Every NFL Team's Biggest Offseason Regret
Regrets? We have a few.
In fact, there are a total of 32, one for each NFL team.
Here we will look at each club's offseason decision it may wind up doing a little second-guessing about within the next six months or so.
Let us explain our reasoning behind the selections. We understand that when a franchise has a lot of free agents it can’t bring back everyone, even if it has the best of intentions. In any case, a loss of a player is a loss.
Of course, when you make the call to either trade away or trade for, as well as release or add a player, the onus is on the team, and we certainly have our share of examples like that here as well.
We are also aware that many players will opt for greener pastures, be it increased salary or more playing time, regardless of the original team's offer. Once again a loss is a loss.
So sit back and take in our picks for some moves from the 2015 offseason NFL teams may ultimately regret.
Arizona Cardinals: Losing CB Antonio Cromartie
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The Arizona Cardinals have done a lot of things right this offseason. Their free-agent class looks pretty impressive with the additions of three-time Pro Bowl guard Mike Iupati, linebackers Sean Weatherspoon and LaMarr Woodley, defensive tackle Corey Peters and defensive end Cory Redding.
But losing cornerback Antonio Cromartie to the New York Jets and former defensive coordinator turned head coach Todd Bowles is hardly a positive. The veteran defender finished 2014 with 48 tackles, three interceptions and tied for the team lead with 10 passes defensed. Cromartie also returned a fumble for a touchdown.
The Cards still have the likes of Pro Bowler Patrick Peterson and safety Tyrann Mathieu in their secondary. But they will miss the talented Cromartie, who made an impact in his first and only season with the club.
Atlanta Falcons: Losing DT Corey Peters
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No NFL team allowed more total yards and more passing yards than the Atlanta Falcons this past season.
Hence the hiring of new head coach Dan Quinn, who did a marvelous job with the Seattle Seahawks. This offseason, the team has stressed aiding the pass rush with the free-agent signings of Brooks Reed and Adrian Clayborn and the drafting of Vic Beasley.
While he tailed off a bit at the end of the season, Falcons defensive tackle Corey Peters performed fairly well in 15 games (two starts) in 2014 when it came to run defense, courtesy of Pro Football Focus. That’s an area the Falcons could also use some help in as well.
The five-year pro signed with the Arizona Cardinals and should help that team overcome the free-agent loss of defensive tackle Dan Williams and the release of defensive tackle Darnell Dockett, who missed all of 2014.
But it also seems he may have been able to help the Falcons as well.
Baltimore Ravens: Losing Offensive Coordinator Gary Kubiak
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This offseason, the Baltimore Ravens changed offensive coordinators.
So what else is new?
But it’s hard to believe this team won’t miss Gary Kubiak, who, along with a revamped offensive line, helped revive the team’s ground attack and in part led to the Ravens’ sixth playoff appearance in seven years. After finishing with the league's third-fewest rushing yards in 2013, Baltimore improved to eighth in the NFL this past season in yards per game on the ground.
We can’t begrudge Kubiak, as he was hired to become the Denver Broncos' head coach. But we will be curious to see how new offensive coordinator Marc Trestman handles the attack. It should also be noted that Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco threw a career-high 27 touchdown passes in 2014 while being picked off only 12 times—which amounted to 10 fewer interceptions than he served up the previous year.
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Buffalo Bills: Losing FS Da’Norris Searcy
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After four years in Orchard Park, safety Da’Norris Searcy opted to head south to Nashville. The talented defender inked a free-agent deal with the Tennessee Titans this offseason.
Over the past two seasons, Searcy amassed impressive numbers with the Buffalo Bills. In 31 games, he totaled 136 tackles, four sacks, four interceptions, 12 passes defended and a pair of fumble recoveries.
With new head coach Rex Ryan in the fold, these Bills could be even more formidable on defense. Led by the likes of defensive ends Mario Williams and Jerry Hughes and defensive tackles Marcell Dareus and Kyle Williams, the club has amassed a combined 111 sacks the past two seasons—leading the NFL with 54 sacks in 2014.
However, losing a playmaker like Searcy in the secondary just one year after former Pro Bowler Jairus Byrd chose to leave as well is certainly not a positive.
Carolina Panthers: Signing T Michael Oher
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After last season, the Carolina Panthers were more than willing to take a chance on anyone helping them at left tackle.
As has been well-documented in a number of places, Byron Bell couldn’t begin to fill veteran Jordan Gross' shoes. Gross retired following the 2013 season after a stellar 11-year career. Bell had season-long issues keeping quarterback Cam Newton out of harm’s way, and it’s safe to say the play at the position went from Gross to…gross.
Enter Michael Oher, the one-time Baltimore Ravens first-round pick who spent five seasons with John Harbaugh’s club before signing with the Tennessee Titans in 2014. He was far from impressive in Nashville and was released after one season.
We know Oher can play either left or right tackle. But do we know if the massive lineman (6'4", 315 lbs) can play left tackle well enough to keep Newton safe and secure?
Chicago Bears: Trading WR Brandon Marshall
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Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune said we may soon see the seventh overall pick in this year’s draft.
On April 30, the Chicago Bears used their first pick to secure the services of West Virginia wide receiver Kevin White. Per Biggs, new head coach John Fox “shut down” White nearly two months ago because of what was described as “shin splints.”
Understand that this is not revisionist history. But the offseason decision to trade wideout Brandon Marshall seemed odd to begin with, and now with White ailing the second-guessers will be out in full force.
Yes, the prolific pass-catcher missed the final three games of 2014 and just wasn’t himself all year, but he still finished fourth on the club with 61 grabs for 721 yards and ranked second on the team with eight touchdown receptions.
That’s not a bad off year for a wideout whose absence will be felt in the Windy City.
Cincinnati Bengals: Losing CB Terence Newman
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The Cincinnati Bengals have had a solid offseason. The team has been successful in recent years via the draft and has built a solid foundation.
What has been interesting has been the fact that the team has now brought back many former Bengals who tested the free-agent waters in recent years. The list includes defensive end Michael Johnson, defensive tackle Pat Sims, backup quarterback Josh Johnson and cornerback Brandon Ghee.
The team has always been well-stocked at cornerback and has an emerging standout in Dre Kirkpatrick. But the Bengals will certainly miss veteran Terence Newman, who signed with the Minnesota Vikings and will begin his third tour of duty with Mike Zimmer, who coached him in Dallas and Cincinnati.
The Bengals defense is looking to rebound from a disappointing showing in 2014. Newman's departure certainly doesn’t help this unit’s cause.
Cleveland Browns: Losing TE Jordan Cameron
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Here are some somber facts when it comes to a team that has finished in last place in its division four consecutive years.
No team in the league totaled fewer passing touchdowns (12) in 2014 than the Cleveland Browns.
This is a club that will already be without former Pro Bowl wideout Josh Gordon, who as recently as 2013 led the NFL in receiving yards.
It will also be minus a former Pro Bowler in tight end Jordan Cameron, who signed with the Miami Dolphins following an injury-filled year as well as very few attempts by the Browns to bring back the talented performer.
The Browns have several other tight ends on the roster, including veterans Gary Barnidge, free-agent addition Rob Housler and Jim Dray, as well as undrafted free agent E.J. Bibbs.
Watch to see if the Browns stand pat with this group.
Dallas Cowboys: Signing RB Darren McFadden
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How does that tune go?
It’s the same…old song…but with a different beat (since you’ve been gone).
Veteran running back Darren McFadden is entering his eighth NFL season, but in 2014, he finally managed to play in all 16 regular-season games for the first time. Unfortunately, the 2008 fourth overall pick managed a mere 534 yards rushing and two scores on 155 carries.
Here is the latest. According to Rainer Sabin of the Dallas Morning News, it will still be a few days before we see the Dallas Cowboys' offseason addition.
“We anticipate his plan to be that he is going to get more and more work on the side this week and then hopefully practice after San Diego,” head coach Jason Garrett told Sabin on Saturday. “That might change. But that’s the plan as we sit right now.”
The Cowboys play the San Diego Chargers this upcoming Thursday. McFadden is a great talent but durability has not been a strong suit. The team is hoping he can be a part of a group, which includes Joseph Randle and Lance Dunbar, that can offset the offseason loss of 2014 NFL rushing champion DeMarco Murray.
So far, it appears we have two-thirds of our answer.
Denver Broncos: Trading for Gino Gradkowski
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What a mess.
We are not trying to pick on anyone, but we have raised our concerns over the status of the Denver Broncos' offensive line.
And perhaps new head coach Gary Kubiak and older quarterback Peyton Manning's biggest worry is the man who will be snapping the football.
This offseason, before the team dealt versatile Manny Ramirez to the Detroit Lions, general manager John Elway picked up Baltimore center Gino Gradkowski, who did little to distinguish himself in his brief tenure with the Ravens.
For now, he appears to be Manning’s starting center. Then again, keep an eye (or both) on rookie Max Garcia, a fourth-round pick from the University of Florida who may make things interesting the remainder of the summer.
Detroit Lions: Losing DT C.J. Mosley
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There were very few teams in a position to pay the kind of money (six years, $114 million; roughly $60 million guaranteed) the Miami Dolphins gave to four-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.
The Detroit Lions, Suh’s original employer, apparently weren't interested in shelling out that kind of dough, although they came close. As columnist Mike O’Hara of DetroitLions.com reported back in March, the team went as high as six years and $102 million, with $58 million guaranteed.
“It got to a point where economically, in terms of building a sustainable, quality football team, it didn’t make sense,” Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said to O’Hara five months ago.
Then again, the Lions also apparently weren’t interested in bringing back some of their other free-agent defensive tackles in Nick Fairley, Andre Fluellen and C.J. Mosley.
We find the latter the most intriguing. The 10-year veteran and journeyman defender made eight starts with the Lions in 2014, filling in fairly well for Fairley, and totaled 26 tackles, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble.
It appears this year’s starters in the middle will be five-time Pro Bowler Haloti Ngata (acquired from the Baltimore Ravens) and free-agent pickup Tyrunn Walker. But it seems keeping Mosley would have been a smart move in terms of proven depth.
Green Bay Packers: Losing CB Tramon Williams
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We understand that in this day and age of free agency, you can’t keep all of your prominent free agents. However, the Green Bay Packers usually do a better job than most.
Players such as wide receiver Randall Cobb, fullback John Kuhn, right tackle Bryan Bulaga and defensive tackles B.J. Raji and Letroy Guion were all retained by signing deals just before or after the free-agency period began March 10.
Still, it was somewhat surprising to see the team allow veteran cornerback Tramon Williams to test the market, and the former Pro Bowler latched on with the Cleveland Browns.
The former undrafted free agent not only started games at both left and right cornerback during his career, but he also picked off 28 passes and totaled eight fumble recoveries during his days in Titletown, a stint that saw him miss just one game in eight seasons.
Youth must indeed be served, as Green Bay has its share of up-and-coming defensive backs, but it will feel the loss of Williams at times during 2015.
Houston Texans: Losing OLB Brooks Reed
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Why would any team that employs the great J.J. Watt be concerned with losing a player who has the ability to get after opposing quarterbacks?
That’s because the Houston Texans aren’t necessarily settled at both outside linebacker spots. While Whitney Mercilus moves to the left side, 2014 first overall pick Jadeveon Clowney is expected to start at right outside linebacker—assuming he can stay healthy this season.
In four seasons and a total of 60 games with the Texans, Reed totaled 14.5 sacks and 11 passes defensed. It was enough to open the Atlanta Falcons' eyes, as the team inked the former second-round pick to a deal this offseason.
If Clowney can stay on the field and perform as expected, this is a moot point. But so far that if is a big one.
Indianapolis Colts: Not Re-Signing WR Reggie Wayne
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Yes, veteran wide receiver Reggie Wayne has had problems staying healthy the past two seasons. The NFL’s seventh-leading pass-catcher in league history with 1,070 receptions, all with the Indianapolis Colts, has been limited to a combined 102 grabs for 1,282 yards and four touchdowns.
It wasn’t long ago (106 receptions in 2012) that Wayne had one of the best seasons of his impressive career. But now it’s up to former Houston Texans star Andre Johnson to be the veteran leader of the receiving corps. The seven-time Pro Bowler certainly has the credentials, as his 1,012 career catches rank ninth in NFL annals.
Meanwhile, Wayne remains unemployed after 14 NFL seasons, and it’s unfortunate. It may have been interesting to see what he could do if he was totally healthy this year as these Colts have loaded up to make a strong Super Bowl run. And that run may have been made even more interesting if Wayne were along for the ride.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Losing WR Cecil Shorts
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We have oftentimes suggested the Jacksonville Jaguars may want to bring in a slightly more experienced wide receiver to complement the likes of second-year pros Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns and Marqise Lee. Add in 2015 draft choices Rashad Greene (Florida State) and Neal Sterling (Monmouth), and this is a wide-eyed bunch of wideouts that second-year quarterback Blake Bortles will be throwing to.
In 50 games with the Jaguars, four-year pro Cecil Shorts racked up 176 catches for 2,343 yards and one dozen scores. Those may not be eye-popping numbers, but they certainly dwarf the numbers of Robinson, Hurns, etc.
Now that Shorts is a member of the division-rival Houston Texans, he will have at least two opportunities per season to remind the Jaguars what they may be missing.
Kansas City Chiefs: Losing C Rodney Hudson
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Do you think the Kansas City Chiefs will miss underrated center Rodney Hudson, now a member of the AFC West-rival Oakland Raiders?
According to Pro Football Focus’ 2014 position rankings, only the New York Jets’ Nick Mangold and the Dallas Cowboys’ Travis Frederick performed better at center than head coach Andy Reid’s pivot.
For now, the battle for the job appears to be a duel between 2013 sixth-round pick Eric Kush and rookie second-round selection Mitch Morse from the University of Missouri.
In retrospect, could the Chiefs have actually afforded to give Hudson big money given the contracts of free-agent pickup Jeremy Maclin and 2014 NFL sack leader Justin Houston? That’s a good question and, unfortunately for Kansas City, it was one that had no simple answer.
Miami Dolphins: Losing TE Charles Clay
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Yes, we applaud the Miami Dolphins' efforts in adding former Pro Bowl tight end Jordan Cameron, but that doesn’t mean quarterback Ryan Tannehill and his teammates won’t miss Charles Clay.
This offseason, the Dolphins gave the free-agent performer the little-used franchise tag, and the rival Buffalo Bills signed him to a lucrative contract that Miami would not match.
Cameron is a former Pro Bowler looking to rebound from an injury-riddled year in Cleveland. On the other hand, Clay started 29 of a possible 32 games the last two seasons in Miami and totaled a combined 127 catches for 1,364 yards and nine touchdowns. It will be intriguing to see if Tannehill will find Cameron as reliable as he found Clay the past two seasons.
Minnesota Vikings: Losing ILB Jasper Brinkley
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We certainly understand the Minnesota Vikings needed to get better on defense, and one way to do that was to add a little youth to their linebacking corps.
They did that in the 2014 draft with the first-round addition of outside linebacker Anthony Barr. They hope they are doing that again with this year’s second-round selection of Eric Kendricks, Barr’s teammate at UCLA. The rookie defender will be inserted into the starting lineup immediately, hoping to aid a club that ranked 25th in the league against the run this past season.
Still, having Jasper Brinkley around may not have been a bad idea. He has latched on with the Dallas Cowboys after a season in which he totaled 75 tackles in 16 games (11 starts) for Mike Zimmer’s club. While pass coverage is not his forte, he ranked eighth in the NFL among inside linebackers this past season when it came to stopping the run.
At the very least, Kendricks could have learned a thing or two from a proven veteran.
New England Patriots: Losing CB Darrelle Revis
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Want to talk about something that’s really deflating when it comes to the New England Patriots?
Yes, the price tag would have indeed been high to retain Pro Bowl cornerback Darrelle Revis (as well as fellow free agent Brandon Browner). But look at the difference Revis made in the secondary.
As we have seen, there was a major overhaul at cornerback in Foxborough, as both Revis (New York Jets) and Browner (New Orleans Saints) moved on, while the club cut loose Kyle Arrington, Alfonzo Dennard and most recently little-used Justin Green.
But it’s Revis' departure, a player who comes off one of his best seasons, after one year in New England that may not only prove to be regrettable but also very costly as well.
New Orleans Saints: Releasing RB Pierre Thomas
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What has been the bigger surprise: the fact the New Orleans Saints released running back Pierre Thomas earlier this year or that no other NFL team has picked him up?
In eight seasons with Sean Payton’s club dating back to 2007, the veteran scored 40 touchdowns and racked up 6,353 yards from scrimmage. In 2014, Thomas was limited to just 11 contests, but he still finished third on the club with 222 rushing yards (two touchdowns) and fourth on the team with 45 catches.
Quarterback Drew Brees is one of the game's best, but he does come off a season in which he committed 20 of the team’s 30 turnovers. He’s now without Thomas, tight end Jimmy Graham and wide receiver Kenny Stills.
At the very least, the Saints got something for those two performers. That’s not the case when it comes to Thomas.
New York Giants: Losing SS Antrel Rolle
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This past season, the New York Giants pass rush returned following a two-year hiatus. However, there wasn’t much else to talk about when it came to the defense overall, at least not in a positive sense.
Only the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears allowed more total yards than Tom Coughlin’s club this past season. Meanwhile, only two NFL teams were easier to run against. In fact, after allowing a respectable 99 yards per game on the ground in their first five contests in 2014, the Giants surrendered a whopping 151.5 yards per game rushing during the club’s disappointing 3-8 finish.
Yes, the Giants were looking to get younger in the secondary. But it’s hard to believe they won't feel veteran strong safety Antrel Rolle’s absence. He never missed a start in five seasons with the franchise and comes off a year in which he finished second on the team with 87 tackles, three interceptions and nine passes defensed.
Now he’ll be bringing his leadership to a Chicago Bears team in desperate need of that on defense. The Giants could still use some of his guidance as well.
New York Jets: Signing RB Stevan Ridley
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Similar to every AFC East team sans the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots, the New York Jets appeared to have made great strides this offseason. This is a team coming off a 4-12 campaign and one now under the control of head coach Todd Bowles.
New general manager Mike Maccagnan has had a busy offseason, and we won’t go into every one of the team’s myriad moves. While this was a club that ranked third in the NFL in rushing yards per game in 2014, the Jets continued to add to an already deep backfield that includes running backs Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell. During draft week, the team orchestrated a trade for Zac Stacy, who led the St. Louis Rams in rushing in 2013.
Before that, the Jets signed running back Stevan Ridley, who had his ups and downs with the Patriots and was coming off a season that ended prematurely because of a severe knee injury.
Mike Reiss of ESPN.com noted in a recent piece that Ridley is currently on New York’s physically unable to perform list, but it’s anyone’s guess when we will see him. Reiss said, "I’m told Ridley feels great and is close to a return, but the Jets are taking a cautious approach with him at this point."
Perhaps the Jets’ biggest regret may wind up being the realization that Ridley might not be as much of a factor in 2015, especially when it comes to facing his former team on more than one occasion.
Oakland Raiders: Signing RB Trent Richardson
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The Oakland Raiders have had a very good offseason.
Of course, there hasn’t been a good regular season when it comes to the Silver and Black since 2002.
There is plenty of positive talk with the additions of wide receivers such as rookie Amari Cooper and veteran Michael Crabtree. Both should make second-year quarterback Derek Carr an improved player this season.
General manager Reggie McKenzie was also determined to fix the league’s least productive running game in 2014 with more carries from promising running back Latavius Murray and free-agent pickups such as Roy Helu and Trent Richardson.
But just as training camp began, Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle penned this noteworthy sentence: "Latavius Murray will get every chance to be the lead running back as whispers are that the Trent Richardson reclamation project is not going so well."
That seems to be a common thought when it comes to Richardson, once the third overall pick in 2012 via the Cleveland Browns and now with his third team in four years.
Philadelphia Eagles: Trading QB Nick Foles
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As it stands right now, the Philadelphia Eagles have four quarterbacks on their roster (Sam Bradford, Mark Sanchez, Tim Tebow and Matt Barkley) who started a total of eight games this past season—all by Sanchez.
Like Sanchez, Nick Foles also started eight games for the Birds in 2014 before going down with a broken collarbone. But now he’s a member of the St. Louis Rams, part of the deal that brought Bradford to the City of Brotherly Love.
As Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com explained Friday, Foles just signed a new contract extension with the Rams. “It's something the team had talked to my people about, and I want to be here,” the 26-year-old signal-caller said. “I want to focus on my teammates. I want to be all-in. I don’t want to have to worry about contract issues or anything. To me, that can be selfish.”
Meanwhile, Ed Werder of ESPN reported last week that these Birds are considering a short-term extension with Bradford, who’s missed 25 consecutive games. But are the Eagles truly content with a quarterback situation that continues to have its share of questions?
Pittsburgh Steelers: Losing Defensive Coordinator Dick LeBeau
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All good things must come to an end, and in his second stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers, dating back to 2004, defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau saw the Black and Gold make three Super Bowl appearances and win a pair of Lombardi Trophies.
Mike Tomlin’s club ranked 18th in the NFL in total defense, gave up the sixth most passing yards in the league and surrendered 30 scores through the air this past season. Perhaps it was indeed time for former linebackers coach Keith Butler to take over the defensive coordinator chores in the Steel City.
Of course, after replacing a legend, Butler will begin his tenure with immediate pressure.
St. Louis Rams: Signing DT Nick Fairley
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If you go by the numbers, the St. Louis Rams’ free-agent addition of defensive tackle Nick Fairley makes perfect sense.
When your starting front four (Chris Long, Michael Brockers, Aaron Donald and Robert Quinn) consists entirely of one-time first-round draft picks, perhaps it is only natural that you add a fifth for depth.
But the onetime standout from Auburn University has played in only 46 contests in four seasons and missed the final eight games with the Lions in 2014. Can he be counted on? The talent is there, but it hasn’t always added up to production.
San Diego Chargers: Losing WR Eddie Royal
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Yes, the San Diego Chargers have added their share of offensive weapons this offseason in wide receivers Stevie Johnson and Jacoby Jones (who will be a big boost to the special teams) and rookie running back Melvin Gordon.
But veteran wideout Eddie Royal had become one of quarterback Philip Rivers' more reliable scoring options. In 2014, Royal totaled 62 catches for 778 yards and seven touchdowns. Only tight end Antonio Gates (12) reached the end zone for the Bolts more often this past season, and he will miss the first four games of 2015 because of a league suspension.
Over the past two seasons, Royal totaled 109 receptions for 1,409 yards and 15 touchdowns. That won’t be easy for the Chargers to make up for regardless of whom they have added this offseason.
San Francisco 49ers: Losing Head Coach Jim Harbaugh
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The proof is in the pudding. Or maybe in this case when it comes to the Bay Area, we are talking the cioppino.
After three straight appearances in the NFC title game from 2011-13, it all came apart for the San Francisco 49ers as Jim Harbaugh’s team fell to 8-8 amid a troubled season.
Now the Niners brass won’t have Harbaugh to kick around anymore, as he and the club parted ways this offseason. The former University of Michigan quarterback is now the Wolverines head coach.
Enter promoted defensive line coach Jim Tomsula to fill Harbaugh's khakis, ones that in four seasons with the club boasted a 44-19-1 regular-season mark.
Given the numerous departures and retirements, it could be an interesting year for this team. It is unfortunate Harbaugh and general manager Trent Baalke could not iron out their differences.
Seattle Seahawks: Losing Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn
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When you spend two years as a team’s defensive coordinator and in each season your club allows the fewest total yards and fewest points in the league, it’s hard to believe you won’t be missed.
Such is the case when it comes to Dan Quinn, now the Atlanta Falcons head coach after a brief but successful stint with the Seattle Seahawks. Head coach Pete Carroll has promoted Kris Richard to fill the void left by the highly regarded coordinator.
Yes, to a degree it is Carroll’s defense, but like all coaches, Quinn put his own spin on it. We shall see if Richard can keep the momentum going on this side of the ball.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Losing ILB Mason Foster
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Although he was limited to only 62 tackles and three passes defensed in 10 games for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this past season, inside linebacker Mason Foster left for the Chicago Bears via free agency.
Given the Bucs’ issues on defense this past season (ranked 25th in the NFL in total yards and 19th in the league against the run), it was a bit of a surprise the team didn’t try harder to retain his services. Tampa signed free agent Bruce Carter to play middle linebacker this upcoming season.
In each of his first three seasons with the Buccaneers, Foster totaled at least 80 tackles, and over his four-year career, he has added a total of six sacks, five interceptions (two returned for touchdowns in 2013) and 13 passes defensed.
Tennessee Titans: Signing T Byron Bell
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It was a swap of offensive tackles that may not have been intentional, but sometimes it just works out that way in this always interesting league. Still, the Tennessee Titans' decision to add Byron Bell via free agency remains a bit perplexing.
Per Pro Football Focus, the massive blocker (6'5", 340 lbs) started a combined 17 regular-season and postseason games with the Carolina Panthers in 2014 and received a negative grade in 13 of those contests. The service ranked 142 offensive tackles this past season, and Bell finished at No. 141.
With Taylor Lewan on the left side and 2015 third-round pick Jeremiah Poutasi expected to man the right tackle spot, Bell is there simply for experience depth. It will be interesting to see what happens if he’s forced to play.
Washington Redskins: Losing RB Roy Helu
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The Washington Redskins feature one of the league's better running backs in two-time Pro Bowler Alfred Morris. He has not missed a start in three seasons and has rushed for at least 1,000 yards each year.
Prior to Morris’ arrival in 2012, Roy Helu Jr. was the starting running back. For the past three years, the veteran has provided depth and aided the team’s passing attack. In 2014, he finished fourth on the team with 42 catches for 477 yards and two scores, plus he added 216 yards and one touchdown on 40 carries.
The Oakland Raiders signed Helu this offseason, while the Redskins used a third-round pick this spring on running back Matt Jones (Florida). We’ll see if he proves to be a productive option, but regardless, Helu will be missed.
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.com and ESPN.com.
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