Examining NFL Free Agency’s Opening Shakeups

We’re fewer than 12 hours into the NFL’s offseason of uncapped free agency and so far there has yet to be any blockbuster deals, but nonetheless a few intriguing moves, as well as one very inevitable departure. Let’s have a look at what each means.↵↵Brandon Manumaleuna signs with Bears for five years. Analysts are already speculating that this move suggests that the Bears will grant tight end Greg Olsen’s wish and trade him. I’m not so sure. Manumaleuna is primarily a blocker and Olsen led the team in receptions in 2009. Moreover, he and quarterback Jay Cutler are reportedly good friends. Granted, new offensive coordinator Mike Martz doesn’t have a reputation for scheming offensive systems that favor tight ends, and Manumaleuna worked with him in St. Louis, but barring a significant upgrade to the receiving corps Chicago may not be able to afford jettisoning its top pass catcher from ‘09.↵

↵↵Antonio Cromartie traded to the Jets for a 2011 draft pick. Ever since a breakout year in 2007, Cromartie has struggled on and off the field. Starting opposite Darrelle Revis obviously lifts a considerable burden off him to be the best corner on the field. Based on opposing team’s reluctance to test Revis, Cromartie could put up interception numbers to rival the 10 he had in ‘07. Between this and last season’s trade for Braylon Edwards, one has to wonder whether the Jets are becoming another haven for players that haven’t lived up to their potential.↵

↵↵Jake Delhomme released by the Panthers. Last year, experts laughed heartily at the Panthers for giving Delhomme a five-year, $42.5 million extension. And justifiably so, as he had just come off one of the worst playoff meltdowns in recent memory. Well, Delhomme rewarded the doubters with more agonizing and costly interceptions before being benched in favor of Matt Moore late in the season. Now Delhomme is gone, but so too is another $12.5 million in guaranteed money owed to him from that extension.↵

↵↵Nate Burleson signs with the Lions for five years. Jokes are already flying that this is a move more in line with the woebegone Matt Millen era in Detroit. While giving Burleson $11 million in guaranteed money is a little steep, he does give the team a decent no. 2 receiver to pair with Calvin Johnson, something that was sorely missing from the offense last year. No receiver other than Johnson had more than 417 receiving yards last year for Detroit. Burleson posted nearly double that for Seattle.↵

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