NFL Free Agency 2015: Bargain Solutions for Every Team
In every walk of life, we are always looking to save money.
All 32 teams in the NFL are no different. Every organization is looking to enhance its roster with solid players without overpaying and sending the franchise into salary-cap disarray.
We are less than two weeks away (March 10) from the start of the new fiscal year in the National Football League. So we offer these suggestions for each club for finding a bargain solution in free agency.
Not only will we pair up teams with potential unrestricted free agents, but we will take advantage of the new market that has quickly opened up in terms of “street” free agents. These players were recently cut by their clubs and are free to sign with teams immediately.
Are all of these moves permanent solutions? Not really. But some could wind up helping teams, especially at the right price.
Arizona Cardinals: LB Brad Jones
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The Arizona Cardinals were one of the surprise teams in 2014, and one of the biggest shocks was how well their defense played for the majority of the season.
This unit entered 2014 without inside linebackers Karlos Dansby (signed with Cleveland Browns) and Daryl Washington (suspended). Then add the loss of defensive tackle Darnell Dockett (torn ACL) in the summer and top pass-rusher John Abraham after one regular-season game.
In stepped free-agent pickup Larry Foote to partner with Kevin Minter inside. Now Foote is part of Arizona’s coaching staff, although he could return to the field.
So why not add former Packers linebacker Brad Jones, who fell out of favor in Green Bay and was recently released by the club? He has played at both inside and outside linebacker in the 3-4 and offers some experience to a team that could also lose outside linebacker John Abraham (who played in just one game in 2014) to free agency.
Atlanta Falcons: SS Brandon Meriweather
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If there’s one thing the Atlanta Falcons need to be if they are going to climb back into playoff contention, it's to become more physical.
Those shortcomings have been evident, most notably on the defensive side of the ball in recent seasons. Strong safety Brandon Meriweather has his drawbacks when it comes to pass defense, but he could offer new head coach Dan Quinn some much-needed help when it comes to stopping the run.
According to Pro Football Focus, Meriweather not only ranked as the 12th-best safety in the NFL this past season when it came to the run, but the Washington Redskins finished 12th in the league in rushing defense.
The well-traveled defender could help Quinn set a new tone for a team that’s been pushed around on defense far too much as of late.
Baltimore Ravens: WR/KR Ted Ginn Jr.
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This past week, the Baltimore Ravens cut ties with standout kick returner and big-play wide receiver Jacoby Jones.
Few will forget the impact he had in his three seasons with the team. During the regular season, he returned a combined five punts and kickoffs for scores. In the team’s Super Bowl XLVII win over the San Francisco 49ers in 2012, he not only scored on a 56-yard reception but took back the second-half kickoff a record 108 yards for a touchdown.
So could veteran wideout and return artist Ted Ginn Jr. fill Jones’ cleats? The Arizona Cardinals released the eight-year veteran after just one season. With Ginn, the Ravens could have speed to burn once again at receiver with Torrey Smith (if he re-signs) and the ageless Steve Smith Sr.
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Buffalo Bills: TE Owen Daniels
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The Buffalo Bills have been making all kinds of news in recent weeks, and none of it has had to do with new head coach Rex Ryan’s most recent proclamations.
Will the team deal for a veteran quarterback to challenge EJ Manuel? The latest word, according to The Associated Press via ESPN.com, has the team negotiating with journeyman signal-caller Josh McCown.
Regardless of who’s throwing the football, the team could use another viable threat at tight end. Veteran Scott Chandler has been serviceable, but could the team bring in Owen Daniels? He finished third on the Baltimore Ravens this past season with 48 catches, totaling 527 yards and four touchdowns.
With Dennis Pitta’s future up in the air, the Ravens will likely try to keep Daniels. But it wouldn’t be a surprise if he moved on as well.
Carolina Panthers: T Doug Free
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When it was all said and done, the Carolina Panthers managed to become the first team to win consecutive NFC South titles, even if they finished with a 7-8-1 record in 2014.
While the Carolina offense had its issues for most of the season, the running game kicked into high gear down the stretch and was the catalyst for the playoff run.
Left tackle Byron Bell is a potential unrestricted free agent. He also struggled this past season, and the team needs an upgrade.
Tackle Doug Free was limited to 11 games at right tackle for the Dallas Cowboys this past season, but he was steady when available on an offensive line that may have been the best in the league in 2014. With the Cowboys’ salary-cap issues and tackle Jermey Parnell ready to take over, Doug is free to go where he wants, and the Panthers would benefit from his presence.
Chicago Bears: SS Antrel Rolle
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Talk about consistency—it’s the kind of statistic the Chicago Bears would rather not revisit.
One season after giving up 478 points and 47 offensive touchdowns, the team allowed 442 points and 46 offensive touchdowns.
There are a few new sheriffs in town with head coach John Fox and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio supplanting Marc Trestman and Mel Tucker, respectively.
As was the case last offseason with Phil Emery and the defensive line, don’t be surprised if new general manager Ryan Pace addresses other areas of the defense via free agency. That could include veteran safety Antrel Rolle, who may or may not be back with the New York Giants. The 10-year pro finished second on a disappointing Giants defense with 87 tackles, to go along with nine passes defensed and three interceptions.
He would also add a little attitude to a Chicago defense in need of a personality change.
Cincinnati Bengals: TE Jacob Tamme
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Former first-round draft choice Jermaine Gresham has enjoyed a solid career and made a few Pro Bowls during his days with the Cincinnati Bengals.
It also appears that the talented performer’s days with the team could be over. Gresham is eligible for unrestricted free agency, and it doesn’t seem as if the franchise is in a hurry to bring him back.
With two-year tight end Tyler Eifert in tow, the Bengals could be looking for a little experienced depth at the position, and Jacob Tamme would provide that.
The seven-year pro has totaled 178 receptions for 1,703 yards and 10 touchdowns in his days with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos, most of that from Peyton Manning. He could be a nice pickup and give Andy Dalton a little more help underneath.
Cleveland Browns: DE Cory Redding
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This past season the Indianapolis Colts ranked 18th in the NFL in rushing defense, allowing 113.4 yards per game.
That was nothing compared to the Cleveland Browns, who surrendered 141.6 yards per game on the ground, the most in the league.
While the team tries to figure out who will play quarterback and wide receiver this season, it could add some beef to the defense in defensive end Cory Redding. The 12-year pro totaled 35 tackles and added 3.5 sacks for the Colts this past season.
The Browns have numerous issues, and adding a little help in the trenches can’t hurt.
Dallas Cowboys: DE Kroy Biermann
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It’s safe to say that the Dallas Cowboys will take all the help they can get on the defensive side of the ball.
Last season they received plenty of assistance from an offensive unit that controlled the football with the league’s second-ranked running game, which kept Rod Marinelli’s defense off the field as much as possible.
The Cowboys need more help and figure to focus their draft on this side of the ball. But adding a veteran like defensive end Kroy Biermann could be a big plus. He led the Atlanta Falcons in sacks this past season, although 4.5 sacks isn’t much to get excited about. Still, he could be an asset to a team with some young defensive players and more to come.
Denver Broncos: OLB Lance Briggs
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This past season, the Denver Broncos made strides on defense from the previous year. In 2014, only the Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions gave up fewer yards than the AFC West champions, and only the Lions allowed more yards on the ground.
While it was a nice bounce-back season for outside linebacker Von Miller, the other side of the position had its issues as Danny Trevathan and Brandon Marshall had problems with injuries. Trevathan played in just three contests all season, while Marshall missed two games as well.
Speaking of injuries, they have taken their toll on seven-time Pro Bowl outside linebacker Lance Briggs the last few seasons. The 12-year veteran has missed 15 out of 32 games since 2013 and may not be a fit in Vic Fangio’s 3-4 defense with the Chicago Bears. But he could be a nice and experienced insurance policy for the Broncos.
Detroit Lions: DT Tom Johnson
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Talking about staying close to home...kind of.
The Detroit Lions could potentially lose three defensive tackle to free agency this offseason. Four-time Pro Bowler Ndamukong Suh along with Nick Fairley and C.J. Mosley could all hit the open market on March 10.
While it appears things are moving along when it comes to Suh, what does the future hold for the other two defenders? Could the Lions opt to bring in a division rival in Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Tom Johnson?
This past season for Mike Zimmer’s team, the one-time New Orleans Saint totaled 22 tackles and five sacks for the Purple Gang. He could enhance a Detroit pass rush that showed great improvement this past year.
Green Bay Packers: FB Jerome Felton
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How would a chorus of “Felllll-Ton” go over at Lambeau Field?
It just doesn’t have the same ring as say “Kuhn.”
The Green Bay Packers have won four straight NFC North titles and made six consecutive trips to the playoffs. They come off a season in which they came just one game short of the Super Bowl. But they also have some key components who could hit the free-agent market. The list includes wide receiver Randall Cobb, right tackle Bryan Bulaga and veteran cornerback Tramon Williams.
It also includes Pro Bowl fullback John Kuhn, one of the team’s more popular players. But just in case he isn’t back with the Pack, general manager Ted Thompson could raid the rival Minnesota Vikings for blocking fullback Jerome Felton, a former Pro Bowler as well.
Felton played just 175 snaps this past season and according to Pro Football Focus, he graded out as the seventh-best fullback in the NFL in 2014. Being familiar with the NFC North doesn’t hurt his stock either.
Houston Texans: ILB A.J. Hawk
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Kudos to defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel and the job he did with the Houston Texans defense in 2014. Of course, having the runner-up in the league MVP voting in the form of J.J. Watt didn't hurt.
Still, this team led the NFL with 34 takeaways just one year after forcing an NFL-low 11 turnovers.
Watt had a lot to do with that as well, as did other players whom the Texans stand to lose during free agency. The list includes nose tackles Ryan Pickett and Jerrell Powe, linebackers Brooks Reed and Akeem Dent, cornerback Kareem Jackson and safeties Danieal Manning and Kendrick Lewis—the latter was the team leader in tackles.
This past week, the Green Bay Packers parted ways with inside linebacker A.J. Hawk after nine seasons. He has certainly seen better years and struggled against the run in 2014 (as did all of the Packers). Nevertheless, he could find new life on Crennel’s unit, one that could lose Dent and inside linebacker Brian Cushing, who has had issues staying healthy at times.
Indianapolis Colts: RB Mark Ingram
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Can you hear the whining now?
Oh no. Not another former University of Alabama running back?
Mark Ingram won the Heisman Trophy in 2010 and four months later was a first-round pick by the New Orleans Saints. During his first three seasons with the club, he was a bit of a disappointment and never quite found his stride.
Year 4 in the Crescent City proved to be a breakout year for Ingram, who ran for a career-high 964 yards and nine touchdowns despite missing three games. On a team that includes the likes of Pierre Thomas and Khiry Robinson, head coach Sean Payton has always used a backfield-by-committee approach.
The Indianapolis Colts could be in the market for running back help after finishing 22nd in the league in rushing. Trent Richardson has been a huge disappointment, and veteran Ahmad Bradshaw is a potential free agent. Adding Ingram would solve a lot of issues for Chuck Pagano’s team, granted the running back picks up where he left off in New Orleans.
Jacksonville Jaguars: DE Mathias Kiwanuka
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Earlier this week, the New York Giants released defensive end/outside linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka after nine seasons with the club.
A first-round draft choice in 2006, he totaled 38.5 sacks, 13 forced fumbles and three interceptions with the club and was part of two Super Bowl championship teams.
The Jacksonville Jaguars made some strides on defense in 2014, mainly when it came to the pass rush. The team totaled 47 sacks this past season after racking up a combined 51 sacks the previous two seasons.
Former first-round pick Tyson Alualu is slated for free agency, and Kiwanuka could provide depth at defensive end as well as play outside linebacker if necessary.
Kansas City Chiefs: T Joe Barksdale
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When you have one of the best running backs in the league at your disposal, you want to make sure he isn’t easily disposed of.
The Kansas City Chiefs have finished 10th in the NFL in rushing each of the last two seasons, mainly due to the amazing talents of running back Jamaal Charles.
However, every running back needs good blocking. The Chiefs have a number of starters on the offensive line eligible for free agency in March, namely left guard Jeff Linkenbach, underrated center Rodney Hudson and veteran Ryan Harris, the main starter at right tackle this past season.
Former third-round pick Donald Stephenson figures in place of Harris, who was far from imposing this past season. Could the Chiefs add a little insurance at tackle with the addition of Joe Barksdale, one of the better run-blockers at his position, according to Pro Football Focus? It could prove to be a wise move for the young tackle, who would simply make the trip from St. Louis to Kansas City.
Miami Dolphins: FS Thomas DeCoud
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Two offseasons ago, the Miami Dolphins took a chance on a former member of the Atlanta Falcons secondary, and it paid off quite well.
Could good fortune strike again?
The team could have a hole to fill at free safety. Louis Delmas is not only slated for free agency but tore his ACL in December. As a result, his football future could be in doubt.
Dolphins Pro Bowl cornerback Brent Grimes could see a familiar face in Miami if the team adds free safety Thomas DeCoud, who spent six seasons with the Falcons before being let go and signing with the Carolina Panthers in 2014.
This past season, the veteran defender totaled 50 tackles, three passes defensed and one interception for the NFC South champions. DeCoud has totaled 15 interceptions in seven NFL seasons. After being cut by Carolina earlier this month, could he find new life in South Florida, like Grimes did?
Minnesota Vikings: WR Brandon Lloyd
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The Minnesota Vikings made strides under new head coach Mike Zimmer this past season, finishing 7-9 following a 5-10-1 showing in 2013.
While the defense improved from the previous year, the offense and in particular the passing game were less than impressive. Chalk that up to a rookie quarterback in Teddy Bridgewater, a new system and numerous other factors. Second-year wideout Cordarrelle Patterson also disappointed after a promising rookie season.
All told, Minnesota’s passing game produced just 17 touchdowns, one less than Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant. Veteran wideout Greg Jennings led the team with six of those scores, as well as 59 receptions for 742 yards.
Could well-traveled Brandon Lloyd be a solid pickup? He caught just 14 passes for 294 yards and one touchdown but could be an asset to young receivers such as Patterson, Charles Johnson and Jarius Wright.
New England Patriots: DT Alex Carrington
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The defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots have their share of notable free agents they may want to bring back. The list includes cornerback Darrelle Revis, safety Devin McCourty, running back Shane Vereen and kicker Stephen Gostkowski.
But if they’re going to stay staunch on defense, they may want to add a little insurance on the defensive front. Defensive tackle Vince Wilfork now has 11 seasons under his belt, and defensive end Chandler Jones saw his 2014 campaign get interrupted by injury.
Via Pro Football Focus, Alex Carrington only played 147 snaps for the St. Louis Rams in 2014. But during his five-year career with the Buffalo Bills and Rams, he’s played in various schemes and at both defensive end and defensive tackle.
That’s the kind of versatility Bill Belichick is always looking for.
New Orleans Saints: ILB Brandon Spikes
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It’s interesting to note that with the exception of cornerback Patrick Robinson, the New Orleans Saints starting defense returns intact. That includes free safety Jairus Byrd, who saw his first season in the Crescent City cut way too short by injury.
But is that a good thing? Only the Atlanta Falcons gave up more total yards than the Saints this past season. Rod Ryan’s defensive unit also ranked 29th in the league in rushing defense.
With a hopefully healthy Kiko Alonso returning to the Bills, could inside linebacker Brandon Spikes be one-and-done in Buffalo? He would certainly be a welcome addition to the New Orleans defense.
Of course, the Saints have plenty of salary-cap issues to deal with, as documented by Spotrac. So the likelihood that they would sign anyone anytime soon doesn’t appear to be realistic.
But something has to be done about a unit that fell flat on its facemasks this past season.
New York Giants: SS George Wilson
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The New York Giants didn’t exactly scare many opponents with their defense this past season.
Only three teams in the league allowed more yards per game than Tom Coughlin’s team. While a revived pass rush produced 47 sacks, the team’s defensive unit allowed 40 touchdowns—including 25 scores through the air.
Steve Spagnuolo is back at defensive coordinator after multiple stops around the league, and the team has its share of potential unrestricted free agents on this side of the ball, including defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul and strong safety Antrel Rolle.
While it appears the team will give Pierre-Paul the franchise tag, could the team not welcome back Rolle? The heady defender finished second on the team with 87 tackles while totaling three interceptions and nine passes defensed. Could he head elsewhere for a better deal as well?
In any case, veteran safety George Wilson would be a nice addition to Spagnuolo’s defense. He was the Tennessee Titans’ fifth-leading tackler with 73 stops, one sack, four passes defensed and one interception.
In any case, look for numerous changes on the Giants defense this upcoming season.
New York Jets: CB Antonio Cromartie
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Reunited...but will it feel so good?
When you finish 4-12, there’s plenty of blame to go around. Such was the case for the New York Jets this past season. That’s why the team has a new head coach in Todd Bowles, who was the NFL’s Assistant Coach of the Year in 2014 thanks to the job he did with the Arizona Cardinals defense.
One of the Jets’ biggest issues was the lack of talent, efficiency and healthy bodies at cornerback. This was a defense that allowed 31 touchdown passes while totaling only six interceptions this past season. The Jets allowed at least two scores through the air in 11 of their 16 contests.
Veteran cornerback Antonio Cromartie was released last offseason by the Jets after four years with the club. He signed with the Cardinals and responded with a Pro Bowl year, totaling three interceptions while tying for the team lead with 10 passes defensed.
Could the veteran defensive back follow his defensive coordinator to the Jets? It’s not out of the question. And in this instance, any help the Jets could get at cornerback would be a big-time bargain.
Oakland Raiders: RB C.J. Spiller
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A total of six players in the league totaled more rushing yards than the Oakland Raiders in 2014.
It was ironic considering that for the first time in seven seasons in the league, running back Darren McFadden managed to play in all 16 games.
Nonetheless, the Raiders not only finished dead last in the NFL when it came to running the ball, but no offensive unit gained fewer total yards this past season.
Talented running back C.J. Spiller comes off an injury-shortened 2014 in which he was limited to just nine games and 300 rushing yards. A broken collarbone put the former first-round pick on the shelf for nearly half the season. While he failed to run for a touchdown, he caught 19 passes for 125 yards and a score and also returned a kickoff 102 yards to paydirt in a Week 2 win over the Miami Dolphins.
Chris Brown of BuffaloBills.com reports that in a recent interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio, Spiller felt there was a possibility he could return to Orchard Park.
If there is a change of address for the speedy running back, imagine what he could do for a Oakland team that not only needs a spark on offense but could use some help on kickoff returns in an attempt to improve field position.
Philadelphia Eagles: CB Rashean Mathis
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It’s been an interesting few years for veteran cornerback Rashean Mathis.
In 2013, he led the Detroit Lions with 16 passes defensed but did not record an interception. This past season, he picked off his first pass since his days with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2011 and returned it for a score. Mathis also totaled 51 tackles, nine passes defensed and one forced fumble.
Meanwhile, it was a less-than-interesting year for the Philadelphia Eagles defense, especially when it came to stopping opposing quarterbacks and receivers. One year after the Eagles ranked dead last in the NFL in pass defense, only the Atlanta Falcons allowed more yards through the air this past season.
Time and time again, the Birds were exploited through the air. Chip Kelly’s team allowed 30 touchdown passes, and contrary to popular belief, not all were given up by much-maligned cornerback Bradley Fletcher.
With Fletcher eligible to hit free agency, could the Eagles bring in the 12-year veteran Mathis to aid the secondary’s cause? After last season’s issues, he would be a welcome addition.
Pittsburgh Steelers: OLB Shaun Phillips
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It appears that the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive unit will be undergoing some changes—more than just a new coordinator as Keith Butler takes over for Dick LeBeau.
Per Scott Brown of ESPN.com, the team will allow outside linebacker Jason Worilds to test the free-agent market. Given the transition tag in 2014, the one-time second-round pick tied for the team lead with 7.5 sacks just one year after leading the team with eight sacks.
While former first-rounder Jarvis Jones hasn’t lived up to billing quite yet, part of that is due to injuries. As veteran James Harrison weighs his NFL future as a potential unrestricted free agent, the Indianapolis Colts recently parted ways with veteran defender Shaun Phillips. The 11-year defender began the season with the Tennessee Titans but closed the year with the playoff-bound Colts.
Like Harrison this past season, could Phillips find the fountain of youth in the Steel City?
St. Louis Rams: QB Colt McCoy
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We might as throw another name into the quarterback mix in St. Louis.
Despite missing all of 2014 with a knee injury and spending nearly half of his five-year career off the field than on it, there seems to be interest when it comes to quarterback Sam Bradford.
So if by chance head coach Jeff Fisher and general manager Les Snead part ways with the No. 1 overall pick in 2010, what will the Rams do at quarterback? Austin Davis, who led the team with 12 touchdown passes this past season, is still on the roster. Journeyman Shaun Hill started eight games for the team in 2014 but is slated to become an unrestricted free agent again.
Meanwhile, Colt McCoy found himself in the middle of the mix called the Washington Redskins quarterback situation. In five games in 2014, including four starts, he completed 71.1 percent of his throws for 1,057 yards and four scores and was picked off three times. McCoy did drop the ball six times, losing one of those fumbles.
If things work out with Bradford, McCoy might become a low-risk option as a backup.
San Diego Chargers: SS Mike Adams
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It was a season of ups and downs for the San Diego Chargers. A 5-1 start would morph into a 1-3 stretch run, and although the team finished 9-7 for the second straight year, there would be no second straight trip to the playoffs.
San Diego’s defense was ranked ninth overall in the league, and only three teams allowed more passing yards, but the club was 26th in run defense, allowing 124.1 yards per game on the ground. Perhaps more significant was the Chargers managed only 18 takeaways in 16 games—after forcing just 17 turnovers in 2013.
With a number of players in the San Diego secondary eligible for free agency, could the Bolts take a run at safety Mike Adams, a one-time member of the Denver Broncos who played for the Indianapolis Colts in 2014? He finished third on the team with 87 stops and totaled seven of the club’s 26 takeaways—including a team-high five interceptions.
At least Adams would keep it in the family. Chargers defensive coordinator John Pagano is the younger brother of Colts head coach Chuck Pagano.
San Francisco 49ers: WR Hakeem Nicks
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The San Francisco 49ers have a new head coach in Jim Tomsula and new offensive coordinator in Geep Chryst, the one-time quarterbacks coach of the club.
Will they also have a new wide receiver on the roster this fall? Both Michael Crabtree and Brandon Lloyd are due to become unrestricted free agents. Veterans Anquan Boldin and Stevie Johnson remain, and the team has a pair of promising youngsters in Quinton Patton and Bruce Ellington.
Should Crabtree and/or Lloyd not return, would Hakeem Nicks be an interesting and perhaps economical addition? A year ago, he played under a one-year contract for the Indianapolis Colts and caught 38 passes for 405 yards and four scores. He added six receptions for 98 yards and a touchdown during the team’s three-game postseason run.
Could Nicks once again be had for a reasonable one-year deal? It could be a positive move for both parties.
Seattle Seahawks: DT C.J. Mosley
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It seems like a perfect fit for how the Seattle Seahawks do business these days.
With all the Ndamukong Suh talk these days and which teams will take a run at the four-time Pro Bowler should things not work out in the Motor City, the defending NFC champions may be content with grabbing one of Suh’s teammates. And it’s not Nick Fairley.
This past season, defensive tackle C.J. Mosley was in the starting lineup for eight games. The well-traveled 10-year pro, who has played for five teams, totaled 26 tackles, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble for the league’s second-ranked defense in 2014.
So what are the chances he becomes a member of the top-ranked defense from a year ago? Last season, the Seahawks saw defensive tackle Brandon Mebane go down and veteran Kevin Williams step up. Mosley would be a nice pickup and proven insurance for Pete Carroll’s squad.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DE/OLB John Abraham
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For numerous years, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been searching for a consistent pass rush.
And that search continues, even though last season the club gave big bucks to free-agent defensive end Michael Johnson, late of the Cincinnati Bengals.
While he missed all but one game this past season, John Abraham has been terrorizing opposing quarterbacks for 15 years. His 133.5 career sacks include 11.5 sacks in 2013 with the Arizona Cardinals. He has also played numerous positions throughout his career with the New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons and Cardinals and is not limited by scheme.
With young defenders such as Adrian Clayborn and Da’Quan Bowers slated for free agency and not necessarily expected back, Abraham could fill a big void.
Tennessee Titans: DE/NT B.J. Raji
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Back in 2012, the Tennessee Titans allowed a league-high 471 points, the highest total in the history of a franchise that dates back to 1960 and the days of the Houston Oilers.
This past season, the team made a head coaching change with the addition of Ken Whisenhunt, plus hired defensive coordinator Ray Horton. The result was two wins and a defense that ranked 27th in the NFL, including next to last in the league against the run.
To aid its cause, the team has hired storied defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau as an assistant head coach. His work with the Pittsburgh Steelers speaks for itself.
But could the Titans also add a big body up front in the form of B.J. Raji? The potential free agent missed all of Green Bay’s 2014 season with a torn bicep. He can be used as a nose tackle or a defensive end in a 3-4 defense, giving LeBeau, Horton and the Titans some options.
Washington Redskins: S Will Allen
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For a change, we won’t be talking quarterback when it comes to the Washington Redskins.
Instead, this is about the defense and a unit that never seemed to improve under defensive coordinator Jim Haslett. Now Joe Barry is in charge of head coach’s Jay Gruden unit.
This past season, the Redskins gave up 46 offensive touchdowns (35 through the air) just one season after they surrendered a league-high 52 offensive touchdowns.
In the secondary, strong safety Brandon Meriweather is slated for free agency, and free safety Ryan Clark has retired. Speaking of one-time Pittsburgh Steelers, versatile Will Allen can play either spot and this past season did an admirable job of filling in for Troy Polamalu when he wasn’t available.
All free-agent information and team transactions courtesy of Spotrac, while all current 2015 team depth charts courtesy of Ourlads.
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