More Offseason Grades!
By: Ryan Welte
Some of my readers expressed their liking of last week's report card style analysis of some of the offseason free agency moves made in the NFL. Since there have been more moves worth mentioning, I thought I'd do it again!
GRADES
MOVE EVALUATION
Carson Palmer: Cardinals
The Oakland Raiders have traded Palmer and a 7th round pick to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for a 6th round pick this year and a conditional 7th round pick in 2014. After giving up what they had to to get him from the Bengals, they have completely failed. The Cards have a new starting QB and didn't have to give up much at all. And Palmer now has a top receiving threat in Fitzgerald.
Matt Flynn: Raiders
The Raiders acquired Flynn for a fifth-round pick in the 2014 draft and a conditional pick in 2015. That's not too much for a new starting QB. Flynn gets a chance to play again after losing his job to the magical Russell Wilson. And, the Seahawks get two mid-round picks for a player that held a ton of cap-space and never saw the field. I think this move was good for everyone involved.
Nnamdi Asomugha: 49ers
Asomugha didn't sign a huge contract, but that is because he is receiving an extra $4 million from Philadelphia this season. I'm glad for Asomugha that he finally gets to play for a contending team, since he hasn't his whole career. As for the Eagles, a new coaching staff came in and decided they didn't want him. And the 49ers get a quality player in Nnamdi. Once again, good all around.
Osi Umenyiora: Falcons
This move was excellent for the Falcons who had lost John Abraham earlier this offseason. I think this puts the Falcons over the edge and they could easily be champions this season. Osi losses his former teammates in Justin Tuck and Jason Pierre-Paul, and they each created plays for each other. I don't think Osi will have a massive sack output with his new team, but he will still make their defense a threatening one.
Cardinals: B+
Raiders: F-
Palmer: A-
Raiders: A
Seahawks: B+
Flynn: A+
49ers: B
Eagles: B
Asomugha: B
Falcons: A+
Giants: C
Umenyiora: B+