Tim Tebow, Peyton Manning, Patriots Receiving Corps: NFL Free-Agency Madness

The NFL went wild this week, with arguably the NFL’s two most recognizable players changing teams and my New England Patriots making some beneficial yet maddening moves.

Frankly, I’ve been trying to forget that the NFL exists following the events of this February. But yesterday, as I drove west on the Mass Pike, a huge billboard showing Tom Brady rocking his Uggs stirred me to life.

So here I am, officially ready to weigh in. America loves Tebow, so let’s start there.

Tebow to the New York Jets

We all get it—it was an on-again, off-again thing yesterday that has now had all of the kinks worked out.

Denver gets a fourth- and a sixth-round pick as well as $2.53 million, the Jets get Tebow and a seventh-round pick.

Frankly, before the money headed to Denver was added to the deal, I was all for it—Tim Tebow is worth much more than a fourth- and a sixth-round pick in my book, any potential quarterback controversy aside.

But with the cash added into the deal, I think the Jets came out on the wrong end of this. Sure, Tebow is another talented option that opponents will have to plan for—which, as we saw last year, is very tough to do.

I do think the Jets are committed to Mark Sanchez, as the contract they gave him suggests, but let’s face it—the Jets operate with the maturity of a 13-year-old girl. If they can utilize him correctly, he’ll undoubtedly help their team. But all in all, I think don’t think this deal made sense.

If I were Tebow, I’d want to be headed to Miami or Jacksonville.

Also, when did Antonio Cromartie become the GM of the Jets?

Peyton to the Broncos

I’ve always been a big John Elway fan, but I do think that Elway was a bit smug and a bit—dickish, in his handling of Tim Tebow.

That said, Peyton Manning is essentially Elway’s savior, keeping him from needing to start Tebow at QB next season and likely long into the future.

I have a really tough time arguing against any team signing Peyton Manning when they have the opportunity. How could you? The guy is one of the best ever.

Better yet, Elway got him with a contract that will keep him in Denver until he retires—as long as he’s healthy. And if he’s not healthy, he doesn’t get paid. Brilliant move by the Broncos.

If I were Peyton, I think I would have headed to the 49ers. Look at what that team did last year with Alex Smith—add Peyton Manning, and you have an instant championship.

But alas, Peyton supposedly didn’t want to step on little Eli’s toesies in the NFC. Fair enough. Denver is a pretty good fit as well.

And the Patriots

The Patriots picked up Brandon Lloyd for very, very little money. They now have a significant deep threat that will greatly stretch the field and further open up the likes of Wes Welker, Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski.

They also added Anthony Gonzalez, who essentially guarantees that they have the leverage not to pay Wes Welker big money next year if they don’t want to. Also added were Daniel Fells (I wasn’t aware the Patriots were short on tight ends) and Donte' Stallworth (not going to get overly excited).

On the flip side of the coin, we saw BenJarvus Green-Ellis depart for the Bengals yesterday. I’m not sure what they are paying him, but I’m sad to see him leave—this hurts the Patriots, no doubt.

No, Green-Ellis is not Terrell Davis, but he’s a solid running back who scored 11 touchdowns for us last year while splitting snaps. Better yet, he never once fumbled.

When you have Tom Brady at QB, what more could you possibly ask for in a running back? I thought he was a perfect fit.

Also departing was defensive end Mark Anderson, to the Bills no less. I know that the Patriots would have had to pay him, but for me this is the icing on the cake.

The Patriots were second in the NFL in total offense last year, with Tom Brady also breaking the all-time single-season passing yardage record previously held my Dan Marino.

Even being ranked second in the league, their rushing attack was something like 20th-best in the league. The last thing they needed was to improve their passing attack—instead, they decided for some reason lose a key defensive player and trade their top rusher. God damn the ways of Bill.

The Patriots were 31st in the NFL in total defense last year. Someone, anyone tell me why they are so hell-bent on improving their passing attack—it literally couldn’t get much better already. If Tom Brady stays healthy next season, I expect him to rewrite the record books once again.

That said, if the Patriots draft a single offensive player I’m going to off myself and become a Dolphins fan.

What a week. The NFL should be a circus next year, as usual.

Geoff Roberts is the Founder & Managing Editor of howiGit.com, a Boston sports blog.