Tag: nfl free agency

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NFL AFC WINNERS AND LOSERS IN THE 2020 OFF SEASON

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

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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.

Categories
FANTASY

TOP 10 NFL FREE AGENCY ACQUISITIONS 2019

1 – ODELL BECKHAM JR.

CLEVELAND BROWNS

Adding Odell Beckham Jr. instantly makes the Cleveland Browns Receiving Duo of Beckham and Landry one of the most dangerous tandems in the league. It will allow Jarvis Landry to line up in the slot position where he is more naturally suited. I would argue that Julian Edelman and Jarvis Landry are the two best Slot Receivers in the league. Both OBJ and Landry are difficult to cover with one on one. You can’t double cover both so Baker Mayfield should find one of them open quite often.

2 – NICK FOLES

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Jacksonville never really seemed like a legitimate threat with Blake Bortles under center. They gave us a glimpse of what was possible with just average Quarterback play in 2017. They finished the season 10 – 6, won the AFC South, beat Buffalo in the Wild Card game, then defeated Pittsburgh in the Divisional game, to finally lose to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game. They actually had the lead going into the fourth quarter of the AFC Championship, but Bortles choked under the pressure. You know who doesn’t choke under pressure? Superbowl MVP Nick Foles. Foles brings a lot of confidence, and a little bit of swagger to a team that could really use some. With Foles as their Quarterback I believe that the Jacksonville Jaguars will go from being a team that hopes to win, to a team that begins games expecting to win.

3 – ANTONIO BROWN

OAKLAND RAIDERS

Jon Gruden took over as the Oakland Raiders Head Coach and has systematically deconstructed the team. Gone are all of it’s Star Players except for the one he chose to keep, Quarterback Derek Carr. With three picks in the first Round of this year’s draft the Oakland Raiders look ready to rebuild. Their first move came before the draft, and that was to acquire the number 1 Wide Receiver in the league Antonio Brown. I can guarantee you that David Carr is happy. After watching Amari Cooper get traded to the Cowboys, Jared Cook get signed by the Saints, and Jordy Nelson announce his retirement. Derek Carr could use a reliable target. As great as he is Antonio Brown isn’t enough. The Raiders will have to find another quality Wide Receiver to compliment him.

4 – JUSTIN HOUSTON

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

The Indianapolis Colts were sneaky good on Defense last Season with a relative bunch of unknowns on their roster. Adding a veteran like Justin Houston is exactly what that young group of Linebackers, and Defensive Lineman need. With the kind of quick starts Andrew Luck is capable of Justin Houston will be able to do what he does best. That’s make things very uncomfortable for opposing Quarterbacks.

5 – LE’VEON BELL

NEW YORK JETS

The time is finally approaching for the return of Le’Veon Bell to the football field. For the first time in his NFL career he won’t be in a Steelers uniform. He will be wearing New York Jets Green and White. Will it prove to be a good fit? This is one of the more difficult moves to predict. How much of Le’Veon Bell’s success was his own ability, and how much was the Pittsburgh Steelers’ great Offensive line, and high powered Offense? It’s hard to stack the box when Antonio Brown is lined up against you. Who is the number one Wide Receiver on the New York Jets? I couldn’t tell you, and I’m a Fantasy Football analyst. That’s how mediocre their squad is. Can Le’Veon Bell carry this team into relevance? Honestly I hope so, but in order for him to do it they will need Offensive Line help and a solid Wide Receiver.

6 – DEE FORD

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

The 49ers spent last off season acquiring offensive weapons to provide Quarterback Jimmy Garropolo with the best chance of success. This off season has been about the defense. They added what I believe to be the best pass rusher in Free Agency in Dee Ford. With Dee Ford alongside DeForest Buckner the San Francisco 49ers have the capability or overwhelming one side of the Offensive Line, or crashing the middle. Opposing offenses had better have a solid run game, or it’s going to be open season on their Quarterbacks.

7 – CJ MOSLEY

NEW YORK JETS

Just like the Indianapolis Colts Justin Houston acquisition. The New York Jets needed a true leader on the defensive side of the field. CJ Mosley should prove to be the Leader they were looking for. His ability is unquestioned, and he should make an immediate impact. It remains to be seen if the New York Jets can finally challenge the New England Patriots, but at least it appears as though they are trying.

8 – JARED COOK

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

In case you hadn’t noticed, and I’m sure a lot of you didn’t. Jared Cook had a very impressive season at the Tight End position on the very unimpressive Oakland Raiders. The Oakland Raiders practically began the season trying to lose. Still Jared Cook was a Top 5 Tight End in Fantasy Football despite that. Imagine what he can achieve as a New Orleans Saint with Drew Brees throwing him the ball. The Saints have an impressive offense, and Sean Payton has proven throughout his career that he knows how to utilize Tight Ends. Jared Cook could have an even better Season as a New Orleans Saint. If he does, expect the Saints to once again challenge for a Superbowl.

9 – EARL THOMAS III

BALTIMORE RAVENS

Is he the best Safety in the NFL? When he is healthy, he probably is. That’s the real question here. The way Earl Thomas plays, it can be difficult to remain on the field. There’s no question that he is a perfect fit for the Baltimore Ravens Black and Blue Defense. Honestly I see Earl Thomas as a great fit anywhere. He brings a phenomenal skill set, leadership, and ball hawking ability that very few possess. Still when you play in one of the most brutal divisions in the NFL, health is always a concern. I for one hope he plays the full season.

10 – OLIVIER VERNON

CLEVELAND BROWNS

So my list began with the Cleveland Browns, and ends with another Cleveland Brown acquisition. Olivier Vernon is a merc, plain and simple. The thing about mercs is that they aren’t always a great fit. In this case I expect Olivier Vernon to fit right in. The Cleveland Browns are assembling a motley crew of talented Players who I believe will compliment each other instead of trying to outdo one another. They have the right amount of veterans, and youngsters to gel as a solid unit. Olivier Vernon was the final piece they needed on defense. The rest of the AFC should probably take notice.