NFL Signings 2011: Ranking the Eagles, Redskins, Cowboys and Giants Acquisitions

With the free agency period going into its second week of action, the NFC East has been as active as any other division in the NFL—well at least the Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles, anyways.

The Eagles and the Redskins have made as much noise as any other team, with the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants not doing too much in the way of signing players.

Here are my rankings of how the NFC East teams have done thus far in the free agency period.

Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles have not only had the best free agency period this season, but in recent memory as well.

The Eagles had a list of positions that warranted an upgrade and they did just that. Upgrades were needed at the defensive line, cornerback, running back to back-up starter LeSean McCoy and the back-up quarterback position, after the Eagles pulled the trigger on the Kevin Kolb trade to the Arizona Cardinals.

With the Kolb trade to the Cardinals, the Eagles picked up Pro Bowl cornerback Antonio Rodgers-Cromartie. They made their biggest splash of the free agent period, however, when they went under the radar and snatched up the biggest name in this free agent class, Nnamdi Asomugha.

The Eagles went on to upgrade their defensive line with the additions of Pro Bowl defensive end Jason Babin and Cullen Jenkins, of the Superbowl Champion Green Bay Packers.

Philadelphia then added former star quarterback Vince Young from the Tennessee Titans to back-up starting QB Michael Vick.

The Eagles looked to be done with their free agency barrage without landing a running back to play behind McCoy. Then they surprised everyone yet again and added pro bowl running back Ronnie Brown, formerly of the Miami Dolphins.

The Eagles also added a few pieces to the offensive line, as well as adding a few less notable players to the defense.

With the Eagles addressing every position of need with some of the best players available at each position, there's no doubt they not only had the best free agency period in the NFC East, but in the entire NFL as well.

Overall grade: A

Washington Redskins

If it weren't for the Philadelphia Eagles free agent bonanza, the Washington Redskins would have been the winners of the NFC East free agency period.

The Redskins addressed their wide receiver need in re-signing Santana Moss, who had a great year last season compiling over 1,100 yards receiving and six touchdowns. Bringing back the veteran will help the Redskins establish John Beck, as he is slated to be the starting quarterback for the first time in his career.

Adding to their wide receiver depth, the Redskins added Donte' Stallworth, who can be a solid No.3 receiver for Washington.

Upgrading their offense further, Washington added offensive lineman Chris Chester and back up quarterback Kellen Clemens.

The Redskins defense also saw some changes when they signed defensive end Stephen Bowen, defensive tackle Barry Cofield and cornerback Josh Wilson.

Couple their free agent signings with the Skins getting rid of their huge headache Albert Haynesworth and the Redskins had a quality free agency period.

Overall grade: B-

Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys started their free agency period by releasing a bevy of players, including wide receiver Roy Williams and running back Marion Barber, which made it seem the Cowboys were clearing up some cap space to land a big free agent or two.

It seemed that the Cowboys put all their efforts into trying to sign Nnamdi Asomugah. They missed out on some other potential targets, and ultimately lost out on Asomugha to the division rival Philadelphia Eagles.

The signings the Cowboys did get done was the re-signings of defensive ends Jason Hatcher and Marcus Spears, Alan Ball and Kyle Kosier and offensive tackle Doug Free.

Keeping all their free agent signings in-house is not such a bad thing for the Cowboys. They were one of the favorites to go to the Superbowl out of the NFC last season, before their starting quarterback Tony Romo injured his shoulder, keeping him out for the majority of the season.

With Romo back and essentially the same pieces in place, the Cowboys could still make a solid run in the NFC.

Overall Grade: C

New York Giants

The New York Giants were the quietest of the four NFC East teams in this years free agency period.

The most we heard about the Giants early on was how they were in the running to land their former receiver Plaxico Burress—until he ultimately decided to sign with the New York Jets.

The Giants made one big move after all the Burress noise quieted down when they re-signed their leading rusher of last season, Ahmad Bradshaw. Bradshaw ran for 1,235 yards and eight touchdowns last season. Bringing him back in is a big deal for the Giants.

In addition to Bradshaw, the Giants signed tight end Ben Patrick and quarterback David Carr to back up Eli Manning this season.

Overall it wasn't a huge free agency period for the Giants, but re-signing Bradshaw cannot be overlooked, as he will be a critical part of their offense this season.

Overall Grade: C-