NFL Free Agency: Winners from the First Weekend

With the first weekend of free agency in the books, let's take a look at a few of the winners.

Winners

1. New York Giants

It appears that the Giants were in the market for defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth but were outbid by none other than Daniel Snyder, a man who apparently has money growing off of trees in his front yard.

Instead, they used a more proven method and targeted medium-priced free agents to plug in and improve their defense.

Linebacker Michael Boley has big-time ability and only became available after the new Falcons regime switched styles and had their linebackers focus on stopping the run rather than playing in coverage and bringing pressure.

DT Rocky Bernard can apply pressure from the inside and the big name of the group, DT/DE Chris Canty, left Dallas as a 3-4 defensive end and will end up sliding inside when he starts for the Giants.

These moves, orchestrated by GM Jerry Reese, one of the (if not) best in the business, makes facing the Giants defense a scary proposition for opposing offensive coordinators and this unit could end up being the best in the NFL in 2009.

2. Kansas City Chiefs

They notched quarterback Matt Cassel and DE/LB Mike Vrabel for only a second-round pick (34th overall). This instantly provides an upgrade at the quarterback position and allows Vrabel to bring his professionalism and knowledge base to the young defenders Kansas City already has, and whom they'll bring in.

Early draft projections show Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry coming to the Chiefs with the third pick and Vrabel will be a mentor.

While the deal is excellent in terms of what the Chiefs had to give up to get Cassel, let's not jump to conclusions yet. Wide receiver Randy Moss, Wes Welker, and the Patriots system isn't waiting for him in Kansas City.

So while he showed ability in 2008 to be a bonafide starting quarterback in this league, things certainly won't come as easy for him on the Chiefs.

The point of contention from various media outlets is how the deal went down. Apparently the Pats turned down better deals to send Cassel to Belichick's friend, Kansas City GM Scott Pioli.

Perhaps Belichick is planning on spending his cap money on defensive tackle Vince Wilfork and doesn't want to have to pay another top-15 pick big money when he feels he can get a quality starter at pick No. 34 with a substantial discount.

3. New England

The Pats were able to scoop up running back Fred Taylor and tight end Chris Baker early on.

They added the 34th pick for Cassel and Vrabel and were able to take off a substantial number from the salary cap with those moves, and now there's another twist. Rumor has come out that the Pats are in the market for defensive end Julius Peppers.

Perhaps Belichick had this in his mind all along and that's why he chose to dump salary and acquire only the 34th choice which in turn can be packaged to the Panthers plus their first rounder? Not sure.

But one thing you can count on is Belichick having a plan of attack and none of his moves, even ones which look curious on the surface, are not without foresight.

4. New York Jets

The acquisitions of both linebacker Bart Scott and cornerback Lito Sheppard for draft picks will help out an already strong defensive unit, and going defensive in free agency was something to be expected out of Buddy Ryan's kid.

The Jets also retained offensive guard Brandon Moore, which will help along the offensive line.

The moves by the Jets make sense, but the formula to win in this league is to do so through the draft, and plug holes in free agency. A lot of money has gone towards free agents in the past two years so it remains to be seen how well and fast this team will come together.

And on a side note, who will throw the football for them in 2009? That's kind of important.

On the Fence

Washington Redskins

They landed the prize player (Haynesworth) of the free agency class for a whopping $41 million guaranteed and then followed up with cornerback DeAngelo Hall to the tune of $22 million. While these players provide a great deal of value to the defense, the numbers are truly astounding, especially when considering their track records.

It wasn't until 2007 that Haynesworth became the player we know today. Anyone remember when he stomped on Dallas' center Andre Gurode two years ago? According to his former team, he's not a self-starter and has emotional problems.

That's an awful lot of guaranteed cake to throw someone's way that can't be counted on.

Hall too. The guy was run out of Atlanta for his run-ins with the team and he can explode at any minute. Just ask Panthers' receiver Steve Smith. If both players can direct their energies properly, they'll be great. But that's a bigger if than most realize.