Offseason Winners and Loser through Two weeks

After two weeks of free agency, it’s safe to say that there is little other than a big trade that would adjust the fortunes of these teams. So why not look at the winners and losers of the offseason to this point? This will include trades as well as free agent signings as well as re-signings and contract extensions. So, without further ado, here we go.

WINNERS

Philadelphia Eagles – I think it goes without saying that the Eagles have probably had the best offseason

Free Agency, Day Sixteen

I’m not sure there’s a worse crawl then the waning days of free agency. When there are still signings and rumors a plenty, but both move at a snail’s pace.

49ers sign RB Brandon Jacobs

The 49ers signed running back Brandon Jacobs to a one-year contract.

I can’t say I dislike the signing, though it doesn’t excite me at all. The 49ers seem to be adding a power back so that when they feel the need to limit Frank Gore’s carries in short yardage situations, they have a better option than the smaller Kendall Hunter. Make no mistake, Hunter will probably see more carries than Jacobs because of his potential to make big plays, but Jacobs will probably score more touchdowns because of when he will get the ball. It’s a nice approach, so long as they don’t ruin Frank Gore’s rhythm in the process.

Mock Draft 3.0

With free agency two weeks old and almost all the major signings made, there will likely only be intermittent changes from here on out. But let’s see what the second week of free agency did to the draft outlook.

1.       Indianapolis Colts – Andrew Luck – QB – Stanford

Nothing will be changing this signing unless the Colts actually sign a different player before the draft.

Previous Pick: Andrew Luck

2.       Washington Redskins – Robert Griffin III – QB  - Baylor

Basically the same as above. The Redskins will only change this pick if the Colts take RGIII.

Previous Pick: Robert Griffin III

Free Agency, Day Fifteen

Another day, another three or four signings to comment on. 

Lions re-sign RB Kevin Smith

The Lions re-signed running back Kevin Smith to a one-year deal.

I love this move. It shows faith in Smith to be an effective runner when called upon and gives the Lions another option while Mikel Leshoure and Jahvid Best recover from their respective injuries. I like the way

Free agency, Day Fourteen

Well, two weeks of free agency have passed. And now were down to a few token signings a day. All the major news has been made and short of an unexpected trade, I doubt there will be a headlines being made until the draft.

Rams re-sign FB Brit Miller, sign WR Steve Smith, TE Matthew Mulligan  

The Rams re-signed fullback Brit Miller to an undisclosed contract. They also signed wide receiver Steve Smith to a one-year deal and tight end Matthew Mulligan to a two-year deal.

Free Agency, Days Twelve and Thirteen

Why is it the weekends always seem to be extra slow when it comes to free agent signings? Oh well, here’s your weekend report.

Saints sign LB Curtis Lofton

The Saints signed linebacker Curtis Lofton to a five-year deal.

This is the big foot I’ve been waiting to fall for most of the off-season. While there are still a number of good players still waiting to find jobs elsewhere, I didn’t think there were any as good as Lofton. After the Gregg Williams scandal and the potential that middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma will be suspended arose, this move

Free Agency, Day Eleven

Eleven days of signings and things just keep on going.

Packers sign OC Jeff Saturday, DT Daniel Muir

The Packers signed offensive center Jeff Saturday and defensive tackle Daniel Muir to undisclosed deals.

These were interesting, though sensible moves by the Packers. They needed help along the defensive line so grabbing a player like Muir made sense, though how much help he’ll be is yet to be seen. The Saturday signing though is going to be interesting to watch. Saturday has played his entire career in one offense and how able he’ll be to adjust to the Mike McCarthy offense is going to be key to whether or not this move works out.

Free Agency, Day Ten

With about ten days of the free agency period behind us, we should be settled in with the majority of signings being finalized. But before we get to that, let’s look at today’s signings.

Bears sign RB Michael Bush

The Bears signed running back Michael Bush to a four-year deal worth $14 million dollars including $7 million in guarantees.

I’m hesitant to say this was a great move, but I like it in principle. The Bears are not sure that they’ll be able to work out a contract with Matt Forte long-term so they grabbed one of the best available running backs as insurance. Additionally, Bush can be worked into a rotation with Forte to help keep both players fresh. The question is whether or not they can trust Bush to be a full-time starter should Forte walk following next season. If not, then this move could blow up in their face.

Free Agency, Day Nine

Another day, another dozen or so signings.

QB Tim Tebow acquired by Jets

The Jets acquired quarterback Tim Tebow and a seventh round pick from the Broncos in exchange for a fourth-round pick and sixth round pick.

I don’t understand why the Jets would make this move other than to make a headline. The Jets have already given Mark Sanchez a contract extension and he is expected to be their starting quarterback for the next two years. I guess they may work him in in packages, but it hardly seems like that’s worth the trade. For the Broncos, they got what they could for him. Not much else to say other than that.

Free agency, Day Eight

Well, the biggest shoe has finally fallen. Now let’s see what happens as a reaction to that. Oh, and there were also some other signings today.

Broncos sign QB Peyton Manning

The Broncos signed quarterback Peyton Manning to a five-year, $96 million dollar contract.

So, the biggest free agency shoe fell. The Broncos have committed to hoping for a Super Bowl title in the next few years while their future is going to be a great big question mark. Don’t get me wrong, Manning gives this team a much better chance to go to the Super Bowl in the next three years than they would have

Mock Draft 2.0

Now that we have a full week of free agency pass us and some time to breathe and examine what has happened, here’s my updated Mock draft. 

1. Indianapolis Colts – Andrew Luck – QB – Stanford 

Nothing has been done to make this pick change. 

Previous Pick: Andrew Luck 

2. Washington Redskins – Robert Griffin III – QB  - Baylor 

The Redskins are trying to replace their lost draft picks via free agency, getting weapons for RGIII. The only reason this pick changes is if the Colts decide they like RGIII better. 

Previous Pick: Robert Griffin III 

Free Agency, Days Six and Seven

A day with less than ten signings? In that case I’ll do two days. I will also note that any analysis I have on the Peyton Manning signing will occur after he signs on the dotted line. Until then, nothing is set in stone.  

Seahawks sign QB Matt Flynn

The Seahawks signed quarterback Matt Flynn to a three-year deal worth up to $26 million dollars, $10 million of which is guaranteed.

Well, this was a somewhat surprising. I know that the feeling around Seattle is that the Seahawks needed to get themselves a franchise quarterback, but I thought the Seahawks didn’t need to press to get one.  This kind of feels like a move made out of pressure, not necessity. I also thought that Matt Flynn would only be an effective starter in the Joe Philbin or Mike McCarthy offenses. I question how effective he will be in the Pete Carroll offense.

Free agency, Day Five

                After the flurry of the first few days of free agency, the signings should settle into a nice steady pace. There are still some big signings to be had.

Patriots sign DE Trevor Scott, WRs Anthony Gonzalez and Brandon Lloyd

The Patriots sign defensive end Trevor Scott to a one-year deal. He is expected to pay as an outside linebacker with the Patriots. The Pats also signed wide receivers Anthony Gonzalez and Brandon Lloyd. Lloyd’s contract is for three-years and worth $12 million dollars.

The Patriots are finally addressing some of their key issues. I like Scott as a pass rusher, and his thinner frame would help him transition to the 3-4 outside linebacker spot fairly well. Gonzalez has talent when he can stay healthy, but it’s doubtful the Patriots are counting on him to be a star. Lloyd is the big catch and his ability to make big plays deep (at least over the last two years) would greatly help the Patriots passing game open up more and free up more space for the running game. I like all of these signings.

Free Agency, Day Four

Another day, another bunch of signings in the NFL.

Rams sign OC Scott Wells

The Rams signed offensive center Scott Wells.

This was a great move by the Rams. They found themselves on of the best centers in the league and puts a piece in place as the foundation of that Rams offensive line. He can build a good rapport with Sam Bradford and help the rest of that offensive line solidify. They still need a lot of help, but Wells is a solid foundation.

Free Agency, Day Three

71 signings and trades are in the books. Expect at least that many in the next week.

Bills sign DE/OLB Mario Williams

The Bills signed defensive end/outside linebacker Mario Williams to a six-year worth as much as $100 million dollars with $50 million guaranteed.

The Bills made the biggest splash in free agency by grabbing onto Mario Williams and not letting go until he was signed to a deal and looking for a home in Buffalo. While Williams has been hurt on occasion, missing the back half of the last two years with injuries, he’s remains the consummate pass rusher when he’s been healthy. He’ll pair very well with Marcell Darues and give Buffalo the pass rush it’s needed for years. The only question now becomes how do the Bills follow this up?

Free agency, Day Two.

Day one was busy, and there’s still of lot of signing to do. Let’s get to the new deals coming out.

The Buccaneers sign CB Eric Wright, OG Carl Nicks  

The Buccaneers signed cornerback Eric Wright to a five-year contract worth $37.5 million with $15.5 million guaranteed and offensive guard Carl Nicks to a five-year contract worth $47 million dollars including $31 million guaranteed on Wednesday.

2012 Free Agency, Day One

Free agency has begun and the insanity is already going fast and fierce. There were some other signings that happened before it began so there’s a lot to cover. Let’s get into it.

The Bears acquire WR Brandon Marshall from Dolphins for two third round picks

Talk about blockbuster moves. The Bears decided that the receiving prospects in the draft weren’t all that appealing and decided to go for Jay Cutler’s favored target from Denver. They got a major steal in acquiring him for only two third-round picks. Marshall and Cutler had a great relationship when they were both in Denver and Marshall is the kind of big receiver the Bears have needed to get since they acquired Cutler from the Broncos some years ago. Now they have him and can focus on other needs.

Pre-free Agencies Signings

The Jets extend QB Mark Sanchez, re-signs DT Sione Pouha

Late on Friday night, while the Redskins and Rams were agreeing to a blockbuster trade that changes the face of the upcoming draft, the Jets announced that they signed quarterback Mark Sanchez to a three-year contract extension worth approximately 40.5 million dollars. This move came as a surprise to a lot of people, because it was thought that Sanchez would have one more year before the Jets gave up on him.

2012 Mock Draft, March 12th edition

Well, it’s time. Free agency starts soon and all of the scouting reports are in. It’s time to make the first mock draft of the season. Here we go. 

1. Indianapolis Colts – Andrew Luck – QB – Stanford 

No one should be surprised by this. The Colts made this decision almost as soon as the season ended and everything else has just been doing due diligence and clearing cap space. 

2. Washington Redskins – Robert Griffin III – QB  - Baylor 

After everything the Redskins gave up, is there really another pick? Griffin had better be THE guy, because the Redskins gave up a ton to move up for this pick.  

The Rams - Redskins Draft Trade

It was announced last night that the Washington Redskins will trade three first round picks and a second round pick to the St. Louis Rams for the second overall pick in the 2012 draft. Presumably, the Redskins will be taking Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin the third (RGIII) with that selection. The Rams will receive the sixth overall pick in the 2012 draft class as well as the Redskins second round pick in this draft and their first round picks in 2013 and 2014. The deal is awaiting league approval, which won’t be granted until the league year begins on Tuesday, March 13^th.  

All-in-all, the Rams had to get this deal done and the Redskins were desperate enough to do it. Add in a little pressure on the Rams from Peyton Manning becoming a free agent and some pressure on the Redskins because the Browns ratcheted up their efforts to trade for the pick and you get a done deal.

March 7-9 Signings.

The Jaguars re-sign CB Rashean Mathis and OT Guy Whimper

The Jaguars made a very smart decision re-singing Rashean Mathis to a one-year five million dollar deal Wednesday. It’s odd; five years ago if anyone had said that Mathis would only be worth a one year deal. However, since his last big deal, Mathis has fallen off from the near All-Pro he once was. In his first four years, Mathis never missed a game and recorded twenty interceptions. In the last five years, he’s only played one full season and recorded a combined ten interceptions. He missed about half of last year to a torn ACL and he’ll be 32 at the beginning of the season. For a corner with all of these factors, five-million seems like a lot to pay. Also, the contract is structured so that most of the pay is incentive based, so they won’t necessarily be spending a lot on him.  

Peyton Manning's Release

The Indianapolis Colts released Peyton Manning Wednesday. It ended a fourteen year relationship that saw almost unequaled success. Manning will be free to sign with any team after he clears the waiver wire today.

In other breaking news, the sun rose today.

All kidding about the “suddenness” of this decision aside, this still marks the beginning of the end of Manning’s career. While he’s most likely going to be playing in the NFL next year, it’s far-fetched to say he’s going to around for too much longer. Wherever he signs, it’s most likely going to be his last hurrah in the NFL.

March 6th Signings

The Falcons Sign Thomas DeCoud to a Five-Year Extension

The Falcons made a great decision in signing Thomas DeCoud to a five year, 17.5 million dollar deal with 4 million guaranteed. Decoud has been a starter for the better part of the last three years and while he hasn’t been spectacular, he’s been solid. He can be inconsistent, especially in coverage, but the truth is there aren’t a lot of great coverage safeties out there. Additionally, given the money the Falcons need to have available to pay other key members of their team (Matt Ryan, Curtis Lofton, etc.) DeCoud brings great value for what he’s being paid. He may never be a top ten Safety, but can play at that next tier level on occasion. Should he develop and jump to being a top 15 safety, then the Falcons got him at a great price. Good decision.

The Franchise Tags

The deadline to place Franchise Tags on players passed yesterday. A lot of moves were expected, while others were a surprise. So to wrap this entire thing up; let’s look at who was franchised and what it means for the teams.

Philadelphia Eagles – Desean Jackson – There’s been a fair amount of debate on how wise it was for the Eagles to make this move given Jackson’s baggage. However, I would point to the game that Jackson had against the Giants in 2010 as the primary reason you franchise him. The fact is that Jackson is a difference maker. He’s speed and elusiveness is simply insane and he gives the passing game a true deep threat. I believe that last season was just a speed bump in his career (and that while averaging over 16 yards a catch). Good decision, now sign him long term.

March 5th Signings

As franchise tags were being applied to keep some players for hitting the free agent market, a number of players were getting full out contract extensions, allowing their team to use the franchise tag in other areas, or by-pas it’s use entirely. Let’s examine some of those signings shall we?

Robert Mathis

Shortly after the Colts designated Robert Mathis as their franchise player, the two sides agreed on a contract extension for the 9 nine year defensive end. Depending on which source you look at, the contract is agreed on already or minor terms are still being worked out. Either way, Mathis will be staying in Indianapolis for at least one more season (I’d say till he retires or can’t play anymore). This deal was extremely important for the Colts; even though it seems to go against everything they’ve been doing this offseason. This gives the Colts a great pair of pass rushers for the next season (most likely next couple of seasons). While Mathis isn’t close to the players that Dwight Freeney is, the two have had comparable sack numbers over the course of their careers (Mathis: 83.5 – Freeney: 102.5). The same can be said for the number of fumble they force (39-43). Together, they form perhaps the most dangerous pass rushing combination in the league, and a good base off which to build a defense, which always helps a young quarterback win games.

The Marshawn Lynch signing

With the deadline to designate franchise players looming, the Seattle Seahawks were able to reach an agreement with their intended franchise tag recipient Marshawn Lynch on a long-term contract. Early reports are the contract is for four years, 31-Million with 18 million guaranteed. On average, this deal would pay Lynch 7.75 million a year, putting him just slightly above the money that franchised running backs Ray Rice and Matt Forte.

This was important for the Seahawks to get done. Lynch was the engine that ran the Seahawks offense, particularly over the latter half of the season. He recorded six 100+ yard games over the last nine games of the season and scored the only rushing touchdown given up by the 49ers defense all season. Everything the Seahawks want to do offensively run through the running game provided by Marshawn Lynch.

The Ahmad Brooks signing

The 49ers signed outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks to a six-year contract extension worth 44.5 million dollars Tuesday. This will keep the core of the 49ers front seven together for the foreseeable future. Brooks registered seven sacks last year and 18 sacks over the course of his career with the 49ers (20 overall).

This signing was an excellent move by the 49ers for two reasons. One, it keeps Brooks, who is a key pass rushing contributor on the defense going forward. Two, it takes care of a need the 49ers may have developed had Ahmad Brooks left in free agency.

As stated, Brooks accounted for seven sacks last season and has been a dangerous edge rusher since 2009. On the whole, while he is a little bigger, he still has tremendous burst off the edge and has learned how to use his moves to get pressure. He’s also grown into the role as an outside linebacker after playing inside most of his college career. Going forward, he’s a strong complement to the more run savvy Parys Haralson and the rookie sensation Aldon Smith. He works well in the rotation and has starting ability which helps when there are so many options available and durability is at a premium.

By locking Brooks up, the 49ers also kept themselves from jumping into the fray of free agency. While Brooks will be getting around seven million a year, it’s a relative bargain compared to the best pass rushers that will be available in this year’s free agency crop. While Mario Williams or Cliff Avril would have been flashy additions, both would have demanded upwards of nine million a year. While both would have been an upgrade over Brooks in terms of pass-rushing, Brooks knows the system well and has had more experience setting the edge in the run game. The price they paid for him allows them enough spare cap space to work on the defensive backfield.