Free Agency Musical Chairs - Defense

Last Wednesday, The Daily Hat Trick analyzed the potential impact of several standout free agents still available. Six days later, six of those free agents have signed contracts. Today, we look at where some of these free agents stand and how it will impact the competitive landscape of the league in 2011.

Defensive Tackle

Tommie Harris – New team: Indianapolis Colts

The Colts are a team that has, generally, been dreadful on defense since its Super Bowl XLI win, following the 2006 season. Harris will be a big presence, literally and figuratively, in the middle of the Colts’ defensive line. He should particularly provide much needed additional help against the run.

If everything goes as planned, Harris (right) is going to free up Dwight Freeney (left) to reek havoc on offensive backfields. 1

Defensive End

Shaun Ellis – New team: New England Patriots

New York Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan said that he respects Shaun Ellis, wished him a healthy season, but did not wish Ellis the best of luck in New England. I don’t blame him. The 11 year veteran, who had spent his entire career with the Jets, has not shown signs of slowing down on the field. Now he has been jettisoned by the only professional employer he ever had? And he lands with an archrival in the same division? WHY would you let a guy with something to prove go to your biggest obstacle between you and a championship, a team you may have to face three times in the 2011 season?

I am sure Tom Brady will be among the first to welcome Ellis TO the Patriots. 2

Linebacker

Dhani Jones – New Team: Unsigned

This non-move is perplexing to me. Jones is going to bring value to any team that signs him, be it his old Bengals team or a free agent suitor. I, personally, would do a happy dance if he landed with my New Orleans Saints. Keep an eye on developments with Jones. He represents a potential shift of linebacking power in the league in 2011.

Perhaps Jones fell in love with a different brand of football as he traveled the world? NAH!  3

Cornerback

Brent Grimes – resigned with his current team, the Atlanta Falcons

No surprise here…. The Falcons needed to retain Grimes’ services to remain competitive, as a contender, on defense. Grimes, reportedly, was made a very generous offer and he was a restricted free agent.  

Safety

Husain Abdullah – New team: Arizona Cardinals

Husain and his older brother, Hamza (unrestricted free agent who resigned with the Cardinals) will be patrolling the skies in Arizona next year. Husain Abdullah is a much needed upgrade to a secondary that lost cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in the trade with the Philadelphia Eagles to acquire quarterback Kevin Kolb.

Jordan Babineaux – New team: Tennessee Titans

Babineaux is an experienced veteran who will offer leadership to the Titans secondary. However, the titans are clearly in a rebuilding mode, with new quarterbacks and a new head coach. I am not familiar with the terms of Babineaux’s contract, but I am going to guess that the Titans had an accommodating depth chart and made him an offer that was so financially attractive that it trumped any offers from likely contenders.

Lawyer Milloy – still unsigned

Milloy is another long time veteran who, if willing to accept a lesser role and/or a lesser salary, could contribute to a contender and help push that team’s secondary up a notch with his experience, leadership, and (still impressive) productive capacity. Milloy’s landing spot may not generate much media fanfare, but I think it will be significant, should he be signed in 2011.

Brodney Pool – resigned with this current team, the New York Jets

This move surprised me, as it did others who speculated Pool would not return to the Jets. Pool will offer continuity to a very solid secondary. I think this is a good move for both Pool and the Jets.  

Roy Williams – still unsigned

This is another unsigned veteran who, once signed, will be an upgrade. The glut of available talented safeties in free agency may be a reason that Williams is still unsigned, more than a week into training camp. Maybe the 10 year veteran just does not want to go to training camp. Whatever the reason is, Williams’ progress merits monitoring because he will be an improvement to most defensive backfields.

Hazma (left) and Husain (right) Abdullah: blood is thicker than water! 4 

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1) Image from coltzilla.com

2) Image from bostonherald.com

3) Image from everyjoe.com

4) Image from mn-sz.com