Pre-Draft NFL Offseason Grades For All 32 Teams
Photo of former Green Bay Packers quarterback, Aaron Rogers. Photo from DairyLand Express.
Srikar Kalapala
Heading into the offseason, there were a lot of questions surrounding a lot of teams. Well, this offseason has answered a lot of those questions and more. From star wide receivers and quarterbacks changing homes to some teams giving up their draft picks to make their team better, this offseason has proven to be one of the most exciting in recent history. With an offseason this big, grading teams based on their performance is a must. Let’s get into it.
Arizona Cardinals: B
Key Additions/Resignings: CB Jeff Gladney, RB James Conner, TE Zach Ertz, TE Maxx Williams
Key Losses: RB Chase Edmonds, WR Christian Kirk, EDGE Chandler Jones
The Cardinals barely had any money to spend in the first place, so being able to retain Connor and Ertz is great after they both had great seasons last year. Losing Jones really hurts their pass rush even though they still have JJ Watt, and losing Christian Kirk to the Jaguars hurts even though there was no way they could compete with the offer he got. It looks like Kyler Murray is content with what is going on, despite the scare many fans got earlier in the offseason.
Atlanta Falcons: C-
Key Additions/Resignings: CB Casey Hayward Jr, QB Marcus Mariota, RB Cordarelle Patterson, OT Jake Matthews, LB Rashaan Evans
Key Losses: WR Russell Gage, WR Calvin Ridley, QB Matt Ryan
The Falcons finally moved on from their franchise leader Matt Ryan, but in the process ate up nearly 40 million in cap. The Ridley situation is beyond unfortunate, and losing Gage to a division rival is never fun. On the bright spot the Falcons signed Hayward, which was a great pickup, and re-signing Patterson after the year he had was amazing too. The Falcons should look towards the draft to address the QB position, perhaps Liberty’s Malik Willis, or they will start Mariota, who isn’t a bad stopgap.
Baltimore Ravens: A-
Key Additions/Resignings: OT Morgan Moses, DT Michael Pierce, S Marcus Williams, FB Patrick Ricard, DE Calais Campbell
Key Losses: C Bradley Bozeman, OT Alejandro Villanueva, CB Tavon Young
Picking up Williams was a home run for the Ravens, who will instantly give them a rangy safety, and getting Moses to replace Villanueva gives the Ravens good depth at that position. Finally, the Ricard resigning is also instrumental to the Raven run game. Losing Za'Darius Smith over money hurts them though. But now the question is if they can win the division, as the wild card spots are going to be fought for by a lot of great teams.
Buffalo Bills: A
Key Additions/Resignings: EDGE Von Miller, G Rodger Saffold, DT Tim Settle, DE Shaq Lawson, TE OJ Howard, WR Jamison Crowder
Key Losses: DT Harrison Phillips, CB Levi Wallace, QB Mitchell Trubisky, WR Emmanuel Sanders, WR Cole Beasley
The Bills have been killing it this offseason. They instantly improved their pass rush by bringing on Von Miller and resigning Lawson, and then bolstered Allen’s weapons by bringing in Howard and Crowder. One thing that might haunt the Bills is the monster contract they gave Miller, who will be in his late 30s by the time the contract finishes but overall this team got better, which is very important in this now loaded AFC.
Carolina Panthers: D
Key Additions/Resignings: RB D’Onta Foreman, P Johnny Hekker, LB Corey Littleton, CB Donte Jackson, DT Matt Ioannidis
Key Losses: EDGE Haason Reddick, CB Stephon Gilmore, CB AJ Bouye, DT Daquan Jones
The Panthers lost out on the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes, which may or may not have been a good thing, but are now stuck in limbo with Sam Darnold. Losing Reddick will hurt their pass rush opposite of Brian Burns. The Foreman pickup was decent, but a lot of question marks face the Panthers as they head into the draft.
Chicago Bears: D
Key Additions/Resignings: WR Equanimeous St.Brown, G Lucas Patrick, WR Byron Pringle, DE Al-Quadin Muhammad, S DeAndre Houston-Carson
Key Losses: EDGE Khalil Mack, DT Akiem Hicks, WR Allen Robinson, G James Daniels, WR Jakeem Grant, P Pat O’Donnell
Losing Mack, Hicks and Robinson hurts this team a lot, as they were all established veterans. With this, it appears that new GM Ryan Poles is headed for a rebuild. They took fliers on some wide receivers, but they need some talent infusion across the board this draft, especially getting Justin Fields some help in order to unlock his potential.
Cincinnati Bengals: A-
Key Additions/Resignings: OT La’el Collins, G Alex Cappa, C Ted Karras, S Jessie Bates, DT BJ Hill
Key Losses: TE CJ Uzomah
The Bengals finally got Burrow some o-line help, with the big addition coming in the form of La’el Collins. Losing Uzomah sucks because he showed a lot of potential last year. Resigning Bates and Hill were also great moves. The Bengals improved their biggest weakness this year, but even that might not be enough to make it back to the Super Bowl (and win) because of the talent infusion the AFC received this offseason.
Cleveland Browns: B
Key Additions/Resignings: QB Deshaun Watson, WR Amari Cooper, QB Jacoby Brissett, TE David Njoku
Key Losses: WR Jarvis Landry, TE Austin Hooper, LB Mack Wilson, QB Baker Mayfield, QB Case Keenum
This offseason was filled with drama for the Browns. After neglecting their QB in Mayfield the whole offseason to pursue Deshaun Watson, Watson apparently told Cleveland that they were no longer in the running for them. But by then the damage was done and Mayfield requested a trade. It seemed as though the ship sank for the Browns, until lightning struck and they traded a king's ransom for Watson. Watson proves to be an instant upgrade for the Browns, but there are a lot of questions. Watson has major risks off the field, and might get suspended for part of, or the entire 2022 season. Giving up 3 first round picks and more for a player with legal issues and also hasn’t played for a while is very risky, but only time will tell if it pays off for the Browns. Oh, by the way, they also gave him 230 million dollars fully guaranteed, highest in NFL history. On the other hand, they appeared to have fleeced the Cowboys for Cooper, who immediately becomes their WR1 they have been looking for so long for. Getting rid of Keenum in favor of Brissett is puzzling, given Keenum’s familiarity with the system if Watson misses the season.
Dallas Cowboys: C-
Key Additions/Resignings: WR Michael Gallup, TE Dalton Schultz, LB Leighton Vander Esch, S Jayron Kearse
Key Losses: WR Amari Cooper, EDGE Randy Gregory, OT La’el Collins
Losing Gregory because of contract language left a sour taste for the Cowboys, not to mention the pleasant things he went on to say about them. They got robbed in the Cooper trade, and lost their stud tackle. On the bright side, they were able to retain Gallup and Kearse. Given their cap situation, it was hard to keep everyone, but they now face questions with 3 major positions headed into the draft.
Denver Broncos: A
Key Additions/Resignings: QB Russell Wilson, DT DJ Jones, EDGE Randy Gregory
Key Losses: DT Shelby Harris, TE Noah Fant, QB Drew Lock, QB Teddy Bridgewater
The Wilson acquisition alone gives the Broncos an A, as they solved their annual QB problem ever since Peyton Manning retired. They were able to sign Gregory away from the Cowboys, and even though it presents a major risk with the amount of issues Gregory has had to stay on the field, presents a good partner for Bradley Chubb and the pass rush. Even with these signings however, the Broncos might not make the playoffs based on their monstrosity of a division, and overall conference.
Detroit Lions: C
Key Additions/Resignings: WR DJ Chark, S Tracy Walker, WR Josh Reynolds
Key Losses: EDGE Trey Flowers, LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin
Not much noise at all in free agency from the Lions, but that was expected as Jared Goff’s contract makes it nearly impossible to make any splashy moves. This is a team looking to get as much talent as possible through the draft. Adding Chark on the deal he got was nice value though.
Green Bay Packers: B-
Key Additions/Resignings: QB Aaron Rodgers, LB De’Vondre Campbell, CB Rasul Douglas, TE Robert Tonyan, WR Allen Lazard, P Pat O’Donnell, DT Jarran Reed, EDGE Preston Smith, WR Sammy Watkins
Key Losses: WR Davante Adams, EDGE Za’Darius Smith, OT Billy Turner, OG Lucas Patrick, WR Equanimeous St. Brown, WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling, CB Chandon Sullivan
After a stunning loss in the Divisional Round last year, it appeared that the whole offseason depended on Aaron Rodgers decision to come back or retire. Well he made it, and the dominoes started falling from there. Rodgers, one of the most polarizing players of all time, decided to return to the Packers, in a contract that saved the Packers 18 million in cap space. It was assumed by many that if Rodgers came back, star receiver Davante Adams would come back as well. But after Adams refused to play under the franchise tag, it was clear something was up. Adams wanted to play for the team he grew up rooting for, the Las Vegas Raiders, and his buddy Derek Carr. This was not a matter of the Packers not willing to pay the man, or some organizational dysfunction. In fact, the Packers offered him the same amount of money as the Raiders, and it was simply Adams desire to play in Vegas. On top of that, it is worth noting that Rodgers knew that Adams would not come back to the Packers and still resigned. Getting 2 prime picks in this year's draft for Adams was a decent haul for the Packers considering there couldn’t be a bidding war (see: Hill, Tyreek), and freed up a ton of cap space needed to re-sign guys like Rasul Douglas and De’Vondre Campbell, both of whom were great contributors for the Packers. Losing Smith and Sullivan to the Vikings sucks, but it wasn’t unexpected, as they rejoin their old Packers coaches. The Packers also got a great value pickup in Reed, who helps Kenny Clark along the d-line. Picking up Watkins to fill part of the void at receiver was great, but he needs to stay healthy. The Packers will look to the draft as they will need to spend heavy capital on receivers. But to all the Packer fans, one word. RELAX.
Houston Texans: B
Key Additions/Resignings: DT Maliek Collins, CB Desmond King, LB Christian Kirksey
Key Losses: QB Deshaun Watson, S Justin Reid, RB David Johnson
The only reason the Texans get a B is because of the Deshaun Watson trade. Getting rid of a player with a ton of off-field distractions for 3 first round picks and more is amazing. However, the talent in Houston is severely lacking, and it just seems like GM Nick Caserio is just trying to make cheap deals with veterans. Part of this could be due to many players thinking that Houston is a dysfunctional organization. This team won’t be good anytime soon unless they hit on their draft picks.
Indianapolis Colts: A
Key Additions/Resignings: QB Matt Ryan, DE Yannick Ngakoue, TE Mo Alie-Cox, CB Stephon Gilmore
Key Losses: QB Carson Wentz, CB Rock Ya-Sin, OT Eric Fisher, DE Al-Quadin Muhammad, RB Marlon Mack
Swapping Carson Wentz for Matt Ryan that netted the team a 3rd round pick was good for the Colts. After the harsh end to the Colts season, it was clear that Wentz was not the answer. Ryan is almost certainly an upgrade, however, Ryan’s age gives retirement concerns, and one must ask how long the Colts plan on having this quarterback carousel. Ngakoue will be a great upgrade to this pass rush though. Using their money to get Gilmore is making this defense look really scary. It seems like all this team needs is to put the pieces together. Both the offense and defense look better than a year ago, which is not something a lot of other teams can say this offseason. They will hope to win the division this year, as their one true rival for the crown is the Titans. But if there is one thing the Colts learned from last season, never underestimate the Jaguars on any given Sunday.
Jacksonville Jaguars: B-
Key Additions/Resignings: WR Christian Kirk, G Brandon Scherff, OT Cam Robinson, LB Foye Oluokun, CB Darious Williams, TE Evan Engram
Key Losses: LB Myles Jack, WR DJ Chark, G Andrew Norwell
The Jaguars spent a lot of money this offseason, and it is easy to wonder if they could have spent all that money in a more efficient way. Giving 72 million to Kirk was a head scratcher, and giving Oluokon 15 million a year is also questionable. Perhaps overpaying was the only way to get players to come to Jacksonville, as they are known for being dysfunctional. This team will also miss the presence of Myles Jack. However, the Jags upgraded their o-line with Scherff, and improved their roster from last year, even though anything at all would probably be an upgrade.
Kansas City Chiefs: C+
Key Additions/Resignings: WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, S Justin Reid, OT Orlando Brown, OT Andrew Wylie, WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Key Losses: WR Tyreek Hill, S Tyrann Mathieu, CB Charvarius Ward, WR Demarcus Robinson
The big move this offseason was trading away their WR1 in Tyreek Hill for picks 29,50 2 fourths and a sixth (based on the value chart this is actually very comparable to the Adams trade). It seemed as this situation escalated very quickly with Hill, as it seemed to be a contract dispute. It is a little surprising they couldn’t get a little more for Hill, considering there was a bidding war between the Dolphins and the Jets. Signing JuJu and MVS helps their receiver room for now, but the Chiefs will likely address this position in the draft. Swapping Mathieu for Reid is a temporary downgrade, but has upside. This move should not have been a surprise for many, considering GM Brett Veach’s tendencies to only give extensions to players in their mid 20’s (with the exception of Travis Kelce). Losing Ward also hurts their secondary. With the talent their division received this offseason, the Chiefs are far from a lock to even win their division, but with Patrick Mahomes as their QB, you cannot count out this team come playoff time.
Las Vegas Raiders: A+
Key Additions/Resignings: WR Davante Adams, DE Chandler Jones, CB Rock Ya-Sin, CB Anthony Averett, QB Derek Carr
Key Losses: DE Yannick Ngakoue, CB Casey Hayward Jr, EDGE Carl Nassib
This team will be fun to watch this upcoming season. With the receiver duo of Adams and Renfrow, and then having Waller and Josh Jacobs. This offense is going to be scaring defenses around the country. The Adams trade was well pursued by the Raiders, and they didn’t overpay in the trade. They gave Adams a 5 year contract that made him the highest paid receiver for a couple of days ( see: Hill, Tyreek). The chemistry built in between QB Derek Carr and Adams should be fun to watch as they reunite once more. On the defensive side, pairing Madman Maxx with Jones gives the Raiders a boost in their pass rush that allowed them to trade Ngakoue for Ya-Sin to bolster their secondary. This team is not going to be a team that anyone wants to face come playoff time, and as the rest of their division and conference got better, the Raiders did too.
Los Angeles Chargers: A+
Key Additions/Resignings: WR Mike Williams, CB JC Jackson, EDGE Khalil Mack, DT Sebastian Joseph-Day
Key Losses: EDGE Uchenna Nwosu, DT Linval Joseph, CB Chris Harris Jr., TE Jared Cook
The Chargers might have had the best offseason this year. After resigning the physical Williams, and getting Mr. Interception JC Jackson, they committed highway robbery in the trade for Mack, only giving up a second and a sixth. The pair of Mack and Joey Bosa is what they need to compete with the other superstar QB’s in their division and conference. They helped their d-line with Joseph-Day, which will help their run defense. The Chargers did everything they could to help Justin Herbert which is what they needed to do, especially as Herbert is on his rookie contract. This team will give the Chiefs a run for their money in the division, and have a better chance at representing the AFC in the Super Bowl than they had in years prior.
Los Angeles Rams: B+
Key Additions/Resignings: WR Allen Robinson, OT Joe Noteboom, C Brain Allen, LB Bobby Wagner
Key Losses: EDGE Von Miller, WR Robert Woods, CB Darious Williams, G Austin Corbett, DT Sebastian Joseph-Day, P Johnny Hekker, OT Andrew Whitworth
Getting Allen Robinson seems to be a win-win, as Robinson has never played with a good QB before. This signing helps especially with the loss of Robert Woods, who they traded to the Titans, and maybe OBJ. The Rams now feature one of the deepest receiving groups. They also signed Wagner to a five year deal worth 50 million, which is a great deal for a long time all-pro player. Getting Noteboom back is amazing especially after Whitworth retired. Losing Miller hurts, but there was no way they could spend as much money as the Bills gave him. Eyes will be on Aaron Donald, who was rumored to be retiring, but it seems like he will be coming back after what Whitworth said. It seems like this team got a little bit worse, which won’t exactly help them in their hopes of a repeat, but the NFC did get a little weaker, and their division will be a little easier after Russell Wilson left for the Broncos.
Miami Dolphins: A+
Key Additions/Resignings: WR Tyreek Hill, OT Terron Armstead, EDGE Emmanuel Ogbah, TE Mike Gesicki, WR Preston Williams, RB Chase Edmonds, LG Connor Williams, RB Raheem Mostert, WR Cedrick Williams, QB Teddy Bridgewater
Key Losses: QB Jacoby Brissett, WR Mack Hollins, WR Will Fuller, RB Phillip Lindsay
The Dolphins hit a homerun on the Hill trade, giving up enough capital, but still possess more than enough first round picks for the draft. Giving him 30 million a year might hurt them in the future, but as of right now they needed to get some weapons around Tua to see if he is the answer at QB. Getting a stud tackle in Armstead significantly helps their o-line, and they were also able to keep Ogbah and Gesicki around. Getting Mostert is a very interesting signing, as it is worth noting that Mostert and head coach Mike McDaniel were both in San Francisco, so there is familiarity there. Lastly, signing Bridgewater was a great value signing to be Tua’s backup. If Tua takes a leap this year, the Dolphins could claim second place in the division, especially as it looks like the Patriots regressed.
Minnesota Vikings: B
Key Additions/Resignings: EDGE Za’Darius Smith, DT Harrison Phillips, ILB Jordan Hicks, CB Chandon Sullivan, P Jordan Berry, QB Kirk Cousins
Key Losses: LB Anthony Barr, CB Mackenzie Alexander, CB Patrick Peterson, DE Everson Griffen, DT Michael Pierce, C Mason Cole
Many Vikings fans seemed to have enough of Kirk Cousins and wanted a change at QB. However, grass isn’t always greener on the other side, and there weren’t many quarterbacks that could be considered upgrades. So the Vikings extended Cousins, whom they hope can make more strides under new HC Kevin O’Connell’s offense. They lost Pierce, which hurt their run defense, but got Phillips to help with that. They then poached Smith away from the Ravens for their pass rush, and signed Hicks to bolster their linebacker core. The Vikings also got Sullivan to help their secondary. Overall an alright offseason, but nothing too flashy.
New England Patriots: D-
Key Additions/Resignings: OT Trent Brown, S Devin McCourty, LB Ja’Whaun Bentley, RB James White, LB Mack Wilson, WR/ST Matthew Slater
Key Losses: CB JC Jackson, G Shaq Mason, LB Kyle Van Noy LB Dont’a Hightower, LB Chase Winovich, WR/ST Gunner Olszewski
Yikes. In a conference where it seemed like all the good teams got better and all the great teams will likely still be great, the Patriots seemed to have regressed heavily for Mac Jones’ second year. They let go of one of the better corners in the league in Jackson, and then traded Mason away for..a fifth round pick. Heading into the offseason, the Patriots needed to make a splash for Jones’ receiving core, but there has been nothing yet so far. After how long Bill Belichick has been doing this for, it's not really anyone's place to criticize, but this is going to be a very interesting season in New England. On the bright side, they were able to retain one of the best tackles in the game in Brown, and also one of their leaders in McCourty. But this team is in big danger of missing out of the playoffs.
New Orleans Saints: B-
Key Additions/Resignings: QB Jameis Winston, S Marcus Maye, DT Shy Tuttle
Key Losses: LT Terron Armstead, S Marcus Williams, RB Ty Montgomery
First of all, GM Mickey Loomis deserves a huge round of applause for his magic with the salary cap. They needed to bring back Winston after Watson went to the Browns, and then getting Maye for Williams is a downgrade, but they needed to get a replacement and with the money they had, they were able to do just that. They did lose one of their stud tackles though. The question remains on what the plan is for a long term QB, and how the Saints will do this season without HC Sean Payton.
New York Giants: C
Key Additions/Resignings: QB Tyrod Taylor, RB Matt Breida, TE Ricky Seals-Jones, OG Mark Glowinski, C Jon Feliciano
Key Losses: TE Evan Engram, DT Austin Johnson, LB Lorenzo Carter, S Logan Ryan
The Giants couldn’t make too many moves in free agency due to their salary cap, but they were able to get some offensive lineman to help Daniel Jones. Giving a backup QB in Taylor 8.5 million guaranteed is puzzling, unless they view Taylor as competition for Jones for the starting gig. Losing Johnson hurts them a lot on the d-line, and losing Engram at their TE spot is also unfortunate. The Giants will look to the draft to help their team as they have a couple of first round picks.
New York Jets: A
Key Additions/Resignings: G Laken Tomlinson, S Jordan Whitehead, TE CJ Uzomah, TE Tyler Conklin, WR Braxton Berrios, RB Tevin Coleman, S Lamarcus Joyner
Key Losses: S Marcus Maye, OT Morgan Moses, WR Jamison Crowder
The Jets attacked free agency exactly how they should have. Calculated moves attacking massive needs, and great value bargains elsewhere to help the talent surrounding Zach Wilson in his second year. Tomlinson helps their o-line, which was a big need, and they got Whitehead to help in their secondary. Uzomah gives Wilson another weapon, and being able to keep Berrios was great as well. If they draft well, the Jets future looks bright, after a bleak last decade or so.
Philadelphia Eagles: B
Key Additions/Resignings: EDGE Haason Reddick, S Anthony Harris, WR Zach Pascal, DT Fletcher Cox RB Boston Scott, WR Greg Ward, DE Derek Barnett
Key Losses: OG Brandon Brooks, DT Hassan Ridgeway, LB Alex Singleton, EDGE Ryan Kerrigan
The Eagles were able to cut and then re-sign a franchise icon in Cox, and were able to get a great player in Reddick. They were also able to bring back Barnett, which should help their d-line out. The Eagles didn’t have much money to spend, but that is fine because they have five picks in the top 100 in this year's draft, including three in the top 20.
Pittsburgh Steelers: B
Key Additions/Resignings: QB Mitch Trubisky, OG James Daniels, C Mason Cole, LB Myles Jack, CB Levi Wallace, OT Chukwuma Okorafor, CB Ahkello Witherspoon
Key Losses: QB Ben Roethlisberger, CB Joe Haden, WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR James Washington
A new era begins in Pittsburgh after the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger. The Steelers were able to bring in Mitch Trubisky, but it is unclear if they view him as a long-term starter, a stopgap or a backup to whatever QB they might draft. Getting Jack helps their linebacking core that was a little underwhelming last year. Getting Wallace was great, as they needed help at their corner spot. Daniels helps their interior o-line, so that was also a great value pickup for them. Losing JuJu to the Chiefs sucks, and losing Washington sucks as well, as he never got a chance to prove himself in Pittsburgh.
San Francisco 49ers: C+
Key Additions/Resignings: WR Ray-Ray McCloud, DT Hassan Ridgeway, CB Charvarius Ward, RB JaMycal Hasty
Key Losses: G Laken Tomlinson, DT DJ Jones, RB Raheem Mostert, OT Tom Compton
The Niners lost some key pieces in the trenches, but getting Ward to help them get younger in the secondary was a great pickup. McCloud helps their return game and also provides depth at WR. All this without mention of their best player, Deebo Samuel. Apparently, he has requested a trade, and if that is the case, that will be a huge blow for San Fran. It will be interesting to see what happens with Jimmy G, but it seems like all the destinations that come to mind have already traded for a quarterback. Perhaps they run it back with him for one more year?
Seattle Seahawks: B-
Key Additions/Resignings: TE Noah Fant, TE Will Dissly, S Quandre Diggs, DT Shelby Harris, QB Drew Lock
Key Losses: QB Russell Wilson, CB DJ Reed, TE Gerald Everett
The big move here was trading away franchise QB Russell Wilson. The Hawks got a decent haul for him, and they look to see if they can complete a quick retooling of their roster in order to compete in 2023. Paying Dissly what they did was a little puzzling considering they got Fant, but being able to retain Diggs was amazing. Harris also helps their d-line out a ton, and QB Drew Lock can compete for the starting job this year.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A+
Key Additions/Resignings: QB Tom Brady, C Ryan Jense, WR Chris Godwin, CB Carlton Davis, OG Shaq Mason, WR Russell Gage, S Logan Ryan
Key Losses: OG Ali Marpet, OG Alex Cappa, S Jordan Whitehead
Getting Brady back after he flirted with retirement alone gives the Bucs an A+. They remain contenders for this season, so they were able to convince some of their guys to run it back. They were able to fleece the Patriots for one of the best interior lineman in the game in Mason, and pick up another weapon for Brady in Gage. Gage should fit in as the #3 WR, who can draw attention away from Mike Evans and Godwin. Lastly, they also got Ryan, who helps with the loss of Whitehead. It is also worth noting that Ryan was the beneficiary of Tom Brady’s last throw as a member of the Patriots. The NFC has to watch out this year, because the GOAT is back.
Tennessee Titans: B+
Key Additions/Resignings: WR Robert Woods, TE Austin Hooper, OT Jamarco Jones, RB Dontrell Hilliard, C Ben Jones, EDGE Harold Landry, CB Buster Skrine
Key Losses: WR Julio Jones, OG Rodger Saffold, RB Darrynton Evans
Replacing Jones with Woods seems to be an upgrade, especially with only giving up a sixth for Woods. The Titans had no money to spend, so their offseason has been fairly quiet except for that trade. Woods is also a great run blocker, which fits this offense to a tee. Getting Hooper as another weapon for Tannehill was also a great pickup. Locking up Landry in an extension was important, especially with their struggles in the past in the front seven. In any other division in the AFC, the Titans would probably be on the outskirts looking in terms of the playoffs because of all the talent added by other teams, but in the South, their one true rival is the Colts, who are now dangerous since they added Matt Ryan at QB.
Washington Commanders: D-
Key Additions/Resignings: QB Carson Wentz, OG Andrew Norwell, RB JD McKissic, S Bobby McCain
Key Losses: OG Brandon Scherff, DT Tim Settle, TE Ricky Seals-Jones, S Landon Collins, DT Matt Ioannidis
Besides their call to make their name the “Commanders”, trading for Wentz is beyond a risky move, and they traded two third round picks for him. Is he really that much better than Taylor Heinicke? This just seems like a desperation trade, that probably won’t amount to too much. They definitely had other options at QB but struck out on all of them. Their organizational off the field drama might be getting worse down the road too and the o-line downgraded at guard after losing Scherff. Let’s just say the Commanders haven’t really been commanding anything in free agency so far, but at least McKissic came back after initially accepting an offer from the Bills. But let’s be honest, the Cowboys will still rule the East this year, and it probably won’t be close.
