7 takeaways from the opening week of free agency
With no hyperbole, it can be said the first week of free agency transformed the landscape of the NFL.
A number of stars changed teams via the free agent market and trades, while several high-profile players received significant pay raises.
Here are seven takeaways from the first week of free agency:
AFC East is an arms race
New England's title defense has became a lot more difficult.
Miami's acquisition of Ndamukong Suh provides the club with a terrifying front four, starring Suh, Pro Bowler Cameron Wake, Olivier Vernon and Earl Mitchell. The Dolphins' 39 sacks were tied for 16th in the NFL, but getting after the quarterback should now be a strength.
Buffalo traded for LeSean McCoy, then acquired fullback Jerome Felton, who may be one of the week's most underrated signings. The Bills also reportedly signed wide receiver Percy Harvin, so their offense has improved, even with their ever-present uncertainty at quarterback.
The Jets trotted out arguably the league's worst secondary last year, so New York reunited the fearsome cornerback duo of Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie, who will combine with Buster Skrine and emerging star Calvin Pryor to create possibly the NFL's best unit may, accompanying an outstanding defensive line.
Premium running backs are vogue
The NFL's prevailing logic was that running backs were largely interchangeable. That concept was challenged this week, with many teams splurging on premium ball carriers.
DeMarco Murray and Frank Gore were major coups for the Eagles and Colts, respectively, and were given lucrative contracts. The Bills traded promising linebacker Kiko Alonso to acquire McCoy, then signed the former Eagles rusher to a significant new deal. Meanwhile, Justin Forsett received a contract extension from the Ravens after his breakout campaign.
Some teams can find value in mid-tier backs, but it's clear many clubs are still willing to spend cap space on the position.
NFL's elite sticking to their philosophies
New England was very quiet, with their signing of defensive end Jabaal Sheard being praised by a number of team executives. The Patriots allowed a number of players to walk, trusting their system.
Seattle acquired elite tight end Jimmy Graham via trade, similar to their acquisition of Harvin two years ago. The Seahawks are without a first-round pick for the third straight year, with general manager John Schneider devaluing the draft class.
Green Bay was inactive throughout free agency, rewarding their own players' performances by retaining right tackle Bryan Bulaga and wide receiver Randall Cobb.
All three teams have different tactics but sticking to their core tendencies is what's made them the class of the NFL over the past few years.
Colts pulling away in AFC South...
Indianapolis widened the gap over the other three AFC South clubs.
The Colts had the most salary cap space of any playoff team, and took advantage of two clubs in transition.
Andre Johnson wanted to play for a contender with a young quarterback and the Colts fit his criteria. Then, Frank Gore saw an opportunity to bolster an anemic running game after the 31-year-old compiled four consecutive 1,000 yard campaigns.
Colts GM Ryan Grigson elected to release Trent Richardson and addressed the Colts' weak front seven by adding underrated pass rusher Trent Cole.
Indianapolis used to spend lavishly on players who had flattering numbers over small sample sizes, but it appears Grigson has learned from his mistakes and the Colts - along with the Patriots - are the teams to beat in the AFC.
...but don't sleep on the Jaguars
Following the first week of free agency, Jacksonville is likely the most improved team in the NFL after accelerating its rebuild.
The Jaguars' defense makes them a 2015 sleeper team. Jared Odrick and Sen'Derrick Marks quietly form one of the NFL's best defensive tackle pairings. Davon House and Dan Skuta excelled as backups and now have their chance to thrive in Gus Bradley's defense.
The Jags are hoping their biggest signing - tight end Julius Thomas - can give young quarterback Blake Bortles a reliable target to help his development. Thomas provides a legitimate red-zone option, and should help the 23-year-old pivot get the ball out of the pocket faster.
Jacksonville is also banking on Jermey Parnell becoming a full-time starter on the offensive line. Parnell excelled as the Cowboys' starting right tackle last season and should provide stability to a line that surrendered a league-high 71 sacks.
Oakland's startling inactivity
Oakland was expected to be a major player in 2015 free agency, boasting the second-most cap space in the NFL.
However, they've whiffed on a number of marquee free agents with center Rodney Hudson being their only noteworthy upgrade.
The Raiders' young quarterback Derek Carr needs a top receiver, but they instead opted to sign tight end Lee Smith to a three-year, $9-million deal, and linebacker Malcolm Smith to a two-year, $7-million contract.
Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie has failed to accurately assess the market for a second straight season.
Many quality players are still available
One could assemble a pretty decent roster from the remaining free agents. Perrish Cox was outstanding for the 49ers last season, and would be a low-risk, high-reward proposition at cornerback.
Some notable names still on the market include Greg Hardy, Reggie Bush, Tramon Williams and Rolando McClain.