Favorite Team Additions-NFC

The NFL’s new league year kicked off 10 days ago. There’s been far too much movement to be contained in only 10 days. Granted, some of the dealings were happening days, even weeks, before the league year’s official kick off. There’s been a lot of big-time movement. Quarterbacks, star receivers, pass rushers, etc. A lot of teams have made bold moves. A lot of teams have changed the make of their rosters and the league. Here are my favorite moves for each team. So far. The NFC is up first. 

Minnesota Vikings

Za’Darius Smith, Edge

Za’Darius Smith is the Vikings most accomplished free agent addition since Steve Hutchinson. It’s exciting to imagine Smith paired with Danielle Hunter. Due to injuries, both spent very little time on the field last season. If they can stay on the field this season, Smith and Hunter should be among the most disruptive pass rushing duos in the league. 

Green Bay Packers

Jarran Reed, DT

Jarran Reed gives the Packers a fierce interior pair with Kenny Clark. I was surprised when the Seattle Seahawks let Reed go last offseason. I was equally surprised when the Kansas Chiefs let him go this offseason. Since his 10.5-sack season with the Seahawks in 2018, I’ve thought Reed was on the verge of joining the league’s great interior pass rushers. He hasn’t quite taken that next step.

Chicago Bears

Byron Pringle, WR

There was a brief moment when the Bears best signing was Larry Ogunjobi. He failed the team’s physical. Since then, it’s been difficult to find a Bears signing that I liked. I like the addition of Dakota Dozier but that’s for reasons not positive for the Bears. I’ll go with Byron Pringle. He had some nice moments with Patrick Mahomes. Maybe he’ll have some nice moments with Justin Fields.

Detroit Lions

D.J. Chark Jr., WR

The Lions needed a receiver and D.J. Chark is a big and fast receiver. He missed most of last season to injury but he had Pro Bowl moments with the Jacksonville Jaguars. That’s saying something. Chark’s size and speed should be a compliment to Amon-Ra St. Brown.

Dallas Cowboys

James Washington, WR

The Dallas Cowboys have spent most of the offseason retaining their own free agents. James Washington might not fill the production void created when the Cowboys traded Amari Cooper. Clearly, the keys to the team’s receiving room have been handed to CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup. James Washington can be a strong #3. I always thought Washington was on the verge of emerging with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Maybe he’ll finally emerge with the Cowboys.

Philadelphia Eagles 

Haason Reddick, Edge

This one’s easy. Haason Reddick was one of the best pass rushers on the free agency market. The Eagles did well to add him to their roster. Reddick seems especially motivated to play for his hometown team.

New York Giants

Mark Glowinski, G

The Giants had to improve their offensive line. Mark Glowinski was a good player on a great Indianapolis Colts offensive line. I suppose the hope is that he’ll be a great player on a good Giants offensive line. More likely, he’s a good player on an improving offensive line. 

Washington Commanders

Andrew Norwell, G

Adding Andrew Norwell to replace Brandon Scherff is a net offensive line loss. Norwell is a good, veteran offensive lineman. The Commanders are better with him. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Ryan Jensen, C

Picking receiver Russell Gage was a consideration. I assumed that the need to get Tyler Johnson more involved in the offense might be a greater need than adding another target for Tom Brady.  The Buccaneers needed Jensen to return so much more than Tom Brady needed another weapon. Keeping Jensen became even more important after Ali Marpet retired.

Carolina Panthers

Austin Corbett, G

I picked Austin Corbett simply because he was a player I hoped that the Vikings might sign. 

Atlanta Falcons 

Lorenzo Carter, Edge

I believe that Lorenzo Carter is an emerging edge rushing talent. 

New Orleans Saints

Marcus Maye, S

I’ve liked Marcus Maye since the lead up to the 2017 NFL Draft. I like Maye but I’m not sure if he’s an upgrade over the Marcus (Williams) that the Saints lost. 

Los Angeles Rams

Allen Robinson II, WR

The only things that’s kept Allen Robinson II from being considered among the elite receivers of the league have been the teams that he’s played for and the quarterbacks that threw to him. Well, that’s no longer a problem. He joins the Super Bowl champs. 

San Francisco 49ers

Charvarius Ward, CB

The 49ers opened free agency with a big swing. Charvarius Ward was one of the best cornerbacks available. Most of their free agency action since has been of the under-the-radar variety. 

Arizona Cardinals

Jeff Gladney, CB

This one’s a little troubling. After his rookie season with the Vikings, Jeff Gladney got himself into a domestic abuse situation. The Vikings dropped him as soon as he was indicted by a grand jury. A jury recently found him not guilty so he was able to continue his football career. It’s the Cardinals gain as Gladney has the potential to be a terrific cornerback. Everyone deserves a second chance. He’s got his. He’d better take advantage of it. And get help.

Seattle Seahawks

Uchenna Nwosu, Edge

Uchenna Nwosu is an emerging edge rusher. I was surprised when the Chargers didn’t re-sign him. I suppose things change when Khalil Mack is added to the defense.