The 2014 NFL free agency period was undoubtedly one of the best in history. Going in to the 2015 NFL season, there are sure to be some shakeups in the power rankings. Let’s take a look at some of the winners and losers of the free agency period.
WINNERS
New England Patriots
Tom Brady is nearing the end of his career, so the Patriots made several moves this off-season to give the 36 year-old quarterback a shot at his fourth ring. After losing Wes Welker during the free agency last year, the Patriots did a great job of holding on to their new go-to WR, Julian Edelman. With Edelman in the slot, and the quickly improving Aaron Dobson as a deep threat, this Patriots team will be a contender for the AFC yet again. On the defensive side, the Patriots made the biggest splash in the league. After losing CB Aquib Talib, the Pats shockingly signed Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner, which effectively gives the Patriots one of the best pass-defenses in the league.
Baltimore Ravens
After winning the Super Bowl two years ago, the Ravens had a disappointing 2013 campaign. Going into this free agency period, it was absolutely necessary to re-sign Dennis Pitta, Daryl Smith, and Jacoby Jones. Against all odds, the Ravens managed to fit all of these players within the salary cap, and have done some additional work to give some support to Joe Flacco. Last season, the Ravens clearly lacked a major deep threat. With the singing of WR Steve Smith this off-season, look for Flacco to have a great increase in numbers.
Denver Broncos
After one of the most embarrassing Super Bowl losses in the history of the NFL, the Broncos have started an arms race in their quest to get Peyton Manning another ring. After losing Eric Decker, there was a lot of people that thought the Broncos were about to lose a lot more talent. They were wrong. By replacing Eric Decker with former-Steelers WR Emmanuel Sanders, adding the shutdown CB Aquib Talib, and signing defensive genius DeMarcus Ware, look for the Broncos to challenge the Patriots perfect 2007 season.
LOSERS
Tennessee Titans
Be ready for another rough year from the Titans. The biggest loss by-far is RB Chris Johnson. The all-pro RB was the one bright spot for the team over the past few seasons, but losing him just shows the free-fall this team is in. Aside from Johnson, the QB options in Tennessee are slim at best. Between Jake Locker and Charlie Whitehurst, it is clearly that this team needs to draft a QB soon.
Pittsburgh Steelers
This team went into the off-season needing to make some big moves. They failed. With the losses of Emmanuel Sanders, LaMarr Woodley, Jerricho Cotchery, Jonathan Dwyer, and Ryan Clark, it’s safe to say that the Steelers have entered a rebuilding phase. Don’t consider them a threat for a while.
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