John Czarnecki / FOX Sports
The best of moves
1. Dallas: Owner Jerry Jones didn't hesitate to spend his money, writing about $30 million on bonus checks when you count new QB Drew Bledsoe. I like ex-Browns cornerback Anthony Henry (17 interceptions in four seasons), and guard Marco Rivera is a tough hombre that Brett Favre will miss in Green Bay. Coach Bill Parcells might be too fond of DT Jason Ferguson, but he does fill a huge need. Henry will take some heat off of Terence Newman, who seemed overwhelmed at times last season. Dallas still needs a great defensive end, but where do you find them?
2. Carolina: Everyone's making a big deal out of losing WR WR Muhsin Muhammad, but he wasn't worth $11 million to them. They have Steve Smith (returning from injury) and Keary Colbert to keep Jake Delhomme happy. You can always draft a receiver, too. But they filled two huge needs with ex-Seattle cornerback Ken Lucas and guard Mike Wahle from the Packers. Wahle has the size and quickness to be a right tackle someday, too. Lucas is a very physical cornerback and an upgrade over anything the Panthers have. And with Michael Vick running wild over them, Lucas was a necessity. Good move.
3. New York Giants: This will come as a shock to Giants GM Ernie Accorsi, who still believes I don't give him enough credit for personnel decisions. But I like both of their free-agent pickups. Antonio Pierce had a breakout season at middle linebacker for the Redskins, the best defense in the land last season. Pierce is only 26 and cost a measly $6.5 million signing bonus. The Giants upgraded their team while worsening a division rival, always a good move. Also, Jets OT Kareem McKenzie fills a huge void on the offensive line, one that needs upgrading to protect young Mr. Manning. McKenzie may be talented enough to play left tackle, thus shifting Luke Petitgout to right tackle, where he's better suited. Either way, though, it's a win.
4. Cleveland: I like all their decisions thus far. They allowed QB Kelly Holcomb to leave once they knew they had Trent Dilfer signed up for less money. Sure, the move cost them the fourth-round pick they got for DT Gerard Warren, who may rank as one of the worst first-round flops ever. If the holdover players were ever going to respect new coach Romeo Crennel, Warren had to go. But the special move was acquiring Baltimore cornerback Gary Baxter for an $11 million signing bonus. Baxter was the best and toughest corner out there and he's ready to be a leader. Helps the Browns and really hurts the Ravens. Guard Joe Andruzzi from the champion Patriots brings toughness and character to the offensive line. Andruzzi isn't a great player, but he knows how to win. Punter Kyle Richardson is a positive if he can kick like he did during Baltimore's Super Bowl season.
5. Oakland: The Raiders score when you count the trade for Randy Moss. There are a lot of negative attachments to Moss, but you can't argue against the fact he had more receiving yards over his first seven seasons than Jerry Rice. He can score from anywhere. The Jets are ripping the Raiders for overpaying ($27 million) for backup running back LaMont Jordan. But the Raiders had no choice; they were desperate for a runner and Jordan has a lot of upside. And, if he's the next Priest Holmes, the deal will look like a steal some day. They better find some defense, though.
Middle of the pack
1. Baltimore: The Ravens' first week was basically a wash. They lost a very talented young player in Gary Baxter, but evened things out with ex-Tennessee receiver Derrick Mason, who should make Kyle Boller a better quarterback. Mason catches everything and still runs well after the catch. Coach Brian Billick was tickled pink over Mason, as he should be.
2. New York Jets: OK, they've lost a few players, but ex-Chief Derrick Blaylock will be an adequate replacement for LaMont Jordan. He had some big games for the Chiefs when they were without Priest Holmes last season, plus he can catch. The return of WR Laveranues Coles is a huge plus for Chad Pennington even if it did cost them Santana Moss. Coles is a better fit with Pennington, who loves to throw underneath and Coles has always been excellent after the catch. Coles is a better, tougher player than the Redskins are giving him credit for.
3. Chicago: You can't really knock spending all the money on Carolina WR Muhsin Muhammad because the Bears' cupboard was totally bare. As a friend said, receivers go to Chicago to die. We can't figure it out, but the Bears need stability at quarterback and they have their fingers crossed that Rex Grossman can stay healthy. If he can, Muhammad may repeat his Pro Bowl year of last season.
4. Minnesota: I remain stunned by the Randy Moss trade, but at least ex-Raider LB Napoleon Harris fills a huge need. They didn't lose anything in allowing Chris Claiborne to bolt to the Rams. Ex-Bill Pat Williams will plug the interior of the defensive line, but Mike Tice better keep an eye on his weight. If Williams goes much over 325 pounds, he can't catch anyone. If they can get something for RB Michael Bennett, they could be off to a good start. Also, they have a good chance of trading for Redskins WR Rod Gardner.
5. Arizona: Yes, they lost Duane Starks, but they still have a shot at getting Buffalo RB Travis Henry. And they did sign a solid offensive lineman in Pittsburgh's Oliver Ross, who started at right tackle. Ross has been a late bloomer in the NFL after busting out with the Cowboys. But now he finishes all his blocks and is as steady as they come. A much better player than Jonas Jennings, who got $36 million from San Francisco.
What's up, Doc?
1. Green Bay: I know Ted Thompson is new to the GM post, but they need to answer for losing both starting guards, Mike Wahle and Marco Rivera, and find some way to patch up a descending defense. They have been silent on the cornerbacks available and made no moves on the defensive line. Just because Moss left the division doesn't mean they don't need secondary help.
2. Kansas City: They've had all these defensive players visit, but have failed to sign anybody. They were close with LB Jeremiah Trotter, only to watch him return to Philadelphia. They need to land a cornerback like Ty Law or Samari Rolle. And why isn't Baltimore linebacker Edgerton Hartwell signed already? Hartwell would be a huge addition to a horrible defense.
3. San Diego: A.J. Smith made some great moves last off-season, but so far the Chargers' GM has been quiet. They could use a receiver, a couple offensive linemen and secondary help. Time is a wasting. Smith was rebuffed by Falcons kick returner Allen Rossum.
4. Seattle: The Seahawks have lost a starting cornerback in Ken Lucas and could lose tight end Itula Mili. They have kept their three biggest names in Hasselbeck, Alexander and Jones. They are said to be interested in trading for Miami CB Patrick Surtain. Alexander for Surtain?
5. St. Louis: Ex-Cowboy Dexter Coakley can still play, but his tackles were down last season. This will be Chris Claiborne's third team in four seasons. That alone should tell the Rams everything they need to know about him.
6. Houston: The Texans gave Miami LB Morlon Greenwood a $7 million signing bonus, but the move is already causing headaches. They may have to trade Jamie Sharper, who has been a consistent performer the last three seasons. Sharper counts $6.3 million vs. this year's salary cap. And if they redo Sharper, then Jay Foreman is a goner. They retained Seth Payne and that made sense. They should have moved on their other linebackers while getting Greenwood done.
The best of moves
1. Dallas: Owner Jerry Jones didn't hesitate to spend his money, writing about $30 million on bonus checks when you count new QB Drew Bledsoe. I like ex-Browns cornerback Anthony Henry (17 interceptions in four seasons), and guard Marco Rivera is a tough hombre that Brett Favre will miss in Green Bay. Coach Bill Parcells might be too fond of DT Jason Ferguson, but he does fill a huge need. Henry will take some heat off of Terence Newman, who seemed overwhelmed at times last season. Dallas still needs a great defensive end, but where do you find them?
2. Carolina: Everyone's making a big deal out of losing WR WR Muhsin Muhammad, but he wasn't worth $11 million to them. They have Steve Smith (returning from injury) and Keary Colbert to keep Jake Delhomme happy. You can always draft a receiver, too. But they filled two huge needs with ex-Seattle cornerback Ken Lucas and guard Mike Wahle from the Packers. Wahle has the size and quickness to be a right tackle someday, too. Lucas is a very physical cornerback and an upgrade over anything the Panthers have. And with Michael Vick running wild over them, Lucas was a necessity. Good move.
3. New York Giants: This will come as a shock to Giants GM Ernie Accorsi, who still believes I don't give him enough credit for personnel decisions. But I like both of their free-agent pickups. Antonio Pierce had a breakout season at middle linebacker for the Redskins, the best defense in the land last season. Pierce is only 26 and cost a measly $6.5 million signing bonus. The Giants upgraded their team while worsening a division rival, always a good move. Also, Jets OT Kareem McKenzie fills a huge void on the offensive line, one that needs upgrading to protect young Mr. Manning. McKenzie may be talented enough to play left tackle, thus shifting Luke Petitgout to right tackle, where he's better suited. Either way, though, it's a win.
4. Cleveland: I like all their decisions thus far. They allowed QB Kelly Holcomb to leave once they knew they had Trent Dilfer signed up for less money. Sure, the move cost them the fourth-round pick they got for DT Gerard Warren, who may rank as one of the worst first-round flops ever. If the holdover players were ever going to respect new coach Romeo Crennel, Warren had to go. But the special move was acquiring Baltimore cornerback Gary Baxter for an $11 million signing bonus. Baxter was the best and toughest corner out there and he's ready to be a leader. Helps the Browns and really hurts the Ravens. Guard Joe Andruzzi from the champion Patriots brings toughness and character to the offensive line. Andruzzi isn't a great player, but he knows how to win. Punter Kyle Richardson is a positive if he can kick like he did during Baltimore's Super Bowl season.
5. Oakland: The Raiders score when you count the trade for Randy Moss. There are a lot of negative attachments to Moss, but you can't argue against the fact he had more receiving yards over his first seven seasons than Jerry Rice. He can score from anywhere. The Jets are ripping the Raiders for overpaying ($27 million) for backup running back LaMont Jordan. But the Raiders had no choice; they were desperate for a runner and Jordan has a lot of upside. And, if he's the next Priest Holmes, the deal will look like a steal some day. They better find some defense, though.
Middle of the pack
1. Baltimore: The Ravens' first week was basically a wash. They lost a very talented young player in Gary Baxter, but evened things out with ex-Tennessee receiver Derrick Mason, who should make Kyle Boller a better quarterback. Mason catches everything and still runs well after the catch. Coach Brian Billick was tickled pink over Mason, as he should be.
2. New York Jets: OK, they've lost a few players, but ex-Chief Derrick Blaylock will be an adequate replacement for LaMont Jordan. He had some big games for the Chiefs when they were without Priest Holmes last season, plus he can catch. The return of WR Laveranues Coles is a huge plus for Chad Pennington even if it did cost them Santana Moss. Coles is a better fit with Pennington, who loves to throw underneath and Coles has always been excellent after the catch. Coles is a better, tougher player than the Redskins are giving him credit for.
3. Chicago: You can't really knock spending all the money on Carolina WR Muhsin Muhammad because the Bears' cupboard was totally bare. As a friend said, receivers go to Chicago to die. We can't figure it out, but the Bears need stability at quarterback and they have their fingers crossed that Rex Grossman can stay healthy. If he can, Muhammad may repeat his Pro Bowl year of last season.
4. Minnesota: I remain stunned by the Randy Moss trade, but at least ex-Raider LB Napoleon Harris fills a huge need. They didn't lose anything in allowing Chris Claiborne to bolt to the Rams. Ex-Bill Pat Williams will plug the interior of the defensive line, but Mike Tice better keep an eye on his weight. If Williams goes much over 325 pounds, he can't catch anyone. If they can get something for RB Michael Bennett, they could be off to a good start. Also, they have a good chance of trading for Redskins WR Rod Gardner.
5. Arizona: Yes, they lost Duane Starks, but they still have a shot at getting Buffalo RB Travis Henry. And they did sign a solid offensive lineman in Pittsburgh's Oliver Ross, who started at right tackle. Ross has been a late bloomer in the NFL after busting out with the Cowboys. But now he finishes all his blocks and is as steady as they come. A much better player than Jonas Jennings, who got $36 million from San Francisco.
What's up, Doc?
1. Green Bay: I know Ted Thompson is new to the GM post, but they need to answer for losing both starting guards, Mike Wahle and Marco Rivera, and find some way to patch up a descending defense. They have been silent on the cornerbacks available and made no moves on the defensive line. Just because Moss left the division doesn't mean they don't need secondary help.
2. Kansas City: They've had all these defensive players visit, but have failed to sign anybody. They were close with LB Jeremiah Trotter, only to watch him return to Philadelphia. They need to land a cornerback like Ty Law or Samari Rolle. And why isn't Baltimore linebacker Edgerton Hartwell signed already? Hartwell would be a huge addition to a horrible defense.
3. San Diego: A.J. Smith made some great moves last off-season, but so far the Chargers' GM has been quiet. They could use a receiver, a couple offensive linemen and secondary help. Time is a wasting. Smith was rebuffed by Falcons kick returner Allen Rossum.
4. Seattle: The Seahawks have lost a starting cornerback in Ken Lucas and could lose tight end Itula Mili. They have kept their three biggest names in Hasselbeck, Alexander and Jones. They are said to be interested in trading for Miami CB Patrick Surtain. Alexander for Surtain?
5. St. Louis: Ex-Cowboy Dexter Coakley can still play, but his tackles were down last season. This will be Chris Claiborne's third team in four seasons. That alone should tell the Rams everything they need to know about him.
6. Houston: The Texans gave Miami LB Morlon Greenwood a $7 million signing bonus, but the move is already causing headaches. They may have to trade Jamie Sharper, who has been a consistent performer the last three seasons. Sharper counts $6.3 million vs. this year's salary cap. And if they redo Sharper, then Jay Foreman is a goner. They retained Seth Payne and that made sense. They should have moved on their other linebackers while getting Greenwood done.
