NFL free agency might have only started less than two weeks ago, but a vast majority of the top-tier players that hit the market are no longer available. At this point, we can draw somewhat of a final conclusion about what went down.
Here are four NFL teams that failed free agency.
1. Carolina Panthers
Bob Donnan, USA Today: Mainly due to releasing Smith, the Panthers are one of four NFL teams to fail free agency.
Carolina may have just signed Jerricho Cotchery to a five-year, $8 million contract, but that’s not going to make up for the losses of Steve Smith, Ted Ginn and Brandon LaFell.
Prior to signing the veteran away from the Pittsburgh Steelers, Carolina’s six receivers on the roster had a combined four receptions.
‘@J2theGross‘ retirement press conference was one for the ages. Get a full recap here: http://t.co/slNll79MP6 pic.twitter.com/2hy4rtaI7i
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) February 27, 2014
On top of losing that trio of receivers, franchise left tackle Jordan Gross retired. The 11-year veteran is coming off a Pro Bowl campaign and was going to be relied on to continue protecting Cam Newton’s blindside. In addition, the Panthers lost starting cornerback Captain Munnerlyn to the Minnesota Vikings on a three-year deal.
That’s a whole lot of holes to fill for a team that was one loss away from an appearance in the NFC Championship game last season. Where does Carolina go in the remainder of free agency? Does it have the ability to add a player or two at key positions? If not, in what direction does it go in the draft?
One major issue holding the Panthers back is that their five most-expensive players represent 37 percent of their cap, including a total of $29.5 million to their two starting defensive ends. That’s next exactly going to get it done moving forward.
2. New York Jets
John Geliebter, USA Today: Signing Vick doesn’t change the fact that the Jets have failed free agency.
Here the Jets sit $29.1 million under the cap without many decent options to spend that money on. Sure they went out there and added the top receiver on the market in Eric Decker on a five-year, $36.25 million contract, but that’s about it.
Well, unless you include the recent signing of quarterback Michael Vick to compete with youngster Geno Smith for the starting gig. Vick has been among the most turnover-prone quarterbacks in the NFL over the past three seasons and has to be considered well past his prime.
Sure, adding Vick to the mix is a sexy option for fans in New Jersey, but in no way does it help the Jets long term. He’s not the type that going to help Smith progress as a quarterback on the field and will act as nothing more than a stopgap measure if Smith fails to beat him out in camp.
With so many solid young players on the open market, New York could have easily added another key piece or two while not going against the grain of building through the draft. Instead, its not much more improved now than it was at the start of free agency nearly two weeks ago.
3. Dallas Cowboys
Mike Dinovo, USA Today: How does a team lose a player like Ware because of the cap? It’s called bad management.
We could all see this coming. The Cowboys’ cap situation is among the worst in the entire NFL, mainly due to some ridiculous contracts that Jerry Jones and Co. have thrown out to players over the years. This forced Dallas to part ways with one of the best defensive players in the history of the franchise, DeMarcus Ware.
There used to be a time when Jones would be able to keep his true stars on the team for the duration of their careers. Unfortunately for the Cowboys, his front office simply hasn’t done what its needed to do since the advent of the salary cap…and that’s now two decades of futility.
Dallas also lost starting defensive tackle Jason Hatcher to the division rival Washington Redskins on a four-year $27 million deal and was forced to part ways with veteran receiver Miles Austin.
Watkins: Melton says his knee will be fine: Newly signed Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Henry Melton said he’… http://t.co/kb9wTQqbQf
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) March 19, 2014
The Cowboys were able to sign former Pro Bowler Henry Melton to an incentive-laden one-year, $3.5 million contract, which somewhat makes up for the loss of Hatcher to the Redskins. Bringing in Brandon Weeden, however, seemed like a desperation move for a team that already has Kyle Orton on the roster as Tony Romo’s primary backup.
The only thing that’s keeping me from downgrading the Cowboys’ offseason because of that signing is the fact that Weeden is due only $50 thousand in guaranteed money. It was to be expected, but seeing the Cowboys scrape the bottom of the free-agency barrel is kinda sad.
4. New Orleans Saints
Jeff Curry, USA Today: Trading Sproles takes a dimension away from the Saints offense.
Outside of signing safety Jairus Byrd to a ridiculous six-year, $54 million contract, the Saints haven’t done a whole heck of a lot in free agency. At least, in terms of adding talent to the roster. The Saints have lost these following players either via free agency, trade or release.
Malcolm Jenkins, Roman Harper, Darren Sproles, Malcolm Jenkins, Will Smith, Lance Moore and Jonathan Vilma. While some of them are considered over-the-hill veterans, these are still key losses to a team that is looking to take the next step in the NFC next season.
New Orleans could have easily used that $18.3 million guaranteed it spent on Byrd to upgrade at other positions, rather than doubling down at the less-important safety position. What about protecting Drew Brees’ blindside? Maybe get a pass rusher or two in their new 3-4 defensive scheme. As it is, the Saints aren’t much improved than they were prior to the start of free agency. In fact, they might very well be worst off.
Photo: Brian Spurlock, USA Today