The first week of NFL free agency certainly did not lack for intrigue and excitement. The moves and ensuing drama in places like Dallas and Philadelphia alone was enough to keep things interesting in the days leading up to the NFL draft in late April. Though we are months away from the start of the 2015 season, let’s take a closer look at some of the the winners and losers of NFL free agency.
WINNERS:
Indianapolis Colts: Few if any teams did more to improve their stock for the 2015 season than the Colts. Sure, bringing in older veterans like Frank Gore, Trent Cole and Andre Johnson might not be long-term solutions, but surrounding franchise quarterback Andrew Luck with proven talent might be enough to push the Colts to the top of the AFC.
After Trent Richardson’s monumental failure to become the feature back for the Colts, Gore will solidify the rushing game and add a physical edge desperately needed in Indy. Gore has been remarkably durable over his 10-year career, missing one start in the past four seasons.
Despite awful quarterback play through most of his career in Houston, the 33-year-old Johnson has been one of the best receivers in the game, and Johnson should only make budding superstar T.Y. Hilton and the emerging Dontrae Moncrief all the more dangerous.
Cole has been one of the top pass rushers nobody ever seems to talk about, and his presence on the Colts defense should improve that side of the ball, and make them a true Super Bowl contender.
Seattle Seahawks: With the acquisition of All-Pro tight end Jimmy Graham, the Seahawks have acquired the perfect weapon for a Seahawks passing attack that desperately needed help. Graham seems like a great fit for quarterback Russell Wilson, and don’t be surprised if the Seahawks consider adding one of the still available free agent wide receivers or continue bolstering the group by drafting one from a deep talent pool.
Plus, though the Seahawks traded Max Unger and a first-round pick for Graham, potential signee Stefen Wisniewski could be a viable replacement. Huge move for the Seahawks, gutsy, but huge.
Though Marshawn Lynch is enigmatic, he also happens to be one of the top running backs in the game. His re-signing was a smart move for the Seahawks. Lynch in many ways was the key component to the Seahawks offense, and bringing him back could go a long way towards making the Super Bowl for a third consecutive year.
Green Bay Packers: Pretty simple here. The Green Bay Packers have arguably the best quarterback in the NFL, and they made sure that two of his key teammates on offense who were going to be in demand on the open market were retained; wide receiver Randall Cobb and offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga.
Cobb is one of the most dangerous receivers in the game, and keeping him with the Packers is going to pay big dividends. Bulaga is one of the most underrated tackles in the league, and the Packers made it clear they understand how valuable he is by keeping him in the fold and in turn, keeping their quarterback happy.
LOSERS:
San Francisco 49ers: The loss of head coach Jim Harbaugh was just the beginning of what has become an absolute nightmare of an off-season for the 49ers. Patrick Willis, Justin Smith, Frank Gore, Michael Crabtree, Mike Iupati and Chris Culliver are among those who played key roles for a team two years removed from playing in the Super Bowl. All are gone now, and the signing of one-trick pony wide receiver Torrey Smith is not likely going to make up for those losses. Just an absolutely dreadful time to be a 49ers fan.
Baltimore Ravens: When the Ravens signed quarterback Joe Flacco to a massive extension after winning the Super Bowl, many questioned how that would impact the franchise moving forward. With the loss of Haloti Ngata, Torrey Smith, Pernell McPhee and Jacoby Jones, the Ravens have moved on from a number of key players who made major contributions in recent years.
The loss of Ngata will be especially hard to cope with. Though not the player he was a few years ago, Ngata still has the ability to be a force in the middle. It will be very interesting to see how the Ravens adapt after having to deal with a tough cap situation this off season.
Chicago Bears: Talk about another franchise that has hit on hard times. After firing their coach, the Bears did little this off season to improve their standing heading into the 2015 season. That is unless you feel giving the grossly overpaid Jay Cutler the dreaded “vote of confidence” or trading away his top weapon, Brandon Marshall for a fifth-round pick.
Hey, all is not lost, they replaced Marshall with Eddie Royal (oh boy) and paid Pernell McPhee an insane contract in order to “fix” one of the worst defenses in the NFL. It’s going to be a long, long year in Chicago…