The Philadelphia Eagles made a huge splash over the weekend on the free agent market, solidifying their defense and making themselves one of the top Super Bowl contenders in the league.
The Eagles weren’t the only team that made moves, however. As training camps got underway from coast to coast, teams were still working to find that final piece to push their roster over the edge.
The Eagles outbid the Jets and Cowboys to sign Nndami Asomugha
What it means: Simply put, with the addition of Asomugha and DT Cullen Jenkins, the Eagles are now the favorite to win the NFC East and perhaps the NFC championship. The move makes the Philadelphia defense elite. It also makes cornerback Asante Samuel expendable, and the Eagles should be able to turn him into another key piece and what should be an attempted title run.
Todd Heap provides new Arizona QB Kevin Kolb with another weapon
What it means: When he arrived in Arizona, Kolb had to feel good about the prospect of having wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald to throw to. With the addition of tight end Todd Heap, Kolb will now have a safety valve in the event that Fitzgerald is covered. Baltimore had hoped to resign Heap, and for good reason, as he’s still one of the more reliable tight ends in the league. Look for him to but up solid numbers in Kolb’s first full year as a starter.
Arian Foster loses his FB, Vontae Leach
What it means: It’s not often that a full back changing teams would be a particularly attention grabbing headline. The case of Leach is quite different, however. Leach was a huge factor in Arian Foster having a breakout season in 2010. It’s also note worthy where Leach is headed: he’s going from Houston to Baltimore, where he’ll block for Ray Rice. Rice certainly has to be excited about a guy like Leach leading the way for him in 2011.
Cincinnati finally makes a move, signs CB Nate Clements
What it means: Bengals fans couldn’t have been in a worse mood at the beginning of the free agency period, as they watched players like cornerback Jonathon Joseph and wide receiver Chad Ochocinco leave while the team sat on a ton of cap room. Those worries can be at least partially alleviated as the signed a player that can replace Joseph in Nate Clements. He’s not as young as Joseph, but he will make the loss much easier to bear.
Steven Tulloch is reunited with Jim Schwartz in Detroit
What it means: As a middle linebacker, it doesn’t get much better than playing behind two massive defensive tackles in Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley. That’s what Tulloch will get the pleasure of doing for the 2011 season in Detroit. He’ll rack up a ton of tackles, as he’s a very good stopper and he’ll have two great players paving the way ahead of him. His liabilities against the pass will be a concern for the Lions, but in spite of that this figures to be a good fit for both teams.
Other Notable Transactions:
Atlanta re-signs G Justin Blalock
Chicago signs WR Roy Williams and DT Amobi Okoye
Detroit signs CB Eric Wright
Indiapolis re-signs QB Peyton Manning and RB Joseph Addai
New Orleans re-signs S Roman Harper
New York Jets sign WR Plexico Burress
Seattle realeases LB Lofa Tatupu
St. Louis signs WR Mike Sims-Walker
Tennessee signs DT Shaun Smith and LB Barret Ruud
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