Thursday, March 14, 2013

Free Agency off and running


The NFL Christmas season began Wednesday when free agency began. I love this time in which I follow twitter real close along reading different web sites to see who goes where and what money was agreed on.

The NFC North in the early stages saw the Vikings sign most of their own free agents and on Thursday signed the first free agent not on last year’s roster. Matt Cassel has agreed to a contract. I really like the signing bringing a veteran quarterback in. The playoff loss in Green Bay had to help the decision in bringing in a veteran. I still hope the Vikes keep Joe Webb and get him some more work in minicamp and training camp.

The Vikings did lose free agent linebacker, Jasper Brinkley to the Arizona Cardinals. I was disappointed after last season having 99 tackles and showing promise for a bright future.It would have been nice to see him progress in purple but now all I can say is good luck, Jasper.

The Chicago Bears had major offensive line issues last season so this week the team signed former Saint, Jermon Bushrod to play tackle for Chicago. They also added a tight end former Giant, Martellus Bennett for another weapon for Jay Cutler.

The Detroit Lions made a big signing when they signed Reggie Bush. This is a concerning signing for the Vikings as they will really need to play close attention to Bush who is very good at catching balls out of the backfield. It was a signing good for the Lions but not for the rest of the division.

In looking at the rest of the league it seems any time a team wins a Super Bowl the team gets dismantled. The Baltimore Ravens are feeling the wrath this week. Ray Lewis announced his retirement with the assumption that Dannell Ellerbe would be the heir to play middle linebacker. The shocking news came when Ellerbe accepted the Miami Dolphins offer. Paul Krueger who I had read would be a priority to resign left for Cleveland Browns. Cary Willliams who started all 16 games as a defensive back for Baltimore went to the Giants. Anquan Boldin, wide receiver was dealt to the 49ers. Ed Reed long time star safety is on the market as well as he is visiting Houston Friday. This team has been so defensive minded has taken some huge blows. Will this team be able to recover and continue their winning ways?

New England quarterback Tom Brady restructures to free up some money with people like his favorite receiver Wes Welker a free agent. I believe this was my shock of the week when Denver signed Welker to a 2 year contract. I really liked Denver last year and it is my opinion that this move may make them the team to beat in the AFC. I realize the secondary is a concern especially the way the season ended against the Ravens.

New England then signs Danny Amendola to a contract to replace Welker. It is not a surprise a receiver was signed so soon to replace Welker but the money Amendola got was my shocker. He got more money than Welker who has two years in a row gone over 100 receptions with 122 and 118.

New England signed free agent former Seahawk, Leon Washington, kick return specialist who is no stranger to scoring touchdowns. The NFC West I am sure is not disappointed he is gone as well as the Vikings who travel to Seattle later this year.

Atlanta Falcons who I believe are already strong got just that much better when they signed free agent running back former Ram, Steven Jackson. What a present for the Falcons fans.

A surprise to me was when I saw free agent running back, Shonn Greene sign with the Tennessee Titans. Greene comes from the Jets and signs with a team that already has Chris Johnson. It just seemed he would want to go to a team where he could be the number one running back.

It has only been a few days in to free agency and so far big bucks and shocking developments is the theme.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

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