We're almost through a week of NFL's free agency and a little over a week after the initial "legal tampering" period for teams to talk to free agents, and it's been a wild ride throughout. So much news with so many new faces in new places (and old ones too!) that it might seem daunting to keep track of who is going where. You can use this article as a one-stop shop for every relevant free-agent signing thus far. We'll be going team by team here, breaking down who signed and how each team improved. Or didn't, because let's face it - there's a couple of those.
We'll also be referencing the biggest team needs from my previous article before the NFL Combine. So without further ado, let's go break down each team!
Note: All free-agent signings are current as of 3/24/2022.
Additions and Re-signings:
QB Colt McCoy, RB James Conner, TE Zach Ertz, TE Maxx Williams, DL Michael Dogbe, LB Dennis Gardeck, LB Ezekiel Turner, LB Nick Vigil (from MIN), CB Jeff Gladney (2 years), LS Aaron Brewer, P Andy Lee
Pre-Combine Biggest Team Need:
Cornerback
Breakdown:
➤ The Cardinals brought back James Conner after losing Chase Edmonds to the Miami Dolphins, and frankly, keeping Conner was the better move of the two running backs.
➤ Keeping Zach Ertz was necessary, as he wanted to be there, and the Cardinals are very barren in their pass-catching group.
➤ While the Jeff Gladney addition is an excellent first step towards improving the cornerback position, they'll need a LOT of help there in the NFL Draft.
Additions and Re-signings:
QB Marcus Mariota (from LV), RB Cordarrelle Patterson, RB Damien Williams (from CHI), OG Colby Gossett, OT Elijah Wilkinson (from CHI), DT Anthony Rush, OLB Lorenzo Carter (from NYG), CB Casey Hayward, CB Isaiah Oliver, S Teez Tabor (from CHI), K Younghoe Koo
Pre-Combine Biggest Team Need:
Wide Receiver
Breakdown:
➤ Not a great offseason so far by the Falcons. Atlanta lost wide receiver Russell Gage to division rival Tampa Bay, they traded longtime quarterback Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts, and Atlanta will incur roughly $40.5m in dead cap - the largest single dead cap hit in league history. A dubious distinction, indeed. This offense, now presumably led by former Titan and Raider Marcus Mariota at quarterback, is poised to be one of the league's worst. Oh, did I mention Calvin Ridley will not play after being suspended for 2022 for gambling? Yikes. #FreeKylePitts.
➤ The Falcons brought in several pieces from last season's Chicago Bears squad, so that's a thing. Casey Hayward is a quality veteran addition to the Atlanta secondary. It's just too bad the Falcons are likely to be on the losing end of most games.
Additions and Re-signings:
FB Patrick Ricard, OT Morgan Moses (from NYJ), DT Michael Pierce (from MIN), S Marcus Williams (from NO)
Pre-Combine Biggest Team Need:
Secondary
Breakdown:
➤ Hey, quality over quantity. The Ravens have not been very active compared to some teams, but they made it count. Marcus Williams, who will enter his age-26 season, will help to solidify a secondary that also features Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters. They still need a cornerback or two, but Williams was a great start on the back end.
➤ The team also brought back Michael Pierce, who went down early in 2021 with a torn tricep. The Ravens have a significant need along their interior defensive line with Calais Campbell and Brandon Williams both free agents, so bringing back the productive Pierce was wise.
➤ Patrick Ricard comes back to take all the fun skill-position players off the field, which you hate to see in fantasy football, especially.
Additions and Re-signings:
QB Case Keenum (via trade, CLE), QB Matt Barkley (from ATL), RB Duke Johnson (from MIA), WR Jamison Crowder (from NYJ), WR Isaiah McKenzie, TE O.J. Howard (from TB), OG Rodger Safford (from TEN), C Greg Mancz (from MIA), DT Tim Settle (from WAS), DT Jordan Phillips (from ARI), LB Marquel Lee (from LV), OLB Von Miller (from LAR), CB Siran Neal
Pre-Combine Biggest Team Need:
Wide Receiver
Breakdown:
➤ Bringing in Jamison Crowder was not only a smart move, but one with immense potential, as the Bills released Cole Beasley and replaced him with this transaction. This move also is a massive feather in the cap for Gabriel Davis, who likely slots into two-WR sets with Stefon Diggs. Provided the Bills don't draft a wide receiver with high draft capital, we're looking at a potential breakout campaign from Davis.
➤ The Bills added depth at nearly every level of their team, which is what you want to see from a perennial contender. Adding Von Miller enhances how dangerous this team can be for any opponent.
Additions and Re-signings:
RB D'Onta Foreman (from TEN), WR Rashard Higgins (from CLE), WR Brandon Zylstra, OG Austin Corbett (from LAR), C Bradley Bozeman (from BAL), DE Marquise Haynes, DT Matt Ioannidis (from WAS), OLB Damien Wilson (from JAC), LB Cory Littleton (from LV), CB Donte Jackson, S Xavier Woods (from MIN), K Zane Gonzalez, P Johnny Hekker (from LAR)
Pre-Combine Biggest Team Need:
Quarterback
Breakdown:
➤ The Panthers have a lot of needs, but quarterback was and still is their most significant need. They currently are no better than they were at the start of free agency, with Sam Darnold still the projected starter. Perhaps they will be in the hunt for a rookie signal-caller with their sixth-overall pick after striking out in free agency. Carolina sat on their thumbs and are now left without a chair as the quarterback market now contains just Jimmy Garoppolo and Baker Mayfield, who may not represent a big improvement from Darnold.
➤ While Carolina did add some solid pieces like Austin Corbett and Xavier Woods, it's really just depth with the glaring need for a quarterback still sticking out like a sore thumb.
Additions and Re-signings:
FB Khari Blasingame (from TEN), WR Byron Pringle (from KC), WR Equanimeous St. Brown (from GB), OG Lachavious Simmons, OG Lucas Patrick (from GB), DT Justin Jones (from LAC), DE Al-Quadin Muhammad (from IND), LB Nicholas Morrow (from LV), S DeAndre Houston-Carson, LS Patrick Scales
Pre-Combine Biggest Team Need:
Offensive Line
Breakdown:
➤ The Bears addressed the offensive line by adding Lucas Patrick from division-rival Green Bay, but besides that, nothing earth-shattering as far as their free-agent haul. Chicago is a team on the rebuild as they shed a number of veterans from 2021 and prior with Ryan Poles as general manager for the Bears.
Additions and Re-signings:
QB Brandon Allen, WR Mike Thomas, WR Trenton Irwin, WR Stanley Morgan, TE Hayden Hurst (from ATL), OT La'el Collins (from DAL), OG Alex Cappa (from TB), C Ted Karras (from NE), DT Josh Tupou, DT B.J. Hill, CB Eli Apple, S Jessie Bates III (franchise tag), S Michael Thomas
Pre-Combine Biggest Team Need:
Offensive Line
Breakdown:
➤ Do you mean to say a team actually addressed its need? The defending AFC champion Bengals fortified their offensive line with La'el Collins, Alex Cappa, and Ted Karras and didn't break the bank. They are a better offensive line than last season, and that is music to the ears of quarterback Joe Burrow. Former second-round pick Hayden Hurst may be a sneaky upgrade to the departing C.J. Uzomah.
➤ Keeping Jessie Bates III in house and signing Hill while locking up some key role players? Cincinnati did great work in my book.
Additions and Re-signings:
QB Deshaun Watson (via trade, HOU), QB Jacoby Brissett (from MIA), WR Amari Cooper (via trade, DAL), WR Jakeem Grant (via CHI), TE David Njoku (franchise tag), OT Chris Hubbard, DT Taven Bryan (from JAC), DE Chase Winovich (via trade, NE), LB Anthony Walker
Pre-Combine Biggest Team Need:
Wide Receiver
Breakdown:
➤ With the Browns slated to Jarvis Landry after making his feelings known on social media and his subsequent release, the Browns did very well in landing former Cowboys receiver Amari Cooper. Tying everything together was the major addition of quarterback Deshaun Watson, who should bring this offense to new heights. They still could use some wide receiver depth, but one heck of an offseason so far for general manager Andrew Berry and Cleveland.
➤ Cleveland also released Austin Hooper, so the team putting a franchise tag on David Njoku should put him in a prime position to have a career season in 2022 as the unquestioned starter.
Additions and Re-signings:
WR Michael Gallup, WR Noah Brown, WR James Washington (from PIT), TE Dalton Schultz (franchise tag), TE Jeremy Sprinkle, LB Leighton Vander Esch, OLB Dante Fowler, LB Luke Gifford, S Malik Hooker, S Jayron Kearse, LS Jake McQuaide, P Bryan Anger
Pre-Combine Biggest Team Need:
Offensive or Defensive Line
Breakdown:
➤ The Cowboys didn't have the most room to maneuver in free agency, but for what they did, they didn't do too bad. They kept Michael Gallup, Dalton Schultz, Leighton Vander Esch, and others.
➤ They did trade Amari Cooper to the Cleveland Browns for a fifth-round draft pick early on in free agency, so it's not all roses. To date, Dallas has only one signee from another organization: former Steelers receiver James Washington, a solid get for the Cowboys.
Additions and Re-signings:
QB Russell Wilson (via trade, SEA), QB Josh Johnson (from BAL), TE Eric Tomlinson (from BAL), OT Calvin Anderson, OG Tom Compton (from SF), OG Ben Braden (from GB), DE DeShawn Williams, DT D.J. Jones (from SF), LB Josey Jewell, LB Alex Singleton (from PHI), OLB Randy Gregory (from DAL), S J.R. Reed (from NYG)
Pre-Combine Biggest Team Need:
Quarterback
Breakdown:
➤ Yeah, the Broncos crushed their team need and now, it's an arms race in the AFC West. Going out and trading for Russell Wilson, filling the pass-rush gap from trading Von Miller last season by getting Randy Gregory. Broncos general manager "The General" George Paton has definitely come out firing this offseason with some aggressive moves.
Additions and Re-signings:
QB Tim Boyle, QB David Blough, FB Jason Cabinda, WR D.J. Chark (from JAC), WR Josh Reynolds, WR Kalif Raymond, TE Garrett Griffin (from NO), C Evan Brown, DE Charles Harris, LB Josh Woods, LB Alex Anzalone, LB Shaun-Dion Hamilton, LB Chris Board (from BAL), CB Mike Hughes (from KC), S Jalen Elliott, S Tracy Walker, S C.J. Moore
Pre-Combine Biggest Team Need:
Wide Receiver
Breakdown:
➤ The Lions are following their "Honolulu" blueprint from 2021: signing depth pieces and retaining contributors from last season. They brought in some pieces that have potential for more, like former Jaguars wide receiver D.J. Chark and former Ravens linebacker Chris Board. Solid enough, but no needle-movers. The Lions will continue to build through the draft.
Additions and Re-signings:
TE Robert Tonyan, DT Jarran Reed (from KC), LB De'Vondre Campbell, CB Rasul Douglas, P Pat O'Donnell (from CHI)
Pre-Combine Biggest Team Need:
Wide Receiver
Breakdown:
➤ I proclaimed that the biggest need was wide receiver BEFORE Davante Adams was traded for 2022 first and second-round picks. Now? The need is even dire. The team has four top-60 picks in the 2022 NFL Draft, so we'll see if they allocate those towards bringing in wide receiver reinforcements, either through the picks themselves or via trade.
➤ The Packers needed to do some Simone Biles-like gymnastics to get underneath the salary cap before the start of free agency, and they did so. Afterwards, they haven't been as active with bringing in free agents from outside organizations, only bringing in former Chiefs defensive tackle Jarran Reed and punter Pat O'Donnell. They secured Campbell, Douglas, and Tonyan, so keeping key players in Green Bay was a priority and they've done just that.
Additions and Re-signings:
QB Kyle Allen (from WAS), RB Dare Ogunbowale (from JAC), RB Royce Freeman, FB Andy Janovich (from CLE), WR Chris Conley, TE Pharaoh Brown, OT Cedric Ogbuehi (from TEN), OG A.J. Cann (from JAC), C Justin Britt, DT Maliek Collins, LB Christian Kirksey, LB Kamu Grugier-Hill, LB Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (from LAR), LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin (from DET), LB Blake Cashman (via trade, NYJ), CB Desmond King, S Eric Murray, S M.J. Stewart (from CLE), S Terrance Brooks
Pre-Combine Biggest Team Need:
Everything. Literally everything.
Breakdown:
➤ With the trade of Deshaun Watson, Houston finally has a stockpile of assets to significantly improve their team for the long haul. The 2022 offseason is more of the same for Houston: sign a bunch of veterans to short contracts and eventually turn them over to younger players as they rebuild.
Additions and Re-signings:
QB Matt Ryan (via trade, ATL), TE Mo-Alie Cox, OT Matt Pryor, DE Tyquan Lewis, DE Yannick Ngakoue (via trade, LV), CB Brandon Facyson (from LV)
Pre-Combine Biggest Team Need:
Quarterback and any pass-catcher
Breakdown:
➤ Indianapolis did most of their damage in the trade market rather than in free agency, adding quarterback Matt Ryan from Atlanta, defensive end Yannick Ngakoue from the Raiders and trading away Carson Wentz and Rock Ya-Sin.
➤ Ryan should stabilize the quarterback position for the Colts and while they could use a weapon or two in the passing game, Ryan can work with this. It also helps to have all-world running back Jonathan Taylor to hand the ball off to.
Additions and Re-signings:
RB Mekhi Sargent, WR Christian Kirk (from ARI), WR Zay Jones (from LV), WR Laquon Treadwell, TE Evan Engram (from NYG), OT Cam Robinson (franchise tag), OT Will Richardson, OG Brandon Scherff (from WAS), OG Tyler Shatley, DT Foley Fatukasi (from NYJ), LB Foyesade Oluokun (from ATL), CB Tre Herndon, CB Darious Williams (from LAR), K Ryan Santoso (from DET)
Pre-Combine Biggest Team Need:
Any pass-catcher
Breakdown:
➤ While the Jaguars were very aggressive with the moves they've made, especially on the offensive side of the ball, they spent a LOT of money to do so. Will that kind of significant financial investment pay off? We'll see.
➤ The team has two first-round selections including the top overall pick for the second-straight season, so adding more high-end talent and a "quarterback whisperer" in Doug Pederson should help the franchise not select first-overall for a third consecutive draft.
Additions and Re-signings:
QB Chad Henne, FB Michael Burton, WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (from PIT), WR Corey Coleman, OT Orlando Brown Jr (franchise tag), OT Andrew Wylie, OT Geron Christian (from HOU), DT Derrick Nnadi, CB Luq Barcoo (from SF), S Justin Reid (from HOU)
Pre-Combine Biggest Team Need:
Defensive Line
Breakdown:
➤ Welp, the Chiefs got a haul of draft picks but it cost Tyreek Hill. Seeing what every other team in their division did to improve their standing makes the Chiefs' offseason pale in comparison. Make no mistake - this team still employs Travis Kelce and the great Patrick Mahomes, so with those two, the Chiefs always have a chance. It's just going to be weird to not see #10 doing wind sprints up and down the formation.
➤ They did add JuJu Smith-Schuster, who likely slots in as the top wide receiver with Hill gone. Still a capable receiver and will form a still-potent duo with Kelce.
Additions and Re-signings:
QB Garrett Gilbert (from WAS), RB Ameer Abdullah (from CAR), RB Brandon Bolden (from NE), FB Jakob Johnson (from NE), WR Davante Adams (via trade, GB), WR Mack Hollins (from MIA), TE Jacob Hollister (from JAC), OT Brandon Parker, OT Alex Bars (from CHI), DT Bilal Nichols (from CHI), DT Vernon Butler (from BUF), OLB Chandler Jones (from ARI), LB Micah Kiser (from LAR), LB Kyler Fackrell (from LAC), CB Rock Ya-Sin (via trade, IND), CB Anthony Averett (from BAL), S Dallin Leavitt
Pre-Combine Biggest Team Need:
Wide Receiver
Breakdown:
➤ The Raiders may have won the "March Super Bowl" for their job in improving their team from last season to this offseason. Trading for Davante Adams and Rock Ya-Sin while adding Chandler Jones on defense gives this team a new identity for their new head coach.
➤ The Raiders brought in former Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels as head coach, so he should bring over the "Erhardt-Perkins" offensive system to Las Vegas. This system is predicated on multiple formations and personnel groupings on a core set of base playcalls. Call it "Patriots West" or whatever you'd like, but bringing in Brandon Bolden and Jakob Johnson should help ease the transition for incumbents like Josh Jacobs and Kenyan Drake in the backfield.
Additions and Re-signings:
QB Chase Daniel, WR Mike Williams, TE Gerald Everett (from SEA), DT Sebastian Joseph-Day (from LAR), DT Austin Johnson (from NYG), DE Christian Covington, OLB Khalil Mack (via trade, CHI), CB J.C. Jackson (from NE), LS Josh Harris (from ATL), P J.K. Scott (from GB)
Pre-Combine Biggest Team Need:
Cornerback
Breakdown:
➤ J.C. Jackson filled the cornerback need that I thought was the most glaring need for the Chargers heading into the Combine, but they went above and beyond. They also acquired edge rusher Khalil Mack from Chicago, who should line up opposite Joey Bosa and cause major issues for opposing offensive linemen. This Chargers defense is going to be a PROBLEM.
➤ On the offensive side of the ball, Mike Williams signed a three-year extension to remain with the Chargers and they also brought in former Ram and Seahawk tight end Gerald Everett to mix in with Donald Parham and 2021 draft pick Tre' McKitty at the position. Everett seems the most offensive-inclined option at the position.
Additions and Re-signings:
WR Allen Robinson (from CHI), WR Brandon Powell, OT Joseph Noteboom, C Cole Shelton, C Brian Allen
Pre-Combine Biggest Team Need:
Interior Offensive Line
Breakdown:
➤ Maintaining some sort of "status quo" within the offensive line was a must for the defending Super Bowl champion Rams, and they kept key cogs like Brian Allen and Joseph Noteboom. Noteboom will be especially vital for Los Angeles with the retirement of OT Andrew Whitworth.
➤ The signing of Allen Robinson was a luxury addition, but one that should thrive on the west coast. Longtime Rams wide receiver Robert Woods was a bit of a casualty with that move, as he was shipped to Tennessee for the sixth-round draft pick, but Robinson could resurrect his career after an across-the-board down 2021 campaign in Chicago.
Additions and Re-signings:
QB Teddy Bridgewater (from DEN), RB Chase Edmonds (from ARI), RB Raheem Mostert (from SF), FB Alex Ingold (from LV), WR Tyreek Hill (via trade, KC) WR Cedrick Wilson (from DAL), WR Preston Williams, WR Trent Sherfield (from SF), TE Mike Gesicki (franchise tag), TE Durham Smythe, OT Terron Armstead (from NO), OG Connor Williams (from DAL), LB Sam Eguavoen, LB Elandon Roberts, LB Duke Riley, OLB Brennan Scarlett, CB Keion Crossen (from NYG), S Sheldrick Redwine
Pre-Combine Biggest Team Need:
Offensive Line
Breakdown:
➤ Miami may have had the most aggressive, transformative offseason I can think of. They franchise tagged tight end Mike Gesicki. Miami then went out and signed running backs Chase Edmonds and Raheem Mostert. They added former Cowboys wide receiver Cedrick Wilson.
In the last couple of days, the Dolphins not only signed former Saints tackle Terron Armstead, but traded for wide receiver Tyreek Hill in what might be the most shocking trade we've seen since, well, last weekend when Davante Adams was traded. Absolutely wild start of the week for Dolphins fans and if they're not right up there with the Buffalo Bills in terms of AFC contenders, they're pretty close. Of course, it all hinges on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa if he can take advantage of the weaponry now in Miami.
Additions and Re-signings:
QB Sean Mannion, TE Johnny Mundt (from LAR), OG Austin Schlottmann (from DEN), DT Harrison Phillips (from BUF), OLB Za'Darius Smith (from GB), LB Jordan Hicks (from ARI), P Jordan Berry
Pre-Combine Biggest Team Need:
Edge rusher or Cornerback
Breakdown:
➤ The Vikings didn't do much in free agency at the beginning, but they swapped out defensive tackle Michael Pierce for Harrison Phillips. They added edge rusher Za'Darius Smith from Green Bay to scratch off one of their glaring team needs, but the other (cornerback) needs to be addressed in the draft.
Additions and Re-signings:
QB Brian Hoyer, RB Ty Montgomery (from NO), RB James White, WR Matthew Slater, OT Trent Brown, OG James Ferentz, LB Mack Wilson (via trade, CLE), LB Ja'Whaun Bentley, CB Malcolm Butler (from ARI), CB Terrance Mitchell (from HOU), S Devin McCourty, K Nick Folk
Pre-Combine Biggest Team Need:
Wide Receiver
Breakdown:
➤ After playing "Supermarket Sweep" last offseason, the Patriots have been pretty measured so far in 2022. They've added some of their role players to new contracts, adding some old faces (Malcolm Butler), and keeping relative continuity for young quarterback Mac Jones. It's not a sexy list of signees, but the Patriots are the Patriots - it rarely is.
Additions and Re-signings:
QB Jameis Winston, WR Lil'Jordan Humphrey, WR Deonte Harty (Harris), DT Kentavius Street (from SF), CB Bradley Roby, S Marcus Maye (from NYJ)
Pre-Combine Biggest Team Need:
Quarterback
Breakdown:
➤ The Saints had to dig out of a huge crater that is their salary cap deficit and get into the black at the start of free agency. They did so, and have been quiet besides inking safety Marcus Maye to replace the departed Marcus Williams and tabbing quarterback Jameis Winston as their presumptive starter in 2022. They were in on the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes but ultimately lost that to Cleveland. Their offensive line got much worse with the departure of tackle Terron Armstead, who gets that tax-free money going to the Miami Dolphins. Not great, Bob.
Additions and Re-signings:
QB Tyrod Taylor (from HOU), RB Matt Breida (from BUF), TE Ricky Seals-Jones (from WAS), OT Korey Cunningham, OG Mark Glowinski (from IND), OG Jon Feliciano (from BUF), OL Jamil Douglas (from WAS), DE Jihad Ward (from JAC), DT Justin Ellis (from BAL), CB Jarren Williams, LS Casey Kreiter
Pre-Combine Biggest Team Need:
Offensive Line
Breakdown:
➤ With two high draft selections coming in a month, the Giants weren't likely to make a huge splash in free agency. They didn't get into any quarterback sweepstakes, instead spending some money on quarterback Tyrod Taylor to backup Daniel Jones for 2022. There's no way Taylor could be worse than Mike Glennon if pressed into action, right?
➤ The team also grabbed a couple of pieces on the offensive line like guard Mark Glowinski, who should slot in somewhere in the interior for 2022. Simply put, any big improvements for the Giants will come in the NFL Draft.
Additions and Re-signings:
QB Joe Flacco, QB Mike White, RB Tevin Coleman, WR Braxton Berrios, TE C.J. Uzomah (from CIN), TE Tyler Conklin (from MIN), OG Laken Tomlinson (from SF), OG Dan Feeney, DT Nathan Shepherd, OLB Jacob Martin (from HOU), CB D.J. Reed (from SEA), S Lamarcus Joyner, S Jordan Whitehead (from TB)
Pre-Combine Biggest Team Need:
Secondary
Breakdown:
➤ The Jets have a ton of draft capital, so they didn't overspend in free agency. Still, they got a lot accomplished, including a reunion of sorts with the signing of D.J. Reed, who head coach Robert Saleh is familiar with from their days in San Francisco. New York also added a big-time interior offensive lineman in guard Laken Tomlinson, which should add some leadership with all the young people movers there. The Jets are doing this rebuild right, and have the draft capital to either make a huge move for a veteran or add talent in the NFL Draft.
Additions and Re-signings:
RB Boston Scott, WR Zach Pascal (from IND), WR Greg Ward, DT Fletcher Cox, OLB Haason Reddick (from CAR), S Anthony Harris
Pre-Combine Biggest Team Need:
Linebacker
Breakdown:
➤ Haason Reddick represents a pretty hefty addition to the Philadelphia pass rush and while undersized (6-foot-1, 235 lbs.), should provide some quickness and agility on the edge. The team also brought back longtime stalwart defensive tackle Fletcher Cox on a one-year deal but he's not the same player as he was even as recently as 2019.
Additions and Re-signings:
QB Mitchell Trubisky (from BUF), QB Dwayne Haskins, WR Gunner Olszewski (from NE), OT Chukwuma Okorafor, OG James Daniels (from CHI), C Mason Cole (from MIN), DT Montravius Adams, LB Myles Jack (from JAC), CB Levi Wallace (from BUF), CB Ahkello Witherspoon, S Miles Killebrew
Pre-Combine Biggest Team Need:
Quarterback
Breakdown:
➤ One could argue (and they'll have a good point) that quarterback Mitch Trubisky doesn't mean that quarterback isn't still a need for the Steelers. After all, they're linked to every meaningful quarterback prospect in the NFL Draft in some form or fashion. What the team does will shape their narrative for 2022, but Trubisky could surprise. Was his lackluster performance since being drafted second-overall in 2017 one of a lack of skill or a collective mismanagement by the "braintrust" in Chicago that's since been fired?
➤ Aside from quarterback, adding linebacker Myles Jack to essentially replace the departed Joe Schobert adds athleticism. Cornerback Levi Wallace from Buffalo is a great get for their zone-rich defensive scheme. They kept some offensive line pieces but the job certainly isn't done there.
Additions and Re-signings:
QB Nate Sudfeld, RB JaMycal Hasty, WR Ray-Ray McCloud (from PIT), C Jake Brendel, DT Hassan Ridgeway (from PHI), DT Maurice Hurst, DT Kevin Givens, LB Oren Burks (from GB), LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, CB Charvarius Ward (from KC), S George Odum (from IND)
Pre-Combine Biggest Team Need:
Secondary
Breakdown:
➤ Right now, it looks like with NFL musical chairs about to wrap up for quarterbacks, that Jimmy Garoppolo will remain with the 49ers barring anything crazy. So lucky for us, we get to sit though another game of Garoppolo or Trey Lance at quarterback for 2022.
➤ As for additions, Charvarius Ward coming over from Kansas City represents the biggest positional upgrade, but the team will still need to bring in reinforcements as they are barren at the cornerback position outside of Ambry Thomas.
Additions and Re-signings:
QB Drew Lock (via trade, DEN), RB Rashaad Penny, TE Noah Fant (via trade, DEN), TE Will Dissly, G Kyle Fuller, C Austin Blythe (from KC), DT Al Woods, DT Quinton Jefferson (from LV), DE Shelby Harris (via trade, DEN), LB Uchenna Nwosu (from LAC), CB Sidney Jones, CB Artie Burns (from CHI), S Quandre Diggs
Pre-Combine Biggest Team Need:
Edge rusher
Breakdown:
➤ Well, sometimes, you just can't predict football. Russell Wilson, the lifeblood of the Seahawks franchise for the last decade, was traded to Denver and thus, kickstarting a rebuild for Seattle. The release of longtime linebacker Bobby Wagner cemented this rebuild.
➤ At worst, the Seahawks will give quarterback Drew Lock an audition, but they might draft a rookie signal-caller as soon as April with some of the draft capital they received for Wilson. Seattle was in a lot of conversations to bring a quarterback in from free agency, but they likely stood pat rather than expend more capital on the position. Seattle may attempt to perform a hasty rebuild under head coach Pete Carroll, the oldest head coach in the NFL, but as it stands, the Seahawks are the worst team in the NFC West by a clear margin.
Additions and Re-signings:
QB Tom Brady (unretired), RB Leonard Fournette, WR Chris Godwin, WR Breshad Perriman, WR Russell Gage (from ATL), OG Aaron Stinnie, OG Shaq Mason (from NE), C Ryan Jensen, CB Carlton Davis, S Logan Ryan (from NYG)
Pre-Combine Biggest Team Need:
Quarterback
Breakdown:
➤ Well, the unretirement of Tom Brady squelched that team need pretty quickly, eh? Brady immediately shifts the focus for Tampa to one of a contender, as they have been the last two seasons with the future Hall of Famer Brady.
➤ Almost immediately after, the gang was being brought back for another go at a championship. Wide receiver Chris Godwin was franchise tagged and then signed to a long-term deal. Running back Leonard Fournette, center Ryan Jensen, cornerback Carlton Davis, and wide receiver Breshad Perriman all came back to the Buccaneers. Familiar faces from New England like guard Shaq Mason and safety Logan Ryan also resigned. Shuffling over to Tampa from Atlanta is wide receiver Russell Gage, who was personally courted by Brady. The Bucs are going to be a thing yet again in 2022.
Additions and Re-signings:
RB Dontrell Hilliard, RB Trenton Cannon (from SF), WR Robert Woods (via trade, LAR), TE Austin Hooper (from CLE), TE Geoff Swaim, OT Jamarco Jones (from SEA), C Ben Jones, LB Ola Adeniyi, OLB Harold Landry III, CB Buster Skrine (from SF), S A.J. Moore (from HOU), K Randy Bullock
Pre-Combine Biggest Team Need:
Tight end
Breakdown:
➤ The team jettisoned Julio Jones and replaced him with Robert Woods, which should provide an upgrade to both the run and pass game. Woods is a capable run-blocking receiver, as well as a consummate professional on and off the field, so with a young nucleus, Woods' presence is going to be felt immediately.
➤ The Titans made a bunch of moves that aren't flashy, but fit their structure, like retaining edge rushing Harold Landry and bringing in recently released tight end Austin Hooper from Cleveland to be their starter. Re-signing center Ben Jones may be the most important move of them all though, as it keeps one of their bedrocks in house for the next two seasons.
Additions and Re-signings:
QB Carson Wentz (via trade, IND), RB J.D. McKissic, WR Cam Sims, OG Andrew Norwell (from JAC), C Tyler Larsen, C Jon Toth, DT Daniel Wise, LB Milo Eifler, S Bobby McCain, S Troy Apke
Pre-Combine Biggest Team Need:
Quarterback (and some pass-catching help?)
Breakdown:
➤ It's probably never a good sign when the one head coach who went to bat for you last offseason gets immediately off the bus, but that's what happened with Frank Reich and Carson Wentz. Wentz finds himself in Washington, as the first quarterback of the "Commander Era". The team might be looking to rebuild very soon, but maybe they can harness the old Wentz that played them twice each season when he was a Philadelphia Eagle.
Be sure to follow Kevin on Twitter @ktompkinsii!