This off-season has seen some interesting moves. There have been many but let's focus on some of the key biggest moves:
In the biggest move of all in free agency, Denver Broncos signed QB Peyton Manning. This could potentially make the Broncos the biggest threat in the AFC West if Manning can get 100% healthy and play like the Manning of old. This however is a huge gamble if he cannot play up to his former level. He will be the most watched in all of the NFL.
After signing Manning, Broncos were quick to trade QB Tim Tebow to the Jets. Tebow has an unorthodox style, but he did get the Broncos into the 2nd round of the playoffs. What he can or will do for the Jets is unknown since Sanchez has been declared the starter in New York. If this will remain the case through the season is another issue.
Randy Moss being signed by the 49ers was surprising only because Moss had "retired" just last season. His last stint in the NFL ended badly in Tennessee. Whether or not Moss can return to the type of receiver he was in New England will be something closely watched by everyone. 49ers also made other bold offensive moves by signing WR Mario Manningham and RB Brandon Jacobs away from the New York Giants. All these acquistions should make the 49ers the team to beat in the NFC West.
In a not so surprising move, Miami Dolphins traded Brandon Marshall to the Chicago Bears for 2 third round picks. Marshall's numbers were down last year, but this was due in part to the lack of a healthy and consistent quarterback. His off-field troubles have still plagued him and made him expendable.
After firing coach Raheem Morris, Tampa Bay Bucs looked to make a strong statement on offense and did so by signing WR Vincent Jackson from the San Diego Chargers. This should finally give them a legitimate #1 WR now and make them potential contenders in the NFC South.
With Redskins poised to sign Robert Griffin III in a matter of days, they decided to bring in a #1 WR by signing Pierre Garcon from the Indianapolis Colts. If they can get a consistent running game they may be able to do something this year.
In what was 1 of the biggest moves defensiviely, Mario Williams signed with the Buffalo Bills. The pro bowl defensive end will hopefully help the Bills who were decimated with injuries on defense last season.
New England Patriots signed to good #2 receivers with the addition of WR Brandon Lloyd from the Rams and WR Anthony Gonzalez from the Indianapolis Colts. Lloyd has played well the last few seasons with the Broncos and last season with the Rams so should do well in New England's system. Gonzalez was plagued by injuries but when healthy is a good #3.
After an extremely disappointing showing by their 2 RBs Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers signed RB/FB Mike Tolbert to their roster. Hopefully he can provide the much needed support to get the run game going this season.
With the addition of head coach Jeff Fisher, the St. Louis Rams quickly made moves to show they mean business in the NFC West. On defense they signed CB Cortland Finnean who has a bit of a reputation, but is always a threat in the secondary. Offensively they signed WR Steve Smith who didn't perform as well last year as he had in 2010 but should give Bradford a great deep threat after the loss of Lloyd.
With the draft only a few days away this season could be one of the most interesting in a long time.
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