2023 NFL Free Agency Recap
Austin Ruzbarsky
Staff Writer
The 2023 NFL free agency was highly anticipated, mainly due to two major quarterbacks: Aaron Rodgers and Lamar Jackson. Although there has not been any official news on either of those players, the first wave of free agency saw a whirlwind of activity, with trades for star playmakers and other high-profile quarterbacks grabbing the show. Let’s explore the key free agency developments.
New York Giants acquire tight end Darren Waller: Waller is coming off a season-crushing hamstring injury but looks to bounce back with Big Blue this upcoming season. The Giants scooped up the two time 1,000 yard tight end for a third-round pick in the upcoming NFL draft. Under the shrewd coaching of Brian Daboll, Waller appears to be a viable rebound candidate.
Cornerback Jalen Ramsey acquired by Miami Dolphins: Miami successfully snagged outstanding cover man Jalen Ramsey from the Los Angeles Rams for a third-round pick. Great addition for Miami as they just lost one of their defensive stars, Byron Jones. Miami is one of the league’s most aggressive offseason teams, while Los Angeles enters a difficult rebuilding situation. The Rams also lost linebacker Bobby Wagner who returned to his original team, the Seattle Seahawks, for 1 year and $7 million.
Philadelphia Eagles run it back: As the open market hit, Philly fans had every right to hit the panic button when it came to their defense this off-season. Philadelphia was able to bring back four key components in cornerback Darius Slay, cornerback James Bradberry, defensive end Brandon Graham, and defensive tackle Fletcher Cox. Philly hopes to have a similar playoff run as they did last season. They will do that without their 2022 starting running back Miles Sanders who signed with the Carolina Panthers on a four year, $25.4 million deal.
Seattle Seahawks Sticking with Comeback Player of the Year: The Comeback Player of the Year trophy presentation was the club’s most important assignment, though. A three-year contract with a realistic incentive structure that guarantees Geno Smith $40 million was crafted by general manager John Schneider. Smith will have the perfect opportunity to lead the squad this autumn because Seattle may choose a rookie successor with the fifth overall pick. Seattle’s post-Russell Wilson rebuild is both a cautionary tale and a success story in the making.
Green Bay Packers, New York Jets remain at deadlock on Aaron Rodgers: Over the past week, Aaron Rodgers joined The Pat McAfee Show and mentioned that he “intends to play for the New York Jets”. This statement made by Rodgers created a lot of excitement throughout the Jets fanbase but since then, no trades regarding Rodgers have been brought up. On the bright side, Aaron Rodgers did reach out to the Jets to give them a wish list on who he would like to join him in coming to New York. This list includes tight end Marcedes Lewis, wide receivers Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb. Odell Beckham Jr, a player Rodgers has yet to play with, is also rumored to have been on the wish list. The Jets did go out and sign Lazard to a four year $44 million deal.
Contact Austin at austin.ruzbarsky@student.shu.edu