Free agency is one piece of the NFL roster-building puzzle, best analyzed in a broader context. Bill Polian, Louis Riddick, Matt Williamson, Field Yates and I accounted for that when putting together team-by-team report cards for the signing period that opened two weeks ago.
September is a long way off, of course, and even the best-laid plans are sometimes no match for what awaits in the regular season. But in applying some time-tested principles -- rating teams on their abilities to address needs before the draft while keeping their own best players from departing -- a consensus formed around some of the teams (Green Bay unanimously earned an "A" grade, for instance).
Other teams sparked debate and questions. Do the Bills deserve credit for aggressively pushing to close the gap with New England in the AFC East? Perhaps they do, but their approach stands in stark contrast to the one that earned the Packers our highest grade to this point in free agency. The Saints, Eagles and Jets also were major movers in the market. There was much to consider when analyzing their approaches, and those for all teams as the 2015 draft approaches.
In order of their letter grade, here are our evaluations of how every NFL team has done thus far in player acquisitions this offseason:
'A' Grades
Grade: A
Key re-signings/additions: WR Randall Cobb, RT Bryan Bulaga, OT Don Barclay, S Sean Richardson, QB Scott Tolzien
Key subtractions: ILB A.J. Hawk, DE B.J. Raji, ILB Brad Jones, TE Brandon Bostick, CB Davon House, ILB Jamari Lattimore, WR Jarrett Boykin, CB Jarrett Bush, FB John Kuhn, WR Kevin Dorsey, QB Matt Flynn, CB Tramon Williams, DT Letroy Guion, RB DuJuan Harris
The Packers have taken homegrown roster-building to the extreme, rarely bringing in players from other organizations. Whether or not you think the Packers should be a little more proactive on occasion, there can be no questioning the general soundness of their approach. Finding a way to keep both Cobb and Bulaga made this free-agency period a smashing success.
"They did a great job keeping their own and that is really all there is to say about it," Polian said.
Yates called this a "classic Ted Thompson offseason" while Williamson emphasized the flexibility Green Bay now enjoys while heading into the draft.
"They would get my best grade," Williamson said. "You could make an argument that they were the best team in the league last year even though they lost a crazy game in the playoffs. They have a great offensive playmaker in Cobb and a very good right tackle in Bulaga. That offense is loaded. Now they have the whole draft to do whatever they want."
Grade: A-minus
Key re-signings/additions: CB Antonio Cromartie, CB Buster Skrine, OT Corey Hilliard, DT Kevin Vickerson, CB Darrelle Revis, OT James Brewer, S Marcus Gilchrist, G James Carpenter, QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, WR Brandon Marshall, DE Stephen Bowen, LB David Harris, DT Damon Harrison, S Jaiquawn Jarrett
Key subtractions: OG Ben Ijalana, S Dawan Landry, WR Greg Salas, DE Jermaine Cunningham, FB John Conner, DT Kenrick Ellis, CB Kyle Wilson, DT Leger Douzable, QB Michael Vick, ILB Nick Bellore, WR Percy Harvin, CB Phillip Adams
The Jets reminded me a little bit of the 2014 Buccaneers in that they made a long list of moves that made sense for their first-year coach Todd Bowles and first-year general manager Mike Maccagnan. Also like those Bucs, the Jets remain without a top-tier quarterback, which makes it tougher for any team to maximize its moves.
"The Jets were a home run," Polian said. "Skrine, Revis, Cromartie and Gilchrist fit perfectly. Marshall is a home run. Fitzpatrick is back with Chan Gailey, who he had the most success with in Buffalo. They really could not have done any better."
Some of our analysts questioned how much the Jets paid Harris at inside linebacker, but that wasn't enough to knock down the Jets' grade.
"I think Marshall has a lot left in the tank and is a very nice pickup," Williamson said. "He rubs people the wrong way, but I think he wants to win and is competitive. The secondary is now structured the same as it was for Bowles in Arizona, where he blitzed and played dime a ton. Revis is a better Patrick Peterson. Skrine is your nickel. Gilchrist is your do-it-all safety-corner type, a poor man's Tyrann Mathieu. It worked for Arizona."
Williamson worked with Bowles on the Browns during the Butch Davis years. Riddick worked with him on the Eagles in 2012. Both are fans.
"If there is a coach who you feel can integrate a bunch of diverse personalities, it will be Todd because guys respect the hell out of him," Riddick said.
Grade: A-minus
Key re-signings/additions: DT Ahtyba Rubin, TE Jimmy Graham, CB Will Blackmon, WR Jermaine Kearse, CB Cary Williams
Key subtractions: WR Bryan Walters, CB Byron Maxwell, DT D'Anthony Smith, DE Demarcus Dobbs, DT Greg Scruggs, OLB Heath Farwell, G James Carpenter, S Jeron Johnson, DT Kevin Williams, DT Landon Cohen, C Lemuel Jeanpierre, OLB Malcolm Smith, OLB Mike Morgan, OLB O'Brien Schofield, G Stephen Schilling, QB Tarvaris Jackson, TE Tony Moeaki, RB Will Tukuafu, C Max Unger
The Seahawks have an opportunistic GM in John Schneider. Their coach, Pete Carroll, covets players with unique physical traits. Carroll also welcomes working with young players and embraces a range of personalities. That explains why the Seahawks jumped at the chance to acquire players such as Harvin two years ago and Graham this offseason.
"They give up Unger and what amounts to a second-round player for Graham, who is a difference-maker in their offense," Polian said. "I have no problem with that."
First-round picks carry great value because they allow teams to control young players at relatively low cost for as long as six years. That is why trading away first-round picks can be inadvisable.
"That is true," Williamson said, "but no team in the league has as many players who are near the best at their positions, and now they added another one in Graham. Of their 22 starters, there could be 7-8 guys who are top five at their position and that might not even include Russell Wilson, who can be a nightmare to play against."
Seattle managed to extend contracts for Marshawn Lynch, Cliff Avril and others before free agency. The team enters the draft with question marks along the offensive line. Williamson said those question marks "scare" him even though Wilson and Lynch can compensate for a weak line.
"They have so many young, core players on long-term deals already," Yates said. "I am not sure there is another team that has a better roster, top to bottom. They do not have a first-round pick, but who has drafted better than Seattle with later picks? No one."
Grade: A-minus
Key re-signings/additions: DT Stephen Paea, DT Terrance Knighton, CB Chris Culliver, S Jeron Johnson, DE Ricky Jean-Francois, K Kai Forbath, OT Xavier Nixon
Key subtractions: DT Barry Cofield, S Brandon Meriweather, OLB Brian Orakpo, DT Chris Neild, CB E.J. Biggers, DE Jarvis Jenkins, WR Leonard Hankerson, RB Roy Helu, S Ryan Clark, WR Santana Moss, DE Stephen Bowen, OT Tyler Polumbus
The Redskins' reputation as irresponsible spenders in free agency already was a bit outdated. It might finally die if the team continues to operate the way it has since Scot McCloughan became GM. Washington was the first team Riddick mentioned when I asked him which ones he liked to this point in the signing period. Riddick worked in scouting for the team from 2001-07 and has a greater appreciation for what held back the organization in the absence of a true GM.
"Having been there so long and having seen the ultimate undisciplined approach and then watching them this year with McCloughan and [chief contract negotiator] Eric Schaffer working in lockstep to get great values, you can see they are doing it right," Riddick said. "Culliver is the only one they really extended for financially, but if you are going to do it, do it with a corner and do it with someone you're comfortable with. They still need a free safety and they were in the market for some guys who got out of their range, but that kind of discipline signals positive change."
Polian lauded what he saw as "some really good moves" while saying the big question was whether the team could find a pass-rusher to play opposite Ryan Kerrigan. The fifth overall choice in the upcoming draft could help Washington there.
"Getting a strong talent evaluator in McCloughan is the most important addition they made this offseason," Yates said. "They have not solidified their defensive front to some degree."
'B' Grades
Grade: B-plus
Key re-signings/additions: DE Pernell McPhee, LS Thomas Gafford, S Antrel Rolle, WR Eddie Royal, DE Ray McDonald
Key subtractions: C Brian De La Puente, CB Charles Tillman, S Chris Conte, ILB D.J. Williams, S Danny McCray, ILB Darryl Sharpton, G Eben Britton, K Jay Feely, LS Jeremy Cain, WR Josh Morgan, OLB Lance Briggs, FB Montell Owens, CB Sherrick McManis, DT Stephen Paea, DE Trevor Scott, WR Brandon Marshall
Start from the premise that the team's new leadership realistically could not move on from Jay Cutler at quarterback, and keeping Marshall was not palatable (new offensive coordinator Adam Gase was the receivers coach under Josh McDaniels in Denver when Marshall famously clashed with coaches, precipitating the receiver's departure to Miami).
"I like how specific Chicago was with the people they added even though they went under the radar," Riddick said. "I like what Royal adds at receiver even though his contract is more than I would have wanted to pay. McPhee is the Swiss Army Knife of defensive players in free agency. He is dynamite and Vic Fangio will know how to use him. People talk about guys leaving Baltimore and disappointing, but McPhee is 10 times better than Adalius Thomas was. I have no concerns about him."
Rolle is no longer a top safety, but he's clearly an upgrade for Chicago. He has been durable and lasted all five years with the Giants after signing a five-year deal with them in free agency, a rarity that reflects well on Rolle. The team also needed an outspoken leader, something the team has lacked up the middle on both sides of the ball.
"What I'm curious about with Chicago is what the transition to a 3-4 base defense could mean to players already on the roster," Yates said.
Grade: B-plus
Key re-signings/additions: DT Dan Williams, TE Lee Smith, CB James Dockery, C Rodney Hudson, QB Christian Ponder, S Nate Allen, OLB Malcolm Smith, RB Roy Helu, RB Trent Richardson, DE C.J. Wilson, ILB Curtis Lofton, WR Andre Holmes, CB Brandian Ross, S Larry Asante, P Marquette King, WR Rod Streater
Key subtractions: CB Carlos Rogers, CB Chimdi Chekwa, RB Darren McFadden, TE David Ausberry, WR Denarius Moore, RB Kory Sheets, LB LaMarr Woodley, QB Matt Schaub, DT Pat Sims, C Stefen Wisniewski, CB Tarell Brown, S Tyvon Branch, WR Vincent Brown, RB Maurice Jones-Drew
If we're going to criticize Jacksonville for overpaying (see below), it's tough to criticize Oakland for failing to land front-line free agents. The reality is that free agency isn't going to fix teams in their situations. Both could be damned if they do, damned if they do not.
"If the Jets hit a home run, the Raiders hit a triple," Polian said. "They needed a lot of players and got them. They will find out what Ponder is or is not with a change of scenery, and the reality is that he cannot be worse than Schaub."
Williamson said he loved three of Oakland's signings: those of Helu, Hudson and Williams.
"The Raiders got way stronger at the two pivots, right up the middle with their big guys, which was a huge problem," Williamson said. "Both Hudson and Williams are really good players in their primes. Lofton and Smith are upgrades, but not great. Allen is worth the risk as a free safety. But you see Oakland in that Jaguars/Browns category with a ton of money to spend, no one to spend it on and difficulties finding guys to go there. Ideally, they would have landed a Randall Cobb or Ndamukong Suh."
Grade: B-plus
Key re-signings/additions: DT Corey Peters, OLB Sean Weatherspoon, DE Cory Redding, G Mike Iupati, C A.Q. Shipley, LB LaMarr Woodley
Key subtractions: CB Antonio Cromartie, DT Dan Williams, DT Darnell Dockett, OLB John Abraham, RB Jonathan Dwyer, ILB Larry Foote, C Lyle Sendlein, OLB Marcus Benard, G Paul Fanaika, TE Rob Housler, QB Ryan Lindley, OLB Sam Acho, WR Ted Ginn Jr., DT Tommy Kelly
The Cardinals set out this offseason to add speed on defense. They set out to upgrade their running personnel on offense. They seem to have succeeded on both fronts.
"They are high on my list of teams in free agency," Williamson said. "My worry is that Iupati is more of a run-blocker while Bruce Arians' offense has a lot of deep drops. I do really like the Weatherspoon pickup. If Daryl Washington comes back, they are suddenly very athletic and versatile there with linebackers who do not come off the field -- something the 49ers enjoyed for years. Woodley was worth a shot. Peters is a decent player. Redding is decent. Shipley is OK. They got noticeably better and they were able to keep Larry Fitzgerald, which was good."
Grade: B
Key re-signings/additions: QB Tyrod Taylor, TE Charles Clay, FB Jerome Felton, G Richie Incognito, QB Matt Cassel, RB LeSean McCoy, WR Percy Harvin, WR Justin Brown, DE Jerry Hughes
Key subtractions: ILB Brandon Spikes, RB C.J. Spiller, OT Chris Hairston, S Da'Norris Searcy, G Erik Pears, ILB Keith Rivers, QB Kyle Orton, OLB Larry Dean, TE Lee Smith, TE Scott Chandler, OLB Stevenson Sylvester, LB Kiko Alonso
Welcoming Harvin and Incognito into the same huddle carries obvious risks, especially in the absence of a top quarterback. The prices paid for McCoy and Clay arguably were extravagant. The Bills' overall approach was also very high-risk, which has left them with a league-low two draft choices among the first 150 overall selections (4.8 is the average for the 31 other teams).
"If the moves for Buffalo do not pay off in the next two years and really close the gap with New England, that will be really discouraging," Yates said. "Either way, they are going to be incredibly difficult to score points against."
Polian said he was fine with the spending for McCoy and Clay because the Bills had ample cap flexibility, but that the quarterback situation would remain the key variable.
"They know their coach has won games with defense and run game," Williamson said. "Keeping Hughes assures them of having one of the better defenses in the league. They added versatile playmakers in McCoy, Harvin and Clay. They will scheme up the offense and run it a ton. They go into the draft without a first-round pick, needing to add another offensive lineman or two. They did lose Alonso and that is not nothing. But if they are more 3-4 with Rex Ryan, they need only two second-level guys and they had two pretty good ones last year."
Grade: B
Key re-signings/additions: OLB Jabaal Sheard, CB Bradley Fletcher, OLB Jonathan Freeny, RB Travaris Cadet, CB Chimdi Chekwa, TE Scott Chandler, WR Kevin Dorsey, WR Brandon Gibson, DB Devin McCourty
Key subtractions: OLB Akeem Ayers, CB Brandon Browner, G Dan Connolly, LS Danny Aiken, CB Darrelle Revis, OLB Jonathan Casillas, RB Shane Vereen, RB Stevan Ridley, DT Vince Wilfork
Losing Revis will hurt the defense, but it's tough to fault the Patriots for how they handled the situation. They kept McCourty and knew keeping Revis would be difficult. Paying what the Jets paid wasn't going to make sense for them.
"The guys they lost were big-time guys, including Vereen, who was an important part of that pass offense," Polian said. "They did make some good, solid adds that were very typical of New England. Jabaal Sheard may be the steal of the whole deal."
The Patriots' ability to adjust their schemes on both sides of the ball allows them to roll with personnel changes.
"Losing Revis is gigantic and it will change how they play," Williamson said, "but they have changed how they play 10 times under Bill Belichick. They will reinvent themselves again."
Grade: B
Key re-signings/additions: TE Julius Thomas, G Jermey Parnell, CB Davon House, S Sergio Brown, DT Jared Odrick, OLB Dan Skuta, WR Bryan Walters, RB Bernard Pierce
Key subtractions: ILB A.J. Edds, CB Alan Ball, WR Cecil Shorts, TE Fendi Onobun, OLB Geno Hayes, OLB J.T. Thomas, G Jacques McClendon, RB Jordan Todman, DE Red Bryant, S Sherrod Martin, CB Teddy Williams, CB Will Blackmon, FB Will Ta'Ufo'Ou
Polian was higher than others on the Jaguars' moves in free agency. He saw a team that needed to add players and added some good ones, including clear upgrades in Thomas at tight end and Odrick along the defensive line. Williamson said he would give the Jaguars a B-plus, but Riddick thought the team added players that are unlikely to perform as well in Jacksonville. Thomas obviously will not have Peyton Manning throwing passes to him. Parnell has not started much. House has not started much.
"Unfortunately, that is what happens when you are constantly chasing, when your draft choices aren't doing quite as well as you'd hoped, when fans are restless, when spending requirements are looming and when you have no one on your own team worth paying," Riddick said. "You get stuck in roster-building purgatory."
Grade: B
Key re-signings/additions: OG Orlando Franklin, DE Mitch Unrein, SS Jimmy Wilson, CB Patrick Robinson, WR Jacoby Jones, WR Stevie Johnson, CB Brandon Flowers
Key subtractions: OLB Andrew Gachkar, G Chad Rinehart, G Doug Legursky, OLB Dwight Freeney, WR Eddie Royal, G Jeromey Clary, S Marcus Gilchrist, P Mat McBriar, C Nick Hardwick, C Rich Ohrnberger, RB Ronnie Brown, RB Ryan Mathews, WR Seyi Ajirotutu, CB Shareece Wright, OT Willie Smith, OLB Jarret Johnson
Re-signing CB Flowers before he hit the market set the table for the Chargers to focus on beefing up their offensive line in free agency. Riddick said the Chargers' familiarity with Flowers offset the fact that, in his mind, Flowers is a "small, speed-challenged corner" he would not want to pay.
"It looks like they are building a bunch of giants up front on offense with D.J. Fluker, Franklin and [King] Dunlap," Williamson said. "I like what they are doing there and they have some versatility with those guys. I'd like to see this offense add speed, though. I do not know who is fast on this offense."
Grade: B
Key re-signings/additions: DT Nick Fairley, G Garrett Reynolds, OLB Akeem Ayers, QB Austin Davis, TE Cory Harkey, QB Case Keenum, QB Nick Foles, DE Eugene Sims, S Rodney McLeod, OLB Jo-Lonn Dunbar
Key subtractions: DE Alex Carrington, G Davin Joseph, LT Jake Long, OT Joe Barksdale, DT Kendall Langford, G Mike Person, C Scott Wells, QB Shaun Hill, C Tim Barnes, OLB Will Herring, QB Sam Bradford
Fairley's addition was the one that stood out the most to our analysts based on what he could add to an already formidable defensive front.
"On balance, they did quite well," Polian said. "Bradford did not figure for them anyway and none of the other guys they lost were factors. This is a net gain and it is a home run if Fairley plays consistently."
What becomes of Foles is obviously a key variable, but our analysts were more curious to see what might become of Bradford in Philadelphia. They did not see Foles as a catalyst.
"It would not shock me if they had the best defense in the league this year," Williamson said. "Their secondary is improving. Their front seven is ridiculous now with Fairley and Ayers. I like that Fairley came in at a light weight. I could see him lined up outside every now and again."
Grade: B
Key re-signings/additions: DE Greg Hardy, FB Jed Collins, ILB Jasper Brinkley, RB Darren McFadden, OLB Andrew Gachkar, ILB Keith Rivers, CB Corey White, P Chris Jones, RB Lance Dunbar
Key subtractions: DE Anthony Spencer, OLB Bruce Carter, S C.J. Spillman, RB DeMarco Murray, WR Dwayne Harris, DE George Selvie, DT Henry Melton, OLB James Anderson, G Jermey Parnell, OLB Justin Durant, ILB Rolando Mcclain, CB Sterling Moore, OT Tony Hills, FB Tyler Clutts
The pressure is on the Cowboys to replace Murray. If they do that successfully, free agency is going to look like a success. It already has big potential with Hardy adding a badly-needed pass-rush threat to the defense on a one-year deal. Hardy and a healthy Sean Lee could transform the defense. Potential is the key word, however. There are many unknowns.
"Adding Hardy looks like a good deal on paper," Polian said. "What you do not know is what the suspension will be and will there be litigation that follows that? They protected themselves contract-wise, but they do not know how long he will be on the field."
Grade: B
Key re-signings/additions: RB DeMarco Murray, CB Walter Thurmond, RB Ryan Mathews, CB Byron Maxwell, LB Kiko Alonso, QB Sam Bradford, DE Cedric Thornton, RB Chris Polk, ILB Brad Jones
Key subtractions: WR Brad Smith, CB Bradley Fletcher, CB Cary Williams, OLB Casey Matthews, TE James Casey, WR Jeremy Maclin, S Nate Allen, G Todd Herremans, DE Trent Cole, RB LeSean McCoy, QB Nick Foles
The Eagles have been one of the more fascinating teams in free agency. For that reason, I was eager to solicit opinions on them from all our analysts.
Riddick: "You can say Philadelphia paid through the nose for Byron Maxwell, who I am a fan of, and for Murray. I cannot say I do not like the moves. It is price more than anything. I'm more interested in how Chip Kelly is going to protect Sam [Bradford]. If I am an opposing defensive coordinator, I am saying knock the crap out of Sam every time there is a zone-read play, regardless of whether he keeps the ball, which obviously he is not going to do."
Polian: "If Bradford plays well, then they did awfully well. If he does not, then it is a different story altogether. I thought the McCoy trade was a good move with what they needed to do defensively. Murray dropped into their laps. Good move."
Williamson: "They want to be fast, young and aggressive on defense. Keeping Graham, adding Alonso and overpaying for Maxwell helped them do that. Bradford has a chance to be quite good. I cannot think of anyone who had less run game/offensive line/receivers than Bradford had when he was on the field in St. Louis. Bradford is better than Foles. As much as I like McCoy, Chip robbed the Bills. Alonso is a really good linebacker. One place where Chip might have some hubris and he might be right because it worked for two years is the idea that his sport science team will keep guys healthier. Mathews, Bradford and Alonso have all been hurt."
Yates: "The hard part with Philadelphia is people are trying to assess all of the moves they have made and weave them into one big plan as if they were all a byproduct of something that had taken place or was going to take place. At the same time, the McCoy trade seemed to be about two things. Chip likes a one-cut runner, and then Alonso is a big-time add on the cheap. That was impressive to add Alonso."
Grade: B
Key re-signings/additions: TE Jordan Cameron, TE Ryan Taylor, DT Ndamukong Suh, CB Brice McCain, WR Kenny Stills, DE Derrick Shelby, C J.D. Walton
Key subtractions: WR Brandon Gibson, WR Brian Hartline, TE Charles Clay, CB Cortland Finnegan, RB Daniel Thomas, G Daryn Colledge, CB James Wilson, DT Jared Odrick, OT Jason Fox, OLB Jason Trusnik, SS Jimmy Wilson, OLB Jonathan Freeny, RB Knowshon Moreno, G Nate Garner, LB Philip Wheeler, CB R.J. Stanford, DT Randy Starks, C Samson Satele, G Shelley Smith, WR Mike Wallace, LB Dannell Ellerbe
Teams rarely acquire dominant players in their primes the way Miami was able to do in signing Suh to a contract that has opened up the Dolphins to criticism.
"Any time you can get a difference-maker, you are ahead of the game," Polian said. "The price is what you have to pay. It is money. Money is a commodity. Draft choices are people. As long as you get the player without surrendering a choice, it almost does not matter what you pay. Suh was going to get it from somebody. Why not from Miami?"
The Dolphins did spend a draft choice for Stills. Polian called that a net gain anyway. Williamson noticed that Suh's addition could help the Dolphins get pressure up the middle, the last place Tom Brady wants to see pressure coming. But he wondered whether Suh's contract could eventually lead the Dolphins into some of the cap issues that affected Detroit.
"I see what they are doing, but it is a risky move," Williamson said. "They got Stills on the cheap and he will make them a better deep-passing team. Cameron is a risk, but will help a lot as a vertical tight end if healthy."
Grade: B
Key re-signings/additions: ILB A.J. Hawk, DE Michael Johnson, OLB Emmanuel Lamur, DB Brandon Ghee
Key subtractions: TE Alex Smith, WR Brandon Tate, RB Cedric Peerman, WR Dane Sanzenbacher, WR Greg Little, QB Jason Campbell, TE Jermaine Gresham, OT Marshall Newhouse, G Mike Pollak, DE Robert Geathers, S Taylor Mays, CB Terence Newman
Bringing back Johnson while gaining a third-round compensatory pick for his 2014 departure to Tampa Bay stands out as one of the more impressive maneuvers in free agency. Letting Johnson leave for huge money last offseason showed admirable restraint. Bringing him back showed the team felt as though he could succeed in their scheme.
"They have been a draft-and-develop team for several years now and that is why they have this roster," Yates said. "The Johnson maneuver worked out as well as it could have. They would be wise to take care of some extensions on the horizon, specifically for A.J. Green. But for a team that has been pretty consistent in its approach, I applaud them. They will benefit from the investments they have made in guys like Tyler Eifert. I have a hard time arguing with the Bengals' moves even though they paid more than I expected to keep Rey Maualuga."
Grade: B-minus
Key re-signings/additions: DT Haloti Ngata, DE Tyrunn Walker, DE Darryl Tapp, QB Kellen Moore, DE George Johnson, CB Rashean Mathis
Key subtractions: DT Andre Fluellen, OLB Ashlee Palmer, DT C.J. Mosley, CB Cassius Vaughn, OT Corey Hilliard, C Dominic Raiola, G Garrett Reynolds, FB Jed Collins, CB Josh Thomas, TE Kellen Davis, DT Ndamukong Suh, DT Nick Fairley, RB Reggie Bush, G Rob Sims
Keeping Suh wasn't realistic under the circumstances. Quickly rebounding by acquiring Ngata from Baltimore seemed like a logical fallback.
"They lost a top-five defensive player and replaced him with a borderline Pro Bowler, and they did not really improve anywhere else," Williamson said. "When grading teams, do you ask whether they are better or not? Do you ask whether they did well with a bad hand of cards? They hit on three high draft choices at the worst time to hit on them from a financial standpoint, and now they are paying for that."
The Lions did not hit a home run in free agency, but they managed to get on base.
"The Suh thing is a tough pill to swallow," Yates said, "but to turn a bad situation into Haloti Ngata at a good price is a good fallback. Keeping Teryl Austin, who did a very good job last season and had a history with Ngata in Baltimore, might have been one of the most important things they did."
Grade: B-minus
Key re-signings/additions: ILB Nate Irving, RB Frank Gore, WR Andre Johnson, DE Trent Cole, G Todd Herremans, ILB Jerrell Freeman, DT Kendall Langford
Key subtractions: C A.Q. Shipley, RB Ahmad Bradshaw, ILB Andrew Jackson, OLB Andy Studebaker, DE Cory Redding, S Delano Howell, DE Fili Moala, WR Hakeem Nicks, DT Jeris Pendleton, CB Josh Gordy, S LaRon Landry, RB Michael Hill, WR Reggie Wayne, DE Ricky Jean-Francois, S Sergio Brown, OLB Shaun Phillips, RB Trent Richardson, OT Xavier Nixon
The Colts broke some well-established rules by adding multiple players who are nearing the ends of their careers, but each move made sense on some level.
"You are skeptical about what they are doing not for what they paid but just for the profile of the players," Riddick said. "Todd Herremans is one of my favorite guys and his leadership can have value there, but he has a significant injury history and is not the player he once was. Andre Johnson probably has one or two good years left. Gore would be my favorite back in free agency if not for his age. Cole is someone I love, but again, he is 32 years old."
Williamson liked the fact that every one of the older high-profile veterans signed is a high-effort player chasing his first championship. He liked Langford's addition and thought Johnson had much more left to give than Gore could offer at this point.
"They are in win-now mode and they did the contracts that way, so you cannot argue with it," Polian said. "Traditionally, older guys changing teams have one good year left. There is evidence of that. If that happens, they are in good shape."
Grade: B-minus
Key re-signings/additions: TE Owen Daniels, S Darian Stewart, DT Vance Walker, CB Tony Carter, G Shelley Smith, WR Demaryius Thomas
Key subtractions: LS Aaron Brewer, TE Jacob Tamme, TE Julius Thomas, DE Mitch Unrein, ILB Nate Irving, G Orlando Franklin, S Quinton Carter, S Rahim Moore, DT Terrance Knighton, WR Wes Welker, C Will Montgomery
Knighton and Julius Thomas fit the profile of core players a team ideally would keep, but the Broncos showed once again they aren't afraid to move on if the prices go beyond their valuations.
"Peyton Manning took the restructure and part of the narrative was that it gave them flexibility to re-sign guys, but then they did not keep Knighton or Thomas," Yates said. "At the same time, Peyton returning is one of the biggest moves of the offseason."
The money Julius Thomas commanded from Jacksonville went far beyond anything the Broncos would have considered.
"I have no problem moving away from Julius Thomas," Williamson said. "Daniels is obviously a key Kubiak guy. Virgil Green can be a bit of a breakout guy. On Knighton, we've heard about him being out of shape and those guys are not asked to play all three downs anyway. They lost a free safety (Moore) and signed a strong safety (Stewart), so they might need a range guy, but the Broncos did well overall. They kept Demaryius Thomas and signed Brandon Marshall on the cheap."
Grade: B-minus
Key re-signings/additions: RB DuJuan Harris, QB Shaun Hill, WR Mike Wallace, TE Brandon Bostick
Key subtractions: OG Charlie Johnson, QB Christian Ponder, DE Corey Wootton, WR Greg Jennings, ILB Jasper Brinkley, FB Jerome Felton, G Vladimir Ducasse, QB Matt Cassel
The Vikings did not do much in free agency. Whatever course the Adrian Peterson situation takes certainly will shape opinions. For now, there's a general sense that Minnesota is on the right track.
"Wallace is probably a good addition and if you look at the guys they lost, Felton was a good, solid player, but not great," Polian said.
Minnesota entered free agency needing a deep-threat receiver. As Yates put it, Wallace has his detractors, but he's also one of the five or six fastest deep-threat wideouts in the league. The Vikings also could use help at cornerback.
"They are another team where the development of young players will be critical," Yates said. "Xavier Rhodes showed last year he could be more than he was as a rookie. I'm confident Mike Zimmer can develop a secondary. They could use a corner and a pass-rusher, and they have a reasonably sized hole at inside linebacker. But they are quietly one of the more promising franchises in the NFL."
That feeling that Minnesota is headed in the right direction shaped perceptions of how the team has operated in free agency.
"I am a fan of the Vikings' approach," Williamson said. "They have had lots of first-round picks doing well. Taking Wallace was worth the risk. There is an incomplete grade pending Peterson's situation, but Shaun Hill is a fine backup for Teddy Bridgewater. Overall, they have done a nice job limiting needs before the draft, which is key in free agency."
Grade: B-minus
Key re-signings/additions: RB C.J. Spiller, CB Brandon Browner, LB Dannell Ellerbe, C Max Unger
Key subtractions: DE Brandon Deaderick, CB Corey White, ILB Curtis Lofton, S Jamarca Sanford, C Jonathan Goodwin, ILB Moise Fokou, CB Patrick Robinson, WR Robert Meachem, RB Travaris Cadet, DE Tyrunn Walker, G Ben Grubbs, WR Kenny Stills, TE Jimmy Graham
This grade for New Orleans is on the conservative side. If the Saints maximize their newly found draft capital, their surprising approach to the offseason could pay off in a big way. For now, it's clear the team is willing to sacrifice offensive horsepower in an effort to become more of a physical, run-oriented team on offense while adding toughness on defense.
"This is a team that is really trying to change its identity to be tougher," Riddick said. "Re-signing Ingram, who was the fourth-best running back in free agency, was perfect. You can see why they signed Browner; they have had no luck at corner, including with their second-round pick last year. They will let scheme take care of it on offense while rebuilding the defense. That said, I do not understand how you can sign Graham to a market-setting contract and then trade him eight months later."
Thanks to the Graham and Stills trades, New Orleans owns a league-high five picks in the first three rounds. Stockpiling draft choices represents a change in approach after the Saints made a league-low 28 total draft selections over the previous five years (40.1 was average).
"When you see a team make such significant changes and trade away players that are either franchise cornerstones or young like Kenny Stills, to me it screams that there is more to the story and more we need to know," Yates said. "These were not cap-related moves, but when they traded Grubbs and did not tender restricted free agents, that is usually a sign of cap trouble. What we do know is that the Saints did make themselves tougher with Ellerbe, Browner and Unger. Their moves look like a straight fire sale, but maybe it is all incredibly calculated and a shift toward being a different type of team."
Polian saw the Graham trade as further evidence the Saints were willing to sacrifice offense to beef up their defense, which has been historically bad in two of the past three seasons. Williamson noted that Graham has been banged up in recent seasons. He said he could justify giving the Saints a B or B-plus grade.
"People will downgrade them in free agency and then laud them in the draft, but what they do in the draft is because of what they did in free agency," Williamson said.
'C' Grades
Grade: C-plus
Key re-signings/additions: OG Erik Pears, WR Torrey Smith, CB Shareece Wright, WR Jerome Simpson, DT Darnell Dockett, RB Reggie Bush
Key subtractions: RB Alfonso Smith, WR Brandon Lloyd, CB Chris Culliver, OLB Dan Skuta, ILB Desmond Bishop, RB Frank Gore, QB Josh Johnson, WR Kassim Osgood, WR Michael Crabtree, OG Mike Iupati, CB Perrish Cox, RB Phillip Tanner, S Raymond Ventrone, WR Steve Johnson, ILB Patrick Willis, ILB Chris Borland, DE Ray McDonald
The 49ers have quickly gone from being one of the most reliable "known" quantities in the NFL to a team that is increasingly difficult to figure out.
"There is a lot of loss here," Polian said. "I think I understand why they are doing it, but still, Iupati was a really serviceable player. Cox was serviceable. Culliver was serviceable. Gore was still serviceable. Borland they did not anticipate, and had they known he was going to retire, perhaps Skuta would have been someone they would have kept. I think they want to change the culture there and get back to a more run-heavy offense."
Bush and Dockett could be quality veteran additions. Iupati arguably was too expensive for a player who frequently seemed to be playing through injuries.
"I think they are worse, but I do not think they are 4-12," Williamson said. "Dockett can be a good scheme fit. Torrey Smith gives them some really needed speed on offense. That helps them. They did not get hit as hard as everyone thinks, but factor in the retirements of Borland and Willis with the changes to the coaching staff -- ouch."
Grade: C-plus
Key re-signings/additions: QB Brian Hoyer, QB Ryan Mallett, S Rahim Moore, WR Cecil Shorts III, DT Vince Wilfork, ILB Akeem Dent, CB Kareem Jackson
Key subtractions: WR Andre Johnson, OLB Brooks Reed, C Chris Myers, G Cody White, WR Damaris Johnson, S Danieal Manning, DT Jerrell Powe, S Kendrick Lewis, DT Ryan Pickett, QB Thad Lewis, DE Tim Jamison, QB Case Keenum, QB Ryan Fitzpatrick
The Texans paid a premium to keep Jackson, but such was the market for cornerbacks. Williamson said he could justify giving Houston a higher grade. I felt as though the quarterback maneuvering made sense (signing Hoyer and keeping Mallett), without necessarily making the Texans any better.
"I really like the Wilfork signing, and while Shorts will never be Andre Johnson, he is an OK risk to take if he stays healthy and they draft someone," Williamson said. "Rahim Moore was someone who, along with Wilfork, helps them up the middle. Quarterback was a huge issue, but who were they going to get? They at least took a chance taking two of them and hoping one is serviceable."
Grade: C-plus
Key re-signings/additions: TE Jacob Tamme, OLB Justin Durant, OLB Brooks Reed, CB Phillip Adams, G Mike Person, TE Tony Moeaki, OLB O'Brien Schofield, DE Adrian Clayborn, WR Leonard Hankerson
Key subtractions: TE Bear Pascoe, DT Corey Peters, WR D.J. Davis, S Dwight Lowery, OT Gabe Carimi, WR Harry Douglas, RB Jacquizz Rodgers, FB Jason Snelling, CB Javier Arenas, DE Jonathan Massaquoi, OT Jonathan Scott, CB Josh Wilson, G Justin Blalock, G Mike Johnson, DE Osi Umenyiora, DT Peria Jerry, CB Robert Mcclain, OLB Sean Weatherspoon, RB Steven Jackson
The Falcons did not exactly make major moves this offseason, even though they had a new head coach and an ambitious owner expecting quick results.
"I'm actually a big fan of their moves," Yates said. "They got value, value, value. Durant was a really smart pickup. I think they are tougher, they are deeper and they have done a nice job adding guys who can contribute at reasonable prices. Brooks Reed is the only one who got substantial money and he is a versatile player who can help them at a position where they have needed depth badly."
Adding pass-rush help in the draft seems realistic and could leave the Falcons with a higher offseason grade after a relatively inauspicious start to free agency.
"They have added serviceable guys that fit," Polian said.
As Williamson put it, "Guys like Schofield are great when they are your fourth-best guy, but not when they are your first- or second-best guys."
Grade: C-plus
Key re-signings/additions: S Da'Norris Searcy, CB Perrish Cox, OLB Brian Orakpo, WR Harry Douglas, TE Anthony Fasano, DE/OLB Derrick Morgan
Key subtractions: CB Brandon Harris, TE Chase Coffman, G Chris Spencer, ILB Colin McCarthy, WR Derek Hagan, C Eric Olsen, S George Wilson, RB Jackie Battle, QB Jake Locker, QB Jordan Palmer, OLB Kaelin Burnett, WR Kris Durham, RB Leon Washington, TE Matthew Mulligan, OT Michael Oher, OT Michael Roos, WR Nate Washington, OLB Quentin Groves, OT Will Svitek, DB Brandon Ghee
The Titans generated a range of opinions. Williamson thought they did very well in upgrading their defense. Polian pointed to the quarterback situation as the still-unresolved key variable. Yates thought the Titans' overall approach was confusing.
"They are not rudderless, but I am having a hard time seeing where the corner is turned," Yates said. "Orakpo is fine. Adding Dick LeBeau was a smart hire. I felt like they spent a lot of money for Cox and Searcy."
Williamson sees Searcy as the type of versatile safety LeBeau knows how to utilize. Re-signing Morgan and adding Orakpo gives the defense promise at outside linebacker.
"The other guys are role players and then Harry Douglas is probably better and more reliable than what they had," Polian said. "For them, it is 'Who is the quarterback?' If it is Zach Mettenberger, can you win with him? That is the bottom line."
Grade: C
Key re-signings/additions: OG Paul Fanaika, WR Jeremy Maclin, G Ben Grubbs, S Tyvon Branch, OLB Tamba Hali, OLB Justin Houston
Key subtractions: WR A.J. Jenkins, TE Anthony Fasano, CB Chris Owens, WR Donnie Avery, WR Dwayne Bowe, OT Jeffrey Linkenbach, RB Joe McKnight, DT Kevin Vickerson, S Kurt Coleman, G Mike McGlynn, C Rodney Hudson, OT Ryan Harris, LS Thomas Gafford, DT Vance Walker
There were no strong feelings on Kansas City one way or the other. Keeping Hali at a reduced rate made sense. Maclin was a logical addition even though the price was high. Adding Grubbs helps, but there were still concerns over the offensive line.
"I still do not think the offensive line is close to where it should be," Williamson said. "Maclin is a huge signing and a massive upgrade from Bowe even though I do not see him as a true No. 1 receiver. They had to keep Houston. I would say they are a better football team."
Grade: C
Key re-signings/additions: DE Jason Pierre-Paul, OT Marshall Newhouse, WR Dwayne Harris, DE George Selvie, OLB J.T. Thomas, OLB Jonathan Casillas, RB Shane Vereen, DT Kenrick Ellis
Key subtractions: OG Adam Snyder, S Antrel Rolle, G Dallas Reynolds, RB David Wilson, C J.D. Walton, OLB Jacquian Williams, OT James Brewer, WR Jerrel Jernigan, WR Kevin Ogletree, DE Mathias Kiwanuka, DT Mike Patterson, RB Peyton Hillis, S Quintin Demps, OLB Spencer Paysinger, S Stevie Brown, CB Walter Thurmond, CB Zack Bowman
Our analysts universally applauded Vereen's addition. Polian called it a home run. Williamson said he thought Vereen could help the Giants field a top-five offense.
"I like Vereen a lot," Riddick said. "With the other signings, you see the Giants again adding depth players in free agency, guys who fit into the 35th through 53rd roster spots. If you cannot replace those guys with draft choices, then you are not drafting well, and the Giants really have not drafted well enough in recent years. That is an issue."
Williamson said he was "not a fan" of the Giants in free agency overall, despite Vereen's addition.
"Jason Pierre-Paul was a coin flip as a franchise player and then they signed all these guys who look like special-teams depth," Williamson said. "Dwayne Harris was a mind-boggling signing even though he does provide value on special teams. I do like Kenrick Ellis for the defense on a one-year deal that could pay off, but overall, I am not a fan."
Grade: C
Key re-signings/additions: S Kendrick Lewis, K Justin Tucker, S Will Hill, RB Justin Forsett
Key subtractions: CB Aaron Ross, CB Antoine Cason, CB Danny Gorrer, S Darian Stewart, WR Jacoby Jones, OT Jah Reid, S Jeromy Miles, TE Owen Daniels, DE Pernell Mcphee, DT Terrence Cody, WR Torrey Smith, QB Tyrod Taylor, CB Victor Hampton, G Will Rackley, DT Haloti Ngata, RB Bernard Pierce
The Ravens incurred significant losses, but criticism was muted based on the team's proven ability to win consistently.
Polian: "It is what it is. We will see how it comes out after the draft."
Williamson: "The Ravens are worrisome, but in Ozzie Newsome we trust. They draft well and probably have a young guy or two who is not as well-known and will step up. Their skill guys now are weak. They need a back, maybe a tight end, a receiver or two. They are worse now than when the season ended. It seems like they probably are every year."
Yates: "They did not do much and it just feels like it is by design. The Forsett re-signing was one of the five or six best moves of the offseason. The financial side of the deal was very good for the team. If they can shore up the secondary in the draft and find a tight end, they will be right back in it."
Grade: C
Key re-signings/additions: RB DeAngelo Williams, OLB James Harrison, CB Antwon Blake, S Robert Golden, FB Will Johnson, WR Darrius Heyward-Bey
Key subtractions: RB Ben Tate, DE Brett Keisel, CB Brice Mccain, DE Clifton Geathers, CB Ike Taylor, OLB Jason Worilds, WR Justin Brown, WR Lance Moore, TE Michael Palmer, S Will Allen
The Steelers resemble the Ravens in that both teams remain competitive without much offseason activity. Having stability in the front office, on the coaching staff and at quarterback helps.
"Nice job as usual," Polian said. "DeAngelo Williams provides a terrific backup, which was badly needed. That is the perfect role for him at this stage of his career."
Williamson felt better about the Steelers' offseason once the team signed Harrison.
"They have watched a ton of outside linebackers and corners sign everywhere else," Williamson said. "They did get Harrison and I like that now. He played very well last year. So if you go into next season with Jarvis Jones, who might be a bust, plus Moats and then Harrison as a rotational guy, that is OK. But their secondary is still junk. The need at corner is so huge now that you wonder if they finally have to take one in the first round."
Grade: C
Key re-signings/additions: S Chris Conte, OLB Bruce Carter, DT Henry Melton, CB Sterling Moore, RB Bobby Rainey, OLB Larry English, CB Mike Jenkins
Key subtractions: DE Adrian Clayborn, OT Anthony Collins, OLB Dane Fletcher, DE Da'Quan Bowers, QB Josh McCown, ILB Mason Foster, DE Michael Johnson, G Oniel Cousins
The Buccaneers won the 2014 offseason, only to emerge with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 draft after a nightmare first season under Lovie Smith. They seemed to retrench this offseason.
"Conte is not a top-quality player, but he fits the defense," Polian said. "Melton is a great pickup. Carter, Conte and Melton will move seamlessly into the defense. Some of their moves from last year could pay off a year later."
Williamson was more skeptical. "They had lots to spend and are releasing guys," he said. "Where did they get better? Melton fits well, but where else? Their offensive line was awful last year and they didn't do anything there. Now, the earliest you will do anything about the line is with the 33rd pick."
Grade: C-minus
Key re-signings/additions: S Kurt Coleman, CB Teddy Williams, WR Ted Ginn Jr., OT Michael Oher, TE Greg Olsen
Key subtractions: OT Byron Bell, OLB Chase Blackburn, OT Chris Scott, RB DeAngelo Williams, G Fernando Velasco, G Garry Williams, DE Greg Hardy, CB James Dockery, C Kevin Matthews, S Thomas DeCoud
Carolina was an easy team to criticize for much of last season, but when the season ended, the Panthers looked like a team with a plan. That could be the case for them this offseason as well.
"The guys they lost really were almost at the end in many cases except for Hardy, whose departure was a foregone conclusion," Polian said.
Re-signing tight end Greg Olsen made sense. Oher wasn't a bad addition for the money. But is there anything to get excited about?
"I am a huge fan of [general manager] Dave Gettleman because he finds value where it is hard to see," Yates said. "Oher was bad for Tennessee, but I'd much rather have him for a contract where he does not have high expectations and he does not factor into the compensatory pick equation. Now, they have to get a quarterback extension done pretty soon. I'm of the mind that even though you have time on your side, it behooves teams to sign quarterbacks earlier than later. If Cam Newton does not have a great year, he is still expensive. His value is not going down, but it could go up if he has a very good season."
'D' Grades
Grade: D
Key re-signings/additions: CB Tramon Williams, QB Thad Lewis, WR Dwayne Bowe, WR Brian Hartline, DT Ishmaa'ily Kitchen, S Johnson Bademosi, DT Randy Starks, ILB Craig Robertson, S Tashaun Gipson, QB Josh McCown
Key subtractions: DT Ahtyba Rubin, TE Andre Smith, QB Brian Hoyer, CB Buster Skrine, OLB Jabaal Sheard, S Jim Leonhard, TE Jordan Cameron, WR Miles Austin, G Paul McQuistan, TE Ryan Taylor, DT Sione Fua, QB Tyler Thigpen
Polian offered an incomplete grade. Williamson said he would give the "worst grade you possibly can give" -- and it was tough finding anyone to disagree too strongly.
"Tramon Williams and Randy Starks could be smart signings after the initial rush of free agency," Yates said. "They needed wide receivers in the worst way and they clearly still lack a No. 1. Maybe they intend to be a more run-oriented team. McCown is fine. I am not decidedly in favor or against their offseason so far."
Riddick saw a team that was making moves without clear purpose. Wiliamson was harsher: "They had so much to spend and they settled for what they got. I like Starks and Williams. I do not like Bowe. Hartline is a local guy. I just do not think anyone wants to play for the Browns. They are the new Raiders. It's easy to say I would go out and get Suh if I were the GM, but he does not want to play there."