NFL Free Agency: Breaking Down Biggest Acquisitions from Day 2

Day 2 of NFL free agency was even more jubilant than the first.

A number of key acquisitions occurred that put star players in new uniforms. As a result, we must anticipate one intense race for the 2013 NFL playoffs.

Then again, qualifying for January and reaching the Super Bowl is what lies at the core of making upgrades. Otherwise, why bother, right?

What's even better is that we're not near the finish line yet either. To that end, here's a breakdown of the best signings from the second day of the new NFL year.

Denver Broncos: Wes Welker, WR

Wes Welker goes from Tom Brady to Peyton Manning per Adam Schefter of ESPN.com:

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Wes Welker has agreed to terms with Denver Broncos.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2013"

The Denver Broncos needed an established slot receiver that was younger than Brandon Stokley. Welker is the perfect solution here, as Manning is provided with Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker out wide.

Welker will never face double coverage either. Thomas and Decker are each capable of defeating man coverage and a defense cannot afford to isolate any one of these three. Doing so would simply give Denver a specific personnel advantage.

Combine that with Manning's ability to spread the field and read pre-snap and expect plenty of Cover 3 against the Broncos. Despite that scheme allowing the cornerbacks to sink deeper in zone, Welker will find plenty of space underneath to get his yards after the catch.

This is now arguably the best receiving corps in pro football.

Detroit Lions: Reggie Bush, RB

The Detroit Lions have upgraded the backfield.

According to Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official website, Reggie Bush came aboard on Tuesday:

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Lions and Reggie Bush have agreed to terms on a 4-year contract. Press conference set for 1:45.

"

"— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) March 13, 2013"

Bush is a competitive advantage for Detroit in the NFC North. It's not the most dominant on defense and his athleticism alone will make plays out of the backfield for the Lions.

And after compiling 2,660 total yards for the Miami Dolphins between 2011 and 2012, Bush has developed into a complete back. Considering that the Lions ranked No. 23 in rushing offense and only Joique Bell hit five yards per attempt, improvement was needed: Bell also was only fed 82 times.

Bush's impact will simply force a defense to honor Detroit's ground game more. Ultimately, a stronger play-action pass and efficient balance to control the tempo will occur.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dashon Goldson, Safety

Ranking No. 32 in pass defense last season and giving up 30 passing touchdowns, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had to improve the coverage. Well, according to NFL.com's Albert Breer via Gregg Rosenthal the Bucs got Dashon Goldson:

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are getting their No. 1 priority in free agency once again. Safety Dashon Goldson has agreed to terms on a five-year contract , a team source told NFL.com's Albert Breer.

"

This was key for Tampa Bay as Goldson comes off one of his best seasons.

Last year he defended 11 passes, recorded three picks and made 69 tackles. Competing in the pass-oriented NFC South, the Buccaneers could not slow down Drew Brees or Matt Ryan enough to fight for a postseason spot.

Adding Goldson, though, will also help versus other pass-heavy NFC teams such as the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys. His ability to shield in Cover 1 and 3 will immediately pay dividends to get off the field on third down.

Plus Goldson still possesses the size and tackling ability to roll down for run support or fill for a blitzing linebacker.

San Francisco 49ers: Glenn Dorsey, DT

First, defensive tackle Isaac Sopoaga signed with the Philadelphia Eagles via NFL.com's Albert Breer:

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Isaac Sopoaga agreed to terms with the Eagles on a 3-year deal worth close to $12 million with about $5 mil guaranteed.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 13, 2013"

So, the 49ers needed to replenish up front and did just that. ESPN.com's Adam Schefter also reported that Glenn Dorsey had made the move out West:

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And 49ers have reached agreement with former Chiefs DT Glenn Dorsey.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2013"

Dorsey is solid for San Francisco because the backbone of the 'Niners defense is controlling the line of scrimmage up front. By the same token, Dorsey is just 27 years old so he'll only continue to get better.

Featuring great athleticism, Dorsey offers the experience and talent to line up at end or tackle. He accounted for 231 tackles from 2008 through 2011, which is solid for a defensive lineman. He only appeared in four games last season and was put on injured reserve, according to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport last November.

Given the 49ers linebacking corps and Dorsey will produce nicely in a division known for tough defense.

Seattle Seahawks: Cliff Avril, DE

The Seattle Seahawks got a stud pass-rusher in Cliff Avril according to NFL.com's Albert Breer:

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Cliff Avril has agreed to terms with Seattle, per source.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 13, 2013"

Since 2010, Avril has collected 29 sacks, forced nine fumbles and defended 10 passes.

Seattle recorded only 36 sacks last season and allowed an average of 4.5 yards per rush, so getting depth on the edges will help. Factor in the NFC West as a division that presents two sound running teams in the 49ers and Rams and the Seahawks needed more talent to control the line of scrimmage.

In addition, expect the Cardinals to field a stronger ground attack as Rashard Mendenhall was signed, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.com:

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And Cardinals reached an agreement in principle on a one-year deal with former Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2013"

Complemented by an excellent secondary capable of locking down man-to-man, Avril will also have that little extra time to apply quarterback pressure.

The Great Northwest then significantly increases its odds of making a Super Bowl run.