Free agency is always the most exciting part of the off-season. Players follow the money and teams can remake their roster with a few key acquisions.

The best GMs will make that crucial upgrade to elevate their team to the next level. The worst will overpay for an over-hyped, under-performing lockerroom plague. UPDATE! examines the biggest NFL free agency moves this off-season and picks out the winners and losers:

QUARTERBACKS
Jeff Garcia made the biggest quarterback free agent splash this off-season when he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Chris Simms still expects to start, but it's unlikely that the Bucs are paying $7 million over two years for Garcia to sit on the sidelines. After a messy dispute with the Miami Dolphins, Daunte Culpepper was released and signed with the Oakland Raiders. Coach Lane Kiffin still hasn't announced who will start Week 1, but owners shouldn't expect rookie JaMarcus Russell to take over at some point. He's still unsigned. The Dolphins filled the void by acquiring veteran Trent Green from the Kansas City Chiefs in June for a fourth- or fifth-round draft choice. He'll be the 11th starter in Miami since Hall of Famer Dan Marino retired after the 2000 season. Joey Harrington signed with the Atlanta Falcons during the off-season as a backup for Michael Vick. Now with Vick suspended after pleading guilty to nasty dogfighting charges, Harrington will take over starting duties. However, Harrington makes a poor choice for prospective owners — he has more career interceptions (77) than TDs (72). The rest of the free agent quarterback class consisted mainly of backups: Brad Johnson will second Tony Romo in Dallas, David Carr joined the Panthers as a backup for Jake Delhomme and Patrick Ramsey will play behind Jay Cutler on the Broncos. None of these players will win you any fantasy leagues.

RUNNING BACKS
Travis Henry resurrected his career in 2006 with the Tennessee Titans. He signed with the Denver Broncos in the off-season, and preseason knee injury aside, could easily post career numbers in Denver's zone-blocking, rush heavy offense. Jamal Lewis moves to Cleveland, where he will be the top back. Lewis has not averaged more than 4 yards per carry since 2004 and he joins a Browns team that lacks a dominant passing game. It remains to be seen if he can trump his uninspired play of late and return to his potent 2003 form, which saw him amass 2,066 yards. The Raiders have committed to a dual running back system with the signing of Dominic Rhodes, who must serve a four-game suspension to open the season. He joins LaMont Jordan in a backfield riddled with questions. The Raiders' offensive line was atrocious last season, and with the two backs splitting carries, neither warrants precious roster space. Finally, Ahman Green signed with the Houston Texans. While he's not getting any younger, he joins offensive coordinator Mike Sherman, who he had his best years under with the Packers. Even on an average Houston team, owners can expect solid production from this veteran workhorse.

WIDE RECEIVERS
Randy Moss' decision to team up with Tom Brady in quest of a Super Bowl ring was the biggest off-season news of the year. Not to be forgotten, however, was the addition of the dangerous Donte' Stallworth — a speedy downfield receiver that will cause all sorts of match-up problems. The Philadelphia Eagles replaced the departed Stallworth with Kevin Curtis — a talented but inconsistent wide receiver who could have a breakout season. Joe Horn brings leadership and experience to the Atlanta Falcons and will be the No. 1 wideout for a soft receiving corps. But with so many questions surrounding the Falcons' offense (i.e. Warrick Dunn's back, Harrington's sloppy play), it might be best to bet against Horn replicating his best years in New Orleans. And finally, the St. Louis Rams signed Drew Bennett, providing Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce with another talented wideout to provide distraction while they gobble up passes. Bennett could be worth a flyer in deep leagues; an injury to Holt or Bruce raises his value exponentially.

TIGHT ENDS
If Eric Johnson could remain on the field for a full season, then he would be one of the best tight ends in the League. The New Orleans Saints signed Johnson, despite his injury woes, and he figures to be an important part of Drew Brees' attack. The inconsistent Randy McMichael heads to the Rams, where he will team with Marc Bulger on an increasingly dangerous offense. He's played under coach Scott Linehan before and that can only help ease his transition. Daniel Graham bolted from New England to play for his hometown Broncos. Tony Scheffler had a decent rookie season, so it should be interesting to see how the playing time is split. The Miami Dolphins, meanwhile, look to replace McMichael with David Martin. Martin never really wowed anybody in his six seasons with the Green Bay Packers. But he could have a fantasy impact with the Dolphins and TE-friendly coach Cam Cameron.

DEFENSES
Adalius Thomas joined the Patriots in the biggest defensive signing of the off-season. He'll be the standout linebacker for an already effective unit. Cornerback Nate Clements signed an $80 million contract with the rapidly improving San Francisco 49ers. His presence should help the 49ers immensely and they should be considered a sleeper pick in 2007. The Cowboys also got a huge boost with the signing of Ken Hamlin. He will team with Roy Williams and Terrence Newman to form an imposing secondary.



Lamberti is UPDATE! Editor in Chief.