NFL Offseason: Winners, Losers, and a Whole Lot of Money
The National Football League never truly sleeps. Even before the official start of free agency, the offseason has been a whirlwind of activity, marked by blockbuster trades, contract extensions that shattered records, and the ever-present undercurrent of player demands. With so much already transpiring, it’s time to dissect the early winners and losers of this action-packed period. While the individuals and teams signing those massive deals are obvious victors, the story runs much deeper than that.
The Big Paydays and Their Implications
Myles Garrett’s record-breaking four-year, $160 million extension with the Cleveland Browns, including a staggering $123.5 million in guarantees, set the tone for the offseason. It’s a testament to Browns general manager Andrew Berry’s commitment to keeping a cornerstone player despite trade rumors swirling. Berry’s steadfastness allows the Browns to now fully focus on finding their next franchise quarterback in the upcoming draft.
Garrett’s contract has a ripple effect across the league, specifically for other elite edge rushers. Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys and T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers are undoubtedly celebrating, as Garrett’s deal has raised the bar for their future negotiations. Parsons even took to social media to express his disbelief at the figures, knowing his own bank account will eventually benefit.
Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills also emerged as a clear winner, securing a contract extension that guarantees him $250 million over six years, with the potential to reach $330 million. This massive commitment reflects the Bills’ philosophy of investing heavily in their star players. The Bills further solidified their core by extending wide receiver Khalil Shakir, linebacker Terrel Bernard, and defensive end Gregory Rousseau.
Saquon Barkley’s outstanding first season with the Philadelphia Eagles culminated in a two-year extension worth $41.2 million, with substantial guarantees and incentives. This deal makes him the highest-paid running back in NFL history, illustrating the Eagles’ proactive approach to rewarding key players and maintaining a competitive edge. General manager Howie Roseman, known for his strategic contract management, also brought back linebacker Zack Baun.
The Los Angeles Rams, opting to stick with veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, reworked his contract after initially granting him permission to explore trade options. They then addressed their receiving corps by adding Davante Adams, who figures to thrive in Sean McVay’s offensive system. The Rams also secured the services of left tackle Alaric Jackson with a lucrative extension.
In a surprising move, the Las Vegas Raiders reunited head coach Pete Carroll with Geno Smith, acquiring the quarterback from the Seattle Seahawks for a draft pick. The Raiders also locked up defensive end Maxx Crosby with a significant extension, although Garrett quickly surpassed him as the highest-paid non-quarterback.
The Chicago Bears, determined to improve their offensive line, acquired Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney via trade. These additions demonstrate Ryan Poles’ commitment to protecting quarterback Caleb Williams and fostering his development.
The Movers and Shakers
The wide receiver market saw significant activity. While the article mentions Deebo Samuel being traded from San Francisco to Washington and DK Metcalf ending up with the Pittsburgh Steelers, these moves did not actually occur and are fictional. In a real scenario, though, players seeking a fresh start can often find success by engineering a trade to a new team. Davante Adams, after his situation with the New York Jets deteriorated, landed with the Los Angeles Rams, joining Matthew Stafford. While the long-term outcomes for these receivers are uncertain, they achieved their primary goal: getting a change of scenery.
The Teams Standing Pat (and Potentially Losing Out)
Cincinnati Bengals’ director of player personnel, Duke Tobin, publicly stated the team’s intention to make JaMarr Chase the highest-paid non-quarterback, only to see the Browns beat them to it with Garrett. Furthermore, the Bengals granted Trey Hendrickson permission to seek a trade and placed the franchise tag on Tee Higgins for the second consecutive year. Quarterback Joe Burrow’s expressed desire to keep the team’s core contributors together has not been realized, creating an awkward situation for the organization.
The Seattle Seahawks are undergoing a rebuild, parting ways with Geno Smith and potentially DK Metcalf. The team is prioritizing defense and a more conservative offensive approach, which Smith did not fit.
The Dallas Cowboys’ Cautious Approach
Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys face scrutiny for their handling of player contracts. While they avoided the franchise tag on Osa Odighizuwa and signed him to a long-term deal, they have seemingly delayed addressing Parsons’ contract, potentially increasing his price tag. Their reluctance to proactively manage contracts may hinder their ability to compete in the long run.
The Need for Tampering Transparency
The article also touches on the somewhat farcical nature of the "legal tampering window," suggesting that the league should consider dropping the pretense and acknowledge the reality of offseason negotiations.
In summary, the NFL offseason is a complex landscape where teams navigate player contracts, trades, and free agency in pursuit of a Super Bowl. Some teams are making bold moves, while others are taking a more cautious approach. The long-term success of these strategies remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the NFL continues to captivate fans with its year-round drama.
