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Free Agent Bonanza


While I am not a big believer in the "stop-gap" approach to building a football team, I must say that I have never seen so many quality free agent acquisitions this early in the free agent signing period. There has been no Neil O'Donnell style-debacles or even worse, a Larry Brown copycat signing (remember that? Brown was consistently horrible all season long, but gets two easy picks off "gasp" O' Donnell in the Super Bowl and he is instantly revered as a savior. He was so bad with the Raiders, that he couldn't even win the "dime" back position.
While there are sure to be some busts as time will surely prove, these are the early free agent winners so far:
1) Detroit Lions: Signing James Stewart at running back simply made more sense than any other free agent acquisition. Physical, durable and possessing good speed for a power back, Stewart rumbled for 931 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns as Fred Taylor nursed injuries all season long. Detroit couldn't do a thing on the ground in their dismal playoff loss to Washington and this signing was clearly made with that defeat in mind. Stewart also fits the Bobby Ross personality-type better than any other available back on the market, including Barry Sanders.
2) Atlanta Falcons: This team simply could not be as bad as they displayed Sunday after Sunday last season. I know that some defensive starters got a year older and injuries decimated the team, but I never thought the Falcons were that far removed from another serious playoff run. They have injected some youth and speed with free agent signings Ashley Ambrose and Shawn Jefferson. Jefferson was never utilized to his potential at New England and gives the Falcons a quick, tall possession receiver. Ambrose is a solid cornerback who should start right away. Perhaps the Falcon's biggest singing was a resign as 256-year veteran linebacker Jessie Tuggle renewed his contract.
3) Also in the "it just makes good sense" department, the Dallas Cowboys officially ended the Michael Irvin era with the signing of electrifying back Joey Galloway, who will take over Deon Sanders spot as the primary return man as well as become Troy Aikmen's go-to guy. Galloway possesses incredible speed and will give NFC East cornerbacks' nightmares.
4) New Orleans Saints: Enough of the Billy Joes: Jeff Blake was not signed to ride the bench. He will be the starting quarterback for the New Orleans Saints next season barring injury or felony. The only worry about Blake is that he has historically been one of those guys who doesn't turn it on until it is contract renewal time or if he is heading to imminent free agency. I f the Saints adds some OL help, then the Saints offense may be a positive for them.
The copyright of the article Free Agent Bonanza in NFL is owned by Shane Andy Youngblood. Permission to republish Free Agent Bonanza in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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