Goodmorning everyone! Hope you’re all having a great week and things were good for your bracket during the NCAA Tournament. It was a crazy four days of college basketball, but I kept up on the free agency as best as possible. Some signings were game changers for teams desperately needing positions filled and upgraded. Others took losses from players leaving to other teams which could be detrimental to their depth. As you read or skim through this post, some might be surprised at the teams’ current standings. These changes were based on free agent signings, trades, and releases. Again, the standings will shift as the offseason goes on. Have a great week and look forward to some Sweet 16 games this upcoming week!

DIVISION WINNERS

1) SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Jimmy G. may have moved on to Las Vegas, but San Fran should still be in a great spot. The offense must figure out their line, and they’ll likely rely on Sam Darnold to lead (pending Trey Lance’s situation). In the meantime, we wait patiently on Brock Purdy’s recover from elbow surgery.

Additions: Javon Hargrave (PHI), Sam Darnold (CAR), Clelin Ferrell (LV), Myles Hartsfield (CAR), Isaiah Oliver (ATL), Jon Feliciano (NYG)

Departures: Daniel Brunskill (TEN), Azeez Al-Shaair (TEN), Jimmy Garoppolo (LV), Jordan Willis (LV), Charles Omenihu (KC), Samson Ebukam (IND), Jimmie Ward (HOU), Hassan Ridgeway (HOU), Tarvarius Moore (GB), Emmanuel Moseley (DEN), Mike McGlinchey (DEN), Robbie Gould (F.A.), Jason Verrett (F.A.)

2) DETROIT LIONS

While Green Bay takes a step back from Aaron Rodgers and Minnesota’s figuring out their defensive roster, Detroit’s boosting their roster for a division title run in the upcoming season. With the amount of signings at the defensive back position, they plan to lessen the passing yards and big plays that hurt them last season.

Additions: Cam Sutton (PIT), David Montgomery (CHI), CJ Gardner-Johnson (PHI), Emmanuel Moseley (SF), Graham Glasgow (DEN)

Departures: Jamaal Williams (N.O.), Deshon Elliott (MIA), DJ Chark (F.A.), Michael Brockers (F.A.), Mike Hughes (F.A.)

3) DALLAS COWBOYS

Dallas releases Zeke Elliott and Dalton Schultz. Watch out for potentially replacing one Dalton for another (Dalton Kincaid from Utah) in the NFL Draft. While Brandin Cooks was a decent sign, it doesn’t mask the loss of Amari Cooper from the last offseason. It’s all up to Dak.

Additions: Brandin Cooks (HOU)

Departures: Dalton Schultz (HOU), Noah Brown (HOU), Ezekiel Elliott (F.A.), Anthony Brown (F.A.), Anthony Barr (F.A.), Jason Peters (F.A.), T.Y. Hilton (F.A.)

4) NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

The Saints made smart plays to keep their offense together while boosting important spots. If anything happens with Alvin Kamara, at least they have Jamaal Williams as a reliable back that can score points.

Additions: Derek Carr (LV), Jamaal Williams (DET), Storm Norton (LAC)

Departures: Kaden Elliss (ATL), David Onyemata (ATL), Shy Tuttle (CAR), Andy Dalton (CAR), Marcus Davenport (MIN), Deonte Harty (BUF), Bradley Roby (F.A.), Jarvis Landry (F.A.), Mark Ingram (F.A.), P.J. Williams (F.A.), Daniel Sorensen (F.A.), Kentavius Street (F.A.), Chase Hansen (F.A.), Marquez Callaway (F.A.)

WILD CARD

5) WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

The Commanders let Taylor Heinicke go to Atlanta, and they also release J.D. McKissic. However, they retain Daron Payne on the highest paying contract not named Aaron Donald. They also bring in Jacoby Brissett from Cleveland just in case things go wrong at the quarterback position.

Additions: Andrew Wylie (KC), Nick Gates (NYG), Jacoby Brissett (CLE), Cody Barton (SEA)

Departures: Cole Holcomb (PIT), Cam Sims (LV), Taylor Heinicke (ATL), Carson Wentz (F.A.), Bobby McCain (F.A.), J.D. McKissic (F.A.), Jon Bostic (F.A.), Jaret Patterson (F.A.)

6) CAROLINA PANTHERS

It looked like Carolina was heading to rebuild mode after giving up their picks and DJ Moore, but they had a plan all along by adding pieces to surround their potentially first overall quarterback in the upcoming draft. Something’s brewing in Charlotte.

Additions: Adam Thielen (MIN), Miles Sanders (PHI), Vonn Bell (CIN), Hayden Hurst (CIN), Shy Tuttle (N.O.), Andy Dalton (N.O.)

Departures: Sam Darnold (SF), PJ Walker (CHI), D’Onta Foreman (CHI), Myles Hartsfield (SF), Matt Ioannidis (F.A.), Pat Elflein (F.A.), Eddy Pineiro (F.A.)

7) PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

If the Eagles’ personnel loss wasn’t enough, they also lose some key players too. However, Jason Kelce announced his return, Fletcher Cox returns, and James Bradberry signs to stay with Philly. It’s likely they take a dip with these changes, but they should still compete for the playoffs.

Additions: Marcus Mariota (ATL), Rashaad Penny (SEA), Greedy Williams (CLE)

Departures: Andre Dillard (TEN), Javon Hargrave (SF), Isaac Seumalo (PIT), Marcus Epps (LV), Gardner Minshew (IND), CJ Gardner-Johnson (DET), T.J. Edwards (CHI), Miles Sanders (CAR), Kyzir White (ARI), Zach Pascal (ARI), Robert Quinn (F.A.), Ndamukong Suh (F.A.), Linval Joseph (F.A.), Tyree Jackson (F.A.)

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN

SEATTLE – Seattle loses center Austin Blythe to retirement while releasing guard Gabe Jackson, so they have holes to fill. But they do add Dre’Mont Jones from Denver, Jarran Reed from Green Bay, and Julian Love from the Giants.

CHICAGO – Like Detroit, Chicago took advantage with Green Bay and Minnesota going through changes in positions. They traded away their overall pick for two picks (9th and 61st) in 2023, a 1st rounder next year, and a 2nd rounder in 2025 along with DJ Moore. They may have lost David Montgomery and Reily Reiff, but they add Nate Davis and D’Onta Foreman. The addition of TJ Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds are positive signs for fixing their defense.

ATLANTA – The Falcons are following Carolina with building their roster for the future. They retain Kaleb McGary at right tackle while adding Taylor Heinicke, Jonnu Smith, David Onyemata, Kaden Elliss, and Jessie Bates III.

NEW YORK – They didn’t do much in free agency, but they might as well say they did…for one player. They received Darren Waller while giving up a third rounder to Vegas. Apparently, it was a very complicated situation trying to trade for Waller. They further their pass-catching position with Parris Campbell, and Jeff Smith.

MINNESOTA – The rumors of Harrison Smith being released seemed farfetched, but they avoided the inevitable by keeping him, avoiding more losses on defense that already moved on from Patrick Peterson and Eric Kendricks. Would they draft fellow Notre Dame safety Brandon Joseph as a future replacement??? They also released Adam Thielen.

DIVISION WINNERS

1) KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

The Chiefs move on from Orlando Brown Jr., Frank Clark, and JuJu Smith-Schuster. They also lose Andrew Wylie and Juan Thornhill. However, they wasted no time with replacing them with Charles Omenihu, Mike Edwards, Jawaan Taylor, and Drue Tranquill. This shouldn’t phase Kansas City going into the 2023 season, what-so-ever with these additions.

Additions: Jawaan Taylor (JAX), Charles Omenihu (SF), Mike Edwards (TB), Drue Tranquill (LAC)

Departures: Andrew Wylie (WAS), JuJu Smith-Schuster (N.E.), Juan Thornhill (CLE), Orlando Brown Jr. (CIN), Frank Clark (F.A.), Derrick Nnadi (F.A.), Jerick McKinnon (F.A.), Mecole Hardman (F.A.), Justin Watson (F.A.)

2) JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

The Jaguars had minimal losses with Chris Manhertz, Jawaan Taylor, and Arden Key. The right tackle spot is something to watch for. Otherwise, there’s nothing they need to worry about except building depth.

Additions: N/A

Departures: Jawaan Taylor (KC), Arden Key (TEN), Chris Manhertz (DEN), Shaq Griffin (F.A.), Marvin Jones (F.A.), Dawuane Smoot (F.A.), Dan Arnold (F.A.), Riley Patterson (F.A.)

3) MIAMI DOLPHINS

While the Jets are figuring things out, Miami is making serious moves to compete for the division title this upcoming season. All it’ll take is Tua Tagovailoa recovering and playing a full, healthy season.

Additions: David Long (TEN), Mike White (NYJ), Braxton Berrios (NYJ), Eric Saubert (DEN), Malik Reed (PIT), Jake Bailey (N.E.), Dan Feeney (NYJ), Deshon Elliott (DET)

Departures: Mike Gesicki (N.E.), Trent Sherfield (BUF), Thomas Morstead (NYJ), Byron Jones (RETIRED), Teddy Bridgewater (F.A.), Melvin Ingram (F.A.), Eric Fisher (F.A.), Adam Shaheen (F.A.), Trey Flowers (F.A.), Greg Little (F.A.), Justin Bethel (F.A.), Brandon Shell (F.A.), Michael Deiter (F.A.), Andrew Van Ginkel (F.A.)

4) CINCINNATI BENGALS

The Bengals lost some key players and are looking for a right tackle. However, they turned a corner with a big addition of two Oklahoma linemen in Orlando Brown Jr. and Cody Ford, along with former Rams safety Nick Scott. They had opportunities of signing a right tackle. Unless Jonah Williams or La’el Collins accept their new role at the right side, they must look in the draft.

Additions: Orlando Brown Jr. (KC), Nick Scott (LAR), Cody Ford (ARI)

Departures: Jessie Bates III (ATL), Von Bell (CAR), Hayden Hurst (CAR), Samaje Perine (DEN), Eli Apple (F.A.), Tre Flowers (F.A.), Drew Sample (F.A.), Clark Harris (F.A.)

WILD CARD

5) DENVER BRONCOS

Denver could see an upward trajectory into playoff positioning under Sean Payton, but it all depends on the offense.

Additions: Mike McGlinchey (SF), Ben Powers (BAL), Zach Allen (ARI), Jarrett Stidham (LV), Samaje Perine (CIN), Chris Manhertz (JAX), Michael Burton (KC)

Departures: Chase Edmonds (TB), Dre’Mont Jones (SEA), Eric Saubert (MIA), Andrew Beck (HOU), Mike Boone (HOU), Graham Glasgow (DET), Ronald Darby (F.A.), Tom Compton (F.A.), Kareem Jackson (F.A.), Dalton Risner (F.A.), Cam Fleming (F.A.), Latavius Murray (F.A.), Marlon Mack (F.A.), Brett Rypien (F.A.), Lamar Jackson (F.A.)

6) NEW YORK JETS

The Jets are making moves to prepare for Aaron Rodgers arrival (maybe?). There’s currently a standoff with Green Bay while trying to figure out a trade package. Giving away a first-round pick is part of it, but New York’s unwilling to do that. Let’s see where that goes.

Additions: Allen Lazard (GB), Thomas Morstead (MIA)

Departures: Nate Herbig (PIT), James Robinson (N.E.), Mike White (MIA), Braxton Berrios (MIA), Dan Feeney (MIA), Sheldon Rankins (HOU), George Fant (F.A.), Connor McGovern (F.A.), Joe Flacco (F.A.), LaMarcus Joyner (F.A.), Kwon Alexander (F.A.), Vinny Curry (F.A.), Cedric Ogbuehi (F.A.)

7) PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Slight moves were made by Pittsburgh, but that has little to no effect on their positions as they continue building this young roster into a formidable team again.

Additions: Isaac Seumalo (PHI), Cole Holcomb (WAS), Patrick Peterson (MIN), Nate Herbig (NYJ)

Departures: Devin Bush (SEA), Malik Reed (MIA), Robert Spillane (LV), Cam Sutton (DET)

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN

BUFFALO BILLS – It’s early, but I have Buffalo here in a close margin behind Pittsburgh. That’ll be explained in a later posting. They retain Jordan Poyer while adding Connor McGovern, Kyle Allen to replace Case Keenum, and Deonte Harty. However, they lose Tremaine Edwards and Isaiah McKenzie.

L.A. CHARGERS – Key players like Nasir Adderley (retired), Bryce Callahan, and Kyle Van Noy are in free agency while they lose Drue Tranquill to their division rival (Kansas City) and Storm Norton to New Orleans. Meanwhile, they acquired Eric Kendricks from Minnesota while retaining Morgan Fox, Donald Parham, and JK Scott. They still have moves to make with Austin Ekeler.

NEW ENGLAND – The Pats lose Jakobi Meyers, Damien Harris, and Jake Bailey, but they add JuJu Smith-Schuster, James Robinson, Mike Gesicki, and Riley Reiff to keep the Pats competing for a playoff spot.

CLEVELAND – The Browns are figuring out their cap situation while trying to make them a playoff team and more. They also release Jadeveon Clowney, Deion Jones, John Johnson, and Kareem Hun while losing Jacoby Brissett, Chase Winovich, and Greedy Williams to other teams. However, they’ve added Dalvin Tomlinson, Juan Thornhill, Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Jordan Akins, and Trysten Hill.

HOUSTON – The Texans made an abundance of moves and acquired some unique and interesting players to build DeMeco Ryans’ team. That includes Robert Woods, Jimmie Ward, Sheldon Rankins, Dalton Schultz, Andrew Beck, Case Keenum, and Devin Singletary. They may be a year or two away from competing for the playoffs, but it doesn’t mean they can’t spoil some teams to sneak their way in.