Top 10 Offseason Surprises

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Mar 6, 2007

Top 10 Offseason Surprises

Rams open vault for Drew Bennett

The Rams are giving Bennett a five-year, $30 million deal, with a reported $10 million guaranteed. Bennett has had injury problems and will likely be the third receiver in St. Louis. Obviously that is a lot for a third receiver, but the Rams use plenty of multi-WR sets and second receiver Isaac Bruce is getting old. Still, St. Louis wasn't the most obvious destination.

Titans lose Travis Henry

The Titans owed Henry a huge bonus, so releasing him makes sense. But they said they still hoped he'd be back. In retrospect, Tennesse probably should have tried harder to restructure Henry's deal, because the veteran RB was snapped up the Broncos in a hurry. The Titans still have a good deal of salary-cap space remaining.

Pats trade for Wes Welker

Welker, a restricted free agent, wasn't on many people's radar, but when the Pats dealt a second- and seventh-round pick to the Dolphins, lots of folks stopped and realized how good the fourth-year receiver/returner was in Miami.

Small Price for Thomas Jones

Everyone knew Jones was on the market because the Bears weren't willing to give the veteran running back the long-term contract he desired. But after his Super Bowl performance (112 rushing yards), you'd think he would cost more than what the Jets paid -- switching their No. 37 pick for the No. 63 pick in the draft.

Chargers re-sign Kris Dielman

Everyone thought the Chargers would lose Dielman, one of the most sought-after offensive linemen on the market. But Dielman took less money to stay, keeping one of the best lines in the NFL together.

Pats sign Adalius Thomas

Thomas is a great fit for the Pats' 3-4 scheme, but it's hard to believe they were able to land him when the 49ers offered more money. New England is not known for spending a lot, but it's been very active this offseason.

Bills throw huge money at O-line

The Bills gave guard Derrick Dockery, right, a seven-year, $49 million deal and Langston Walker a five-year, $25 million deal. Both have potential, but that's a lot of cap space for two guys who've never been to the Pro Bowl.

Cowboys break bank on Leonard Davis

Davis, a former No. 2 overall pick, is the poster boy for underachievers, but the Cowboys still gave him a seven-year, $49 million deal. Dallas must be of the opinion that Davis struggled because he was in a dysfunctional situation in Arizona.

Texans sign Ahman Green

The Packers didn't feel Green had much left in the tank, but the Texans were willing to invest $8 million in him next season. That's a higher figure than most anticipated for the 30-year-old running back.

Bucs trade for Jake Plummer

Plummer let it be known he'd retire if the Broncos traded him to the Bucs. They did it anyway. Now Plummer has to decide if he'll follow up on his promise or see if he can force a deal to another team.

Top 10 Offseason Surprises