FA Signing Grades

[Money]

Starting with the LT's:

 

Ravens re-sign OT Eugene Monroe (5 years, $37.5M; $19M guaranteed): A Grade
A 5-year, $37.5 million contract contains a lot of money for any non-quarterback, but Eugene Monroe is worth it. Monroe is one of the top left tackles in the NFL, and at just 27 years old, he has 4-5 more Pro Bowl-caliber seasons remaining. Baltimore's offensive line was already a mess, so bringing Monroe back was crucial.

What makes this an especially excellent deal is the fact that both the Dolphins (Branden Albert) and Raiders (Rodger Saffold) foolishly dished out more money to inferior offensive tackles. But is anyone surprised that Ozzie Newsome pulled off such a terrific move like this?

 

Cardinals sign OT Jared Veldheer (5 years, $35M; $17M guaranteed): B+ Grade

It's about time the Cardinals landed a legitimate starting left tackle. Carson Palmer is as immobile as quarterbacks get, so protecting him was paramount. They'll be able to do so with Jared Veldheer manning the blind side.

Veldheer was the second-best offensive tackle available on the market after Eugene Monroe, and he'll be just 27 in June, so $35 million over five years is a very good price for him.

 

Dolphins sign OT Branden Albert (5 years, $46M; $25M guaranteed): C- Grade

With Jared Veldheer obtaining $35 million overall and $17 million guaranteed, it's only natural that the Dolphins paid more for an inferior player at the same position. It is the free agency period, after all.

Branden Albert has played all 16 games just once in his career. He's very injury-prone, and he's not even elite when healthy. This sort of contract is elite left tackle money. Albert certainly doesn't fit that description. He does fill a big need, but there's no question that Miami is overpaying for his services.

 

Raiders sign G/OT Rodger Saffold (5 years, $42.5M; $21M guaranteed): MILLEN SOCHI TWO-TOILET EXPERIENCE Grade

Reggie McKenzie continues to destroy the Raiders. From the man who spent a first-round pick on a second-round corner prospect with a heart problem and refused to franchise anyone this offseason, McKenzie's latest deal might be the biggest joke of all.

I don't understand this. Why didn't McKenzie just franchise Jared Veldheer, who happens to be better than Rodger Saffold? And does McKenzie really think Saffold can play left tackle? Because he can't. He can't even stay healthy. Saffold has missed 17 games in the past three seasons, so why would he suddenly remain healthy on the West Coast?

I get that McKenzie has lots of money to spend this offseason, but this is the type of deal that will screw Oakland down the road. And yes, for those wondering, any "Millen" grade is an F. I just try to be creative with those. Besides, a "Millen Sochi two-toilet experience" properly describes this horrible signing.

 

http://walterfootball.com/freeagents2014recap.php

 

LMAO at Raiders grade.

[Money]

Other good grades I agree with:

 

Broncos sign S T.J. Ward (4 years, $23M; $14M guaranteed): A+ Grade
Wow. How did the Broncos land T.J. Ward, one of the top free agents on the market, to a deal worth less than $6 million per year? This is an amazing signing, and it's well worth the first A+ of the day (not counting the Jaguars actually getting something for Blaine Gabbert, because that still seems unreal).

The safety position was a big need for Denver - Broncos team needs page - and getting a major talent like Ward really improves the pass defense. The Broncos just got a lot better.

 

Colts sign DE/DT Arthur Jones (5 years, $33M; $16M guaranteed): A- Grade

I usually like to chide Ryan Grigson for overspending in free agency, but I like this move. Obtaining Arthur Jones makes sense for many reasons. First, Jones played under Chuck Pagano in Baltimore, so there won't be any sort of scheme transition for him. Second, Jones fills a huge need on the defensive line, as Indianapolis desperately needed an upgrade. And third, Jones was the top 3-4 defensive end available on the market.

Given all of those things, a 5-year, $33 million deal for a talented player like Jones almost seems like a bargain.