The NFL offseason has been filled with major trades, cuts, pick-ups, and contract extensions. This offseason may be one of the most talented groups of free-agents on the market, which is extremely great for many teams who are rebuilding their franchises. Many teams are threatening to pose a challenge with the signing of big-time players.
There are a multitude of all-star players who are favoring their options with teams that are in desperate need of their talent. Currently, the most anticipated free agent landing spot is NFL future hall-of-famer Peyton Manning. The Indianapolis Colts recently opted not to resign Manning and have also decided to cut their top players such as Pierre Garcon and Dallas Clark. They have also decided to trade away one of the leagues top pass rushers Dwight Freeny. The Colts are rebuilding their franchise from the bottom up and they will most likely start by drafting Andrew Luck with the 1st overall pick in the upcoming draft.
“I want Manning,” Adams [Tennessee Titans owner] told The Tennessean on Sunday. “I’d love to see him in Titan blue after watching him so many years with the Colts. … I want him. I am ready to do what it takes to get him aboard, and I think he’d be the guy to get us into the playoffs.” The Titans are one of the teams that are heavily pursuing Manning.
Another trade that caught a lot of attention was the Chicago Bears acquiring wide receiver Brandon Marshall.Marshallis a pro bowl WR and should add size toChicago’s small receiving front. Bears QB Jay Cutler will also be reunited withMarshall; they were a dominant QB-WR combo back when the both played for the Denver Broncos and when Cutler threw for over 4,500 yards.
Another huge free agent who has been picked up is defensive end Mario Williams. Williams was sidelined for the majority of last season with the Houston Texans due to a pectoral tear. The Buffalo Bills have signed Williams to a six year, 96 million dollar contract. Williams is a threat to any team against him and he will greatly aid the Buffalo Bills defense.
Calvin Johnson, one the top receivers in the league, has agreed to a long term contract with the Detroit Lions. Johnson signed to an 8 year contract that is worth up to 132 million dollars with incentives. The Lions locked up this 6 ft 5 inch, 235 pound beast with a future contract with QB Matthew Stafford expected soon.
“They were happy to get this thing done with, and I was happy as well,” Johnson said. “It wasn’t a lot of confrontation. We weren’t butting heads or anything. It was just something that we knew needed to get done.”
The Kansas City Chiefs signed running back Peyton Hillis to a one year, 3 million dollar deal. Hillis is a former 1,000 yard rusher, who achieved this when he was a part of the Cleveland Browns. Hillis signed such a short term contract because he has had many off-the-field issues that ultimately led his previous team, the Denver Broncos, to cut him off the team. Hillis has the potential to be a great RB but the Chiefs want to see if Hillis can pull it together this year and perform. Hillis and Chiefs premier RB Jamaal Charles should be a well-balanced rushing attack for next season.
“We are happy that Peyton decided to join us,” coach Romeo Crennel said. “Peyton is a big, strong, physical back with a lot of talent and he should fit into our system well. We are looking forward to working with him and adding him into our offense.”
There are other talented players that are still on market. Their landing spots should be very interesting and how they affect their new teams is a mystery. Many teams are also awaiting the NFL draft to acquire young and talented players. Seeing top players in different jerseys always brings excitement and great anticipation for the next season.
