The day before the start of NFL free agency, two trades sent shockwaves throughout the league.
First the Seattle Seahawks acquired receiver/returner Percy Harvin from the Vikings in exchange for a package of draft picks that will include their first-round pick this year.
That was followed later in the day by the real stunner, the Ravens dealing receiver Anquan Boldin to the 49ers for just a sixth-round pick.
Not to be outdone, there are multiple reports saying the Jets are actively shopping Pro Bowl cornerback Darrelle Revis.
Yes indeed, the times they are changing in the NFL.
All of this serves as a mere appetizer to the official start of free agency, which gets underway at 4:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
It is tough for fans to see their favourite players traded at the best of times. When a player of Boldin’s stature is dealt after being so important in the Ravens run to the Super Bowl, it is even more painful.
But Ozzie Newsome was only doing what every other general manager in the NFL has to do at this time of year; remove emotion from the equation and make tough, but necessary business decisions.
With a limit of $123 million dollars to work with, teams have to make some cold-hearted decisions this time of year. Boldin made it clear he wouldn’t take a pay cut to restructure his deal and help the Ravens’ cap situation, so Newsome had to get rid of him for the long-term health of his team.
At the end of the day, every team is scrambling to create as much salary cap space as possible. The Ravens need to try and re-sign linebacker Dannell Ellerbe and still have room to sign their upcoming draft picks.
For those teams with a lot of cap space, the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, Miami Dolphins, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers; there are some intriguing players out there for the taking.
Here are some of the top free agents available on the open market.
Mike Wallace, wide receiver A true speed burner, Wallace would be a great fit for any team looking for a receiver who can stretch an opposing defence. In his four seasons with the Steelers, Wallace caught 235 passes for 4,042 yards and 32 touchdowns. Wallace also averaged 17.2 yards per catch, a testament to his deep threat capabilities.
Greg Jennings, wide receiver Hampered by injuries the past two seasons, Jennings still put up some impressive numbers in Green Bay. In seven seasons with the Packers, the sure-handed Jennings (two fumbles in his past 53 games) caught 425 passes for 6,537 yards, 53 touchdowns and averaged 15.4 yards per catch.
Wes Welker, wide receiver One of the most prolific receivers in the NFL, Welker averaged 112 receptions a year in his six seasons with the Patriots. Getting to work with Tom Brady every week doesn’t hurt but Welker deserves more credit for his own abilities. He led all NFL receivers with 619 yards after the catch last year and also led the league in 2011, a stat that Brady had nothing to do with.
Dashon Goldson, safety Talented, fast and hard-hitting safeties are hard to come by in the NFL. That is why the 28-year- old Goldson (he turns 29 in May) is so coveted on the open market.
Paul Kruger, linebacker Kruger hits the open market with impeccable timing. He led the Ravens with 4.5 sacks in the Ravens’ playoff run and would be a good choice for any team looking for a pass rushing outside linebacker.
Ed Reed, safety Even though he will turn 35 in September, there is still a little gas left in the tank for Ed Reed. For my money, Reed is the best safety in the modern era of the NFL. Any contending team looking for veteran leadership in the secondary, (the Patriots?), Reed would be a perfect fit.
Jake Long, offensive tackle When healthy, Long is a premier left tackle. In his five seasons with the Dolphins, Long was a four-time Pro Bowler. However injuries have been a concern the past two seasons. In 2011, it was a torn biceps muscle and last year it was a torn triceps muscle. Assuming he is full healthy, Long would serve a major upgrade over most of the left tackles in the league.
Steven Jackson, running back. With eight straight 1,000-yard seasons on his resume, the 29-year-old would be a perfect fit for any team that needs to add some muscle to their running game. The 240-pound Jackson averaged 4.1 yards per carry this past season with the Rams and did not fumble once in his 257 carries.
Of course whatever happens during free agency will play a major role in determining a team’s strategy on draft day. But the draft and what teams plan to do in late April is a long way off.
All that matters over the next two weeks is teams making smart decisions with their free-agent signings. But as everyone knows all too well, not many teams make smart decisions when it comes to signing free agents.
The teams that make dumb moves often end up in salary cap hell. The ones that make smart moves leave themselves the flexibility to be contenders year after year.