NFL Winners & Losers: 5 Teams Who Had the Best 2015 Offseason
Winning the offseason never secures a championship, but it can help. Just last season the New England Patriots brought in Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner to improve their defense, and of course they went on to win the Super Bowl.
So many factors are included. Salary cap space, areas in need of improvement, age of players and the draft. Here we list the five teams who have had the best offseason.
1. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts had a lot of salary cap space available this offseason, and they did what they had to do: They got Andrew Luck some help. Reggie Wayne is no longer on the Indianapolis Colts, but the team signed Andre Johnson from AFC South division rival Houston Texans. Johnson may not be in his prime at 33 years old, but let's keep in mind that last season he had 85 catches for 936 yards. Adding Frank Gore to the 22nd ranked rushing offense will certainly help. The Colts also added Nate Irving and Dwight Lowery to a defense that ranked No. 11 overall last season.
2. Green Bay Packers
The Packers are kings of the NFC North having won the division the last four seasons. The Packers didn't have to make a whole lot of adjustments considering they were the No. 2 seed in the NFC last season. The team signed wide receiver Randall Cobb to a four year contract to just $17 million in guaranteed money. Re-signing offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga was also critical for Aaron Rodgers pass protection. Only time will tell if B.J. Raji can stay healthy. The Packers also had a good draft selecting cornerbacks with their first two picks.
3. New York Jets
New York Jets fans have been screaming at management for the last two years, and they finally got their wish. New general manager Mike Maccagnan spent a lot of money this offseason, especially on defense. Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie are reunited creating a much improved secondary. It's unlikely Stevan Ridley will stay healthy, but he's a talented running back. Quarterback Geno Smith also has a new wide receiver weapon in Brandon Marshall via trade from the Chicago Bears. There's no more excuses for the Jets, the players have to show up and perform.
4. Buffalo Bills
The biggest addition the Buffalo Bills made this offseason was obviously LeSean McCoy. The Bills didn't even have to give up a lot to acquire arguably the best running back in the NFL, just a linebacker who didn't even play last season. The Bills also added Percy Harvin, which should help out the special teams unit as well. Rex Ryan is the new head coach in Buffalo, and you can bet he's going to stress a lot of defense. The biggest issue for the Bills right now is passing the football.
5. Dallas Cowboys
It's kind of weird seeing the Cowboys fly under the radar during the offseason. Usually Jerry Jones is trying to break the bank on a huge big-name free agent type of player. However, the Cowboys played it safe this offseason. The team franchise tagged Dez Bryant, keeping him on the roster, and they saved a lot of money by not giving into DeMarco Murray's demands. With an elite offensive line in place, the Cowboys don't need a star running back. Greg Hardy has his off the field issues, but the Cowboys got a steal for this defensive end because his contract is on a game to game basis.
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