NFL Free Agency: Early Winners and Losers

We’re only five days into free agency, but already there has been tons of action.

The lack of a new CBA has had no effect on the opening wave of free agency.

Players were quickly scooped up by teams right after midnight of this past Friday.

There has been many surprises thus far, but the one that sticks out the most is the frugal approach taken by the Washington Redskins.

In an uncapped year many expected the Redskins to throw big money at the top free agents, but rather they have kept a low profile and have not signed any new free agents and actually cut a handful of overpriced veterans.

Perhaps the new regime in Washington may work out after all.

Anyway, here is a look at the top winners and losers of free agency thus far:

Winners

Detroit Lions

It’s not often you hear Lions and winners together, but I have to give the Lions some props for what they’ve done so far.  Sure they overpaid for Kyle Vanden Bosch and Nate Burelson, but that’s the only way they were going to come to Detroit.  When you have been as bad as the Lions have been you need to overspend once in a while.

They also added defensive tackle Corey Williams via trade from Cleveland and corner Chris Houston via trade from Atlanta, both at low prices.  With Vanden Bosch and Williams, the Lions suddenly have a good defensive line and if they add Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy it will be even better.

Burelson may not be an elite reciever, but he is a good number two target.  He’s certainly better than Bryant Johnson and Dennis Northcutt.  His presence will also benefit Calvin Johnson as he won’t be getting double and triple teamed nearly as much.

Chicago Bears

While I’m not in love with all the moves the Bears made it’s hard to say the Bears aren’t a much better football team than they were last week at this time.

With no draft picks in the first two rounds the Bears had to make a splash in free agency.  Also add in the fact that this is a make or break year from the coaching staff and front office and it’s hard to fault the Bears.

Joe Flacco

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