Darrelle Revis, 5 NFL difference makers in new places

By Bryce Olin | Jul 22, 2014

Dec 8, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (88) runs after a pass reception as Miami Dolphins strong safety Chris Clemons (30) defends during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Miami Dolphins won 34-28. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 8, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker Karlos Dansby (56) returns an interception for a touchdown in the third quarter against the St. Louis Rams at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Rams 30-10. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Isn’t it football season yet? For the last month, it’s been LeBron, LeBron, LeBron, with a little mix of Kevin Love dominating the sports airwaves. Are we sure basketball season ever really ended? It should all be coming to a close in the next week, and then it’s the moment everyone’s been waiting for since the Super Bowl — football season.

The season kicks off Thursday, September 4, as the reigning champion Seattle Seahawks take on the Green Bay Packers. By that time, we’ll find out what teams got better, what teams stayed the same, and what teams took a step backward this season. On paper, five free agent signings particularly stand out in my mind that will have a huge effect on how the season plays out.

Last season, the big signing of the summer was Wes Welker, who immediately made the Denver Broncos the odds-on favorite to win the Super Bowl. While that wasn’t the result, the Broncos did get close, and that was, in large part, due to Welker’s contribution. Who’s going to be the next Welker and help their new team make the jump to the next level?

Let’s take a look.

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