2017 NFL Free Agency: The 5 Most/Least Improved Teams So Far
By Erik Lambert
Most Improved:
New England Patriots
As if this is any surprise. The Patriots are never a team to rest on their laurels. Barely a month after winning the Super Bowl, they took no prisoners at the start of free agency. Through a series of trades they were able to acquire Dwayne Allen at tight end, Kony Ealy at defensive end and Brandin Cooks at wide receiver. If that weren’t enough they also added Stephon Gilmore and Lawrence Guy while retaining Duron Harmon. A championship roster just got a lot better.
Philadelphia Eagles
No team made their limited dollars stretch more than the Eagles. It took some creativity but their goal of improving the offense around Carson Wentz was a huge success. Not only were they able to acquire two promising targets in Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith, but they also quietly improved the offensive line as well. Chance Warmack gives them help at guard while Stefen Wisniewski is an underrated addition who will likely plug in at center.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Tom Coughlin isn’t playing around. The veteran football mind made it clear his mission was to improve the Jaguars in every way possible. To hell with the expenses. They acquired Branden Albert via trade and signed Earl Watford to bolster the offensive line for Blake Bortles. Then they rampaged across the defensive market for Barry Church, Audie Cole, Calaise Campbell and A.J. Bouye. An already promising young defense gets a huge infusion of veteran talent. Scary.
Tennessee Titans
The Texans and Colts should be getting nervous. Their hold on the AFC South may be slipping. Tennessee proved that much. After a strong 2016, they came out aggressive this offseason to do everything in their power to improve the defense. No question their Achilles heel. Sylvester Williams gives them more depth up front while Logan Ryan and Jonathan Cyprien boost a beleaguered secondary. No blockbusters but solid additions at need positions.
Cleveland Browns
Having the most money to spend made it almost inevitable that the Browns would be able to improve their team. It wasn’t just reckless purchasing though. Cleveland clearly had a plan in mind and executed it well. Adding Kevin Zeitler and J.C. Tretter to the offensive line while re-signing Joel Bitonio sets up things well for their next quarterback. Kenny Britt brings help in the receiving game and the creative use of the cap in the Brock Osweiler trade gave them more help for the draft.