DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Jets, Dolphins, Eagles among teams with best offseasons so far

Now that OTAs are in full swing, we've reached a turning point in the NFL offseason. The off-field moves that have dominated the past few months -- the free-agent signings, trades and draft picks -- are giving way to honest-to-goodness on-field action. As we leave the transaction-heavy portion of the offseason behind, I thought I'd review all the wheeling and dealing to see which teams have been most productive.

Below is my list of the six teams that have had the best offseasons, with five more to consider at the end for good measure:

1) New York Jets

Key additions: CB Darrelle Revis, DT Leonard Williams, offensive coordinator Chan Gailey.

When you add one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL and the best defensive lineman in the draft, you know you've had a good offseason. The Jets ranked sixth in overall defense last season but 14th against the pass; Revis, Antonio Cromartie, Buster Skrine and Marcus Gilchrist will improve what was considered a weak secondary last year. Linebacker David Harris -- the quarterback of their defense -- was retained. Williams, meanwhile, will only bolster a fearsome front that already included Sheldon Richardson and Muhammad Wilkerson.

I'm a Geno Smith backer, and I think he can make good on the flashes of promise we've seen, especially under new coordinator Chan Gailey, who will iron out the erratic throws and forced passes and help Smith establish consistency. Receivers Brandon Marshall and Devin Smith, running backs Stevan Ridley and Zac Stacy and guard James Carpenter will further boost the offense and improve Geno's chances of breaking out. And if the young quarterback falters, New York can turn to veteran backup Ryan Fitzpatrick, whom Gailey knows well from their days together in Buffalo.

New head man Todd Bowles is an exceptional coach, and new general manager Mike Maccagnan has done a heck of a job, especially in the draft. Much depends on the quarterback play, but if Smith makes a leap, the Jets can definitely contend for a wild-card spot.
2) Miami Dolphins

Key additions: DT Ndamukong Suh, TE Jordan Cameron, WR DeVante Parker.

Suh might have cost a lot, but it's hard to overstate the impact he can have on a team. He's a tremendously competitive and hard-working guy who makes everyone around him better, and he should seriously elevate a defense that was already decent (12th overall in 2014) before he arrived.

Health has been an issue for Cameron, but if the tight end can stay on the field, he'll be a boon to quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Cameron's larger, faster and more athletic than departed tight end Charles Clay. Parker and second-year pro Jarvis Landry are two very good young receivers, while trade acquisition Kenny Still also should help. (UPDATE: Ian Rapoport reports that Parker underwent foot surgery this week. He is expected to be ready for the season opener.) Getting back tackle Branden Albert -- who missed seven games in 2014 with ACL and MCL tears -- will be huge.

I think there's a great chance either the Dolphins or the Jets join the Patriots as AFC East teams in the playoffs. I like the Jets' overall roster a bit better, but the Dolphins do have Tannehill under center and could snag a wild-card berth if the Jets stumble.

3) Philadelphia Eagles

Key additions: QB Sam Bradford, LB Kiko Alonso, RB DeMarco Murray.

Trading quarterback Nick Foles for Bradford was a bold move, one that can pay off brilliantly, provided the oft-injured former No. 1 overall pick can have a healthy 2015. In terms of ability, I like everything about Bradford; he's athletic, smart and accurate. Even accounting for the risk he'll miss significant time, I would have made this trade if I were in Chip Kelly's shoes, because the potential upside is so high -- and because the quarterbacks behind Bradford (Mark Sanchez, Matt Barkley) can be effective enough in this offense, should they have to play.

Some thought the Kiko Alonso-LeSean McCoy trade was somewhat lopsided in favor of the Bills, but I like Alonso quite a bit. The playmaking linebacker had 159 tackles and four picks as a rookie in 2013 before missing the 2014 season with a torn ACL. He's a tough-minded competitor who makes your defense better, and I think he'll have a significant impact playing for his old Oregon coach. Veteran cornerbacks Byron Maxwell and Walter Thurmond and second-round pick Eric Rowe will boost a pass defense that finished 31st in 2014.

Losing McCoy and receiver Jeremy Maclin could hurt, but I really like rookie receiver Nelson Agholor; the first-round pick has a chance to be special, like Odell Beckham was with the Giants last year. Murray might not approach his league-leading yardage total from last season, but Philly's system suits him. Between Murray, free agent Ryan Mathews and incumbent Darren Sproles, the Eagles are set at running back.

Kelly's a pretty smart guy. In Year 3 of his tenure, opposing teams are bound to have adjusted to his scheme somewhat, which no doubt motivated Kelly to adjust his roster to better match his approach.

4) Houston Texans

Key additions: QB Brian Hoyer, WR Jaelen Strong, DT Vince Wilfork.

Bill O'Brien's squad -- which won nine games with three starting quarterbacks in 2014 -- has talent. Signing Hoyer, who I expect to beat out Ryan Mallett for the top job, will go a long way toward stabilizing the position and should help Houston reach double digits in wins this season. O'Brien coached Hoyer in New England and knows how to get the most out of him, especially with a promising rookie (Strong) joining rising youngster DeAndre Hopkins on the receiving corps. Re-signing Derek Newton, one of the more underrated right tackles in the NFL, was key, as Newton is a good run-blocker and pass protector.

Wilfork might be entering his 12th NFL season, but I think he played pretty good, all things considered, last year; I wouldn't say he's over the hill just yet. Safety Rahim Moore will also help this J.J. Watt-led defense. First-round pick Kevin Johnson (cornerback) and second-round pick Benardrick McKinney (linebacker) are both capable of starting; Johnson, who can cover and play the run, has Pro Bowl potential, while McKinney brings size and competitiveness. I also like sixth-round pick Reshard Cliett (linebacker), who should be a great addition to the special teams unit. Getting 16 effective games out of Jadeveon Clowney, who lost 12 games to injury in 2014 and underwent knee surgery in December, will be key.

O'Brien is a heck of a coach with a history of shepherding quarterbacks to success, and I expect Houston to compete for a playoff spot.
5) Indianapolis Colts

Key additions: RB Frank Gore, WR Andre Johnson, DE Trent Cole.

I can't say enough good things about Andrew Luck, but the Colts really needed to address the running game. Gore is a tough, hard-nosed guy who will block, runs well and can catch the ball when needed. I'm not sure he'll reach the 1,000-yard mark, but I'm not sure he'll need to; 750 or so should be enough, considering the Colts reached the AFC title game without a single back topping 520 last season. Johnson isn't the big-play threat he once was, but the veteran wideout can still make the clutch reception when you need a first down. He'll also help keep defenses from keying on T.Y. Hilton. Plus, he'll likely be on something of a crusade after the less-than-rosy way his 12-year tenure in Houston ended.

The Colts boosted their pass rush by signing Cole (85.5 career sacks) and shored up the defensive line with Kendall Langford. And while they didn't use their first-round pick on defense, they did help the unit in the draft; I like third-rounder D'Joun Smith, a cover corner who can play in the slot, and fellow third-rounder Henry Anderson, a big defensive lineman with pass-rushing skills. Presuming the Colts had receiver Phillip Dorsett rated well above the defensive players available at the time, I can't fault them for prioritizing talent over need with the 29th overall pick.
6) St. Louis Rams

Key additions: RB Todd Gurley, QB Nick Foles, OTs Rob Havenstein and Jamon Brown.

Jeff Fisher wants to run. He hasn't had a 1,000-yard back in St. Louis since Steven Jackson put up 1,045 in 2012, and none of his Rams squads have finished better than 19th in rushing, but I think he's finally found a back to build around in Gurley. The Rams also drafted three offensive linemen (Havenstein, Brown and Andrew Donnal), two of whom (Havenstein and Brown) have a chance to start. Between the fresh blood and what I expect will be the continued improvement of last year's second overall pick, tackle Greg Robinson, St. Louis' ground game should be in good shape.

I liked the decision to ship Bradford to Philly in exchange for Foles. (Yes, I thought the trade was win-win for both sides.) Foles might not have the star power or upside of Bradford. But while Foles has had his share of injury issues, I think he's more reliable, at this point, than Bradford, who hasn't played in a regular-season game since Oct. 20, 2013. The Rams can count on the big-armed Foles to be there and give them significantly more than they got from backups Shaun Hill and Austin Davis last season.

I loved the signings of defenders Nick Fairley (tackle) and Akeem Ayers (linebacker). Fairley has plenty to prove and will benefit from being part of a rotation in St. Louis. Ayers can rush the passer or drop into coverage, and he brings a solid veteran presence, despite his relative youth (25). The Rams have a good roster and a chance to make some noise, as long as the off-field subplot of a potential move to Los Angeles doesn't distract the players too much.

link; http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000...fseasons-so-far

Funny they don't have the Browns on that list. Ho hum just another Bozo.....

Well, I for one can't figure how anyone in their right mind would say it's a good thing adding Sam Bradford. The man is coming off his 2nd ACL in the last two seasons.

His injury riddled career is a negative, not a positive IMO

Same thing with Miami and Cameron.., Hey look, I love the way the guy plays.. No doubt about it, but health wise, he's one good hit away from ending his career. I can't see that as a positive.

Its Ok not everyone recognizes talent Daman and the possibilities that that talent can translate too. I think most of you guys are trapped in a box.

It's also surprising that the author would list the Texan signing Hoyer as a significant addition. Nothing against Hoyer, but if I was a Houston fan, I don't think I would be overly excited about it. I would have liked for the Browns to keep him, but I'm just surprised that it points the Texans in the right direction.

The Bradford thing is curious as well. The injury seems to be too worrisome for me....

a talent to get hurt all the time is easy to spot.

BTTB, I don't think any of us will debate that Bradford COULD be a great acquisition. He is definitely a talented young man. The only thing I would argue is that he has durability issues and has torn the same ACL twice.

I think in Italian, they call that FRA-GEE-LAY.

I agree with Miami, Indy, and Nyj ... We may be facing the best d in the nfl week one

We're going to have a tough time with the Jets D especially trying to run the ball. On the other hand I think they are going to have a tough time with our D. I look for a tough, bruising low scoring game. Mistakes will probably determine who wins.

Hold up here for a minute I know I have read quite a few threads where people were convinced we would win our 1st three, your not back peddling now are you guys......

I have to disagree with the Eagles having a great off season. You traded Nick Foles for a QB whose been nothing but injured, and then you lost your #1 receiver without adding a new proven #1. They added Kiko Alonso and Byron Maxwell, but I still could see them crapping themselves again.

I would have to say the Dolphins have won the off season so far in my own opinion. I like the pieces they have added on offense and on defense. They were a team right on cusp of turning the corner and I could certainly see them going 10-6 next year and making the playoffs. Tannehill got way more than he deserved, I didn't realize a 23-26 career record warranted $40+ million in guaranteed money....

The Jets moves are a little overrated. Cromartie, Revis and Marshall are all getting up there in age, and they still don't have much at QB, RB or even TE. I could see them going 6-10 and blowing up again after the season is over. On paper, they have the best 3-4 defensive line in the league, and it's not even close!

I don't doubt for a minute that the Jets are a beatable team, but we're going to have to score on special teams and defense to win. Create some stops and turnovers and setup the offense for some short fields. That Jets 3-4 front is going to be VERY tough to run against. While I think their secondary ends up being a little OVERRATED I don't think we'll have the weapons to go and pass all over them. That's going to be a really tough game to win, but it can be won.

Hope we are able to surprise some people. Shock and awe comes to mind. Think it might happen? I would love to see it.

Thank goodness we didnt make that list!!! Every year they do this and its like guaranteed no team on the list makes the playoffs lol

I'm a homer that NEVER thinks objectively...

But I do think we've done a lot to improve our roster.

Upgraded at RB/KR (Duke Johnson).
Upgraded at OL (Cameron Irving).
Upgraded at Pass Rush (Nate Orchard).
Upgraded at DL (Starks, Shelton, Cooper).
Upgraded at CB (Tramon Williams and the Oregon kid in the 7th round).
Added depth at WR (Hartline, Bowe and Mayle).

Sure, we could still use another quality WR & TE, and the QB situation is a pile of dog crap at the moment, but the rest of the roster I think looks much better now than it did going into 2014....

It's OK to you too BTTB,, not everyone places as much value on a talented player that can't get out of the hospital.

NOT ONCE, did you or anyone else see me write that he wasn't talented.. He is. The question is, how far can he throw it accurately with a cast on?

I still don't agree Tramon Williams is an upgrade. He gave up 10 TD's last year and opposing QB's had a rating around 105 against him. Unless there's something I'm not seeing, it looks to me people are saying this without anything to back that up.

When looking at Green Bays secondary and the cost of Williams, I'd say if they saw what our fans are claiming, he'd still be a Packer.

He maybe on the back end of his career, but hopefully Justin Gilbert or even Pierre Desir steps up and takes playing time from him. I liked Skrine, and wanted him to re-sign in Cleveland, but not at the contract he received. The guy was a penalty magnet and left me scratching my head more than he did cheering at the TV.

Interesting. So you agree w/me and others that Farmer is clueless when it comes to quarterbacks because he tried trading for Bradford?

Welcome aboard, mate!

FWIW

I'm probably more in your camp than not re: T Williams v. Skrine possibly being an upgrade...even while admitting that I've been a big Skrine fan from the start. (That was an odd way of saying that I don't think TW is an "upgrade" for Skrine.)

Skrine is clearly best-suited for the slot. Sure...he can play outside, but he's a slot guy. Nothing wrong with that...he's a wealthy man now. We weren't going to pay him $7 mil to be a slot when we have K Williams, Nelson, et al and at a much reduced rate.

In the end, I don't view T Williams as replacing Skrine...I view him as insurance for Gilbert's & Desir's progress. (Not groundbreaking opinion there, I know.) Skrine got a big contract he deserved and that we won't have to pay, T Williams provides insurance for the yutes, we still have K Williams kicking but in the slot, and we may finally get a 3rd Rd comp pick next year.

I think that's how it's supposed to be played in the NFL.

While I agree with you on the Cameron deal, fine if he had stayed/fine that he left because of injury(the concussion situation), with the QB problems we have had in Cleveland and the importance of the position I think you have to do anything you can to resolve it. Including taking a shot on acquiring a potential franchise QB who can't stay healthy, cause you never know he might stay healthy the rest of his career. The importance of the position necessitates that you try anything within reason.

Not for nothing Kelso I like you but I would bet outside of watching a few Youtube highlight tapes or maybe a piece on the internet you have no clue who any of these guys are or for that matter how they fit here in Cleveland....Sad

Pot meet kettle

One move (or non move as in this case) Does NOT make a guy clueless..

No kidding huh?? I guess one of two things has happened to the posters on this forum - they have discussed their positions so often that there is no longer any debate about a topic, maybe each side feels they know the debate so well that they just move past it to the "I'm right you are wrong" stage ?? just or the agenda driven are so set in their ways, all they can do it poke, poke, poke - finger pointing and little jabs and one liners to make oneself feel superior. . . . .hoping to get the other poster(s) to lash out. The other comment that fits into this agenda driven scenario is the attempt by someone to get this thread to be about Farmer

The reality of which team has had the best offseason so far is really pretty complex and requires a gigantic leap of faith on many counts ....

Jets have no doubt upgraded their D enormously - but they still have Geno Smith passing the rock. That is nearly as big a question mark as the Browns have. If their QB play stays below average (and that's possibly being kind) they are still going to struggle so it's still a giant "IF" .... classify it the same way that the Browns roster "only" ranks 14th because of the ??? at QB. . . .

I like what Miami did but Cameron and Parker with his surgery are unquantifiable question marks. . . . . .

I love Bradford's talent and would have tried to trade for him to be a Brown - but only because we are in such bad shape. His chances of staying health for 16 games and or being ready for playoffs - 50% maybe? 60% at best? Kiko is also coming off a missed season and torn ACL - not anywhere near the same history as Bradford, but still a risk. While I think it's justifiable for the Browns to take a giant risk on Bradford, I think the Eagles were in so much better shape that the risk does not represent good value. . . .

Houston - while I wish Hoyer the best, hope he does great and I want him to succeed - having him as the first name on the list of best offseason moves??? Really? Ouch. What's funny - there are posters here who wanted Mallet so bad as the best QB out there to acquire. Slammed the Browns FO for picking up McCown, certainly didn't want to keep Hoyer ... and yet it *appears* Mallet is going to get beaten out by Hoyer. Again - at this point its all complete speculation and opinion, but what does that potential (probable?) scenario say?

Given the lack of opportunity for the Browns to upgrade at QB - I like what we have done in the offseason and think we have the opportunity to improve as much as any team (based on no worse than average QB play) - DL much improved and deeper - Secondary is basically a wash. Even though I was a Skrine fan he did get called on a lot of PI last year. I think Duke Johnson adds versatility to the O scheme and I like the combination of Bowe, Hartline, Hawkins while hoping Gabriel will stud out. Losing the 2013 version of Cameron is a huge loss - last year he was a non factor and so it's much less of an issue to lose him (especially to that contract). I would have liked a faster pass catching TE - but (just like the QB options this year) you have to play the hand you're dealt and I think the market was overpriced for TE's this year.

j/c:

I have no idea if this is true for this particular article (I may go look it up if time permits) but these types of pieces about teams having the best offseason are usually tied to teams that spent the most money.

As we all know, that isn't the case. Just ask the Dream Team Philadelphia Eagles, or conversely, the Pittsburgh Steelers of every year.

Free agency is a trap!!!

_____

EDIT: Oddly enough two of the teams listed in the header are in the top 3 in overall spending and all three teams are in the top 6. Shocking! If not for JAX and OAK forced spending because of all their cap space, Jets, Dolphins, and Eagles could have all been top three in spending.

Still very interested to see what will happen operationally with Miami next year when Suh's contract spikes from $6M in 2015 to $29M in 2016. Coupled with all their other FA signings, this "winner" in FA may have to make some cuts or re-structure current deals....maybe even the people they signed this year. That's not to forget guys on their roster eligible for FA. I don't know if any are worth it, but a contract like that can severely hinder their ability to retain players they like.

I concur on the future spending thing but the author is talking about this season and not so much about next year or money for that matter. Your concerns or thought on the future may be or likely is correct especially with Miami. I believe I saw somewhere that the owner in Miami gave their GM marching orders to win NOW.

I don't know what marching orders we're given. All I know is if you want your team to be listed as FA "winners", spend a boat load of money. That's what it comes down to when writing these things. More often than not, the teams that "win" FA don't win much after that.

I don't know if there is a hard and fast rule to FA, I would agree it generally doesn't work well and certainly doesn't guarantee success.

I think you have to be careful in FA not from the spending side so much as fit. One player will be great in one system and suck in another its almost like your drafting the guy with many of the same risks. But if the fit is correct the addition can move a team forward.

I could not agree more. But I think that point (fit) is overlooked by many who write these articles. The focus is on the amount of guys signed, name recognition, etc.

I have no problem with Cleveland spending in FA. I just don't want it to be over-the-top and then prohibit from keeping guys the current FO at the time likes. Teams that continuously allocate resources to FA find it hard to retain current talent as these contracts (not even mentioning the guaranteed $ portion) tend to balloon mid way through.

I think the biggest speed bump that the front office hit in free agency was that the vast majority of players didn't want to be in Cleveland, and the ones who were willing to listen to offers probably wanted over the top contracts. Personally I liked the way that free agency was approached, if we were a team on the cusp of winning the Superbowl and simply needed one or two different makers, I would have been okay with giving J. Maclin, J. Thomas or N. Suh over the top record breaking contracts to come here. Seeing as we still have a handful of holes that need addressed I'm glad that Farmer merely added role players and kept us in good shape salary cap wise.

As Memphis and BTTB have said, the teams that win free agency normally don't win much else. The dream team Eagles are a prime example of that, and I remember the Cardinals and Bucs in recent years have "won" free agency only to crap themselves during the season.

Bucs are another good example. Completely forgot about them.

We often hear that a player didn't want to be hear. I wonder how much of that is true...

Would YOU want to play here if you were a guy like Jeremy Maclin, Julius Thomas or Ndomakong Suh (*spelling?*) -- ? Probably not for anything less than a completely ridiculous contract. Players like that I have to believe don't wanna come to Cleveland for multiple reasons...

1 - Losing culture.
2 - Instability in the front office.
3 - It's Cleveland, what the hell is there to do at night?
4 - Crappy QB situation.

I ask again, would YOU want to be here if you were a top shelf free agent!?

I doubt it...

Yeah seriously. So easy for someone to say that and not really know ANYTHING regarding the situation. Hartline took a pay CUT to come play here.

I'm sure there are real cases of so n so not wanting to be here (for obvious reasons), but I too question the amount of them proposed.

Easy now.....

We've swapped out some things and it projects to be better, so far, on paper.

We haven't done anything real, yet.

thats the name of that tune.

DeVante Parker's Mom Article

Bradford Article

Bridgewater Article

A players Mom and guy who was scorned by the Browns in the draft in favor of Manziel and another player that we probably didn't want to pay enough for or give up enough to get?

Like I said, we hear about this stuff, but how much of it is true and how much is agenda driven by the media. Or at least blown out of whack.