Rams, Raiders among NFLs big winners during free agent signings
Just short of a week into NFL free agency, we’re already identifying teams that either helped or hurt themselves.It’s hard not to like what the Raiders have done thus far, beginning with the record-breaking contract they gave to Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum, adding young wide receiver Jalen Nailor and resetting their defense with the additions of linebackers Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker and edge rusher Kwity Paye.They also traded for veteran cornerback Taron Johnson and re-signed cornerback Eric Stokes and defensive end Malcolm Koonce.The common theme: Aside from Johnson, these are all productive, in-their-prime players who can help power-drive the rebuild and still be around when things get turned around.And don’t forget, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is right around the corner and the Raiders have 10 picks overall in next month’s draft.Yes, the Maxx Crosby saga dings the Raiders just a bit, but if the worst that comes of that is the Raiders have to welcome back one of the best edge rushers in the game, is that really bad?The Rams had one pressing need coming into free agency: cornerback.But overnight, they turned that weakness into a strength by trading for Chiefs All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie and then signing his running mate, Jaylen Watson, to start opposite him.In the meantime, they re-signed Kam Curl, their best safety, to solidify the back end of their defense.Just like that, the Rams erased their biggest concern and, in the process, pulled ahead of the Super Bowl champion Seahawks in the NFC arms race.In addition, the Rams brought back tight end Tyler Higbee and retained kicker Harrison Mevis.With the NFC South right there for the taking, the Saints needed to shore up their run game to help support second-year quarterback Tyler Shough.Initially, they had their eye on Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, who was projected to be around when the Saints pick eighth overall in the NFL draft.But then Love made like Superman at the NFL scout...