The veteran safety returned to his hometown to bring a hard-hitting mentality to the Browns defense. Whitner will replace T.J. Ward at strong safety, and the Browns hope he can add some toughness and consistency to their defensive unit.

The Browns upgraded the middle of their defense by signing Dansby to replace veteran linebacker D'Qwell Jackson. Dansby is a quality defender against the run and was arguably the top linebacker on the market.

The Browns needed to upgrade their backfield after using veteran Willis McGahee as their top running back for much of last season. Tate gives the Browns a young back potentially on the verge of breaking out now that he gets a chance to be featured in an offense.

The Steelers wanted to get a little younger on defense, and they added the 26-year-old Mitchell to play next to Polamalu. Mitchell is coming off a strong season for the Panthers where he recorded 66 tackles and four interceptions, and now he will replace veteran Ryan Clark in Pittsburgh.

Jones is a familiar face in Baltimore, as he spent the last four years wearing a Ravens uniform. The former fifth-round pick developed into a quality defensive lineman and played his way out of the Ravens' price range. Now the Ravens will have to try to limit him when they face the Colts next season.

The big wide receiver was initially linked to the Ravens at the start of free agency, but instead Baltimore signed Steve Smith to bolster their receiving corps. Nicks then went to the Colts on a one-year deal and he could be a matchup problem for defenses catching passes from Andrew Luck.

Byrd was the top safety on the market this offseason, and he immediately improves the Saints' secondary. Byrd could have been a target for the Ravens who are looking to add a playmaking safety, but he ended up getting the big contract from the Saints.

The electric kick returner has found a new home with the Falcons after spending the last nine seasons in Chicago. Hester signed a three-year deal with the Falcons, and it will be interesting to see how they try to integrate him into their offense. The 10-year veteran is still making big plays in the return game, which will be his primary role in Atlanta.

Verner was an important addition for Tampa Bay after the team parted ways with Pro Bowl cornerback Darrell Revis. Verner is also a Pro Bowler, but is expected to be a better fit in new Head Coach Lovie Smith's defensive scheme. Verner has been a lockdown corner the last two seasons and had five interceptions in 2013.

Miami targeted the big left tackle at the start of free agency once his contract expired with the Chiefs. He was one of the best offensive linemen to hit free agency this offseason, and he will be the anchor of Miami's line.