Despite what is considered to be a short season, the NFL off-season provides us with just as much entertainment as some actual sporting leagues.
NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah voiced a similar opinion:
Am I the only one who thinks the NFL offseason is better than the MLB postseason?
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) March 12, 2014
The first day of free agency is one of the most exciting days on the NFL calendar and for hours on end, the announcements by ‘Free Agency King’ Adam Schefter turn months of speculation and hope into reaction and analysis.
Adam Schefter spoke of his excitement as the opening of free agency began:
One of my favorite days of the year – along with Opening Day, Super Bowl Sunday and Draft Day.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2014
Now that fay one is wrapped up, let’s have a look at some of the big news that has been dropped and shocked, then let’s take a look at the earlier winners and losers (because Super Bowls are won in March, didn’t you know that!?)
Recap
The day opened with a quick flurry of signings by the Cleveland Browns.
Armed with a mountain of cap space, the Browns turned their attention to defence by signing safety Donte Whitner and inside linebacker Karlos Dansby to four-year deals for a fair chunk of coin ($28million and $24million respectively).
The Browns continued their spend later in the day, lodging an offer to Cincinnati wide out Andrew Hawkins.
It seems the Browns mean business in 2014 and with new coach Mike Pettine look to be headed in the right direction. Déjà vu, anyone?
The day was filled with controversy and none more than the sudden release of three former pro bowl defensive ends Jared Allen, Julius Peppers and DeMarcus Ware.
It is crazy to think guys who have each collected over 100 career sacks find themselves as free agents; but hey, it is the world of competitive sport.
The day was very kind to players that play safety and offense line and very harsh on those who catch and run the ball.
Branden Albert (Miami Dolphins), Eugene Monroe (Baltimore Ravens), Jared Veldheer (Arizona Cardinals) and Rodger Saffold (Oakland Raiders) all signed large contracts shortly after free agency.
Guards Zane Beadles (Jacksonville Jaguars), Jon Asamoah (Atlanta Falcons) and Geoff Schwartz (New York Giants) all went later in the day but still received great contracts.
The Cleveland Browns are not the only team willing to improve and improve quickly, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers making a few bold moves on day one.
It seems almost certain by the time you read this article Darrelle Revis may be traded to a team like the Patriots or the Jets.
Bucs’ coach Lovie Smith did not take long to find his replacement and for great value – they signed cornerback Alterraun Verner to four-year deal worth only $26.5 million.
They also added a superior pass rusher in the former Bengal Michael Johnson and Seattle defensive tackle Clinton McDonald.
We learnt the Saints organisation just love dropping bombshells even on their own players. The signing of Jairus Byrd to a six-year deal worth $54 million has every NFL media analyst stunned, particularly as they were/are experience some salary cap pressure:
If the arbitrator rules that Jimmy Graham has to be franchised as a WR, the Saints cap will explode.
— Football Perspective (@fbgchase) March 12, 2014
The Saints also dropped news that Darren Sproles has not been released and is on the trading block. The news was apparently news to Sproles, who found out via twitter:
The stuff u find out on twitter
— Darren Sproles (@DarrenSproles) March 11, 2014
Funnily enough, the Darren Sproles story was not the most shocking story of the day; the Jacksonville Jaguars traded Blaine Gabbert, their first round pick in 2011, to the San Francisco 49ers for a sixth round draft pick.
The move came completely out of left-field and stunned everyone. The trade seemed bizarre at first but the more you examine it the more you think it is a no-loss trade for both teams.
Jim Harbaugh is a great quarterback coach and he might unearth something in Blaine Gabbert.
Some other nuggets before we move on to the winners and losers:
•The 49ers also traded a conditional seventh round pick in the 2015 draft to Miami for Jonathan Martin, the alleged victim in the locker room debacle involving Richie Incognito.
•The Philadelphia Eagles signed safety Malcolm Jenkins to a three-year deal worth approximately $16 million.
•The Minnesota Vikings signed defensive tackle Linval Joseph to a five-year deal worth $31.5 million.
•The Atlanta Falcons added some much-needed pieces to their defensive line in defensive end Tyson Jackson and nose tackle Paul Soliai.
•The 49ers found a replacement for Donte Whitner in former pro bowl free safety Antoine Bethea.
•The Pittsburgh Steelers found a pairing for Troy Polamalu in former Carolina Panther Mike Mitchell.
•The Washington Redskins made some small, under-the-radar signings in wide receiver Andre Roberts and guard Shawn Lauvao.
Winners
Denver Broncos
For a second year running, the Broncos are the talk of the town in free agency.
Last year the Broncos landed Wes Welker, Terrance Knighton and Dominique Rodgers Cromartie. This year they landed superstar safety TJ Ward for an absolute bargain (four years, $23 million).
That deal, cheaper than expected, probably led to them being able to land cornerback Aqib Talib in a monster deal worth $57 million over six years.
The Broncos are also favourites to land DeMarcus Ware.
It is obvious the Broncos are going all-in on what may be the great Peyton Manning’s last hurrah.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts seem like a strange choice considering the big splashes they made last year. The two big signings today were great for their organisation and the fact they haven’t overpaid for someone like Erik Walden is a big win.
Defensive tackle Arthur Jones is a heavily underrated player and versatile player, with the ability to line-up at defensive tackle and defensive end. The versatile lineman is one of the best run stoppers in the league and ranked 10th among all 3-4 defensive ends against the pass.
The Colts also re-signed cornerback Vontae Davis. Davis was Pro Football Focus third best corner in 2013 and at only 26 can definitely improve on his below-average performances in the playoffs.
The Colts also re-signed running back Ahmad Bradshaw, safety Sergio Brown and Adam ‘Mr Clutch’ Vinatieri.
Losers
Oakland Raiders
The Raiders went into free agency with more cap room than any other franchise but emerged with some questionable signings and lost two of their best players – defensive end Lamarr Houston signed a five-year deal with Chicago and Jared Veldheer is heading to Arizona.
So what did Oakland do to respond to that? They overpaid for an above-average guard who they will play as a below-average tackle in Rodger Saffold and they again overpaid for New York Jets tackle Austin Howard.
The cherry on top of this sweet humble pie is they re-signed injury-prone running back Darren McFadden to a one-year contract worth four million dollars. That’s one million for every game he will most likely play this year.
Oh, and his back-up, Rashard Jennings, is headed to the Giant city.
Green Bay Packers
I really thought this was the year the Packers would invest in free agents but again I was let down.
Absolutely nothing. Despite have a heap of cap space and a number of glaring holes on defence, the Packers did not sign one single player.
I guess the franchise has absolute faith in Aaron Rodgers to do a Peyton Manning and carry them.
That wraps up day one of free agency!
With players like Eric Decker, Alex Mack, Hakeem Nicks, Darrelle Revis, Jason Hatcher, Jared Allen, DeMarcus Ware, Michael Vick, Ben Tate, Julius Peppers, Golden Tate, Lamarr Woodley and Dominique Rodgers Cromartie all still available, expect a massive day two (and day two recap) of free agency!
Josh Wye
Roar Pro
Karlos Dansby, despite his age, was very very good in 2013. He had a PFF (subscription required) rating of 13.3 which was sixth in the NFL among all inside linebackers. Meanwhile Jackson finished 42nd with a -11.6 ranking. I think TJ Ward is a better safety than Whitner but that doesn't mean Whitner is a bad signing, the Browns offered Ward a deal but he wanted to move on, Mike Adams convinced him to sign with Denver. Their decision making his that with a deep draft and plenty of draft picks, including two first rounders, they don't need to build. They are in WIN NOW mode.
Daniel Albright
Roar Pro
But how have the Browns improved? They paid Whitner more than their own departed safety in Ward, who was better than Whitner. They cut Jackson only to give an older Dansby his money. Dansby was very impressive but at his age , four years is very dangerous. Cleveland got older players at too high a rate. What was good about their decision making?
James
Guest
basically Ted Ginn was as productive as Smith in 2013. Smith was due 7 million next year, 10 the year after and 15 the year after that. way too much money for what he was offering. Finally locker room issues were a big factor as they wanted to pass the team to Cam/Luke and Smith wasn't letting go. it hurts but it's a business.
Josh Wye
Roar Pro
BREAKING: According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, cornerback DARRELLE REVIS has signed a one year, $12 million dollar deal with the New England Patriots
Josh Wye
Roar Pro
Panthers have very tough salary cap problems. I think them not signing anyone is probably a wise move. In terms of WR, this draft is the deepest at WR i have ever seen. They will draft at least two...
Josh Wye
Roar Pro
There have been some good deals on day one but i respect the Packers plan, they don't overpay for players and draft their players very wisely. However, Aaron Rodgers is not getting any younger and with some holes on defense there were players available on day one that the Packers could have acquired which would have increased their chances of post season success
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
Just how smart the Packers are being is shown by the fact there are no outright 'yeah, it's a great deal for the team' signings on this day one. Have a plan, and buy players that fit your scheme at affordable prices..
Chop
Roar Guru
I don't understand their decision on Steve Smith. He's stuck tough through the bad times, is still a contributor even though his production is in decline. I'd have him at the Packers in a heart beat
James
Guest
you should add Panthers to the losers. at this stage the whole O line has retired and all the WR's are moving else where. I still believe in Gentleman. It's just hard watching them kick smith out.
Chop
Roar Guru
I'm usually ok with the Packers not spending, but they do need another good Wide Reciever and Defence if they're going to make an impact next year. The NFC is just ridiculously tough right now when you consider they'd have to go through both the 49ers and Seattle to get to the Superbowl. The Bronco's were always favourites for Ware, they are really loading up for another tilt next season. I think Revis Island will freeze over before Green Bay go after him. I thought the Jets would be a big mover in free agency, they need all the help they can get. The Gabbert move to San Fran is interesting, although Harbough apparently has some association with him. Kap is reported as being a prat, maybe this will actually be a chance for Gabbert but I doubt it.
Josh Wye
Roar Pro
Packers never spend! Must be frustrating. But if they want to break that trend with all the coin they have saved up, Darrelle Revis would be huge! As for DeMarcus Ware, he just signed a 3 year deal with Denver.
Chop
Roar Guru
The Packers are traditionally not big on free agents, although I do hope they add a couple of experienced defensive players to the roster. They won't pay Revis the big bucks, but I'd like to see him sign. Julius Peppers and De Marcus Ware would also look good in green and gold if they could be signed cheaply.