While the trading part of the offseason was a great success, the free agent part, especially before the draft, wasn’t as strong as it could have been. Let’s take a look at who we got notably in free agency from before and after the draft.
Free agency week one was a disaster for us. With the Brown trade, I knew that I needed to go after a receiver in free agency. I wanted one in the draft but needed someone before it as well. 96 speed, 26 year old, Tyquan Thronton was the perfect player for our team. Lining him up with Smith and Watkins would have been a dream come true. For most of the first free agency period, that dream was going fine, that was until the very last moment, the Browns placed a 4 point green bid just like us. I had the money so I said you know what, we aren’t going to advance at this moment. What are the odds of that? As I legit just took off my bid to try to enter a new one, we advanced and the Browns got Thornton. This was the worst possible outcome for this period and shifted the needs of the offseason.
RG Kevin Zeitler 76 OVR: 1 Y 4.50 M
With all of the offensive lineman we had going to free agency, I was in need of backups and a starting center. Zeitler had a green interest and was good enough to take either job. He isn’t the greatest lineman but he will be good enough for this team.
WR Devin Duvernay 76 OVR: 1 Y 4.90M
With the Browns taking Thornton, I had to go to the next fastest wide receiver who wouldnt cost me an arm and a leg. Duvernay is 94 speed, can run any route and is a reliable pass catcher. He will pair well with what we have on the roster. He isn’t the guy who we can have for the cycle, but he is a guy who we can count on for this year.
RG Dalton Risner 75 OVR: 1 Y 1.20 M
We got a great backup guard for the cheapest possible deal. This was a steal and will be good insurance in case any starting lineman gets hurt.
WR Christian Kirk 85 OVR: 1 Y 8.75 M
This was probably the best free agent pickup that we had. Kirk was originally asking for 17 mill and we put a low ball bid that he didn’t accept. After the draft he was sitting there for the taking and with enough cap space left we were able to get him. With Smith, Watkins, Duvernay, Kirk, and the rookies we drafted, this receiving core has gone from liability to pretty good.
Free agency before the draft was about a C but went up to a B- after the draft. I still wish we could have gotten Thornton but the outcome wasn’t bad after all. Next up, we will take a look at another potential top draft class.
