Inside job: Teams make good calls retaining these five free agents

Dennis Dillon The ripest fruit doesn't always grow on your neighbor's tree. Sometimes it's best to pick from your own vines. On the opening day of free agency last week, while the Bears signed former Carolina defensive end Julius Peppers, the Lions corralled former Tennessee defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch, the Jets traded for San Diego cornerback Antonio Cromartie, the Colts quietly held a news conference to announce the re-signing of middle linebacker Gary Brackett. In years past, the Colts have allowed their linebackers to leave. Mike Peterson, David Thornton and Cato June all exited as free agents. This time, Indianapolis took care of its own by locking up Brackett with a five-year contract reportedly worth $33 million, of which $12 million was guaranteed. The NFL has entered into what it likes to call uncharted waters. This is the first year since 1994 that there is no salary cap, which has made this class of free agents (they must have at least si...