2014 NFL Free Agency Recap: Top 5 Biggest Winners

2014 NFL Free Agency Recap: Top 5 Biggest Winners: The NFL free agency period is open for business, and as usual, the first couple of days were busy ones with plenty of big names finding new homes. Of course, some teams inevitably had more success luring the premier free agents than others, and several teams were able to make moves that should bolster their Super Bowl hopes or at least help them compete for a playoff spot. With that in mind, here is a closer look at the biggest winners so far from NFL free agency.

1.      Denver Broncos

Give Denver’s front office credit. They know their championship window closes when Peyton Manning calls it a career, and they pushed all their chips to the center of the table. The Broncos overhauled their secondary by adding corner Aqib Talib and safety T.J. Ward. They also snagged pass-rusher DeMarcus Ware. Even though the team lost receiver Eric Decker, resigning Andre Caldwell should help soften the blow. The Broncos’ offense should be as potent as ever, and the defense should be much improved. If Ware stays healthy, the pressure that he and Von Miller can put on opposing QBs is going to be scary.

2.      Cleveland Browns

It’s rare that the Browns are considered winners at anything, but they have been actively upgrading in free agency. The upgraded their secondary by signing hard-hitting Donte Whitner away from San Francisco. They also bolstered their linebacking corps by landing Karlos Dansby. Granted, the missed out on Darrelle Revis, but they did make a sneaky signing in slot receiver Andrew Hawkins. Overall, Cleveland bolstered what was already a respectable defense and added a much-need weapon on offense, albeit not a game-changer. If the Browns handle the No. 4 pick currently, this team could be able to make a little noise sooner rather than later.

3.      New England Patriots

Only the Patriots could lose a corner like Aqib Talib and actually upgrade at the position. New England landed shutdown corner Darrelle Revis, and his ability to take away an opponent’s best receiver will open a lot of options for the Bill Belichick’s defense. More importantly, it gives them a realistic chance of at least slowing down the Denver Broncos’ offense. Let’s face it. New England and Denver are likely to be among the AFC’s best again in 2014, and by upgrading their secondary with a corner of Revis’ caliber, the Patriots closed the gap between themselves and the Denver team that ousted them in the AFC title game last year.

4.      Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins entered free agency with a huge void at the left tackle spot, but signing Brandon Albert took care of that problem. He was arguably the best player at his position on the market, and his presence should help quarterback Ryan Tannehill and Miami’s ground game. The Dolphins also bolstered an already solid defensive front by landing defensive tackle Earl Mitchell and resigned Pro Bowl corner Brent Grimes. At the very least, it’s looking like Miami should remain in the mix for a wild card spot in the playoffs in 2014.

5.      Detroit Lions

When Calvin Johnson isn’t on the field or isn’t fully healthy, Detroit’s offense flat out stinks. Needless to say, finding a reliable No. 2 option for Matthew Stafford to throw to was crucial. The Lions addressed their biggest need by landing Golden Tate, who has been explosive after the catch and sure-handed receiver throughout his career. Teaming him with Johnson should help add a lot of consistency to a Detroit offense that was already explosive at times. With Tate, Stafford and company should at least have a chance to score their way into playoff spot.

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