With no new collective bargaining agreement signed between the players union and the owners it was not a surprise how many moves we saw take place this offseason. With not as big of a pool for unrestricted free agents teams had to get creative to fill voids on their teams with quality players.
The Lions I feel were best at working all ways to aquire new players to help out a team that was desperate for talent. Martin Mayhew did a great job swinging deals for Corey Williams, Chris Houston, Shaun HIll, and Tony Sheffler. Williams will start with Ndamakung Suh in the middle of that Detroit defense, while Chris Houston, who was aquired for only a 6th round choice will most likely shore up a starting corner job. Shaun Hill the Lions got for a seventh round pick will be able to back up their franchise QB Matt Stafford. Sheffler was an interesting pickup in a trade, although the Lions lost Ernie Sims they got a great downfield threat that can play either traditional tight end or in the slot.
The Lions also were able to get free agents Kyle Vanden Bosh and Nate Burleson to help bring in significant veteran presents on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Add in more depth pickups in free agency and another strong draft class and it seems like the Lions are on their way up.
This is just one story of many teams looking to make their teams better. One other team that has greatly improved, on paper, is the New York Jets. Rex Ryan is trying to put together a jugernaut. More and more players continue to buy into Rex Ryan's ideals, but most of them are players that have had concerns off the field. It will be interesting to seeif Ryan can harness the talent or if it will implode.
In the ever changing landscape of the NFL, another draft goes by and teams are now getting prepared for minicamp.
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