NFL Free Agency 2017: Examining Effect of Biggest Deals from Day 1

NFL Free Agency didn't disappoint those looking for transactions that brought hope, despair and surprise. The biggest deals don't always correlate to winning seasons, but it's the first sign of a fresh start for teams and players. 

Unless you consider safety D.J. Swearinger or defensive tackle Stacy McGee huge signings, the Washington Redskins didn't create big waves on Thursday. Yet the organization experienced the worst start of the new NFL year.

According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, quarterback Kirk Cousins requested a trade instead of signing a franchise tag worth approximately $24 million, per Spotrac. Clearly, he's not happy. To make matters worse, team president Bruce Allen released a statement on the team's official website that confirmed Scot McCloughan's exit as general manager. As an executive, he wanted to lock Cousins into a long-term deal. 

Cousins will eventually sign the franchise tag, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, but the leadership on the field and within the front office doesn't provide commitment or clear direction for the organization.

As for personnel transactions, several teams improved their rosters while others chose to watch the free-agent fireworks. We'll dig deeper into the biggest deals on Day 1 of free agency.

Houston Texans Trade Brock Osweiler to Cleveland Browns

Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

Free agency focuses on signing new players or retaining assets, but an unforeseen blockbuster trade lit social media ablaze on Thursday.

Last year, the Houston Texans made waves when the organization decided to ink quarterback Brock Osweiler to a four-year, $72 million deal.

After 15 starts, losing his starting job to backup Tom Savage and two playoff games, Osweiler found himself in free-agency headlines again. The Texans sent him and a 2018 second-round pick to the Cleveland Browns, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Astonishingly, the Browns valued the draft pick more than the player. In fact, the front office will shop him in trade talks, and according to Schefter, teams have already inquired about the 26-year-old signal-caller: 

It's a big blow to Osweiler's psyche and his perceived value across the league. Despite a huge deal worth $37 million guaranteed, the Texans saw enough and decided to move on without securing quarterback Tony Romo, who's interested in Houston as his next destination, per Mortensen:

NFL Network's Andrew Siciliano highlighted the Browns' hoarding tendencies when it comes to draft picks: 

"

Browns now own 8 picks in the just 1st and 2nd rounds alone of the next two @NFL drafts.

— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) March 10, 2017"

Cleveland will either completely flip the roster with new talent or package the picks to pull off another stunning trade. According to Cleveland Plain Dealer reporter Mary Kay Cabot, the Browns are still chasing New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

Considering the Browns signed Kevin Zeitler to the most lucrative contract among guards and extended guard Joel Bitonio, whoever starts at quarterback should have solid interior pass protection. Cleveland has a plan to emerge from the dumpster fire, and it's going to culminate in a significant trade or an influx of high draft picks.

New England Spend $65 Million on Stephon Gilmore

Patriots general manager Bill Belichick doesn't take his foot off the pedal even after a Super Bowl victory. He acquired a top cornerback on the free-agent market coming off a Pro Bowl season.

Cornerback Stephon Gilmore signed a five-year, $65 million deal to join an already talented secondary, per Schefter: 

With the free-agent acquisition and cornerback Eric Rowe's solid play in the previous season, the Patriots can trade an asset at the position. New England has dangled cornerback Malcolm Butler in front of the New Orleans Saints for wide receiver Brandin Cooks, as reported by ESPN's Dianna Russini: 

Belichick has options at the cornerback position with the opportunity to exchange assets to strengthen weaker spots on the roster.

Based on what we already know, Gilmore should step in as the No. 1 cornerback. He's a fifth-year veteran who forces turnovers. He's recorded 14 interceptions through his career. Whether he stands opposite Butler, Cyrus Jones or Rowe, the Patriots will field a secondary good enough to shut down their division rivals.

Jacksonville Jaguars Add Cornerback A.J. Bouye 

Over the past few years, the Jacksonville Jaguars emerged as winners during the free agency period, but it hasn't amounted to many victories. They've finished with a losing record for the past six seasons. However, under new leadership, team executive Tom Coughlin and head coach Doug Marrone may be able to squeeze the most out of a talented roster.

On Thursday, the Jaguars dipped into free agency with a huge splash and weakened the AFC South champions with one acquisition. Cornerback A.J. Bouye signed a five-year, $67.5 million deal with the team, per Houston Chronicle reporter Aaron Wilson:

The former Texan cornerback put together a breakout season in a contract year. If he's able to maintain optimal play after a big payday, the Jaguars will field a top-five secondary, which includes Jalen Ramsey, Tashaun Gipson and newly acquired safety Barry Church.

In 2016, the Jaguars ranked No. 5 in passing yards allowed, but the offense failed to establish continuity and put up points. If quarterback Blake Bortles shows any semblance of competence, Jacksonville's game plan will look similar to the Texans' in years past. The Jaguars should be able to win contests with 24 or more points and a suffocating defense in the upcoming season.

Stats provided by NFL.com and Pro-Football-Reference.com unless otherwise noted.