Every NFL Team's Biggest Whiff so Far This Offseason

Seeing as MLB Opening Day is just around the corner, it seems fitting to turn attention back to the NFL by utilizing a baseball term: the whiff.

Everyone whiffs now and then. It means to take a swing and come up with nothing but air. In short, it means to fail.

And every team has failed in some regard this offseason. Granted, it was difficult to find flaws in a few franchises' decisions, but that's what they pay me the big bucks for.

So click through to discover what you can complain about as we march forward towards the NFL draft. 

All transactions are sourced from NFL.com. All contract details are sourced from spotrac.com, unless linked to otherwise. Lastly, all Pro Football Focus (or PFF) grades and statistics are courtesy of Profootballfocus.com and require a subscription. 

Arizona Cardinals: Larry Fitzgerald Needs a Me Day

You know how your girlfriend gets a mani-pedi every once in awhile to get away from work, life and probably you? Well, Larry Fitzgerald could use a break from life right now.

His quarterback at this point is either Brian Hoyer or Drew Stanton. They have a combined five starts, seven touchdowns and 12 interceptions between the two.

An argument could be made for the losses of defensive coordinator Ray Horton or safety Adrian Wilson, but I can't ignore downgrading the quarterbacking talent when there wasn't much that was working to begin with.

Sorry, Larry. Better luck in the draft. Next year, that is.

Atlanta Falcons: Did I Mention I Like to Vance?

This will be a running theme for a few lucky franchises: nitpicking because I have to. 

The Atlanta Falcons have had a great offseason. They kept some big names and added a couple more. The team is just as close, if not closer, than it was in 2012, which went pretty well.

However, the Falcons did lose Vance Walker to the Oakland Raiders. He's a solid interior presence with the occasional ability to rush the passer. His defection doesn't cripple the defense, but nobody enjoys losing a solid player.

As for the headline of the slide, allow me to introduce you to Flynt Flossy. 

Baltimore Ravens: The Long and Short of It

The Baltimore Ravens made two errors this offseason that need to be mentioned. One impacts the immediate future, while the other could be a long-term problem.

First, trading Anquan Boldin was foolhardy. He wasn't asking for more money. He disagreed with a pay cut.

Run the playoff tape. Tell me Boldin isn't worth $6 million.

And having the Miami Dolphins steal linebacker Dannell Ellerbe could sting for the next five to seven years. If he proves capable, the Ravens just lost their heir apparent. 

Buffalo Bills: Don't Lose Your Will, Son

Who are the Buffalo Bills? Does anyone know?

I understand they're going through a transition. That's what happens when you switch coaches.

But the beginnings of a solid secondary, a la the New York Jets of a couple years ago, was there. Watching George Wilson get on that plane delays that possibility by at least two years since the Bills now need a cornerback and a safety. 

Carolina Panthers: Some Rivers Need a Dam

There wasn't a whole lot of activity in Charlotte this offseason. A few minor guys left and similar players replaced them.

That's of no bother.

However, just to refresh your memory, the Carolina Panthers won three games in the first 13 weeks. Should they have really brought back the engineer of such ineptitude?

In Ron Rivera's defense, it's only his second year on the job and the Panthers won their last four games. Yet, when the pressure of expectations was laying heavy on the team, they drowned. 

That falls on the coach. 

Chicago Bears: Fool's Gold?

It's hard to get worked up about something the Chicago Bears did in the past couple months. 

They brought in a capable tight end and improved their biggest weakness at left tackle.

Therefore, I'm going to complain about the defection of linebacker Nick Roach. The Bears had to know that they weren't bringing Brian Urlacher back because we all did. So why let his possibly capable replacement leave for just over $3 million per season?

It's a very similar situation to Ray Lewis, just without the rings. And I'm sure Ellerbe is better.

Cincinnati Bengals: The Cats Got Mauled

Nothing about the Cincinnati Bengals' moves should turn your head. But the re-signing of Rey Maualuga should make you shake it a little.

Frankly, he's not good. He only graded out twice last season with a positive grade from Pro Football Focus  Maualaga missed 18 tackles out of 110 attempts. 

That isn't good. Neither was bringing the bust linebacker back. 

Cleveland Browns: The Grass Isn't Always Greener

Like most offseasons, it was an exciting time for the Cleveland Browns. Mostly because no one actually keeps score and the losses haven't started piling up.

I'm not taking a shot at Cleveland fans, I'm a Detroit Lions junkie. They make me sick, yet I can't quit. I feel your pain.

So it's always fun to get excited over the Paul Krugers or Desmond Bryants. And rightfully so, the Browns spent a lot of money and added a lot of talent.

But letting young linebacker Kaluka Maiava ship out to the Oakland Raiders could prove costly. His deal is only worth $6 million over three years, and he's turning into a solid albeit unspectacular player (7.8 PFF grade last year) just entering the prime of his career.

Every roster can always use cheap talent like Maiava. 

Dallas Cowboys: Made You Look

Just kidding. I'm in the camp that believes Tony Romo deserved this deal. He's generally on the right side of the TD-to-INT ratio while surviving the pressure of being the Dallas Cowboys quarterback.

As for the rest of the Cowboys' moves, there isn't much to dissect. This team is strapped for cash after spending big the last few years and franchising Anthony Spencer. 

So where do we find a whiff? How about not grabbing one of these aging pass rushers?

Dallas isn't a win-later kind of team. Not when you're paying an older quarterback beaucoup bucks. The Cowboys don't have a lot of cap room, but they can structure the contract to take the hit next year when Romo's cap number is reduced through a restructure, as mentioned by Todd Archer in the above-linked column.

And they have the talent to sell an aging guy on a Super Bowl dream. Close the deal, Jerry.

Denver Broncos: Dude, Where's My Fax?

So many things here I don't understand.

First, why is the NFL still using faxes? Can't players, teams and agents bring it up to 2007 and start e-signing stuff?

Second, why didn't John Elway send Elvis Dumervil's agent a text around 3:30 asking what's up on that offer? This is a guy who can help the Denver Broncos out immensely if he gets back on track and Denver is paying an aging quarterback large sums of cash. Thus, they're trying to win it all now.

Lastly, why is the NFL still reliant on the fax? I know I've asked this already. That's how confounding it is.

Detroit Lions: Pay the Phone Bill

Was Cliff Avril worth $10 million a year? Based on 2012, no.

That doesn't mean he isn't worth the $7.5 million per season that the Seattle Seahawks offered. So giving him another half million a year would have been as well. 

Yet, the Detroit Lions brass couldn't be bothered to pick up the phone. This is a guy who forced six fumbles just two years ago. 

We all have texts we ignore for a little while, and then we realize it isn't that hard to type a few words. Somebody pass that along to Martin Mayhew. 

Green Bay Packers: A Royal Flush Requires a Jackson

How do you really evaluate Ted Thompson's Green Bay Packers? They rarely throw money around in free agency and the franchise's constant competitiveness makes it hard to disagree with the approach.

However, there's always an area where a chance to improve goes ignored.

Steven Jackson would have been a great piece for a team with Aaron Rodgers in his prime. He went to the Atlanta Falcons cheaply (three years, $12 million), which obviously improves a rival for the NFC crown.

Huge whiff? Not particularly, but the move, or lack thereof, will have an impact on the upcoming season. 

Houston Texans: You Got It Backwards, the Young Replace the Old

The Houston Texans took the patient approach to building a contender, and then veered off the track.

I understand if Houston secured the 2007, or even the 2010, Ed Reed. But they didn't. They got a guy who turns 35 at the beginning of next season.

Glover Quin, on the other hand, has the look of a safety on the rise. He had a few rough games, but he's only 27 and has shown plenty of potential. 

Indianapolis Colts: You Paid Who What?

This is a long slideshow, so let's keep this short and simple: The Indianapolis Colts overpaid for Erik Walden.

True, he's the same age as Glover Quin at this moment, but the same upside doesn't seem to be there. At least not for $4 million a season. 

Did no one in Indy watch the playoffs? Did they not see Walden escort Colin Kaepernick to an NFL record?

Jacksonville Jaguars: You Can't Take Your Cap Space with You When You Die

The Jacksonville Jaguars are sitting on over $26 million in cap space. I can't blame you if you didn't notice. 

The Jaguars have had about two competitive teams in their entire existence. Saving all their money isn't a smart move.

There were some solid players available in free agency that would have added talent to a depleted roster. But, then the Jaguars would be in danger of actually winning more than a few games, thus ensuring they'd have to stay in Jacksonville. 

In all seriousness, spend some cap space and find some contributors. I mean, how much mustache wax does one really need?

Kansas City Chiefs: Sometimes the Best Foot Forward Requires a Step Back

Please understand that all of these thoughts are my own and just that: thoughts. Plus, it's hard to disagree with the personnel moves that the Kansas City Chiefs made, which probably means that Andy Reid was the right choice.

I worry about Andy Reid, the man.

Just prior to the 2012 season, Reid's son Garrett lost a long battle with substances. Prior to that, Garrett and his brother not only dealt with addictions, but the legal troubles that often accompany such problems.

Then there are the 14 years Reid spent with the Philadelphia Eagles, whose fanbase can be exhausting.

I worry that Reid could have used some time to sort through everything, rather than dive back into the life of a head football coach. I worry that burying the pain under work could take a toll on his health, both mental and physical.

But that's just me. Here's hoping that everything goes smoothly for Mr. Reid. 

Miami Dolphins: Something out of an Adam Sandler Movie

Jack Donaghy is sitting somewhere, drinking scotch, and wondering what in the hell the Miami Dolphins were doing when they paid Mike Wallace $60 million.

For a talented No. 1 receiver, that's not too ridiculous. However, was there any other team that was willing to pay him that much?

The Dolphins were resolute that Wallace was not leaving town without a contract. Thus, they essentially negotiated against themselves to get him in teal and orange.

That's a serious Liz Lemon move. 

Minnesota Vikings: Penny for Your Percy?

I get it. Percy Harvin has been a headache (pun intended).

He's missed quite a few games (10 in the last four years) and was always making waves in the media about his lack of involvement in the offense or his contract. 

And the Minnesota Vikings did get a first rounder and a couple other late picks in the trade. That's a nice haul.

Plus, they added Greg Jennings to help ease the loss to the receiving corps.

However, Harvin is one of those singular talents that teams shouldn't part with easily. He can break a play any time he touches the ball, whether it be a reception, a rushing attempt or a return.

I can't abide, man. 

New England Patriots: Never Give Up on Love

Tom Brady took a pay cut to help the New England Patriots add the pieces necessary for the pursuit of a Super Bowl. Here's betting that Brady felt like Welker was one such piece.

Apparently, Bill Belichick did not. He allowed the diminutive dynamo walk to the Patriots' newest rival for a mere $6 million per season.

Yes, New England replaced him with the younger Danny Amendola, but Amendola has a few question marks. When it comes to the Patriots offense, Welker wasn't a question mark, but rather an exclamation point.

New Orleans Saints: Don't Beat Around the Bush

Left tackles are a commodity. They're always drafted highly and they're always paid well.

The good ones at least. 

So why the New Orleans Saints were so willing to let Jermon Bushrod leave via free agency is a little confusing. 

Cap problems? That makes it slightly better, but when a team really wants someone, they find a way.

Keeping some continuity on the offensive line that arguably lost its best player last year (Carl Nicks) would seem imperative to keeping the older Drew Brees upright.

Alas, the Saints didn't agree. For shame.

New York Giants: You Don't Borrow to Get out of Debt

The New York Giants had a middle linebacker problem. Mainly, Chase Blackburn wasn't that good and he was a free agent.

So what did the Giants do? They added Dan Connor.

Huh? Did they confuse him with Jon Connor, the up-and-coming rapper? Because there is nothing up and coming about Dan Connor. Only once in five years has he completed a full season, and none of them have been very memorable. 

New York Jets: The Definition of Insanity

I'm sure you've heard it by now, but doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results is the definition of insanity.

At this point, New York Jets fans would probably prefer insanity to the shame they have experienced lately.

The Mark Sanchez and Rex Ryan era peaked early and shows few signs of rebounding. Continuing down this path instead of just ripping off the Band-Aid is inexcusable. 

Oakland Raiders: See Last Slide

Again, rip off the Band-Aid. The Oakland Raiders, or rather Hue Jackson, made a franchise-retarding trade for Carson Palmer.

Of course, there is plenty of chatter now about the Raiders cutting their losses and taking their lumps via dead money on the cap.

However, why couldn't they have made this move prior to losing talented players like Desmond Bryant or Philip Wheeler? You know, because that would have made sense.

Not saying the either player is definitely worth whatever the cost may have been, but the Raiders could have at least made a play for one of them.

Philadelphia Eagles: Always Listen to Beyonce

Chip Kelly would do well to bring in Beyonce, or at least to import her theory of upgrading and apply it to player acquisitions.

Need an example? Look no further than the cornerback spot.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Cary Williams are comparable players. However, Williams will make $17 million over three years while DRC garnered a one-year deal from the Denver Broncos for $5 million.

Basically, the Philadelphia Eagles paid the Super Bowl tax. When a team wins a championship, their players tend to make more on the open market based on an overvaluing of the individual parts. It's foolhardy.

Pittsburgh Steelers: The Pride Before the Fall

There's a transition taking place in the Steel City that is bordering dangerously on the edge of rebuilding. Most teams with a top-caliber quarterback in his prime never enter such treacherous territory. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers had to cut ties with James Harrison, and refusing to pay Mike Wallace an exorbitant sum of money was the right call. But letting Emmanuel Sanders leave town might be the hole that sinks the ship.

Sanders is a solid pro who could blossom with Wallace out of the lineup. But if he exits stage left, Ben Roethlisberger will only have two viable targets (Heath Miller and Antonio Brown) to throw to.

Add a leaky offensive line, and the Steelers might settle to the bottom of the AFC North. 

St. Louis Rams: When Will Lucy Quit Pulling the Football?

Poor Sam Bradford. Every time he thinks he's found a receiver, the universe finds a way to make him disappear.

Brandon Lloyd looked like he'd found a home with the St. Louis Rams in 2011. Then he was whisked off to Bradyland.

Now, Danny Amendola and Brandon Gibson have packed up their combined 19.6 PFF grade and skipped town. So who is Bradford going to throw the ball to?

That's a great question. Hopefully, the Rams will address this in the draft, but that doesn't change the past. It just helps to ease the pain of whiffing another place-kick and ending up on their collective back. 

San Diego Chargers: Ignoring a Problem Doesn't Solve It

According to Pro Football Focus, Philip Rivers spent 38.2 percent of his drop backs under pressure, which was the third worst ratio in the league. And I'll let you in on a secret: it wasn't his fault.

That failing would fall on the offensive line. Of the eight offensive linemen to see more than 200 snaps, only three had positive PFF grades. And the leader in the clubhouse was Louis Vasquez, who posted an impressive 12.8.

So how did the Chargers reward him? By watching him fly the coop for divisional menace Denver. It's as if Norv Turner is still there.

San Francisco 49ers: Can't Win Them All

Last year, the San Francisco 49ers returned every defensive starter from a dominant defense. The odds of that carrying over to 2013 were slim to none, so it's hard to define losing Dashon Goldson as a failure.

Especially when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers threw so much money at him. More on that later.

However, the point of this slideshow is to find each team's biggest failure. Not bringing back a playmaking safety who netted a positive grade from PFF doesn't constitute a win.

Like I said in a prior slide, my job is to nitpick.

Seattle Seahawks: The Nitpicking Continues

I honestly thought about leaving the Seattle Seahawks and 49ers off this list in the hopes that no one would notice. But anyone who has ever written anything on the Internet knows that such a thought is a pipe dream. You guys notice everything.

And that's good. It keeps the pressure on to improve.

The problem here is that there are few ways that the Seahawks could have done much more to improve. So I'm singling out the fact that Seattle didn't bring anyone in to push offensive linemen like Breno Giacomini for a starting spot a failure.

Whew! That was not easy. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Not All That Glitters Is Gold

I told you that Dashon Goldson would make another appearance. This time it's to bemoan his monstrous contract. 

Goldson is getting paid like a top safety. His contract average is the third highest among the position.

However, his PFF grade ranks 20th.

See the discrepancy? Shall I go on?

Tennessee Titans: One Man's Trash Is Not Always Another Man's Treasure

How many people do a mediocre job at one company only to be wooed with a large offer from another? 

That's what makes the NFL such a funny place. For such a ridiculously successful corporation as a whole, there are plenty of dumb decisions made by the individual departments. 

One such decision was the Tennessee Titans paying Shonn Greene $10 million for three years of service. He has a career average of 4.2 yards per carry, and that's bolstered by his 5-yards-per-carry output in his rookie season.

In fact, he ended last year with his worst average (3.9) ever. So why would a team who already overpays Chris Johnson want to give so much money to a backup?

No, seriously. I'm asking. 

Washington Redskins: Poor Fields May Hurt Knees, but Poor Words Kill Chemistry

Yup, I'm copping out. I'm not going after what the Washington Redskins did as a franchise, but rather what Robert Griffin III said. 

In comments made to Trey Wingo, Griffin spoke about where the blame should reside for his catastrophic knee injury. And, if one reads between the lines, it's obvious that he has taken issue with the way the field was kept and the way he was kept on the field.

Taking a subtle yet public shot at the head coach in the offseason seems entirely unnecessary. Actually, "seems" is too weak of a word. It just is unnecessary.

The Skins are trending upwards, but a rift between the two most important people in the franchise could set back all the progress that has been made.