Every year in the off season all the talk is about the top free agents who cash in but often it’s the free agent signings that don’t get as much attention that provide the biggest impact. Here are ten of these signings that may not have been noticed by everyone but will be when the season starts.
Laveranues Coles, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
After opting not to use the franchise tag on T.J. Houshmandzadeh and his departure to Seattle the Bengals were in dire need of a receiver. Coles forced his way out of New York and landed in a great situation in Cincinnati. Coles is a possession receiver who is not afraid to go over the middle and make a tough catch. Him and a reportedly rejuvenated Chad Ocho Cinco should give a healthy Carson Palmer a great pair of receivers.
Joey Galloway, WR, New England Patriots
Galloway had a rough final year in Tampa Bay staring only four games and playing only nine due to a foot injury. The 37 year old Galloway was then released and signed to a one year deal by the Pats. He reportedly still has his 4.4 speed and should be the slot receiver after Jabaar Gaffney left for Denver. With Tom Brady back the Pats offense will look to repeat its historic 2007 numbers and Galloway will be a big part of it.
Matt Birk, OL, Ravens
Birk was not resigned by the Vikings after 11 seasons and 6 pro bowl appearances. The Ravens lost Jason Brown in free agency after he signed a huge deal with Rams but Birk should a formidable replacement and comes at a cheaper cost. Playing center Birk will anchor the line and provide leadership to the Ravens young offensive lineman.
Jeff Garcia, QB, Raiders
Garica is not the passer he once was but at 39 he can still get the job done. He had a 90.2 QB rating last year after starting 12 games for Tampa Bay but was not resigned by the team in the off season. Garcia then signed a one year deal with the Raiders. At worst Garcia will provide the Raiders with a veteran presence behind JaMarcus Russell and he could end up starting if Russell doesn’t start playing like a number one pick.
Fred Taylor, RB, Patriots
Taylor was unceremoniously cut by the Jaguars after 11 seasons with the team after they wanted to hand the reigns over to Maurice Jones Drew. Taylor was then picked up by the Pats and will join a crowded backfield including Laurence Maroney and Sammy Morris. Taylor has been impressive so far and is the favorite to start but deferring short yardage opportunities to Morris and Maroney.
Byron Leftwich, QB, Buccaneers
Leftwich didn’t garner much interest on the free agent market despite a solid showing last year in limited duty behind Ben Roethlisberger in Pittsburgh. He was picked up a little before the draft by the Bucs. The contract is easy to get out of if he fails too impress so it’s a low risk investment for them. Leftwich was a top ten pick and still only 29 years old. He will compete with Luke McCown, who has no starting experience, for the starting job.
Lito Sheppard, CB, Jets
The free agent corner back class was average and getting huge contracts so the Jets decided to go to the trade market to fill its cornerback need. They acquired Sheppard, who vocally said he wanted out, from the Eagles. Sheppard was buried on the depth chart in Philly last year but has two pro bowl appearances in his career and is still just 28. The Jets didn’t give up much to get with only giving Philly a fifth round pick and a conditional pick for next year which hinges on playing time and the Jets signing him to an extension.
Shaun Jones, S, Eagles
The Eagles lost their defensive leader in the off season in Brain Dawkins but he was getting olden and his play was declining. To help replace him the Eagles signed Sean Jones, who was not resigned by the Browns. Jones can play either safety position and will be looking to prove himself and get a big contract next year after signing only a one year deal with the Eagles.
Igor Olshansky, DE, Cowboys
Dallas lost Chris Canty to the division rival Giants signed him to a huge contract in the off season. To replace him they signed Igor Olshanksy, who played in the 3-4 defense in San Diego, to a cheaper deal. Olshansky has a history with head coach Wade Phillips, who was the defensive coordinator with San Diego in his first three seasons. He is very good against the run and will be a nice addition to the Cowboys defensive line.
Angelo Crowell, LB, Buccaneers
Crowell missed all of 2008 after injuring his knee and was not resigned by the Bills in the off season. The Bucs then picked him up and he will compete to start at strong side linebacker. Crowell was one of the most underrated players the league before the injury and had 140 tackles in 2007. He is finally healthy now and is looking to return to his pre injury form.
