NFL Free Agency: Big Money Doesn't Always Equal Wins

During the free agency period, fans constantly scream and moan when their teams don't make huge splashes by signing big-time free agents, regardless of what the team actually needs. The fans want their teams to win fast and now, which will lead to over-paying players and spending money on a position that was fine to begin with.

Teams who go out and spend like crazy in the off-season do not always see results from the players they pick up. Players need to bond and learn to work together.  Sometimes, the players who are brought in will not fit into a team's system and  don't work well with others, which usually ends up hurting a team rather than helping it.

Look at the Washington Redskins. Owner Dan Snyder spends like crazy in the off-season, picking up aging players who do little to help the team. The Redskins, since 1998, have gone 82-94, finishing above .500 only three times and have gone just 1-3 in the playoffs during that time. They have gone through three coaches, including hall-of-famer Joe Gibbs.

The players that Synder brings in, in most cases, only remain with the team for an average of two years and then depart or retire. This off-season, Synder spent over $100 million on free agents which could again be a bad decision.

I do like the acquisition of Haynesworth on the defensive line; however, the team had other needs to fill, such as:  quarterback, wide receiver, and offensive line. Unless the Redskins plan on addressing this in the draft, or feel comfortable with the players in which they have, then they have made some mistakes.

Another team who has a track record for going out and getting free agents is the Raiders. In 2001 they went out and grabbed linebacker Bill Romanowski, receiver Jerry Rice, defensive tackle Warren Sapp, and quarterback Rich Gannon. The Raiders had one of the oldest rosters in the NFL.

The Raiders went to the Super Bowl in 2002, losing to the Buccaneers, and have since gone 24-72 with four different coaches at the helm. The players they brought in were great for one year, but upon retirement of those players, the Raiders were left with a young and inexperienced squad that has suffered greatly.

This does not mean that every team that brings in big players suffers. The Patriots did great in the 2007 season by bringing in free agents and almost went undefeated.  Last year they finished 11-5.

You have to gauge the players you bring in, and avoid bringing in too many players that will just be a quick fix. The smart thing to do is to get players that you need to fill a position, like the Eagles did by bringing in Stacy Andrews to fill the vacant offensive tackle position, or like Kansas City did by finally getting a franchise quarterback in Matt Cassell.

Yes, free agency is great for bringing in big time players, but these players are really a quick fix in most situations. As much as the fans do not want to hear this, the best way to improve your team for the long haul is through the draft and helping players mature.

The teams such as the Patriots, who have success every single year, do this. It's better for the players and for the whole organization to go in this direction.