Is Big Free Agency Spending Worth It?

The Denver Broncos made some big moves in this year's free agency, picking up Pro Bowl linebacker Demarcus Ware and cornerback Aqib Talib.  After a terrible showing in the Super Bowl against the Seattle Seahawks in February, the Broncos organization is hoping that these moves significantly improve the team's defense.  Also, they had the most prolific scoring offense in history last season, led by quarterback Peyton Manning.  The big question is: will these signings lead to a Super Bowl victory in the near future?

Let's take a look back at the Philadelphia Eagles in 2011, who made similar big signings in the hope of winning a Super Bowl, with their prolific offense led by Michael Vick.  The Eagles actually made even more signings in 2011 compared to the Broncos in 2014.  The Eagles signed five big name defensive players to improve their team: Nnamdi Asomugha, Jason Babin, Anthony Hargrove, Derek Landri, and Cullen Jenkins. Asomugha was a high profile cornerback at the time, and was brought in to improve the pass defense.

The other four players were signed for their run stopping capabilities.  It seemed like the Eagles were going to have a great season - Vince Young even called them the "Dream Team."  But they didn't have the season that they were expected to.  In fact, in the 2011-12 NFL season, the Philadelphia Eagles had a 8-8 record and missed out on the playoffs, which was worse than the previous season, in which they made the playoffs.

Big free agency spending does not always lead to results.  The Denver Broncos, however, will not have a disappointing season in 2014-15.  Coming off of a Super Bowl defeat, they are hungry for more. The defense should be much improved this upcoming season, due to the free agent signings as well as Von Miller not being suspended.  And, to top it off, they have arguably the best quarterback of all time in Peyton Manning.  Seems like a recipe for success.