2009 NFL Free Agency Period: Big Names On The Move
Written March 6, 2009 by Jack Jones
There have been plenty of moves made during the NFL free agency period. Let’s take a look at which team picked up which players and how they might have an impact on their new team.
One of the biggest moves I see so far is the Tampa Bay Buc’s acquisition of former NY Giant’s running back, Derrick Ward. Ward signed a $17 million contract with Tampa and is guaranteed $6 million over the next two season. Ward will be entering his 6th NFL season, and while he’s been mostly a complimentary back to Brandon Jacobs in New York, he will be the featured back for Tampa Bay. I’ve always thought that Ward had the talent to start in the NFL, and now he gets a chance to prove it. Tampa has really shaken things during the free agency period, releasing veterans like Derrick Brooks and Warrick Dunn to open up cap room for players like this. Overall, this is a good move for Tampa as Ward could very well be the opening day starting running back for the team. Even if he is not #1 on opening day, most NFL teams have adopted a 2 running back philosophy, so the move gives the Bucs both Ward and Carnell Williams to share the rushing load.
It was surprising to see the Seattle Seahawks sign former Cincinnati Bengal WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, but I feel that the move sends the Seahawks in the right direction. This is a team that was much better than their 2008 record indicated. Adding a big-play receiver like Houshmandzadeh is a big move for a team whose leading receiver caught just 47 balls last season. As one of the most coveted free agents out there, Housh came with a hefty $40 million price tag, but I feel like this move makes a lot of sense for the Seahawks.
One of the best, if not the best, defensive players in the league, Albert Haynesworth left the Titans for the Washington Redskins. My opinion is that Haynesworth instantly makes the defense he plays for so much better that it is hard to argue with the $100 million the Skins are forking over to have the game’s best defensive tackle.
Matt Cassel wasted no time in cashing in on his big year for New England, heading to the Kansas City Chiefs to take over the starting QB job. It will be interesting to see how Cassel performs with a supporting cast that is, let’s be honest here, not as good. I do think this is one of the best moves this year, however, as the Chiefs didn’t really give up that much to sign him. I know that Tyler Thigpen improved over the course of the season, but trust me, Kansas City just got a huge upgrade with the Cassel acquisition.
The biggest name I see unsigned right now is Raven’s OLB Terrell Suggs. Suggs has stated that he would like to return to the Ravens, but I can see any number of teams, particularly the New York Jets, luring him away from Baltimore. Suggs would fit on any number of teams, but I do think it will take top-dollar to move him off of the Raven’s roster for 2009.
Keep a watchful eye on all of the roster moves made by each team this off-season as the NFL odds on who is going to win the Super Bowl will change from now until opening day. When the season gets here though make sure you make the most out of betting on the NFL by signing up for a package of NFL expert picks offered by our handicappers.
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