Grading Bolts’ opponents after first wave of free agency

Grade C’s

Denver Broncos – Grade: C+

Sure general manager John Elway snagged a place-holding quarterback in Case Keenum, but he’s just that. Keenum could thrive in Denver being that the overall situation is similar to Minnesota. The Broncos also signed inside linebacker Todd Davis, who is known to drop running backs at the point of contact. His ability against the run is a plus, but his specialization doesn’t translate well against the pass.

Kansas City Chiefs – Grade: C

Kansas City dealt its best defensive back and quarterback. Then to make matters even stranger they parted ways with a franchise stud in Tamba Hali. Yes it’s all true – Hali was injury-prone, Marcus Peters had maturity issues and Alex Smith can’t win in the postseason. Nevertheless, you figure the Chiefs could have got plenty more for what they lost.

But the signing of Sammy Watkins is especially promising for a team that was depthless at wide receiver in years past.

Buffalo Bills – Grade: C

The Buffalo Bills were a playoff team last year for the first time in a loooooooong time. Then they went out and traded the man responsible for getting them there. Now LeSean McCoy is currently left without a threat at quarterback. Buffalo will certainly trade up to go get their quarterback project in April, but until then the Bills are worse off than they were just a few months ago.

Oakland Raiders – Grade: C

Oakland’s general manager Reggie McKenzie hasn’t made any ridiculously spectacular moves in free agency. Michael Crabtree and Jordy Nelson present similar challenges to defense, which is why reworking Crabtree’s contract would’ve resulted in a higher grade than simply cutting him. The signing of running back Doug Martin is one with plenty of potential, but it could turn out that Martin just doesn’t revive his career in Oakland.

The Bengals are another team likely causing fans to bite their nails. Cincinnati can’t win in the playoffs so the team’s solution to the problem seems to be “sit back and watch”. Now that could prove to be smart when it’s all said and done, but only time will tell.

Pittsburgh Steelers – Grade: C-

The ongoing Le’Veon Bell fiasco knocks the Steelers down to a C-. Sign the man to a long-term contract. He is a top-five running back and arguably a top-20 wide receiver. If Bell ends up on any other roster in the next two seasons the Steelers will have failed their fans.

Grade D’s

Baltimore Ravens – Grade: D

This may seem like a harsh grade for the Ravens being that they technically haven’t made a whole lot of moves. However, they haven’t signed a star-studded wideout, and Baltimore remains needy at defensive back. Those are two positions that can’t go unaddressed this early in free agency.

Seattle Seahawks – Grade: D-

The Seahawks are doing the exact opposite of what Oprah would do if she had a franchise. “You don’t get a contract, you don’t get contract and yes, even you in the back – no contract.” With the 49ers and Rams building contenders in the NFC, the Super Bowl window for the Seahawks is all but closed with Sherman and others from the 2014 Championship team gone.

Arizona Cardinals – Grade: D-

Sam Bradford on a one year, $20-million dollar contract. Are you kidding? What good does that do? Arizona is already home to several veterans on the verge of retirement, so signing Bradford seems like a very Cardinals’ thing to do. On top of that, Arizona hasn’t done anything else.