2012 NFL Free Agents: How Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers Improved in 1 Day

The first day of NFL free agency started with a pretty loud pop, but very little bang. Sure, players moved and deals were signed, but the big-ticket players remain without a home.

Former Houston Texans defensive end Mario Williams is still a free agent and quarterback Peyton Manning is still indecisive. Williams has visits with the Bears and Titans and has already gone to see the Bills. No deal as of yet for Williams, but I am sure there will continue to be dialogue.

However, as Williams and Manning continue to kick the tires on a few more NFL teams, there were a few squads that positioned themselves as Super Bowl favorites on Tuesday.

The San Francisco 49ers were believed to be in the running for the services of Manning before he was even released by the Colts. The Niners were able to play themselves into the NFC Championship Game with Alex Smith calling the plays. However, many believed that they were one play, or one quarterback, away from taking that final step.

They decided to stay put with Smith, but improved in other areas. San Francisco signed former New England Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss to a one-year deal and held on to cornerback Carlos Rogers.

The team’s nucleus remains and it's added a former All-Pro receiver that still has something left in the tank.

The Chicago Bears traded for Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall and have serious want for defensive end Mario Williams. If the Bears can snag Williams and pair him with edge-rusher Julius Peppers, Chicago could very well see itself back in the NFL championship game. Beating the daylights out of every single quarterback the team faces could be lucrative, just ask the Giants.

What is most intriguing regarding both deals is how the balance of power remains in the NFC. The Bears all of a sudden seem formidable with Jay Cutler and Marshall together again and the Niners just seem more dangerous.

By no means will the road be easy for either team, but adding the players they did on Tuesday went a long way in solidifying their validity as serious contenders.