Several NFL Transactions have already been made. This article will give you an in depth look at all the teams free agent signings, free agent losings, and trades. I also gave every team an Overall Signing Grade with C as not changing, F at getting a lot worse, and A being a lot better.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals: The Cards are going to really struggle on offense next year for sure. They cut potential starting Quarterback Kevin Kolb along with starting Running Back Beanie Wells. They also cut Wide Receiver Early Doucet. The only good offensive player they signed was Rashard Mendenhall, former Steelers Running Back, who has been plagued with injuries recently and barely played last year. They did buff up their defense signing Cornerback Antoine Cason, Defensive End Matt Shaughnessy, Linebacker Jasper Brinkley, and Defensvive End Frostee Rucker. However, it is concerning that they cut both their starting safeties, Adrian Wilson and Kerry Rhodes, and have only been able to sign Yeremiah Bell at the Safety position.
Overall Signing Grade: D+
Seattle Seahawks: The major move for the Seahawks is the trade that sent their first round pick to the Vikings in return for Percy Harvin. Harvin can add a completely new dimension to the Seahawks offense. They signed Defensive Ends Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett to help with their pass rush. The only person I’m scared to see them let go of is Cornerback Marcus Trufant who has given them many years of great pass coverage. Overall Signing Grade: B+
San Francisco 49ers: The Niners do not have to do much to make themselves an elite team after almost winning the Super Bowl last season. They got rid of Alex Smith, trading him to the Chiefs for some draft picks. I think this solidifies Kaepernick as their long term starter. He did not have many options to throw the ball to last year, so they traded for Anquan Boldin from the team they lost to in the Super Bowl, the Baltimore Ravens. I think this competition might motivate Michael Crabtree to play better. They lost two good defensive players in Safety Dashon Goldson and Defensive Tackle Isaac Sopoaga. Their only big signing was Defensive End Glenn Dorsey from the Chiefs. Overall Signing Grade: C
St. Louis Rams: The Rams have one big signing and then a bunch of losings. They signed fantastic Offensive Tackle Jake Long from the Miami Dolphins. This will help Sam Bradford have time to throw, but to who? They lost Danny Amendola and Brandon Gibson, so the only Wide Receiver targets Bradford has left are Austin Pettis and Brian Quick. They did sign Tight End Jared Cook who will be an improvement over Lance Kendricks. They also lost all-star Running Back Steven Jackson and now have Isiah Pead as their number one Running Back. Defensively, they lost three starters in Linebacker Rocky McIntosh and Safeties Quitin Mikell and Craig Dahl. I do not think Jake Long was worth all of those players. Overall Signing Grade: D+
NFC North
Chicago Bears: The most important move in Chicago was the release of Brian Urlacher. As sad as it is, I think D.J Williams, who they signed to replace him, is just as talented when he is not in trouble with the law. Other than the loss of Urlacher, the Bears did some pretty nice signings. They signed all-star Offensive Tackle Jermon Bushrod and Tight End Martellus Bennett to improve their offense. They also signed James Anderson who will make people forget about Nick Roach and Israel Idonije who they will lose. Overall Signing Grade: B-
Detroit Lions: I think this team can be amazing next year, but I do not see it happening. They signed Reggie Bush who will actually let them run the ball, but I do not know if Jim Schwartz will implement him into the offense correctly. I think Reggie is a outside the tackles runner and pass catcher, not a every down runner like he tried to be in New Orleans. The problem is that they do not have any other Running Backs to run it on other downs, so unless management can find another Running Back this was a huge wasted opportunity for the Lions. They did lose Defensive end Cliff Avril and Offensive Tackle Gosder Cherilus, but they were able to retain many key players like Cornerback Chris Houston, Safety Louis Delmas, and Linebacker Deandre Levy. Overall Signing Grade: B
Minnesota Vikings: Minnesota was able to improve a team that made it to Wild-Card Weekend last year. They pretty much traded Greg Jennings for Percy Harvin, which in my opinion is a step up. Jennings is very reliable on third down routes, which is probably all he’ll really need to run with Adrian Peterson in the background. They also signed Matt Cassel who is a upgrade at backup Quarterback over Joe Webb. Who knows, he might even beat out Christian Ponder by opening day. They were able to keep a lot of key starters like Offensive Tackle Phil Loadhalt, Wide Receiver Jerome Simpson, Linebacker Erin Henderson, and Safety Jamarca Sanford. They did cut Cornerback Antoine Winfield though. Overall Signing Grade: B+
Green Bay Packers: So far it has been a terrible offseason for the Pack. They lose starting Receiver Greg Jennings to a division rival, cut all-star Cornerback Charles Woodson, and can not seem to get Cornerback Sam Shields to re-sign. All of this and their two best Running Backs hit the market this year. Overall Signing Grade: D-
NFC East
Washington Redskins: With RGIII looking to make speedy recovery, the rest of the team isn’t looking so good. Tight End Fred Davis is talking with the Bills and they could not afford to keep either of their two best Cornerbacks, DeAngelo Hall and Cedric Griffin. Offensive Tackle Jammal Brown is looking like he is also going to leave which will hurt an offensive line that was not very good to begin with. If they do not start trying to re-sign people this team will not make the playoffs next year. Overall Signing Grade: D
Dallas Cowboys: This team will not change that much, they re-signed Linebacker Anthony Spencer, but lost Defensive End Marcus Spears. Felix Jones will probably not resign, but that might actually be a good thing. They cut Safety Gerald Sensabaugh who, in my opinion, did not do anything to deserve it. Overall Signing Grade: C
New York Giants: There will be a lot of changes in New York. They have already cut Running Back Ahmad Bradshaw, this leaves David Wilson and Ryan Torain as potential starting Running Backs. They also Cut Defensive Tackle Chris Canty, but upgraded by signing Cullen Jenkins. Osi Umenyiora is talking with the Falcons, but I do not think he will be missed with all the other pass-rushers up front for the Giants. They also lost Safety Kenny Phillips and Tight End Martellus Bennett. The big question with the Giants is if Victor Cruz Will resign. I do not see any reason why he would not though.
Overall Signing Grade: C
Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles set an example by cutting underachievers Nnamdi Asomugha and Cullen Jenkins. Other then that, it does not look like they will lose anyone else. They traded some low draft picks for Wide Receiver Arrelious Benn. They were able to sign Linebacker Connor Barwin, which I think is a good pick up because he can do some serious pass rushing. They were able to sign two quality Safeties Patrick Chung and Kenny Phillips which will help their pass coverage with the departure of Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. They also signed Isaac Sopoaga to replace Cullen Jenkins. Overall Signing Grade: B-
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons released Michael Turner earlier this offseason which turned some heads. They were able to turn this into a good thing though, because they signed Steven Jackson from the Rams. I think Jackson is a great fit for the Falcons because he makes the other team have to crowd the box which will free up Matt Ryan’s passing game. It would not surprise me if Jackson went for 1200 yards this season. They were also able to re-sign legendary Tight End Tony Gonzalez and Safety William Moore. It looks as if they will lose three defensive starters though, Cornerbacks Brent Grimes and Dunta Robinson and Defensive End John Abraham. It does look as if the will be able to sign Osi Umenyiora. Overall Signing Grade:B-
New Orleans Saints: The saints will be pretty much the same as they were last year. They lost Offensive Tackle Jermon Bushrod, and will probably lose Defensive Tackle Sedrick Ellis. They have signed Cornerback Keenan Lewis to help with pass coverage. They also got Tight End Benjamin Watson to be Jimmy Graham’s backup. Overall Signing Grade: C
Carolina Panthers: The Panthers made very few moves other than cutting Chris Gamble and Replacing him with Drayton Florence, which in my opinion is a downgrade. They also lost Linebacker James Anderson. Their only other notable signing was Safety D.J Moore. Overall Signing Grade: C-
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The biggest move for the Buccaneers is the signing of Safety Dashon Goldson. He will drastically help the Buc’s defense. He will replace Ronde Barber who it will be sad to see leave the Buccaneers. They did not attempt to re-sign Defensive end Michael Bennett which I think shows that they have faith in Da’Quan Bowers. They re-signed Running Back LeGarrette Blount, who I think could have been more useful on another team. Overall Signing Grade: C+
AFC West
Oakland Raiders: I did not think the Raiders could get any worse, but they definitely did not get better. They lost two best pass-rushers in Defensive Ends Matt Shaughnessy and Richard Seymour. That’s not all, they cut their best run-stopper in Safety Michael Huff. They also cut Receiver Darius Heyward-Bey. You would think they would get a lot in return, but all they got were Linebackers Kevin Burnett and Nick Roach. Overall Signing Grade: D
San Diego Chargers: The Bolts had a disappointing season last year, and hope to turn it around this year. I do not see that happening though. They have not made an effort to re-sign either of their starting Cornerbacks, Antoine Cason and Quentin Jammer, and their best pass rusher, Linebacker Shaun Phillips. The only impact player they have signed so far is Cornerback Derek Cox who is a step down from both Cason or Jammer. Unless Phillip Rivers plays better this year, there is no way the Chargers are getting better. Overall Signing Grade: D+
Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs look to start over by cutting Matt Cassel and trading for Alex Smith. Even with Smith, I’m surprised Dwayne Bowe re-signed. Offensive Tackle Branden Albert also returned which will help Smith in the pocket. Also to help Smith, they signed Tight End Anthony Fasano. On defense they had to get rid of Glenn Dorsey, but Signed Cornerback Dunta Robinson who will be a good check for Brandon Flowers. I do not think they should try to retain Peyton Hillis, he is far below Jamaal Charles on the depth chart. Overall Signing Grade: A-
Denver Broncos: They gad a big signing and a big losing so far this offseason. Their big win was signing all-star receiver Wes Welker from the New England Patriots. Wes will be a good fit into this offense because of how often Peyton Manning throws it to the slot. Their loss was Defensive End Elvis Dumervil who is one of my personal favorite players. Them lost him in a contract snafu in which they could not get his updated contract to the league office in time. They also lost Linebacker D.J Williams, who barely played last year due to legal troubles. However, the Broncos signed Defensive Tackle Terrance Knighton and Cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Overall I think the addition of Welker will help them more than the loss of Dumervil will hurt. Overall Signing Grade: B
AFC North
Cincinnati Bengals: It seems like Cincy’s whole defense became free agents this offseason, but they did a great job getting players to re-sign. Notable examples are Defensive Ends Michael Johnson and Robert Geathers and Linebacker Rey Maualuga. they have not added or lost anyone that important, but a good job keeping a team that is on the rise together. Overall Signing Grade: B-
Cleveland Browns: The Brown’s most important move was the signing of Linebacker Paul Kruger, who rushes the passer at an elite level. They severed ties with Tight End Benjamin Watson, but signed Kellen Davis to replace him. They did cut Defensive End Frostee Rucker, who I think is very underrated. Overall, I do not think this team has done enough yet to make them relevant next season. Overall Signing Grade: C
Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens made a lot of moves after winning the Superbowl. I will start with their three major signings, all Defensive Linemen, Elvis Dumervil, Chris Canty, and Marcus Spears. I think they buffed up a Defensive Line that did not necessarily need it with Haloti Ngata and Terrell Suggs already on the roster. They lost some very quality players though. The best was awesome Safety Ed Reed who had been with the Ravens for a long time. They also lost four other quality defensive starters, Safety Bernard Pollard, Linebackers Paul Kruger and Dannell Ellerbe, and Cornerback Cary Williams. When you add this to the fact that they traded Anquan Boldin for almost absolutely nothing, it is looking like a bad offseason for the Ravens. Overall Signing Grade: D+
Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers are losing players left and right. They lost Wide Receiver Mike Wallace to the Dolphins. They two other offensive starters, Running Back Rashard Mendenhall and Guard Willie Colon. Defensively they have lost Cornerback Keenan Lewis, and will probably lose Defensive Tackle Casey Hampton and Linebacker James Harrison. Neither have expressed interest in re-signing. The Steelers, who had a disappointing season last season, look to not be much better this season. Overall Signing Grade: D-
AFC East
New York Jets: The Jets are losing team spirit, which is impacting players decisions not to re-sign. Three key players have already signed with other teams, including Safety LaRon Landry, Running Back Shonn Greene, and Tight End Dustin Keller. The Jets need to sign a good player to turn this team around, but so far the only key player they have signed is Guard Willie Colon. Overall Signing Grade: D
Miami Dolphins: there are a lot of moves going on in Miami. They lost great Offensive Tackle Jake Long, but with a mobile Quarterback like Ryan Tannehill I’m not sure how much this will hurt them. They signed Wide Receiver Mike Wallace and Tight End Dustin Keller to help out alongside Brian Hartline as Tannehill’s receiving threats. They did lose Running Back Reggie Bush, which shows how much faith they have in Daniel Thomas to run the ball. On defense they cut, arguably their best two defensive players, Linebackers Karlos Dansby and Kevin Burnett. Neither had played up to standard over the past few years. They signed Dannell Ellerbe and Phillip Wheeler to try to replace them at Linebacker. A lot of moves for the Dolphins, but I’m not sure they got any better. Overall Signing Grade: C
New England Patriots: The Patriots lost Wes Welker and replaced him with Danny Amendola at Wide Receiver. I think Welker is way better than Amendola, which is contrary to what many Patriot scouts are saying. The other Receiver, Brandon Lloyd, has not decided if he is going to re-sign, which I think is huge in the Patriot’s offensive effectiveness next year. On defense the Patriots signed Safety Adrian Wilson, who is an upgrade over Patrick Chung. I do have to compliment them on being able to re-sign Cornerback Aqib Talib and Offensive Tackle Sebastian Vollmer.
Overall Signing Grade: C
AFC South
Indianapolis Colts: The Colts have made a bunch of minor signings to steadily improve their team. They have signed Safety LaRon Landry to help in pass-coverage. They also signed Offensive Tackle Gosder Cherilus to help protect Andrew Luck, who was sacked a few too many times last season. Other notable signings include backup Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, Defensive Tackle Aubrayo Franklin, and Linebacker Erik Walden. Their only big loss is aging Defensive End Dwight Freeney. Overall Signing Grade: B
Tennessee Titans: The Titans have made a lot of good moves so far this offseason. They have signed Running Back Shonn Greene to help take some pressure of Chris Johnson. They also signed Guard Andy Levitre to help block for these Running Backs. On defense they have signed two quality Safeties, Bernard Pollard and George Wilson. Their primary loss is Tight End Jared Cook, but they replaced him with Delanie Walker. This team should be much improved from last year. Overall Signing Grade: B+
Houston Texans: The Texans only have three major moves, both on the defensive side of the ball. The first is the edition of all-star Safety Ed Reed. Ed will really help this already strong Texans defense. Anther move is the loss of pass rusher Connor Barwin. Barwin will be missed along with Safety Glover Quinn who was stopped trying to re-sign when the Texans signed Ed Reed. Reed should be able to help this team significantly.
Overall Signing Grade: B-
Jacksonville Jaguars: Jacksonville has not made very many big moves yet. Many of this team’s free agents have not mad their decisions yet. I think that they should let go of some of their players and try to bring in new players to try to start over. I think one player they need to hold on to though is Linebacker Daryl Smith, he is a very good run-stopping Linebacker. Overall Signing Grade: C
Notable Still Available Free Agents
Ryan Clady, Broncos Offensive Tackle: Ryan was franchised by Denver, so I can not imagine him going anywhere else.
Karlos Dansby, Dolphins Linebacker: Karlos was cut by Miami and I imagine many teams are after him.
Dwight Freeney, Indianapolis Defensive End: Dwight has talked with the Broncos, but that might just have been to try and lure Elvis Dumervil to come back.
Victor Cruz, Giants Wide Receiver: I assume Victor will come back to the Giants, other teams have expressed interest, but I think he likes it in New York.
Brian Urlacher, Bears Linebacker: I expect Brian to be signed by an aging championship team to give them an extra jolt to help them win this year.
Charles Woodson, Packers Cornerback: I think Charles will be signed by a team with a bad pass defense, like the Patriots.
(C) featuresports
Feature Sports 