Ah! The time is here, NFL free agency! Love it! Almost a week in and so much has happened. I'm just going to do some random thoughts for this one.
Mario Williams-Love this pickup on both ends. Mario gets paid and goes to a pretty good situation in Buffalo. I like the situation better in Houston, but I'm not sure they had Mario Williams money. The Bills scored big time on this move, but one comment I have to make here is that people need to cool it with the "THIS IS LIKE WHEN THE PACKERS SIGNED REGGIE WHITE" talk. Yes, Williams is VERY good, but Reggie White was probably one of the top 10-15 players EVER to play the game. I'm not just saying that because he was a Packer, I'm saying that because there weren't many better than him at ANY position. Still, I feel like this move was a win-win for both sides and Mario will contribute. With guys like Barnett, Dareus, Byrd, and now Williams, the Bills opportunistic defense will be improved next year.
Peyton Manning-How could I not talk about this? I really don't like this move for Manning. Obviously it's a great deal for Denver. Elway needed to do something to shut the Tebow lovers up. He's a lively, exciting player, but he's not very good and the Broncos just would not beat top teams with a guy as sloppy as Tebow playing. From the side of Peyton Manning, I just don't understand it. The Bronco's weapons are acceptable, but not great. I know Peyton can elevate their play, but the 49ers are the best option as far as weapons. Mario Manningham, Randy Moss, Michael Crabtree, Vernon Davis, and Frank Gore are awesome. Their offensive line is awesome as well...Joe Staley, Mike Iupati, and Anthony Davis are all very good players and all high picks. The Broncos also have good linemen, but San Fran has the whole package together. San Fran's defense will be top 3 for the next couple of years as well. I read that Manning didn't like the "Super Bowl or bust mentality," but if he doesn't want that, why play football? I wonder if Manning just wants to coast for the next couple of years?
Vincent Jackson-You gotta love the fact that his deal was for 5 years, $55,555,555 (that's ocho cincos) because Josh Freeman wears 5. Jackson is obviously excited to be in Tampa and that's great for team morale, but I'm not sure if I like this pickup by Tampa. He'll be 30 years old in January and the Bucs have $24 million tied up in him in the first 2 years. That's a lot of money to throw into a guy who will be 31 when that money is paid up. The rest isn't FULLY guaranteed so the Bucs can cut him after 2 years, but I still don't like dumping that money into him.
Brandon Carr-I'm going to gush on Dallas for a bit here starting with Carr. I love this pickup. The Cowboys have someone to replace Newman who can come in and play rather than rolling the dice on a draftee CB. Carr is a cheap alternative and I love the move by Dallas
Dan Connor-Dallas becomes Penn State on the interior! Those two playing on the interior will really Sandusky the competition!
Dallas in general-Dallas has shored up holes at guard, safety, corner, and inside backer with free agency. Suddenly, Dallas can go out and draft for potential/BPA instead of reaching for need and this will go a long way into making Dallas a competitive franchise. Love their moves.
Laurent Robinson-Another great move by Dallas letting him go. Robinson was asking for too much money for his true ability. There's a reason he's been kicked around. Sure, he had a fantastic season with Dallas, but that was because he was able to benefit from playing with Witten, Bryant, and Austin. In Jacksonville, he has nobody to draw coverage away from him and no QB to throw to him. Henne or Gabbert (or maybe Tebow) are nowhere close to Romo. Look for Robinson to have an awful year.
Brandon Lloyd-This just isn't fair! The Pats picked him up (along with Anthony Gonzalez and Donte Stallworth) and with Welker, Gronk, and Hernandez, Brady may break some records this year. Scared.
Marques Colston-This was probably the most mature move I've ever seen out of a wide receiver. He needs that NOLA offense as much as they need him. He wouldn't have been successful in many other systems and he knew NOLA was his best fit and took the money. Smart move.
Randy Moss-I don't get this move too much, but I guess it will create a buzz. Maybe sell a few jerseys. With the QB position up in the air, I'm not sure what the 49ers are doing.
Alex Smith-I feel genuinely bad for the guy. He's had a different offensive coordinator EVERY season he's been in the NFL. He has no stability and his play has suffered because of it. I think his true ability is a little more than what he put up this year, but he'll never achieve that level. It looks like Miami snagged David Garrard so perhaps Smith re-ups with San Fran, but I feel like their relationship has soured.
Matt Flynn-Love this move with him going to Seattle. Bevell runs a west coast offense predicated more on the run game than conventional WCO's. Flynn got plenty of exposure to WCOs under Philbin in GB and will likely have an easier time grasping the offense having been exposed to it for so long. Look for Flynn to be a top 15 guy this year. He's Aaron Rodgers with less mobility, awareness, and arm strength. He's not going to be an elite, franchise guy, but between Cassel and Schaub wouldn't be outrageous.
