A deeper look at the first week of NFL free agency

Since free agency began at midnight last Friday, the signings have come at a furious pace. Some teams, like Oakland, the New York Jets, and Miami, have been extremely active. Others, like New England, Indianapolis, and the New York Giants, have decided against being an active member in the free agency market.

This off season's Patriots?

Last off season, the New England Patriots were making the most of the free agency market, signing WR Donte' Stallworth, LB Adalius Thomas, and trading for WRs Wes Welker and Randy Moss.

This off season, the Cleveland Browns are trying to duplicate the Pats' strategy, hoping a Super Bowl appearance will reward their efforts. They gave out over $67 million in guaranteed money to five players. The Brown re-signed QB Derek Anderson and RB Jamal Lewis. They traded for DTs Corey Williams and Shaun Rogers. They also added receiving help in the form of WR Donte' Stallworth.

The trades for Williams (2nd round pick) and Rogers (3rd), along with last year's trade up to draft QB Brady Quinn, means the Browns will not have a pick in the top 100 of this year's draft. The addition of these two DTs addresses one of the Browns' biggest weaknesses last season. If either of the two make the Pro Bowl in '08, it will be well worth the draft picks.


Laying the foundation in Miami

The first major move in the Parcells era kicked off with the signing of 49ers guard Justin Smiley shortly after the free agency market opened. The Dolphins didn't slow down, signing DT Randy Starks and WR Ernest Wilford and trading for DT Jason Ferguson. Other signings, like QB Josh McCown and LB Charlie Anderson, were meant to add depth and rebuild a woeful special teams.

The Dolphins refused to overpay for any player, which led to former Arizona DE/LB Calvin Pace signing with the Jets. Parcells, Jeff Ireland, and new coach Tony Sporano know that this team needs more than what any one player brings to the table. The Dolphins will bring this strategy into the draft, looking to trade down and pick up draft picks where possible.

Stop the bleeding

The Pats re-signing of WRs Randy Moss and Jabar Gaffney was precluded by big losses in the secondary. CBs Asante Samuel and Randall Gay left for Philadelphia and New Orleans, respectively. DBs Eugene Wilson and Chad Scott are still unsigned. They did add CB Jason Webster from Buffalo, but expect the Pats to use the draft to build depth in the secondary and find an eventual replacement for Rodney Harrison.

Over-Pay as you go

The Oakland Raiders decided to be a player this off season. Their eagerness led them to overpay for questionable talent.

They started by re-signing their own DT Tom Kelly. Kelly only played in seven games last season, and his $50 million contract has more guaranteed money ($18M) than he has sacks in his career (13).

They handed Kwame Harris, the OT who was a bust for the 49ers, $16M over three years. Former Giants S Gibril Wilson received $16M in guaranteed money. No doubt the Raiders paid a "Super Bowl" premium (think Larry Brown and Dexter Jackson) for Wilson.

Then there is Javon Walker. The WR was cut by the division rival Denver Broncos, and eventually signed a massive contract with Oakland. Walker's deal is insane (6 years, $16M guaranteed, $55M total). Walker's contract includes the same amount of money in the first three years ($27M) as does Randy Moss. Moss signed a three year, $27M contract to remain with the Pats.

I'm not exactly sure what Oakland is doing. One thing is for certain, if these guys don't pan out, they will have a lot of "dead money" on the books in a few years.

Pass catchers in high demand

After New England rebuilt their receiving corps via free agency last season, more teams this season are following the trend. Walker got a big contract. Another winner was former Bears receiver Bernard Berrian. The Vikings gave him $16M guaranteed with $42M total over six years. Jerry Porter received $30M over six years from Jacksonville and Donte' Stallworth $35M over seven from Cleveland.

The big surprise is the lack of interest in Randy Moss and the relatively modest contract he ultimately signed with New England. Compared to the other contracts signed by inferior receivers, the decision to not franchise Moss led to New England re-signing their receiver at the infamous "Patriot discount."

Best free agent deals

1. QB Billy Volek re-signing with the Chargers (3 years, $9M).
Volek probably could have received more money elsewhere, and a chance to start. Instead he chose to stay in San Diego and back up Philip Rivers. The Chargers won out, as Volek is an extremely capable #2 who can keep the team winning if Rivers is injured.

2. RB Michael Turner signing with the Falcons (6 years, $34.5M).
I was surprised Turner didn't receive more money. The Falcons got a key offensive component at a good price. Turner and Jerious Norwood will make a great combo in Atlanta.

3. LB Lance Briggs re-signing with the Bears (6 years, $36M).
There was no market for Briggs, which is surprising. In the end, the Bears were the big winners. They were able to keep a key defensive player for the same amount of money they offered pre-free agency.

4. CB/KR Allen Rossum signing with the 49ers (1 year, $870K); DE Jimmy Wilkerson signing with the Bucs (2 years, $3M); DT Jimmy Kennedy signing with the Jaguars (1 year, $700K); OG Keydrick Vincent signing with the Panthers (2 years, $2M); S Yeremiah Bell re-signing with the Dolphins (1 year, $1.4M); RB DeShaun Foster signing with the 49ers (2 years, $1.8M).
These are the types of shrewd signings that build depth and improve special teams. It is almost guaranteed that at least one of these players will outplay their contract and be a big contributor for their respective teams.

Click here for a comprehensive list of NFL free agent signings and contract details.