Report-Card Grades for the Debuts of the 5 Biggest NFL Free-Agent Acquisitions

Welcome to the NFL preseason. 

Where the aesthetically shocking happens. 

Peyton Manning in Denver Broncos navy and orange. Mario Williams with a charging Buffalo on his helmet. Tom Brady throwing passes to Brandon Lloyd. 

The majority of the biggest free-agent acquisitions took the field this weekend, and though they all played sparingly, it's time to hand out some grades. 

Mario Williams

In the Bills' preseason opener against the Washington Redskins, Williams saw extensive action in the first quarter, as Buffalo held the Robert Griffin III-led offense to 11 yards and no first downs in its first two series. 

Williams didn't record a tackle or sack, but did push the right tackle back on a few occasions. Buffalo's $100 million man wasn't dominant in any phase of the game and didn't make a major impact, as he seemed to be feeling out the offensive line more than attacking in his first game action since Week 5 of the 2011 season. 

Grade: C

Kamerion Wimbley

Kamerion Wimbley isn't in the elite class of pass-rushers, but 42.5 sacks in six seasons in the league is certainly respectable. 

He had 16 sacks over the last two years with the Oakland Raiders, so after the Tennessee Titans failed to sign Mario Williams, Wimbley was the next best option. 

In his preseason debut with his new club, the 28-year-old veteran saw limited action and recorded one solo tackle on a nine-yard run play and one quarterback hit from his defensive end position. 

His familiar burst and power were evident. 

With a minute sample size, Wimbley played well. 

Grade: B-

Brandon Lloyd

In 2010, Lloyd experienced his best professional season with the Denver Broncos and head coach Josh McDaniels. 

Seemingly out of nowhere, he led the league with 1,448 receiving yards on 77 receptions and added 11 touchdowns.

With McDaniels back as the New England Patriots' offensive coordinator, Lloyd was a logical free-agent signing.

He was on the field for 16 of 42 offensive snaps in the preseason game against the New Orleans Saints but did not catch a pass.

However, he did beat coverage deep downfield, but the slightly underthrown ball fell incomplete. 

Lloyd's deceptive speed and acceleration were undoubtedly demonstrated on that particular play. 

Grade: C

Matt Flynn

Everyone thought Matt Flynn would follow his Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin to the Miami Dolphins, but he surprisingly inked a deal with the Seattle Seahawks that's turned into a three-headed quarterback competition. 

His Seahawks premier didn't go exactly as planned. 

Though he went 11-of-13, he only totaled 71 yards through the air and was intercepted by Colin McCarthy on a pass intended for Ben Obomanu. 

Add in the fact that Russell Wilson shined, accounting for 183 total yards and two touchdowns (albeit, versus lesser competition), and it wasn't the greatest start to Flynn's career in Seattle. 

Grade: C-

Peyton Manning

Manning led one drive for the Denver Broncos in their preseason opener against the Chicago Bears, and it ended with an interception. 

It came on a tipped pass that was slightly behind intended receiver Brandon Stokley near the goal line. 

However, Peyton was far from shaky in his debut. 

He ended the game 4-of-7 for 44 yards. The quarterback legend hit Eric Decker on two nice intermediate throws and just missed Demaryius Thomas in the end zone on a throw directed at the back pylon. 

Grade: B-