The smoke has cleared after a wild flurry of signings and trades in the NFL.
Time will tell if the active teams this year -- and there were many -- actually got any better due to their actions. Always remember the 2011 Eagles. As that doomed "Dream Team" proved, this stuff is never an exact science.
With that qualifier in place, let's take a look at six quarterbacks that we believe won big thanks to some aggressive moves from their respective front offices.
Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
Wilson had to be skipping through the streets when he learned that the Seahawkshad traded forJimmy Graham. It's a huge move by general manager John Schneider, who gives his talented young quarterback perhaps the best red-zone target in football. Wilson has developed a well-earned reputation as a winner in his first three seasons; don't be surprised if Graham's arrival has the effect of turning Wilson into a statistical beast. (Think Tom Brady before and after the arrival of Randy Moss in 2007).
Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts
Welcome to The Year Of Luck. The Colts quarterback is a once-in-a-generation talent who should be just entering his prime at 25 years old. The Colts are well set up, in other words, and they did a nice job supplying their star passer with two veterans who can take the offense to the next level. Frank Gore will give Luck something he's never had -- a durable and productive backfield option who knows how to pass protect. Andre Johnson -- who seems destined for the Steve Smith Revenge Year® -- will line up across from T.Y. Hilton in Reggie Wayne's old role. There will be points.
Geno Smith, New York Jets
If the Jets go get Marcus Mariota in the draft this may be a moot point, but don't be surprised if Smith gets a third year under center in New York. If so, Smith gets a new coaching staff and will benefit from the arrival ofBrandon Marshall, who gives the Jets a legitimate No. 1 receiver and their best red-zone threat since Keyshawn Johnson. Marshall's presence will have a positive effect on Eric Decker, who should find success against the No. 2 corner on opposing teams. Also keep an eye on second-year tight end Jace Amaro, who showed flashes of breakout potential as a rookie.
Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins
Tannehill's not a kid anymore and expectations are high in Miami after the big-ticket arrival of Ndamukong Suh. The front office deserves credit for hitting the reset button on a wide receiver group that wasn't progressing with the quarterback. Gone are Mike Wallace, Brian Hartline and Brandon Gibson. The arrivals are both intriguing: Kenny Stills, acquired in a trade with the Saints, has Wallace-like home run potential and the ability to grow into a complete receiver. He turns 23 next month. Tight end Jordan Cameron, who signed to a two-year deal, has very real injury concerns but possesses major upside as a pass-catching tight end.
Blake Bortles, Jacksonville Jaguars
We know the Jaguars believe in Bortles. This was the offseason they needed to supply their young passer with some weapons. The Jags did right by their man, targeting and landing former Broncos tight end Julius Thomas with a big-money deal. Thomas, who had 24 touchdowns in his final two seasons in Denver, gives Bortles a recognized red-zone threat smack in the prime of his career. Jacksonville also took out the checkbook to bolster the line, signing right tackle Jermey Parnell to a five-year deal. There's more work to do here, but it's a nice start.
Sam Bradford, Philadelphia Eagles
If Chip Kelly ships Bradford out of town -- very possible -- please disregard. However, if Bradford is indeed the future of the Eagles' quarterback position, the former No. 1 overall pick should be in fine position to finally make the leap. Kelly might rub people the wrong way, but the man knows how to coach up a quarterback and put points on the board. He made both Nick Foles and Mark Sanchez look like Pro Bowl talents at points in the past two seasons. Now he inherits Bradford, who has more potential than either of those passers. The injury risk is very real, but don't be stunned if Bradford is producing like a stud next fall.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast is joined by Lindsey Rhodes and analyzes every free-agent move. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.
