Cowboys: C+
Key Additions: WR George Pickens (franchise), RB Javonte Williams (re-signed), Edge Rashan Gary (trade), QB Sam Howell, CB Cobie Durant, S Jalen Thompson, S P.J. Locke
Key Losses: Edge Jadeveon Clowney, Edge Dante Fowler Jr., LB Logan Wilson (retirement), S Donovan Wilson, DT/DE Osa Odighizuwa (trade)
The Cowboys franchised Pickens to start free agency keeping him at a good price while they figure out a deal that makes sense long-term, but he won’t be happy until he’s paid. Re-signing Williams was a smart move as a tough runner last season rebounding from the injured years with the Broncos. The trade for Gary gives them a solid edge player who can also hold his own against the run, but he now replaces Odighizuwa who was traded due to salary. Durant is coming off a solid season with the Rams giving the Cowboys a nickel CB who can also move inside if needed. Thompson and Locke give the Cowboys good safety depth with Thompson likely taking over for Wilson at SS. Fowler and Clowney will be missed off the edge and their veteran presence, but Fowler could make a return. Howell gives the team a veteran #2 QB presence behind Dak.
Eagles: B
Key Additions: CB Tariq Woolen, QB Andy Dalton (trade), LB/Edge Arnold Ebiketie, TE Dallas Goedert (re-signed), WR Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, W Elijah Moore, RB Dameon Pierce
Key Losses: Edge Jaelan Phillips, LB Nakobe Dean, S Reed Blankenship, CB Adoree’ Jackson, WR Jahan Dotson. A.J. Dillon
The Eagles signed Woolen immediately who replaces Jackson as the #2 outside CB giving them better size and possibly production as Woolen was let go due to system fit not talent. Re-signing Goedert was a smart move as he has solid chemistry with QB Jalen Hurts, and he comes back at a better cap number. Brown and Moore give the team good slot options and deep threats with Brown likely to replace Dotson in the slot. Ebiketie is an underrated pass rusher with potential who will try to replace Phillips off the edge. Pierce replaces Dillon as the veteran backup power back. Dean and Blakenship will be replaced by last year’s draft picks Jihaad Campbell and Andrew Mukuba.
Giants: B-
Key Additions: TE Isaiah Likely, T Jermaine Eluemunor (re-signed), T/G Evan Neal (re-signed), WR Darnell Mooney, FB Patrick Ricard, LB Tremaine Edmunds, WR Calvin Austin, CB Greg Newsome II
Key Losses: WR Wan’Dale Robinson, QB Russell Wilson, LB Bobby Okereke, CB Cor’Dale Flott
After signing HC John Harbaugh, the team started signing Ravens players with two good ones in Likely and Ricard. Likely is a pass catching mismatch who fits the new playing style around athletic TEs. Ricard is a punishing FB who will open some big holes in the run game. Edmunds replaces Okereke as the MLB and play caller adding run stopping. Austin and Mooney give the team playmakers in space to help replace Robinson, but a true #2 WR may be needed. Newsome gives them a young lanky CB with potential to replace Flott who offered the same. Eluemunor is coming off a solid season at RT replacing Neal who gives them good depth. Wilson will be replaced after moving to #3 QB by Jameis Winston.
Commanders: C+
Key Additions: Edge Odafe Oweh, WR Treylon Burks (re-signed), RB Rachaad White, WR Dyami Brown (re-signed), TE Chigoziem Okonkwo, LB Leo Chenal, Edge K’Lavon Chaisson, Edge Charles Omenihu, DT Tim Settle, CB Amik Robertson, CB Ahkello Witherspoon, S Nick Cross
Key Losses: WR Deebo Samuel, LB Bobby Wagner, Edge Vonn Miller, CB Marshon Lattimore, C Tyler Biadasz, RB Chris Rodriguez
The Commanders made a lot of signings to change the oldest defense in the league, but we will see if it pays off. The team paid a lot for Oweh to improve the pass rush; he will be replacing Miller who proved he has something left in the tank and would like to return. Chaisson is another pass rusher to join the mix coming off a good season with the Patriots along with Omenihu, another productive veteran from the Chiefs. Burks impressed late in the season and will replace Samuel as a starter. White will replace Rodriguez to compete for the starting job. Chenal will replace Wagner in the middle as a 3 down LB, while the older Wagner struggles in coverage. Settle is a Nose Tackle coming to stop the run. Robertson should fill in at nickel CB, while Witherspoon provides depth outside for the loss of Lattimore as a lanky veteran CB. Cross should take over the starting job at SS with his physical play. Okonkwo is a blocking TE and underrated pass catcher who will start. Brown will continue to provide depth at WR.
