NFL Free Agency: Winners and Losers of Day One

Oct 4, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos president and general manager John Elway before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos president and general manager John Elway before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
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Jan 19, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie (left) introduces new head coach Doug Pederson (right) during a press conference at the NovaCare Complex . Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie (left) introduces new head coach Doug Pederson (right) during a press conference at the NovaCare Complex . Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Erik: I think the sneaky winners of free agency thus far has been the Philadelphia Eagles. It started when they retained Sam Bradford. Whatever you may think of him, he’s better than several other quarterbacks in the NFL and competent is better than terrible any day. Next GM Howie Roseman was somehow able to bamboozle Miami and Tennessee it taking on the terrible contracts of Byron Maxwell and DeMarco Murray while securing five extra spots in the 1st round of the draft. Finally, he added a capable guard to that rough offensive line and an underrated safety to that secondary.

Eric: My winners are Von Miller, Josh Norman, and Desmond Trufant. Three players who based on the figures given out today for their respective positions, will receive hefty, hefty paydays.

Matt: I think the Giants are easy winners. I’m not saying that as a Giants fan, I’m speaking the truth. Getting a top defensive end, top corner, keeping their own best free agent and adding a top run stopping lineman all one day one? Easy win.

Brady: I think the winner today is Oakland. They maintained their roster, added a solid piece to their offensive line, and a pass rusher opposite Mack. They still have plenty of money and will likely continue adding pieces that will help push them into contention.

George: The Philadelphia Eagles had a sneaky good start to free agency. They fill a big hole on the offensive line with Brandon Brooks and get a top 10 safety in Rodney McLeod with no one really noticing. They add some depth on defense with former Bills Leodis McKelvin and Nigel Bradham to go with new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.

I’d like to also mention Oakland and Jacksonville, but I just have a feeling that they will fall apart with that many big money free agents coming in.

Finally, a tip of the hat to the Houston Texans. They stole Brock Osweiler from the Broncos and also brought in Lamar Miller.

Sam: I think Jacksonville did very well today. Malik Jackson will shore up their defensive line & Chris Ivory is an improvement to their backfield. I also like the Gipson signing, a solid safety will be important as that division keeps improving.