NFL Free Agency: The Biggest Free-Agent Loss for Every NFL Team

Over the past two weeks, the national sports scene has been tyrannized by NFL free-agency chatter. Pundits have discussed the impact each marquee free agent will have on his new team ad nauseam. 

Will Johnathan Joseph solidify the Texans as playoff contenders? How does Nnamdi Asomugha affect Asante Samuel's role with Philly? Can Sidney Rice replicate his success in Seattle?

And you get the picture. 

We've heard the same recycled discussion for weeks now, but despite the overflow of NFL talk, everybody has neglected how teams will fare with the departure of prized players, rather than the arrival of new signees.

Each NFL team lost at least one player to unrestricted free agency—some lost stars and some lost mere role players. Regardless of stature, each team will be affected. Here's a look at every NFL squad's biggest free-agent loss and the player who is slated to fill the void. 

Arizona Cardinals: Steve Breaston

Biggest Loss

According to AZcentral.com, the Cardinals were not willing to match the five-year deal Steve Breaston received from the Chiefs due to lingering concerns over his injured knee. However, it's a move Arizona might already regret. Breaston was the team's only viable No. 2 receiver and caught 77 passes in 2008 (the only season he started—in place of Anquan Boldin—and played with a quality quarterback—Kurt Warner).

Who Will Replace Him

The Cards will now host a four-way competition between Early Doucet, Andre Roberts, Stephen Williams and Chansi Stuckey for the No. 2 wide receiver spot. Last season, those three totaled just 110 receptions. Yikes. 

In other words, Arizona should have made stronger pushes for Braylon Edwards and Malcolm Floyd, and should now focus their efforts on finding an upgrade. Without an upgrade, opposing teams can double-team Fitzgerald at will. Kevin Kolb might help catalyze the growth of one of those incumbents, but the Cards should not mortgage their season on such unproven receivers. 

Atlanta Falcons: Harvey Dahl

Biggest Loss

The Falcons couldn't keep Harvey Dahl, Justin Blalock and Tyson Clabo. At least one of their prized offensive lineman was bound to flee for money Atlanta couldn't offer (why didn't Thomas Dimitroff try to re-sign these guys earlier?). The St. Louis Rams quickly emerged and delivered a huge blow to their NFC rivals by luring Dahl away with a four-year deal. Matt Ryan and Michael Turner will sorely miss their starting right guard.

Who Will Replace Him

It looks like Atlanta will host an in-house battle for the starting right guard spot. Garrett Reynolds (2009 fifth-round pick) and Mike Johnson (2010 third-round pick) figure to duke it out. At 6'7", Reynolds holds a unique size advantage, but also has far more playing experience than Johnson. Reynolds has to be tabbed as the early favorite, but these two will fight throughout training camp.  

Baltimore Ravens: Josh Wilson

Biggest Loss

Nobody seems to know what's going on in Baltimore. The Ravens have made a slew of head-scratching moves that include cutting Todd Heap and allowing Chris Chester, Dawan Landry, Fabian Washington, Le'Ron McClain and others to flee for new teams.

But the team's biggest loss might have been cornerback Josh Wilson. Baltimore's cornerback corps are famously thin and losing a solid veteran like Wilson leaves their secondary in flux. 

Who Will Replace Him

It's useless to second-guess any personnel move Ozzie Newsome makes. We have to assume the Ravens have a plan in place, one which likely includes starting first-round pick Jimmy Smith right away. While Smith has Pro Bowl potential, rookie corners generally struggle through a learning curve. Eventually, Smith could be great, but Baltimore will miss Wilson's consistency and veteran savvy.  

Buffalo Bills: Paul Posluszny

Biggest Loss

The Buffalo Bills are taking the right steps and installing the right pieces for a championship contender, but letting a franchise middle linebacker walk for free agency will prove very counterproductive to their cause. Paul Posluszny racked up a career-high 151 tackles in 2010, and is just hitting his stride at the ripe age of 26.

Who Will Replace Him

Rather than entrust starting duties to rookie Kelvin Sheppard, the Bills signed long-time Green Bay Packer Nick Barnett to a three-year deal. Barnett, who has missed 19 games over the past three seasons, is a rather substantial downgrade from Posluszny. If, however, he can stay healthy, Barnett should be a solid solution until the Bills can groom or find a young player to captain their defense. 

Carolina Panthers: Richard Marshall

Biggest Loss

Despite finishing the 2010 season with the NFL's worst record, the Carolina Panthers actually boasted a pretty formidable secondary. Anchored by cornerback Richard Marshall, the Panthers pass defense ranked 11th in the league.

However, their 2011 outlook has grown dim. Marshall, who intercepted a combined seven passes in two years with Carolina, bolted for Arizona via free agency.

Who Will Replace Him

Chris Gamble will continue fortifying one half of the field, and third-year corner Captain Munnerlyn will likely inherit Marshall's duties. Munnerlyn started five games and intercepted three passes for the Panthers last season, but he is still inexperienced and unproven. 

Chicago Bears: Danieal Manning

Biggest Loss:

Although Danieal Manning failed to find a defined role in five seasons with the Bears, he remained a versatile and vital asset throughout his tenure. Manning started at both free and strong safety and starred as a kick returner, but bolted for a more secure starting role with the Houston Texans. 

Who Will Replace Him

Rather than scavenge the market for an upgrade, Chicago will stay in-house and promote second-year safety Major Wright. Wright appeared in 11 games for the Bears last season, recording a modest 17 tackles. It's a significant gamble for a team with playoff aspirations, but Da Bears know defense.

Cincinnati Bengals: Johnathan Joseph

Biggest Loss

For a team so deprived of talent and star power, the last thing the Bengals needed was to lose a franchise player—especially a cornerback in a secondary that ranked only 14th in the league last season. Johnathan Joseph accepted a hefty pay raise with the Houston Texans, leaving his successor with big shoes to fill. 

Who Will Replace Him

Leon Hall will continue to secure half of the field, and the Bengals signed former Pro Bowler Nate Clements to assume Joseph's role. While he is a serious downgrade from Joseph, Clements is still far above average and should do a serviceable job for Cincy. 

Cleveland Browns: Eric Wright

Biggest Loss

The Browns did not lose any major pieces to free agency—but they also don't have many "pieces." However, they did lose a few role players including veteran cornerback Eric Wright.

Although he struggled through most of the 2010 season, Wright enjoyed two successful seasons with the team prior. Some fans might be comfortable watching Wright leave, but Cleveland can hardly afford to lose depth at any position.

Who Will Replace Him

By letting Wright leave for Detroit, Mike Holmgren is basically handing the keys to 2010 first-round pick Joe Haden. Last season, Haden and Wright rotated starts, so he already has some experience under his belt. Haden also intercepted six passes, which suggests bright days are ahead for Cleveland's budding star. 

Dallas Cowboys: Stephen Bowen

Biggest Loss

Following a disastrous 2010 season, the Cowboys purged their own roster, cutting dead weight like Roy Williams and Marion Barber. Dallas seemed to have a blueprint laid out for their offseason, but losing defensive end Stephen Bowen certainly was not part of the plan.

Bowen has not been particularly productive during his five-year career with the 'Boys, but he was in line to start at defensive end this year and try to build on his combined 4.5 sacks from the last two seasons.

Who Will Replace Him

Jason Hatcher and Marcus Spears will likely compete for the starting job. Neither have the upside that Bowen does, but both are battle-tested veterans who will ably fill the gap.  

Denver Broncos: Ryan Harris

Biggest Loss

While the Eagles were busy plucking blue-chip free agents, they were also busy plundering lesser-known players. Last week, Philadelphia signed former Broncos right tackle Ryan Harris—an under-the-radar but key signing. Harris has struggled with durability issues over the past three seasons, but has been great when healthy.

Who Will Replace Him

The Broncos must have anticipated Harris' departure because they spent a second-round pick on former University of Miami tackle Orlando Franklin. He is the early favorite to win the job, but will have to fend off Chris Clark. 

Detroit Lions: Turk McBride

Biggest Loss

As the 2011 season approaches, the Lions continue gaining steam as a playoff sleeper. However, they suffered a huge loss when defensive end Turk McBride signed with the Saints. McBride was Detroit's primary backup defensive end.

Last season, he started eight games and racked up a career-high five sacks. At the age of 26, McBride could be in line for a breakout year.

Who Will Replace Him

McBride had a mostly undefined role with the Lions, but whoever replaces him will essentially become the team's primary backup. In all likelihood, Lawrence Jackson will seize that role. In just 11 games last season, Jackson registered six sacks. 

Green Bay Packers: Cullen Jenkins

BIggest Loss

It's impossible to differentiate the impact that losing Daryn Colledge and Cullen Jenkins will have on the Packers. Both were vital pieces to the team's Super Bowl championship.

However, Green Bay is prepared to replace Colledge. They will have a much more difficult time replacing Cullen, so his departure proves more concerning. Plus, B.J. Raji believes his team just lost the best interior pass-rusher in the NFL. 

Who Will Replace Him

There are a handful of youngsters prepared to compete for Jenkins' reps. Sophomore Mike Neal leads the pack (pun intended), but C.J. Wilson, Jarius Wynn and Lawrence Guy will all push him for the job. Neal is a safe bet to start, but after missing most of his rookie season with a shoulder injury, he must prove mature and skilled beyond his years. 

Houston Texans: Vonta Leach

Biggest Loss

When a fullback leaves a team, most don't bat an eyelash. But fullbacks rarely have the profound effect that Vonta Leach had on the Texans. In five seasons with the team, Leach paved lanes for two 1,000-yard rushers and earned a first-team All-Pro nod in 2010.

Who Will Replace Him

Lawrence Vickers told the Texans he would love to play for them, and it took only a matter of days for the organization to grant his wish. Vickers' resume doesn't compare favorably to Leach's, but he is a proven veteran who will help Arian Foster thrive.  

Indianapolis Colts: Clint Session

Biggest Loss

Had injuries not derailed Clint Session's 2010 season, he could have easily racked up over 100 tackles and helped boost the Colts defense to higher levels. Instead, Session sat on the sideline for 11 games and bolted for Jacksonville once the free-agency doors swung open.

Who Will Replace Him

Indianapolis signed former first-round pick Ernie Sims to fill the void left by Session. Sims' NFL career got off to a scorching hot start in Detroit, but his numbers have declined over the past three seasons.

Still, Sims is only 26 and Adrian Peterson still hates facing him more than any other player in the NFL. If he can rebound from his rough patch, Sims could be the biggest free-agent steal of the summer. 

Jacksonville Jaguars: Mike Sims-Walker

Biggest Loss

For the first time in recent memory, the Jaguars have been major buyers in free agency. They lured in names like Paul Posluszny, Clint Session and Dawan Landry. However, they suffered a massive blow when Mike Sims-Walker signed with the St. Louis Rams.

Jacksonville's passing game already ranks amongst the league's most futile, and losing a talent like Sims-Walker seriously curtails this offense's potential.

Who Will Replace Him

Nobody on the Jags' roster will truly replace Sims-Walker because none of the incumbent receivers have similar talent. But 5'8" Mike Thomas will assume No. 1 wide receiver duties.

Thomas caught 66 passes and four touchdowns in only his second NFL season, and he must progress in his third year in order for Jacksonville's passing game to succeed.

Kansas City Chiefs: Ron Edwards

Biggest Loss

The departure of nose tackle Ron Edwards leaves a gaping hole right in the middle of the Chiefs defense. Literally. At 6'3", 320 pounds, Edwards has been a space-eating staple in Kansas City's defense over the past five seasons, but jumped ship for more money in Carolina. 

Who Will Replace Him

Chiefs fans may have panicked when Edwards left, but Scott Pioli went out shopping and brought back a temporary upgrade: Kelly Gregg. Gregg has been an integral piece to all of the dominant Baltimore Ravens defenses over the past eight seasons. He is a space-eater extraordinaire, but at age 35, might only give the Chiefs one season. 

Miami Dolphins: Tyler Thigpen

Biggest Loss

Tyler Thigpen is just one of those guys. He gets passed from team to team, heralded as a quarterback with loads of untapped potential who just needs some more grooming. The Dolphins invested some serious time into him, but it never paid dividends.

However, based on the sheer futility of Miami's current quarterback competition, you have to wonder if maybe, just maybe, Thigpen would have finally seized the starting job. Even if he didn't, Thigpen is a top-flight backup who now resides in Buffalo.  

Who Will Replace Him

Whoever loses the quarterback competition between Chad Henne and Matt Moore will technically replace Thigpen. In all likelihood, Moore will succeed Thigpen as the 'Fins primary backup quarterback. 

Minnesota Vikings: Sidney Rice

Biggest Loss:

Pundits nationwide have relentlessly bashed the Seahawks for shelling out $50 million for Sidney Rice, but those experts are quick to forget how dominant he was in 2009. Rice is an elite talent, and the Vikings will sorely miss his production and the mismatch he posed for defenses.

Who Will Replace Him

Nobody on Minnesota's roster can replace Rice, but it looks like Percy Harvin will inherit the No. 1 receiver role. If Harvin can stay healthy, he might emerge as a star.

The Vikings also signed former Falcon Michael Jenkins to help ease their loss. At 6'4", 217 pounds, he should be nice a weapon as well.   

New England Patriots: Jarrad Page

Biggest Loss

The Eagles have galvanized the nation this offseason. They have displayed impeccable structure and evaluation, but there's another team that has been doing things just as well for twice as long: the New England Patriots.

The Pats lost only player to unrestricted free agency, and he—Jarrad Page—was a backup safety who started only game.

Who Will Replace Him

New England did not draft or pursue a strong safety in free agency, so Sergio Brown will likely be promoted into the No. 2 strong safety spot. Brown, who is entering his second NFL season, is entirely unproven. He dressed for 11 games and recorded only 11 tackles last season, but you can't second-guess Bill Belichick. 

New Orleans Saints: Jonathan Goodwin

Biggest Loss

 Once the lockout concluded, the New Orleans Saints were smacked with a daunting task: figure out what to do with a league-high 28 free agents. 

Naturally, Mickey Loomis couldn't re-sign everybody, but losing three-year starter and 2009 Pro Bowl center Jonathan Goodwin was not part of the plan. New Orleans negotiated with Goodwin, but the 49ers swooped in and offered him a more lucrative contract—an offer he couldn't refuse.

Who Will Replace Him

Second-year center Matt Tennant will likely be delivering snaps to Drew Brees come September. Although Tennant is still raw and inexperienced, he is bigger than Goodwin and will have an entire training camp to develop chemistry with Brees.

Moreover, playing next to stars like Carl Nicks will ease the pressure on Tennant and allow him to transition with more ease. 

New York Giants: Barry Cofield

Biggest Loss

Without defensive tackle Barry Cofield demanding attention from opposing offensive lines, Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora might not be the sack-artist stars they are today. But the Giants must now find a way to cope without Cofield, who signed with the Washington Redskins last week.  

Cofield was a fixture in New York's line for the past five seasons, and although it's easy to understand why Big Blue didn't want to pay him $36 million, he will be difficult to replace.

Who Will Replace Him

Jerry Reese prepared his team for Cofield's departure by drafting former UNC defensive tackle Marvin Austin in the second round of the 2010 draft. Austin was initially projected as a first-round talent, but off-the-field issues and a year-long suspension knocked his stocked down to the second round.

He will need time to overcome the NFL learning curve and shake off the dust from his football hiatus, but Austin's ceiling is sky high, and this might prove to be a wise move by the Giants. 

New York Jets: Braylon Edwards

Biggest Loss

What are the Jets doing? Replacing Braylon Edwards with a recently imprisoned 34-year-old and a rapidly declining 37-year-old? Wait, what?

Factor in the Nnamdi Asomugha debacle, the retirement of Damien Woody and the departures of Brad Smith, Shaun Ellis and Jason Taylor, and the Jets had arguably the worst offseason in the NFL. The rest of us might be confused, but rest assured, Jets fans will find a way to rationalize it. 

Who Will Replace Him

Look, Braylon Edwards is no superstar, but he is substantially younger and better than either Plaxico Burress and Derrick Mason—the two receivers signed to pick up the slack. New York will rely on Burress to take over the deep-threat role that Edwards shouldered, but after two years in prison, he might be a serious downgrade. 

Oakland Raiders: Nnamdi Asomugha

Biggest Loss

Um, Nnamdi Asomugha.

Who Will Replace Him

Most of you are probably under the assumption that the Raiders do not have anybody capable of replacing Asomugha. But as per usual, Al Davis and the Raiders stand alone.

Davis handed cornerback Stanford Routt a three-year, $31 million deal in February. The deal makes Routt one of the league's highest-paid corners (he'll make only slightly less than Aso per season). Now, the contract might appear absurd, but Routt is actually an excellent cornerback who might be worth every penny. He started 15 games opposite Asomugha last season and was almost more efficient.

How will he fare against oppositions' No. 1 receivers? Probably not quite as well, but do not be mistaken, the Raiders have a replacement for Nnamdi. 

Philadelphia Eagles: Quintin Mikell

Biggest Loss

Lost in the arrival of Nnamdi Asomugha, Cullen Jenkins, Jason Babin and others is the departure of safety Quintin Mikell. Prior to his farewell from Philly, Mikell was the longest-tenured Eagle and was voted into one Pro Bowl and two All-Pro squads over the past three seasons.

Philadelphia may boast a historically great cornerbacks corps, but they will miss the safety blanket that Mikell provided.

Who Will Replace Him

Second-year safety Nate Allen started 13 games at free safety last season, but the Eagles' first depth chart has him listed at strong safety. Until we hear otherwise, it's only fair to assume that Allen will take over for Mikell. Allen racked up 48 tackles and three interceptions during his rookie campaign, and he could look like a Pro Bowler playing behind Philadelphia's corners. 

Pittsburgh Steelers: Matt Spaeth

Biggest Loss

The Steelers' cross-state rival might have "won" free agency, but Big Ben and Co. might still be in better shape to reach the Super Bowl. Pittsburgh lost only two players to free agency—Matt Spaeth and Nick Eason—and neither were major contributors.

However, Spaeth was a rock-solid blocking tight end who was largely responsible for Rashard Mendenhall's success. 

Who Will Replace Him

Shortly after Spaeth signed with the Chicago Bears, the Steelers reached out and grabbed former Buccaneer John Gilmore. A nine-year veteran, Gilmore will probably serve the same role that his predecessor did, but his experience suggests he might be an upgrade over Spaeth. 

San Diego Chargers: Kevin Burnett

Biggest Loss

The Chargers narrowly averted crisis by re-signing both Vincent Jackson and Malcolm Floyd. But in order to re-sign their aerial weapons, they had to part with a slew of free agents including linebacker Kevin Burnett.

Last season, the 28-year-old enjoyed a breakout season, racking up a career-high 99 tackles. Burnett took his talents to South Beach where he might soon emerge as a stud defender.

Who Will Replace Him

Takeo Spikes is expected to start at one of San Diego's vacant inside linebacker spots, so there' s a fairly good chance he will take over Burnett's. Spikes actually outproduced Burnett in 2010, accruing 109 tackles.

However, he is already 34, and might only have one or two seasons left in the tank. The Bolts may regret losing Burnett for years to come. 

San Francisco 49ers: Aubrayo Franklin

Biggest Loss

Contrary to initial speculation that the 49ers would pursue blue-chip free agents like Nnamdi Asomugha, the team settled for a pack of more modest names (Edwards, Goodwin, Rogers, Whitner) and parted with much of their existing core.

Gone are key contributors like Takeo Spikes, Manny Lawson and, most notably, nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin. It's hard to tell if San Francisco made a serious push to retain Franklin, but they will miss their starting nose tackle regardless.    

Who Will Replace Him

The Niners remain committed to a 3-4 defensive alignment, and rather than pursue a nose tackle, have moved defensive end Isaac Sopoaga inside. Sop is 20 pounds heftier and one year younger than Franklin, so he could eventually prove to be an upgrade. 

Seattle Seahawks: Matt Hasselbeck

Biggest Loss

Tarvaris Jackson might become a Pro Bowl quarterback in Seattle, but by splitting with Matt Hasselbeck, it seems like they are taking an unnecessary risk. Sure, Hasselbeck is injury-prone and in decline, but he clearly has plenty of juice left in the tank.

Moreover, he never had a weapon like Sidney Rice during his tenure with the Seahawks. Jackson is a total wild card, but with Hasselbeck, the 'Hawks would have been a sure-fire contender in the NFC West.

Who Will Replace Him

Pete Carroll does not even seem interested in hosting a quarterback competition despite signing Charlie Whitehurst to a lucrative two-year deal last summer. He's ready to roll with Tarvaris. 

St. Louis Rams: Daniel Fells

Biggest Loss

For the first time in recent memory, the Rams were not in rebuilding mode, nor were they sellers during the offseason. Instead, St. Louis was active, luring in names like Mike Sims-Walker, Jerious Norwood and Harvey Dahl. In the midst of their shopping spree, the team lost tight end Daniel Fells, who became one of Sam Bradford's most targeted weapons in 2010.

Who Will Replace Him

St. Louis spent a second-round draft pick on tight end Lance Kendricks and he will likely step in as the team's starter from day one. Kendricks, a former Wisconsin Badger, has Pro Bowl potential and will eventually provide a much-needed upgrade from Fells. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Barrett Ruud

Biggest Loss

With $42.8 million in cap space, the Bucs were in position to orchestrate an epic offseason. They could have attracted virtually any free agent with money no other team could offer.

Instead, Tampa Bay chose a...prudent approach. Mark Dominik splurged on a kicker, re-signed most of the teams key free agents and let Barrett Ruud, the team's four-time reigning tackles leader, leave.

Who Will Replace Him

Raheem Morris is not afraid to entrust faith into young players. The Bucs are the league's second-youngest team, and this trend will continue when rookie Mason Foster steps into the middle linebacker spot. Foster was a tackling machine at the University of Washington, and based on the success of Tampa Bay's other youngsters, his outlook is bright.  

Tennessee Titans: Jason Babin

Biggest Loss

The Titans are jammed in a very odd state right now. They are not quite rebuilding, but they are not quite contenders yet, either. Wherever they stand, losing defensive end Jason Babin, who broke out for 12.5 sacks last season, leaves Tennessee devoid of a potent pass-rusher.

It's easy to understand why the Titans did not want to re-sign him, though. Babin is already 31 and has only one good season under his belt. His $28 million deal with the Eagles has bust written all over it, and he probably should have stayed in Tennessee. 

Who Will Replace Him

First-year head coach Mike Munchak lured 6'2", 320-pound Shaun Smith away from Kansas City to replace Babin. Smith is not a pure pass-rusher, but the Titans' new scheme will not rely on defensive linemen to produce pressure.

He is a well-traveled veteran with experience at both defensive tackle and defensive end, and while Smith won't match Babin's production, he should be a nice fit.    

Washington Redskins: Carlos Rogers

Biggest Loss:

With names like Asomugha, Cromartie and Joseph on the market, it's easy to see why former Redskin Carlos Rogers flew under the radar. Rogers, desperate for change, eagerly fled Washington in favor of San Francisco. Because Washington is rebuilding, the move made sense for both parties, but the 'Skins secondary now looks far more bleak than it did a few weeks ago.

Rogers has been a Redskins starting corner for the past five seasons, and even though he never achieved star status, was a vital component to all of those teams.

Who Will Replace Him

DeAngelo Hall sits atop the cornerback hierarchy in Washington, and he will likely match up with opposing teams' top receivers. Barring a breakout from Phillip Buchanon (who is in line to start when he returns from a four-game suspension), Hall will take over Rogers' role.