Great news football fans, the wait is almost over as training camp is only days away which means football season is near. The AFC West will have a different look to it this season as each team has changed up their rosters. The majority of that change is due to free agency. Here’s a look at 10 free agent signings in the AFC West.
10. Donnie Avery, Kansas City Chiefs
Last year the Chiefs offense struggled, so they brought in some new guys to turn the offense around. Avery can be a target for quarterback Alex Smith this season. The wide receiver had 60 receptions for 781 yards and three touchdowns in 2012. He signed a three year, $8.55 million contract with KC this offseason.
9. Terrance Knighton, Denver Broncos
The defensive tackle had 32 combined tackles, two forced fumbles, and two sacks last season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. This offseason he signed a two year $4.5 million contract with Denver this offseason. The Broncos already possess a tough defense, and with this signing their defense will only improve.
8. Tracy Porter, Oakland Raiders
There’s no arguing the Raiders secondary was simply horrible last season and got burned more times than not. To solve this problem, guys like Porter were brought in to compete for some playing time. Porter is the favorite to start along with 2013 draftee D.J. Hayden. Last season Porter had 21 combined tackles and one interception. He signed a one year, $1.18 million contract.
7. Kevin Burnett, Oakland Raiders
The silver and black signed the veteran linebacker to a two year $5.25 million contract. Burnett had 110 combined tackles and one forced fumble last season. He’ll be able to help the Raiders defense make strides from the rough 2012 season and fill the void of those who were released.
6. Dwight Freeney, San Diego Chargers
The Chargers were able to pick up the veteran linebacker this offseason. Freeney signed a two year $8.75 million contract. Last year he had 12 combined tackles, one forced fumble, and five sacks. He will help the Chargers defense put pressure on the offense.
5. Danny Woodhead, San Diego Chargers
Woodhead left the Pats to join the Chargers with his two-year $3.5 million contract. He has the ability to be a big play maker and is very mobile; he can greatly help a struggling Chargers offense. Last season, Woodhead had 301 yards and four touchdowns in 76 rushing attempts.
4. Dunta Robinson, Kansas City Chiefs
Robinson signed a three year, $13.8 million contract with KC this offseason. Last season the cornerback had 80 combined tackles, 1 forced fumble, and 1 interception. Just like Smith, Robinson will improve the Chiefs defense.
3. Sean Smith, Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs the best free agent corner on the market this offseason in Smith. He will definitely improve the Chiefs secondary and help them have a turnaround season from their 2-14 2012. Last year with the Miami Dolphins, Smith had 59 combined tackles, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions. His contract is for three years, $18 million.
2. Charles Woodson, Oakland Raiders
Raider Nation has something to be very excited about; Charles Woodson is back in black with the Oakland Raiders. No doubt the biggest and most exciting signing of the offseason for the Raiders was that of Woodson. The defensive back signed a one year $1.3 million contract in May. This very special homecoming will not only provide the secondary with depth, but also with a veteran presence. Woodson is one of the best to play the game, and arguably a first ballot hall of famer. He will help the Raiders in more ways than one over the course of this season.
1. Wes Welker, Denver Broncos
Welker will now have the opportunity to play for two of the best quarterbacks in the league, as he leaves Tom Brady in New England for Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos. Welker agreed to a two year, $12 million contract back in March. The addition of Welker adds to an already dominant Denver offense and gives Manning a very good number one receiver and making them an even bigger threat in the AFC. Last year, Welker had 118 receptions for 1,354 yards and six touchdowns.