1 Bargain Player Each Team Should Target in Late NFL Free Agency
Now that the NFL's offseason has made it's way into April, let’s take a look at what is remaining in terms of available free agents around the league and who could prove to be an economical pickup for each of the 32 clubs.
Keep in mind that not all of these players could wind up in a team’s starting lineup this upcoming season. But they are certainly worth a look-see and at this stage should come at a reasonable price.
There are a few other factors to consider here. In some instances, some of these players have not been signed or re-signed due to the fact that they may be recovering from injuries. Hence, we are not insisting that a team go out and grab one of these men within the next 24 hours. Each of the 32 teams is starting to buckle down in terms of the upcoming draft, so some of these signings may not occur for a few weeks.
In any case, look for these players to be on a team’s radar sooner or later.
Arizona Cardinals: RB Pierre Thomas
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The Arizona Cardinals' issues on offense weren’t limited to the many quarterbacks who started for them in 2014.
Only the Oakland Raiders gained fewer yards rushing than Bruce Arians’ club this past season. In 2012, the Cards actually finished dead last in the league in yards gained on the ground.
The New Orleans Saints released underrated running back Pierre Thomas this offseason following an injury-plagued campaign. He runs hard and is one of the best backs in the league on screens. He seemingly makes yards where there are none to be had.
With Andre Ellington coming off an injury-shortened year and little veteran depth on the roster, Thomas would make for an ideal addition and should help a team that averaged only 19.4 points per game in 2014.
Atlanta Falcons: T/G Daryn Colledge
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In recent seasons, the Atlanta Falcons haven’t done a great job of running the football. They also haven’t blown anyone’s doors off in terms of pass protection.
In 2014, injuries played a major part in the team’s struggles on the offensive line. For instance, first-round pick Jake Matthews was to be the Week 1 starter at right tackle but wound up at left tackle when Sam Baker was injured and lost for the entire season. This offseason, the team cut ties with veteran guard Justin Blalock.
So why not pick up someone with the versatility to play inside and outside? Daryn Colledge started and played 13 games for the Miami Dolphins this past season, which marked the first time in his nine-year NFL career (with the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals and Dolphins) that he missed a game. He’s played in 141 regular-season contests and started 137 of those tilts.
The nine-year pro would make for a nice insurance policy.
Baltimore Ravens: WR Hakeem Nicks
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According to ESPN’s Josina Anderson via Twitter, free-agent wide receiver Hakeem Nicks was busy visiting the San Francisco 49ers on Monday.
But the one-time first-round pick of the New York Giants may be a better fit with the Baltimore Ravens based on need. Nicks spent 2014 with the Indianapolis Colts, catching 38 passes for 405 yards and four touchdowns.
Meanwhile, the Ravens lost a pair of pass-catchers this offseason in wide receiver Torrey Smith and tight end Owen Daniels, who signed with the Niners and Denver Broncos, respectively. The team also cut ties with wideout and kick return artist Jacoby Jones, who latched on with the San Diego Chargers.
Nicks could be a viable red-zone option for quarterback Joe Flacco, who connected for 27 touchdown passes in 2014, with more than half of those to the combination of Smith (11) and Daniels (four).
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Buffalo Bills: G Dan Connolly
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In 2013, running back LeSean McCoy and the Philadelphia Eagles led the league in rushing yards individually and as a team. Right behind the Birds were the Buffalo Bills.
Now McCoy, who went to Orchard Park this offseason, will try to revive a Bills’ ground attack that slumped to 28th in the league this past season. While injuries in the backfield were a factor, so was an ineffective offensive front that Pro Football Focus ranked as the worst in the league in terms of run blocking.
General manager Doug Whaley and head coach Rex Ryan already added guard Richie Incognito, who didn’t play football in 2014. Dan Connolly did play football this past season and won a Super Bowl ring with the New England Patriots.
And what would make Ryan happier than to pick up one of Bill Belichick’s chess pieces?
Carolina Panthers: DE Osi Umenyiora
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After lying in wait during the early weeks of free agency, the Carolina Panthers have awoken from their cat nap.
In recent days, they’ve added tackle Jonathan Martin and wide receiver Jarrett Boykin. On Monday, Aaron Wilson of National Football Post reported the team had signed running back Jordan Todman, late of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
After a rocky start this past season, the Panthers defense awoke from an early-season slump to finish 10th in the league in total yards allowed. With defensive end Greg Hardy playing only one game due to his off-the-field issues, Carolina went from a league-high 60 sacks in 2013 to just 40 this past year.
Could veteran defensive end Osi Umenyiora help? Miscast as an outside linebacker in the Falcons’ 3-4 defense, he may still have some pass-rushing moments remaining in his arsenal.
Chicago Bears: DE/OLB John Abraham
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Defense has been a four-letter word in the Windy City the past two seasons.
Let’s make it three letters: B-A-D.
That makes Tuesday’s signing of running back Jacquizz Rodgers, as reported by Larry Mayer of ChicagoBears.com, somewhat surprising. Then again, the Chicago Bears did finish 27th in the NFL in rushing yards this past season, and Rodgers could also take away some of Matt Forte’s receptions. In 2014, the versatile performer set an NFL record for catches by a running back in a season (102).
Back to a unit which has given up a depressing 93 offensive touchdowns in its past 32 games. New defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is implementing the 3-4 defense in the Windy City, and general manager Ryan Pace has already added outside linebacker Pernell McPhee.
This past season, John Abraham played just one game before being sidelined for the remainder of 2014 with concussion issues. He’s totaled 133.5 sacks in 15 NFL seasons with the New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons and Arizona Cardinals. With the Cards in 2013, he amassed 11.5 sacks in a linebacker role.
Cincinnati Bengals: WR Donnie Avery
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In 2014, the Cincinnati Bengals ranked just 21st in the league in passing yards per game. And contrary to popular perception, that’s not all due to the play of quarterback Andy Dalton.
The season-long absence of wideout Marvin Jones, injuries to perennial Pro Bowler A.J. Green and inconsistent play from Mohamed Sanu didn’t help the fourth-year signal-caller.
Targets such as tight end Jermaine Gresham and wide receivers Brandon Tate and Dane Sanzenbacher are all unsigned free agents and not expected to return.
On the other hand, the Kansas City Chiefs parted ways this offseason with veteran receiver Donnie Avery, who was limited to six games and 15 receptions this past season. With Andy Reid’s team in 2013, the six-year pro totaled 40 catches, and the previous year with Indianapolis, he amassed a career-high 60 receptions with rookie Andrew Luck pulling the strings.
Cleveland Browns: TE James Casey
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With former Pro Bowler Jordan Cameron taking his pass-catching talents to South Beach, the Cleveland Browns currently have three tight ends on their roster. It is worth noting that the trio of Gary Barnidge (44), Jim Dray (50) and Andre Smith (zero) own a combined 94 career receptions, with six for touchdowns.
In six seasons with the Houston Texans and Philadelphia Eagles, tight end James Casey totaled 72 catches, with six of those for scores.
The last two seasons with the Birds, Casey played a limited offensive role and totaled a mere six grabs in 31 games. He could be a nice option for a Browns’ team whose passing game produced only 12 touchdowns in 2014, all via the arm of quarterback Brian Hoyer (now with the Houston Texans).
Dallas Cowboys: DE/DT Antonio Smith
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Does veteran defensive lineman Antonio Smith have eyes for Texas once again?
More importantly, would the Dallas Cowboys add an 11-year pro who could possibly help their defensive line?
This past season, Smith started 16 games for the Oakland Raiders, and according to the fine folks at Pro Football Focus, he was a liability against the run and an asset when it came to the pass rush. Smith, who began his career with the Arizona Cardinals but spent five seasons with the Houston Texans, totaled 20 tackles, three sacks and one forced fumble in 2014.
Somewhat surprisingly and according to Scott Bair of CSNBayArea.com, the Raiders released Smith Tuesday. But he could be a nice and economical addition to a Cowboys defense that produced just 28 sacks this past season.
Denver Broncos: C Chris Myers
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It makes all the sense in the world.
This past season, the Denver Broncos wound up overhauling their offensive line in mid-November—something that the team thought it had already done during training camp.
Among the changes were moving right guard Louis Vasquez to right tackle and center Manny Ramirez to right guard and installing Will Montgomery at center.
Now consider that left guard Orlando Franklin (the team’s right tackle in 2013) signed with the San Diego Chargers this offseason. His spot will apparently be filled by free-agent pickup Shelley Smith, late of the Miami Dolphins.
In any scenario, it figures to be another year of alterations up front. At last week’s owners meetings, new head coach Gary Kubiak (via Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com) spoke about the unit and hinted there could be some more changes in certain spots.
It would not be a surprise for the veteran coach to bring in the likes of center Chris Myers. His NFL career began in Denver when Kubiak was still there, and in 2008 the Houston Texans (and then-head coach Kubiak) obtained the pivot in a trade. Myers started every game for the Texans the past seven seasons and was named to a pair of Pro Bowls, but the franchise released him this offseason.
Detroit Lions: DT Barry Cofield
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Four-time Pro Bowler Ndamukong Suh is a member of the Miami Dolphins.
Four-year pro Nick Fairley is a big part of the St. Louis Rams.
Veteran C.J. Mosley remains an unrestricted free agent.
Ladies and gentlemen, that was basically your defensive tackle rotation for the 2014 Detroit Lions.
Obviously, there will be big changes this upcoming season. The addition of five-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Haloti Ngata from the Baltimore Ravens should prove to be a big help.
So could a free-agent signing such as defensive tackle Barry Cofield.
In early March, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reported the veteran defender was undergoing surgery for a nagging labrum issue. Cofield hopes to be back by July.
“It’s been a never-ending saga,” said Cofield, who was released by the Washington Redskins this offseason. “I’m ready to get back to having fun playing. (The doctor) thinks July is a possibility to be up and running. That would put me back on track for training camp.”
That also means that the Lions don’t have to be in a rush to add him while he heals. The team may also address the position with one of its six picks in the upcoming draft.
Green Bay Packers: ILB Brandon Spikes
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This free-agent period, the Green Bay Packers have been busy securing their own and have yet to sign anyone new to their roster.
After making sure wide receiver Randall Cobb never hit the market while re-signing right tackle Bryan Bulaga on the first day of free agency, the team inked defensive linemen B.J. Raji and Letroy Guion to one-year deals. Tom Silverstein of the Journal Sentinel sums up a busy Tuesday for general manager Ted Thompson.
Of course, that doesn’t mean there haven’t been changes. This offseason, the team jettisoned veteran inside linebackers A.J. Hawk and Brad Jones, who are now the property of the Cincinnati Bengals and Philadelphia Eagles, respectively.
This past season, Brandon Spikes finished sixth on the Buffalo Bills with 54 tackles on a defense that ranked 11th in the league against the run. His addition, along with the return of Raji at nose tackle, would certainly aid defensive coordinator Dom Capers’ cause.
Houston Texans: WR Greg Jennings
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The offseason release of the franchise’s all-time leader in receiving in Andre Johnson certainly leaves a bit of an offensive void for the Houston Texans.
Yes, the team did add former divisional rival Cecil Shorts from the Jacksonville Jaguars. But it would be surprising if the team was done adding talent to the wide receiving corps.
After a pair of so-so seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, wideout Greg Jennings was released by the club and remains on the open market. In 31 games for the Purple Gang, he totaled 127 receptions for 1,546 yards and 10 scores but became expendable with the acquisition of wideout Mike Wallace.
While Jennings’ career resume (552 catches for 8,083 yards and 63 touchdowns) isn’t close to that of an Andre Johnson, the fact is that the 12-year veteran was cut loose by the Texans and is now a member of the Indianapolis Colts.
Pairing Jennings with the likes of Shorts and emerging DeAndre Hopkins would make life a lot easier for whichever quarterback emerges as the starter for Bill O’Brien’s team this summer.
Indianapolis Colts: FS Thomas DeCoud
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There was good and bad news when it came to the Indianapolis Colts defense this past season in regard to the safety positions.
The bad news proved to be veteran LaRon Landry, who was cut loose by the organization following an erratic season in a numbers of ways.
The excellent news was the arrival of strong safety Mike Adams, who finished third on the team with 87 tackles, knocked down 11 passes and racked up seven (five interceptions, two fumble recoveries) of the Colts’ 26 takeaways this past season. The team re-signed the Pro Bowl defender this offseason.
So much for reminiscing, as the team now has a hole at free safety, one that veteran Thomas DeCoud could fill. He was one and done with the Carolina Panthers in 2014 but did finish fifth on the team with 50 tackles while knocking down three passes.
Jacksonville Jaguars: WR Reggie Wayne
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It only stands to reason that if one prominent wide receiver from the AFC South changes teams and stays in the division, why can’t another?
Former Houston Texans star Andre Johnson is now a member of the Indianapolis Colts. That’s Reggie Wayne’s former team, one that he totaled 1,070 receptions with for over a 14-year career from 2001 to 2014. But the franchise has opted not to bring him back.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have a young quarterback in Blake Bortles (22) and young wide receivers in Marqise Lee (23), Allen Robinson (21) and Allen Hurns (23).
A team that that has finished last in the NFL in scoring each of the last two seasons could use some help, especially from a veteran wideout who could prove to be an excellent mentor to those young players.
Kansas City Chiefs: CB Charles Tillman
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Charles Tillman, we barely knew you in 2014.
That’s because the football magnet saw his season cut short after only two games in 2014. In fact, the two-time Pro Bowler has missed 22 games the past two seasons.
Of course, everyone is more than familiar with the 12-year defender’s penchant for the big play. He’s totaled 36 interceptions (eight returned for touchdowns), forced an amazing 42 fumbles and recovered 11 fumbles. So how much does this “Peanut” have left in his shell, and why would he be a good fit in Kansas City?
After totaling an impressive 36 takeaways during their 11-5 playoff campaign of 2013, the Chiefs forced a paltry 14 turnovers this past season.
Miami Dolphins: DT C.J. Mosley
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When you sign a player to a six-year, $114.3 million contract, you are basically giving him anything he wants.
So how about making Ndamukong Suh feel welcome in the form of a familiar face? With Nick Fairley having his issues this past season, the Detroit Lions got a lot from veteran defensive tackle C.J. Mosley. He’s played for five different teams in 10 seasons, the last two in the Motor City.
In 2014, he started eight games, totaling 26 tackles and 2.5 sacks while helping the Lions rank first in the NFL in rushing defense.
One of the big reasons the Dolphins added Suh was to improve a defense that finished 24th in the league in rushing yards allowed this past season. The arrival of Mosley would not hurt Miami’s cause.
Minnesota Vikings: WR Lance Moore
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The Minnesota Vikings made strides in head coach Mike Zimmer’s first season at the helm in 2014. Now the club must continue to grow.
Part of that improvement must come from quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who comes off a solid rookie campaign. He completed 64.4 percent of his passes for 2,919 yards, 14 scores and 12 interceptions. The 2014 first-round pick was sacked 39 times, but that number figures to go down as he gains more experience.
The team added wide receiver Mike Wallace this offseason, and hopefully Cordarrelle Patterson can rebound from a disappointing second season. Charles Johnson was a pleasant surprise this past season with 31 catches, and Jairus Wright’s third NFL season was somewhat charming, as he finished third on the team with 42 catches for 588 yards and two scores.
After eight seasons as a member of the New Orleans Saints in which he totaled 346 catches (38 for touchdowns), Lance Moore was released by the team and spent 2014 with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He totaled just 14 receptions for 198 yards and two scores with Mike Tomlin’s club and was cut loose this offseason.
The veteran wideout could be a nice addition as a slot receiver for Zimmer’s squad.
New England Patriots: DE/OLB Mathias Kiwanuka
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Mike Reiss of ESPN.com credits colleagues Field Yates and Todd Archer for the news on Monday that the New England Patriots were hosting free-agent linebacker Rolando McClain, who spent 2014 with the Dallas Cowboys.
It makes sense. Ben Volin of The Boston Globe recently reported linebacker Dont’a Hightower would be on the mend for the next six or seven months following shoulder surgery. Add in the fact that linebacker Jerod Mayo is also looking to bounce back from an injury-shortened season and this looms as trouble for the defending Super Bowl champions.
So what not give Mathias Kiwanuka a look-see? It’s not like Bill Belichick isn’t familiar with the nine-year pro. He was the New York Giants’ first-round pick in 2006 after a standout career at Boston College.
Kiwanuka totaled 38.5 sacks with Big Blue and played at defensive end and linebacker before being cut loose by the Giants this offseason.
That versatility alone has to appeal to Belichick and a New England defense that is facing numerous changes this year.
New Orleans Saints: WR Nate Washington
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You would think Monty Hall was running the New Orleans Saints this offseason.
We have already seen the club orchestrate three trades in 2015, dealing away Pro Bowlers such as tight end Jimmy Graham (Seattle Seahawks) and guard Ben Grubbs (Kansas City Chiefs), as well as two-year wide receiver Kenny Stills (Miami Dolphins).
This past season, Graham (85) and Stills (63) finished first and second on the team, respectively, in catches. The duo combined for 148 receptions, 1,820 yards and 13 scores.
As of now, the team’s wide receiving corps consists mainly of Marques Colston, Brandin Cooks and Nick Toon and not much else in terms of experienced pass-catchers. This past season, Washington finished third on the Tennessee Titans with 40 receptions, good for 647 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
New York Giants: DE Red Bryant
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Some would tell you that Red Bryant is the best run-stopping defensive end in the league…hands down.
He would make an ideal addition to the New York Giants, who are once again under the guidance of defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
Although the Giants rediscovered their pass rush this past season to the tune of 47 sacks in 2014, only two teams in the league allowed more rushing yards per game on the ground. In fact, things got worse as the season wore on. Tom Coughlin’s squad allowed a whopping 151.5 yards per game rushing in its final 11 contests—this after giving up only 99.0 yards per game on the ground during the club’s 3-2 start.
So will Big Blue be seeing Red anytime soon? It’s hard to get after the opposing quarterback when the opposing running back has the football.
New York Jets: RB Knowshon Moreno
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It may be a bit of a risk to sign a running back who has had his problems staying healthy. But when your team comes off a four-win season, there’s not much more to lose.
The New York Jets have been the league’s busiest team in terms of signing players this offseason. A year ago, only two clubs in the league ran for more yards than the green and white.
While oft-injured Knowshon Moreno is still trying to bounce back from a torn ACL suffered last October in his first season with the Miami Dolphins, he could offer new Jets offensive coordinator Chan Gailey a number of options in terms of the passing game—if healthy.
While he played only three games in 2014, the previous year saw him not only rush for 1,038 yards but catch 60 passes. This past season, Jets running backs Chris Johnson, Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell combined for just 53 catches.
Add in the fact that Moreno has also made a name for himself as a stellar pass protector and the six-year veteran may be worth waiting for this summer.
Oakland Raiders: WR Michael Crabtree
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When you finish dead last in the NFL in total offense and your offensive unit produces just 26 touchdowns, you can use all the help you can get.
One of the biggest names remaining on the open market is wide receiver Michael Crabtree, the 10th overall pick in the 2009 NFL draft who had spent six seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. He’s totaled a respectable 347 receptions for 4,327 yards and 26 scores in his career, and that’s after missing 11 games in 2013.
However, according to colleague Jason Cole of Bleacher Report, the market for Crabtree has “crashed,” and the big money he may have expected to get in free agency just doesn’t exist.
Could general manager Reggie McKenzie and the Raiders get a bargain here? It does bear watching.
Philadelphia Eagles: G Justin Blalock
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By now, nothing the Philadelphia Eagles do should surprise anyone.
We’re not suggesting that the addition of wide receiver Miles Austin on Tuesday, as reported by Phil Sheridan of ESPN.com, is somewhat earth-shattering.
Still, the recent mention of reliable guard Evan Mathis being on the trading block was a bit of a shocker. Here’s the latest via Mark Inabinett of AL.com. Chances are if Mathis is indeed dealt, the team could be looking for a veteran to add a little depth or push for the starting job.
So why not add another steady veteran in former Falcons guard Justin Blalock? In eight seasons, he started 125 out of 128 regular-season games for Atlanta before being cut loose this offseason.
Pittsburgh Steelers: OLB Sam Acho
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Rush the quarterback.
It’s something the Pittsburgh Steelers used to do quite well. But we haven’t seen that potent pass rush of years past in quite a spell. And now we won’t be seeing Dick LeBeau in the Steel City any longer, as longtime linebackers coach Keith Butler takes over as defensive coordinator.
This offseason, the team re-signed outside linebackers Arthur Moats and James Harrison, while Jason Worilds opted for early retirement.
It was far from a big year for Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Sam Acho. While he played in all 16 games in 2014 (after missing 13 contests the previous season), he managed 31 tackles and just one sack while knocking down three passes.
In his first two seasons in the league (2011 to 2012), Acho totaled a combined 11 sacks. Could he be a nice addition to a team that is looking to recapture its own pass rush of the recent past?
St. Louis Rams: C Will Montgomery
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This offseason, the St. Louis Rams did a little more than trade the No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 NFL draft, Sam Bradford.
They also cut ties with the first overall selection in the 2008 NFL draft, as the team released tackle Jake Long. In addition, the Rams parted ways with veteran center Scott Wells.
While 2014 first-round pick Greg Robinson is the left tackle, filling the center spot may not be as easy. Will Montgomery did a fine job with the Denver Broncos this past season, after leaving the Washington Redskins. But he remains unsigned as of now, and it remains to be seen if he is in the 2015 plans of the defending AFC West champions.
Hence, Denver’s loss could be the Rams' gain.
San Diego Chargers: SS Bernard Pollard
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This past season, the San Diego Chargers finished with a 9-7 record for the second consecutive year. But this time around, it wasn’t enough to secure a playoff berth as was the case in 2013.
While the Bolts appeared to make strides on the defensive side of the ball after ranking 23rd in the NFL in total yards allowed in 2013, the team’s ninth overall ranking this past season was quite deceptive.
San Diego ranked 26th in the NFL against the run, and a disappointing pass rush managed only 26 sacks. Meanwhile, Mike McCoy’s club came up with a mere 18 takeaways.
While Bernard Pollard has made the rounds around the league, he always seems to make an impression. And the hard-hitting strong safety may be just what John Pagano’s defensive unit needs.
San Francisco 49ers: ILB Joe Mays
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It was a busy day at 4949 Marie P. DeBartolo Way on Monday.
As previously mentioned in this piece, the San Francisco 49ers hosted free-agent wide receiver Hakeem Nicks on Monday. They also welcomed linebackers Lance Briggs and Philip Wheeler, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network (via Kevin Patra of NFL.com).
Linebacking help is the operative phrase here, most notably at the inside spots courtesy of the recent retirements of Patrick Willis and Chris Borland.
We’ll thrown another helmet into the ring in the form of inside linebacker Joe Mays, who played eight games for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2014 and totaled 20 tackles. The sixth-round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2008 has played for four teams the past six seasons.
Seattle Seahawks: C Stefen Wisniewski
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Thanks to the trade that brought three-time Pro Bowl tight end Jimmy Graham to the Pacific Northwest, the Seattle Seahawks sent former Pro Bowl center Max Unger to the New Orleans Saints.
On Monday, we know the team hosted Chris Myers because Adam Schefter of ESPN said so on Twitter.
The Houston Texans cut the veteran center this offseason. He started every game for the team the past seven seasons and was a two-time Pro Bowler with the club.
Since we have Myers going back to Denver and reuniting with Gary Kubiak, Stefen Wisniewski is the choice here to contend for the starting job. The Oakland Raiders opted to sign free-agent Rodney Hudson away from the Kansas City Chiefs, which means the former Penn State product and 2011 second-round pick is currently looking for work.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: T Joe Barksdale
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A year ago, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were arguably the league’s most active team during free agency.
All that shopping for new things amounted to a total of two wins and the No. 1 pick in the 2015 NFL draft. As a result, the club let go of high-priced additions such as tackle Anthony Collins and defensive end Michael Johnson after just one year.
Demar Dotson remains one of the team’s unsung stars and could be the new permanent left tackle, where he started three games this past season. As for right tackle, the Bucs could look at Joe Barksdale, who has had his issues in pass blocking, but according to Pro Football Focus, he’s one of the league’s better run-blockers.
In 2014, Barksdale started 16 games for the St. Louis Rams and could help a Tampa team that ranked 29th in the league in rushing this past season.
Tennessee Titans: DE Robert Geathers
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There’s arguably not a lot of tread left on the tires of defensive end Robert Geathers, who in 11 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals totaled 34 sacks.
But when you are the Tennessee Titans and looking for help on defense, the addition of a savvy veteran can certainly help. The team does have one in new assistant head coach Dick LeBeau, who hopes to cure what has ailed this club in recent years.
Geathers played in all 16 games for the Bengals this past season but did not start one contest. He totaled 21 stops, one sack and three pass breakups and recorded the third interception of his career.
Meanwhile, the Titans are looking to rebound from a horrid showing in which they finished 27th in the league in total yards allowed and next-to-last in the NFL against the run while allowing a whopping 438 points.
Washington Redskins: FS Stevie Brown
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While the quarterback is often the main subject when it comes to the Washington Redskins, the defense has been a liability in recent seasons, and it was time for a change.
Gone is defensive coordinator Jim Haslett and in is Joe Barry, who comes over from the San Diego Chargers. Washington ranked 24th in the NFL in total yards allowed and gave up a league-high 35 touchdown passes in 2014.
There will be some new looks in the secondary as Brandon Meriweather remains unsigned and free safety Ryan Clark has retired. New general manager Scot McCloughan should look at an NFC East rival for help in the form of Stevie Brown, who bounced back nicely after missing all of the 2013 season. The Redskins would be his fourth NFL team in six seasons, but he comes off a year in which he played all 16 games—with eight starts—making 38 tackles and one start.
All free-agent information and player signings/transactions are courtesy of Spotrac. Depth chart information comes via Ourlads. Unless otherwise noted, all player and team statistics come from Pro Football Reference and ESPN.com.
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