NFL free agency 2019: 5 teams that needed to do better

Free agency across all major sports is typically a trap. Occasionally, smart teams can navigate the waters without overpaying for middling talent, but by and large, general manager pay sticker price for declining goods.

This year was no different. The Oakland Raiders and New York Jets were incredibly aggressive and overspent, but at least they landed premium talents. It’s hard to criticize bringing in Le’Veon Bell, C.J. Mosley and Antonio Brown, even if the cost was large.

However, there were plenty of teams that spent major coin only to end up in the same spot they began the free agency period in. Here’s a look at five teams that needed to do much better, or simply do nothing at all.

5. Denver Broncos

The Broncos spent significant money on defensive back Kareem Jackson and right tackle Ja’Wuan James, only to let Bradley Roby and Matt Paradis. In the case of Jackson, he’s on the wrong side of 30 and clearly better suited to play safety. If the Broncos aren’t playing him there, he’s a massive gamble at corner when the team could have stayed cheaper and younger by retaining Roby. As for James, he’s a quality right tackle. However, why let Paradis out the door, who has been one of the league’s best center since being drafted four years ago? No logic in that.

4. Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens somewhat salvaged the week by landing both running back Mark Ingram and safety Earl Thomas, but the losses are real. Since the end of the season, the Ravens have lost Eric Weddle, Terrell Suggs, Za’Darius Smith, Michael Crabtree, C.J. Mosley and John Brown. Not ideal when you have a second-year quarterback who relies heavily on the defense keeping the game close.

3. Detroit Lions

The Lions spent welling excess of $125 million, and what do they have to show for it? Trey Flowers is a nice piece, but will he enjoy the same effectiveness away from Bill Belichick’s genius? Much of what Flowers terrific was being put into unique situation. Matt Patricia will have to replicate that. Beyond Flowers, the signings of tight end Jesse James, receiver Danny Amendola and slot corner Justin Coleman seemed an exercise in spending money just because it’s there.

2. Washington Redskins

The Redskins are a mess, and this offseason kept that train rolling. Washington spent lavishly on Landon Collins, who while a good player, isn’t worth $84 million. At the same time, Preston Smith was allowed to leave, hurting the pass rush and creating another hole for the front office to plug. It’s more of the same from a franchise that hasn’t enjoyed tangible success in more than 25 years.

1. New York Giants

Do we really have to go into it. Let’s just say that Eli Manning basically has to be Patrick Mahomes to make the Giants relevant come Thanksgiving.