Dan Pompei

The acquisitions of Jay Cutler, Albert Haynesworth and Terrell Owens have been discussed to the point of dissection.

Plenty of other players who switched teams this offseason also could have big impacts. Here is a look at some of the under-the-radar acquisitions that could have major ramifications on the 2009 season.

Matt Birk to the Ravens
Baltimore had a big hole to fill in the middle of its offensive line after the departure of Jason Brown to St. Louis, and the team filled it with a player who offers a complete package.

Because Birk is a veteran leader, he could provide even more value to the Ravens than Brown, a gifted, ascending player. Birk is the type of center the Ravens needed to give their young blockers direction and make them gel.

Laveranues Coles to the Bengals
Coles is a different type of receiver than the player he is replacing, T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Whereas Houshmandzadeh is a true possession receiver who can run all the routes, Coles is more of a big-play threat who is at his best in space.

It will be interesting to see how the sometimes temperamental Coles blends with the flamboyant Chad Ochocinco. And it will be interesting to see how Coles produces with Carson Palmer throwing to him. Scouts say Coles has begun to show some of his 31 years, but if last season is an indication, he will give the Bengals offense another element of pizzazz.

Brian Dawkins to the Broncos
He might have lost a step, but Dawkins remains a force in the defensive backfield who can give his defense a personality. Between his hard hits, versatility, work ethic and leadership, Dawkins should have a positive affect on the entire Broncos defense, if not the entire Broncos team.

Byron Leftwich to the Bucs

Slideshow   Previewing the 2009 season Ten teams who will rebound from 2008, our All-Pros, players ready to star and more.

He was a forgotten man for the better part of a year, but Leftwich figures prominently in the short-term future of the Bucs. Chances are good that Leftwich will be keeping the quarterback seat warm for Josh Freeman. While he does, he will get what might be a final chance to revive his career.

Orlando Pace to the Bears
Although Pace is no longer one of the premier all-around blockers in football, he remains an elite pass protector. And that is extremely significant given the Bears’ other major offensive acquisition: Cutler.

If the Bears had not acquired Pace, they probably would have been forced to play inexperienced Chris Williams at left tackle. It’s much preferable to have a proven commodity like Pace protecting Cutler’s blindside.

Jason Peters to the Eagles
It isn’t often that a young left tackle with Peters’ ability is available. If Eagles offensive line coach Juan Castillo can continue to develop this former tight end, Peters can become one of the game’s best left tackles in Philadelphia.

Peters’ quickness and mobility boost Donovan McNabb as well as the Eagles’ running game.

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Shawn Springs to the Patriots
He is 34 years old and has missed 14 games over the past three seasons, but Springs still has rare matchup capabilities. As a big corner who can play man to man, Springs will give Bill Belichick a valuable chess piece, especially when the Bills and T.O. come to play.

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