The hype of free agency has come and gone and now it’s time to look at what teams have gained and lost since March 17th and where they stand as they prepare for the upcoming draft. Let’s continue with the AFC South.
Houston Texans
Key acquisitions: DE Shaq Lawson, RB Phillip Lindsay, OT Marcus Cannon, LB Christian Kirksey, QB Tyrod Taylor, RB Mark Ingram, CB Terrance Mitchell, C Justin Britt, CB Desmond King, DT Maliek Collins, G Lane Taylor, LB Kevin Pierre-Louis, OLB Jordan Jenkins, S Terrence Brooks, DT Vincent Taylor, LB Kamu Grugier-Hill, KR Andre Roberts, G Justin McCray, LB Joe Thomas, P Cameron Johnston, WR Chris Conley, OLB Derek Rivers, WR Donte Moncrief, WR Alex Erickson, TE Ryan Izzo, DE DeMarcus Walker, WR Chris Moore, CB Tavierre Thomas, LB Tae Davis, CB Tremon Smith, C Cole Toner, DT Jaleel Johnson, TE Antony Auclair
Re-signed: CB Vernon Hargreaves, OT Roderick Johnson
Departures: DE J.J. Watt (Cardinals), LB Benardrick McKinney (Dolphins), C Nick Martin (Raiders), G Zach Fulton (Giants), RB Duke Johnson, G Senio Kelemete, TE Darren Fells, P Bryan Anger, LB Brennan Scarlett (Dolphins), LB Tyrell Adams (Bills)
Remaining free agents: CB Gareon Conley, S Michael Thomas, CB Phillip Gaines, LB Dylan Cole
Analysis: I really don’t know where to start with this Texans team. I have them signing 32…32 new players. This is absolutely absurd and unheard of, and it’s not like they signed a bunch of really good players, there are a few, but it’s just majority backups, depth players, special teamers, and washed-up veterans. But before I get into the signings, I wanna talk about their losses, and potential future losses. This franchise is an absolute embarrassment to the sport. Who knows what the hell is going on in that front office. No one knows who’s calling the shots now, if it was a higher power and Bill O’Brien took the heat, because B.O.B. is gone, and they’re still making stupid moves. They hired a new general manager, Nick Caserio, from the Patriots, and they hired a new head coach, the 65-year-old David Culley who’s never had a head coaching gig and has never been a coordinator. He’s a career wide receivers coach, and has been with seven teams in 26 years, including 14 with the Eagles. He was previously the passing game coordinator with the Ravens the past two seasons, the team with the worst passing yard numbers last year.
All these hirings pissed off the most important player in their franchise, quarterback Deshaun Watson. He said he wanted to be involved in the GM and head coaching hires, ownership said ok, but went ahead and hired Caserio, then went against his wishes and didn’t hire, let alone interview, Eric Bieniemy. He has voiced his desire to be traded, and I don’t blame him because this is a shitshow of a team, but who knows if anyone wants him now because of the allegations. Enough of my spiel about the front office, let’s actually talk about the players.
On offense they signed Phillip Lindsay, who was surprisingly non-tendered by the Broncos as a restricted free agent. He’ll pair nicely with David Johnson in the backfield along with Mark Ingram. Joining that offense are some new pass catchers: Chris Conley, Donte Moncrief, Chris Moore, Alex Erickson and return specialist Andre Roberts. Nothing exciting here, as Conley and Moncrief haven’t had productive careers, and Moore, Erickson and Roberts are special teamers. The team still has Brandin Cooks, Randall Cobb, and Keke Coutee, so they’ve got themselves a nice group of veterans. They also acquired tight end Ryan Izzo in a trade with the Patriots.
The Texans made some decent moves on the offensive line, signing former Seahawks starting center Justin Britt, former Packers starting guard Lane Taylor, journeyman Justin McCray, and acquired offensive tackle Marcus Cannon from the Patriots. They did part with three starters, but they’ve got plenty of options all across the line to replace them, for whoever will be under center.
On defense they traded away Benardrick McKinney, their longtime inside linebacker, and acquired pass rusher Shaq Lawson from the Dolphins. They signed Christian Kirksey to take McKinney’s place along with Kevin Pierre-Louis and Joe Thomas. They signed a bunch of pass rushers too: former Jet Jordan Jenkins, former Patriot Derek Rivers, and former Bronco DeMarcus Walker. No studs, but some depth pieces. In the secondary they signed some nice players: former Chargers Pro Bowl CB Desmond King, former Browns CB Terrance Mitchell, and former Patriots safety Terrence Brooks.
Conclusion: You can try to reshape the look of your team with a bunch of players, but your reputation will not change. This is the worst-run organization in football at the moment, and it’s not close. You angered your quarterback, who’s in boiling hot water right now, and you have no clear plan for the future. You keep trading away your best players and getting crap in return. No one want to play for you other than guys who have no better options. It stinks to see how this franchise was a playoff team not too long ago, and now their in the basement of the league. Pathetic.
Indianapolis Colts
Key acquisitions: QB Carson Wentz, DE Isaac Rochell, OT Sam Tevi, OT Julien Davenport, G Chris Reed, S Sean Davis
Re-signed: WR T.Y. Hilton, RB Marlon Mack, CB Xavier Rhodes, CB T.J. Carrie, DE Al-Quadin Muhammad
Departures: QB Philip Rivers, OT Anthony Castonzo, LB Anthony Walker (Browns), DE Denico Autry (Titans), QB Jacoby Brissett (Dolphins), S Tavon Wilson (49ers)
Remaining free agents: OLB Justin Houston, S Malik Hooker, TE Trey Burton, OT Le’Raven Clark
Analysis: I love how the Colts always seem to have so much cap space, yet never make massive signings. They do love to pull off big trades though, they acquired DeForest Buckner for a first-rounder last year, and acquired another first-round pick from 2016, quarterback Carson Wentz. After a rough few seasons after signing a massive contract extension in 2019, Wentz’s job in Philadelphia was on the ropes, and it was clear last season that we just didn’t have it anymore. He was benched for rookie Jalen Hurts, who was fine, and that made Wentz expendable. He was then traded to the Colts for a third and a conditional second that could turn into a first dependent on playing time. This was the possible best landing spot for Wentz, who reunites with Frank Reich, who was his offensive coordinator in Philly for his MVP-type season in 2017, and the Colts had a huge need at quarterback after the retirement of Philip Rivers. This is a trade that works for both sides: the Colts get a new franchise quarterback who’s hungry and ready to bounce back in a system he’s familiar with, and the Eagles get to dump Wentz’s contract, acquire early-round picks, and get a good look at the potential future on a much cheaper deal. All around good deal for everyone.
The rest of the new guys aren’t super noteworthy. Sam Tevi and Julien Davenport aren’t frontline starters on the offensive line, and that’s a major need for the Colts now that longtime left tackle Anthony Castonzo retired. The rest of the line is still set, but they need help at left tackle badly. I could still see them adding a veteran still out there to man the position, but I think they’ll handle it in the draft, holding the 21st pick. They also brought in Isaac Rochell on the defensive line, formerly of the Chargers, and safety Sean Davis a former second-round pick of the Steelers.
The main story of the Colts moves are the re-signing of some key players. Star wide receiver T.Y. Hilton is back after declining a larger offer elsewhere (Ravens), and so is running back Marlon Mack. I was surprised to see Mack back after he missed basically all of last season after tearing his Achilles Week 1. Jonathan Taylor was a star last season, so you can’t take him off the field. I think the team just wanted to do right by Mack and give him a shot to potentially increase his value for next offseason. They also brought back a couple starters in the secondary: Xavier Rhodes, who shined last season after being cut by the Vikings, and T.J. Carrie.
They had to say goodbye to Denico Autry, an unsung pass rusher on that Colts line, and linebacker Anthony Walker, who was Darius Leonard’s partner in crime in the middle of that defense. They have some young guys to potentially replace them, but these should be positions of focus in the draft. Also worth noting that Justin Houston is still a free agent and will likely re-sign, but former first-round safety Malik Hooker is likely gone as he is recovering from a torn Achilles and his replacement, Julian Blackmon, played great in his place.
Conclusion: The Colts may not make big splash signings, but they love to pull off a big trade, and nail the draft. There are some holes on this roster, mainly offensive tackle and pass rush, but you’ve gotta trust this front office when it comes to the draft. This is one of the best drafting teams in the NFL right now, and that’s where Chris Ballard will work his magic to get this team back in the playoffs. This was a good team last year that really got going late. Rivers is gone, but I think Wentz can take them to the next level. A change of scenery is exactly what he needed, and he landed in the perfect spot.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Key acquisitions: WR Marvin Jones, CB Shaquill Griffin, FS Rayshawn Jenkins, DT Malcom Brown, DE Roy Robertson-Harris, DE Jihad Ward, RB Carlos Hyde, RS Jamal Agnew, WR Phillip Dorsett, SS Rudy Ford, TE Chris Manhertz, QB C.J. Beathard
Re-signed: OT Cam Robinson (franchise), DE Dawuane Smoot, S Josh Jones, CB Sidney Jones, C Tyler Shatley, DE Adam Gotsis
Departures: WR Keelan Cole (Jets), TE Josh Oliver (Ravens), QB Mike Glennon (Giants), WR Chris Conley (Texans)
Remaining free agents: TE Tyler Eifert, CB D.J. Hayden, WR Dede Westbrook, DT Abry Jones, RB Chris Thompson
Analysis: It’s starting to become exciting to be a Jaguars fan now. You hold the first pick of the draft in a year with a generational talent at quarterback in Trevor Lawrence, which means you’ve become a place players want to play. The Jags have some real nice pieces in place, young receivers and running back, a solid offensive line, and a defense filled with young talent and veteran leaders. They supplemented this roster with some nice talent throughout the roster.
On offense to help their new rookie quarterback, they signed reliable veteran wide receiver Marvin Jones, who spent the last five seasons with the Lions. Jones has never been a superstar, but he’s been a borderline very good to star receiver most of his career. He’ll put up consistent numbers, around 800 yards and double-digit touchdowns, so you know exactly what you’re getting in the 31-year-old. They also brought back old friend Carlos Hyde, who’s a reliable running back who can spell James Robinson, and speedy receiver Phillip Dorsett, who missed all of 2020 with injury. They got a nice receiving group with those guys being added to D.J. Chark, Laviska Shenault, and Collin Johnson.
On defense they signed two of my favorite players in cornerback Shaquill Griffin, formerly of the Seahawks, to a three-year deal and free safety Rayshawn Jenkins to a four-year deal. These are both guys who were mid-round picks who developed into starters for their teams, and now bring talent and leadership to a young secondary. They also signed former Bears pass rusher Roy Robertson-Harris, former Ravens pass rusher Jihad Ward, and acquired defensive tackle Malcom Brown from the Saints. They also signed former Chiefs starting linebacker Damien Wilson, who’ll pair nicely with veteran Joe Schobert, Myles Jack, and Quincy Williams.
Conclusion: I like the moves the Jaguars made here. They signed a couple younger defensive backs fresh off their rookie contracts who can lead that unit, a reliable wide receiver for their new rookie, and some solid depth guys in the front seven. These are all solid signings, no complaints here. They didn’t lose too much outside of Keelan Cole really, but they got replacements. They were able to bring back their left tackle on the franchise tag, and a couple more defensive starters, but it’s not going to be easy. You have the first pick in the draft for a reason, because you stunk last season. You can look at quarterback and coaching as a cause, and those are changing, so you may think things will turn around immediately, but it’ll take time. The Jaguars are heading in the right direction, let’s cement this direction with the first pick of the draft.
Tennessee Titans
Key acquisitions: OLB Bud Dupree, CB Janoris Jenkins, DE Denico Autry, CB Kevin Johnson, OT Kendall Lamm, LS Morgan Cox, WR Josh Reynolds, LB Ola Adeniyi, S Matthias Farley
Re-signed: LB Jayon Brown, TE Anthony Firkser, TE Geoff Swaim, OT Ty Sambrailo
Departures: TE Jonnu Smith (Patriots), WR Corey Davis (Jets), CB Malcolm Butler (Cardinals), S Kenny Vaccaro, CB Adoree’ Jackson (Giants), CB Desmond King (Texans), OT Dennis Kelly, WR Adam Humphries (Washington), OLB Jadeveon Clowney (Browns), DT DaQuan Jones (Panthers), WR Kalif Raymond (Lions), DE Matt Dickerson (Raiders), OT Isaiah Wilson
Remaining free agents: K Stephen Gostkowski
Analysis: This was an offseason of losses for the Tennessee Titans. I didn’t think they had a bad cap situation, but they had to let a lot of guys walk and a bunch of other had to be cut. They offset some of those losses with some real nice signings, but there are still holes to fill. Let’s talk about those moves.
On defense they cut starting CBs Malcolm Butler and Adoree’ Jackson and starting safety Kenny Vaccaro. They also let Desmond King, who they acquired from the Chargers last year, walk, so they’ve got some holes to fill. To assist in helping this defense is veteran Janoris Jenkins, who had a solid couple seasons with the Saints, and Kevin Johnson, who revived his career in the slot for the Browns. The Titans pass rush has been abysmal since forever, and they signed two guys who are pass rush specialists: former Steeler Bud Dupree, who’s coming off a torn ACL, and Denico Autry, an underrated player who’s been a stud for the Colts. The Jadeveon Clowney experience was not great, as he did nothing before he got hurt, surprise surprise, so hopefully these guys work out, and I think they will. The only move at linebacker is the re-signing of Jayon Brown to a three-year extension. A key player for them as he missed part of the season last year and he was sorely missed. These moves are an upgrade for sure, as this has been one of the worst units in football. You got rid of a lot of starters in the secondary, and found a couple replacements, but you still got work to do. Hopefully they focus on this in the draft, and if not, there’s still a good amount of veterans still on the market.
The offense had more subtractions than additions, actually practically all subtractions and one reduction. The reduction is releasing Dennis Kelly, their starting right tackle, and signing Kendall Lamm, the Browns former swing tackle. The subtractions are the pass catchers, letting Jonnu Smith and Corey Davis walk and releasing slot receiver Adam Humphries. Smith was developing into a star tight end, and the Patriots are gonna be getting his best years after the Titans put in the work to get him to this point. Davis had found a nice role as the No. 2 to A.J. Brown after failing to be the No. 1 he was drafted to be. Now the pass catching group has a severe drop-off from Brown, as it looks like former Rams fourth-rounder Josh Reynolds is the No. 2 when he’s been like the fourth receiver most of his career, not great for Ryan Tannehill.
Conclusion: The Titans were a super fun team to watch last year, just watching Derrick Henry run over defenses and Tannehill slinging it to Brown, Davis and Smith, but it’s gonna be a different looking team in 2021. This team’s ability to build a roster has come into question in recent years, and this free agency kind of shined a light on it, as the moves that were made helped in one area, but hurt in other areas. A front office needs to find balance in a team, and not tip the scales. They’re loaded up in the run game, but the pass game is hurting. They worked on building up their defensive line and pass rush, but they hurt their secondary in the process. They can’t keep neglecting certain parts of the team, they have to find balance, something that is not found in this division.
The Texans are clearly at the bottom after what this front office has done, and the Colts and Titans will be battling at the top. The Jaguars will be hanging out, figuring out their identity with a rookie quarterback before getting ready for battle. This might be the most unpredictable division in football, and that’s why I love to watch it. No one really talks about this division as a powerhouse, but who knows, these teams are unpredictable.
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