Its very difficult to judge a team based on the first day of free agency, but a few teams really impressed me. Some of you may say that I'm somewhat of a 'homer' on these two teams, but based on their capabilities, needs, and what was out there I think these two teams did a great job on day one.
1. Chicago Bears:
With the limited cap space they have this year, the Bears addressed two huge areas of need by signing LT Jermon Bushrod to a 5 year contract, and Martellus Bennett to a 4 year contract. The Bears TE's only combined for 33 catches last season. Bennett alone last year with the Giants caught 55 passes for 626 yards and 5 TDs. He will be a huge updgrade at that position as he is a solid blocker, as well as pass catcher.Bushrod is an even bigger surprise, and at a position of dire need. New offensive coordinator Aaron Cromer is obviously very familiar with Bushrod, with both of them coming from New Orleans to Chicago this season. He was probably the driving force behind advocating the Bears' pursuit of Bushrod. It also allows the Bears to take their current left tackle, JaMarcus Webb, and insert him at RT which is also a position of need. If they can re-sign Johnathan Scott as their swing tackle they will be light years ahead of where they were last year at each position. These signings also give the Bears quite a bit of flexibility with their first round draft pick this year at #20. They can now go in quite a few directions. Phil Emery's first full season and free agent class is a good one. If he can follow it up with a solid draft, the Bears will be vastly improved from last season.
2.Indianapolis Colts:
The signings of Gosder Cherilus, Erik Walden, Lawrence Sidbury, Greg Toler, and Donald Thomas are a great start for Ryan Grigson. The Colts have needs at OLB,MLB,CB,S,OL, RB, and WR. They addressed two of those needs fully(OL,OLB) and one partially)CB) though I think drafting another OLB or signing another one would be a good idea.. Safety LaRon Landry was also visiting Indianapolis last night and would be a good fit for their system. The Colts may have slightly overpaid for Erik Walden ($4M/year) but playing on the fast turf in the dome half the year will really help his athleticism to shine through. Sidbury provides some solid depth at the position, and I believe the colts will rely on Jerry Hughes to really progress this offseason as well.
All in all a good first day for a few teams, but especially for these two.
I agree that both of those teams did well. I'll also throw in the Kansas City Chiefs. They gave up a little too much, but they finally got a starting caliber quarterback. They retained Bowe also which is big, and added Donnie Avery and Anthony Fasano as well. On defense, Dunta Robinson was a big pickup. Mike DeVito will add depth on the D-line too. This was all about quality.
ReplyDeleteYou're right. I agree, the Chiefs have done well. I think the team that everyone is celebrating, The Dolphins, have not done that great. Yes they picked up Mike Wallace and Dannell Ellerbe, but they are losing Jake Long, Reggie Bush, Sean Smith, and had to cut Karlos Dansby-a good LB- in order to sign Ellerbe. They made some good signings, but I don't know that it really made them appreciably better as an overall team.
ReplyDeleteAfter the last couple of days, I have to say that the Broncos are cleaning up. Wes Welker is a home run. I can't imagine Manning with the 3 WR's he has now, plus Stokely off the bench. Wow. Add in CB "DRC" and NT Knighton and G Vasquez. All of these guys are quality signings based on the grades they have and the reasonable contracts they agreed to.
ReplyDeleteAnd you also have to hand it to Seattle with their moves highlighted by Percy Harvin and Cliff Avril. They even restructured Harvin's deal to keep him locked up for a few more years. Great work.