NFL Free Agency 2016: Grading Every Team's 1st Week
The first week of NFL free agency is always a frenzy. Huge contracts fly around, players make bold and sometimes perplexing moves, and teams drastically change their rosters in an effort to stay competitive.
This year was no different, and the NFL landscape is dramatically changed after just one week. So how did teams do?
Let's look at each franchise, assigning a grade based on free-agent activity and the quality of players gained or lost. Traded players are fair game, and we'll stick to the second week of March for most transactions.
Includes transactions made through Monday, March 14.
Arizona Cardinals
1 of 32
Retained: QB Drew Stanton (two years, $6.5 million), TE Jermaine Gresham (one year, $3.5 million)
Tendered: SS Tony Jefferson, SS D.J. Swearinger
Added: SS Tyvon Branch (two years, $8 million)
Lost: OT Bobby Massie (Bears), OT Bradley Sowell (Seahawks), LB Sean Weatherspoon (Falcons)
Analysis
It was odd to see the Cardinals sign the aging Tyvon Branch (29) despite assigning free-agent tenders to fellow strong safeties Tony Jefferson (24) and D.J. Swearinger (24).
That the Cardinals managed to get Jermaine Gresham to stick around on a one-year deal when he had multiyear offers with big guarantees on the table, per ESPN's Adam Schefter, seemed mysterious, though Schefter writes: "He took less money to have consistency in offense and reset his market for next year," per a source.
There wasn't much else to see in Arizona during the first week of free agency as the Cardinals sit in the bottom half of the NFL when it comes to cap space.
Grade: C+
Atlanta Falcons
2 of 32
Retained: FS Ricardo Allen (one year, $525,000), SS Charles Godfrey (one year, $965,000), RT Bryce Harris ($820,000)
Tendered: LB Paul Worrilow, RT Ryan Schraeder
Added: C Alex Mack (five years, $45 million), DE Derrick Shelby (four years, $18 million), WR Mohamed Sanu (five years, $32.5 million), QB Matt Schaub (one year, $2.75 million), LB Sean Weatherspoon (one year, $1.5 million)
Lost: WR Roddy White (Unsigned), DT Paul Soliai (Panthers), C Gino Gradkowski (Panthers)
Analysis
The Falcons addressed their biggest need on offense in emphatic fashion, singing one of the league's best centers away from the Cleveland Browns and solidifying the offensive line in one fell swoop.
Mohamed Sanu makes for a solid No. 2 receiver opposite Julio Jones—and that is where he will play considering his contract—but $6.5 million annually seems like a lot for a guy who couldn't really win that job in Cincinnati against relatively weak competition.
Jettisoning Roddy White was addition by subtraction as the veteran had clearly lost a step or three. Derrick Shelby was a nice addition as an inexpensive pass-rushing option who has been buried on the Dolphins depth chart for years.
Grade: A-
Baltimore Ravens
3 of 32
Retained: K Justin Tucker (one year, $4.6 million)
Tendered: TE Chase Ford
Added: TE Benjamin Watson (two years, $7 million), FS Eric Weddle (four years, $26 million)
Lost: OL Kelechi Osemele (Raiders), QB Matt Schaub (Falcons)
Analysis
There wasn't much the Ravens could do to keep Kelechi Osemele once free agency opened up the vaults. The Oakland Raiders had too much money to burn, and Baltimore simply couldn't keep up with the Joneses.
The Ravens were slated for a D grade here, considering all they did was sign a 35-year-old tight end and keep their kicker until Monday. Then they signed Eric Weddle and redeemed themselves.
Weddle may not be Ed Reed, but the 31-year-old is a vast improvement over what the team has had at the position since the future Hall of Famer left the building in 2013.
Grade: C+
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Buffalo Bills
4 of 32
Retained: OT Cordy Glenn (one year, $13.7 million), OG Richie Incognito (three years, $15.75 million)
Tendered: None
Added: None
Lost: DE Mario Williams (Dolphins), WR Chris Hogan (Patriots), DT Stefan Charles (Lions), OLB Nigel Bradham (Eagles), CB Leodis McKelvin (Eagles), CB Ron Brooks (Eagles), OG Kraig Urbik, RB Anthony Dixon
Analysis
The defense is going to look quite a bit different next season without starters Mario Williams, Leodis McKelvin and Nigel Bradham.
Some of it was the Bills' own doing as they chose to part ways with Williams and McKelvin, but losing a breakout starter like Bradham had to hurt. Other cuts were merely good business moves.
Of course, losing Chris Hogan to the New England Patriots might hurt the most. After all, look what Wes Welker did in New England after the Dolphins traded him away.
The fact the Bills haven't been able to do anything else in free agency is a bit troubling, though. They were able to keep their offensive line intact by tagging Cordy Glenn and re-signing surprisingly good guard Richie Incognito, but that's just about all she wrote in Buffalo last week.
Grade: C-
Carolina Panthers
5 of 32
Retained: FB Mike Tolbert (two years, $3.3 million), DE Charles Johnson (one year, $3 million), QB Joe Webb (two years, $1.86 million), OG Chris Scott (one year, $840,000)
Tendered: OT Mike Remmers
Added: DT Paul Soliai (two years, $7 million), C Gino Gradkowski (three years, $3.15 million)
Lost: OT Nate Chandler
Analysis
The Panthers were able to squeeze a major discount out of Charles Johnson, who returned on a meager one-year deal soon after he was released by the team that drafted him in 2007. The trouble is, he may not have much left in the tank.
Outside of keeping Johnson and fullback Mike Tolbert, though, little has happened in Panther land thus far.
Grade: C
Chicago Bears
6 of 32
Retained: TE Zach Miller (two years, $6 million), RB Jacquizz Rodgers (one year, $760,000), CB Tracy Porter (three years, $12 million), DT Mitch Unrein (two years, undisclosed)
Tendered: WR Alshon Jeffery
Added: LB Danny Trevathan (four years, $24.5 million), OT Bobby Massie (three years, $18 million), LB Jerrell Freeman (three years, $12 million), Akiem Hicks (two years, $10 million)
Lost: OT Jermon Bushrod (Dolphins), RB Matt Forte (Jets)
Analysis
The Bears have quietly had one of the most solid offseasons to date.
Though they parted ways with the still productive Matt Forte, the Bears should be fine at running back thanks to Jeremy Langford and Ka'Deem Carey.
More importantly, Chicago brought on some quality free agents at affordable prices. Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman should immediately improve the defense, while Bobby Massie shores up the offensive line a bit.
Grade: A-
Cincinnati Bengals
7 of 32
Retained: CB Adam Jones (three years, $20 million), SS George Iloka (five years, $30 million), RT Eric Winston (one year, $1.09 million), WR Brandon Tate (one year, $760,000), LB Vincent Rey (three years, $10.5 million), C T.J. Johnson (undisclosed)
Tendered: None
Added: CB Chykie Brown (reserve/future)
Lost: WR Mohamed Sanu (Falcons), WR Marvin Jones (Lions), LB Emmanuel Lamur (Vikings)
Analysis
Signing their own was the biggest priority for the Bengals at the outset of free agency, and they succeeded for the most part. That's not a bad plan in free agency, given their recent on-field success. After all, the best teams in the NFL tend to draft well and retain talent.
In Cincinnati's case, keeping Adam Jones, George Iloka and Vincent Rey was great for the defense, especially considering any of those three could have commanded plenty on the open market.
Unfortunately, the Bengals weren't able to keep everyone—Cincinnati lost its No. 2 and 3 receivers to teams that probably overpaid for them. Without much available in free agency and a seemingly weak draft class, quarterback Andy Dalton might struggle to complete passes to guys not named A.J. Green or Tyler Eifert next season.
Grade: C+
Cleveland Browns
8 of 32
Retained: DT Jamie Meder (one year, $525,000), LB Tank Carder (two years, $2.5 million)
Tendered: OLB Scott Solomon, OG Austin Pasztor, FS Don Jones
Added: OG Alvin Bailey (undisclosed), LB Justin Tuggle (undisclosed)
Lost: FS Tashaun Gipson (Jaguars), WR Travis Benjamin (Chargers), OT Mitchell Schwartz (Chiefs), C Alex Mack (Falcons), QB Johnny Manziel, CB Johnson Bademosi (Lions)
Analysis
The Browns are rebuilding, apparently. What else is new?
There was a Cleveland exodus of biblical proportions when free agency opened up as the Browns lost starters Tashaun Gipson, Travis Benjamin, Mitchell Schwartz and Alex Mack all within a few hours. It was a bloodbath from which they won't recover quickly.
Grade: F
Dallas Cowboys
9 of 32
Retained: CB Morris Claiborne (one year, $3 million), TE James Hanna (three years, $8.25 million), LB Rolando McClain (one year, $4 million), LT Charles Brown (one year, $760,000)
Tendered: FS Jeff Heath, OG Ron Leary
Signed: DE Cedric Thornton (four years, $17 million), CB Josh Thomas (one year, undisclosed)
Lost: C Mackenzy Bernadeau (Jaguars), DE Greg Hardy, QB Matt Cassel (Titans), DE Efe Obada (Chiefs)
Analysis
Without a ton of cap space, the Cowboys have been unable to make a free-agent splash thus far this offseason.
Dallas kept Morris Claiborne around for one more season to see if he can fulfill his first-round potential, and tight end James Hanna might be Jason Witten's successor at this point. Cedric Thornton was a decent addition on the defensive side of the ball, too.
Other than that, there isn't much to write home about in Dallas from the first week of free agency.
Grade: C
Denver Broncos
10 of 32
Retained: None
Tendered: OLB Von Miller, RB C.J. Anderson (signed offer with Dolphins), LB Brandon Marshall
Acquired: Mark Sanchez (trade from Eagles), OT Donald Stephenson (three years, $14 million)
Lost: QB Peyton Manning (retirement), QB Brock Osweiler (Texans), LB Danny Trevathan (Bears), DE Malik Jackson (Jaguars), OG Louis Vasquez, TE Owen Daniels, LS Aaron Brewer
Analysis
There may be no quicker way to fall from grace than the way the Denver Broncos have this offseason.
General manager John Elway put himself in a tough situation thanks to all the big contracts he has handed out in recent years. The Broncos were tight on cap space even after Peyton Manning announced his retirement thanks to the $14.1 million franchise tag placed on Von Miller.
Still, it was tough to envision the Broncos getting waxed in free agency like they have thus far. The biggest loss, of course, came in the form of Brock Osweiler, who chased the money all the way to Houston. On the bright side, Mark Sanchez—the current starter on the roster by way of trade—rode the Jets defense to the AFC Championship Game twice.
Losing stud defensive end Malik Jackson might hurt more than losing Osweiler, though—he was the second-most important player on that fantastic defensive line last year.
Grade: D-
Detroit Lions
11 of 32
Retained: DT Haloti Ngata (two years, $12 million), LB Tahir Whitehead (two years, $8 million), CB Crezdon Butler (one year, $760,000), DT Tyrunn Walker (one year, $1.6 million), QB Dan Orlovsky (one year, $1.07 million)
Tendered: None
Signed: WR Marvin Jones (five years, $40 million), FS Tavon Wilson (two years, $2.2 million), CB Johnson Bademosi (two years, $4.5 million), DT Stefan Charles (one year, $1.75 million), FS Rafael Bush (one year, $1.5 million)
Lost: WR Calvin Johnson (retirement), FS Isa Abdul-Quddus (Dolphins), LB Travis Lewis (Vikings)
Analysis
Losing an all-time great player to early retirement stings. It's happened twice to the Lions in the past 20 years.
Calvin Johnson shocked the NFL world when word got out he was retiring. The future Hall of Famer made it official last week, leaving a gaping hole in the offense that nobody can reasonably fill.
The Lions were undeterred, though, signing Marvin Jones to a $40 million deal that is probably too expensive yet pales in comparison to the money Johnson left on the table. Jones has potential, and he could form a formidable one-two punch with Golden Tate if both can stay healthy.
As big of an impact that Johnson's departure will have on the organization, one player does not make a team. Detroit deserves credit for trucking along without him in free agency. Beyond Jones, the Lions picked up plenty of depth and retained the middle of their defensive front.
Grade: C+
Green Bay Packers
12 of 32
Retained: K Mason Crosby (four years, $16.1 million), OLB Nick Perry (one year, $5 million), OG Lane Taylor (two years, $4.15 million), SS Chris Banjo (one year, $675,000), OT Vince Kowalski (undisclosed)
Tendered: None
Signed: None
Lost: CB Casey Hayward (Chargers), QB Scott Tolzien (Colts)
Analysis
The Packers haven't made a move in free agency. The sun sets in the west. The Pope is Catholic. Election season is loud.
Anyone expecting Green Bay to sign anyone in the first week of free agency hasn't been paying attention. The Packers rarely sign free agents to begin with, let alone join the early frenzy. There have been exceptions under general manager Ted Thompson, but by and large the Packers stick to re-signing their own and waiting for bargains.
Alas, we must assign a grade for last week. Losing Casey Hayward was a big blow to that secondary.
Grade: D
Houston Texans
13 of 32
Retained: FS Eddie Pleasant (two years, $2.15 million), P Shane Lechler (one year, $1.8 million)
Tendered: CB A.J. Bouye, OLB John Simon
Signed: QB Brock Osweiler (four years, $72 million), RB Lamar Miller (four years, $26 million), C Tony Bergstrom (two years, $5.75 million), OG Jeff Allen (four years, $28 million), OT Chris Clark (two years, $6 million)
Lost: OG Brandon Brooks (Eagles), C Ben Jones (Titans), LB Justin Tuggle (Browns), RB Arian Foster
Analysis
Go big or go home. In Houston's case, it went tall.
Brock Osweiler seemed destined to stick with the Denver Broncos after Peyton Manning retired. The Texans had other plans, though, wooing the 6'8" quarterback away from the team that drafted him with a much bigger offer.
Of course, what does it say about Osweiler that the Broncos didn't want to give him more than $15 million per year?
At any rate, the Texans are clearly trying to escape quarterback purgatory, pushing in all their chips for a guy who was benched in favor of a 39-year-old who was playing at half capacity late last year. Still, Osweiler represents an upgrade with upside over the four-headed monster that was Brian Hoyer, Ryan Mallett, Brandon Weeden and T.J. Yates.
Nabbing Lamar Miller to replace the aging Arian Foster was an excellent move, at least, ensuring the Texans will have a quality back for years to come if he can stay healthy. Houston also did a nice job of replacing too-expensive Brandon Brooks and Ben Jones with more cost-effective options.
Grade: B
Indianapolis Colts
14 of 32
Retained: TE Dwayne Allen (four years, $29.4 million)
Tendered: TE Jack Doyle
Signed: QB Scott Tolzien (two years, $3.5 million)
Lost: LB Jerrell Freeman (Bears), TE Coby Fleener (Saints), FS Dwight Lowery (Chargers), WR Andre Johnson, QB Matt Hasselbeck (retirement), QB Josh Freeman
Analysis
Free agency isn't pretty when your best moves are re-signing a tight end who has missed 21 games in three seasons to a bloated contract and nabbing a new backup quarterback.
The Colts have been sliding backward in the AFC South, and they did not stop that momentum in the first week of the new league year. It's not as if Indianapolis lacks cap space—the Colts still have more than $23 million they can spend for 2016, 10th-most in the league.
Perhaps they are saving for the inevitably massive Andrew Luck extension.
Grade: D-
Jacksonville Jaguars
15 of 32
Retained: TE Marcedes Lewis (three years, $12 million), DT Abry Jones (one year, $2.6 million)
Tendered: DE Ryan Davis
Added: RB Chris Ivory (five years, $32 million), DE Malik Jackson (five years, $85.5 million), CB Prince Amukamara (one year, $5.5 million), P Brad Nortman (four years, $8.8 million), FS Tashaun Gipson (five years, $36 million), C Mackenzy Bernadeau (two years, $4 million)
Lost: RB Toby Gerhart, DE Chris Clemons, OT Sam Young (Dolphins), OG Zane Beadles
Analysis
What does the team with the most cap space get in free agency? Anything it wants, right?
Well, close to it, anyway. The Jaguars could have surely bid for defensive end Olivier Vernon to the bitter end, but the New York Giants were simply willing to go to a place Jacksonville couldn't get to. Part of the reason was surely the obscene money Jacksonville had already spent.
Still, Jacksonville had a fine first week of free agency, inking Chris Ivory, Malik Jackson, Prince Amukamara, Tashaun Gipson and Brad Nortman. The Jaguars might have had to overpay a bit, but they still have plenty of cap space the rest of the way.
The Jaguars had to go all out to improve the roster on a team perpetually rebuilding. They have broken the bank two years running without negative impact to the salary cap. Hopefully these moves can make them competitive in the AFC South, otherwise it's curtains for head coach Gus Bradley and possibly general manager Dave Caldwell.
Grade: A-
Kansas City Chiefs
16 of 32
Retained: LB Derrick Johnson (three years, $21 million), Frank Zombo (three years, $3.6 million), CB Jamell Fleming (one year, $840,000), DT Jaye Howard (two years, $10 million), DE David King (one year)
Tendered: None
Added: OT Mitchell Schwartz (five years, $33 million), WR Rod Streater (one year, $810,000)
Lost: CB Sean Smith (Raiders), OT Donald Stephenson (Broncos), OG Jeff Allen (Texans), QB Chase Daniel (Eagles), SS Tyvon Branch (Cardinals), OG Ben Grubbs
Analysis
Not only did the Chiefs lose or cut several quality players last week, but they got hit with a penalty for tampering with receiver Jeremy Maclin a year ago, per the Associated Press (via FoxSports.com).
Fortunately, the news wasn't all bad. Kansas City retained Derrick Johnson, a lifetime Chief, to anchor the middle of that defense.
One important guy the Chiefs were unable to retain was Sean Smith, the leader of the cornerback corps. The 6'3", 218-pound corner will be missed, particularly because he went over to the dark side—Oakland.
Mitchell Schwartz was an excellent addition, as he's a solid, reliable starter on the right side of the offensive line. But his arrival masks the loss of guard Jeff Allen and tackle Donald Stephenson.
Grade: C+
Los Angeles Rams
17 of 32
Retained: CB Trumaine Johnson (one year, $13.95 million), WR Brian Quick (one year, $1.75 million), C Tim Barnes (two years, $5.5 million), DE William Hayes (three years, $17.5 million), DE Eugene Sims (three years, $10 million), FS Cody Davis (two years, undisclosed), OLB Mark Barron (five years, $45 million)
Tendered: QB Case Keenum
Added: CB Coty Sensabaugh (three years, $14 million)
Lost: CB Janoris Jenkins (Giants), FS Rodney McLeod (Eagles)
Analysis
The Rams may have moved to Los Angeles, but there hasn't been much glitz and glamour to free agency for them thus far.
While they have been able to retain many of their free agents—including ascendant starter Case Keenum and franchise-tagged Trumaine Johnson—much of what has transpired has been to preserve the status quo. If successful, that means another mediocre season for head coach Jeff Fisher.
Only bottom-of-the-barrel Coty Sensabaugh came by way of free agency, hardly making up for the losses of Janoris Jenkins and Rodney McLeod.
Grade: C+
Miami Dolphins
18 of 32
Retained: C Jacques McClendon
Tendered: None
Added: DE Mario Williams (two years, $17 million), RB C.J. Anderson (four years, $18 million), FS Isa Abdul-Quddus (three years, $12.75 million), CB Byron Maxwell (trade), LB Kiko Alonso (trade), OT Jermon Bushrod (one year), OT Sam Young (one year, $910,000), OLB James Michael-Johnson (one year, $760k)
Lost: DE Olivier Vernon (Giants), WR Rishard Matthews (Titans), DE Derrick Shelby (Falcons), CB Brent Grimes (Buccaneers), RB Lamar Miller (Texans)
Analysis
The only team that rivaled Philadelphia's makeover was one that traded with the Eagles.
The Dolphins are going through another overhaul, including moves for Philadelphia castoffs Byron Maxwell and Kiko Alonso. Perhaps their failure will turn to success in Miami under fresh head coach Adam Gase, but they are hardly great moves on paper considering Maxwell's horrible play in 2015 and Alonso's injury history.
Mario Williams sounds like a great addition, but the veteran pass-rusher is on the wrong side of 30. The Dolphins let Lamar Miller walk because he was too expensive, but he was only $2 million per season more than C.J. Anderson.
Of course, Miami may have whiffed on improving the offensive line yet again, signing tackle Jermon Bushrod to play guard and snagging Jaguars castoff Sam Young as a depth pickup.
Wholesale changes to a perpetually mediocre team could be great, but it could also wind up being another disastrous offseason in South Florida.
Grade: C
Minnesota Vikings
19 of 32
Retained: SS Andrew Sendejo (four years, $16 million), CB Marcus Sherels (one year), DE Justin Trattou (one year), OG Mike Harris (one year, $2 million), LB Audie Cole (one year, $840,000), LT Carter Bykowski (one year, $600,000)
Tendered: FB Zach Line
Added: OLB Emmanuel Lamur (two years, $5.5 million), DT Kenrick Ellis (one year, $810k), FS Michael Griffin (one year, $2.5 million), Alex Boone
Lost: WR Mike Wallace
Analysis
Though they have plenty of transactions on the books over the past week, the Minnesota Vikings are doing a whole lot of nothing in free agency.
Their best moves involve cutting Mike Wallace and retaining a fullback. Emmanuel Lamur might be a solid contributor, and Kenrick Ellis might be a decent rotational player. Michael Griffin ranked 60th among safeties over at Pro Football Focus last season.
Other than that, the Vikings spent time retaining 85th-ranked safety Andrew Sendejo on a four-year deal rather than nabbing a far better option in free agency. They also re-signed a cornerback who is best suited for returning punts (Marcus Sherels) and some other bit players.
At least Mike Harris performed well on the offensive line last season.
Grade: C+
New England Patriots
20 of 32
Retained: FB James Develin (one year, $750,000), CB James Coleman (one year, $575,000), OG Cameron Fleming (one year, $600,000)
Tendered: None
Added: WR Chris Hogan (three years, $12 million), OT LaAdrian Weddle (two years, $2.4 million), DE Frank Kearse, OLB Ramon Humber (one year, $965,000)
Lost: LB Jerod Mayo (retirement), DE Akiem Hicks (Bears), FS Tavon Wilson (Lions), OLB Darius Fleming, WR Brandon LaFell, TE Scott Chandler
Analysis
Who are we to argue with Bill Belichick? After all, the mastermind of New England's ascent to the elite has been one step ahead of us this entire time.
The Patriots signed receiver Chris Hogan away from the Buffalo Bills, inking him to a three-year deal. He has been an AFC East journeyman to date, but could Belichick turn him into the next Wes Welker?
In reality, Hogan isn't anything like the diminutive former Patriot, but he could be a sneaky great pickup for the Pats.
Other than that, though, it's been a flurry of minor moves in New England. Jerod Mayo's retirement puts a dent in that defense, but the Patriots are more likely to find a replacement in the draft or on their own roster.
Grade: B-
New Orleans Saints
21 of 32
Retained: CB Kyle Wilson (one year, $840,000), OG Senio Kelemete (two years, $2.7 million), TE Michael Hoomanawanui (three years, $5.2 million), RB Travaris Cadet (one year, $840,000)
Tendered: TE Josh Hill
Added: TE Coby Fleener (five years, $36 million)
Lost: FS Rafael Bush (Lions), RB Khiry Robinson (Jets), TE Benjamin Watson (Ravens), OLB Ramon Humber (Patriots)
Analysis
Once again the Saints found themselves at the bottom of the barrel when it came to salary-cap space. So it should be no surprise that they haven't spent a ton of money this offseason.
What little money they did have they committed to the tight end position. Coby Fleener somehow won a $36 million contract despite his inconsistent play with the Colts. New Orleans also re-signed Michael Hoomanawanui to back him up while tendering Josh Hill on a one-year deal.
One day the Saints will realize free agency isn't built on tight ends. This is not the day.
Grade: C
New York Giants
22 of 32
Retained: DE Jason Pierre-Paul (one year, $10 million), RB Orleans Darkwa (one year, $525,000)
Tendered: P Brad Wing, SS Bennett Jackson, OG Adam Gettis, WR Miles White, TE Jerome Cunningham, TE Will Tye, TE Larry Donnell
Added: DT Damon Harrison (five years, $46.5 million), DE Olivier Vernon (five years, $85 million), CB Janoris Jenkins (five years, $62.5 million), LB Keenan Robinson (one year, $2.6 million)
Lost: DE Robert Ayers (Buccaneers)
Analysis
Congratulations to the New York Giants, winners of NFL free agency 2016. That or they just hung two or three albatrosses around their collective necks.
New York committed $194 million in salary to three players this offseason, not the least of which was an $85 million deal given to Olivier Vernon. Chances are none of those three (Vernon, Harrison and Jenkins) will see the full amount of those contracts, but that is a lot of cheddar that will surely affect the salary cap in the coming years.
Granted, the Giants had a ton of cap space going into free agency, so they may be smoking them because they had them, so to speak. It helps that Damon Harrison, Janoris Jenkins and Vernon are genuinely good players, well-liked by the folks at Pro Football Focus.
Grade: A-
New York Jets
23 of 32
Retained: RB Bilal Powell (three years, $11.25 million), TE Zach Sudfeld
Tendered: DE Muhammad Wilkerson, WR Kenbrell Thompkins
Added: RB Matt Forte (three years, $12 million), Khiry Robinson (one year, $1.75 million)
Lost: DT Damon Harrison (Giants), WR Jeremy Kerley, RB Chris Ivory (Jaguars), CB Antonio Cromartie
Analysis
Free agency in New York has been sound and fury signifying running back changes.
The Jets signed veteran Matt Forte, an upgrade over departed Chris Ivory. They also re-signed Bilal Powell, a third-down back who boosted the offense last season.
New York did lose one of the best interior linemen in the NFL when Damon Harrison turned in his green jersey for a Big Blue one. The Jets were able to retain Muhammad Wilkerson by way of franchise tag, though, mitigating the damage if they don't trade him before the NFL draft.
Of course, the biggest question in New York right now is whether quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick will relent on his demands and return as the starter who nearly led Gang Green to the playoffs. If the Jets manage to lose him, their free-agency grade might lose an entire letter grade.
Grade: C+
Oakland Raiders
24 of 32
Retained: P Marquette King (five years, $16.5 million), WR Seth Roberts (one year, $525,000), DE Denico Autry (one year, $600,000), LB Daren Bates
Tendered: CB Neiko Thorpe, QB Matt McGloin, OLB Benson Mayowa, OT Matt McCants
Added: LT Kelechi Osemele (five years, $58.5 million), OLB Bruce Irvin (four years, $37 million), CB Sean Smith (four years, $38 million)
Lost: C Tony Bergstrom (Texans), LB Curtis Lofton
Analysis
The Raiders have had a ton of cap space for a few offseasons now, but they hadn't made many big moves. That is no longer the case.
Oakland brought in some big-time talent, signing free agency's top offensive lineman away from the Baltimore Ravens. The Raiders bolstered the other side of the trenches, too, giving stud pass-rusher Khalil Mack a partner in crime in Bruce Irvin on the other side.
Sean Smith should help a cornerback corps that has been an issue over the years, too. Finally, this is obviously the year of the punter extension as the Raiders locked up Marquette King for the next five years.
Grade: A
Philadelphia Eagles
25 of 32
Retained: QB Sam Bradford (two years, $35 million)
Tendered: None
Added: QB Chase Daniel (three years, $21 million), OLB Nigel Bradham (two years, $7 million), CB Leodis McKelvin (two years, $6.2 million), CB Ron Brooks (three years, $5.5 million), FS Rodney McLeod (five years, $35 million), OG Brandon Brooks (five years, $40 million)
Lost: CB Byron Maxwell (trade), Kiko Alonso (trade), RB DeMarco Murray (trade), DE Cedrick Thornton (Cowboys), QB Mark Sanchez (trade), DE Brandon Bair, QB Thaddeus Lewis (49ers)
Analysis
The Eagles are running from the Chip Kelly era like he is after them wearing a hockey mask.
No team saw a bigger makeover than Philadelphia, which jettisoned several starters in an effort to wipe the slate clean after a disastrous 2015 season. Gone are Byron Maxwell, Kiko Alonso and DeMarco Murray, all Kelly imports who disappointed to varying degrees.
It's difficult to grade the Eagles because they made a concerted effort to improve the roster despite getting rid of so many players. They brought in Leodis McKelvin, Ron Brooks and Rodney McLeod in an effort to bolster a perennially awful secondary.
Grade: B
Pittsburgh Steelers
26 of 32
Retained: OG Ramon Foster (three years), CB William Gay (three years, $7.5 million), WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (three years, $3.8 million), FS Robert Golden (three years)
Tendered: None
Added: TE Ladarius Green (four years, $20 million)
Lost: TE Heath Miller (retirement), RT Micah Hatchie
Analysis
Who is ready for 75 Darrius Heyward-Bey targets?
Martavis Bryant's yearlong suspension was a serious buzzkill in Pittsburgh after the Steelers signed tight end Ladarius Green. Hopefully, Bryant will get the help he needs and return better than ever. The offense will miss his talent.
Fortunately, the Steelers were able to mitigate that loss in a couple of ways—presciently drafting Sammie Coates and signing Green, a tight end far more athletic than the retired Heath Miller. Heyward-Bey will play his part, too, as we saw last year even when Bryant and Markus Wheaton were healthy.
Pittsburgh didn't do much to help the secondary other than bringing mediocre-at-best starter William Gay back on a three-year deal.
Grade: B-
San Diego Chargers
27 of 32
Retained: TE Antonio Gates (two years, $11 million), OT Joe Barksdale (four years, $23.5 million), WR Dontrelle Inman (one year, $600,000), OG Kenny Wiggins (one year, $600,000), DE Damion Square (one year), QB Kellen Clemens (one year, $1.065 million)
Tendered: SS Jahleel Addae
Added: CB Casey Hayward (three years, $15.2 million), WR Travis Benjamin (four years, $24 million), FS Dwight Lowery (three years, $7.2 million), DT Brandon Mebane (three years, $13.5 million)
Lost: FS Eric Weddle (Ravens), DE Kendall Reyes (Washington), TE Ladarius Green (Steelers), LB Donald Butler, LB Kavell Conner
Analysis
Despite napalming bridges with longtime starter Eric Weddle and losing Ladarius Green to the Steelers, the Chargers have come out ahead thus far in free agency.
San Diego did a decent job of replacing Weddle with Dwight Lowery, who came at a fraction of the price. Green may have been too expensive to keep, but the Chargers brought back future Hall of Famer Antonio Gates for two more years, assuming his body holds up that long.
Casey Hayward is a theoretical upgrade over Patrick Robinson, from whom the Chargers have seemingly moved on. Travis Benjamin signed a rather team-friendly deal to boost San Diego's speed at wide receiver, as well as bring back an electric kick return game.
In the end, the Chargers did more replacing than adding, but most of their moves should be net positives.
Grade: B-
San Francisco 49ers
28 of 32
Retained: TE Garrett Celek (four years, $10.2 million), K Phil Dawson (one year, $3 million), OLB Ray-Ray Armstrong, DT Ian Williams (five years), RB Shaun Draughn (one year), OG Jordan Devey (one year, $600,000)
Tendered: LB Michael Wilhoite
Added: QB Thaddeus Lewis (one year, $760,000)
Lost: WR Anquan Boldin
Analysis
Upheaval has been a theme in San Francisco over the past year-plus, so it makes sense the 49ers would try to lock down some of their own free agents.
Unfortunately, the headliner among them is tight end Garrett Celek, who signed a four-year deal to stay in the Bay Area.
We don't know what's in store for the 49ers for the remainder of free agency—they could trade quarterback Colin Kaepernick and replace him with Robert Griffin III, for example—but their first week was unspectacular, at best.
Grade: D+
Seattle Seahawks
29 of 32
Retained: P Jon Ryan (four years, $10 million), WR Jermaine Kearse (three years, $15 million), CB Jeremy Lane (four years, $23 million), DT Ahtyba Rubin (three years, $12 million), CB Marcus Burley (one year, $600,000)
Tendered: LB Eric Pinkins, DT A.J. Francis, CB Mohammed Seisay, CB Steven Terrell, TE Cooper Helfet, FS Deshawn Shead, C Patrick Lewis
Added: None
Lost: OG J.R. Sweezy (Buccaneers), OG Alvin Bailey (Browns), DT Brandon Mebane (Chargers), OLB Bruce Irvin (Raiders)
Analysis
The Seahawks have done rather well by drafting, developing and retaining in recent years. But the magic is starting to run out thanks to simple economics.
The offensive line might be losing three offensive linemen to free agency. Guards Alvin Bailey and J.R. Sweezy are already gone, and starting left tackle Russell Okung is shopping his services without an agent. Seattle needed help in the trenches before the exodus.
Losing pass-rusher Bruce Irvin was no big surprise considering how disgruntled he has seemed in Seattle at times. But the Seahawks will feel that pain alongside losing fellow defensive front man Brandon Mebane.
At least the Seahawks were able to retain their punter.
Actually, keeping Jermaine Kearse, Jeremy Lane and Ahtyba Rubin—along with an army of depth players by way of free-agent tender—does stem the bleeding a bit, but the Seahawks are still cut.
Grade: C-
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
30 of 32
Retained: RB Doug Martin (five years, $35.75 million), OLB Jeremiah George (one year, $600,000), Jacquies Smith (one year, $600,000), FS Chris Conte
Tendered: FS Bradley McDougald, WR Russell Shepard
Added: DE Robert Ayers (three years, $19.5 million), CB Brent Grimes (two years, $18 million), OG J.R. Sweezy (five years, $32.5 million)
Lost: LB Bruce Carter, OG Logan Mankins (retirement)
Analysis
Remember when the Buccaneers won free agency a few years back? Neither do we.
The Artist Formerly Known as Muscle Hamster will be a Buccaneer for life, assuming we believe that long-term contracts will hold up. Doug Martin's resurgence won him a huge deal in modern running back terms, and the Buccaneers offense will be better for bringing him back.
Tampa Bay has done a nice job of bringing in free agents, too, shoring up the defense with Robert Ayers and Brent Grimes—assuming the latter isn't in precipitous decline at 32—and upgrading the offensive line with J.R. Sweezy.
They may not have won free agency, but the Buccaneers have certainly improved on paper.
Grade: B+
Tennessee Titans
31 of 32
Retained: RB Antonio Andrews (one year, $600,000), DT Al Woods (three years, $10.5 million)
Tendered: None
Added: RB DeMarco Murray (trade), WR Rishard Matthews (three years, $15 million), QB Matt Cassel (one year, $2 million), C Ben Jones (four years, $17.5 million), CB Brice McCain (two years, $4.4 million)
Lost: FS Michael Griffin (Vikings)
Analysis
Tennessee's trade for DeMarco Murray was roundly mocked. Then the details emerged.
Swapping fourth-round picks to upgrade at a position of severe need while easily absorbing a big contract? What's there to mock?
Sure, Murray looked like he had freed his genie last season, but his crash to earth after leading the league in rushing the previous season can be explained away—he was recovering from being force-fed 500 touches in 2014, and the Eagles were dysfunctional all around.
At worst, his restructured contract is a two-year, $12.25 million deal while the Titans still have the fourth-most cap space at $37.6 million. At best, the Titans picked up a top-five running back.
Tennessee also bolstered its offensive line by signing Ben Jones, added a potential No. 2 receiver in Rishard Matthews at a relative bargain and shored up depth elsewhere. It has been a good week in Tennessee for once, never mind the laughter.
Grade: B+
Washington
32 of 32
Retained: P Tress Way (four years, $9.4 million), QB Colt McCoy (three years, $9 million), TE Logan Paulsen (one year, $840,000), LB Mason Foster (two years, $2.5 million), DT Kedric Golston (one year, $1 million), RB Chris Thompson (one year, $600,000)
Tendered: QB Kirk Cousins, SS Duke Ihenacho, LB Will Compton
Added: DE Kendall Reyes (one year, $1.5 million)
Lost: QB Robert Griffin III, DE Frank Kearse (Patriots), FS Dashon Goldson, SS Jeron Johnson, DE Jason Hatcher
Analysis
Washington has a fantastic punter. So there's that.
Kirk Cousins got slapped with a franchise tag that is worth over $19 million for no other reason than he was slightly better than the carousel of quarterbacks that preceded him. While he did lead his team to an unexpected playoff berth, a Charmin-soft schedule and awful divisional foes probably had more to do with it than his play.
Washington did retain its corps of backups, inking Colt McCoy, Logan Paulsen, Kedric Golston and Chris Thompson to extensions. Kendall Reyes was the only addition last week, a lateral move for the departed Frank Kearse.
Grade: D+
Contract and salary-cap information courtesy of Spotrac.com.
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