Reimagining the NFL Offseason: Bold Moves and Potential Game-Changers
As the dust settles on the NFL offseason, the league is abuzz with excitement and anticipation for the upcoming season. With major events like the draft, free agency, and blockbuster trades shaping the landscape of the league, it’s time to take a closer look at some of the key moves that could have a significant impact on the upcoming season.
The Best Free Agent Signing: Danielle Hunter to the Houston Texans
Benjamin: It’s hard not to like the Houston Texans’ splashy investment off the edge, where Danielle Hunter gives them one of the NFL’s most imposing edge rushers. Pairing him with Will Anderson Jr. and playing under DeMeco Ryans could elevate the Texans’ defense to new heights.
The Worst Free Agent Signing: Darnell Mooney to the Atlanta Falcons
Benjamin: The Atlanta Falcons’ decision to pay Darnell Mooney $13 million per year raises eyebrows, especially considering the market value for similar players. It feels like a move made out of necessity rather than strategic planning.
The Trade with the Most Potential: Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans
Benjamin: The Houston Texans’ acquisition of Stefon Diggs through a pick swap could pay off handsomely for their young quarterback, C.J. Stroud. The potential for fireworks on the field is high, making this trade one to watch.
The Trade with the Least Potential: Rondale Moore to the Atlanta Falcons
Benjamin: The trade that sent Rondale Moore to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for Desmond Ridder feels like a lateral move for both teams. It remains to be seen if this trade will have a significant impact on either side.
The Biggest Draft Bargain: Cooper DeJean to the Philadelphia Eagles
Benjamin: Cooper DeJean’s fall to the Philadelphia Eagles at No. 40 could prove to be a steal. With the potential to be a difference-maker on defense, DeJean adds depth and versatility to the Eagles’ secondary.
The Quarterback Competition to Watch: Pittsburgh Steelers’ Russell Wilson vs. Justin Fields
Benjamin: The quarterback competition brewing in Pittsburgh between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields is one to keep an eye on. While Wilson is the safe bet, Fields’ potential to shine could create a stir in the Steel City.
The Team to Threaten the Kansas City Chiefs: San Francisco 49ers
Benjamin: While the San Francisco 49ers remain a top contender to challenge the Kansas City Chiefs, other teams like the Cincinnati Bengals, Houston Texans, and Philadelphia Eagles are also poised to make a statement in the upcoming season.
As the NFL offseason unfolds, these bold moves and potential game-changers set the stage for an exciting and unpredictable season ahead. With teams making strategic decisions to bolster their rosters and create winning formulas, the 2024 season promises to be one for the books.
The NFL Offseason: A Look Ahead
As the dust settles on the major pillars of the NFL offseason – the draft, free agency, and blockbuster trades – it’s time to look ahead to the 2024 season. In a roundtable discussion with CBS Sports NFL writers Cody Benjamin, Jordan Dajani, and Shanna McCarriston, we explore some key questions and predictions for the upcoming season.
Best Free Agent Signing
Benjamin: “It’s hard not to like the Houston Texans’ splashy investment off the edge, where Danielle Hunter gives them one of the NFL’s most imposing edge rushers.”
Dajani: ”Antonio Pierce and the Las Vegas Raiders added one of the best defensive tackles in the league in Christian Wilkins.”
McCarriston: “The Texans are rapidly on the rise and one of my top teams to watch next season. Four-time Pro Bowler Danielle Hunter immediately improves their defense.”
Worst Free Agent Signing
Benjamin: “The Atlanta Falcons paying Darnell Mooney $13 million per year feels a bit like spending just to spend.”
Dajani: “The Chicago Bears quickly pounced on Kevin Byard, signing the former Titan to a two-year deal worth something like $15 million.”
McCarriston: ”The addition of Ezekiel Elliott to the Dallas Cowboys may not make as big of a difference as they want it to.”
Trade with the Most Potential
Benjamin: “The Houston Texans’ pick swap for Stefon Diggs should pay more immediate and substantial dividends for their own young quarterback in C.J. Stroud.”
Dajani: “The Tennessee Titans’ addition of cornerback L’Jarius Sneed will change their pass defense for the better.”
McCarriston: “The Titans added someone with playoff experience and someone who can come in and immediately make an impact.”
Trade with the Least Potential
Benjamin: “The player-for-player swap between the Atlanta Falcons and the Arizona Cardinals could be a non-factor for both sides.”
Dajani: ”The Pittsburgh Steelers traded for Justin Fields while already tabbing Russell Wilson as QB1, creating a potential quarterback controversy.”
McCarriston: ”The addition of running back Joe Mixon to the Houston Texans may not equal his production next season.”
Biggest Draft Bargain
Benjamin: “Cooper DeJean could be a difference-maker in multiple phases of the game for the Philadelphia Eagles.”
Dajani: “Linebacker Nathaniel Watson fell to the sixth round and landed with the Cleveland Browns, where he will play behind one of the best defensive lines in the league.”
McCarriston: “Byron Murphy II was the second defensive player chosen, and the Seattle Seahawks taking him at No. 16 overall will feel like a steal.”
Quarterback Competition to Watch
Benjamin: “The Pittsburgh Steelers drama with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields could lead to a potential quarterback change if Fields lights it up.”
Dajani: “The quarterback competition between Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell is one to keep an eye on, with the possibility of the Raiders adding another veteran arm.”
McCarriston: “The Steelers situation with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields will be closely watched, as Fields has shown potential to be a starter.”
Threats to the Kansas City Chiefs
Benjamin: “The San Francisco 49ers, Cincinnati Bengals, Houston Texans, and Philadelphia Eagles are all favorites to challenge the Chiefs.”
Dajani: “The Detroit Lions have shown promise and added talent this offseason, making them a team to watch.”
McCarriston: “The San Francisco 49ers have made smart decisions this offseason and have the potential to challenge the Chiefs with their solid roster and additions like Maliek Collins.”
