The first waves of free agency have come and gone and now it’s time to look at what teams have gained and lost since March 18th and where they stand as they prepare for the upcoming draft. Let’s continue with the NFC East.
Dallas Cowboys
Key acquisitions: DT Gerald McCoy, S Ha-Ha Clinton Dix, DT Dontari Poe, K Greg Zuerlein, DE Aldon Smith, CB Maurice Canady, TE Blake Bell
Re-signed: QB Dak Prescott (franchise), WR Amari Cooper, TE Blake Jarwin, LB Sean Lee, CB Anthony Brown, G/C Joe Looney, K Kai Forbath, S Darian Thompson, CB C.J. Goodwin
Departures: C Travis Frederick (retired), CB Byron Jones (Dolphins), WR Randall Cobb (Texans), DE Robert Quinn (Bears), TE Jason Witten (Raiders), S Jeff Heath (Raiders), DT Maliek Collins (Raiders), G Xavier Su’a-Filo (Bengals), OT Cameron Fleming (Giants), DE Kerry Hyder (49ers), DT Daniel Ross (Raiders)
Remaining free agents: DE Michael Bennett, WR Tavon Austin, DT Christian Covington, S Kavon Frazier
Analysis: One of the more important storylines lines of the offseason was what the Cowboys were going to do about their star free agents: Dak Prescott, Amari Cooper, and Byron Jones. Dak got the tag, as expected, which let Cooper and Jones test free agency. Cooper had a higher likelihood of returning than Jones, and that’s exactly what happened. Cooper signed a five-year, $100 million contract as the highest-paid in terms of total dollars, but second behind Julio Jones in AAV ($22M vs. $20M). Jones on the other hand, left for Miami to become the highest-paid cornerback, which started what turned into a flurry of departures from Dallas.
A huge shocker was the sudden retirement of All-Pro center Travis Frederick, who at age 29, battled back from Guillain–Barré syndrome in 2018 to his normal star self. His retirement from one of the league’s best o-lines puts a damper on the offense, but they did bring back Joe Looney, who filled in for Frederick in 2018 and performed nicely and figures to compete for the starting spot. Also on offense, franchise staple Jason Witten departs, not back to the MNF broadcast booth, but to play for a former MNF broadcaster Jon Gruden in Las Vegas. Other notable departures are Randall Cobb to the Texans, guard Xavier Su’a-Filo to Cincy and swing tackle Cam Fleming to the G-Men. Really no additions on offense, as they paid Cooper, but they did bring back tight end Blake Jarwin, who’s prime to take the starting job.
In addition to losing Jones in the secondary, they also lost longtime safety Jeff Heath, defensive tackle Maliek Collins, and backup d-lineman Daniel Ross, all three to the Raiders, who’ll join Witten. Another big loss on defense is Robert Quinn, who had a career-reviving season in his lone season in Dallas. To fill those voids, Jerry Jones signed a pair of former Panthers in Gerald McCoy and Dontari Poe, both former first-rounders, not from Carolina. They also brought in another former first-rounder of new head coach Mike McCarthy in safety Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix. All three will be starters, same cannot be said for a guy who hasn’t played since 2015 in Aldon Smith. A young phenom in 2011 and 2012 for San Francisco has been suspended since 2015 due to substance abuse and domestic violence. He still hasn’t been reinstated, he’s on track to, but what the now 31 year old can still do is a question mark.
Also some love for special teams, they signed former Rams kicker Greg Zuerlein to a multi-year deal, which comes as a surprise as the re-signed Kai Forbath, who was signed by Dallas in Week 15 of last year and was perfect on all field goals and extra points the rest of the season.
Conclusion: The Cowboys have been on the edge of contention each of the past four years. Non-coincidentally, that’s how long Prescott has been the quarterback. He was given the franchise tag, with a long-term deal still the plan. If Dak can lead deep into the playoffs, his price tag will only go up, and Jerry Jones doesn’t like letting his guys go. Their offense is still stacked with talent with Cooper and breakout star Michael Gallup leading the receivers and you obviously have Zeke Elliott in the backfield, who right now looks to be the only running back on a second contract actually still doing well. The o-line took a hit losing Frederick, and even Su’a-Filo and Fleming, but they believe they got guys who can be starters or viable backups in Connor Williams and Connor McGovern (not the former Bronco and current Jet). I could see them adding another receiver early in the draft along with an interior lineman. This a great draft for the former, not so much for the latter.
The defense took a hit, which is why I think they’ll prioritize that side of the ball in the first round. They could use options at all levels, but a pass rusher opposite Demarcus Lawrence looks like the biggest hole. The linebackers are young studs with Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander-Esch, but both have had injuries, along with Sean Lee, so depth there is important. Draft experts have them taking a safety, which I could see as Clinton-Dix is on a one-year deal, Xavier Woods will be a free agent, and they just lost Byron Jones at corner, so secondary looks to be a target as well.
Even though I listed a bunch of roster holes, the Cowboys still have a talented roster and are going to be competitive in 2020. Armed with the 17th pick, they won’t get the top guys, but this draft is deep and very important for the Cowboys in 2020 and beyond.
New York Giants
Key acquisitions: CB James Bradberry, LB Blake Martinez, LB Kyler Fackrell, OT Cameron Fleming, RB Dion Lewis, NT Austin Johnson, S Nate Ebner, TE Levine Toilolo, QB Colt McCoy, LS Casey Kreiter
Re-signed: DL Leonard Williams (franchise), LB David Mayo, WR Corey Coleman, WR Cody Core, FB Elijhaa Penny
Departures: QB Eli Manning (retired), LB Alec Ogletree, OT Mike Remmers (Chiefs), WR Cody Latimer (Redskins), TE Rhett Ellison (retired), OLB Kareem Martin, CB Antonio Hamilton (Chiefs)
Remaining free agents: DE Markus Golden, LB Deone Bucannon, S Michael Thomas, S Antoine Bethea
Analysis: The Giants had a busy offseason and made some pretty smart moves. Landing two of the top free agents, former Panther James Bradberry and former Packer Blake Martinez, immediately make the team better, and at reasonable prices, not cheap, but not overpaid. Not among the superstars, both are well above average at the positions, and could turn into stars as members of a new team. They also brought in pass rusher Kyler Fackrell, nose tackle Austin Johnson, and special teamer Nate Ebner to their young defense. They also franchised Leonard Williams, which I saw as a way to save face for Dave Gettleman, who for some reason traded for a half-season of Williams for a third and a fifth. I’m surprised Markus Golden is still a free agent, as he was one of their best defensive players with 10 sacks. Same could be said for Deone Bucannon, Michael Thomas, and Antoine Bethea, all were starters last season.
On offense, not much has changed, other than the retirement of Manning. Starting right tackle Mike Remmers departed, but they did sign Cam Fleming, who has been a starter, but mainly a swing tackle. They also signed Dion Lewis, who figures to be the primary backup to Saquon Barkley, and Levine Toilolo to be the blocking tight end after Rhett Ellison retired.
Conclusion: The Giants needed a strong offseason to get back into relevancy, and they did well in the first phase. Bradberry slides in as the team’s No. 1 corner opposite 2019 first-rounder Deandre Baker. Martinez will be the starting inside linebacker with David Mayo and Ryan Connelly after cutting Alec Ogletree. Fackrell gives them an option as a pass rusher alongside Lorenzo Carter and Oshane Ximines. Johnson will also likely start on the d-line alongside Dexter Larence, Dalvin Tomlinson and B.J. Hill. The common denominator between the existing names on this roster is that they’re young. This is a young team with some talent that needed veteran leadership, and that’s what these players will bring.
The offense still needs work, but with Daniel Jones as the official starter, and young stars in place, look for this offense to take a major leap…hopefully. I think it might take a year with a completely new coaching staff and scheme. This type of situation takes some time, so Giants fans don’t fret if this team underperforms in 2020. I like what they’ve done in free agency, now to look towards the draft. With the fourth pick, they can get the top talent. This is a very strong offensive tackle class, and that’s where I think they should go. The star potential of Isaiah Simmons could dissuade them, but either way they’ll get a great player. If they do go tackle, it could be any one of four guys: Tristan Wirfs, Mekhi Becton, Jedrick Wills, or Andrew Thomas. This is a tough and important decision to make, as every decision is important and crucial to the future of the New York Giants.
Philadelphia Eagles
Key acquisitions: CB Darius Slay, DT Javon Hargrave, CB Nickell Robey-Coleman, LB Jatavis Brown, S Will Parks
Re-signed: CB Jalen Mills, S Rodney McLeod, DT Hassan Ridgeway, QB Nate Sudfeld
Departures: S Malcolm Jenkins (Saints), RB Jordan Howard (Dolphins), OT Halapoulivaati Vaitai (Lions), LB Kamu Grugier-Hill (Dolphins), LB Nigel Bradham, WR Nelson Agholor (Raiders), CB Ronald Darby (Redskins), DT Timmy Jernigan (Texans)
Remaining free agents: OT Jason Peters, DE Vinny Curry, RB Corey Clement
Analysis: The Eagles have sneakily had one of the smarter front offices over the past few seasons. They’ve made smart free agent signings and pulled off some big trades. One of the bigger trades this offseason was the acquisition of former Lions Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay. The biggest hole in the Eagles defense the past few seasons is a true No. 1 lockdown corner. Slay is just that, and an elite one. They also brought in Nickell Robey-Coleman to be their nickel, and safety Will Parks away from Denver. Parks never got a real opportunity to get snaps in Denver, but has started in spots and the Eagles like what the hometown kid could bring. This secondary will look a lot different in 2020 after losing star safety Malcolm Jenkins and Ronald Darby, but they did bring back Jalen Mills and Rodney McLeod. Also on defense the signed former Steeler Javon Hargrave to replace Timmy Jernigan and pair with Fletcher Cox and Malik Jackson along a very deep and talented defensive line. At linebacker, they signed former Charger Jatavis Brown and is guaranteed a starting spot because they really have nothing else after parting with Nigel Bradham and Kamu Grugier-Hill.
The offense had no additions, and the losses were minimal in Nelson Agholor, Jordan Howard, and backup tackle Vaitai.
Conclusion: The Eagles 2019 season was frustrating despite barely winning the division. The made changes on defense, which wasn’t the problem last season, and made zero additions on offense. This is surprising as the receiving core is at the bottom of the league with undrafted practice squad guys leading the charge after oft-injured Alshon Jeffery, DeSean Jackson, and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside. The former two are in their 30s, and the latter underperformed as a second-rounder. They can’t rely on these guys to lead, and they desperately needed a receiver in free agency. They’re lucky this is a strong receiver draft class or else they’d be screwed. With the 21st pick they may not get their top guy, but they could get Henry Ruggs or Justin Jefferson. They also might go linebacker as the only clear starters are Brown and Nathan Gerry. They won’t get Isaiah Simmons, but if Kenneth Murray or Patrick Queen are available, they should go after them.
Everywhere else on the roster is pretty set. With Howard gone, Miles Sanders can be the full-time back with Boston Scott behind him. The receiver need work, but the tight end tandem of Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert is elite, plus they got a great offensive line. Jason Peters is still a free agent, and with Vaitai gone, first-rounder Andre Dillard figures to be the starting left tackle. On defense, the line is phenomenal, with the Brandon Graham and Derek Barnett on the edge and Cox, Hargrave, and Jackson in the middle. The linebackers as I mentioned need a lot of help, hopefully the draft can fix that. The secondary has been tweaked and should become better if healthy.
Washington Redskins
Key acquisitions: CB Kendall Fuller, LB Thomas Davis, G Wes Schweitzer, S Sean Davis, CB Ronald Darby, RB Peyton Barber, LB Kevin Pierre-Louis, QB Kyle Allen, WR Cody Latimer, TE Logan Thomas, RB J.D. McKissic, OT Cornelius Lucas, TE Richard Rodgers
Re-signed: G Brandon Scherff (franchise), LB Jon Bostic, DE Nate Orchard, DT Caleb Brantley
Departures: CB Josh Norman (Bills), CB Quinton Dunbar (Seahawks), G Ereck Flowers (Dolphins), QB Case Keenum (Browns), S Montae Nicholson, WR Paul Richardson, QB Colt McCoy (Giants)
Remaining free agents: RB Chris Thompson, CB Aaron Colvin, OT Donald Penn
Analysis: There’s new air in Washington. President Bruce Allen is gone, and so is head coach Jay Gruden. Hiring former Panthers head coach Ron Rivera was the first major step in changing the Redskins image. The team parted with guys on big contracts, and gave reasonable contracts to talented players. The secondary highlights the Redskins free agency, as the team parted with Josh Norman, Quinton Dunbar, and Montae Nicholson, all starters. To take their place, they signed a former draft pick of theirs Kendall Fuller, who was sent to Kansas City in 2018 as part of the Alex Smith trade. He returns to be their top corner, alongside former Bill and Eagle Ronald Darby. They also signed former Steelers starting safety Sean Davis to round out the defensive backfield acquisitions. Also on defense, the former Panthers head coach brought in a longtime former Panther in linebacker Thomas Davis.
On offense, they have a new starting guard to replace Ereck Flowers in former Falcon Wes Schweitzer. Also have a new running back in former Buccaneer Peyton Barber, and a bunch of new players who likely won’t make huge impacts, but are additions in their own way.
Conclusion: Although the Redskins made some big moves in free agency, it’s unclear what direction they’re going in. Not sure if Dwayne Haskins is the answer at QB as he struggled as a rookie. It’s basically up to Rivera who he wants at quarterback. With the second pick, most have the Redskins taking Chase Young, but it’d be a shocker if they took Tua. They have wholes throughout the roster, but they have good building blocks. At running back, Adrian Peterson is still the likely starter, but sooner or later they have to give the reigns over to Derrius Guice, as long as he stays healthy. The receivers are very young, but they nailed it with Terry McLaurin, who looks like a future Pro Bowler, but after that, not great. On the defensive side, their line looks great with Ryan Kerrigan, Montez Sweat, Daron Payne, Jonathan Allen, and Matt Ioannidis. If Young gets added to this…my god. The linebackers are fine, but could use an upgrade. The secondary I already talked about how it’s much improved, basically with all new starters outside of Landon Collins. A lot of changes were made, but there is no defined direction of this team, yet. We’ll likely found out after the draft if they’ll stick with Haskins, or go with a rookie, or maybe even Kyle Allen, who knows?
Every team in this division has made changes, let’s see who’ll come out on top.
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