OLD NAMES NEW HOMES
Since the modern free agency era in the NFL began back in 1993. The addition of unrestricted free agents has allowed talented “mercs” to switch teams every Season. They were either looking for a bigger pay day, or the possibility of signing with a Superbowl bound team. The 2020 off season has had it’s share off NFL stars sign with new squads.
High profile signings in the AFC
Philip Rivers – signed to a 1 year deal with the Indianapolis Colts
Stefon Diggs – acquired by the Buffalo Bills via trade with 4 years remaining on his contract
Melvin Gordon – signed with the Denver Broncos for 2 years
Brandin Cooks – acquired by the Houston Texans via trade with 4 years remaining on his contract
David Johnson – acquired by the Houston Texans via trade with 1 year remaining on his contract
Jordan Howard – signed with the Miami Dolphins for 2 years
Austin Hooper – signed with the Cleveland Browns for 4 years
Byron Jones – signed with the Miami Dolphins for 5 years
Chris Harris Jr – signed with the Los Angeles Chargers for 2 years
Kyle Van Noy – signed with the Miami Dolphins for 4 years
Shaq Lawson – signed with the Miami Dolphins for 3 years
Linval Joseph – signed with the Los Angeles Chargers for 2 years
Vic Beasley – signed with the Tennessee Titans for 1 year
Mario Addison – signed with the Buffalo Bills for 3 years
Derek Wolfe – signed with the Baltimore Ravens for 1 year
Calais Campbell – acquired by the Baltimore Ravens via trade with 1 year remaining plus a 1 year extension
WINNERS AND LOSERS OF EACH DIVISION
The biggest winner
If I had to select one team in the AFC that had the most successful off season. It would have to be the Miami Dolphins. They made some of the absolute best Free Agent signings in the entire league. They had a tonne of Cap room space and spent it wisely. They have the makings of an all star Defense in place with their new acquisitions. They then followed that up by convincing the league they weren’t interested in the most dynamic player in the draft Tua Tagovailoa. Allowing them to patiently sit at their fifth pick draft position and take him there. Keeping all of that additional draft capital to spend on key positional players. The Miami Dolphins might take a Season or two to properly develop. They should be seen as a legitimate challenger to the AFC East crown.
The biggest loser
This shouldn’t come as a surprise. It ends up being a team from my winner’s division the AFC East. It’s of course the New England Patriots. The dynasty has come to an unfortunate end. Tom Brady has decided to finish his career elsewhere. Leaving the New England Patriots with a total unknown at Quarterback. Their Offense was abysmal with Brady at Quarterback last season. Try to imagine how it will be now. They have one of the oldest teams in the league by average age. To add insult to injury former star Tight End Rob Gronkowski agreed to come out of retirement. Only if the Patriots agreed to trade him to Tampa Bay so he can play with Brady. The New England Patriots didn’t make any key acquisitions in Free Agency. They also had a very uninspiring draft. Looks like they are hoping to find their Quarterback of the future next season or the season after.
