Free-agency rewind: The winners thus far
By H. Darr Beiser, USA TODAY
Adalius Thomas is moving from the Ravens to Patriots, where he will add depth to a linebacking corps that has grown old.
With NFL free agency slowing down from the frenetic pace of its first few weeks, USA TODAY is here with a recap of the best moves, the smartest teams and the squads with lots of catching up to do in the five weeks left before the draft:
THE WINNERS— Making the right moves to succeed in '07:
Buccaneers — The quarterback position was a sore point (they used three starters on a 4-12 team) for Jon Gruden's club in 2006, and Tampa Bay acted early in free agency to correct that for 2007.
The Bucs now count Jeff Garcia (signed away from Philadelphia), incumbents Chris Simms and Bruce Gradkowski and former Denver starter Jake Plummer (acquired via trade) on their roster. Garcia, after his 5-1 run that led the Eagles to the division crown, is the likely starter. But the depth (even with Plummer saying he's retiring) gives the Bucs the assurance that inexperience at the quarterback position — the rookie Gradkowski was thrust into the starter's role for 11 games in 2006 — won't derail the 2007 campaign.
Former Giants tackle Luke Petitgout joins the offensive line, and ex-Colts linebacker Cato June bolsters the defense of a club that finished at the bottom of the NFC South.
What it means for the Bucs: The veteran Garcia could thrive in Gruden's offense. Give him former Georgia Tech wideout Calvin Johnson, whom the team is reportedly coveting with the fourth pick in the draft, and the Bucs' offense could be a major disruption in the NFC next season.
Broncos — Among the busiest teams early in the offseason, Denver scored three key pickups who should play big roles in 2007:
• Running back Travis Henry, acquired after the Titans cut him loose as a salary cap casualty, produced 1,211 rushing yards last season and is quarterback Jay Cutler's new best friend. He should thrive in the role of the Broncos' latest power tailback.
• Cornerback Dre' Bly, brought over from the Lions in a trade, is a press corner who fills the void following Darrent Williams' shooting death.
• And the blocking skills of tight end Daniel Graham, signed as a free agent from the Patriots, should fit in well along the Denver offensive line. He can also help Cutler as a new option downfield.
What it means for the Broncos: With Plummer gone, second-year man Cutler now carries the quarterback burden alone. Having Graham and Henry in his arsenal gives him two key veteran cogs in an offense that will be pining for a return to the playoffs after a postseason on the sidelines.
49ers — The team that entered free agency with the most money available hasn't disappointed its fans after a March spending spree.
San Francisco opened the signing period by granting former Bills cornerback Nate Clements the biggest contract of the offseason.
Add safety Michael Lewis from the Eagles, tackle Aubrayo Franklin from the Ravens and linebacker Tully Banta-Cain from the Patriots, and the 49ers have greatly improved a defense that ranked 26th last season.
The 49ers also signed former Falcons receiver Ashley Lelie, who has been frustratingly ineffective the past two years but showed in 2004 (54 catches for 1,084 yards) that he can be a top wideout threat. He'll help fill the void created when the team released Antonio Bryant, who led San Francisco in receiving yards last season.
What it means for the 49ers: A team that started to improve as the 2006 season rolled on raised its talent level in March. San Francisco should be in a better position to challenge NFC West champ Seattle (whom the 49ers beat twice last season) in 2007.
Patriots — New England doesn't normally play the free-agent game, but Bill Belichick struck offseason gold when he brought former Ravens linebacker Adalius Thomas into the fold.
Thomas is a do-it-all defender who drew votes for MVP among USA TODAY writers last season. But the Patriots didn't stop there.
They overhauled a receiving corps that was relying on Jabar Gaffney as a threat during the postseason. New England snatched division rival Miami's leading receiver in Wes Welker, and signed the dynamic (if combustible) Donte' Stallworth and Kelley Washington.
What it means for the Patriots: Tom Brady, who lost his No. 1 receiver at the start of the 2006 season, will have a full array of weapons next season, and the New England defense should be recharged as a younger and deeper unit.
Redskins — So maybe they don't qualify based on any blockbuster moves. Instead, Washington fans can count this offseason a success for the lack of splurging on high-priced players.
The Redskins didn't just stand by, as they signed ex-Bills linebacker London Fletcher and welcomed their former cornerback, Fred Smoot, back into the fold. Those two will provide needed depth for a defense that tumbled from ninth in 2005 to 31st in 2006.
But Washington didn't make the mistake of trying to win March at the expense of the regular season as it has in recent years. Last year's big acquisitions (receivers Brandon Lloyd and Antwan Randle-El and safety Adam Archuleta) didn't prevent the team from sputtering to a 5-11 campaign.
What it means for the Redskins: The relative restraint shown by Washington owner Dan Snyder (especially with the team not holding draft picks in the second, third or fourth round this year) might mean the team is placing more value on winning games than headlines.
KEY MOVES THUS FAR— These teams haven't started their offseason well enough to end up on the winners' list, but some smart deals have given them a positive step for next season:
• Baltimore acquires Willis McGahee— What does it say when an organization such as the Ravens, which values draft picks like gold, deals its third- and seventh-round picks and a 2008 third-rounder to upgrade its 25th-ranked run game? McGahee is a younger, more elusive runner than the departed Jamal Lewis, and the Ravens hope he will help carry them to the Super Bowl.
• Giants trade for Reuben Droughns— New York landed Tiki Barber's replacement in a two-time 1,200-yard rusher who will complement tailback Brandon Jacobs. Combined, Droughns and Jacobs had 1,181 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground last season.
• Jets acquire Thomas Jones— The Bears sent a running back who's had two straight years with more than 1,200 yards rushing to New York. It only cost the Jets a swap of second-round picks, and it may help them keep pace with AFC East powerhouse New England.
• Buffalo reforms offensive line — Bills quarterback J.P. Losman should love having Derrick Dockery, Jason Whittle and Langston Walker, all acquired as free agents, blocking in front of him. They fill out the team's line and should provide the needed protection Losman will require with McGahee no longer a backfield option.
MORE WORK TO DO— These squads have bided their time through the opening weeks of free agency. Fans in these cities are hoping the talent evaluators can find gems among the second tier of free agents or in the draft to reward their patience in March.
• Chicago— The Bears are one of five teams to put up a goose egg on the free agent board so far, and they have a disgruntled Lance Briggs complaining about being tagged as their franchise player. GM Jerry Angelo must fortify a defensive line that has one starter (Ian Scott) in free agency and one (Tank Johnson) heading to jail for four months.
• Green Bay— The buzz has the Packers concocting a trade for Oakland receiver Randy Moss. GM Ted Thompson is under pressure to improve a team that won its final four games (and almost netted a playoff berth) and is seeking one final ride to glory with quarterback Brett Favre.
• Indianapolis— As Super Bowl champs they either have the least work to do ... or have the furthest to fall. But the Colts must bolster their defense because, though they re-signed starting linebacker Rob Morris, two key starters (linebacker Cato June and cornerback Nick Harper) have left as free agents.
Contributing: Sean Leahy, Jim Corbett, Matt Pitzer
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2007-03-19-offseason-update_N.htm
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By H. Darr Beiser, USA TODAY
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Adalius Thomas is moving from the Ravens to Patriots, where he will add depth to a linebacking corps that has grown old.
You must be registered for see images
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From staff reports:With NFL free agency slowing down from the frenetic pace of its first few weeks, USA TODAY is here with a recap of the best moves, the smartest teams and the squads with lots of catching up to do in the five weeks left before the draft:
THE WINNERS— Making the right moves to succeed in '07:
Buccaneers — The quarterback position was a sore point (they used three starters on a 4-12 team) for Jon Gruden's club in 2006, and Tampa Bay acted early in free agency to correct that for 2007.
The Bucs now count Jeff Garcia (signed away from Philadelphia), incumbents Chris Simms and Bruce Gradkowski and former Denver starter Jake Plummer (acquired via trade) on their roster. Garcia, after his 5-1 run that led the Eagles to the division crown, is the likely starter. But the depth (even with Plummer saying he's retiring) gives the Bucs the assurance that inexperience at the quarterback position — the rookie Gradkowski was thrust into the starter's role for 11 games in 2006 — won't derail the 2007 campaign.
Former Giants tackle Luke Petitgout joins the offensive line, and ex-Colts linebacker Cato June bolsters the defense of a club that finished at the bottom of the NFC South.
What it means for the Bucs: The veteran Garcia could thrive in Gruden's offense. Give him former Georgia Tech wideout Calvin Johnson, whom the team is reportedly coveting with the fourth pick in the draft, and the Bucs' offense could be a major disruption in the NFC next season.
Broncos — Among the busiest teams early in the offseason, Denver scored three key pickups who should play big roles in 2007:
• Running back Travis Henry, acquired after the Titans cut him loose as a salary cap casualty, produced 1,211 rushing yards last season and is quarterback Jay Cutler's new best friend. He should thrive in the role of the Broncos' latest power tailback.
• Cornerback Dre' Bly, brought over from the Lions in a trade, is a press corner who fills the void following Darrent Williams' shooting death.
• And the blocking skills of tight end Daniel Graham, signed as a free agent from the Patriots, should fit in well along the Denver offensive line. He can also help Cutler as a new option downfield.
What it means for the Broncos: With Plummer gone, second-year man Cutler now carries the quarterback burden alone. Having Graham and Henry in his arsenal gives him two key veteran cogs in an offense that will be pining for a return to the playoffs after a postseason on the sidelines.
49ers — The team that entered free agency with the most money available hasn't disappointed its fans after a March spending spree.
San Francisco opened the signing period by granting former Bills cornerback Nate Clements the biggest contract of the offseason.
Add safety Michael Lewis from the Eagles, tackle Aubrayo Franklin from the Ravens and linebacker Tully Banta-Cain from the Patriots, and the 49ers have greatly improved a defense that ranked 26th last season.
The 49ers also signed former Falcons receiver Ashley Lelie, who has been frustratingly ineffective the past two years but showed in 2004 (54 catches for 1,084 yards) that he can be a top wideout threat. He'll help fill the void created when the team released Antonio Bryant, who led San Francisco in receiving yards last season.
What it means for the 49ers: A team that started to improve as the 2006 season rolled on raised its talent level in March. San Francisco should be in a better position to challenge NFC West champ Seattle (whom the 49ers beat twice last season) in 2007.
Patriots — New England doesn't normally play the free-agent game, but Bill Belichick struck offseason gold when he brought former Ravens linebacker Adalius Thomas into the fold.
Thomas is a do-it-all defender who drew votes for MVP among USA TODAY writers last season. But the Patriots didn't stop there.
They overhauled a receiving corps that was relying on Jabar Gaffney as a threat during the postseason. New England snatched division rival Miami's leading receiver in Wes Welker, and signed the dynamic (if combustible) Donte' Stallworth and Kelley Washington.
What it means for the Patriots: Tom Brady, who lost his No. 1 receiver at the start of the 2006 season, will have a full array of weapons next season, and the New England defense should be recharged as a younger and deeper unit.
Redskins — So maybe they don't qualify based on any blockbuster moves. Instead, Washington fans can count this offseason a success for the lack of splurging on high-priced players.
The Redskins didn't just stand by, as they signed ex-Bills linebacker London Fletcher and welcomed their former cornerback, Fred Smoot, back into the fold. Those two will provide needed depth for a defense that tumbled from ninth in 2005 to 31st in 2006.
But Washington didn't make the mistake of trying to win March at the expense of the regular season as it has in recent years. Last year's big acquisitions (receivers Brandon Lloyd and Antwan Randle-El and safety Adam Archuleta) didn't prevent the team from sputtering to a 5-11 campaign.
What it means for the Redskins: The relative restraint shown by Washington owner Dan Snyder (especially with the team not holding draft picks in the second, third or fourth round this year) might mean the team is placing more value on winning games than headlines.
KEY MOVES THUS FAR— These teams haven't started their offseason well enough to end up on the winners' list, but some smart deals have given them a positive step for next season:
• Baltimore acquires Willis McGahee— What does it say when an organization such as the Ravens, which values draft picks like gold, deals its third- and seventh-round picks and a 2008 third-rounder to upgrade its 25th-ranked run game? McGahee is a younger, more elusive runner than the departed Jamal Lewis, and the Ravens hope he will help carry them to the Super Bowl.
• Giants trade for Reuben Droughns— New York landed Tiki Barber's replacement in a two-time 1,200-yard rusher who will complement tailback Brandon Jacobs. Combined, Droughns and Jacobs had 1,181 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground last season.
• Jets acquire Thomas Jones— The Bears sent a running back who's had two straight years with more than 1,200 yards rushing to New York. It only cost the Jets a swap of second-round picks, and it may help them keep pace with AFC East powerhouse New England.
• Buffalo reforms offensive line — Bills quarterback J.P. Losman should love having Derrick Dockery, Jason Whittle and Langston Walker, all acquired as free agents, blocking in front of him. They fill out the team's line and should provide the needed protection Losman will require with McGahee no longer a backfield option.
MORE WORK TO DO— These squads have bided their time through the opening weeks of free agency. Fans in these cities are hoping the talent evaluators can find gems among the second tier of free agents or in the draft to reward their patience in March.
• Chicago— The Bears are one of five teams to put up a goose egg on the free agent board so far, and they have a disgruntled Lance Briggs complaining about being tagged as their franchise player. GM Jerry Angelo must fortify a defensive line that has one starter (Ian Scott) in free agency and one (Tank Johnson) heading to jail for four months.
• Green Bay— The buzz has the Packers concocting a trade for Oakland receiver Randy Moss. GM Ted Thompson is under pressure to improve a team that won its final four games (and almost netted a playoff berth) and is seeking one final ride to glory with quarterback Brett Favre.
• Indianapolis— As Super Bowl champs they either have the least work to do ... or have the furthest to fall. But the Colts must bolster their defense because, though they re-signed starting linebacker Rob Morris, two key starters (linebacker Cato June and cornerback Nick Harper) have left as free agents.
Contributing: Sean Leahy, Jim Corbett, Matt Pitzer
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2007-03-19-offseason-update_N.htm
