NFL free agency: Winners and losers

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Jan 3, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) looks to throw the ball during the first half against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

WINNER: Houston Texans

Houston was able to win the AFC South last year despite starting Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett for much of the campaign. The Texans already have a good defense led by J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus, and general manager Rick Smith went out with the notion of building up the offense.

Yes, the signing of Brock Osweiler is a risky one. Osweiler, who has started seven career games in the NFL, got four years and $72 million with half the contract guaranteed. Houston still did the right thing, and then promptly surrounded him with a nice cast including DeAndre Hopkins and fellow free-agent addition, Lamar Miller.

LOSER: New York Giants

Most pundits are putting them in the winner’s circle, but that will be a regret two years down the line. Olivier Vernon is a fine player, but he is the classic case of a team having too much cap space, an obvious need and overvaluing a player. Vernon has 29 sacks in four seasons, and somehow got $52.5 million guaranteed. That is more than J.J. Watt or Justin Houston signed for.

Meanwhile, cornerback Janoris Jenkins was brought in for $12 million per year over five seasons, and opened up his time in the Big Apple by saying he needs to stop being lazy at the end of games. If that is not the ultimate red flag for a player that just got a life-changing amount of money, nothing is.

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