NFL Free Agency 2018- Six Teams Who Improved the Most
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Key Additions:
- Tyrod Taylor | QB
- Carlos Hyde | RB
- Jarvis Landry | WR
- Damarious Randall | DB
Before the free agency period even started, Cleveland put their stamp on the off-season by making three big trades that landed them 3 starting pieces for their team. The Browns found themselves a starting caliber QB in Tyrod Taylor, one of the most reliable WRs in Jarvis Landry and a versatile secondary playmaker in Damarious Randall. Cleveland followed that up by signing a few free agents as well including former 49ers RB Carlos Hyde. Needless to say, new GM John Dorsey has been busy so far this off-season and has certainly made the Browns more entertaining and interesting heading into the NFL Draft.
CHICAGO BEARS
Key Additions:
- Allen Robinson | WR
- Taylor Gabriel | WR
- Trey Burton | TE
- Aaron Lynch | LB
It’s no secret that the Bears were in the market for a WR but when the news came out that the Jacksonville Jaguars were not franchise tagging Allen Robinson, it became a no-brainer to link Chicago to the big-play receiver. Not only did the Bears secure their future #1 WR but they also added a speedy, athletic WR in Taylor Gabriel along with a Superbowl hero in TE Trey Burton. Besides adding three key pieces to their offense, the Bears also signed 49ers LB Aaron Lynch in hopes that defensive coordinator Vic Fangio may be able to motivate Lynch and help him reclaim some of his former production.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Key Additions:
- Andrew Norwell | OG
- Donte Moncrief | WR
- Austin Seferian-Jenkins | TE
Last year the Jaguars upgraded their defense by adding CB AJ Bouye and DL Calais Campbell and this year they upgrade their offense by adding three pieces in OG Andrew Norwell, WR Donte Moncrief and TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins. Even though these may not seem like big names players, Norwell is one of the more consistent interior offensive lineman and Moncrief and Seferian-Jenkins are two more playmakers for QB Blake Bortles in hopes that maybe the former first round pick can take the next step towards another deep playoff run.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Key Additions:
- Jerick McKinnon | RB
- Weston Richburg | C
- Jeremiah Attaochu | LB/DE
- Richard Sherman | CB
Like Cleveland, the 49ers led by GM John Lynch did not wait until the free agency but instead signed their big ticket player in CB Richard Sherman shortly after his departure from Seattle. Since then, San Francisco added a quality C in Weston Richburg, an up and coming RB in Jerick McKinnon and an underutilized pass rusher in Jeremiah Attaochu, all while remaining way under the salary cap. While some of their signings may not be big additions on paper, they are certainly key additions to a young roster and will certainly see good playing time under second year HC Kyle Shanahan.
HOUSTON TEXANS
Key Additions:
- Zach Fulton | OG/C
- Aaron Colvin | CB
- Tyrann Mathieu | S
During the first few days of free agency, the Texans didn’t seem like they were going to be in on any of the big free agents but after S Tyrann Mathieu was released by the Cardinals, Houston had no choice but to continue their construction of a playoff team and decided to sign the former pro-bowler. Along with Mathieu, the Texans also added two versatile players to both sides of the ball in interior offensive lineman Zach Fulton and CB Aaron Colvin. Both signings may not be household names but they will be starters for the team and both have good upside.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Key Additions:
- Kirk Cousins | QB
- Sheldon Richardson | DL
Last but not least are the Minnesota Vikings, who were the talk of free agency when they signed QB Kirk Cousins to a 3 year deal that ends up being fully guaranteed, a first for the NFL. Even though this is a big risk for the Vikings considering Cousins is guaranteed his contract no matter what, it is a risk worth taking for a team that was one game away from competing in the Superbowl in their own stadium. Along with Cousins, the Vikings went ahead and added one of the premier interior defensive linemen in Sheldon Richardson, only adding to their always outstanding defense. The Vikings only made two moves, but these two moves may be enough to get the Vikings to the Superbowl this upcoming season.