One of the most anticipated days in the NFL offseason has finnaly approached: free agency. Whether your team is looking to make a big splash or just to find a diamond in the rough, free agency has become a key catalyst for teams to get over the hump. Nevertheless, these first two days have brought us some significant signings – specifically wide receivers involed in major tradesor surprise signings.
Mike Wallace is taking his talents to South Beach, along with his 60 million dollars. The Miami Dolphins wanted to give their young quarterback Ryan Tannehill a #1 receiver. They did just that by signing Wallace to a 5 year 60 million dollar contract with 30 million of it being guaranteed money, the 3rd highest for a receiver behind Larry Fitzgerald and Calvin Johnson.
Before the Mike Wallace deal, the NFC West made some huge moves 24 hours prior to free agency. The Seattle Seahawks dealt for Vikings Percy Harvin and gave him a 6 year deal worth 67 million dollars. Their divison rivals, the San Francisco 49ers, turned around and traded for Baltiore Ravens’ Anquan Boldin in a less thans tellar deal for the defending Super Bowl Champions. The Ravens received a measly 6th round draft pick, which caused some uproar on Twitter.
Wow @ravens, Anquan Boldin for a 6th round pick? Even the computer in Madden wouldn’t have accepted that trade
— Evil Mike Tomlin (@EvilMikeTomlin) March 12, 2013
Or here’s one from former teammate Torrey Smith.
This business is BS at times
— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) March 11, 2013
Needless to say, folks were unhappy.
Another big name wide out on the move, former Patriot (yes, former), inked a deal with the Denver Broncos, ironically. Reports say Patriots offered a 2 year deal worth 10 million plus incentives, Broncos gave him 2 year deal worth 12 million. Fans expressed their feelings about this deal on Twitter.
Broncos bout to be a problem with wes Welker
— DerekBrown (@Rasta_II) March 13, 2013
The Broncos are gonna be like that this coming season — D Lee (@Velvethoop10) March 13, 2013
Wes Welker is a Bronco. That’s gonna be a DANGEROUS team.
— JD Hayslette (@J_Hayslette) March 13, 2013
It’s safe to say the Twittervirse collectivey agrees that the Broncos offense will be lethal.
The Detroit Lions also made two key moves in signing former Dolphins RB Reggie Bush and ex-Texans safety Glover Quin. The Bush move will solidify their offense and add some much needed balance. Just imagine that next season: Stafford, Bush and Megatron. Wow.
The Tampa Bay Bucs also made a free agent splash for the second consecutive season bringing in safety Dashon Goldson. Goldson was an key component in the 49ers defense the past two seasons. He brings a toughness and winning mentality to a young team.
The Baltimore Ravens have made no significant moves to improve their roster. Already trading Boldin, they lost linebackers Paul Kruger to the Cleveland Browns, Dannell Ellerbe to the Miami Dolphins and released Bernard Pollard and let Ed Reed enter free agency. Things aren’t looking so hot for the defending Super Bowl Champs.
Speaking of Ed Reed, he is making his first free agency visit.
Ed Reed will be visiting with Texans on Thursday. The 9-time Pro Bowler has spent all 11 of his NFL seasons in Baltimore.
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 13, 2013
And for Defensive Player of the Year Charles Woodson..
Marathon session: Charles Woodson still visiting with #49ers. blog.sfgate.com/49ers/2013/03/…
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) March 14, 2013
The Patriots replaced Wes Welker, too. Signing Danny Amendola to a 5 year deal. I’m sure Brady won’t miss Welker all that much anyway. Have you seen his receiving core in his 3 Super Bowl victories?
OTHER NOTABLE SIGNINGS:
- LaRon Landry signs with Colts.
- Dominique Rodgers-Cromatie signs with Broncos.
- Cliff Avril signas with Seahawks.
- Drayton Florence signs with Panthers.
- ShonnGreene signs with Titans.
TEAMS WHO HAVE WON SO FAR IN FREE AGENCY:
Denver Broncos. Adding yet another weapon for the future Hall of Famer, Peyton Manning, is always a high point. Also, signing Rodgers Cromartie adds some stability to the secondary.
Detroit Lions. Signing Reggie Bush brings another dynami to their offense. Now, Stafford won’t be throwing the ball 40-45 times a game against 9 defensive backs. Glover Quin gives that secondary some much needed improvement.
Seattle Seahawks. Along with their Percy Harvin deal, they added another defensive linemen to their stout defense. The Seahawks will be extremely dangerous on both sides of the ball. Super Bowl contenders for sure.
San Francisco 49ers. Much liek their division foes, they traded for Anquan Boldin and added a run stuffing defensive linemen in Glen Dorsey, who not only plugs up the middle, but brings even more youth to a team that is already young asd it is. Dare I say this team is going to be even better next season?
TEAMS LOSING FREE AGENCY SO FAR:
Baltimore Ravens. Losing 5 Super Bowl starters is never a good things- especially when you don’t replace them. The Ravens aren’t looking so sharp to start off their defense of their second Super Bowl title.
Oakland Raiders. Though, it’s early, the Raiders have made no moves, except for cutting ties with Darius Heyward-Bey and Michael Huff. This team needs major improvement, and free agency can help. They just need to get a little bit more involved.
Only two days in and we have a ton of surprises. AND we still have a ridiculous amount of talent still on the market (Asomugha, Abraham, Turner, Reed, Woodson, S. Jackson) – we can only sit and wait and see how everything pans out.
Welcome back, NFL.
