Monday, August 1, 2011

Past winners prove free agency can be effective

   I've often heard the argument that "successful teams build through the draft."  Most of the time, that statement is in defense to a team not spending big in free agency.
   After all - they point out - Daniel Snyder and the Washington Redskins spend money like crazy, but haven't turned it into success on the field.  Meanwhile, the Colts and Steelers rarely sign outside free agents, but continue to make the playoffs year after year.
   But the truth is...there are many examples of recent NFL teams parlaying their aggressive signings and trades for veterans into Super Bowl success (New England and New Orleans for example).  And there are lots of cheap spenders choose to focus on building solely through the draft, but have nothing to show for it (Cincinnati and Buffalo).
Drew Brees was an amazing
free agent pickup for the Saints
   Of course, it all starts with the draft.  Impact players at certain key positions - like quarterback and left tackle - are tough to find and are almost never available in free agency (unless age and injuries are a significant factor).  And if a team drafts poorly - relying mostly on veteran pickups, their overall roster tends to age quickly and any success they experience is over pretty fast (see the 2003-2004 Oakland Raiders).
   But that doesn't mean teams should be content to ignore the free agent market.  Not every veteran player is Albert Haynesworth.  There are always solid pickups available that will end up being well worth the money, will fill holes along the roster, will add leadership/depth, and will ultimately make the team better.
   So below, I've assembled a short list of veteran pickups (either through free agency or trade) that made a significant impact on Super Bowl winners from over the last several years.  As you will see, some teams made big moves.  Others relied on smaller additions.  But none of them sat on their checkbooks during the offseason - relying simply on the draft to magically turn them into champions:

Green Bay Packers (2010 Champions)
   Top Addition:  Charles Woodson (CB)
   Signed to a six-year, $52 million contract in 2006, following a very successful period with the Oakland Raiders.  He has made the Pro Bowl three times as a Packer and won Defensive Player of the Year in 2009.
   Other Additions:  Ryan Pickett (DL),  Ryan Grant (RB)

New Orleans Saints (2009 Champions)
   Top Addition:  Drew Brees (QB)
   Coming off a shoulder operation, few teams wanted to take a chance.  The Saints got him for six years, $60 million in 2006.  Since then, he's made three Pro Bowls and become one of the league's top passers.
   Other Additions:  Jeremy Shockey (TE),  Jonathan Vilma (LB),  Scott Fujita (LB), 
Jabari Greer (CB),  Darren Sharper (S)

Pittsburgh Steelers (2005 and 2008 Champions)
   Top Addition:  Jerome Bettis (RB)
   Known for building through the draft, the Steelers were willing to trade down to obtain a top running back.  Bettis was the team's starting back for a decade and made four Pro Bowls during that period.
   Other Additions:  James Farrior (LB),  Jeff Hartings (OL),  Kimo Von Oelhoffen  (DL)

New York Giants (2007 Champions)
   Top Addition:  Plaxico Burress (WR)
   The Giants needed a top passing option for Eli Manning and Burress was a great fit.  Before his troubles with the law, he was an endzone magnet that caught the game-winning touchdown in the Super Bowl.
   Other Additions:  Sam Madison (CB),  Kareem McKenzie (OL)

New England Patriots (2002, 2004 and 2005 Champions)
   Top Addition:  (tie) Randy Moss (WR),  Wes Welker (WR),  Corey Dillon (RB)
   The top franchise of the last decade has also been one of the most active in obtaining veteran talent.  Corey Dillon was the missing piece that helped them win Super Bowl XXXIX.  Randy Moss and Wes Welker were the main components on the team that want 16-0 during the regular season.
   Other Additions:  Rodney Harrison (S),  Junior Seau (LB),  Mike Vrabel (LB), 
Adalius Thomas (LB),  Donte Stallworth (WR),  Keith Traylor (DL),  Antowain Smith (RB), 
Sammy Morris (RB),   Terrell Buckley (CB)

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