Big NFL Names Finding New Teams

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by Digger

NFL teams made headlines this weekend. Big trades and big stars are heading to new teams. Not much of an economic slowdown just yet for owners as clubs have been busy addressing needs.

(NFL.com Free Agent Tracker)

One of the most sought after Free Agents, DT Albert Haynesworth, was signed by Washington for nearly $100M! NY Giants fans must be a bit disappointed as many hoped the games premier DT would land in the Meadowlands. After missing on the Haynesworth sweepstakes, NY got busy signing former Dallas DE Chris Canty, former Seattle DT Rocky Bernard & ex-Atlanta LB Mike Boley. Hopefully, NY will now focus on WR's to make the Giants one of the NFL's most potent teams.

Kansas City made the trade of the year. New Coach & new GM are quickly rebuilding this once proud franchise. KC managed to finagle two New England Patriot stars. QB Matt Cassel & LB Mike Vrabel for a 2nd round draft pick. Cassel's arrival is an instant upgrade for the Chiefs offense. It'll be interesting to see which way the front office goes next. KC needs depth at most positions and is in line to sign a few more key players before draft day.

Another busy team has been the Denver Broncos. BIG moves via free agency addressing team needs. RB's Correll Buckhalter (Philly) & JJ Arrington (Arizona) immediately solidifies Denver's backfield. Safety Brian Dawkins (Philly) & Indy DT Darrell Reid add some punch to their D.
The Houston Texans are really coming around. Their young team is quickly making great strides. They somewhat quietly signed defensive bookends Antonio Smith and Stanley McClover. Houston has emerged as a team on the rise.

Many big names are negotiating with current and potential new teams. Kurt Warner sits atop of the QB Free Agent class. Arizona should act quickly if they want to win another division title. There's plenty of depth left at most other positions. It'll be up to teams to decifer which players best fit plans and cap space.

My personal want list of where players should go is simple:
Jets - LB Ray Lewis, QB Kurt Warner.
Giants - WR's Laveranues Coles (NYJ), T.J. Houshmandzadeh (Cin), Lance Moore (NO). Perhaps an OL via draft or FA.

Players will be changing teams rather quickly in coming days. Salary cap restictions loom large in decision making processes for GM's league wide. A handful of teams sporting new coaches are certain to change drafting philosophies. This will be a great NFL off season as teams prepare for 2009.