At Footballguys.com, there is a very useful tool to help track free agents. The FBG Free Agent Tracker, which is always being updated, let’s you know the status of all the free agents, which is particularly useful this time of year. In addition, Footballguys assigns an importance rating of 1-5 for each player. That’s subjective, of course, but it’s better than nothing (another great option is what Bill Barnwell is doing over at ESPN).
And while free agency isn’t over, I thought it would be useful to “check in” on how teams are doing. According to Footballguys, the Bears have added the most value so far this season, courtesy of adding Jerrell Freeman (linebacker, Colts), Danny Trevathan (linebacker, Broncos), Akiem Hicks (defensive end, Patriots), and Bobby Massie (offensive tackle, Cardinals). Meanwhile, the Dolphins have lost the most, with Lamar Miller (running back, Texans), Olivier Vernon (defensive end, Giants), Derrick Shelby (defensive end, Falcons), Rishard Matthews (wide receiver, Titans), Brent Grimes (cornerback, Bucs), and Brice McCain (cornerback, Titans) all moving on.
On a net basis, the most-improved team this free agency period? That would be the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are only down Sam Young (offensive tackle, Dolphins) and up Tashaun Gipson (safety, Cleveland), Chris Ivory (running back, Jets), Prince Amukamara (cornerback, Giants), Brad Nortman (punter, Panthers), and Mackenzy Bernadeau (center, Cowboys). The table below shows the amount of points gained, lost, and net for each team so far:
| Rk | Tm | GAIN | LOST | NET |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JAX | 14 | -1 | 13 |
| 2 | ATL | 14 | -3 | 11 |
| 3 | HOU | 13 | -3 | 10 |
| 4 | CHI | 15 | -7 | 8 |
| 4 | NYG | 14 | -6 | 8 |
| 4 | TB | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| 7 | BAL | 10 | -5 | 5 |
| 7 | OAK | 10 | -5 | 5 |
| 7 | TEN | 9 | -4 | 5 |
| 7 | MIN | 9 | -4 | 5 |
| 7 | PIT | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| 12 | SD | 12 | -9 | 3 |
| 13 | DET | 7 | -5 | 2 |
| 14 | CAR | 3 | -2 | 1 |
| 15 | PHI | 11 | -11 | 0 |
| 16 | NYJ | 6 | -7 | -1 |
| 17 | SF | 1 | -3 | -2 |
| 17 | WAS | 1 | -3 | -2 |
| 19 | MIA | 14 | -17 | -3 |
| 20 | DEN | 5 | -9 | -4 |
| 20 | KC | 5 | -9 | -4 |
| 20 | SEA | 4 | -8 | -4 |
| 20 | DAL | 0 | -4 | -4 |
| 24 | NE | 5 | -10 | -5 |
| 24 | ARI | 3 | -8 | -5 |
| 24 | NO | 3 | -8 | -5 |
| 24 | LA | 2 | -7 | -5 |
| 24 | GB | 0 | -5 | -5 |
| 29 | IND | 1 | -9 | -8 |
| 29 | BUF | 0 | -8 | -8 |
| 29 | CIN | 0 | -8 | -8 |
| 32 | CLE | 0 | -16 | -16 |
The Browns have often been active during free agency and then been disappointing during the regular season. I am not sure if the latter is going to change, but the former sure has this year.