’s a #4 or #5 WR at best. The Broncos have added DT Brodrick Bunkley (deal with Eagles), DE Ty Warren, DE Derrick Harvey and DE Jeremy Jarmon (deal with Redskins) to the defense for 2011.
Oakland Raiders: The Raiders have the look of a rebuilding baseball team as they lost a ton of talent without replacing much of it. TE Kevin Boss was the biggest player the Raiders have brought in but he will be replacing Zach Miller who left to sign with the Seahawks. QB Trent Edwards, OT Stephen Hoyer, WR Chad Jackson and WR Derek Hagan were brought in to help with depth on the offense. Defensively the Raiders have signed safeties Josh Bullocks and Matt Giordano, hoping that neither of them have to have big roles in 2011.
Indianapolis Colts: The Colts are up against the salary cap which caused them to be very cautious in free agency. They have added OLB Ernie Sims (a likely starter), DE Jamaal Anderson, DT Tommie Harris and DE Tyler Brayton to help out on defense. The Colts signed QB Dan Orlovsky to push Curtis Painter for the backup job at QB for the Colts in 2011. OG Josh Beekman and TE Michael Matthews have been brought in for depth reasons.
Cleveland Browns: The Browns have a lot of salary cap space and quite a few holes on the roster, yet, they didn’t use free agency or the trade market to add much talent. The Browns dealt for OG John Greco who specializes in run blocking. RB Brandon Jackson will likely be Peyton Hillis’ caddy in 2011 and beyond. That should help keep Hillis in one piece. CB Dimitri Patterson and S Usama Young have been added to help out the secondary. Patterson will likely be the Browns’ #3 CB in 2011 and Young could start alongside T.J. Ward at safety.
Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers must think they are better than everyone thinks they are. The roster keeps getting older, yet the Steelers decided to sit on their wallets for the most part. WR Jerricho Cotchery, WR Kenneth Moore and TE John Gilmore will all be backups in 2011 and little more. The Steelers recently have signed CBs Macho Harris and Kevin Dockery to help out on D in 2011.
These teams get an F:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Buccaneers are coming off a good season (10-6) and they have a lot of salary cap room. But they decided to play things on the cheap, adding only one starter….a punter. The Bucs signed punter Michael Koenen away from the division rival Atlanta Falcons. QB Jonathan Crompton and CB Ashton Youboty are likely to have hard times making the team in 2011.
Green Bay Packers: The Packers are getting a lot of injured players back for 2011 and that is part of the reason that they have only signed one free agent since the lockout was lifted. LB K.C. Asiodu was the only guy signed by the Packers and he is going to have a hard time making the team.
