Upon Further Review, Teams Making Moves

A couple of hours ago it seemed as though teams were in no hurry to upgrade. As the day has progressed, teams have started to announce some major signings. Leading the way have been a few offensive lineman cashing in to the tune of over 7 million per season. The Browns will pay OT Eric Steinbach $49.5 million over seven years, a package that is worth $500,000 more over the duration than the seven years the Bills locked up Derrick Dockery for. In Atlanta, the Falcons upgraded their backfield by agreeing to terms with FB Ovie Mughelli.

Reports are surfacing on profootballtalk.com that Nate Clements will become the highest paid defensive player in NFL history. It is believed that the 49ERS have offered the former Bills conerback an eight year deal worth $80 million dollars. Elsewhere on the cornerback front, rumors are circulating that Fred Smoot will re-join the Washington Redskins. On a side note, how the hell are the Redskins always buyers in the market? They're the likely landing spot for top MLB free agent London Fletcher-Baker and in the running for others. While they have been unsuccessful in their past shopping sprees, it's still amazing they can afford to splurge every offseason. If both Smoot and Clements are indeed off the market, there's very little to get excited about with the remaining crop.

This means one of two things for the Giants. They can attempt the piece-meal solution to the secondary that Accorsi adopted with little success last season or hopefully turn their attention to other needs. If they do decide to bring in a few lesser pieces, there is a strong feeling that Eagles CB Roderick Hood would be an option. Personally, the Giants need to bring in a top notch corner whether it was a Clements type in free agency or an early draft pick. Trying to bring in a series of nickel-back types won't have the impact they need on the outsides. Free agent RB Dominic Rhodes was in town today, but a complimentary running back should be less of a priority than a LB or CB. Unlike other running backs, he's content being one part of a two pronged attack. That is a big plus considering how many egos the Giants currently have on their offense.