NFL Free Agents 2013: Teams Who Upgraded to Become Postseason Contenders

The motive in becoming a playoff contender is a core reason why NFL free agency possesses so much intensity.

And for as obvious as that appears, well, no team ever saw a Super Bowl opportunity without making the postseason first. So, it's not surprising when certain teams make key moves during the offseason.

Regardless of the position(s) addressed, it's a similar approach to the draft because free agency offers a quick fix. The acquisition of an athlete here, though, leapfrogs the developmental process we see from rookies.

Ultimately, landing an established player speeds up the rebuilding period while avoiding the entrenchment of mediocrity.

Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City has made some key moves en route to increasing expectations for the 2013 campaign.

Obviously landing coach Andy Reid was the first step, via the Chiefs' official Twitter feed in early January.

Then Kansas City received quarterback Alex Smith in a trade from San Francisco, according to the 49ers' official website, and the ball kept rolling. Tackle Brandon Albert was franchise tagged per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com to keep the offensive line strong, and receiver Dwayne Bowe remained as well, as reported by Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports.

In addition, the Chiefs brought in receiver Donnie Avery and tight end Anthony Fasano (each according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com), as well as cornerbacks Sean Smith (via La Canfora) and Dunta Robinson (also from Schefter). Factor in the potential No. 1 draft pick Luke Joeckel and the Chiefs will flirt with January.

Smith has a sound receiving corps to target, not to mention Fasano is a great run-blocker. Defensively, the improved coverage will complement a sound front seven that features linebackers Derrick Johnson and Tamba Hali.

Tennessee Titans

The Titans are back on the upswing and are fortunate to compete in the defensively vulnerable AFC South.

Four players moved to Tennessee according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com: Andy Levitre (on March 12), Delanie Walker (also on March 12), Shonn Greene (on March 13) and Sammie Lee Hill (also on March 13).

Greene helps out Chris Johnson by adding a reliable No. 2 back. Greene has racked up 1,000-plus rushing yards each of the past two seasons. The offensive line got an extreme boost with guard Andy Levitre, easily one of the best overall linemen in pro football.

Another playmaker in Delanie Walker was added as well. Walker is a dependable receiving target and will also help as a run-blocker. In short, the Titans now feature much more balance to keep defenses honest.

And speaking of defense, Sammie Lee Hill entered the Music City as one of the NFL's more underrated defensive tackles. He doesn't put up wowing numbers, but Hill's impact will eat blocks to free up the linebackers to control the line of scrimmage.

Provided Tennessee spruces up its pass defense, the Titans will make a run at the postseason.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay finished 7-9 last season and was 6-4 in mid November. Fielding the league's worst pass defense in an offensively-dominant NFC South, the Buccaneers had to address the coverage.

Well, Dashon Goldson was acquired—according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com—and his knack for being around the ball is quite evident. From 2009 through 2012 he defended 31 passes, recorded 14 picks, forced five fumbles and recorded 310 tackles.

His dynamic ability to roll down over the slot, isolate a tight end one-on-one or read from Cover 1 and 3 will be a competitive advantage. Although Tampa saw the departure of Michael Bennett to the Seattle Seahawks, as reported by Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the 2013 NFL draft is still overloaded with defensive line talent.

That said, the Bucs won't miss a beat at defending the run this year and Goldson's presence will allow the pass rush a bit more time to apply pressure.

Factor in Tampa's solid offensive balance between Josh Freeman spreading the field, Vincent Jackson going deep and Doug Martin slamming on the ground, and head coach Greg Schiano's team will be entering the playoff picture.