NFL Free Agency in Review (Pt 2 of 4)

The Bad Signings 1) Larry Johnson, Running Back, Washington Redskins (Signed 3 years $3.5MM, could reach $12MM)
Of course after I praise them earlier over a potentially strong signing for their franchise, I must curse them later for yet another potentially boneheaded Redskin free agent move. This signing would have been a showstopper a mere two seasons ago as Larry was still considered a top level halfback, however nowadays LJ is thought of as someone who lacks explosion/tackle breaking ability and brings boatloads of off field baggage. Already owning one aging runner in Clinton Portis, why bring in another when it is unlikely that their presence will improve your running game. While LJ’s contract is cheap (assuming his incentives are difficult to reach unless he is playing at a high level), he is still eating up a spot on the depth chart where the Redskins could use an explosive threat out of the backfield like Cal’s Javhid Best other such type complimentary runners.
2) Antwaan Randle-El, Wide Receiver, Pittsburgh Steelers (Signed 3 years)
For a team with such a solid front office, this signing truly is a head scratcher. The Steelers have a very solid receiving core 1-3 with your brightest future possibly being your number 3 Mike Wallace who showed explosion and talent. The signing of Randle-El doesn’t seem to have much of a purpose than to run Limas Sweed out of town, however from recent speculative reports, it seems that Randle-El’s contract is for more than a 4th receiver is worth. While the FSB is not against brining in such a talent, we are a bit confused on why you would want to take snaps away from such a bright young offensive player for a veteran who is not nearly the game changer Wallace can be.  Not to mention the Steelers announced the signing of Arnaz Battle the same day, who is more than capable of being a number four receiver.  It seems like Randle-El was brought home to be a gadget player.
3) Justin Bannan, Defensive End, Denver Broncos (Signed 5 year, $22MM, $6.3MM signing bonus, $10.5MM Guaranteed)
This is not a knock on Justin Bannan in any way, the former Raven is the definition of hard working and may help bring more of an attitude to the Broncos front. However, the last thing the Broncos needed was to invest a large chunk of their finances to a 30+ year old defensive end, which Bannan is. The Denver defensive front desperately needed a youth injection last season as it faded terribly down the stretch last season and signing Bannan to a large starter-level contract while releasing Kenny Peterson is not the answer to the Broncos problems. While Bannan can be an effective starter as a 3-4 end, he is a better rotational end as he generates very little penetration and may wear down a bit against the run as Peterson did last season due to his age.
4) Jarvis Green, Defensive End, Denver Broncos (Signed 4 years, $20MM, $7MM Guaranteed)
The Broncos make yet another appearance on this list for the signing of yet another aging defensive end. While Jarvis Green can step in right away and perform as he played in the same defensive scheme in New England with Coach McDaniels, Jarvis Green is also 31 years old and has not been an effective pass rusher for the past two seasons! His recent performance has shown signs of decline and did not warrant such an expensive contract, furthermore, as stated above the last thing the Broncos need is an aging defensive end who will do little to help Elvis Dumervil jumpstart the lackluster Denver pass-rush. If the Broncos were a team which was a couple pieces away from being serious contenders this signing would have made sense, however plugging holes and getting older when you should be getting younger is never the strategy to go for unless you like long painful/inevitable rebuilding processes.
5) David Carr, Quarterback, San Francisco 49ers (Signed 2 years)
Well maybe someone within the SF front office believes that the team with the most number 1 overall draft picks has the best chance at winning in the NFL. While Carr had high promise coming out of Fresno State, a history of being constantly sacked and having his mechanics constantly tinkered with have created the shell of a QB that the 49ers acquired just recently. Carr has the talent to be a solid back up QB, however he is highly inconsistent which makes him difficult to trust behind injury prone Alex Smith. Furthermore, why bring in a question mark to back up Smith when you already have a consistent back-up who has proven that he can win with the 49ers roster?

NFL Free Agency in Review (Pt 1 of 4)

The Good Signings

1) Ryan Clark, Safety, Pittsburgh Steelers (Resigned 4 years $17MM)
Some may call this a surprising move considering the how the Steelers often allow veterans to leave their franchise rather than give them pricey extensions late in their careers. However, those same people may forget that the Steelers had LaMarr Woodley and Lawrence Timmons ready to replace Joey Porter and Larry Foote when they began to show their age. In the case of Clark, the Steelers this past season that they lack a promising successor to a very solid defender in Ryan Clark (as backup Tyrone Carter was continually exposed as the Steelers’ pass defense crumbled down the stretch). This is also a solid signing as Clark is a very consistent producer, which is a staple of the Pittsburgh defense; and because of the relatively low cost which Clark signed for seeing as similarly talented and 2.5 year younger FS Antrele Rolle signed for $18 MM more for only 1 extra season. With Clark signed it allows Pittsburgh to focus on more pressing issues such as their inconsistent offensive line, or porous cornerback situation.

2) Leigh Bodden, Cornerback, New England Patriots (Resigned 4 years, $22MM, $10MM Guaranteed)
Bodden went from small school prospect to high level corner when he sprung onto the scene in 2007 with 6 interceptions and some classic ESPN interview clips responding to the insanity that is Chad Johnson. However, after his emergence, Bodden began to make some contractually related noise and was subsequently traded to Detroit where he quickly fizzled out, only to find himself as the top corner in New England. Bodden proved once again that he is a high talent Corner by racking up 5 interceptions last season earning himself a big pay day in the process. However at the age of 28, and with a play style which hinges on physicality and instincts aside from blazing speed; Bodden may have enough solid seasons ahead of him to play out this contract. Furthermore, the contract which he signed is very inexpensive considering both his solid past, and quality recent production levels. It is a major win for New England as their top corner spot has been in flux since the loss of Asante Samuel to the Eagles.

3) Vince Wilfork, Nose Tackle, New England Patriots (Resigned 5 years, $40MM, $18MM signing bonus, $25MM guaranteed)
While this signing seems like it may be a bit on the pricey side, there is no doubting the value of Vince Wilfork to the New England Patriots. Many say the most important part of a 3-4 defense is the nose tackle, and Wilfork has proven himself to be one of the best every season since being drafted out of Miami. His durability and consistency make him and outstanding candidate for an extension, as well as the fact that nose tackles have proven to be able to perform at a high level late into their careers (Jason Ferguson, Casey Hampton, Jamal Williams, Kelly Gregg).

4) Will Witherspoon, Outside Linebacker, Tennesee Titans (Signed 3 years, $11MM, $7MM guaranteed)
Witherspoon is built to be a Titan linebacker. He is undersized, speedy, able to cover tight ends/slot receivers while also a sure tackler. His fit is perfect, as well as his timing as the Titans are in need of an OLB ever since Pro-Bowler Keith Bullock tore up his knee and could suddenly realize/play his true age (if he is even resigned at all), and opposite OLB starter David Thorton also tore his ACL. Witherspoon will be a nice addition to an already solid Tampa 2 defense which the Titans are beginning to revamp.

5) Maake Kemoeato, Nose Tackle, Washington Redskins (Signed 2 years, $7MM)
This signing goes under the, “amazing….if” category. Kemoeato will be an amazing find for the Skins’…if his Achilles tendon is healed after a rupture and a subsequent botched surgery. The Redskins are switching to the 3-4 defense from the 4-3 however they lack a true nose tackle aside from $100 dollar man Albert Haynesworth who has already declared his dissatisfaction with the idea of being a nose tackle. At 6’5” 345lbs Kemoeatu is the ideal size for a gap plugging NT, and has always been a successful block eater rather than penetrating DT. If he becomes healthy and can solidify the heart of the Redskins’ defense, a $7MM contract is chump change, not to mention if he does not it will not cost Washington much to release him.

Honorable Mention: Considered honorable mention as they were not unrestricted free agent signings but acquired through other ways.

Matt Moore- 1st and 3rd round Restricted Free Agent 1 year tender
Moore proved his worth last season filling in for Delhomme going 3-1 and throwing 8 touchdowns and only 1 interception. This being the second time that Moore had more than adequately filled in for Delhomme, the Panthers finally gave in and decided that 2011 would be the season that the Oregon State product would get an extended look. The first and third round tender makes it simply improbable that another team would sign Moore away, while giving the Panthers a 1 season look at a potential franchise QB for a mere $3MM. The risk here is that Moore won’t work out and that the Panthers will have to continue their search next season, while the reward could possibly be fining a diamond franchise QB off of the scrap heap for cheap. 

Reggie Brown- Trade for a 6th round draft pick in the 2011 NFL Draft (Eagles to Buccaneers)
Brown has had a solid yet unspectacular career since being drafted in the second round out of the University of Georgia. He flashed solid potential in his first, second, and third seasons with 571, 816, and 780 receiving yards, however the past two seasons have been utter disappointment as injuries and inconsistency have often landed Brown on the inactive list. With size (6’1” 200lbs) and solid ability Brown is a great and cheap pick up for the Bucs as they look for weapons to help in the development of franchise QB Josh Freeman.

Stay tuned to the FSB for parts 2-5 of our analysis of the 2010 NFL Free Agency Period.  Pt 2 "The Bad Signings" will be online 3-17-2010 at 12:30PM PST!