2012 NFL Free Agency: The 5 Biggest Winners, Losers so Far

There are still some quality players to be had in free agency if anyone is interested.

You would swear by the silence lately that the NFL has stopped looking at players, that all the great ones are gone.

But there are still names that could impress and help franchises.

It will be interesting to see what happens.

In the last 14 days, there have been some great finds and some that have left us puzzled. And then there was the Peyton Manning Sweepstakes.

Let's just say it has been "interesting" to say the least.

Here are some of the winners and losers from the free agency so far.

Winner: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers came out of the gate swinging for the fences.

They landed Vincent Jackson to be their top pass catcher from the San Diego Chargers. He is better than the Bucs have had since Keyshawn Johnson.

Then, to solidify the offensive line they landed Carl Nicks, the All-Pro guard from New Orleans. Maybe they signed Nicks with the idea of drafting Trent Richardson of Alabama.

And for the trinity, the team then went out and got Eric Wright to strengthen the secondary.

If the picks are as successful as they look on paper, the Buccaneers could be a playoff team.

Loser: Cincinnati Bengals

Mike Zimmer had built a defense that was one of the best in the NFL last year and helped the Bengals to the playoffs for the third time in 21 years.

But the free agent period was not kind to the Bengals. Frostee Rucker and Jonathan Fanene were both lost from the defensive line. Both will be huge blows to this team. The Bengals may look to the draft to replace one or both of them.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis' signing to help solidify the running game helps, but the defensive losses will really be felt.

Winner: Buffalo Bills

They signed Mario Williams.

While it took a few days and keeping the former Texans defensive end on lockdown in Buffalo, it was a great move for the team.

Williams will make everyone on the defensive side of the ball better and with good offensive weapons in CJ Spiller, Fred Jackson, David Nelson and Stevie Johnson, this could be a team on the rise.

The only question mark may be the offensive line and at quarterback.

Loser: Jacksonville Jaguars

This is predicated on the fact there could be more.

No Pierre Garcon. No Brandon Lloyd.

No Mario Williams. No Cory Redding.

And while he was not a free agent, not getting Tim Tebow could hurt their fanbase.

If the team can score a defensive end in free agency and maybe another receiver, this could be a "win" for a team that could really use one.

Winner: San Francisco 49ers

This is for signing Alex Smith after they jumped into the Peyton Manning sweepstakes and bringing Randy Moss along for the ride.

The 49ers defense was crushing it last season. Now the offense could a bit scary.

Look out, but the 49ers again may be the team to beat in the NFC.

Loser: Oakland Raiders

Losing Michael Bush (Chicago) hurts more than you know.

The Raiders had a great thing with Bush and Darren McFadden and, with both and Carson Palmer, could have been a favorite in the AFC West.

And that is with Peyton Manning in Denver.

When you have two dynamic runners in this league, you need to keep them.

Winner: Washington Redskins

Whomever the Redskins get to play quarterback, having Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan to catch passes in the offense.

The Redskins will focus on Robert Griffin III but may wind up with Andrew Luck if the Colts switch plans.

Either one will make these receivers look golden.

Loser: New Orleans Saints

I am not saying the replacements for Robert Meacham and Carl Nicks aren't good, but they are not the same.

Ben Grubbs is a really good guard and will step in to Nicks' place. Meacham is replaceable, but there was continuity on the team.

Adrian Arrington could slide into his spot.

I just see this being part of the reason the Saints slide back this season in the NFC South. The other reasons we all know about.

Winner: Seattle Seahawks

When you sign Matt Flynn and then he shows he can produce, then we can say Seattle was a winner.

I am already thinking they are and can possibly challenge for a playoff spot.

This team has a strong running game and really came on in the second half of the year. Pete Carroll really knows what he is doing.

Loser: Miami Dolphins

Peyton Manning. No.

Matt Flynn. No.

Alex Smith. No.

The team did add David Garrard, which is a nice pickup for them. But when you consider who was out there, the Dolphins whiffed.

Garrard will challenge Matt Moore for the starting job. The Dolphins now have a hole at receiver as well and need a rush end.

The draft should be interesting.