Now that just about every “major” free agent has signed, free agency doesn’t seem as wild as before. However, recent signings of Braylon Edwards, Tommie Harris, Ronnie Brown and a few others could have just as big of an impact as the Nnamdi Asomugha’s of the world if they seize their new opportunity.
Here’s the most recent NFL transactions and what they mean for the player and the new team.
Braylon Edwards finally finds a home in San Francisco- When the free agency period began, many pundits around the league mentioned Braylon Edwards as one of the top wide receivers available. When the all the dust of the free agency period settled, however, it was apparent that NFL teams didn’t agree with the “experts”. Edwards finally found a suitor in San Francisco, where he signed a 1 year deal worth less than the deal Mike Sims-Walker signed with the 49ers’ division rival St. Louis. Edwards will provide San Francisco with a solid insurance policy for the often injured Michael Crabtree, as well as give quarterback Alex Smith another target in an offense that suddenly has some surprising potential.
Indianapolis bolsters their defensive line with DT Tommie Harris- In 2011, the Colts will find themselves having to game plan for Arian Foster, Chris Johnson, and Maurice Jones-Drew twice each. That would be a daunting task for any defense, and so Indianapolis went in search of a big body to help anchor the defensive line. Harris will be a great fit in the Colts’ cover 2 defense, where he will be able to both rush the passer and stop the run. And for only a 1 year deal worth just over 1 million dollars, Indianapolis won’t lose too much if Harris doesn’t end up producing while a Colt.
Philadelphia adds another big name by signing RB Ronnie Brown- The addition of Ronnie Brown lead to another round of the “dream team” talk among Philadelphians this week. The running back’s impact on the Eagles may actually be, in reality, quite small. They already have a great young back in LeSean McCoy, and he’s a perfect fit in the Eagles’ offense. Unless McCoy find himself struggling with injuries, it’s hard to see him giving up too many carries to a Brown.
Dennis Dixon opts to stay in Pittsburg for another year- A signing that might fly under the radar this week is Pittsburgh’s decision to re-sign quarterback Dennis Dixon to a one year deal. Coming into the NFL, Dixon was a guy that had a ton of talent, but was a bit raw. He’s dealt with both being buried on the depth chart and a season ending knee injury last year, but when he’s got a chance to play he’s shown some promise. He wanted to land somewhere that he could possibly start in 2011, but the knee injury made that market non existent. He’ll take this year to develop more as an NFL quarterback, and Pittsburg will be glad to have a guy they can look to if injuries or other circumstances leave them without Ben Rothlisberger. In 2012, Dixon will be a guy to watch as the quarterback market heats up once again.
Other Noteable Transactions:
Baltimore signs S Bernard Pollard
Houston signs FB Lawrence Vickers
Kansas City re-signs LB Tamba Hali
Minnesota releases LT Bryant McKinnie
New York Giants re-sign RB Ahmad Bradshaw
New York Jets release WR Jerricho Cotchery
San Francisco signs S Donte Whitner
St Louis signs RB Carnell Williams
Tennessee signs S Jordan Babineaux
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