2012 AFC free-agency grades
Grading every AFC team on how much it has improved in free agency
By Matt Williamson | Scouts Inc.
ESPN INSIDER
The landscape of the NFL has shifted since the New York Giants beat the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI on February 5th. Peyton Manning has a new team, Mario Williams has a new home and the Washington Redskins made a blockbuster trade for the rights to the No. 2 pick.
Matt Williamson grades all 32 NFL teams on their free-agent acquisitions and trades, beginning with the AFC. The NFC will come Friday.
Kansas City Chiefs
Key additions: WR Dwayne Bowe (franchised), T Eric Winston, RB Peyton Hillis, CB Stanford Routt, TE Kevin Boss, LB Jovan Belcher (re-signed)
Key losses: CB Brandon Carr, QB Kyle Orton
Analysis: The Chiefs have had a great offseason, and it started before free agency opened when they signed Routt and franchised Bowe. Kansas City's right tackle position was one of the worst starting spots in the entire league last year. With Winston, the Chiefs have one of the five best right tackles in the game today. Signing Hillis for running back depth is also an excellent calculated risk. He can carry the load, or better yet, complement Jamaal Charles, as Kansas City's mercurial running back is returns from an ACL injury. The Chiefs' roster isn't perfect, and I still have huge concerns at the quarterback position, but they are in the enviable position of allowing the draft to come to them, selecting the best player on the board without reaching. And, they add some superb young talent that was already on their roster that was lost to injury in 2010 in Charles, Tony Moeaki and Eric Berry.
Grade: A
Buffalo Bills
Key additions: DE Mario Williams, WR Steve Johnson (re-signed), DE Mark Anderson, TE Scott Chandler (re-signed)
Key losses: None
Analysis: The Bills now have one of the best defensive lines in the league, as they transition to a 4-3. Adding Williams not only gives Buffalo a great player on game day, but also recognition as a team trying to improve that now has the ability to lure big-time free agents. The Bills took filling their biggest need one step further though by adding Anderson, a fine pass-rusher in his own right who might excel exploiting single blocking opposite Williams. Buffalo also kept Johnson, its top offensive playmaker. The Bills would have been in dire straits at wide receiver if Johnson left and if they couldn't find a suitable replacement. Buffalo's roster wasn't raided at all this offseason and that continuity could pay off heading into 2012. Unlike most years at this time, the Bills are not riddled with gaping holes that need to be addressed in the draft. Instead, they can take the best player available, which is a winning formula.
Grade: A
Denver Broncos
Key additions: QB Peyton Manning, CB Tracy Porter, TE Joel Dreessen, TE Jacob Tamme, LB Joe Mays (re-signed), K Matt Prater (franchised), QB Caleb Hanie, WR Andre Caldwell, S Mike Adams
Key losses: DT Brodrick Bunkley, QB Tim Tebow, WR Eddie Royal
Analysis: While I have said many times that I don't think Denver was the best landing spot for Manning, we must commend the Broncos for adding him to their roster. His presence makes them a better football team. However, Denver's offense from a year ago with Tebow behind center couldn't be any different than what Manning will be running from his Colts' days -- and that great Indianapolis offense was built over time on timing and repetitions. It wasn't built overnight. Snagging both Dreessen and Tamme was terrific work, as the Broncos will utilize a ton of double tight end offensive personnel groupings. Replacing Bunkley will be difficult, and I worry that Denver's run defense could be a big problem this season, but Mays is a very good interior run-stuffer at middle linebacker. Adding Porter is a nice upgrade opposite Champ Bailey, especially considering their pass-rush. And although the Broncos are extremely well-equipped with edge pass-rushers, their safeties need to improve. Up the middle of this defense is what worries me. Adams is a respectable stopgap at safety though, and Denver will have defensive tackle options in the first round of the draft. Plus, Ty Warren does return from injury.
Grade: A
New England Patriots
Key additions: WR Wes Welker (franchised), WR Brandon Lloyd, DE Jonathan Fanene, WR Deion Branch (re-signed), G Dan Connolly (re-signed), G Robert Gallery, DE Trevor Scott, WR Anthony Gonzalez, S Steve Gregory
Key losses: DE Mark Anderson, RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis
Analysis: No one thought that Welker was going anywhere -- and he isn't. Lloyd would be a welcome addition to any passing attack. He has been exceptional for two years in a row now and obviously has a great working relationship with Josh McDaniels. Adding Lloyd should make one of the NFL's best passing attacks noticeably better -- a frightening thought. Fanene should fit in very well with the Patriots' defensive line rotation with his versatility and all-around skill set. Overall though, New England took many low-risk/high-reward gambles. And if they hit on just one or two of them, the Super Bowl runners-up might be improved from top to bottom. Of course the Patriots also have an abundance of draft picks in 2012, but who is to say if they actually make the selections in this upcoming draft or stockpile future picks.
Grade: B
New York Jets
Key additions: DT Sione Pouha (re-signed), S LaRon Landry, QB Tim Tebow, LB Bryan Thomas (re-signed)
Key losses: S Brodney Pool
Analysis: Of course we have to talk about Tebow, but honestly I don't see it as an earth-shattering football addition. He just isn't a very good passer, giving the Jets two subpar passers (and I'm not talking about Greg McElroy). But Tebow will, at a minimum, contribute to the offense much like Brad Smith used to as a Wildcat-type runner -- and new offensive coordinator Tony Sparano obviously has a history of using that scheme from his days in Miami. Re-signing Pouha was an excellent move because he was a player that New York just couldn't afford to lose. Landry could be a huge acquisition for New York, as he has the rare combination of size and athletic ability to compete with New England's tight ends, and will be a huge help as a blitzer and run defender. Rex Ryan might get more out of Landry than anyone else could. But Landry needs to say healthy, and as coverage player he needs to show much better discipline and fundamentals. The Jets really haven't lost much of note.
Grade: B-
Cincinnati Bengals
Key additions: S Reggie Nelson (re-signed), RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, DT Pat Sims (re-signed), T Anthony Collins (re-signed), CB Adam Jones (re-signed), K Mike Nugent (franchised), CB Jason Allen, G Travelle Wharton, LB Manny Lawson
Key losses: DE Frostee Rucker, DE Jonathan Fanene, G Nate Livings, WR Andre Caldwell
Analysis: The Bengals opened free agency with a ton of money to spend. With a surplus of early draft picks and this cap room at their disposal, Cincinnati was in a great position to really improve its roster. While I am a proponent of not overspending on other teams' castoffs, and bearing in mind that the Bengals have a great opportunity to add quality talent in the draft with two first-round picks, I can't help but feel that the Bengals let a golden opportunity slip through their hands this offseason. I would have attacked a high-end free agent or two such as Carl Nicks or Cortland Finnegan. The Bengals did well to keep their secondary intact by retaining Nelson and Jones, and overall, they are a pretty deep team. Upgrades should be in store from the draft, where they won't have to reach for a particular position.
Grade: B-
Jacksonville Jaguars
Key additions: DE Jeremy Mincey (re-signed), WR Laurent Robinson, CB Rashean Mathis (re-signed), S Dwight Lowery (re-signed), K Josh Scobee (franchised), LB Russell Allen (re-signed), QB Chad Henne, CB Aaron Ross
Key losses:
Analysis: The Jaguars were also a team that had a ton of money to spend when free agency opened. I commend them for bringing back key members of their already impressive defense. In fact, I think they are one quality defensive end opposite Mincey from being among the top defenses in the league. But Jacksonville's passing game remains a nightmare. And while I like the addition of Henne, adding Robinson just isn't good enough in the role of a team's top wide receiver. Robinson excels as a complementary piece, as he did in Dallas, but he just isn't built to handle the rigors being a No. 1 wideout. Durability could be Robinson's greatest weakness. Don't be surprised if Henne is starting opening day -- I think he is the best quarterback on Jacksonville's roster right now. While it's nice for the Jaguars that they didn't have any key losses, it's also somewhat telling that their free agents were not all that sought after on the open market.
Grade: C+
Pittsburgh Steelers
Key additions: None
Key losses: LB James Farrior, DE Aaron Smith, G Chris Kemoeatu, WR Hines Ward, CB William Gay
Analysis: Not much to report here. Pittsburgh was greatly handcuffed by its salary cap situation. But even though the Steelers released quite a few older brand name players, they sit in good shape for the 2012 season. Mike Wallace was Pittsburgh's top player to retain and appears at this point that he will be playing for the Steelers next year -- and maybe longer. As the free agency process moves along, the Steelers will probably find a bargain or two, but this year, they were forced to be bystanders.
Grade: C
Indianapolis Colts
Key additions: WR Reggie Wayne (re-signed), DE Robert Mathis (re-signed), DT Cory Redding, T Winston Justice, C Samson Satele, QB Drew Stanton, S Tom Zbikowski, WR Donnie Avery
Key losses: QB Peyton Manning, WR Pierre Garcon, C Jeff Saturday, TE Dallas Clark, TE Jacob Tamme, G Ryan Diem, CB Jacob Lacey, RB Joseph Addai, Gary Brackett, S Melvin Bullitt, WR Anthony Gonzalez, QB Dan Orlovsky
Analysis: Obviously times have changed dramatically for the Colts and this will be Andrew Luck's team now. I do laud Indianapolis for retaining Wayne and Mathis. Both of them are still playing at a high level and obviously they have contributed to an awful lot of Colts' victories. Having some memory of the glory days could be a good thing in the locker room. Much like when Rex Ryan left Baltimore for the Jets' head coaching job, Chuck Pagano brought a few Ravens' defenders with him to his new gig to help install Baltimore's scheme and defensive mentality. I can't be extremely critical of Indianapolis' drastic approach to this offseason, but I also can't get past the fact that I expect them to have the worst roster in the NFL for the 2012 season. What is important now is how well the Colts handle their next few drafts.
Grade: C
Tennessee Titans
Key additions: LB Kamerion Wimbley, S Michael Griffin (franchised), G Steve Hutchinson, S Jordan Babineaux (re-signed)
Key losses: CB Cortland Finnegan, DT Jason Jones
Analysis: The Titans certainly needed an upgrade on the interior of their offensive line and while Hutchinson isn't the world-beater that he once was, he is an improvement at the left guard slot. They also needed a huge upgrade with their pass-rush. Wimbley is better suited to playing outside linebacker in a 3-4 than the defensive end spot he will occupy in Tennessee's 4-3, but he can get after the quarterback. Tennessee needs to be careful not to overwork him. The cost of putting the franchise tag on a safety wasn't very high, but Griffin isn't among the best players at his position. Losing Finnegan and Jones does hurt the pass defense, so expect the Titans to further fortify their pass D early in the draft.
Grade: C
Baltimore Ravens
Key additions: RB Ray Rice (franchised), C Matt Birk (re-signed), LB Jameel McClain (re-signed)
Key losses: G Ben Grubbs, LB Jarret Johnson, DT Cory Redding, S Tom Zbikowski, WR Lee Evans
Analysis: Rice is one of the most important players to his respective offense in the NFL. There was no way that Baltimore would allow him to hit the open market. Getting Birk back also should have short-term dividends. The Ravens lost several starters to other clubs over the past few weeks and will need younger players to step up in their place, but this remains a very strong roster.
Grade: C
San Diego Chargers
Key additions: WR Robert Meachem, T Jared Gaither (re-signed), C Nick Hardwick (re-signed), LB Jarret Johnson, WR Eddie Royal, QB Charlie Whitehurst
Key losses: WR Vincent Jackson, T Marcus McNeill, RB Mike Tolbert, DE Luis Castillo, QB Billy Volek, S Steve Gregory
Analysis: San Diego couldn't afford for Gaither to get away. Although he is about as risky of a signing as there is in free agency, his upside is immense -- and for the most part, when Gaither is on the field, he plays at a high level at an extremely important position. Losing Jackson is a blow, but Meachem isn't extremely far behind Jackson in terms of pure ability and Meachem's home run ability should make the transition smoother. Johnson isn't the dynamic complement to Shaun Phillips that many Chargers' fans longed for, but he is a versatile, tough run-stuffer who should handle the early down duties with Antwan Barnes being saved to get after quarterbacks in more clear throwing situations.
Grade: C
Houston Texans
Key additions: RB Arian Foster (re-signed), C Chris Myers (re-signed)
Key losses: DE Mario Williams, T Eric Winston, TE Joel Dreessen, LB DeMeco Ryans, CB Jason Allen, G Mike Brisiel, QB Matt Leinart, FB Lawrence Vickers
Analysis: For the first time in franchise history, the Texans had to deal with being the hunted rather than a lower tier team hunting from the rosters of the top teams in the NFL. With the exception of retaining Myers and locking up Foster, I can't say that Houston did a real good job in that role. The release of Winston remains as great of a mystery as any move this offseason, while losing Williams was much less of a shock. The Texans didn't think Ryans, now a two-down player for them, was worth what they were paying him. This was a rough offseason for the Texans and they really could use a strong draft. While they still should be considered the favorite in the AFC South, they've gone backwards so far this offseason.
Grade: C-
Oakland Raiders
Key additions: S Tyvon Branch (franchised), CB Ron Bartell, CB Shawntae Spencer, G Mike Brisiel, G Cooper Carlisle (re-signed), T Khalif Barnes (re-signed)
Key losses: LB Kamerion Wimbley, CB Stanford Routt, RB Michael Bush, DT John Henderson, QB Jason Campbell, TE Kevin Boss, C Samson Satele, DE Trevor Scott
Analysis: The Raiders' new regime of decision makers were really put in a bind in terms of their salary cap and were forced to watch quite a few good players walk away for nothing. That will be difficult to overcome, especially with a serious lack of draft picks at their disposal. Few teams are hurting for depth like Oakland is right now over its entire roster. The Raiders did keep a big-time playmaker in Branch and were at least able to find some able bodies at cornerback and for their offensive line. There just wasn't much that Oakland could do in free agency this year.
Grade: D
Cleveland Browns
Key additions: LB D'Qwell Jackson (re-signed), DE Frostee Rucker, LB DE Juqua Parker, K Phil Dawson (franchised)
Key losses: RB Peyton Hills, T Tony Pashos, G Eric Steinbach, G Artis Hicks, S Mike Adams
Analysis: Jackson, despite durability concerns, is an extremely productive football player and a very good fit in Cleveland's defense behind the Browns' massive protecting defensive tackles. While the Browns did improve at defensive end opposite Jabaal Sheard, they again didn't pursue dynamic options. The biggest crime of the offseason was Cleveland allowing the Redskins to outbid them for the second overall pick in the upcoming draft, but even after losing out on the right to draft Robert Griffin III, the Browns didn't add nearly enough to consider them as anything but a bottom feeder for yet another year. Though they aren't great players, the Browns did lose three offensive linemen and reinforcements are now needed in a big way.
Grade: D
Miami Dolphins
Key additions: DT Paul Soliai (re-signed), QB David Garrard, G Artis Hicks, CB Richard Marshall
Key losses: WR Brandon Marshall, DE Kendall Langford, S Yeremiah Bell, QB Chad Henne
Analysis: This was a brutal offseason for the Dolphins. It's apparent that Miami isn't an attractive landing spot for players or coaches that have other options. Now, we have to look at the Dolphins as in full-blown rebuilding mode. Trading away Marshall leaves the Dolphins without a single frightening receiving threat. It's tough to win in this league now-a-days with such a roster deficiency. And scanning over this roster, where is Miami better now than they were when the season ended? Miami did retain Soliai, one of the league's top defensive cloggers. At least that is something positive.
</offer>
Grading every AFC team on how much it has improved in free agency
By Matt Williamson | Scouts Inc.
ESPN INSIDER
The landscape of the NFL has shifted since the New York Giants beat the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI on February 5th. Peyton Manning has a new team, Mario Williams has a new home and the Washington Redskins made a blockbuster trade for the rights to the No. 2 pick.
Matt Williamson grades all 32 NFL teams on their free-agent acquisitions and trades, beginning with the AFC. The NFC will come Friday.
FREE-AGENCY GRADES:
AFC | NFC
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AFC | NFC
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Kansas City Chiefs
Key additions: WR Dwayne Bowe (franchised), T Eric Winston, RB Peyton Hillis, CB Stanford Routt, TE Kevin Boss, LB Jovan Belcher (re-signed)
Key losses: CB Brandon Carr, QB Kyle Orton
Analysis: The Chiefs have had a great offseason, and it started before free agency opened when they signed Routt and franchised Bowe. Kansas City's right tackle position was one of the worst starting spots in the entire league last year. With Winston, the Chiefs have one of the five best right tackles in the game today. Signing Hillis for running back depth is also an excellent calculated risk. He can carry the load, or better yet, complement Jamaal Charles, as Kansas City's mercurial running back is returns from an ACL injury. The Chiefs' roster isn't perfect, and I still have huge concerns at the quarterback position, but they are in the enviable position of allowing the draft to come to them, selecting the best player on the board without reaching. And, they add some superb young talent that was already on their roster that was lost to injury in 2010 in Charles, Tony Moeaki and Eric Berry.
Grade: A
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<offer>Buffalo Bills
Key additions: DE Mario Williams, WR Steve Johnson (re-signed), DE Mark Anderson, TE Scott Chandler (re-signed)
Key losses: None
Analysis: The Bills now have one of the best defensive lines in the league, as they transition to a 4-3. Adding Williams not only gives Buffalo a great player on game day, but also recognition as a team trying to improve that now has the ability to lure big-time free agents. The Bills took filling their biggest need one step further though by adding Anderson, a fine pass-rusher in his own right who might excel exploiting single blocking opposite Williams. Buffalo also kept Johnson, its top offensive playmaker. The Bills would have been in dire straits at wide receiver if Johnson left and if they couldn't find a suitable replacement. Buffalo's roster wasn't raided at all this offseason and that continuity could pay off heading into 2012. Unlike most years at this time, the Bills are not riddled with gaping holes that need to be addressed in the draft. Instead, they can take the best player available, which is a winning formula.
Grade: A
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Denver Broncos
Key additions: QB Peyton Manning, CB Tracy Porter, TE Joel Dreessen, TE Jacob Tamme, LB Joe Mays (re-signed), K Matt Prater (franchised), QB Caleb Hanie, WR Andre Caldwell, S Mike Adams
Key losses: DT Brodrick Bunkley, QB Tim Tebow, WR Eddie Royal
Analysis: While I have said many times that I don't think Denver was the best landing spot for Manning, we must commend the Broncos for adding him to their roster. His presence makes them a better football team. However, Denver's offense from a year ago with Tebow behind center couldn't be any different than what Manning will be running from his Colts' days -- and that great Indianapolis offense was built over time on timing and repetitions. It wasn't built overnight. Snagging both Dreessen and Tamme was terrific work, as the Broncos will utilize a ton of double tight end offensive personnel groupings. Replacing Bunkley will be difficult, and I worry that Denver's run defense could be a big problem this season, but Mays is a very good interior run-stuffer at middle linebacker. Adding Porter is a nice upgrade opposite Champ Bailey, especially considering their pass-rush. And although the Broncos are extremely well-equipped with edge pass-rushers, their safeties need to improve. Up the middle of this defense is what worries me. Adams is a respectable stopgap at safety though, and Denver will have defensive tackle options in the first round of the draft. Plus, Ty Warren does return from injury.
Grade: A
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New England Patriots
Key additions: WR Wes Welker (franchised), WR Brandon Lloyd, DE Jonathan Fanene, WR Deion Branch (re-signed), G Dan Connolly (re-signed), G Robert Gallery, DE Trevor Scott, WR Anthony Gonzalez, S Steve Gregory
Key losses: DE Mark Anderson, RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis
Analysis: No one thought that Welker was going anywhere -- and he isn't. Lloyd would be a welcome addition to any passing attack. He has been exceptional for two years in a row now and obviously has a great working relationship with Josh McDaniels. Adding Lloyd should make one of the NFL's best passing attacks noticeably better -- a frightening thought. Fanene should fit in very well with the Patriots' defensive line rotation with his versatility and all-around skill set. Overall though, New England took many low-risk/high-reward gambles. And if they hit on just one or two of them, the Super Bowl runners-up might be improved from top to bottom. Of course the Patriots also have an abundance of draft picks in 2012, but who is to say if they actually make the selections in this upcoming draft or stockpile future picks.
Grade: B
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New York Jets
Key additions: DT Sione Pouha (re-signed), S LaRon Landry, QB Tim Tebow, LB Bryan Thomas (re-signed)
Key losses: S Brodney Pool
Analysis: Of course we have to talk about Tebow, but honestly I don't see it as an earth-shattering football addition. He just isn't a very good passer, giving the Jets two subpar passers (and I'm not talking about Greg McElroy). But Tebow will, at a minimum, contribute to the offense much like Brad Smith used to as a Wildcat-type runner -- and new offensive coordinator Tony Sparano obviously has a history of using that scheme from his days in Miami. Re-signing Pouha was an excellent move because he was a player that New York just couldn't afford to lose. Landry could be a huge acquisition for New York, as he has the rare combination of size and athletic ability to compete with New England's tight ends, and will be a huge help as a blitzer and run defender. Rex Ryan might get more out of Landry than anyone else could. But Landry needs to say healthy, and as coverage player he needs to show much better discipline and fundamentals. The Jets really haven't lost much of note.
Grade: B-
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Cincinnati Bengals
Key additions: S Reggie Nelson (re-signed), RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, DT Pat Sims (re-signed), T Anthony Collins (re-signed), CB Adam Jones (re-signed), K Mike Nugent (franchised), CB Jason Allen, G Travelle Wharton, LB Manny Lawson
Key losses: DE Frostee Rucker, DE Jonathan Fanene, G Nate Livings, WR Andre Caldwell
Analysis: The Bengals opened free agency with a ton of money to spend. With a surplus of early draft picks and this cap room at their disposal, Cincinnati was in a great position to really improve its roster. While I am a proponent of not overspending on other teams' castoffs, and bearing in mind that the Bengals have a great opportunity to add quality talent in the draft with two first-round picks, I can't help but feel that the Bengals let a golden opportunity slip through their hands this offseason. I would have attacked a high-end free agent or two such as Carl Nicks or Cortland Finnegan. The Bengals did well to keep their secondary intact by retaining Nelson and Jones, and overall, they are a pretty deep team. Upgrades should be in store from the draft, where they won't have to reach for a particular position.
Grade: B-
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Jacksonville Jaguars
Key additions: DE Jeremy Mincey (re-signed), WR Laurent Robinson, CB Rashean Mathis (re-signed), S Dwight Lowery (re-signed), K Josh Scobee (franchised), LB Russell Allen (re-signed), QB Chad Henne, CB Aaron Ross
Key losses:
Analysis: The Jaguars were also a team that had a ton of money to spend when free agency opened. I commend them for bringing back key members of their already impressive defense. In fact, I think they are one quality defensive end opposite Mincey from being among the top defenses in the league. But Jacksonville's passing game remains a nightmare. And while I like the addition of Henne, adding Robinson just isn't good enough in the role of a team's top wide receiver. Robinson excels as a complementary piece, as he did in Dallas, but he just isn't built to handle the rigors being a No. 1 wideout. Durability could be Robinson's greatest weakness. Don't be surprised if Henne is starting opening day -- I think he is the best quarterback on Jacksonville's roster right now. While it's nice for the Jaguars that they didn't have any key losses, it's also somewhat telling that their free agents were not all that sought after on the open market.
Grade: C+
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Pittsburgh Steelers
Key additions: None
Key losses: LB James Farrior, DE Aaron Smith, G Chris Kemoeatu, WR Hines Ward, CB William Gay
Analysis: Not much to report here. Pittsburgh was greatly handcuffed by its salary cap situation. But even though the Steelers released quite a few older brand name players, they sit in good shape for the 2012 season. Mike Wallace was Pittsburgh's top player to retain and appears at this point that he will be playing for the Steelers next year -- and maybe longer. As the free agency process moves along, the Steelers will probably find a bargain or two, but this year, they were forced to be bystanders.
Grade: C
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Indianapolis Colts
Key additions: WR Reggie Wayne (re-signed), DE Robert Mathis (re-signed), DT Cory Redding, T Winston Justice, C Samson Satele, QB Drew Stanton, S Tom Zbikowski, WR Donnie Avery
Key losses: QB Peyton Manning, WR Pierre Garcon, C Jeff Saturday, TE Dallas Clark, TE Jacob Tamme, G Ryan Diem, CB Jacob Lacey, RB Joseph Addai, Gary Brackett, S Melvin Bullitt, WR Anthony Gonzalez, QB Dan Orlovsky
Analysis: Obviously times have changed dramatically for the Colts and this will be Andrew Luck's team now. I do laud Indianapolis for retaining Wayne and Mathis. Both of them are still playing at a high level and obviously they have contributed to an awful lot of Colts' victories. Having some memory of the glory days could be a good thing in the locker room. Much like when Rex Ryan left Baltimore for the Jets' head coaching job, Chuck Pagano brought a few Ravens' defenders with him to his new gig to help install Baltimore's scheme and defensive mentality. I can't be extremely critical of Indianapolis' drastic approach to this offseason, but I also can't get past the fact that I expect them to have the worst roster in the NFL for the 2012 season. What is important now is how well the Colts handle their next few drafts.
Grade: C
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Tennessee Titans
Key additions: LB Kamerion Wimbley, S Michael Griffin (franchised), G Steve Hutchinson, S Jordan Babineaux (re-signed)
Key losses: CB Cortland Finnegan, DT Jason Jones
Analysis: The Titans certainly needed an upgrade on the interior of their offensive line and while Hutchinson isn't the world-beater that he once was, he is an improvement at the left guard slot. They also needed a huge upgrade with their pass-rush. Wimbley is better suited to playing outside linebacker in a 3-4 than the defensive end spot he will occupy in Tennessee's 4-3, but he can get after the quarterback. Tennessee needs to be careful not to overwork him. The cost of putting the franchise tag on a safety wasn't very high, but Griffin isn't among the best players at his position. Losing Finnegan and Jones does hurt the pass defense, so expect the Titans to further fortify their pass D early in the draft.
Grade: C
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Baltimore Ravens
Key additions: RB Ray Rice (franchised), C Matt Birk (re-signed), LB Jameel McClain (re-signed)
Key losses: G Ben Grubbs, LB Jarret Johnson, DT Cory Redding, S Tom Zbikowski, WR Lee Evans
Analysis: Rice is one of the most important players to his respective offense in the NFL. There was no way that Baltimore would allow him to hit the open market. Getting Birk back also should have short-term dividends. The Ravens lost several starters to other clubs over the past few weeks and will need younger players to step up in their place, but this remains a very strong roster.
Grade: C
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San Diego Chargers
Key additions: WR Robert Meachem, T Jared Gaither (re-signed), C Nick Hardwick (re-signed), LB Jarret Johnson, WR Eddie Royal, QB Charlie Whitehurst
Key losses: WR Vincent Jackson, T Marcus McNeill, RB Mike Tolbert, DE Luis Castillo, QB Billy Volek, S Steve Gregory
Analysis: San Diego couldn't afford for Gaither to get away. Although he is about as risky of a signing as there is in free agency, his upside is immense -- and for the most part, when Gaither is on the field, he plays at a high level at an extremely important position. Losing Jackson is a blow, but Meachem isn't extremely far behind Jackson in terms of pure ability and Meachem's home run ability should make the transition smoother. Johnson isn't the dynamic complement to Shaun Phillips that many Chargers' fans longed for, but he is a versatile, tough run-stuffer who should handle the early down duties with Antwan Barnes being saved to get after quarterbacks in more clear throwing situations.
Grade: C
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Houston Texans
Key additions: RB Arian Foster (re-signed), C Chris Myers (re-signed)
Key losses: DE Mario Williams, T Eric Winston, TE Joel Dreessen, LB DeMeco Ryans, CB Jason Allen, G Mike Brisiel, QB Matt Leinart, FB Lawrence Vickers
Analysis: For the first time in franchise history, the Texans had to deal with being the hunted rather than a lower tier team hunting from the rosters of the top teams in the NFL. With the exception of retaining Myers and locking up Foster, I can't say that Houston did a real good job in that role. The release of Winston remains as great of a mystery as any move this offseason, while losing Williams was much less of a shock. The Texans didn't think Ryans, now a two-down player for them, was worth what they were paying him. This was a rough offseason for the Texans and they really could use a strong draft. While they still should be considered the favorite in the AFC South, they've gone backwards so far this offseason.
Grade: C-
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Oakland Raiders
Key additions: S Tyvon Branch (franchised), CB Ron Bartell, CB Shawntae Spencer, G Mike Brisiel, G Cooper Carlisle (re-signed), T Khalif Barnes (re-signed)
Key losses: LB Kamerion Wimbley, CB Stanford Routt, RB Michael Bush, DT John Henderson, QB Jason Campbell, TE Kevin Boss, C Samson Satele, DE Trevor Scott
Analysis: The Raiders' new regime of decision makers were really put in a bind in terms of their salary cap and were forced to watch quite a few good players walk away for nothing. That will be difficult to overcome, especially with a serious lack of draft picks at their disposal. Few teams are hurting for depth like Oakland is right now over its entire roster. The Raiders did keep a big-time playmaker in Branch and were at least able to find some able bodies at cornerback and for their offensive line. There just wasn't much that Oakland could do in free agency this year.
Grade: D
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Cleveland Browns
Key additions: LB D'Qwell Jackson (re-signed), DE Frostee Rucker, LB DE Juqua Parker, K Phil Dawson (franchised)
Key losses: RB Peyton Hills, T Tony Pashos, G Eric Steinbach, G Artis Hicks, S Mike Adams
Analysis: Jackson, despite durability concerns, is an extremely productive football player and a very good fit in Cleveland's defense behind the Browns' massive protecting defensive tackles. While the Browns did improve at defensive end opposite Jabaal Sheard, they again didn't pursue dynamic options. The biggest crime of the offseason was Cleveland allowing the Redskins to outbid them for the second overall pick in the upcoming draft, but even after losing out on the right to draft Robert Griffin III, the Browns didn't add nearly enough to consider them as anything but a bottom feeder for yet another year. Though they aren't great players, the Browns did lose three offensive linemen and reinforcements are now needed in a big way.
Grade: D
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Miami Dolphins
Key additions: DT Paul Soliai (re-signed), QB David Garrard, G Artis Hicks, CB Richard Marshall
Key losses: WR Brandon Marshall, DE Kendall Langford, S Yeremiah Bell, QB Chad Henne
Analysis: This was a brutal offseason for the Dolphins. It's apparent that Miami isn't an attractive landing spot for players or coaches that have other options. Now, we have to look at the Dolphins as in full-blown rebuilding mode. Trading away Marshall leaves the Dolphins without a single frightening receiving threat. It's tough to win in this league now-a-days with such a roster deficiency. And scanning over this roster, where is Miami better now than they were when the season ended? Miami did retain Soliai, one of the league's top defensive cloggers. At least that is something positive.
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