NFL Free Agency: Winners and Losers

The National Football League's annual free agency derby is in full throttle, with signings coming by the day, and sometimes by the hour.  And despite the fact that we don't yet know what rosters will end up looking like, we do have a few clues based on some signings that have already happened.  Therefore, subject to change, here is one man's look at the early winners and losers in the FA shuffle thus far:

Winners

1.  Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings signed safety Madieu Williams and wide receiver Bernard Berrian. Williams is a solid tackler who will be an upgrade in special teams for Minnesota and Berrian is a speed receiver. Though his hands are somewhat questionable, a side benefit of acquiring Berrian is it weakens the Chicago Bears, a division rival.

2.  Cleveland Browns

The basis for the Browns being a winner thus far centers more on its re-signing of their own players. Despite having Brady Quinn, the Browns re-signed QB Derek Anderson, who provides solid depth should the mighty Quinn struggle or a competent starter who can allow Brady to properly season until ready.  Another positive re-signing was Jamal Lewis. They did add two defensive tackles in Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams, and though neither is great, they will add depth and fill some space for the Browns.

3.  Philadelphia Eagles

I base this pick mainly on the signing of Pro-Bowl cornerback Asante Samuel, who was a costly, but bold move by the Eagles. They have signed defensive end Chris Clemons to bolster their pass rush after saying goodbye to Jevon Kearse.

Losers

1.  Chicago Bears

Though the Bears did surprise by re-signing Lance Briggs, who did not receive as much attention in the FA market as he thought he would, they lost two wide receivers from an already thin group. While the departure of Muhsin Muhammid and Bernard Berrian was partially offset by the signing of former-Bear Marty Booker, their offense is in need of so much improvment that they really couldn't afford any losses at all. Additionally, they lost two-time Pro Bowl special teamer Brendan Ayanbadejo and their only veteran QB in Brian Griese.

2.  Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals lost defensive end Justin Smith and safety Midieu Williams from an already weak defensive unit. Signing DeWayne Robertson from the Jets was a good move, however it's not enough.

3.  New England Patriots

The Pats aren't done dealing yet, and based on their track record look for this to turn around when all is said and done. But losing Samuel and Randall Gay hurts a team that already lacks speed, and safety Eugene Wilson is likely to be gone soon as well. The re-signing of Randy Moss made a lot of sense for both parties, however.