NFL free agency can be fool's gold. Or make you look like a fool.
That was me last year. In giving out my 2014 free-agent grades, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers got an "A" grade, but not because they signed quarterback Josh McCown. I didn't like that move, but did like the move to sign defensive end Michael Johnson and others.
A year later, McCown, Johnson and tackle Anthony Collins have all been released, and two have signed elsewhere.
The star of the Tampa Bay free-agent class from a year ago was defensive tackle Clinton McDonald, who more than lived up to his contract. This is brought up now as you ready to read this year's grades to show we all make mistakes.
Unlike the teams, we can't get inside the head of a player. From what I was told, neither Collins nor Johnson fit in Tampa Bay, and both played like it. Collins was actually benched and the word was he took the money and didn't work. That's a trait that's hard to gauge from the outside.
Grading free agents is a tough task. The good news is if one of the guys who we think is a good signing is a bust, it doesn't cost us a red cent.
Not so much for the teams.
So as you read these grades, consider what happened a year ago as you scream and yell about your club's grade. It's a tough task figuring out how guys will fit in with their new teams.
Arizona Cardinals
Arizona CardinalsThe Cardinals have done a solid job so far. They wanted to get tougher on both lines, and they managed to do so. Guard Mike Iupati is a power run blocker, but he isn't great in pass protection. Corey Peters and Cory Redding will help offset the loss of Darnell Dockett and Dan Williams. Sean Weatherspoon will bring some much-needed speed to the linebacker group. Does LaMarr Woodley have anything left?
Grade: B
Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta FalconsThey added six players, but did they really improve? Linebackers Brooks Reed and O'Brien Schofield and end Adrian Clayborn were brought in to help the pass rush, while Justin Durant will bring more speed in the middle. They haven't done enough to improve a defense that needed it in the worst way.
Grade: C-
Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore RavensThe Ravens lost two key players in receiver Torrey Smith and outside rusher Pernell McPhee in free agency, and also traded away defensive tackle Haloti Ngata to the Lions. He had a huge cap number and he wasn't playing to it. They did a good thing retaining running back Justin Forsett on a cheap deal and signing safety Kendrick Lewis will help the back end. This is a team more focused on the draft.
Grade: B-
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo BillsThey landed LeSean McCoy in a trade from the Eagles, and then gave him a new deal. McCoy will help the run game in a big way. They also traded for quarterback Matt Cassel (oh, boy) and added Percy Harvin and fullback Jerome Felton was signed to be McCoy's lead blocker in the ground-and-pound. Losing safety Da'Norris Searcy is a hit, but they retained pass rusher Jerry Hughes for $9 million a year, which is a lot.
Grade: B
Carolina Panthers
Carolina PanthersPanthers general manager Dave Gettleman didn't do much of anything in free agency, so it's hard to grade this team. They added Michael Oher to play tackle, but he has struggled the past two seasons. They also signed receiver Ted Ginn. That's about it.
Grade: D
Chicago Bears
Chicago BearsThe move to get McPhee was a good one, since he fits as a pass rusher as they move to the 3-4. Antrel Rolle is 32, but he's clearly an upgrade at safety. Trading Brandon Marshall is OK in my book, and signing Eddie Royal will help ease the loss.
Grade: B-
Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati BengalsThe top priority for the Bengals was to get a right end and they got one when Michael Johnson came back to the team after Tampa Bay released him. Johnson struggled in Tampa Bay, but the Bengals are glad he's back -- even if they might have overpaid to get him back. They also added linebacker A.J. Hawk for depth and re-signed guard Clint Boling and linebacker Rey Maualuga.
Grade: B-
Cleveland Browns
Cleveland BrownsThey signed quarterback Josh McCown to a deal that averages $5 million a season. That move is perplexing. They also signed receiver Brian Hartline, who will help. They lost starting corner Buster Skrine and tight end Jordan Cameron. I do like the late adds of defensive tackle Randy Starks and corner Tramon Williams. They help up the grade.
Grade: C+
Dallas Cowboys
Dallas CowboysThey tagged receiver Dez Bryant, which was the wise thing to do. They then lost running back DeMarco Murray to the Eagles when the price got too high. That was also the right thing to do. They then signed Darren McFadden on a two-year deal, which could be a steal if he can stay healthy. They re-signed tackle Doug Free, which keeps their line intact. That line was key to the offense last season. The restraint on Murray was the best move. Linebacker Andrew Gachkar, signed Sunday, will help a defense that lost Durant.
Grade: B
Denver Broncos
Denver BroncosThe Broncos have taken some big hits in free agency. They lost tight end Julius Thomas, guard Orlando Franklin, safety Rahim Moore and nose tackle Terrance Knighton. All four were starters the past two seasons. Thomas is the biggest hit, and they will try to replace him with Owen Daniels, who was signed, and Virgil Green, who was re-signed. Darian Stewart was signed to try and replace Moore and Shelly Smith was signed to replace Franklin. They also put the franchise tag on receiver Demaryius Thomas. This is a team in transition with a new coach, and free agency shows that.
Grade: C
Detroit Lions
Detroit LionsLosing Ndamukong Suh in the middle of the defense is a huge hit. He's a difference-maker on any defense. They did a solid job of landing Ngata in the trade with the Ravens. He isn't Suh, but will help. They also lost Nick Fairley to the Rams. They did add young defensive lineman Tyruun Walker from the Saints.
Grade: C-
Green Bay Packers
Green Bay PackersThe Packers did what they always do, try to sign their own and do little in the open market. They gave receiver Randall Cobb and tackle Bryan Bulaga big contracts to stay put. With Cobb 24 and Bulaga 25, it makes sense. Those were the must-haves for free agency, so mission accomplished. It's why general manager Ted Thompson is one of the best.
Grade: A
Houston Texans
Houston TexansThey essentially signed Rahim Moore to replace Kendrick Lewis, which means they got younger, even if it cost a little more. That makes sense. They also re-signed quarterback Ryan Mallett and then signed Brian Hoyer to compete with him. Mallett has to be the guy for this team to go forward. Their big moves were keeping their own, right tackle Derek Newton and corner Kareem Jackson. Those were wise moves. The additions of receiver Cecil Shorts and defensive tackle Vince Wilfork Monday will help. Both are good veterans to have around. Shorts might be a steal.
Grade: B
Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis Colts They got older. That's never a good thing. But general manager Ryan Grigson must really think his team is ready to challenge for a Super Bowl. They were close last year, but Andrew Luck hid a lot of flaws to get there. Signing 32-year-old running back Frank Gore and 33-year-old receiver Andre Johnson are moves that I don't really like. You don't pay to get older. On defense, Trent Cole is another aging player signed. Defensive end/tackle Kendall Langford will help the run defense and they re-signed nickel corner Darius Butler and safety Mike Adams.
Grade: C-
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville JaguarsThey had a lot of money to spend, but they didn't go nuts. They landed their top three targets in tight end Julius Thomas, tackle Jermey Parnell and defensive end Jared Odrick. They love corner Davon House as well. They still have a ton of cap room, which could mean a player or two still might come aboard. What will they do with tight end Marcedes Lewis and his huge cap number now that Thomas is in the fold?
Grade: B+
Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City ChiefsThey did a nice job with their two most-expensive moves in signing receiver Jeremy Maclin from the Eagles and re-signing safety Ron Parker, a rising player. Maclin will give them speed outside and it allowed them to release Dwayne Bowe. Parker and former Raiders player Tyvon Branch will be the safeties if Eric Berry doesn't come back this season from his battle with lymphoma. They also traded to get guard Ben Grubbs from the Saints and then gave him a new deal. He struggled last season, but he is an upgrade. They also put the franchise tag on Justin Houston.
Grade: C+
Miami Dolphins
Miami DolphinsThey have been as active as any team in the league. They signed defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh to the biggest contract for a defensive player. He is a game changer, so the move is a good one, even at the high price. They also signed corner Brice McCain and tight end Jordan Cameron, two solid moves, and released several players. They traded to get Kenny Stills from the Saints, then traded receiver Mike Wallace to the Vikings. Stills is much cheaper than Wallace.
Grade: B
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota VikingsTheir big move was to make the trade for Wallace. His speed will show up more with Teddy Bridgewater in Norv Turner's offense than it did in Miami. They didn't sign any free agents of note, but didn't really lose any either.
Grade: C-
New England Patriots
New England PatriotsThey lost both starting corners in Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner, although the latter is replaceable. Losing Revis hurts a lot. They did re-sign safety Devin McCourty, which was a must. The addition of pass rusher Jabaal Sheard from the Browns was a good move. Tight end Scott Chandler will help the double-tight sets with Rob Gronkowski.
Grade: B-
New Orleans Saints
New Orleans SaintsThis team looks to be in the middle of a total overhaul. They traded tight end Jimmy Graham to Seattle for center Max Unger and a first-round pick. Unger is a good player who will upgrade the middle of the line, but there are only so many players who can do what Graham does. They re-signed running back Mark Ingram and added C.J. Spiller from Buffalo and traded speed receiver Kenny Stills. This has the look of a team that will be more run-heavy than in years past. The big defensive signing was corner Brandon Browner from New England. But he's 30 and doesn't run that well. This is a perplexing start to the league year for the Saints.
Grade: D
New York Giants
New York GiantsI love the addition of running back Shane Vereen to their offense. He will amp up the passing game. Other than that, they didn't add much. They spent big on receiver Dwayne Harris and linebacker J.T. Thomas, even though neither was considered a starter on their former teams. The biggest move was putting the franchise tag on defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, which they had to do.
Grade: C-
New York Jets
New York JetsThey started the offseason with a bang by trading to get Brandon Marshall from the Bears. He's a good player, but he can be a disruption in the locker room and he doesn't stretch the field. They then went wild spending on corners. They added Darrelle Revis, bringing him back to the team, on a mega deal. They also signed corners Buster Skrine and Antonio Cromartie. There was a need at that spot, but that's overdoing it. They signed James Carpenter to help the offensive line, which is a solid move. They paid way too much to keep linebacker David Harris.
Grade: B
Oakland Raiders
Oakland RaidersWith so much cap room, some expected a lot more activity from the Raiders. Their marquee singing was center Rodney Hudson, who is an upgrade from Stefen Wisniewski. They also added some solid players to the defense. Defensive tackle Dan Williams was the big-ticket item, coming over from Arizona. He will help clog the middle. They also added linebackers Curtis Lofton and Malcolm Smith and safety Nate Allen. On offense, running back Roy Helu will help on third down.
Grade: C-
Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia EaglesChip Kelly sure does things his way. Since taking control of the decision-making power this year, Kelly has revamped the Eagles in a big way. He made the deal for McCoy, landing linebacker Kiko Alonso in the deal. Alonso is coming off an ACL. But that was only the start. Then Kelly traded Nick Foles to the Rams to get Sam Bradford in a move many questioned, but I think Bradford is the better of the two. Quarterback Mark Sanchez was also re-signed. The big-ticket free-agent items were Murray from the Cowboys for $8 million a season -- way too much -- and corner Byron Maxwell for $10.2 million, which is also too high. After signing Murray, they also added running back Ryan Mathews. They did re-sign pass rusher Brandon Graham, which they had to do. Kelly's gambling in a big way and only time will tell if he's right. There are doubts.
Grade: C
Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers As usual, the Steelers have done little in free agency. Their only move of note was signing running back DeAngelo Williams to be a backup to Le'Veon Bell. That makes sense. They also gave quarterback Ben Roethlisberger a big contract extension, which they had to do, and re-signed outside pass rusher Arthur Moats.
Grade: C-
St. Louis Rams
St. Louis RamsTheir big move was trading Sam Bradford to the Eagles for Nick Foles and draft picks, which is an odd move, although getting picks helps. Signing Nick Fairley as backup depth on a one-year deal is a good move. Akeem Ayers will help the linebacker group. They were smart to bring back receiver Kenny Britt.
Grade: C-
San Diego Chargers
San Diego ChargersThey did the wise thing re-signing corner Brandon Flowers and tackle King Dunlap, two quality starters. They added guard Orlando Franklin as their high-priced free agent to help upgrade the line. Franklin is a decent player, but he got a ton of money for being just that. They also added safety/corner Jimmy Wilson from Miami to add some flexibility to help offset the loss of Marcus Gilchrist to the Jets. Jacoby Jones will amp up the return game.
Grade: B-
San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ersThey haven't done a lot in free agency, but adding receiver Torrey Smith will help the passing game and veteran Darnell Dockett will help the defensive front. They also added running back Reggie Bush to help the passing game. They suffered some hits with corner Chris Culliver and guard Mike Iupati leaving and linebacker Patrick Willis retiring. Justin Smith is also leaning toward retirement. This has been a tough first two months for new coach Jim Tomsula.
Grade: C
Seattle Seahawks
Seattle SeahawksTheir major move was trading to land tight end Jimmy Graham, which is a fantastic move for the offense. But they lost center Max Unger in that deal. In addition, guard James Carpenter signed with the Jets. They also lost corner Byron Maxwell to the Eagles and replaced him with Cary Williams, who struggled with the Eagles. Corner Will Blackmon comes over from Jacksonville. The Graham move was a good one, but what about the line?
Grade: B
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay BuccaneersAfter spending madly last season, and releasing three of those marquee signings this year, the Bucs have been far more reserved this time around. They added speed at linebacker in Bruce Carter from Dallas. They also signed Henry Melton off that Dallas defense, which wasn't a good unit in 2014. Safety Chris Conte comes over from the Bears, another defense that struggled.
Grade: D
Tennessee Titans
Tennessee TitansThe focused on improving the defense and spent to do so. They gave big deals to Derrick Morgan, their own player, and Brian Orakpo from the Redskins. They will be the outside rushers in Dick LeBeau's defense. They also added safety Da'Norris Searcy from Buffalo and Perrish Cox at corner. On offense, they signed receiver Harry Douglas and tight end Anthony Fasano. They added some important pieces to the defense, but Orakpo is the key.
Grade: B-
Washington Redskins
Washington RedskinsThey added three good down players for their defense in Ricky Jean-Francois, Stephen Paea and Terrance Knighton. They also added corner Chris Culliver -- although his deal was a tad high -- to help upgrade a secondary that needed it. They did lose Orakpo, which makes that position a need spot.
Grade: B
