NFL free agency instant grades: How did your team do?

AFC South

Houston Texans: F

Bill O’Brien has managed to conduct one of the worst free-agency periods in recent history. There’s no excuse for the franchise giving DeAndre Hopkins away due to his desire to be paid fairly. That’s enough to earn the F by itself.

None of their other moves have done much to improve that grade. The Randall Cobb deal is a serious overpay for a receiver who is well past his prime. Bradley Roby and Darren Fells are both adequate players, but replacements could have been secured at a lower price. At best, O’Brien should lose his GM duties over this shambolic week of personnel moves.

Indianapolis Colts: B-

The Colts entered the period with money to burn and that allowed them to swing a big trade for DeForest Buckner. Giving up a first-round pick for him was a high price, but it was fair value. He’ll make their defensive front significantly better in 2020.

Bringing Anthony Castonzo back on a reasonable two-year deal was another plus for the Colts’ front office. Unfortunately, they followed it up by giving Philip Rivers $25 million. Is he an upgrade over Jacoby Brissett?

Jacksonville Jaguars: D

The Jaguars are clearly tearing their roster down to the studs. That doesn’t mean they got anything close to equal value for players like Campbell or A.J. Bouye. Patience could have yielded a lot more draft capital for Jacksonville.

The decision to pay Joe Schobert over $53 million is pretty poor as well. He’s a good player, but he’s not going to make this defense competitive anytime soon. That’s especially true when you consider the reality that Yannick Ngakoue will be leaving town despite the Jaguars’ decision to place the franchise tag on him.

Tennessee Titans: D

The Titans are earning plaudits from lots of people for managing to retain both Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry. The downside is that paying an average quarterback $118 million and franchising a running back are both poor ways to manage your salary cap.

The gamble on Vic Beasley is actually the team’s best move of the offseason. He could easily provide them over $12 million in value next year. He’ll need to outperform his deal to make up for the organization’s excessive offensive expenditures.