NFL roster construction is a zero-sum game. For every big free-agent addition, another guy is out of a job. While fans watch the free-agent frenzy hoping for big moves, players worry about how it could cost them playing time. Or wins.
Here's a look at 10 players that have suffered collateral damage during the free agency period. Their football lives got more difficult over the last week.
Mike Glennon, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback: Glennon was the best rookie quarterback in the NFL last year. He showed a lot of positive traits from surprising accuracy to calm in the pocket.
If Greg Schiano had kept his job, Glennon had a shot to become a franchise quarterback. Now he's a backup behind Lovie Smith-approved Josh McCown. Glennon being named a backup was one of the biggest surprises in all of free agency thus far. Perhaps new offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford could help Glennon's career, but it's more likely that Glennon is stuck with an organization that doesn't love his skill set.
NFC South quarterbacks: Glennon will also have a tougher time if he does wind up hitting the field in 2014. Jairus Byrd makes the New Orleans secondary versatile and scary. The Falcons added impressive beef to their defensive line; they will be tougher to push around. And while Glennon doesn't have to worry about it, Tampa's defense is loaded after adding Michael Johnson to an already talented Bucs defense. Lovie Smith has the talent in place at every level of the defense to coach up another top-five unit.
Danny Amendola, New England Patriots wide receiver: The offseason started for Amendola with a report that he was floated in trade talks. Since free agency started, New England has re-signed Julian Edelman, signed Brandon LaFell, and brought in Kenny Britt for a visit. Amendola should remain on the team, but he's battling just to have a big role with second-year players Aaron Dobson, Kenbrell Thompkins and Josh Boyce also likely to be in the mix.
DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver: Teams are starting to inquire about Jackson's availability in a trade, and Jackson is "unsure" of his standing on the team. The Eagles have the flexibility to deal him after re-signing Jeremy Maclin and Riley Cooper. (Darren Sproles adds another "space" player.) Jackson has made some noises about wanting a new contract, and that's not going to happen in Philadelphia. Jackson set career highs last season, but that will be tough to repeat in 2014 in Philadelphia or elsewhere.
Christian Ponder, Minnesota Vikings quarterback: It's clear Ponder is no longer the quarterback of the future in Minnesota. But he had a chance to rehabilitate his value around the league in a new offensive system before Matt Cassel re-signed. The Vikings are essentially telling Ponder that he's not even good enough to compete for snaps with a rookie-to-be-named later. He went from a No. 12 pick to a No. 3 quarterback quickly.
Knowshon Moreno, Andre Brown and Jared Allen: These are three free agents that have seen their markets rapidly shrink over the last week. No running backs are getting big money, and Moreno might have priced himself out of any interest (if there was interest in the first place). Moreno might have to accept a low-cost, one-year deal somewhere despite gaining over 1,500 yards from scrimmage with 13 touchdowns. The Broncos have shown no interest in bringing him back. Brown is nearly in the same boat. The Giants replaced him with Rashad Jennings and Peyton Hillis.
Allen, meanwhile, wants to be paid like a future Hall of Famer. He could potentially have received that money in Denver, but then DeMarcus Ware became available. Allen now has to decide whether to swallow his pride and play for less money than he believes he's worth or walk into the sunset.
Da'Rick Rogers, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver: Rogers flashed an impressive skill set late last season, topping 100 yards against the Bengals and nabbing a 46-yard catch in the playoffs. Following the signing of Hakeem Nicks, Rogers will have a hard time getting on the field behind Reggie Wayne, T.Y. Hilton and Nicks.
Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers quarterback: His wide receiving crew currently consists of Marvin McNutt, Tavarres King and Kealoha Pilares. Newton didn't just lose his best third-down target in Steve Smith, but a valuable deep threat in Ted Ginn and a starter in Brandon LaFell. (A shaky starter, but LaFell was productive.) The Panthers also don't have a left tackle and need to rebuild much of their offensive line. Newton isn't yet equipped to carry a collection of rookies and also-rans, but that's what he'll be asked to do.
(And we wrote all this before knowing Newton would miss the next four months after ankle surgery. Ouch.)
Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys quarterback: The Cowboys' defense continues to get worse, which Romo will somehow be blamed for eventually. Dallas is thin at wide receiver and running back, and they don't have the cap room to fill those holes.
The "Around The League Podcast" breaks down the latest free agency moves and highlights a few under-the-radar signings.
