There’s a hole in the champions’ backfield, and in the Browns’ offensive line.

A gulf has been filled on the Giants’ defense and the Texans’ offense. And we’re barely into NFL free agency.

Unlike next month’s draft, which is all about the future, this spending spree is very much geared toward current rosters.

So teams dive in headfirst, as Houston did in grabbing a pretty much untested quarterback, Brock Osweiler, for $18 million a year over four years. Then the Texans replaced the hobbled Arian Foster at running back with Lamar Miller.

Both are gambles, but even after winning the AFC South, the Texans were aware of their deficiencies at those two positions.

The Giants’ defense offered a Grand Canyon for opponents to romp through, and they did. So General Manager Jerry Reese went wild in the marketplace, re-signing end Jason Pierre-Paul, adding end Olivier Vernon, tackle Damon Harrison and cornerback Janoris Jenkins.

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Here’s a look at some teams that filled holes and others who saw them created.

TITANS and BUCCANEERS: Both have top-level quarterbacks entering their second seasons. They need a reliable guy to hand off to and help their development.

So Tennessee brought in DeMarco Murray, who away from the circus that was the Eagles under Chip Kelly should be closer to his form in Dallas, minus that superb Cowboys offensive line in front of him. Marcus Mariota should be smiling.

Ditto for Jameis Winston now that All-Pro running back Doug Martin reupped with the Bucs.

RAIDERS: They believe they are close to ending that unfathomable playoff drought dating to 2003, the year after they won the AFC. Bringing in cornerback Sean Smith, linebacker Bruce Irvin and guard-tackle Kelechi Osemele should bring them closer to contention.

FALCONS: Rebooting the offensive line and bringing in a complementary receiver to team with Julio Jones after Roddy White was cut were musts. Alex Mack not only will close a hole at center but he’ll open a bunch of them. Wideout Mohamed Sanu goes from being A.J. Green’s sidekick in Cincinnati to the same role for Jones in Atlanta. Matt Ryan will like throwing to this guy.

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SAINTS: Drew Brees loves throwing to his tight end. He helped Jimmy Graham become an All-Pro, and Benjamin Watson had a superb season in New Orleans in 2015. Bringing in Coby Fleener after Watson left for Baltimore was wise.

Oh yeah, getting Watson for Joe Flacco to throw to can’t hurt the Ravens, either.

BENGALS: Green is terrific, but letting his two partners at wideout, Sanu and Marvin Jones (to the Lions) leave diminishes Cincinnati’s air game.

BROWNS: Sure, Cleveland still has Joe Thomas, the most reliable offensive lineman of the past decade, but he could feel quite lonely without Mack in the middle.

BRONCOS: Unless John Elway is planning to suit up at quarterback, Denver has an abyss to fill.


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