clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

2010 NFL Free Agency Recap

We're almost through the first week of free agency, and as promised I have a recap of all the transactions the 49ers' 2010 opponents have made up to this point. I have listed all of the losses and acquisitions for each team, and provided a short summary of their moves. Given the number of teams covered by this post, I kept the summaries short and to the point, but hopefully they will spark further discussion in the comments below.

Of the teams listed in this post, I would say the Falcons, Eagles, and Packers have done the best job of addressing their needs. But, it is early in the off-season and there are still plenty of good players available so that could change in the coming months.

Take a look at the transaction after the jump...

Arizona Cardinals
Losses
FS Antrel Rolle
WR Anquan Boldin
LB Karlos Dansby
Acquisitions
FS Kerry Rhodes
DE Keilen Dykes
Summary
The Cardinals have lost a lot of talent this season, and the veterans on their team cannot be too happy about it. The departure of Rolle, Boldin, and Dansby has left some gaping holes on Arizona's roster. The acquisition of Kerry Rhodes from the Jets was a good use of a 4th round pick, and he should immediately step in as the starting free safety.

St. Louis Rams
Losses
DT LaJuan Ramsey
TE Derek Fine
CB Jonathan Wade
Acquisitions
S Craig Dahl
DT Fred Robbins
WR Travis Brown
QB A.J. Feeley
Summary
The Rams have been relatively quiet this off-season. Most of their moves have involved depth players. They'll most likely continue to hunt for cheap upgrades as we get closer to the draft. A.J. Feeley is not a long term solution at quarterback, so they could still pick up another via the draft.

Seattle Seahawks
Losses
WR Nate Burleson
QB Seneca Wallace
Acquisitions
None
Summary
Seattle has lost two talented players, and has yet to make a move to acquire any players in free agency. Seneca Wallace was a very capable back-up quarterback, and Nate Burleson, though brittle, was productive when healthy. Brandon Marshall has visited with the team, but nothing has materialized on that front.

New Orleans Saints
Losses

DE Charles Grant
LB Mark Simoneau
OG Jamar Nesbit
LB Scott Fujita
Acquisitions
S Pierson Prioleau
C Nick Leckey
CB Leigh Torrence
Summary
For a team like the Saints, with talent up and down their roster, the off-season is more about who to let go rather than who to bring in. Their biggest loss so far has been LB Scott Fujita, who signed with the Browns. Although he was a solid contributor on a Super Bowl team, Fujita lacks play making ability, and the team probably made the smart choice by letting him walk.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Losses

P Josh Bidwell
P Dirk Johnson
CB Torrie Cox
WR Brian Clark
S Will Allen
Acquisitions
WR Reggie Brown
Summary
The Buccaneers got some help at wide receiver, a position of need, by trading for the Eagles' Reggie Brown. Brown has been sliding down Philadelphia's crowded depth chart, but with a strong off-season he could end up starting for Tampa Bay.

Atlanta Falcons
Losses

CB Chris Houston
Acquisitions
QB Chris Redman
CB Brian Williams
CB Dunta Robinson
LS Joe Zelenka
Summary
Atlanta is in dire need of cornerbacks, and they got a good one in Dunta Robinson. The former Texan does not have the greatest ball skills, but he has good range and coverage ability. He will step in as a starter on one side of the field. The Falcons also retained the services of back-up quarterback Chris Redman. Redman is familiar with the teams offensive scheme, and he has proven himself as a capable fill-in.

Carolina Panthers
Losses

DT Ma'ake Kemoeatu
QB Jake Delhomme
DT Damione Lewis
LB Landon Johnson
LB Na'il Diggs
DE Julius Peppers
FB Brad Hoover
K Rhys Lloyd
Acquisitions
WR Wallace Wright
Summary
The Panthers have lost two of their franchises most popular players in Julius Peppers and Jake Delhomme. Delhomme appears to be washed up, but he was very productive player for a time in Carolina. Meanwhile, Peppers has finally cashed in by signing a free agent deal with the Bears. This has been the splashiest signing of the off-season, and I'm anxious to see if he lives up to the hype.

Denver Broncos
Losses

None
Acquisitions
RB J.J. Arrington
CB Nathan Jones
DL Justin Bannan
WR Brandon Lloyd
G Russ Hochstein
Summary
Denver hasn't made any big moves as of yet, but they have added an impressive amount of depth to their roster. Justin Bannan should immediately step in as part of a rotation on the defensive line. The former Colorado stand-out is a versatile player who can line up at nose tackle or end in a 3-4 defense. J.J. Arrington was brought in to compete for a job as the third down back.

Oakland Raiders
Losses

RB Justin Fargas
OT Cornell Green
DE Greg Ellis
WR Javon Walker
Acquisitions
OT Khalif Barnes
Summary
Oakland has $60 Million tied up in just 16 players for 2010, as such they have done some cost-cutting. Khalif Barnes was likely promised a chance to compete for as tarting tackle spot.

Kansas City Chiefs
Losses

G Andy Alleman
Acquisitions
OLB Mike Vrabel
WR Chris Chambers
RB Jackie Battle
WR Terrance Copper
Summary
The Chiefs made a smart move in retaining the services of Chris Chambers. Although he was ineffective in San Diego, Chambers averaged four catches for 68 yards in the nine games he played in Kansas City. Veteran linebacker Mike Vrabel was also retained, and although his production is likely to be marginal, he should provide good leadership for the Chiefs' young defense.

San Diego Chargers
Losses

CB Antonio Cromartie
NT Jamal Williams
RB Michael Bennett
Acquisitions
RB Marcus Mason
DL Antonio Garay
TE Kris Wilson
DL Alfonso Boone
Summary
The trade of Antonio Cromartie may turn out to be a classic case of addition by subtraction. Although he is tremendously talented, Cromartie has proven to be maddeningly inconsistent during his time with the Chargers. His effort has been called into the question, and his gambling style of defense has cost the team at times.

Philadelphia Eagles
Losses

LB Will Witherspoon
WR Reggie Brown
Acquisitions
WR Jason Avant
FB Leonard Weaver
Summary
The Eagles locked up Leonard Weaver by making him the highest paid fullback in the league. Weaver was a big part of Philadelphia's offense, and he should remain so for the foreseeable future. They also retained the services of their slot receiver, Jason Avant. Reggie Brown was traded to the Buccaneers for a draft pick.

Green Bay Packers
Losses

S Matt Giordano
DE Michael Montgomery
DE Aaron Kampman
Acquisitions
LT Chad Clifton
FS Nick Collins
Summary
Green Bay was able to re-sign Nick Collins and Chad Clifton, both starting caliber players. Clifton will likely start the season at left tackle, but the team could still look to draft a tackle of the future. The departure of Aaron Kampman is a sentimental one for both sides, but his production has taken a hit since the Packers switched to a 3-4 scheme. He is expected to be a weak-side end in Jacksonville.