The NFL’s new league year kicked off with a bang on Tuesday.
In an attempt to make sense of all the big moves that took place, we took a look back at the biggest surprises from a long two-day period which was filled with trades, roster cuts and signings.
Sam Bradford and Nick Foles swapped teams
Sam Bradford wasn’t known to have been on the trade block, but out of nowhere on Tuesday, the Rams traded him to the Eagles for Nick Foles (as well as some draft picks). This move shocked many fans who suddenly were left questioning Chip Kelly’s master plan.
Bradford has missed 23 straight games in a two-year span, but he did put up better stats when he last played. He tossed seven touchdowns, one interception and had 594 yards passing in his last five starts (2013). Foles managed just five touchdowns, five interceptions and had 787 yards in the last five games he was involved in.
There’s also a distinct difference from playing Brian Schottenheimer’s offense versus Chip Kelly’s system. Foles was in a position where many could produce.
It was hard to see this deal coming. But it makes sense on paper given that Bradford has excelled more in making quick decisions and accuracy in short to intermediate passes. And in the past, he ran an uptempo scheme at Oklahoma and won the Heisman Trophy.
For the Rams, it’s a shocker that they could trade Bradford along with his $16.9 million cap hit and still obtain a cheap quarterback with starting experience along. This trade came just months after Bradford’s future with the Rams and trade value were severely threatened by a knee injury.
Frank Gore bails on Eagles for Colts
Kelly has ruffled feathers this offseason, but it’s hard to pin Gore’s change of heart on the Eagles coach. Gore reportedly backed out of the deal, and soon after signed with a team that made sense as a landing spot on so many levels. Colts head coach Chuck Pagano once recruited for the University of Miami and Rob Chudzinski served as Miami’s offensive coordinator while Gore was there.
“I said Frank, man. Do not go to Philly, man.” McCoy JOKES about advising Frank Gore: http://t.co/RVd3eRu8AU pic.twitter.com/SQj3q2rV6o
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) March 10, 2015
Catching passes from Andrew Luck and playing alongside former Miami Hurricanes star Andre Johnson certainly helped Gore make up his mind. This move shows Colts general manager Ryan Grigson is spending ostensibly in a push for a title before Luck’s rookie contract runs out.
A quiet Day 2
NFL fans went on a news consumption binge on Tuesday, but quickly came down to earth and were lulled to sleep on Wednesday.
Tuesday featured a plethora of signings, with a few shocking trades mixed in as well. But Day 2 of free agency featured the Colts snagging veteran wideout Andre Johnson, the Jets trading for Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Bears signing Antrel Rolle.
The Dolphins did announce Ndamukong Suh’s record-setting deal for non-quarterbacks on Wednesday. Maybe the team waited for a reason, as it was among several agreements that had already been leaked to the public days ahead of the official start to the signing and trading period.
“Today is a great day and there’s going to be many more after that.” – @NdamukongSuh MORE: http://t.co/UWjqZ5t4Qb pic.twitter.com/jK74kwW4gl
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) March 12, 2015
Even though there are tampering rules in place to prevent this very thing from happening during the three-day negotiating period, it apparently did not matter.
Seahawks trade for Jimmy Graham
This move dramatically alters what we should expect from the offensive philosophy of both the Seahawks and Saints. New Orleans’ defense has finished bottom-two in the NFL in two of the past three years. And their offense hasn’t finished higher than 27th in run-play percentage since 2009, the year they finished ninth en route a victory in Super Bowl XLIV.
The Saints re-signed Mark Ingram and acquired Seahawks center Max Unger. He ranked in the top five in Pro Football Focus‘ run-block grading each of the past three years, and this move likely signals a desire to protect their defense with a heavier dose of ground game and clock management—much like the Cowboys in 2014.
Meanwhile, Seattle should focus on upgrading the passing game now that Russell Wilson finally has an elite receiving target. And as we saw in the Super Bowl and NFC Championship game, a team equipped with good cornerbacks could basically shut down Seattle’s passing targets across the board.
Due to his combination of size, speed, leaping ability and strength at catch point, Graham is a nightmare matchup for any opposing defensive back or linebacker. The reigning NFC Champions will be more dynamic on offense with him on the field.
Patrick Willis, Jake Locker and Jason Worilds announced their retirement
NFL fans have to be bummed that a linebacker with such incredible range and instincts in Willis is calling it quits. While we have to give him props for retiring on his own terms, it sure would have been great to see him out there blowing up plays for at least another few seasons. Still, it makes Niners GM Trent Baalke’s recent linebacker selections in the draft now look more savvy.
Jason Worilds and Jake Locker also called it quits. They were two of the more highly sought-after players at their respective positions in free agency. Locker was a former first-round pick. And Worilds, a second-rounder, was coming off a productive season and is only 27 years old.
Could these players be more interested in life after football? It certainly seems as if they’re not willing to jeopardize their health and put their bodies on the line anymore.
No hard feelings: Darrelle Revis returns to New York
Many felt Revis might still harbor a bit of ill will toward Jets management, making the Bills a trendy landing spot outside of the star cornerback re-signing with the Patriots. But it’s now an afterthought after Revis agreed to return to the team that drafted him in 2007.
Woody Johnson rights wrong by bringing back Darrelle Revis http://t.co/L5NjqHo8PX — ESPN New York (@ESPNNewYork) March 11, 2015
In the context of this crazy offseason, it’s not entirely shocking. But when the Jets traded Revis to Tampa Bay for a first-rounder two years ago, it seemed like the end of an era and the start of another under John Idzik.
Yet Idzik is gone. And Revis Island, once again, will be shutting down opposing receivers while one of the best cornerbacks in the league dons a green and white uniform.
