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Best and Worst offseason moves by every team: AFC West

Matthew Emmons / USA TODAY Sports

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Denver Broncos

Best: Transitioning quarterback position from Manning-Osweiler to Sanchez-Lynch

It may be hard to shake the image of Mark Sanchez's infamous butt fumble, but it actually wasn't that much worse than some of the ducks Peyton Manning threw last season, and they won a Super Bowl with that guy. Not overpaying for Brock Osweiler, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Colin Kaepernick, or anyone else paid off when the Broncos drafted Paxton Lynch in the first round. Lynch has many of the same features Osweiler did when he entered the league, but with added athleticism.

Worst: Losing Danny Trevathan in free agency to the Bears

Trevathan wasn't the only player the Broncos lost in free agency, but he might be the most noticeable departure. Super Bowl-winning teams can never retain all their free agents, and the Broncos got hit with several losses. Malik Jackson is gone too, but the Broncos' line is already quite talented. Trevathan did a lot for Denver in the middle of their defense, and now a lot more responsibility will be heaped onto Brandon Marshall to shoulder that load.

Kansas City Chiefs

Best: Re-signing trio of defenders - Tamba Hali, Jaye Howard, Derrick Johnson

The Chiefs entered the offseason with four starting defenders as pending free agents, and were able to keep three of them. Hali, Howard, and Johnson are all contributing members of Kansas City's front seven who would have all been welcomed by most teams. Andy Reid's team made a great run down the stretch after a disappointing start last season. Investing in their own people was a smart move by the Chiefs.

Worst: Picking up former 1st overall pick Eric Fisher's 5th-year option

The 2013 NFL draft was perhaps the worst ever, especially in the first round. The Chiefs didn't have much to pick from when they took Fisher first overall, but he has clearly not been worth the selection. The Chiefs volunteered to pay him like a first overall pick one more season by picking up his fifth-year option. Even if they're still holding out hope for Fisher, not picking up his option would have at least motivated the tackle to improve in the final year of his deal to potentially earn another.

Oakland Raiders

Best: Signing Bruce Irvin to be Khalil Mack's bookend

This could be the Raiders entire free agency class of Irvin, Reggie Nelson, Sean Smith, and Kelechi Osemele, but Irvin should make the biggest impact. The Seahawks turned him into an athletic every-down linebacker, but he specializes in the pass rush. Teaming up Irvin with Mack - who was named an All-Pro at two positions - just isn't fair to opposing quarterbacks. Irvin seems like a natural fit in the silver and black, and was part of the group to bring legitimacy to Oakland as a free-agent destination.

Worst: Trading up to draft quarterback Connor Cook in the 4th round

This is a real head-scratcher. The Raiders have their franchise quarterback in Derek Carr, and an above-average backup with Matt McGloin, but still felt the need to trade up for Cook. Oakland had a great free-agent period and didn't have a must-pick player on the board in the fourth round, so they didn't necessarily have to pass on much to take the Michigan State product. The franchise won't fold on a fourth-round pick, but Cook won't see the field anytime soon unless there's a slew of injuries. An odd player to trade up for.

San Diego Chargers

Best: Replacing cornerback Patrick Robinson with Casey Hayward

The Packers rarely let one of their successful draft picks out of the building, but Hayward was one who got away. Robinson wasn't very impressive in his one season with the Chargers, so they let him go and landed Hayward to be their nickel corner on a very affordable deal. Along with Jason Verrett and Brandon Flowers, San Diego has a quality group of starting cornerbacks.

Worst: Not offering veteran safety Eric Weddle a new contract

Weddle has been one of the few consistent players in the Chargers' organization during his nine-year tenure, as well as a major fan favorite. He's expressed his love for the city and for his team on multiple occasions, but that team failed to even begin contract negotiations with him. Yes, Weddle is 31 years old, but also hasn't shown major signs of a decline, and has only missed seven games in his career. San Diego doesn't have many top-end defenders, and they just let one of them walk out the door without a fight.

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NFC
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