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

with another quarterback. However, they have no real future plan and if they don’t win a Super Bowl while he is there, this would all have been for nothing. Don’t make any mistake, Manning will probably play and play well regardless of whether or not they win a Super Bowl, but the entire reason they made this move was to win a Super Bowl soon, not down the road. Even if they do win it all, the Broncos would be in the same situation they were in after John Elway retired.  How they proceed after is their business, but it’s worth pointing out that they need to be focusing on building a team around the next quarterback, not Manning.

Eagles acquire LB Demeco Ryans from the Texans

The Eagles traded a fourth round pick and swapped third round picks with the Texans for two-time Pro Bowl linebacker Demeco Ryans.

The Eagles just keep making great moves. Demeco Ryans is a great middle linebacker with excellent tackling ability. There’s a reason he’s a two-time Pro Bowler. Now why did he get traded if he was so good? Simple, he’s not a good fit for the Texans 3-4 defense. He wasn’t on the field very much and lost some of his big plays to Brian Cushing. In the middle of the Eagles defense, he should be a rock. This was an excellent pickup by the Eagles.

Lions re-sign LB Stephen Tulloch

The Lions re-signed linebacker Stephen Tulloch to a five-year deal.

The Lions really needed to get this signing done. Tulloch has been a great linebacker and could very easily be a pro bowler. Though the run defense of the Lions was not great this year, I think that was more in-spite of Tullochs presence and not a result of failure on his part. Great signing for the Lions.

Titans sign DE/OLB Kamerion Wimbley

The Titans signed defensive end/outside linebacker Kamerion Wimbley on a five-year $35 million dollar deal with $13.5 million guaranteed.

I like this signing on the whole. Wimbley has improved as a pass rusher the past two years and has played well as a defensive end and linebacker in the 4-3 alignment. He could definitely help upgrade the Titans pass rush, though they would need to figure out where to play him.

49ers re-sign QB Alex Smith

The 49ers re-signed quarterback Alex Smith to three-year deal.

The 49ers and Alex Smith had to make this move. The 49ers failed in a last minute push for Peyton Manning and Smith couldn’t get another team interested enough in his services to drive up the price for his services. Smith played his best football with 49er coach Jim Harbaugh and there’s little reason to think that he can’t repeat that kind of performance. At least, as long their relationship is not damaged beyond repair.

Chargers sign TE Dante Rosario

The Chargers signed tight end Dante Rosario to a one-year deal.

I’m very torn on this move. Rosario is at least a very good number two tight end, if not a good starter. But in San Diego, he’ll be relegated to third tight end status. He’ll be a very good third tight end, but it still seems like a severe waste of his talents.

Packers re-sign CB Jarrett Bush

The Packers re-signed cornerback Jarrett Bush to a three year deal.

This deal makes since for the Packers and Bush considering the shared success they’ve had with him as their dime cornerback. Bush’s skill set lends itself well to that role and has been successful in that role. He’s a good signing for a team that needs a lot of defensive help.

Raiders re-sign OG Cooper Carlisle

The Raiders re-signed recently released offensive guard Cooper Carilisle to a one-year deal worth up to $1 million.

Good decision on Oakland’s part. The only reason the Raiders released Carlisle was because of his contract, so getting him back at a reduced price was sensible

Cardinals re-signed WR Early Doucet

The Cardinals re-signed wide receiver Early Doucet to a two-year contract.

I like this move. Early Doucet played well when given the opportunity, though he wasn’t nearly as dynamic as Anquan Boldin was. By hanging on to him, they’re giving him the chance to prove himself again while not allowing their receiving core to be diminished. I like this move.

Vikings sign FB Jerome Felton

The Vikings signed fullback Jerome Felton.

Felton is a decent blocking back, but offers little value beyond that.

Dolphins re-sign DL Ryan Baker

The Dolphins re-signed defensive lineman Ryan Baker.

Baker’s a strictly backup defensive line and bottom of the roster player. He does offer some ability as a depth player, but I doubt he’ll be much more.