Been a while. Here is my thoughts on the free agent moves so far this season. Trades are at the bottom of the page. Also, please comment on the post and follow the blog using your gmail. Enjoy!
Free Agency 2013
Signings
* indicates resign
QB Dennis Dixon-
Eagles- Grade: A-
This move makes sense on two levels. First, Dixon makes
sense in Kelly’s offense considering Kelly coached Dixon at Oregon. Dixon could
be the starter and has the potential to be an RG3 like player (although,
probably more like an RG2.) Secondly, though, the signing of Dixon puts
pressure on Vick to perform, which I think was the ultimate goal of this
signing. Many would consider Dixon a younger (but worse) version of Vick. For a
relatively small contract, the only downsides are that Dixon hasn’t shown that
much in the NFL and could make Vick under confident. The latter would be a big
problem.
SS George Wilson-
Titans- A-
The 32 year-old safety signed also a relatively small
contract (2 years, 4 mil) that could be a nice short term fix for the Titans.
Wilson is a pretty solid player who has been a rather stable part of the Bills
uneven defense. The titans have a lot of offensive needs so securing a safety
position with a solid veteran was a good call. I will say, though, that considering the
secondary problems with the Titans last year, it would have been nice to see
them get a bigger upgrade than a declining veteran.
*OT William Beatty-
Giants- B
The Giants had to resign Beatty, considering he was one of
the few players who was consistent last season for them. But for 5 years and
38.75 mil, I think they overpaid. Beatty committed 11 penalties last year and
was very pedestrian in run blocking. His pass blocking is what earned him this
contract (only 3 sacks surrendered) but, to me, it does not warrant this kind
of money for an above average right tackle. Also, this free agency and draft
classes are deep in the tackle positions so this move seems like a waste.
*QB Joe Flacco-
Ravens- B
Did Joe Flacco deserve to be the highest paid player in the
NFL? No. Could the ravens have done anything differently? No. Enough said.
*WR Dwayne Bowe-
Chiefs- C+
Bowe got a massive contract (5 years, 56 mil, 24 guaranteed)
for someone who has completely relied on natural talent to make it in the NFL. He
has character and work ethic issues but was “good enough” on the offseason
issues to pass the test. The main reason for the C+ (as opposed to a B) is
because of his hands- Bowe lead the league in drops last year and even though
he had shaky QB play, great players make great plays and get great money.
Unfortunately for Chiefs fans, Bowe only got the last one. I am considering
moving this down to a C, but the guy does have some real natural talent and the
stat sheet shows it.
*WR Brian Hartline-
Dolphins- B-
Skeptics of Hartline will point to his one touchdown last
year for a supposed #1 receiver as a reason this deal deserves an F. Yes,
Hartline did get a 5 year, 37 mil contract but only 12.5 is guaranteed. Keep in
mind that Mike Wallace/Greg Jennings/both will in Miami next year so Hartline
will be able to move back into his role as a slot receiver next year. And, Hartline posted a solid 74 receptions and
over 1,000 yards meaning that he was used often. I don’t think this contract is
ridiculous, but I cannot disagree with the
doubters: this is a below average move.
*QB Matt Moore- Dolphins-
B+
Matt Moore may be the top free agent QB in this class (which
says a lot.) Having a solid backup for Tannehill is important and Moore, who
was there last year, seems like the right guy. Some may say that a 2 yr, 8 mil
contract was a bit much for a backup but I think every penny is worth it to
lock down a borderline starter as a solid veteran on your team. That being
said, I’m surprised Moore accepted this offer considering the weak class, which
is why I downgraded this move. Maybe there is something we don’t know but the
fact that Moore reached for the money and low playing time is interesting.
*CB Leodis McKelvin-
Bills- C-
4 years, 20 mil for a guy that is a below average starter
with great speed is an example of something that is starting to define the
thought process in the NFL. Yes, McKelvin has the tools to be a great player
and certainly is a great punt returner. But he has been a bad corner,
especially in zone. The only reason why I don’t fail this move is because of
the tricks that he can offer. But, those can easily be found for a guy with far
less money.
*FS William Moore-
Falcons- A
The only downside to this move is that Moore is injured
often, but that is a minimal risk considering he has only missed 8 games over
the past 3 years (so only 17% of games.) When he plays, he is one of the best. Moore’s
price tag may say 5 yr, 30 mil but only 14 of that is guaranteed which also
means, if injury does become a factor, they can cut him with relatively little repercussion.
Moore is needed stability for a secondary that may be losing some key players
(Grimes, Robinson.) The Falcons needed to lock him down and they did.
DT Cullen Jenkins-
Giants- B
3 yrs, 8 mil for a guy who, at one point, was a hot
commodity in free agency seems like a bargain in theory. Jenkins’ play has
declined as he has gotten older (though he is only 32)
and his comments to the media often create negative buzz in
the locker room. Plus, it seems like the Giants always draft a defensive
lineman so adding another is a waste of money. Jenkins may have a few good
years left in him, but I would be surprised if he played consistently enough
(and given the depth of the Giants, if at all) to consider this move an above
average deal.
Trades-
Chiefs- QB Alex Smith-
A-
49ers- 2013 2nd
round pick, 2014 conditional mid rounder- A
The Chiefs are brilliant. Looking at this poor draft class,
it is clear that Smith is at least better than any of the 2nd round
prospects available if not also better than most of the 1st round
picks. Smith has played masterfully in Harbaugh’s offense so that confidence
level and grown ability will certainly translate into an easy to understand
Andy Reid offense. As for the argument about drafting a QB, I don’t really
think the Chiefs apply. They are only 2 years removed from being a playoff team
with a relatively similar group of players. And, with the 1st
overall pick, the Chiefs can now draft the best player available instead of
being forced to draft Geno Smith who could end up being a bust. Smith could
also end up being a bust in KC, which is why the grade isn’t an A. The 49ers do
technically win the trade though because of their very brilliant move. Trading
a backup QB for the 1st pick in the second round is a no brainer and
the conditional mid round pick makes things better. Collin Kaepernick is
clearly the guy in SF.
Seahawks- WR Percy Harvin-
B+
Vikings- 2013 1st,
7th, 2014 mid rounder- B+
The Seahawks found their playmaker. Harvin is arguable the
most explosive playmaker in the NFL so this move certainly has appeal. The
Seahawks apparently felt they were one player away from being a contender, and
at 24 Harvin is certainly a long-term interest. Health and attitude issues are
a concern though as is the value of Harvin: is he worth all of that? My answer is a tentative yes
because, when Harvin is explosive, he can make this offense just as good as
this defense. The Vikings get the same grade mostly because of what the lack of
Harvin means. Yes, the Vikings get a prized 1st rounder, but they
lose a player who was the optimal fit in their offense. Both teams took a
similar risk.
49ers- WR Anquan
Boldin- B
Ravens- 2013 6th
round pick- B-
Maybe Boldin plays lights out in 2013 and I end up
regretting this grade. Probably not, though, because Boldin is 33 and we have
already seen him sacrifice his body for the Super bowl. What has he got to gain
by playing a few more years on a team that doesn’t pass it all that often? Furthermore,
Boldin’s attitude issues aren’t going away and his motivation slowly is. But, I
still think he has a few more spectacular plays in him to make this an average
move. The Ravens lose their disgruntled wideout, but only get a 6th
in return. I guess that is better than cutting the guy, but c’mon! The Ravens
could have done a better job in marketing Boldin.
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