With plenty of activity within the past week involving Free Agent signings (& trades) in the NFL, lots of names get lost in the shuffle. I've taken some time to recap all the free agent signings so far with the big names and the not so big names and briefly analyze if it is a good move, ok move or bad move for the team.
Pro Bowl LB Briggs re-signs with Bears
According to Foxsports.com, one year after saying he wanted out of Chicago during a contract impasse, Lance Briggs has decided he wants to be a Bear for the next several years.Briggs has agreed to a six-year deal with the Bears that includes $13 million in guaranteed money and 36 million overall.
ANALYSIS: OK MOVE
In the Bears defensive scheme, it is the effectiveness of the nose tackles that makes the middle linebacker more or less effective. It has nothing to do with the outside linebackers. Briggs played well without Urlacher and with him. Urlacher does make anyone playing next to him better, but Briggs is a good player himself. The only problem I have with Briggs is that he really hurt the unity of the team last year with all his off the field problems and trade rumors. While Briggs is a good player, it does mean less money (or none) will go towards a new quarterback, running back, or offensive lineman which are what the Bears really need.
Vikes ink WR Berrian to 6-year deal
The Vikings have come to terms on a six-year deal with Bernard Berrian. The contract is worth 42 million dollars overall, with 16 million dollars in guaranteed money.
ANALYSIS: BAD MOVE
Berrian is a solid #2 WR in the NFL, but he is not a #1...yet. He is a big upgrade over the poor receiving corps that the Vikings have had in years past. He might be ok with Sydney Rice on the other side of the field who had a good showing at the end of last year. However, Berrian is a playmaker, but not what the Vikings need. The problem they've had with their wide receivers in years past is that they've dropped too many balls. So why sign a guy who does just that. Also, I can't believe the Vikings gave Berrian that kind of money. The only reason he got #1 receiver money is that the Free Agent WR market is very thin.
Former Dallas Cowboys cornerback Jacques Reeves signed with the Houston Texans on Saturday.
ANALYSIS: BAD MOVE
Simply put, Reeves is an average corner and looked awful in some games with the Cowboys last year.
Eagles sign DE Clemons for 5-years
The Eagles have signed free-agent defensive end Chris Clemons.
Philadelphia agreed on a five-year contract on Saturday with Clemons, who had eight sacks in a reserve role with Oakland last season.
ANALYSIS: GOOD MOVE
Clemons should be fine in the Eagles defensive system. Kearse, who was released, was underperforming for the Eagles and Clemons can't do much worse.
Jags send Stroud to Bills
The Jacksonville Jaguars have traded defensive tackle Marcus Stroud to Buffalo for third- and fifth-round draft picks.
ANALYSIS: GOOD MOVE (for Bills)
While he is a burden on the salary cap, Stroud will certainly help the Bills terrible rushing defense.
49ers agree to terms with Justin Smith
One year after striking big in free agency with the signing of Nate Clements, the 49ers have made another big move. San Francisco has agreed to terms with defensive end Justin Smith on a six-year deal.
ANALYSIS: GOOD MOVE
Justin Smith is a monster. He played on the Bengals and everyone seems to look bad on defense with them (or seems to go to jail, you pick one). This will definitely help the 49ers (underrated D) tremendously.
OTHER GOOD MOVES:
FANECA SIGNS WITH JETS
The Jets and Faneca agreed Saturday on a five-year, $40 million contract, with $21 million in guaranteed money. Alan Faneca has been one of the best offensive lineman in the NFL for the past few years he's been with the Steelers and has helped Willie Parker's ascendance to rushing glory. Leon Washington & Thomas Jones should be able to find more holes a lot easier in a running game that was virtually non existent last season.
STALLWORTH SIGNS WITH BROWNS
Stallworth signed a seven year contract that included 10 million dollas in guaranteed money. This is a great move for the Browns. They needed someone with speed to stretch the field for Braylon & Winslow (the playmakers) and Jurevicious (posession receiver). I believe he will fit in well.
SAMUEL SIGNS WITH EAGLES
Samuel signed a 6 year, 57 million dollar contract. This is a great move other NFC East teams didn't want to see happen. The Eagles are now a few playmakers away from being in contention again. Samuel is a great corner and is worth the money.
ROGERS TRADED TO BROWNS
This was a good trade for the Browns, no doubt about that. After ten wins last year, management is really gambling on next year being a big year for them. Rogers is very underrated and needed a change of scenery.
OTHER OK MOVES:
JENKINS TRADED TO JETS
Kris Jenkins received a 5 year, 35 million dollar contract with the Jets after he was traded by the Carolina Panthers to the Jets for third and fifth-round draft picks in the 2008 NFL Draft. He is a three time Pro Bowler, but he has been injury prone in the last few years. However, while this is an ok move now, Jenkins could easily return to solid form.
VILMA TRADED TO SAINTS
Once again, Vilma has been a solid player built on speed, but he has been fighting injuries that cost him to miss most of the 2007 season. It will be interesting to see how quick he will be on that Saints turf.
LYNCH BACK ON BRONCOS
Pro Bowl safety John Lynch took a pay cut to remain with the Broncos for a fifth season, passing on a chance to retire or test free agency.While some people might point out that Lynch is slower, older, and just less effective, he is still a good football player and leader for a defense that needs all the help it can get after last year. He could have signed elsewhere and took a pay cut. Broncos have to love that.
OTHER MOVES AROUND THE LEAGUE:
Browns Resigning Derek Anderson: He signs for 3 years, 24 million dollars. This is a difficult move to describe with Brady Quinn waiting in the wings. I really like Anderson. I think the Browns made the right choice. GREAT MOVE
Dolphins Sign McCown: Josh Mccown signs with Dolphins, do they need help at QB or what? Josh couldn't even perform for the Raiders & their WR's weren't half as bad as the 'Phins. BAD MOVE
Volek back with Chargers: good guy, good move.
Jaguars sign Jerry Porter: After acquiring Troy Williamson and Porter, the Jaguars are finally addressing their WR needs. Porter is a good #2, but is he getting too old? OKAY MOVE
Cowboys sign Zach Thomas: I still think the veteran can get it done, at least for another year. He's a solid tackler and will fit into the defensive scheme of the Cowboys very well. GOOD MOVE
Bears Resign Kyle Orton & Rex Grossman: Still not the answer for the Bears at QB, but it is a weak FA class, so signing them to one year with the draft coming up is not a bad move by any means. OKAY MOVE
*It's been a crazy off season so far in the NFL with lots of record signings and trades. It's got to be an exciting time (Browns fans) or a frustrating time (Packers really want Randy Moss) or (Bears, why is Grossman still here?!). Take it easy.
*For more analysis on the weekend's events in Free Agency, visit http://www.nfl.com/freeagency/story?id=09000d5d806f9041&am
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