It was a bit like speed dating or the start of a Master Chef challenge when the contestants all rush to the pantry. Almost as soon as the NFL lockout was lifted, trade madness and the free agency fun fair began, with teams grabbing players as quickly as they could. Most of the action involved - no surprise here - offensive players. With training camps starting almost straight away, there was a premium on experience, with teams willing to pay big bucks for guys who could step in immediately.

Here are a few of the first big moves made:

Mr Asomugha goes to Philadelphia

Experts thought the most highly-sought after free agent - cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha - was headed to the Jets, Texans or 49ers. But the Eagles swooped on the former Oakland Raider, signing him to a five-year, $60 million deal. He'll combine with Asante Samuel and new signing Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to form arguably the NFL's best secondary.

Wow factor: 10/10. Stunning signing, especially since the Eagles didn't seem to be in the equation.

Value: 9/10. Instantly boosts Philadelphia's defense and makes the Eagles early favourites to win the NFC East.

The Tarvaris Jackson era begins in Seattle

Okay, that's probably the first time "Tarvaris Jackson" and "era" have been mentioned in the same sentence, and really, this is a stopgap measure for the Seahawks. Veteran star Matt Hasselbeck wanted a multi-year contract and Pete Carroll wasn't convinced he was worth it. So Hasselbeck's off to Tennessee and Jackson has been brought in - at a whopping $8 million for two years - to battle career backup Charlie Whitehurst ("Clipboard Jesus" to his fans) for the starting job. Jackson brings his own issues, including a name guaranteed to make local journos double and triple check their spelling. He certainly has potential, but can be erratic and cursed by poor decision-making. The good news is that the Seahawks also signed wide receiver Sidney Rice, who played with Jackson in Minnesota.

Wow factor: 7/10. Jackson's no marquee name but he was a surprise. And the Seahawks didn't have to overpay for Kevin Kolb.

Value: 7/10. Jackson should beat out Whitehurst, but whether or not he can help Seattle win the NFC West again remains to be seen.

Minnesota moves on McNabb

After the Brett Favre experiment fell short of expectations, the Vikings have again decided to go with a once-great veteran. Donovan McNabb is 34 years old and led Philadelphia to the Super Bowl in 2005. But last year was a disaster for McNabb, falling out with Redskins' coach Mike Shanahan (or more accurately, Shanahan's son, the offensive coordinator) and spending more time on the bench than the field. Minnesota's brass drafted Florida State's Christian Ponder and they want him to be the starter. In the meantime, they got McNabb as a mentor - and as insurance.

Wow factor: 8/10. McNabb is still a big name and he brings a sense of dignity and class to an organisation that needs it.

Value: 7/10. This could fluctuate wildly. What happens if Ponder wins the starting job? Can McNabb be a happy backup? He's been known as a high-maintenance athlete, so it could get interesting.

Is Kevin Kolb worth $64 million?

Kevin Kolb has been the most-talked about commodity of the past year, which is remarkable considering he's started only seven games in four years. The Cardinals, who tried Derek Anderson and Max Hall last year, desperately wanted a marquee quarterback, so they sent cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and draft picks to Philadelphia, and signed Kolb to a five-year deal worth nearly $64 million. It's a lot of money, but with wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald needing to see the ball more, this deal had to get done.

Wow factor: 7/10. Arizona needed a QB and this has been on the cards (no pun intended) for a long time.

Value: 9/10. Kolb is considered the best available quarterback on the market and the Cardinals needed help. Can't see much wrong with this unless Kolb completely implodes.

Belichick, Patriots play Father Flanagan again

New England head coach Bill Belichick must have a Saviour complex, because he's just traded for two of the most troubled players in the NFL. No sooner had the ink dried on the contract of malcontent defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth, then the Patriots added loudmouthed, attention-hog Chad Ochocinco. Belichick and his staff have always valued veteran players, whether they have attitude issues or not. Corey Dillon was labelled a headcase in Cincinnati and had plenty of off-field issues, but he helped New England win a Super Bowl in 2005. Ochocinco, like another renegade Patriot, Randy Moss, will most likely fit in well with Tom Brady and the high-flying offense. Haynesworth strikes me as one of those guys impervious to coaching; if he wants to play he will, otherwise, he's done.

Wow factor: 10/10. Any time the NFL's model franchise signs not one but two certified "problem children," it's a big story.

Value: 8/10. Only because it's New England and the Pats have a history of making these things work.

Saints ship Bush, sign Sproles

Reggie Bush had become too much of a liability in New Orleans. Saddled with a huge contract, the Heisman Trophy winner who was picked #2 overall in the 2006 draft, never fully blossomed in the NFL. No doubt he's exciting, but much of that electricity was generated on kick and punt returns and he was most successful as a third down back or even as a decoy. The Saints saw an opportunity - and Miami needed more speed in its backfield - so a deal was done. New Orleans, which had already taken Alabama running back Mark Ingram in the draft, then went out and got San Diego pocket rocket Darren Sproles.

Wow factor: 7/10. Most experts expected Bush to be cut or traded, and the Chargers were never going to pay big money to keep Sproles.

Value: 8/10. Sproles essentially takes over most of Bush's duties and should be just as, if not more, effective.

Three to watch ....

Plaxico Burress (WR): The erstwhile New York Giants wide receiver went from Tom Coughlin's doghouse to the big house after a weapon's charge. He'll no doubt end up in someone's penthouse shortly.

Vince Young (QB): The Titans cut Young loose after drafting Jake Locker from the University of Washington and signing ex-Seahawk Matt Hasselbeck. Whether or not Young can be a full-time NFL quarterback remains to be seen. Rumour has him heading to Philadelphia to back up Michael Vick.

Kyle Orton (QB): The Broncos have made it clear they're going with Tim Tebow at quarterback and are allegedly shopping Orton. Miami is the most talked-about suitor, but as we saw with Tarvaris Jackson, who knows where he could end up. Maybe even Denver.