The AFC South : A Week Into Free Agency

Thanks to Collin for keeping after me and finally getting me to post on The Big Cat.

Disclaimer: This is my first post on BCC so any complaints must be mailed in with a stamp featuring ex-President Gerald Ford. If you're still THAT determined to tell me how bad or boring this post is then just post it in the comments. HA!

Tennessee
The Titans made a smart move by keeping quarterback Kerry Collins. Collins proved last season he can manage the game and help lead the Titans to the NFL's best record. By signing ex-Steeler Nate Washington Tennessee provided their veteran signal caller with a deep threat. Washington has nice size and has been utilized as a number three in Pittsburgh and should crack the starting line up with the Titans.

Tennessee also bolstered their defensive line with the addition of former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Jovan Haye. Haye will fit nicely in the Titan's rotation and should benefit from longtime defensive line coach Jim Washburn. Tennessee also kept nickel back Vincent Fuller and longtime punter Craig Hentrich. 

Indianapolis
The Colts maintained their status quo at the start of free agency which is to say they did not sign any outside free agents. They did have one bit of internal business, resigning Pro Bowl center Jeff Saturday to a three year deal. Keeping Saturday keeps the most important offensive lineman on the Colts.

While Indy hasn't done anything in free agency, it's par for the course. They never do much if anything when it comes to signing other team's players. Under Bill Polian the Colts have drafted so well and kept the foundation intact that free agency is pretty much an afterthought.

Houston
The Texans went into the offseason looking for a bookend pass rusher for Pro Bowler Mario Williams. Houston signed former Cardinals defensive end Antonio Smith to a five year deal. Smith is seen as a young player that's up and coming. His performance in the playoffs was very impressive and no doubt that made an impression on new defensive coordinator Frank Bush.

Even though it wasn't a free agent move the Texans did move quarterback Sage Rosenfels to Minnesota for a draft pick. Rosenfels is one of the more capable back ups in the NFL and as long as he keeps his feet on the ground he can win games. In a response to the back up quarterback need Houston signed ex-Lion Dan Orlovsky. GM Rick Smith is still trying to put a foundation in place for a talented and rising Houston team and seems to have added a few solid pieces so far.

Jacksonville
The Jaguars have taken a new approach to free agency under the watchful eye of Gene Smith. The team hasn't been the player in free agency it has been in seasons past. The only move to add an outside player has been the addition of safety Sean Considine formerly of the Philadelphia Eagles. Considine fits Smith's vision of a hard working player that has great character as well.

The Jaguars did manage to keep a few of their own early in the free agency period. Veteran center Brad Meester signed a four year contract. Keeping Brad means the team will keep a guy that is a leader on the field and in the locker room. Nickel back and special teams gunner Scott Starks resigned for two years. Starks is a very good special teamer and may play nickel for the Jags this season.