The first phase of free agency flew by with reality beating fantasy. And what a strange market it has shown to be.
In a league that thrives on fantasy football, guards got bigger contracts than wide receivers. Few teams have shown interest in the running backs available, and even fewer are interested in signing those backs to multiyear deals. The defensive tackle market has been weak. The Patriots, of all teams, have given out one of the most expensive deals ($40 million in guarantees to cornerback Stephon Gilmore).
But there are still a few teams that are the clear winners of free agency so far. Here are the five teams that have helped themselves the most:
1. Jacksonville Jaguars
Biggest additions: DE Calais Campbell, CB A.J. Bouye, S Barry Church
The Jaguars went straight for their weakest unit, giving out $68 million in guarantees to defenders Campbell, Bouye and Church. This is after handing out $64 million in guarantees to defensive lineman Malik Jackson, running back Chris Ivory and safety Tashaun Gipson, and drafting cornerback Jalen Ramsey, linebacker Myles Jack and pass-rusher Yannick Ngakoue last year. Jacksonville is well on its way to rebuilding its defense, which gave up 25.0 points per game in 2016. I expect that number to improve next season. Bouye and Ramsey make for a great, young cornerback tandem. Campbell turns 31 this year, but he's a solid player. Church gives the defense some veteran leadership that has been needed.
