Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread

[Dirtbag59]

From our good friend Adam:

Top 5 acquisitions so far
March, 10, 2010
Posted by Adam Schefter
Free agency kicked off Friday with a flurry. Chicago won the free-agent Super Bowl that Washington regularly wins. But there still were other moves that will help their teams win games this season. Here are my top five acquisitions since the free-agent signing period opened:

1. Baltimore Ravens WR Anquan Boldin
Whereas Dallas paid Detroit first-, third- and fifth-round picks for Roy Williams, Baltimore gave up third- and fourth-round picks for Boldin and a fifth-round pick. Talk about value. Now, one of the toughest teams in football has one of the toughest players in football. And Joe Flacco has a new favorite toy.

2. Kansas City Chiefs RB Thomas Jones
After the Bears paid $7 million in guaranteed money to Chester Taylor, the Chiefs landed Thomas Jones for two seasons for $5 million. Talk about value. The $5 million also was $800,000 less than Jones was scheduled to earn this season in New York before the Jets released him. Taylor was a solid pickup, but Jones' signing topped it.

3. Cleveland Browns LB Scott Fujita
A team leader in New Orleans, Fujita now will bring his attitude and talents to Cleveland, a team in need of more players. It's hard to imagine how New Orleans could allow one of its more popular players to leave, but this is what happens to Super Bowl champions. Their losses mount in March.

4. New York Jets CB Antonio Cromartie
Three seasons ago, Cromartie was one of the best players in football. Two seasons ago he played hurt. Then last season he struggled. The Jets believe head coach Rex Ryan will get Cromartie to be the player he was three seasons ago. And if that happens, the Jets will be even harder to throw against.

5. Washington Redskins G Artis Hicks
In what might have been the biggest upset of free agency, on the first weekend, the NFC East Redskins, Cowboys and Eagles combined to sign a grand total of one free agent -- former Minnesota guard Artis Hicks, who went to Washington. The Redskins need to rebuild and remake their offensive line. This was a start.