When we wrote about the AFC team needs two weeks ago, we noted there were several story lines that could impact the upcoming fantasy football season including those involving Peyton Manning and the Saints’ ‘Pay for Play,’ player bounty scandal which continues to evolve. After a week and a half, and with a little over a month until the NFL draft, it’s time to see how teams are doing addressing their needs and adjusting those needs where necessary.
By the way, several teams were impacted by salary cap issues which caused them to release players they likely would have preferred to have hung on to. We’ll try to note where that occurred but at the end of the day, “it is what it is.” Also, now that the most significant free agents have mostly been signed, we will continue to see free agency activity into the so-called “secondary market,” the market that develops following the NFL draft, where teams sign remaining unrestricted free agents for contract amounts much less than what we have seen in these first two weeks.
For purposes of this week’s article, what follows is the summary of each teams’ roster needs in the AFC from two weeks ago. Besides The Fantasy Greek listing players who have been added through free agency, The Fantasy Greek notes in order of importance what The Fantasy Greek thinks is each teams’ positional needs, if they have been met (by a strikethrough the positional need), and may even add positions of need (bold print) or reorder the positions of need as is necessary.
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AFC East
Bills
Last season, the Bills were awful defending the rush, one of the top-five worst in fantasy football, an honor they held in 2010 as well. What’s more, the Bills pass defense had its share of problems too. The Bills would do well to improve their defense at the line of scrimmage and in the middle of the field. This could only help their pass defense. The Bills would have likely won more games last season but for the fact that the Bills defense couldn’t keep opposing teams out of the end zone. With wide receiver Stevie Johnson back in the fold, the Bills should look to add a quality No. 2 wide-out. The Bills’ protection of Fitzpatrick continued to be lacking. If the Bills can’t re-sign Scott Chandler, the tight-end position will be a position of need.
Top-Positional Needs: LB, DE, OT, TE, WR, CB
Free Agency Signings
| Position, Player | Former Team |
| DE Mario Williams | Texans |
| DE Mark Anderson | Patriots |
UPDATE: The Bills made the biggest defensive signing of free agency by signing former Texans DE Mario Williams. Then, the Bills solidified any needs at the defensive end position by book-ending it with DE Mark Anderson of the Patriots. The Bills look to have drastically improved their defensive unit with these two signings. Indeed, this should make the Bills defensive unit a solid, high DST2 in fantasy football, with sleeper potential, and should dramatically improve the Bills as a team within the division. While we still feel that the Bills may look to improve other parts of their defense where they can, the Bills may start to look to fill offensive areas of need first, such as along the offensive line and at the wide receiver position. In terms of re-signing some of their own players, the Bills re-signed TE Scott Chandler shortly after the writing of the original AFC Needs article, and then today re-signed RB Tashard Choice.
Dolphins
The Dolphins defense had its moments last season where it looked like one of the better defenses in the league, especially their rush defense. Still, the Dolphins pass defense was beaten at critical times in critical games. The Dolphins will look to replace some bodies along the defensive line. In 2011, the Dolphins found an answer for their ground game — Reggie Bush. RB Daniel Thomas did struggle as a rookie, but to some degree, this should be expected as the professional football game is particularly difficult for rookie running backs due to the pounding they take over the course of a season. That said, the Dolphins experienced a carousel at the quarterback position. The Dolphins failed to address this problem last off-season in a meaningful way. Expect the Dolphins to make getting a quarterback a top-priority whether through free agency or the draft, especially since they have one of the best receivers in the league in Brandon Marshall. Then, look for the Dolphins to try to beef up their offensive line if possible. Lastly, with the retirement of Jason Taylor, the Dolphins will look to score a good linebacker.
Top-Positional Needs: LB, QB, OT, G, NT, DE, S, WR
Free Agency Signings
| Position, Player | Former Team |
| G Arts Hicks | Browns |
| CB Richard Marshall | Cardinals |
| QB David Garrard | Free Agent |
UPDATE: These are not the signings the Dolphins faithful expected at this point in free agency. Besides missing out on a big quarterback free agent signing, whether Peyton Manning, Matt Flynn or Alex Smith, the Dolphins released both WR Brandon Marshall and S Yeremiah Bell due to salary cap issues. In sum, the Dolphins lack of making a splash in free agency hurt their team. Instead of taking a big step forward in terms of front office philosophy, it seems to be more of the same and the impression it has left with outsiders is that this is a front office genuinely out of touch. With the signing of QB David Garrard, the Dolphins immediate need becomes linebacker, where they are thin at the position, as well as at the safety position. By trading Brandon Marhall to the Bears, the Dolphins have no true No. 1 wide receiver and will need to address the position if they can. Besides RB Reggie Bush, the Dolphins are looking like a fantasy football wasteland right now even though one of their receivers should get a bump in value if for no other reason than the Dolphins will need to throw the ball to someone.
Jets
The Jets likely wanted a ‘do-over’ of the 2011 season after their Week 17 game. The Jets obviously had one of the better defenses in the league, but it could have been better. The Jets will likely look to add a rush stuffer and another pass rusher. While the Jets had two of the best corners in the league, their deep protection was lacking. The Jets offense struggled, especially in the passing game. While calls of Mark Sanchez’s head have been heard, it’s hard to imagine that the Jets would give up on the young QB unless an opportunity presented itself that they just couldn’t pass up. The Jets will also need to sign or draft a wide receiver as Plaxico Burress may not be back. By the way, the offensive line is still not getting any younger and some depth to bolster this group will likely be considered.
Top-Positional Needs: NT, DE, S, LB, WR, OL
Free Agency Signings/Trades
| Position, Player | Former Team |
| WR Chaz Schilens | Raiders |
| S LaRon Landry | Redskins |
| QB Tim Tebow | Broncos |
UPDATE: While an injury risk, the addition of S LaRon Landry filled a glaring need at a position that was not a strong one for the Jets. Still, the Jets need help at the position having released two of their safeties before free agency began. The signing of Chaz Schilens was a bit of a head-scratcher only insofar as a replacement for Plaxico Burress. While maybe not the big play game changer he was in the past, Burress was still a viable red zone target. Now, unless the Jets are content on being more of a ground and pound team, it is still a position of need. As for Tim Tebow, love him or hate him, he will certainly add a new dimension to the offense. Of course, this is not a ringing endorsement of QB Mark Sanchez. Indeed, one would be hard-pressed to even consider Sanchez a low-end QB2 in fantasy football at this juncture.
Patriots
Even though the Patriots had a darn-good season, their defense struggled defending opposing wide receivers. Their rush defense played well towards the end of the season and into the playoffs. As the Patriots have a decent set of young corners and free safeties, look for the Patriots to be in the market for an outside edge pass rusher and any player that can beef up their secondary. While the twin-towers of TE Rob Gronkowski and TE Aaron Hernandez were, for the most part, the Patriots offense in 2011, since the departure of Randy Moss, the Patriots have lacked a true deep receiving threat. Another receiving weapon for Tom Brady will likely be a top priority. The Patriots will add offensive linemen to protect their most valuable asset.
Top-Positional Needs: DE, S, WR, C, LB, OL
Free Agency Signings
| Position, Player | Former Team |
| WR Brandon Lloyd | Rams |
| WR Anthony Gonzalez | Colts |
| WR Donte Stallworth | Patriots |
| G Robert Gallery | Seahawks |
| TE Daniel Fells | Broncos |
| DE Jonathan Fanene | Bengals |
| LB Trevor Scott | Raiders |
| S Steve Gregory | Chargers |
| FB Larsen Spencer | Broncos |
| CB Will Allen | Dolphins |
UPDATE: The Patriots very quietly, made the most free agent signings among all of the AFC teams and began addressing every position of need right now. Interestingly, the Patriots have ten wide receivers on their roster. As such, while we expect Tom Brady to retain his fantasy football value, there is a potential for many of their most recent wide receiver signings to get washed out of the fantasy football mix. With RB BenJarvus Green-Elllis signing with the Bengals, RB Stevan Ridley becomes the front runner to get the majority of rushes as well as goal line looks. The Patriots are in a good place and seem to have the pick of the free agency litter and should be in a good position, as usual, to work the draft to their advantage while picking up good players and trading down for more draft picks. G Robert Gallery was a nice addition to give added protection to the Patriots greatest asset.
AFC North
Bengals
The Bengals look solid at quarterback with Andy Dalton, and at wide receiver, with their young corps of wide receivers, especially A.J. Green. A lot depends on whether Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell remain part of the team. It’s time to protect Dalton. Cedric Benson looked beaten by the end of last season and the Bengals will likely try to make a splash in free agency, or the draft, at the RB position. The Bengals’ defense was pretty good last season but it has to be better in the AFC North. The Bengals will likely focus beefing up their defense including their corners and safeties this off-season as well as look to add a pass rushing threat.
Top-Positional Needs: G, C, RB, S, CB, DE, LB,WR
Free Agency Signings
| Position, Player | Former Team |
| RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis | Patriots |
| G Travelle Wharton | Panthers |
| DE Jamaal Anderson | Colts |
| DE Derrick Harvey | Broncos |
| CB Jason Allen | Texans |
UPDATE: The signing of free agent RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis seemed to make Bengals nation happy even though The Fantasy Greek thought RB Michael Bush was ear-marked for the starting job right before free agency began. Whether Green-Ellis can be the starting running back for the Bengals for an entire season remains to be seen. Still, it was a good signing. Whether the Bengals still try to add another RB remains to be seen. While it would be nice to add more depth to the running back position, it is not the most important position right now. Because the Bengals released both WR Andre Caldwell (who signed with the Broncos) and WR Jerome Simpson, it’s unclear whether WR Brandon Tate and WR Jordan Shipley can contribute. So, while the Bengals should look to add to the position, it’s not one of immediate need. The offensive line, on the other hand, is one of immediate need as the Bengals are thin at guard and currently have no back-up center.
Browns
Believe it or not, the Browns had one of the best pass defenses in 2011 but their rush defense was lacking. The Browns biggest problem was getting points on the board. While QB Colt McCoy did well enough as a game manager, he did not look like a quarterback that the Browns could groom into their future starting quarterback. Further, the Browns need a genuine receiving threat and The Fantasy Greek sees the Browns drafting or signing a wide receiver to add weapons to the offense. It’s very unclear whether the Browns will be resigning Peyton Hillis. However, they will likely have to if they cannot find a way to fill their more pressing positional needs. They’ll need some depth along the offensive line too.
Top-Positional Needs: QB, WR, OL, DE, LB, RB
Free Agency Signings
| Position, Player | Former Team |
| DE Juqua Parker | Eagles |
| DE Frostee Rucker | Bengals |
UPDATE: The Browns have been eerily quiet in free agency even though the Browns were thought to make a push for a quarterback in free agency. For all practical purposes, though, the Browns are going to focus filling their needs through the draft, and to some extent, the secondary free agent market.
Ravens
The Ravens have had to purge their team of several players in order to get under the salary cap. Also, they are the victim of bad timing as key contracts (like Ray Rice) expired and Joe Flacco wants a contract extension. The Ravens are close to having the best team in the AFC. Their biggest needs will be on defense however. Their biggest need now is to add a solid cornerback, and another safety would be a plus. The Ravens offensive line also showed some weaknesses last season too. Adding to the unit will likely be a priority. While the Ravens certainly boast one of the best defenses in the league, it is getting long in the tooth and picking up players with the thought of them becoming replacements for Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, would be wise. Lastly, with the retirement of Ricky Williams, an RB for added depth will likely be a need as well. Also, with the release of Lee Evans, another receiving threat would be a bonus.
Top-Positional Needs: C, T, DE, NT, G, S, RB, WR, LB
Free Agency Signings
| Position, Player | Former Team |
| S Sean Considine | Cardinals |
| CB Corey Graham | Bears |
UPDATE: The biggest move the Ravens made was to re-sign C Matt Birk, which addressed their most important area of need. Otherwise, the Ravens plan appears to be to possibly re-sign some of their free agents at more affordable salaries, possibly after the draft. The Ravens suddenly became thin at the positions we’ve added to their list of needs above.
Steelers
Much like the Ravens, the Steelers have purged their roster too due to salary cap issues and it’s been on the defensive side of the ball to boot. However, Ben Roethlisberger continued to run for his life most of the season. So, the Steelers would do well to add some depth and talent to the offensive line. With Rashard Mendenhall possibly missing most if not all of the 2012 season, running back has become a position of need, especially in terms of depth. But, if the Steelers do not re-sign Mike Wallace, again an issue due to the salary cap, the wide receiver position will leap frog the running back position in terms of need. They’ll need a back up quarterback too.
Top-Positional Needs: G, C, NT, LB, WR, QB, RB
UPDATE: The Steelers have done nothing to address their needs at this time. They have allowed eleven of their players to become free agents and lost another six due to salary cap issues. Except at the guard and center positions, where they are lacking some back-ups, the Steelers have adequate depth. Yet, due to the recent salary cap purge, the question remains whether the depth they do have will translate to a good team on the field compared to the recent past. The Steelers need to get their restricted free agents which include two starting guards and WR Mike Wallace, signed.
AFC South
Colts
The Colts are at a cross road: stick with Peyton Manning for the next three to four years or place the future of the franchise on the shoulders of a rookie quarterback. Whatever the decision, the Colts have numerous needs. On defense, the Colts struggled defending both the pass and the rush and the unit was one of the worst defending either. On offense, the Colts are likely set at running back at least for next season. But, at the wide receiver position, they will have immediate needs should Reggie Wayne and Pierre Garcon not return. Also, the Colts need to upgrade an offensive line that was porous last season.
Top-Positional Needs: C, TE, DE, NT, CB, LB, RB, QB
Free Agency Signings/Trades
| Position, Player | Former Team | |
| WR Donnie Avery | Titans | |
| C Samson Satele | Raiders | |
| G Mike Glynn | Bengals | |
| DE Cory Redding | Ravens | |
| S Tom Zbikowski | Ravens | |
| T Winston Justice | Eagles | |
| QB Drew Stanton | Jets | |
UPDATE: As we all know, the Colts released QB Peyton Manning, and WR Pierre Garcon signed with the Redskins. Even though they are in rebuilding mode, and with the knowledge the Colts will be taking a quarterback with the first overall pick in this year’s draft, the Colts have already been making some good moves by signing a center to take the place vacated by Jeff Saturday, adding some additional offensive linemen to hopefully better protect their young rookie QB, and signing some defensive ballers formerly of the Ravens. In a bit of a head scratcher, WR Reggie Wayne resigned with the team even with Peyton Manning moving on. More then likely,Wayne encountered a much softer market for his services than he expected. With both TE Jacob Tamme and TE Dallas Clark not expected back, the Colts will need tight-end help. Also, if RB Joseph Addai, who was released due to the salary cap, does not return, the Colts may have to find another running back given the injuries that have plagued the team’s running backs in the past. The Colts really just need to build depth right now and sign as many quality free agents as they can handle.
Jaguars
The Jaguars’ defense wasn’t the worst in the league, but not the best either, especially their rush defense. While the Jaguars’ offense wasn’t the worst due to a strong running game, it struggled protecting the ball thanks to QB Blaine Gabbert turning the ball over. The Jaguars will focus their off-season efforts on improving their pass rush and pass defense, by adding a pass rusher and personnel in the secondary. Blaine Gabbert may not be long for the Jaguars but he is the best they have right now. An upgrade in play at the QB position, either through Gabbert or a free agent quarterback, would be a good thing. The Jaguars need receiving weapons. The Jaguars will likely seek another receiver to compliment young Mike Thomas and Marcedes Lewis. The Jaguars could also have a need at the right tackle position.
Top-Positional Needs: DE, S, CB, QB, WR, T
Free Agency Signings
| Position, Player | Former Team |
| WR Laurent Robinson | Cowboys |
| QB Chad Henne | Dolphins |
| CB Aaron Ross | Giants |
UPDATE: Had the trade for Tim Tebow gone through, it would have made the quarterback picture for the Jaguars interesting, as they had already signed QB Chad Henne. One way or another, the Jaguars are looking to boost their offensive passing game. QB Chad Henne will be giving Gabbert a run at the starting job and could be the Jaguars starter come opening day. While neither would be worthwhile fantasy football options come draft day, this should improve the play at the wide receiver and tight-end position. Whether it becomes fantasy football relevant is another story. WR Laurent Robinson was a nice addition even though it remains to be seen if he can play the role of a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver. Likewise, CB Aaron Ross should help the Jaguars defend the pass. The Jaguars still have some work to do, but so far, the Jaguars are making steady and targeted moves to try to improve their roster.
Texans
The Texans were at one point this season, the best team in the AFC. But, then the injury bug hit. Even after QB Matt Schaub, QB Matt Leinhart, WR Andre Johnson, and DE Mario Williams were lost for all or part of the season, the Texans still made he playoffs. This is a case of the Texans trying to keep the band together. Now that the Texans signed RB Arian Foster to a multi-year deal, the Texans have their hands full re-signing LB Mario Williams to a long-term deal. If the Texans could improve their offensive line, they could do a better job protecting Matt Schaub on passing downs. Also, no wide receiver stepped up their game when WR Andre Johnson was out for part of the season. If the Texans had a complimentary receiver for Andre Johnson, the offense would be formidable. Another running back and some secondary help would be a good depth building move.
Top-Positional Needs: C, G, WR, LB, S, CB, DE, RB, QB
UPDATE: The biggest news for the Texans is that they lost several key players from the 2011 Division Championship team not only due to free agency, but also due to their own salary cap issues: DE Mario Williams, T Eric Winston, RB Derrick Ward, and TE Joel Dreessen. K Neil Rackers is also a free agent and is presently unsigned. The Texans also traded LB DeMeco Ryans to the Eagles. Since free agency opened, the Texans have not signed one player. It looks like the Texans needs are depth driven right now. It also looks like the Texans are going to address their needs in the upcoming draft and by signing select free agents who do not carry with them a big salary. Whether this approach works remains to be seen. This is not the approach of choice, but of circumstance.
Titans
The Titans lacked defensive and offensive consistency in 2011. The Titans rush defense wasn’t very good. Their biggest need on that side of the ball is improving their rush defense and pressuring the quarterback. Expect the Titans to add another line backer and look for them to draft a run stuffing defensive tackle. As it looks like the Titans will not be re-signing CB Cortland Finnegan, defensive back will be an area of immediate need. Also, there is a need to improve their offensive line play especially in the running game. Offensively, the Titans are likely set.
Top-Positional Needs: DT, LB, G, DE, DB, S
Free Agency Signings
| Position, Player | Former Team |
| G Steve Hutchinson | Vikings |
| DE Kamerion Wimbley | Raiders |
UPDATE: Sure it would have been great for the Titans to have signed Peyton Manning, but they were solid at the position already. Nonetheless, the Titans must have read The Fantasy Greek’s previous AFC Needs article because even though the Titans made just two free agent signings, they were significant free agent signings, helping both the offensive side and the defensive side of the ball. Hutchinson should make an immediate impact in helping a Titans run game that floundered at times last season. It should also help RB Chris Johnson’s fantasy football production. Wimbley should bring the added pressure the defensive unit was lacking last season. While the Titans still have some needs to address in the off-season, they have acted like a thoughtful NFL team so far in free agency. It’ll be interesting to see what they do over the course of the remainder of free agency and the upcoming draft.
AFC West
Broncos
The Broncos defense was a leaking sieve for a part of last season but then, the defense started to lock down on some of its opponents. Still, this is a team intended to be a defense first team under John Fox. Expect the Broncos to address the linebacker position and defensive line in this year’s draft in terms of depth. In addition, Champ Bailey is not getting any younger. As such, the Broncos should look to get younger with some Bailey heir-apparent through this year’s draft. With the Broncos sporting some of the better young wide receivers in the league, if the right running back is out there, the Broncos would do well to add another one to back-up injury prone Willis McGahee and Knowshon Moreno. With the Broncos also likely to be a run first team, the Broncos will look to improve the offensive line by adding any good run blockers available. The addition of pass-receiving tight-end would be a plus. The Fantasy Greek thinks the Broncos are set at quarterback for at least one more season, whether it’s Tim Tebow or another quarterback brought in through free agency.
Top-Positional Needs: LB, NT, G, C, DE, S, TE, RB, CB, QB,
Free Agency Signings
| Position, Player | Former Team |
| QB Peyton Manning | Colts |
| TE Jacob Tamme | Colts |
| TE Joel Dreessen | Texans |
| WR Andre Caldwell | Bengals |
| S Mike Adams | Browns |
| CB Tracy Porter | Saints |
UPDATE: The Fantasy Greek already commented on how Peyton Manning’s signing would impact the Broncos players in fantasy football. But then, the Broncos added TE Jacob Tamme and TE Joel Dreessen, solid additions and upgrades at the position. Tamme is the likely candidate to get the work in passing situations and his stock is rising for fantasy football purposes. Now that the Broncos addressed their pass defense, they will need to address the gut of the defense, over the middle. They are going to need some depth at the defensive end position and at the quarterback position. There is also only one center on the roster right now. It was a shocker C Jeff Saturday did not follow Peyton Manning to the Broncos. The Broncos have done well in free agency so far.
Chargers
The Chargers were a real head-scratcher last season. The Chargers were a good team on paper but underperforming on the field. From the 2010 season, we know the Chargers can play well without WR Vincent Jackson but he would be a good player for the Chargers to keep. If they do not, the position will be an immediate need. Likewise, if the Chargers can’t retain RB Mike Tolbert, the Chargers will need to add another running back behind Ryan Mathews who has had his share of injury problems. Similarly, while TE Antonio Gates is one of the best tight-ends in the league, the Chargers do not have a back-up of similar talents should he miss any more time due to his lingering foot issues. While the Chargers have a good defense, they need to add depth to the entire unit and upgrade where they can. The offensive line needs help with Kris Dielman retiring and there being potential depth issues. The Chargers need a lot of help.
Top-Positional Needs: C, T, G, NT, S, RB, DE, TE, LB, QB
Free Agency Signings
| Position, Player | Former Team |
| C Nick Hardwick | Chargers |
| WR Robert Meachem | Saints |
| WR-KR Eddie Royal | Broncos |
| TE Dante Rosario | Broncos |
| QB Charlie Whitehurst | Seahawks |
| FB LeRon McClain | Chiefs |
| LB Jarrett Johnson | Ravens |
| LB Demorrio Williams | Chiefs |
| S Atari Bigby | Seahawks |
UPDATE: The Chargers allowed thirteen players to become free agents and released another seven due to salary cap issues. The Chargers biggest signing was the re-signing of C Nick Hardwick. If the Chargers failed to sign him, the entire offensive line would have been in trouble as there would have been no depth at the center position as well as along the entire right side of the line. Now, the issues are more depth related. Still, the Chargers are going to need some help. With the loss of RB Mike Tolbert, RB Ryan Mathews is going to get the majority of the work in the rush offense, making him a fantasy football gem if he stays healthy. FB LeRon McClain will help. Otherwise, the Chargers are going to need to add depth to the position. With WR Vincent Jackson leaving to sign with the Buccaneers, the signing of WR Robert Meachem was intriguing as was the signing of WR-KR Eddie Royal. Certainly, this is Meachem’s opportunity to show he can be a No. 1 receiver in reality, and in fantasy football. Obviously, the opportunity is there. (Read more about wide receiver signings.) Likewise, the signing of receiving tight-end Dante Rosario was a good move too. If TE Antonio misses any time due to his nagging foot issues, the Chargers would still have a weapon in the passing game. On defense, the Chargers addressed the middle of the defense through free agency. The Chargers still have work to do.
Chiefs
The Fantasy Greek thought the Chiefs looked real good last off-season. Here’s what we wrote last year:
Starting quarterback with stud potential — Check. Stud running backs — Check. One of the best wide receivers in the league — Check. Young promising tight-end — Check. Young, up and coming defense — Check.
In 2011, the Chiefs were riddled with injury to their key personal and were suddenly exposed, especially on the offensive side of the ball. The Chiefs defense struggled in 2011 but matters were made worse by an offense that couldn’t put points on the board. If the Chiefs can, they need to build quality depth at the running back position and at the quarterback position. With Dwayne Bowe back, The Fantasy Greek believes that the Chiefs need to add to the offensive line because if there was anything which caused Matt Cassel to struggle, it was the constant pressure he was under at times. Moreover, the Chiefs running game wasn’t the greatest even before RB Jamaal Charles season ending injury. Once this is addressed, whatever help they can get on the defensive side of the ball would be a good idea as they struggled shutting down the rush, finishing towards the bottom of the league.
Top-Positional Needs: G, C, T, NT, RB, QB, CB, S, LB
Free Agency Signings
| Position, Player | Former Team |
| T Eric Winston | Texans |
| RB Peyton Hillis | Browns |
| TE Kevin Boss | Seahawks |
| QB Brady Quinn | Broncos |
| CB Stanford Routt | Raiders |
UPDATE: The Chiefs had a bunch of salary cap space but made measured free agency moves, instead of real splashy, additions to the team. The biggest addition was that of T Eric Winston, formerly of the Texans, who had one of the best rushing attacks in the league. Having learned from the loss of Jamaal Charles due to season ending injury last season, the Chiefs did well to add RB Peyton Hillis. While both Charles’ and Hillis’ fantasy football value take a bit of a hit, from a football perspective, this was a coup. TE Kevin Boss gives the Chiefs a credible red-zone weapon. While QB Brady Quinn is no Peyton Manning, or Kyle Orton for that matter, Romeo Crennel knows of Quinn from his Browns’ days, so there is something to be said that is a positive about the signing. CB Stanford Routt was a nice addition too especially since the Chiefs lost CB Brandon Carr to the Cowboys. Now, the Chiefs need to continue building their roster, especially along the offensive line which lacks depth at the tackle and guard positions.
Raiders
The Raiders surprised the league last season yet again, with what was for all practical purposes, a solid season even after suffering numerous injuries, especially to the running back and quarterback position. Unfortunately, the Raiders are forced to jettison some of their personnel due to being well over the salary cap. The Raiders defense had its good moments, but otherwise struggled at both rush and pass defense. So, The Fantasy Greek believes they would do well to draft a young run stuffer and another pass defense talent. With Michael Bush and Jason Campbell expected to be gone in free agency, the Raiders will need running back and quarterback depth. While the Raiders offensive line did well in the running game, they still weren’t the greatest in pass protection. Whatever offensive lineman is available, will also be on the Raiders’ radar. The Raiders are set at wide receiver. But, they’ll need a back-up quarterback.
Top-Positional Needs: LB, C, T, DE, QB, CB, TE, RB
Free Agency Signings
| Position, Player | Former Team |
| G Mike Brisiel | Texans |
| CB Shawntee Spencer | Forty-Niners |
| CB Ronald Bartell | Rams |
| CB Pat Lee | Packers |
UPDATE: If you thought other teams had bad salary cap situations, the Raiders seemed to have the worst allowing fourteen players to become free agents and releasing six players due to salary cap concerns. This has created depth issues at center and safety, but more so at the linebacker position. The signings so far have not been flashy. The Raiders have their work cut out for them and likely have their hopes resting on adding players once salary requests become more reasonable. Yet, it’s hard not to believe that this team will be made up of players who have been looking for the opportunity to get significant playing time. These players will likely get their chance. With the loss of RB Michael Bush to free agency, RB Taiwan Jones is going to get some opportunities in the offense to shine in relief of Darren McFadden or if McFadden goes down to injury again.