It’s difficult to use the words ‘premier free agent’ and ‘Steelers’ in the same sentence and within the context of the Steelers actually signing one. They just don’t do it. Pete Prisco from CBS tweeted last night, ‘Question: Who did Giants, Steelers, Packers, Ravens and Patriots sign today? Anybody? That’s what good teams do — and can do. Wait.’ Exactly. I’m not saying the Steelers won’t court anyone over the next few weeks, but I highly doubt they will land a ‘premier’ player. Most players who are able to hit free agency instead of signing with their current team are looking for greener pastures – in the form of money. The Steelers don’t have the cash right now, and aren’t usually willing to give it up on an ‘outsider.’
So where were the surprising moves yesterday? The biggest free agent move for me was the Redskins getting Pierre Garcon AND Josh Morgan – two very good receivers. The Skins are certainly gearing up for draft day and landing RGIII with that newly acquired #2 pick of the draft. I wonder if Skins owner Danny Snyder has a piece of paper that says, ‘2012 NFL Draft: Overall Pick #2, RGIII’ and he smells that piece of paper every night?
Speaking of Colts players…. Reggie Wayne is happy to stay in Indy. That’s surprising because I figured many guys, after the disposal of Manning and other guys like Dallas Clark and Joseph Addai, guys like Wayne and Garcon would jump ship. Well there’s something to be said about team loyalty…(ahem…Hines Ward…ahem…)
Vincent Jackson to the Bucs – one warm climate to the next – was a big signing day for the wide out. Five years and $55 million landed him on a young Tampa team that needs a ton of help on offense. Guess Philip Rivers doesn’t quite have the staying power that Chargers fans would tell you…
Lastly there was a very surprising move that wasn’t a free agent signing but instead a trade. The Miami Dolphins traded their star receiver, Brandon Marshall, to the Bears yesterday for two undisclosed draft picks. That’s a huge gain for the Bears and could really shake things up in the NFC North next season.
There are three teams out there that have the most money to spend: Tampa Bay, Denver, and Cincy. The Bengals have yet to make a move, but don’t worry that day is coming. Of all the teams in the AFC North – they have the most to gain out of this year’s free agency. Expect them to land some good guys and possibly work themselves out of the grave of last year’s playoff loss to contend for the AFC North title.
So what do you think was the biggest move of the first day of free agency?