NFL: My look at free agency

I can't recall a free agency period that started as fast as this year. A lot of good players have been signed and released in the last 48 hours. I won't try to look at every nook and cranny, but here are some highlights. A. They don't have much money to spend but Falcons were thrilled when veteran tight end Tony Gonzalez said he would come back for another season at a reasonable price. They also were smart to re-sign safety William Moore and look ready to re-up corner Brent Grimes, though Tampa Bay is in pursuit of him as well. B. Armed with a pile of cash, the Dolphins have been loading up. So far the Fins have paid top dollar and added linebackers Dannell Ellerbee (from Georgia) and Phillip Wheeler (from Georgia Tech) and former Steeler wide receiver Mike Wallace. Miami also retained a quality free safer, Chris Clemons. The Dolphins still have $20 under the cap and are looking at Jets tight end Dustin Keller. But Miami has also suffered some serious losses including leading rusher Reggie Bush, tight end Anthony Fasano, linebackers Karlos Dansby and Kevin Burnett. Pro Bowl tackle Jake Long is likely going the free agent route as is starting corner Sean Smith so the Dolphins still need more help on the OL and at corner. Tight end too if they can't sign Keller. C. St. Louis swiped tight end Jared Cook from Tennessee and he will help make up for the loss of Danny Amendola who the Rams middle-of-the-field specialist. However Tennessee made some noise of its own by signing stud guard Andy Levitre from the hapless Bills, a solid veteran safety in George Wilson (also a former Bill), a very solid blocking tight in Delanie Walker and Jets leading rusher Shonn Greene. I have to question committing $10 million to a back to fill in for Chris Johnson, but Walker, WIlson and Levitre were excellent pickups. D. Supposedly Tom Brady isn't too happy that the Patriots let Wes Welker get away to the Broncos, but picking up a younger, cheaper (per year) Danny Amendola from the Rams was a pretty good comeback. He can do some of the same things Welker did, tough he isn't as explosive and does tend to get hurt. The Rams will miss him. A healthy Welker should be a great threat working the middle of the field between Decker and Thomas in Denver. Denver also added a good guard when they snatched Louis Vasquez away from the stupid Chargers. Peyton Manning should have even more time to find his three hoss receivers. E. Reggie Bush should form an effective tandem with power back Michael Leshoure. I guess the Lions have given up on Javid Best returning. F. Seattle added pass rushing end Cliff Avril with a two-year, $15 million dollar deal. Avril has averaged about 10 sacks and 35 tackles per year for the last three seasons. Pete Carroll loved pass rushers and Avril has delivered for Detroit in that regard. I'll have some more on free agency later this week.