After a crazy first day of free agency in the NFL, ESPN takes a look at what are the most significant signings of day 2 and what they mean.
Broncos bolster their defense
The Denver Broncos have now signed defensive end DeMarcus Ware, cornerback Aqib Talib and safety T.J. Ward already this offseason. The attempt to improve the defense should come as no surprise as the Broncos’ pass defense let them down the past two postseasons, especially when bringing standard pressure.Ware should pair nicely with Von Miller. Miller has recorded the sixth-most most sacks since entering the NFL in 2011. Ware has recorded the third-most in that time.
The duo shouldn’t have to worry about getting in each other’s way. Miller has recorded 83 percent of his sacks when lining up as a left-side linebacker or defensive end. In the last six seasons, Ware has recorded 72 percent of his sacks when lining up on the right side.
The Broncos ranked 19th in sack percentage last season, a year removed from leading the NFL.
Darrelle Revis to the Patriots
As expected, the Buccaneers cut cornerback Darrelle Revis, who didn’t have the same impact with the Buccaneers that he did with the Jets. Within hours, he agreed to a deal with the New England Patriots, who needed a cornerback after losing Talib to the Broncos.But how effective will Revis be?
From 2008 to 2012, when Revis was on the field, opposing quarterbacks completed only 56 percent of their passes and had a Total QBR of 38.9.
When Revis played in 2013, Buccaneers opponents completed 65 percent of their throws and had a Total QBR of 67.1.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed quarterback Josh McCown, and new head coach Lovie Smith immediately announced he’d be the starting quarterback heading into training camp. McCown led the NFL in Total QBR last season, posting an 85.1 in eight games (encompassing 269 action plays), largely because of his 13 to 1 touchdown to interception ratio. The Buccaneers ranked 24th with a 41.3 Total QBR last season.Aided by the presence of Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffrey, McCown was 17 for 36 with four touchdown passes on throws at least 16 yards downfield Tthe league average completion percentage on such throws was around 40 percent). He also was solid on short throws, completing 72 percent of passes thrown fewer than 10 yards downfield (league average: 68 percent)
Seahawks lose a key offensive piece
Former Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Golden Tate signed with the Detroit Lions. Tate was targeted 183 times by Russell Wilson last season (including playoffs), 44 times more than the next highest Seahawk.Tate also led all wide receivers (minimum 50 receptions) with an average of 7.8 yards after the catch.
On defense, the Seahawks released Chris Clemons. He’s the third defensive linemen who ranked among their top seven in snaps played last season to be cut by Seattle.
Browns prepping to draft a quarterback
The Browns released Jason Campbell and Brandon Weeden, who combined to start 13 games last season. That leaves Brian Hoyer and Alex Tanney as the only quarterbacks left on their roster.The Browns pick fourth and 26th overall this year, and if they take a quarterback with either pick, it’ll be the third time since 2007 they’d have taken a quarterback in the first round. The Browns are the only team to take multiple quarterbacks in the first round since 2007.
How bad have the Browns been at drafting?
In 2012 the Browns used two first-round picks to select running back Trent Richardson (third overall) and quarterback Brandon Weeden (22nd overall). Both players are no longer with the Browns.
A.J. Jenkins is the only other first-rounder from 2012 who is no longer with the team that drafted him.
joshcolon 