NFL Free Agency Grades: AFC South
Houston Texans | Grade: C+
The combination of Deshaun Watson trade rumors and legal trouble hang over the Texans in the worst way right now. As such, hopes are not high for a franchise that Bill O’Brien ran into the ground. Their signings have largely consisted of admittedly solid veterans — Mark Ingram, Terrance Mitchell, Marcus Cannon, Kamu Grugier-Hill to name a few — and don’t ultimately move the needle a ton. But moving the needle at all in a positive direction should be noted given their situation.
Indianapolis Colts | Grade: B-
General manager Chris Ballard’s major addition this offseason was obviously trading for Carson Wentz and, outside of that, the Colts have very much stuck to their M.O. by standing pat. Indianapolis re-signed Xavier Rhodes, Marlon Mack and T.Y. Hilton, all of whom should be helpful. Even still, it’s hard not to think that a team with money to spend couldn’t have found ways to upgrade the roster.
Jacksonville Jaguars | Grade: B
Trevor Lawrence will be the cornerstone of the Jaguars’ roster in less than a month but, even at that time, this is still a roster with a lot of work ahead of them. While it wasn’t all good for Jacksonville as they made some seemingly unnecessary moves, big swings on the likes of Shaquill Griffin while adding valuable veterans like Jihad Ward and Marvin Jones should help this team look better in 2021 beyond the arrival of their all-world young quarterback.
Tennessee Titans | Grade: B+
While their long string of departures does make you furrow your brow a bit as the Titans cut Malcolm Butler, Adoree’ Jackson and Kenny Vaccaro while Corey Davis and Jonnu Smith walked, Tennessee rebounded with a clear direction. Signing edge rusher Bud Dupree to a monster deal is a tad risky but one that the Titans needed to take while Denico Autry and Janoris Jenkins should help the team more firmly establish a physical defensive identity.