Panthers Let Go of Wide Receivers
Up until the Panthers signed Jerricho Cotchery to a two-year deal Thursday, their receiving corps was almost non-existent. Carolina allowed Brandon LaFell go to New England, Ted Ginn Jr. to Arizona and then released Steve Smith, only to watch him sign with Baltimore.
Talk about starting new. Cotchery has caught more passes in each of his 10 seasons than any of other receivers have in their entire careers combined.
New YorkJets Sign Michael Vick
The New York Jets had finally picked their future quarterback in Geno Smith, or at least we thought after the 2013 season. However, what are the Jets without a nice quarterback competition?
Friday, the Jets added a player in Vick who has the same attributes as Smith. Either they believe he will serve as a good backup, or they really want another drama playing out in New York.
New England Patriots Sign Darrelle Revis
It wasn’t surprising that the Patriots needed a cornerback, but the ease of which they got Revis was astounding. Revis, who declared his disproval of Head Coach Bill Belichick on ESPN in 2012, joined New England on a one-year, $12 million deal within hours of being released by Tampa Bay.
Not to mention., they signing took a premier cornerback from the Jets, their bitter rival.
Josh McCown to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
McCown had a great season in relief of Jay Cutler in 2013, throwing for 1,829 yards and 13 touchdowns. He was obviously going to be an attractive free agent, but Tampa Bay did not need his services.
The Buccaneers have Mike Glennon, a developing young quarterback who took the starting gig after the team released Josh Freeman. McCown coming to town will only create the same type of controversy as last year.
Cleveland Browns Improve Through Free Agency
After Cleveland traded Trent Richardson away last season, fans were furious with the direction of the franchise. The Browns showed that they are committed to winning after signing Ben Tate, Donte Whitner, Karlos Dansby and Isaiah Trufant.
The Browns’ defense will be improved and, assuming they draft a quarterback, so will the offense.
New Orleans Saints sign Jairus Byrd
New Orleans needed a safety, but to sign Byrd to a six-year, $54 million deal was a stretch. Byrd is a great player and will be a step up for the Saints. However, the deal was so large that it prevented the Saints from exploring other needs.
Philadelphia Eagles Trade For Darren Sproles
Speaking of the Saints, they traded Sproles to the Philadelphia Eagles on March 23. Yes, he wasn't technically a free agent, but it was during the free agent frenzy, so it counts. For the Eagles, Sproles adds to an already explosive offense.
He wasn’t necessary to fill a hole, but Sproles will add speed in the passing, rushing and special teams’ games. The tandem of Sproles and LeSean McCoy could be the scariest in all of the NFL.
Denver Broncos Sign DeMarcus Ware, Aqib Talib and T.J. Ward
The Broncos made it clear that they were looking to beef-up the defense that let them down last year. Denver allowed opponents 356 yards per game last year, but with Demarcus Ware, T.J. Ward and Aqib Talib in the fold, that should change.
The Broncos dished out $45.5 million guaranteed to the three players, with each signing on for three or more years.
Dallas Cowboys Let Go of Quality Players
Dallas released Ware, Miles Austin and Phil Costa to begin the offseason, but hasn’t made up for it. Yes, the Cowboys signed Terrell McClain and Jeremy Mincey, but that won’t make up for the production of Ware.
The Cowboys did, however, sign Brandon Weeden so he can sit the bench.
Golden Tate to the Detroit Lions
Tate, who amassed 898 yards and grabbed five touchdowns last year, cashed in on the quality season. Detroit needed a No. 2 receiver, and it signed Tate to a five-year, $35 million deal to be just that.
The Lions have tried again and again to find a complement to Calvin Johnson, but this is the first time they signed a big name free agent to fill the role.