Free Agent Analysis: Peyton Manning

This is an analysis of Peyton Manning signing with the Broncos
For years people have said if Peyton Manning were ever to become a free agent, he could greatly dictate the market, like Lebron James did in the NBA. He didn't have that kind of presence since he is coming off another neck surgery and his playing career is still in some doubt. He still had a nice pay day.

What he brings to the table: Peyton Manning is one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play in the NFL. However one of the main concerns is the fact he is coming off another neck injury. However if he can his impact is beyond speech. In terms of protecting him, he gets the ball out so fast that it aids that concern. He also raises the ability of his receivers. He was able to make guys like Branden Stokley and make them pro bowlers, but once he left they went back being average receivers.

Impact on the team receiving him: When you talk about a change at the position this is what Peyton Manning brings to the table. Last year the Broncos changed their entire offense to fit Tebow's skill set. Turning into a more spread offense and it caught a lot of NFL teams off guard. But finishing off the year Tebow was 1-4 including the playoffs. Showing that NFL teams caught up to what Tebow was doing. Bringing Peyton is the opposite as a defense will never feel safe with him under center. Also the receivers will feel a major impact. For example Eric Decker was having a solid year, but it all went down hill when Tebow gained the starting quarterback role. With Peyton Manning you can expect Decker to have something close to a pro bowl caliber year.

Impact on the Team losing him: Technically it is nothing since Peyton didn't play a game for the Colts last year. However overall it is without question the biggest lost for any free agent leaving their team because he makes up for so many flaws. That was proven to be a fact as not only did the Colts winning streak fell eight games, but for the first half of the year they didn't even look competitive. However they should be drafting Andrew Luck with the first pick in the NFL draft. And if he becomes what everybody says he will be this loss won't be felt in the long term at all.

Overall both teams are taking a risk. The Broncos are taking a risk of Peyton Manning hoping to be fully healed from his neck injury. The Colts are taking a risk that Andrew Luck becomes the star that they hope he becomes. The odds are these risks are well worth it.

Free agent analysis: Mario Williams

This is an analysis of Mario Williams signing with the Buffalo Bills.
Mario Williams was the defensive prized free agent. Buffalo Looks to have a defensive star for many years to come.
What he brings to the table:
Mario Williams is an elite pass rusher and is good at stooping the run. While it may not be a strength of his game, but on some occasion he can go back and drop in coverage. Obviously having experience with playing Linebacker last year makes him very versatile.
Impact on the team receiving him: The Buffalo Bills were one of the worst teams when pressuring the quarterback. Registering 29 sacks which ranked 27th in the NFL. The Bills are switching to a 4-3 defense. He will be playing defensive end. Mario Williams will get most of the double teams and because of that you could see Marcell Dareus have a break out second year.
Impact on the team losing him: The Houston Texans obviously wanted to keep Mario Williams, but at the price that it was it became too expensive for them. One thing Houston did is their defense played just as well with Mario, as they did without him. They ended the year ranked 4th in defensive points given up per game at 17.4 and ranked 2nd in total number of yards given up at 285.7. Two guys that played a bigger role last year, that must step up even more this year is Connor Barwin and Brooks Reid. As they need to find a consistent outside pass rush.
Overall both teams did a good job. Buffalo now has a consistent outside pass rush, all be it that they may have overpaid. Houston didn't have the cap to resign Mario, but they look to have a group of guys who collectively can replace him.