The craziness that is the NFL offseason
This NFL offseason has seen some wild transactions with former stars finding a new team, current stars holding out for a better deal, and a few teams making an unexpected push for greatness. The Panthers added Adam Theilen and DJ Chark, the Jets got Mecole Hardman while lacking a reliable quarterback, and the Patriots acquired Juju Smith-Schuster and Mike Gesicki, but seem to be sticking with a struggling Mac Jones. With so many notable moves taking place, it has been easy to lose track of where players are and where others are going. The free agent market has been picked through, but many good options remain.
The quarterback is the captain of the offense—everyone knows that. Teams will build a squad around them, and this offseason has been filled with a number of noteworthy quarterback signings. Among the most notable is Baker Mayfield. Signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Mayfield is faced with the task of taking over for the GOAT, Tom Brady; this will be no easy task, and probably one that he is not prepared for. Along with Mayfield, two-time Super Bowl champion Jimmy Garoppolo has found a new home with the Las Vegas Raiders. Coming off of a few bad seasons, the NFL fanbase is curious to see how he will perform in Sin City. The Raiders had been led by Derek Carr for nearly ten years but parted ways with the aging QB before he decided to sign with the New Orleans Saints.
Some players, on the other hand, decided to stick with their current teams and continue the work they have begun. Among that list is Lamar Jackson, the 2019 most valuable player. It seems that Jackson is fed up with the Ravens with the non-exclusive franchise tag placed on him, likely poking the bear and leaving questions of his return uncertain. Many teams stated that they would not pursue him, which seemed odd given his high-caliber performances in years past. Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith has also stayed put, signing a massive $75 million contract following his earning of the Comeback Player of the Year award last season—a contract well-deserved by the veteran, and one he will hopefully live up to.
One major question still lurks over the talks of free agency: where will Aaron Rodgers go? The former Super Bowl Champion, Super Bowl MVP, and four-time NFL MVP remains a question mark. All signs point to him being traded to the New York Jets, given the moves they have made per his request; however, his bizarre behavior leaves nothing certain—his darkness retreat supposedly convinced him not to retire, but whether that’s the truth or just a cry for more attention remains unknown. His signing with the Jets would likely make them something of a contender after their oddly decent performance in the 2022 season.
It is important to remember that the NFL regular season does not officially start until September, leaving plenty of time for more signings and trades. We can assume that Rodgers will not retire after his time locked in a dark room, but his holdoff is very curious. We look forward to the upcoming decisions and seeing how they will affect the 2023 season and the years that follow.