The offseason is filled with countless player movement.
Every team is trying to acquire the pieces that will put them over the top and into Super Bowl contention.
Even with the lack of a new CBA preventing over 200 players from being unrestricted free agents, there was still plenty of action especially on the trade market.
In fact, five of the seven moves I’ve highlighted below were results of trades and not free agent signings.
Without further ado, here are the best moves this offseason.
Raiders Trade for Jason Campbell-For once it seems like Raiders are having a good season. Which leads us to wonder, what has gotten into Al Davis? He still can’t be running the show? Is he dead?
Regardless, picking up Campbell for a future fourth round pick was a steal. He can bring stability to the position that JaMarcus Russell couldn’t. While, I wouldn’t expect the Raiders to make the playoffs this year, seven wins aren’t out of the question. That’s saying a lot for a team that hasn’t won more than five games since 2002.
Dolphins trade for Brandon Marshall- This move grabbed the most headlines this offseason, and rightfully so. Marshall is a big time risk, but he is also a big time player.
For the Dolphins, this deal was a no brainer. Their best receiver last year was Davone Bess, who is best suited in the slot. Now they acquire a legitimate number one receiver in Marshall who has caught over 100 passes three years in a row. This move will also help the development of Chad Henne, who according to Dolphins owner Stephen Ross can be better than Dan Marino.
Jets Trade for Santonio Holmes- How often do you find a former Super Bowl MVP who had over 1,200 yards last season and is only 26, available? I certainly can’t remember another time. Kudos to Mike Tannenbaum and the Jets for taking advantage of this opportunity and swooping in to snag Holmes before any other team.
The best part was it only cost them a fifth round pick. To put that in perspective, the 49ers acquired Ted Ginn Jr. for a fifth round pick this offseason. I’ll just let that sink in for a little bit.
Ravens Trade For Anquan Boldin- The third receiver trade on my list, but I love it nevertheless. Boldin may not be the player Marshall is, but he gives the Ravens the same type of impact Marshall will give the ‘Phins.
Joe Flacco struggled last year at times when his only options to throw to were Derrick Mason and Ray Rice coming out of the backfield. Now, defenses will have to respect all threats and that should open up the passing game as well as the running game.
Cardinals Trade For Kerry Rhodes- The Cardinals lost Antrel via free agency to the Giants. The Giants signed him to a record-breaking deal for a safety. While he was a good player , he wasn’t worth that kind of money and the Cardinals knew it.
So to replace him, they acquired Kerry Rhodes via trade from the Jets. The Jets grew tired of Rhodes last season after he failed to fit into their new scheme, so they were willing to deal him. However, Rhodes was a big time playmaker earlier in his career and if he can regain that form, this deal will go down as a steal for the Cardinals.
Broncos Revamp Defensive Line- The Broncos made it a priority this offseason to address their defensive line after they finished in the bottom third of the league in run defense. The certainly were aggressive acquiring a whole new three man front for their 3-4.
Jarvis Green, Justin Bannan, and Jamaal Williams will now anchor the defensive line. When playing a 3-4, the defensive line is essential because they need to be able to occupy blockers so the linebackers can be free to roam and make plays. With these three players on board, the Broncos run defense should be significantly improved.
Bears Sign Chester Taylor- The Bears made some noise this offseason, but I liked the Taylor signing the most. While Taylor will turn 31 during this season, he still has fresh legs having only logged over 160 carries once in his career.
He can form a dynamic 1-2 punch with Matt Forte, who struggled carrying the load by himself last year. He is also a great receiver out of the backfield, which makes him a great fit in Mike Martz’s scheme.
