NFL Off-season Moves
Ryan D’Amico
Sports Editor
Since the NFL season has ended with the Kansas City Chiefs winning the Super Bowl in back-to-back years, plenty of off-season moves are already coming and going. Now that the season has concluded and the free agent and signing window is open, teams that need stars and certain positions are on the move with their money.
Teams that need quarterbacks, running backs, and every other position on either side of the ball are rushing to sign and lock down their players who are free agents and signing new players. Some of the biggest moves have come in the first week of the free agency window. In the week following Russel Wilson signed with the Steelers on a 1-year contract and later this week the Steelers also traded for Justin Fields. Staying in the division the Browns, Ravens, and the Bengals have made moves. The Ravens, after going 13-4 and making it to the AFC Championship game signed free agent Derrick Henry to the loaded rushing offense already. Next, the Browns waiting for a healthy season missing out on Watson for half of the year, and Nick Chubb getting injured they signed another receiver next to Amari Copper in Jerry Jeudy. On the opposite of signing and keeping players the Bengals lost Joe Mixon and tried to franchise tag Tee Higgins, but he wants out as they haven’t had contract talks since early 2023. Losing Mixon and Higgins in one off-season wouldn’t be a good look for the Bengals after Joe Burrow comes back from injury.
Now that Henry left the Titans, they went looking for a replacement at running back. They found one in Tony Pollard as Dallas wasn’t going to match his new contract. Another running back to leave for a contract and maybe in a better situation is Josh Jacobs to the Packers. This is a huge pick-up to have next to a developing young team and Jordan Love. Austin Ekler also signs with the Washington Commanders as they are trying to rebuild and draft a quarterback high this year. On to an annoyed franchise at the moment New York fans have not been having a fun time during this off-season free agency. They had a rebuilding team with a young QB and young receivers and running back until Saquon signed with their division rivals the Philadelphia Eagles.
Some other contracts that have come in these following weeks include Baker Mayfield signing back with the Bucs for 3 years $100 million. Kirk Cousins, after an Achilles tear signed with the Falcons for a massive contract worth $180 million over 4 years, and Mike Williams signed to the Jets on a 1-year contract that adds another piece to the Jets to be next to Rodgers, Wilson, and Hall on a fresh season.
With the Bears having the first pick and most likely going with top prospect Caleb Williams they have traded Justin Fields and need some great star players to add around their new star. The Bears added Keenan Allen, and D’Andre Swift to already having DJ Moore and other offensive weapons.
Contact Ryan at ryan.damico@student.shu.edu