WR Mike Wallace-
Dolphins- B+
Mike Wallace is a dangerous wide receiver who is a
legitimate #1 threat in the NFL. He is a speedster who is also tall enough to
grab balls over his head. Many that call him a one trick pony did not watch
many Steelers games over the past few years. Yes, Wallace specializes as a deep
threat but he can catch a curl or a slant pretty well too. But there are a few
reasons why this move is a far cry from perfect. First, Wallace is
inconsistent. He will explode one game and be gone for the next three. The
Dolphins need him to show up every week due to their lack of talent elsewhere. Second,
Wallace dropped the second most passes last year, which feeds into the
inconsistency argument above. His locker room presence can also negatively
affect the locker room and was probably one of the two main reasons that he was
not franchised by the Steelers. The other reason was $- Wallace signed a 5
year, $65 mil contract with $30 mil guaranteed. That’s a lot of money to pay
for a guy with the negatives listed above. In the end, I still think the
positives outweigh the negatives, which is why this move gets a B+. I wouldn’t
be surprised if Wallace flunks in South Beach, though.
LB Paul Kruger-
Browns- A
This grade may be modified depending on the guaranteed $,
but let’s assume the deal is a 5 year, $41 mil with $20 mil guaranteed (as it
is projected to be.) Kruger was the defensive MVP for the Ravens last year but
Ray Lewis overshadowed Kruger’s outstanding performance (especially in the
Super Bowl.) Kruger had 13.5 sacks last year and was dominant in the playoffs. The
Browns have needs almost everywhere so getting one of the top three free agents
available was smart. The Browns are moving to a 3-4, so they need a rush
linebacker. Why not get one of the best? Some will complain that Kruger’s
inexperience and big contract are reasons to be wary of this deal. Kruger may
not have the amount of starts that other guys have, but being apart of the
Ravens’ organization has certainly prepared him to step into Cleveland and make
a big impact. The contract is big, true, but it is not massive. And, if the
deal ends up being $20 mil guaranteed, then cutting him after a few seasons if
he doesn’t work wont hurt the cap as badly. I don’t know is Kruger will be a
pro bowler, or even if this deal will work out. I do know, though, that Kruger
was probably the most important player for Cleveland to get this off-season. The
money is well worth it for a Super Bowl starter who just turned 27 and is
entering his prime.
G Andy Levitre-
Titans- A
This grade also depends on the guaranteed $ but lets assume
it is a 6 year, $46.8 mil with $24 mil guaranteed. Many would call Levitre the
top player in the market and a top 3 guard in the league. The Titans have
struggled with their offensive line, so locking up at least two guards was a
must this offseason. One of them being Levitre is a big deal. For those that
have wondered why Chris Johnson has struggled over the past two seasons, watch
the tape. The Titans cannot block anyone. Levitre was a “break the bank” type
player, so that’s why the Titans offered him such a massive deal. Also, if one
is going to break the bank for a player, guard may be the safest position. Yes,
a lot of players do go easy after getting big bucks, but that is less so for
guards. And, like Kruger, the contract isn’t enormous so cutting Levitre in a
few years will not kill the Titans. This move was a no brainer but of ultimate
importance for the Titans.
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