The offseason has just begun in the NFL and we’ve already seen some blockbuster moves. From Tom Brady unretiring to Russell Wilson going to the AFC to the Chargers getting some special defensive players, this has turned out to be a very fun offseason already.
The 1st big move of the off-season was Russell Wilson going to the Denver Broncos (ESPN). I feel like the Broncos are looking to make the playoffs and after a few disappointing seasons, they feel they have their guy. For Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton, this is better for their careers because of the fact Wilson is a great passer. They now have a strong quarterback and are going to play a big piece in the passing game. These Broncos gave up a lot but the organization must feel that they can win with him.
Another of the AFC West teams have loaded up more on power and this time it’s the Chargers. They signed Khalil Mack from the Bears and J.C Jackson from the Patriots. They didn’t make the playoffs because of their defense and now they have Mack, Jackson, Bosa, and Derwin James. Their offense was star studded and now their defense is too. This defense is going to play better next season and are really going to challenge Russell Wilson, Patrick Mahomes, and Derek Carr next season.
One of the biggest moves has been Davante Adams moved to the Las Vegas Raiders. This AFC West keeps on getting better and now the Raiders have a real number one receiver. This is bad news for Aaron Rodgers but is fantastic news for Derek Carr who is now reunited with his Fresno State buddy Davante Adams (ESPN). Adams is a world class receiver and is going to bring a whole new element to this Vegas passing game. All the other teams in this division are going to face a handful of Davante Adams.
Another big move that happened in the AFC is Deshaun Watson moving to the Cleveland Browns. I feel like the Texans got a good deal out of this because they received 3 years of first round picks as well as two other picks. For a guy who has had his share of problems, the Texans got a lot out of this deal. I believe the Browns gave too much and Watson hasn’t even played since two years ago. They are paying him 46 million a year guaranteed for 5 years. That’s quite a risky gamble for this Cleveland organization.
Another crazy move this offseason was the Colts signing Matt Ryan. The move was unsuspected with Matt Ryan getting a big payout from the Falcons years prior. Also, with the departure of Carson Wentz. It was pretty likely that the Colts were going to sign a big name and not bargain on a rookie. Matt Ryan is going to be a huge boost to the passing game which hadn’t been hugely important in the last campaign. They now don’t just have to rely on Jonathan Taylor but can also rely on the receivers. Ryan has the experience and with being in the Super Bowl before and will provide leadership to a young Colts team. Will the 2016 NFL MVP be able to perform to Frank Reich’s expectations or will his big move be a bust?
These three teams in now a loaded AFC West all have the same goal, don’t let the Chiefs dominate and try to make the playoffs. To switch sides of the league, the NFC has not really been getting players but have mostly been giving players away.
I feel like the only big thing that happened is Tom Brady coming back to Tampa Bay for another season. The Bucs also bolstered their offensive line with getting Shaq Mason from the Patriots. They are making sure Tom Brady is safe in the pocket at not getting sacked.
A lot has already happened in the NFL and I’m sure we’ll get more big moves. What will happen next season in the AFC? How will the Mahomes, Carr, Wilson, and Hebert division end up?
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This article was written by Raghav Tandon and Liam Saunders