With the 2013 National Football League draft only a couple weeks away, the dust has all but settled from the frenzy that is free agency. As always, there have been teams who have fared better than others since the signing period began on March 12. It is important to keep in mind, however, that a Lombardi trophy has never been won in March.
Winners
New England Patriots
Key additions: Danny Amendola (WR), Leon Washington (RB), Michael Jenkins (WR), Tommy Kelly (DT), Adrian Wilson (S)
Key departures: Wes Welker (WR), Brandon Lloyd (WR), Danny Woodhead (RB), Patrick Chung (S),
Analysis: Despite losing go-to wide receiver Wes Welker to the Denver Broncos, the Pats made enough key moves to keep their place as a top contender in the AFC. The pain of losing long-time New England fan favorite Welker was quickly remedied by bringing in former Rams wide-out and prolific pass catcher Danny Amendola. Following this signing, the Pats agreed to terms with former Arizona Cardinal and 5x Pro Bowler Adrian Wilson. The 33 year old strong safety is expected to help solidify a pass defense that ranked 29th in 2012.
Tennessee Titans
Key additions: Andy Levitre (G), Shonn Greene (RB), Kevin Walter (WR), Delanie Walker (TE), Bernard Pollard (S), George Wilson (S)
Key departures: Jared Cook (TE), Matt Hasselbeck (QB)
Analysis: Tennessee quietly may have had the strongest free agency signings of any team in the league. With all-pro RB Chris Johnson in mind, the Titans strengthened their offensive line by adding the very talented and underrated Andy Levitre, formerly of the Buffalo Bills. Shonn Greene was also signed as a change-of-pace option to Johnson. On the other side of the ball, Tennessee signed physical safety Bernard Pollard, better known to some by his moniker, ‘Patriot Killer.’
Losers
Buffalo Bills
Key arrivals: Kevin Kolb (QB), Manny Lawson (LB), Alan Branch (DT)
Key departures: Ryan Fitzpatrick (QB), Andy Levitre (G), David Nelson (WR), Donald Jones (WR), Nick Barnett (LB), George Wilson (S)
Analysis: There was hope in Buffalo that after bringing in successful Syracuse head coach Doug Marrone, an exciting free-agency period was in store. That hope didn’t take long to turn to disappointment as the Bills failed to make any major signings and lost some of their own quality players at the same time. QB Kevin Kolb was brought in to compete for the starting job, and former Seattle defensive lineman Alan Branch was added, but other than this it appears Buffalo is relying on the draft to improve their subpar roster.
New York Jets
Key arrivals: Willie Colon (G)
Key departures: Dustin Keller (TE), Shonn Greene (RB), LaRon Landry (S), Yeremiah Bell (S), Bart Scott (LB), Calvin Pace (LB)
Analysis: Poor Jets fans. After an embarrassing 2012 season that will most be remember for the Mark Sanchez ‘butt fumble,’ New York did little to re-instill hope to their supporters. Aside from adding guard Willie Colon from Pittsburgh, the Jets appeared to be in full rebuild mode after parting ways with of a number of former starters, most notably Bart Scott, Shonn Greene, and Dustin Keller.
Josiah Kachelmeyer can be reached at josiah.kachelmeyer@spartans.ut.edu.