1.) Denver Broncos:
Major Additions: Aqib Talib, Demarcus Ware, T.J. Ward, Emmanuel Sanders,
Major Losses: Eric Decker, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Zane Beadles, Wesley Woodyard, Knowshon Moreno, Shaun Phillips
After being annihilated by the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl, John Elway went into the offseason determined to not let that happen again and give Peyton Manning one more shot at another Super Bowl.
The Broncos’ upgraded their secondary with Ward and Talib, but Ward is the move that should stand out the most. Ward’s four-year, $23 million deal is a steal for Denver and of course will provide a substantial upgrade at strong safety. Talib has battled durability issues especially in big games, but when healthy he provides the Broncos with another high-quality cover corner.
Denver will also rest its hopes that Ware’s struggles in a 4-3 defense won’t carry over from Dallas, where he had the worst season of his career. Ware will be helped by Von Miller, but it’s still a questionable move given the scheme fit. Meanwhile Sanders is a downgrade over Decker but came on a cheaper deal and offers more versatility.
Denver was already the team to beat in the AFC and these moves just further the gap between themselves and the rest of the AFC West.
2.) Kansas City Chiefs:
Major Additions: Vance Walker, Joe Mays
Major Losses: Tyson Jackson, Jon Asamoah, Branden Albert, Geoff Schwartz, Dexter McCluster
After being the worst team in the NFL in 2012, the Chiefs saw a major turnaround in 2013 as they emerged as contenders in the AFC and a playoff team. Even after blowing a 28-point lead against the Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City had hope for the future.
The Chiefs took a hit in free agency however, especially on the offensive line where they lost Asamoah, Albert and Schwartz. The front office hopes 2013 first-overall pick Eric Fisher can take over at left tackle, but his time last year on the right side was unimpressive. Now the Chiefs have to find a way to fix up an offensive line for an offense that ranked 21st in total yards per game last season.
Kansas City found an upgrade from Jackson when they signed Walker to a three-year contract worth $14 million, which was significantly better than Jackson’s five-year, $25 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons. Walker will provide the same run-stuffing ability as Jackson, but is also younger and provides more of an interior pass-rush threat.
The Chiefs still have the makings of a playoff team, but it will be very interesting to monitor what they do with the offensive line with all of the major departures.
3.) San Diego Chargers:
Major Additions: Donald Brown, Kavell Conner, Donald Butler (re-signed),
Major Losses: NONE
Led by Philip Rivers bounce back season, the Chargers saw their fortunes turned around in 2013 and became a playoff team again. Now with momentum and hope on their side, they entered the offseason happy with their roster.
San Diego stayed quiet in free agency, making an early move when they signed Brown and Conner away from the Colts. Brown will add to a deep backfield featuring Ryan Mathews who finally stayed healthy last season and ran for over 1,000 yards, but durability remains a concern. Danny Woodhead played well on passing downs, and will still see the same role with Brown serving as Mathew’s backup. Conner is a run-stopping linebacker who will provide excellent depth behind Butler and Manti Te’o
The best move made by San Diego was simply re-signing Butler to a three-year deal worth $19.8 million. The 25-year-old was the top inside linebacker on the market and as long as he stays healthy, will provide great production again and anchor John Pagano’s defense.
4.) Oakland Raiders:
Major Additions: Justin Tuck, Antonio Smith, James Jones, Austin Howard, Donald Penn, Matt Schaub, Maurice Jones-Drew, LaMarr Woodley, Tarell Brown
Major Losses: Lamarr Houston, Jared Veldheer, Rashad Jennings
Armed with over $60 million in cap space and his job on the line, General Manager Reggie McKenzie opened up the checkbook in free agency to fill as many needs as possible and give Oakland a solid roster that could actually win games.
McKenzie cleaned out most of the former regime’s players by letting Houston and Veldheer leave for the big bucks, and then opted to use that money and spread it out over several players. In need of a quarterback the team traded for Schaub, who will provide a very nice stopgap action who can hold the job until a rookie is ready. The Raiders also signed Jones-Drew who paired with Darren McFadden, will give Oakland a balanced running game and not overexpose either veteran to major injury risks.
Oakland spent more of their money bringing in help for Schaub and their future quarterback. Penn and Howard will compete for jobs along with Menelik Watson to determine who starts at left and right tackle. Jones provides a significant upgrade at wide receiver, and someone who cannot only provide a physical presence on the field but leadership to a young wide receiver group. The Raiders bolstered their defense with the acquisitions of Tuck, Woodley and Smith; all guys who should help put some pressure on the quarterback.
The Raiders are still far from competing for a wildcard spot but McKenzie did more than enough that this team should win enough games for his job to be safe as he continues to build this roster.