NFL Off-Season Primer: Part III

By Jakob Salao, Sports Editor

Courtesy of NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Amid the overall uncertainty that comes with the spread of the coronavirus, NFL teams have continued their off-season endeavors to improve their team through trades and free-agent signings. The football world has been turned on its head, and it may be confusing to keep track of where every player has ended up and what exactly is going on in the NFL, but there are some big moves that should be kept track of.

FREE AGENT SIGNINGS

(*=Resigning, _=Traded)

AFC North

Courtesy of CLUTCHPOINTS

Baltimore Ravens: DE Calais Campbell (Via Jaguars), DE Matt Judon*, C Matt Sukra*, CB Jimmy Smith*, DE Jihad Ward*, DL Derek Wolfe

With a nearly lopsided trade with the Jaguars, the addition of DE Calais Campbell and other defensive players only bolster the strength of the Ravens. They easily took the #1 seed in the AFC and the strengthening of their defense will only help them next season.

Cincinnati Bengals: CB Mackensie Alexander, S Vonn Bell, WR A.J. Green*, DT D.J. Reader, CB Trae Waynes.

Although the Bengals spent big in free agency, it may not be enough to turn the franchise around. Coming off a 2-14 season, it’s hard to imagine that these signings alone will change much, even with the addition of their draft picks.

Cleveland Browns: DT Andrew Billings, DE Adrian Clayborn, OT Jack Conklin, LB B.J. Goodson, TE Austin Hooper, RB Kareem Hunt*, FB Andy Janovich (Via Broncos), CB Kevin Johnson, S Karl Joseph, QB Case Keenum, S Andrew Sendejo.

The Browns made some big moves this offseason, and in combination with some smart draft picks to fix some weaknesses not addressed by their free agents, Cleveland may have the first team since the 2016 Cavaliers that they can be proud of.

Pittsburgh Steelers: DE Bud Dupree*, TE Eric Ebron, FB Derek Watt, DT Chris Wormley (Via Ravens), OL Stefen Wisniewski.

TE Eric Ebron gives the Steelers a new weapon to target and the addition of DT Chris Womrley to their defensive line may be enough to push the Steelers into the playoffs after barely missing out last season, especially now that there will be one more team than previous years.

NFC North

Courtesy of CLUTCHPOINTS

Chicago Bears: CB Artie Burns, S Deon Bush*, QB Nick Foles (Via Jaguars), TE Jimmy Graham, OL Germain Ifedi, DE Robert Quinn, LB Danny Trevathan*.

To no one’s surprise, the Bears chose to work on their QB situation by bringing in veteran QB Nick Foles, and whether or not Foles starts over current starter Mitchell Trubisky is left to be seen when the season rolls around. Their defense remains strong, but not significantly more than last year.

Detroit Lions: WR Geronimo Allsion, LB Jamie Collins, QB Chase Daniel, DB Duron Harmon (Via Patriots), S Jayron Kearse, S Miles Killebrew, LB Reggie Ragland, DL Danny Shelton, CB Desmond Trufant, OT Halapoulivaati Vaitai, DT Nick Williams.

The Lion’s offseason brings with it a possible brand-new look of their defense, and whether or not Coach Matt Patricia believes these new CBs can fill the gap left by Darius Slay will be left to be seen.

Green Bay Packers: LB Christian Kirksey, WR Devin Funchess, TE Mercedes Lewis*, OT Rick Wagner.

Without much to work on, the Packers didn’t have as much of an active offseason as other teams. Much of what they need can easily be found in the upcoming draft, but the addition of WR Devin Funchess doesn’t hurt.

Minnesota Vikings: RB Ameer Abdullah*, K Dan Bailey*, FB C.J. Ham*, S Anthony Harris*, OT Rashod Hill, QB Sean Mannion*, DT Michael Pierce, WR Tajae Sharpe, LB Eric Wilson.

The Vikings gave up star WR Stefon Diggs, but in return were able to secure a multitude of draft picks that will be able to help them fill the gaps they need.

Look out for Part IV of our NFL Off-Season Primer coming out on Monday!