NFL Gridiron Gab has spent the past few weeks breaking down the divisions with our “Offseason Overviews.” We went through all 32 teams, and today we highlight the AFC East. Click below to read the Offseason Overview of your AFC East team:

New England Patriots - Can the Pats put the Super Bowl Loss Behind Them?

Miami Dolphins - Nowhere to Go But Up for Dolphins

New York Jets - Jets Hoping Busy Offseason Pays Off in 08

Buffalo Bills - Bills Still Have a Ways to Go

NFL Gridiron Gab has spent the past few weeks breaking down the divisions with our “Offseason Overviews.”  We went through all 32 teams, and today we highlight the AFC West.  Click below to read the Offseason Overview of your AFC West team:

Oakland Raiders: Russell and Raiders Should Be Better in 08

Kansas City Chiefs: Chiefs Building From the Ground Up

San Diego Chargers: Health a Key for a Big Chargers Season

Denver Broncos: Broncos Look to Regain Playoff Form

NFL Gridiron Gab has spent the past few weeks breaking down the divisions with our “Offseason Overviews.” We went through all 32 teams, and today we highlight the NFC North. Click below to read the Offseason Overview of your NFC North team:

Chicago Bears: Growing Pains Not Over for the Bears

Detroit Lions: Can the Lions Roar in the NFC North?

Minnesota Vikings: Vikings Seem Ready to Take Another Step Up

Green Bay Packers: Can the Pack Make it Back Without Favre?

NFL Gridiron Gab has spent the past few weeks breaking down the divisions with our “Offseason Overviews.”  We went through all 32 teams, and today we highlight the AFC North.  Click below to read the Offseason Overview of your AFC North team:

Pittsburgh Steelers - Steelers Have Talent; Can They Put it All Together?

Cleveland Browns - Browns Ready to Challenge in the AFC

Baltimore Ravens - New Look Ravens Hoping to Fly High in 2008

Cincinnati Bengals - Questions Still Surround the Bengals

NFL Gridiron Gab has spent the past few weeks breaking down the divisions with our “Offseason Overviews.”  We went through all 32 teams, and today we highlight the NFC East.  Click below to read the Offseason Overview of your NFC East team:

New York Giants - Were the Giants a One-Year Wonder?

Dallas Cowboys - Cowboys Look to Move Past Playoff Letdown

Washington Redskins - Redskins to Have a Much Different Look in 08

Philadelphia Eagles - Can the Eagles Fly High in the Tough NFC East?

Franchise Player: None

TRANSITION PLAYER: OT Max Starks (tendered at $6.895M; signed tender April 21).

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

• LB Marquis Cooper is a special teams player and possible developmental linebacker. Not a priority.

• RB Verron Haynes was re-signed late in the season after Willie Parker was hurt but likely won’t receive another offer from Pittsburgh.

• FB Dan Kreider’s role was diminished last year and then his ACL was torn. He’s working out and the Steelers might sign him if he gets no looks elsewhere.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS

• LB Arnold Harrison will receive a contract because he’s a good, young backup at a position that is thin and he also plays special teams.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

• LB Keyaron Fox: UFA Chiefs; $645,000/1 yr, $40,000 SB; 2008 cap: $485,000.

• C Justin Hartwig: FA Panthers; $3.725M/2 yrs, $975,000 SB.

• RB Mewelde Moore: UFA Vikings; $4.95M/3 yrs, $1.35M SB.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

• DE Nick Eason: UFA’ 2 yrs, terms unknown.

• OT Trai Essex: RFA, $927,000/1 yr.

• LB Andre Frazier: Not tendered as RFA; 1 yr, terms unknown.

• G Chris Kemoeatu: RFA; $1.47M/1 yr.

• DE Travis Kirschke: Potential UFA; 2 yrs, terms unknown.

• OT Max Starks: TFA; $6.895M/1 yr.

• LS Greg Warren: RFA; $2.3M/3 yrs, $395,000 SB.

• WR Nate Washington: RFA; $1.47M/1 yr.

PLAYERS LOST

• G Alan Faneca: UFA Jets; $40M/5 yrs, $21M guaranteed.

• LB Clark Haggans: UFA Cardinals; $1.5M/1 yr, SB unknown.

• LB Cliff Kriewaldt (released/failed physical).

• CB/KR Allen Rossum (released).

• QB Brian St. Pierre: UFA Cardinals; 1 yr, terms unknown.

• TE Jerame Tuman (released).

• WR Cedrick Wilson (released).

The first half of the 2007 season it looked as if the Steelers were going to run away with the AFC North, and at one point Sporting News picked them as the favorite to beat the Patriots at some point in the season and possibly the AFC playoffs. Then, just as they were getting stronger, the bottom dropped out. Injuries, inconsistent play, and then more injuries marred the last half of Mike Tomlin’s first year as Steelers head coach, and despite finishing 10-6, the team lost its first playoff game at home to the Jaguars, a team that looks more like the Steelers now than the Steelers do.

The team looked to reload this offseason, getting some players like Willie Parker back from injury, and as usual the team was frugal in picking up just three players - LB Keyaron Fox (KC), C Justin Hartwig (Carolina), and RB Mewelde Moore (Minnesota). They resigned eight players, and lost three (Alan Faneca’s departure was expected, but hurts the most), and released four, including WR Cedric Wilson, who can’t stop hitting women. Pittbsugh picked up two possible big-name weapons in the draft, RB Rashard Mendenhall in round one, and WR Limas Sweed in round two. While they will be pressed hard by the Browns in the North, they still have plenty of talent to be one of the top 3-4 teams in the AFC.

Offseason Grade to Date: C+

Franchise Player: None.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

• DT Russell Davis, a nine-year veteran, was signed as a free agent on Sept. 10. He saw action in 12 games and was on the inactive list the other four during the regular season.

• LS Ryan Kuehl, an 11-year veteran, missed the entire season with a torn calf muscle and is likely to become a retired player.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered offers)

• DE Adrian Awasom (not tendered as RFA) was on injured reserve when he was sent home from the Super Bowl after getting in trouble off the field.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

• QB David Carr: FA Panthers; $1M/1 yr, $250,000 SB.

• LB Danny Clark: UFA Texans; $4M/2 yrs, SB unknown.

• S Sammy Knight: UFA Jaguars; $5.15M/3 yrs, $1.25M SB.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

• S James Butler: RFA; tendered at $1.47M; terms unknown.

• P Jeff Feagles: Potential UFA; $1.7M/2 yrs.

• QB Jared Lorenzen: RFA; $927,000/1 yr.

• K Lawrence Tynes: Potential UFA; $7M/5 yrs, SB unknown.

• RB Derrick Ward: UFA; $1M/1 yr, SB unknown.

PLAYERS LOST

• FB Jim Finn (released, failed physical).

• DT William Joseph: UFA Raiders; terms unknown.

• LB Kawika Mitchell: UFA Bills; $17.5M/5 yrs, $3.5M guaranteed.

• SLB Reggie Torbor: UFA Dolphins; $14M/4 yrs, $5M guaranteed.

• FS Gibril Wilson: UFA Raiders; $39M/7 yrs, $16M guaranteed.

• DT Manny Wright (released).

Last season the Giants came out of nowhere to stun the world by winning the NFL title and upsetting the heavily favored Patriots in the big game. This year it won’t be quite so easy to sneak up on teams, and the Giants know that and looked to address needs in the offseason. They went defense in the early part of the draft, taking safety Kenny Phillips and CB Terrell Thomas in rounds one and two. Many think they got a steal with WR Mario Manningham in round three. QB Andre Woodson in round six was an interesting pick, but can do some things.

Knowing they needed secondary help, they picked up Sammy Knight from the Jags for three years at $5.1 mil, and got Eli Manning another possible backup in David Carr. They lost LB Kawika Mitchell to the Bills, and FS Gibril Wilson took a mega deal in Oakland. Overall, they should be close to the same team in 2007, but will be hard pressed with a schedule includes four night games, and big games at Pittsburgh, at Cleveland, and of course vs their always tough NFC East pals in Philly, Dallas and Washington.

Offseason Grade to Date: C

FRANCHISE PLAYER: CB Nnamdi Asomugha (exclusively tendered at $9.465M, could increase as of April 25).

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

• QB Daunte Culpepper got in enough starts while Raiders waited for Russell to put on his resume and move on.

• WR Tim Dwight caught a pair of touchdown passes and provided a spark but had trouble staying healthy at age 32.

• RB ReShard Lee had his moments as a runner-receiver under Art Shell, but was injured early last summer and missed the entire season.

• C Jeremy Newberry surprised everyone by starting 14 times after knee troubles had limited him to 11 games in three previous years with the 49ers. Said he wants to return.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

• WR Drew Carter: UFA Panthers; $2M/1 yr, SB unknown.

• DE Kalimba Edwards: FA Lions; $5M/2 yrs, SB unknown.

• CB DeAngelo Hall (traded Falcons).

• T Kwame Harris: UFA 49ers; $14M/3 yrs, SB unknown.

• LB Ed Hartwell: Fa; terms unknown.

• DT William Joseph: UFA Giants; terms unknown.

• DE Greg Spires: FA Buccaneers; terms unknown.

• C John Wade: UFA Buccaneers; terms unknown.

• CB Michael Waddell: Not tendered as RFA by Titans; terms unknown.

• WR Javon Walker: FA Broncos; $55M/6 yrs, $11M SB/$5M RB 2009; 2008 cap: $2.83M.

• FS Gibril Wilson: UFA Giants; $39M/7 yrs, $16M guaranteed.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

• LB Jon Alston: ERFA; terms unknown.

• LB Ricky Brown: ERFA; terms unknown.

• LS Jon Condo: ERFA; terms unknown.

• S Jarrod Cooper: UFA; terms unknown.

• LB Isaiah Ekejiuba: RFA; tendered at $927,000; terms unknown.

• RB Justin Fargas: Potential UFA; $12M/3 yrs, $5.395M SB.

• OT Cornell Green: UFA; $4M/2 yrs, SB unknown.

• S Hiram Eugene: ERFA; terms unknown.

• DT Tommy Kelly: Potential UFA; $50.5M/7 yrs; $18.125M guaranteed.

• TE John Madsen: ERFA; terms unknown.

• WR Chris McFoy: ERFA; terms unknown.

• OT Jonathan Palmer: ERFA; terms unknown.

• DT Josh Shaw: RFA, tendered at $927,000; terms unknown.

• LB Sam Williams: Potential UFA; terms unknown.

• OT Mark Wilson: ERFA; terms unknown.

PLAYERS LOST

• DE/DT Tyler Brayton: UFA Panthers; 2 yrs, terms unknown.

• CB/S Chris Carr: RFA Titans; $2M/1 yr (did not match Titans offer).

• DE Chris Clemons: UFA Eagles; $13.585M/5 yrs, $4M SB.

• QB Josh McCown: UFA Dolphins; $6.25M/2 yrs, $2.5M SB.

• WR Jerry Porter: UFA Jaguars; $30M/6 yrs, $3M SB/$3.6M RB, $2M RB ‘09.

• RB Dominic Rhodes (released).

• DT Warren Sapp (retired).

• OT Barry Sims (released).

• CB Fabian Washington (traded Ravens).

A promising start turned into another awful season for the Raiders, who went from 2-2 to lose 10 of their last 12 games in 2007, ending the year 4-12. It earned them the right to pick a player in the draft they feel will change their fortunes - Arkansas running back Darren McFadden. The team is hoping the tandem of McFadden, Michael Bush and Justin Fargas can give them a solid three-some at running back. JaMarcus Russell gets the QB reigns from day one, allowing him and the offense to hopefully grow into what it should be. The team brought in two wide outs that hopefully will add some abilities to the mix - Drew Carter and Javon Walker.

The big move on defense was making a deal to get CB DeAngelo Hall from the Falcons, and signing safety Gibril Wilson to a big deal to anchor the secondary. The defense should be better with those two players, as well as with some players on the front line that allowed way too many yards in the run game - 145.9 per game. Lane Kiffin has had his issues already this season to the point where it looked as if he might not be around, but if he can survive the wrath of Al Davis, the Raiders could be a much better team in 2008.

Offseason Grade to Date: B 

Franchise Player: None.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

• OG Ruben Brown missed the final eight games of the season with a shoulder injury that required surgery, which, after 13 NFL seasons, is probably a career ender.

• DT Antonio Garay is a bottom-of-the-depth chart player who finished the season on injured reserve with a fractured ankle.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

• WR Marty Booker: FA Dolphins; $3.5M/2 yrs, SB unknown.

• WR Brandon Lloyd: FA Redskins; $645,000/1 yr, $40,000 WO; 2008 cap: $485,000.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

• LB Lance Briggs: UFA; $36M/6 yrs, $4M SB/$3.75M RB; $4.75M RB ‘09, $3.3M RB ‘10.

• WR Rashied Davis: RFA; $5.86M/3 yrs, SB unknown.

• QB Rex Grossman: Potential UFA; $3M/1 yr, $1.5M guaranteed.

• S Brandon McGowan: RFA; $1.47M/1 yr.

PLAYERS LOST

• S Adam Archuleta (released).

• LB Brendon Ayanbadejo: UFA Ravens; $4.9M/4 yrs, $1.9M SB.

• WR Bernard Berrian: UFA Vikings; $42M/6 yrs, $$5M SB/$8M RB; $3M RB ‘09.

• TE John Gilmore: UFA Buccaneers; terms unknown.

• QB Brian Griese (traded Buccaneers).

• CB Ade Jimoh (released).

• DT Jimmy Kennedy: UFA Jaguars (Bears had individually negotiated right of first refusal and did not match); $655,000/1 yr, $50,000 SB.

• T Fred Miller (released/failed physical).

• WR Muhsin Muhammad (released).

• DT Darwin Walker (released).

Last season the Bears took a big step back from their Super Bowl outing in 2006 and fell to 7-9 and missed the playoffs. The team was hit with a rash of injuries as well as poor play at points on both side of the ball. Moves that were made before the season, such as the decision to move Thomas Jones in favor of Cedric Benson, as well as not second-guess the decision to give Rex Grossman a challenge at QB spot came back to haunt the team. The defense, which was the backbone of the team in 06, allowed 354 yards per game, while the team could not run the ball with much impact, making the defense stay on the field way too long.

The team had a whopping 12 draft picks, starting with tackle Chris Williams in round one, and RB Matt Forte in round two. They had five picks in the 7th round, and hopes are a few will be able to make the team to add some depth. The team looked to add some WR depth with Marty Booker and Brandon Lloyd, but lost starters Bernard Berrian and released Muhsin Muhammad. Where the team is going to find productivity at the WR spot is a big question, and the defense playing better is going to be a key as well. The division is up for grabs, but many still feel that the Bears are not as good as they were the season they made the Super Bowl.

Offseason Grade to Date: C-

Franchise Player: None.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

• WR Troy Brown played just one game in his 15th season after starting the year on PUP. He may retire, but if he doesn’t the team told him that he’s not in its plans moving forward.

• S Mel Mitchell played in 10 games and is a core special teams-type guy. He might choose to go elsewhere as New England only has room for so many one-dimensional special teamers.

• CB Chad Scott didn’t make it through training camp and has been hurt often. He’s a solid veteran backup and could be back with the team in the market for corner depth.

• LB Junior Seau was expected to get his first Super Bowl ring and retire. The Giants messed that little story up. He was healthy all year and made plays. If he doesn’t retire after his 18th season, the only place he’ll be playing is in New England.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS

• LB Eric Alexander is a decent though injury prone special teamer although he’s yet to show anything on defense, other than of course his still inexplicable start in the 2006 AFC title loss in Indianapolis.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

• WR Sam Aiken: UFA Bills; $1.555M/2 yrs, $225,000 SB/$40,000 WO; 2008 cap: $757,500.

• CB Fernando Bryant: FA Lions; $776,000/1 yr, $20,000 SB/$20,000 WO; 2008 cap: $491,000.

• LB Victor Hobson: UFA Jets; $645,000/1 yr, $40,000 SB; 2008 cap: $485,000.

• P Scott Player: FA; terms unknown.

• TE Marcus Pollard: UFA Seahawks; terms unknown.

• CB Lewis Sanders: FA Falcons; $770,000/1 yr, $40,000 SB; 2008 cap: $491,000.

• CB Jason Webster: UFA Bills; $800,000/1 yr, $130,000 guaranteed/$70,000 WO.

• S Tank Williams: UFA Vikings; $645,000/1 yr, $40,000 WO; 2008 cap: $491,000.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

• T Wesley Britt: ERFA; terms unknown.

• LB Tedy Bruschi: Potential UFA; $4.1M/2 yrs, $1.2M SB; 2008 cap: $1.6M.

• WR Jabar Gaffney: UFA; $1.281M/1 yr, $500,000 SB/$75,000 WO.

• LB Larry Izzo: Potential UFA; $870,000/1 yr, $40,000 SB; 2008 cap: 485,000.

• WR Randy Moss: UFA; $27M/3 yrs, $12M SB/$3M base guarantee; 2008 cap: $6M.

• LS Lonie Paxton: UFA; $880,000/1 yr, $150,000 SB.

• S Ray Ventrone: ERFA; $370,000/1 yr.

• WR Kelley Washington: UFA; $1.855M/2 yrs, $450,000 SB; 2008: $830,000.

• LB Pierre Woods: ERFA; terms unknown.

• DL Mike Wright: RFA; terms unknown (tendered at $1.47M).

PLAYERS LOST

• TE Kyle Brady (released/failed physical).

• LB Rosevelt Colvin (released/failed physical).

• CB Randall Gay: UFA Saints; $12M/4 yrs, $3.75M SB.

• DL Rashad Moore: Not tendered as RFA/Falcons; terms unknown.

• CB Asante Samuel: UFA Eagles; $59.475M/6 yrs, $6M SB/$7M RB 08-09.

• WR Donte Stallworth: UFA Browns; $35M/7 yrs, $10M guaranteed.

• DB Eugene Wilson: UFA Buccaneers; $1.8M/1 yr, $500,000 guaranteed.

The Pats did very little wrong in 2007 - that is until February 3rd rolled around and a trip sunny Glendale, Arizona turned their bright season into a dark nightmare. It was that night that the Pats, on the verge of history, blew a late 14-10 lead in SuperBowl XLII to the Giants as they scored late to steal a 17-14 victory, ending what was a perfect 18-0 season. How the Pats will respond to that loss in 2007 may be one of the biggest question marks heading into the 08 season. The team really didn’t have to do all that much in the offseason, that is other than tweak a defense that was worn down late in the biggest game of the year. They also lost CB Asante Samuel in free agency, which was totally expected. They did make sure they got their biggest offensive weapon outside of Tom Brady back, that being WR Randy Moss.

The team brought in CB’s Fernando Bryant, Lewis Sanders and Jason Webster to help with depth. They gave LB Victor Hobson a one-year deal, and safety Tank Williams comes aboard from Minnesota. On offense, it was a record setting year across the board, so just making sure Moss came back was the key in that regard. The draft was used to work on defense, grabbing LB Jerod Mayo with their first pick, CB Terrence Wheatley in round two, and OLB Shawn Crable in round three. Getting younger on D was a key, and for what they had, they did a solid job in that. While questions remain about this squad, the bottom line is they are still in the top three in the league, and for good reason.

Offseason Grade to Date: B