Free Agency Recap: NFC East

This is all based off of any activity that transpired through March 17th, 7 o'clock PM central time

Washington Redskins

Trending: Up

Key signings: OLB Brian Orakpo, WR Santana Moss, DT Jason Hatcher, CB Tracy Porter

Quick Take: The Redskins made sure they didn’t lose playmakers they already had by retaining Santana Moss and applying the franchise tag to Brian Orakpo. They went and upgraded the secondary by signing Tracy Porter to pair with DeAngelo Hall and just minutes ago extended Brandon Meriweather. They also helped the front seven out big time by signing ILB Darryl Sharpton, formerly of the Houston Texans and extending their own Perry Riley. To put the final touches on the defensive line, they signed former Cowboy Jason Hatcher, strengthening their defensive front while weakening the Cowboys at the same time.
Grade: B

Jason Hatcher is the newest addition to the Redskins defensive front

Philadelphia Eagles

Trending: Up

Key Signings: WR Jeremy Maclin, FS Malcolm Jenkins, RB Darren Sproles

Quick Take: Coming off a playoff season, the Eagles made it a priority to take care of in-house business. They locked up Jeremy Maclin and Riley Cooper on the receiving front while also making a splash addition at running back with Darren Sproles. So Nick Foles’ arsenal next year will consist of Sproles, Cooper, Maclin, Desean Jackson, and LeSean McCoy. The Eagles didn’t stop on offense. Defensively they locked up safety Nate Allen and added former Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins. This team is improved from the NFC East champs they were last year.
Grade: B+

Eagles add versatile running back Darren Sproles

New York Giants

Trending: Up

Key Signings: CB Walter Thurmond, CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, S Quintin Demps, C J.D Walton, ILB O’Brien Schofield, RB Rashad Jennings, KR/WR Trindon Holliday

Quick Take: Arguably the most improved team on paper in the division is the Giants. They addressed many key needs, starting with the secondary. They signed a pair of legitimate cornerbacks in Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (former Bronco) and Walter Thurmond (former Seahawk) and a nice addition at safety in Quintin Demps (former Chief). They upgrades the offensive line with the addition of former Redskin center J.D Walton, which also weakened a division rival. They added Rashad Jennings, a formidable back to their backfield and even upgraded their special teams with former Bronco return ace Trindon Holliday. This team has the makings to be in the mix for a deep playoff run, depending of course on the play of Eli Manning.
Grade: A

Giants bolster defensive backfield with Rodgers-Cromartie

Dallas Cowboys

Trending: Down

Key Signings: None

Quick Take: Things are very quickly going from ugly to rebuilding for the Cowboys. Last year they had the worst defense in NFL history and in reaction to that they… got rid of the two best players on defense in Jason Hatcher and Demarcus Ware. Yes, it was the right move to cut bait with the 33-year-old Ware after he refused a pay cut, but in order to fill that void, all they have to show for is Jeremy Mincey. The jury is still out on Anthony Spencer but if the Cowboys can’t bring him back at a reasonable price, Jerry Jones might as well try to suit up and get pressure on the opposing quarterback. Speaking of, the only headline signing the Cowboys have had is former Browns first round pick Brandon Weeden. This signing could have many things behind it, but it definitely does not make them a better football team. This is a rebuilding team that may not even live up to its own standards of 8-8 next year.
Grade: D

Cowboys have to let go of two significant contributors and don't have the cap room to replace them