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NFL Free Agency 2020: Winners and losers from legal tampering period Day 1

By Cody Williams

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 22: Byron Jones #31 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles in the game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 22, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 22: Byron Jones #31 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles in the game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 22, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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NFL Free Agency 2020 (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
NFL Free Agency 2020 (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /

Winner: Miami Dolphins

There was a question of how aggressive the Miami Dolphins would be this offseason, despite having the most cap space in the NFL. As it turns out, they’re ready to improve their defense now. And I love how they did it.

Byron Jones will be the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL as he heads to South Beach while Shaq Lawson addresses an edge rush need as a player just primed for a breakout season in a bigger role. Furthermore, linebacker Kyle Van Noy rejoins Brian Flores as a versatile linebacker that can be an asset in the right system, which Flores can give him.

To be sure, I’m not thrilled with signing Ereck Flowers, who has been abysmal throughout most of his career. But overall, the Dolphins swung big in the ways they should swing big at this point in their rebuild.

Loser: Detroit Lions

We’re not going to waste too much time here but the Lions made two big agreements on Monday, inking offensive tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai to a five-year, $50 million deal and then linebacker Jamie Collins to a three-year, $30 million pact.

Both players address areas of need but, then again, do they? Vaitai has been a good backup but his starting chops are in question, especially at that price. And then Collins struggled in Cleveland before Bill Belichick reignited him. In any case, these moves left me wanting for Detroit.

Winner: Indianapolis Colts

There were big wide receiver trades throughout Monday but we also saw one of the league’s premier young defensive lineman go on the move as the Indianapolis Colts gave up their first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft for DeForest Buckner. Frankly, the 49ers and Colts both served themselves well in this trade but the slight edge goes to the Colts as they continue their plan.

General manager Chris Ballard has focused on improving in the trenches and locking up Buckner to a lucrative long-term deal continues that modus operandi. The former 49er can come in and give them an immediate game-changer, which can then help the Colts compete in the AFC. Throw in growing buzz that Indianapolis will land Philip Rivers and Monday was quite nice for the Colts.

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