The drama ended on the first day, but the ramifications will last awhile. The NFL’s free agency period produced some major signings already; there have been a couple smart trades, too (Baltimore getting receiver Anquan Boldin for one).
Anyway, for various reasons, three teams stood out:
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Chicago » The Bears spent like a desperate team, signing end Julius Peppers and running back Chester Taylor. They have no picks in the first two rounds and needed to do something. But Chicago still has issues with its offensive line and needs a receiver. Can you imagine following a team that spends that way, yet still doesn’t fill all its holes? Man, that would be strange.
Arizona » The Cardinals took a hit, losing linebacker Karlos Dansby and safety Antrel Rolle to free agency and trading Boldin. That might not have mattered if quarterback Kurt Warner was returning. But he’s not. The Cardinals have time to recover, and it helps that their main competition in the NFC West, San Francisco, has its own quarterback issue.
Washington » It’s a different sort of start to free agency when owner Dan Snyder is talked about more for an alligator desk he didn’t buy and comments made by former Dallas running back Emmitt Smith. To recap the latter, Smith said Snyder had no compassion. Snyder responded by firing 10 people. No, just kidding. He released a statement Saturday — a decent one — but there was really no need to respond.
