NFL Free Agency 2012: Grading Every Signing and Re-Signing Thus Far

The start of the NFL free-agency period is always loud and intense. As soon as the first players signs, the other seems to fall like dominoes.

It all started with Reggie White back in 1993 and it has come full circle with Peyton Manning.

In the spirit of White and Manning, let's examine first-day moves. Was it smart for the Rams to sign cornerback Cortland Finnegan to such a large deal? What about wide receiver Reggie Wayne remaining in Indy?

We'll take a look at them all and give them the grade school treatment.

Here is a quick look at the every free-agent signing on Tuesday.

Reggie Wayne, Re-Signed with Colts, C

I thought that Reggie Wayne would follow Peyton or sign with a team who has a chance of winning a Super Bowl. He chose to stay in Indy with a $17.5 million deal.

If the Colts are trying to clean house, why keep Wayne? If it’s to aid in the development of future quarterback Andrew Luck, then sure.

But otherwise, was this a smart move? 

Carlos Rogers, Re-Signed with 49ers, B

This was important to the Niners as he was key to their success on defense in 2011. He played very well and did not drop every interception that came his way.

His deal is worth $31 million and San Fran is probably hopeful they did not just receive that type of play from Rogers because it was a contract year.

Vincent Jackson, Signed with Bucs, A

I give this one a high grade because Jackson is a big receiver who will give the Bucs big-play potential.

Quarterback Josh Freeman is still growing and with a new offensive coordinator and head coach in town, this is his chance to show that his breakout season a couple years ago wasn’t a fluke.

Jason Campbell, Signed with Bears, C

Campbell will serve as Jay Cutler’s backup in Chicago. I believe the Bears learned their lesson from last season and have no plans to head down that road of uncertainty again.

Campbell is solid and if Cutler goes down—which he probably will—the Bears shouldn’t miss a beat with Campbell calling the plays.

Red Bryant, Re-Signed with Seahawks, B

Bryant was rated as a top defensive end coming into free agency and the Seahawks were smart to keep him.

He's a young guy and should continue to contribute well to Seattle.

Josh Morgan, Signed with Redskins, B

Once former Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III hits D.C., he’s going to need offensive firepower. Morgan isn’t a big-time receiver, but he’ll give Washington enough offensive firepower to be threatening.

Then again, we are talking about Washington. 

Adam Carriker, Re-Signed with Redskins, B

Carriker received $20 million in his deal. The Redskins have no problem in overpaying for undervalued players, but I believe this deal speaks volumes to his worth to the team. 

Pierre Garcon, Signed with Redskins, B

I thought that Garcon would either stay in Indy or head down toward Miami. He’s a young guy and could have been the Reggie Wayne for Andrew Luck.

But he decided to take his talents to D.C.