1st Day Winners and Losers of Free Agency

There has been so much going on in the first day (started at 10:00 A.M and it’s about 10 now) I thought I’d take a quick look at a few of the winners and losers of early free agency.

Winners

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Being the first team to sign your first round pick is always nice, but so is being a young team with a ton of money to spend in a state that people love to play in (no state tax for one). They haven’t even done anything yet, but I expect them to have a huge off-season and be serious contenders next year.

Mark Herzlich

Though the Giants have had to revampt their offensive line (released Andrews, Ohara and Suebert), the Giants found a motivated talented linebacker. For Herzlich his dreams of having a nice career in the N.F.L. is one step closer. He goes to a team that loves the blue collar work ethic and intelligence he brings, and on top of that a team that has no standout linebackers and a real shot at making the team.

Donovan McNabb

He goes from one of the craziest franchises in the league (well seems almost guranteed now) to a team that has some serious talent except for at the Quarterback position. McNabb has never had a running back like Adrian Peterson, or even within 15 slots of ranking like Adrian Peterson has a pure rusher. The Vikings also could bring back Sydney Rice, he also gets a fresh start from the N.F.C. East and a chance at redemption. Good luck, Mcnabb you were never truly appreciated in Philly.

Washington Redskins

They stole a player from their division rival (though overpaid him, but it’s the Redskins so what else is new?) and on top of that will add draft pick(s) for Donovan Mcnabb AND are about 16 games away from a potential franchise QB like Landry Jones or even Andrew Luck. They also retained Santana Moss.

Tennessee Titans

Got a winner at quarterback in Matt Hasselbeck and a guy who is enough of a pro to actually groom Jake Locker. Locker doesn’t have to be rushed into the starting job this year.

Dallas Cowboys

Cutting Roy Williams, Leonard Davis, and Mario Barber aren’t huge losses, but they could hurt. They cleared up a ton of cap space with those moves. They’ll still need help along their offensive line, but might have a shot at participating in free agency now.

Losers

49ers fans

The last thing that 49ers fans wanted to see happen was the team resigning Alex Smith.

New York Giants

They could still come out on top and while I loved the free agent signings, until they add more to their offensive line and figure out whether or not Kiwanuka and Steve Smith are healthy enough to play, and what they can do for Umeinyora. They aren’t looking as strong as last year.

Buffalo Bills

They lost their biggest priority when Poz agreed to go to the Jaguars. They still don’t have a franchise Quarterback either and don’t see likely to have one until next year (unless they truly believe Fitzpatrick is the answer).They have no inside linebacker depth or talent really now.

What are your thoughts on the winners and losers?

There is still SO MUCH that will happen over the next few days this list will change for sure. But it’s a start.

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