The Five Biggest NFL Player Moves Since March 5th, And Their Significance

A new day, a new year.

Even though most of the rest of the world celebrated New Year's on January 1st, the NFL celebrated theirs with a bang on March 5th. Many teams, such as the Chicago Bears, couldn't wait to get the festivities underway, and enjoyed a bit of "pre-gaming" before the party—it is suspected they illegally talked to Julius Peppers before the clock struck midnight.

The first day of free agency was big for more than just the players on the open market; a few other NFL players found a new home via trade, as well.

With many teams fixing to shape up their roster quickly, I'll take a look at the top five moves and their significance to their new team's roster. These aren't ranked in any specific order, since it's impossible to tell now which move is the most important—we'll learn that much in due course.

Antonio Cromartie to the New York Jets

What it took: A third or second round pick (depending on Cromartie's performance)

What it means: The Jets potentially fill their void at No. 2 CB across from Darrelle Revis.

Some would call him a flash in the pan, others might think he "dogged it".

Now, the team that ended his chances at a Super Bowl in 2009 is the very same team that is supposed to increase his chances at a Super Bowl next year. This move might make the Jets defense almost impenetrable.

That is, if he performs.

Several San Diego fans and media types got on Cromartie hard last year for taking plays off and taking way too many chances in coverage to make the big play.

But as a co-worker of mine said, if there's one man that can get him working hard and playing disciplined football, it's Rex Ryan.

Karlos Dansby to the Miami Dolphins

What it took: A five-year, $43 million contract.

What it means: To bring an end to the on-again off-again roster status of Joey Porter, all the Dolphins needed to do was sign a linebacker.

So all they did was sign the best linebacker in free agency to the biggest contract ever for a non-pass-rushing linebacker.

Karlos Dansby has a nose for the big play, and though he doesn't rack up a ton of sacks or even interceptions, he seems to find himself in the right place at the right time, time and time again. Take, for example, his fumble recovery for a touchdown in the wild and crazy Wild Card matchup against the Green Bay Packers.

If the Dolphins can get a good amount of big plays like that, the investment will be more than worth it.

Dunta Robinson to the Atlanta Falcons

What it took: A six-year, $57 million contract with $25.5 million guaranteed money and performance-based incentives.

What it means: The Falcons have been piecing together their roster over the past few years. They started on offense with Matt Ryan and Michael Turner back in 2008, and added Tony Gonzalez last year.

They haven't, however, done a spectacular job of putting together a defense. It showed last year, and the Falcons don't figure to sit around and let themselves get picked apart week-in and week-out again.

Robinson hasn't performed as spectacularly as many thought he would after he recorded six interceptions back in his rookie year, but he plays sound football and will pose a bigger challenge to receivers than any defensive back currently on Atlanta's roster.

Julius Peppers to the Chicago Bears

What it took: A contract worth $91 million over six years, with $42 million in guaranteed money.

What it means: For a team that takes great pride in its history of great defenses, the Chicago Bears have been inept for some time.

Now, with an All-Pro pass rusher on the edge, the Bears hope to regain some of that prestige.

But like Cromartie, Peppers will have to stifle the critics. Several officials close to Peppers, including former teammates, have spoken out on his lackadaisical-at-times effort, saying that he "picks his spots" to shine, takes a lot of plays off, and lacks passion for football.

It's possible to renew an image, but is it possible to rejuvenate a lost passion? Peppers will prove the pundits right or wrong, and that risk is worth the investment to Chicago's front office.

Anquan Boldin to the Baltimore Ravens

What it took: A third and fourth round selection in the 2010 draft, along with a four-year, $28 million extension with $10 million guaranteed.

What it means: Joe Flacco has made do with mediocre receivers throughout his two-year tenure in Baltimore. Now, the Ravens add an explosive receiver to their run-based offense.

It only took one player to take a one-dimensional offense and completely open up the playbook. Boldin isn't a deep threat and won't stretch the field very often, but his ability to make catches underneath and create yards after the catch will force opposing defenses to spread out in order to accommodate.

The Ravens solidify their place as playoff contenders with the move, and every team in the AFC North has to take note.