2022 NFL Transactions
Wes Langley follow @DraftUtopia Updated Daily.
April 13, 2022
Las Vegas Raiders: Re-Sign Derek Carr QB to 3 year $121.5-million dollar contract C+ Grade
I feel Derek Carr is overrated and will get exposed this year. His contract won't take effect until the 2023 season which means Carr won't be an unrestricted Free Agent until 2026. Chris Ransom gave this an A- grade. If you average both of our grades that's a solid B grade.
Houston Texans: Sign Steven Nelson CB to 2 year $10-million dollar contract A+ Grade
This is a good short-term deal for Steven Nelson. He goes to Houston where he'll be a number two cornerback which seems to a role he's thrived in with Kansas City, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia in the past.
April 6, 2022
Buffalo Bills: Re-Sign Stefon Diggs WR to 4 year $124-million dollar contract A+ Grade
Buffalo made Diggs the leagues third highest paid receiver with this extension behind Tyreek Hill $30-million per year and Davante Adams $28.5-million per year. There were also rumors that Carolina offered 6 to Buffalo for Diggs, but the Bills were intent on keeping Diggs. This is just about what the 29-year-old Diggs deserves salary wise.
April 4, 2022
Philadelphia Eagles: Trade for 2023 first round pick A+ Grade
Philadelphia traded two of their three first round picks, but got a first round pick this year along with a 2023 first round pick back. Philadelphia also got a 2024 second round pick in addition to pick 101 and 237 in this years NFL Draft. That's why I consider Philadelphia Eagles GM Howie Roseman the winner of this trade.
New Orleans Saints: Trade for 16 and 19 D Grade
New Orleans got fleeced in this trade. Sure they got two first round picks this year, but gave up 18, a 2023 first round pick, a 2024 second round pick, 101, and 237 to Philadelpha to get back 16, 19, and 194. The Saints gave up a first this and next year a future second, a third, and a seventh this year only to come away with two picks at 16 and 19 compared to previously having 18.
April 2, 2022
New England Patriots: Trade for DeVante Parker WR B+ Grade
The last time the Patriots got a former Dolphin receiver, they acquired Wes Welker from Miami. Parker gives New England a number one target if they cannot acquire their guy in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Miami Dolphins: Trade for 2023 third round pick B Grade
Miami now has two first and two third round picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. This gives Miami the capital for a rebuild if they fail to make the wild card round in this years playoffs.
April 1, 2022
Miami Dolphins: Re-Sign Xavien Howard CB to 5 year $90-million dollar deal A Grade
Miami needed to pay Howard more after paying Byron Jones. Miami got this situation resolved at cornerback and they deserve credit for that.
March 31, 2022
Los Angeles Rams: Sign Bobby Wagner 3-4 MLB to 5 year $50-million dollar deal A+ Grade
The Los Angeles Rams addressed their biggest need with this pick. Signing Bobby Wagner is a great move as the Rams steal the face of the Seattle Seahawks defense away from a division rival in the NFC West Division.
March 30, 2022
Minnesota Vikings: Re-Sign Patrick Peterson CB to 1 year $4-million dollar deal A Grade
Minnesota has a dire need at improving their cornerback position. There's a chance that both Ahmad Gardner and Derek Stingley Jr. are gone by 12. If that's the case, Minnesota needs a plan C and bringing back Peterson on a 1 year deal cheaper then his first 1 year deal with the Minnesota Vikings is a strong move.
March 24, 2022
Miami Dolphins: Re-Sign Tyreek Hill WR to 4 year $120-million dollar deal C- Grade
Miami gave up a kings ransom to get Tyreek Hill. Tyreek Hill is now the highest paid receiver in the NFL.
Kansas City Chiefs: Sign Marquez Valdes-Scantling WR to 3 year $30-million dollar deal C Grade
The Kansas City Chiefs replaced Tyreek Hill with Marquez Valdes-Scantling on a much cheaper team friendly deal. Marquez Valdes-Scantling has his moments, but there's no question the Chiefs overpaid for his services. At the same time this is a good insurance policy if a good receiver in the 2022 NFL Draft doesn't fall to 29.
March 23, 2022
Miami Dolphins: Trade for Tyreek Hill WR C- Grade
Miami got Tyreek Hill, but they gave up 5 draft picks including a first, second, fourth, 2023 fourth, and 2023 sixth. The first and second round picks are both in the top 50 of this years 2022 NFL Draft. Miami is also extending Hill paying Tyreek Hill 4 years $120-million dollars with Hill making $30-million per year.
Kansas City Chiefs: Trade For 2022 first round pick A Grade
The Kansas City Chiefs now have two first round picks, two second round picks, two third round picks, two fourth round picks, and 12 total picks in the 2022 NFL Draft giving the Chiefs more draft capital than any NFL team in the 2022 NFL Draft. The Chiefs also have more cap space than any NFL team.
New England Patriots: Sign Malcolm Butler CB to 2 year $9-million dollar deal A Grade
New England brings back Malcolm Butler back on a cheap deal. This is a good value move for New england since the Patriots needed a cornerback after losing J.C. Jackson.
March 22, 2022
Miami Dolphins: Sign Terron Armstead LT to 5 year $75-million dollar deal B Grade
Miami overpaid Terron Armstead. Still they got the best left tackle on the market. This allows Miami to move Liam Eichenberg Miami's 2021 second round pick to right tackle where he will be a blindside for Tua Tagovailoa.
Minnesota Vikings: Sign Z'Darius Smith 3-4 ROLB to 3 year $42-million dollar deal C Grade
Minnesota is switching to a 3-4 defense. Z'Darius Smith did well in Green Bay before injuries plagued him in 2021 where he was a constant sack artist at 3-4 right outside linebacker. Pairing Smith with Danielle Hunter could make for a deadly duo on the Minnesota Vikings front 7 in the short term.
Tampa Bay Bucccaneers: Re-Sign Leonard Fournette RB to 3 year $21-million dollar deal A+ Grade
Tampa Bay gets Leonard Fourentte back. Fournette really broke out after a change of scenery playing on a one year deal posting his best season since his rookie season where he took the Jaguars to the AFC Championship game. I love this signing since its under $10-million a year. Leonard Fournette deserves just about $7-million per year.
Dallas Cowboys: Re-Sign Bryan Anger P to 3 year $9-million dollar deal A Grade
Dallas brought back Bryan Anger. This was a good re-signing for Dallas.
Denver Broncos: Sign K'Wuan Williams CB to 2 year $5.2-million dollar deal B Grade
With Kyle Fuller gone, Denver will probably make Patrick Surtain Jr. their field cornerback with Ronald Darby remaining at boundary cornerback. K'Wuan Williams is a nice addition for a nickel cornerback.
Las Vegas Raiders: Sign Vernon Butler DT to 1 year $1.25-million dollar deal A- Grade
Las Vegas needed a 4-3 defensive tackle. They got Vernon Butler on a cheap team friendly deal.
March 21, 2022
Indianapolis Colts: Trade for Matt Ryan QB A Grade
Indianapolis gave up less for Matt Ryan than the Carolina Panthers did for Sam Darnold. This is a fantastic trade for the Indianapolis Colts.
Atlanta Falcons: Trade For 2022 third round pick F Grade
The Atlanta Falcons got a horrible return for Matt Ryan. Atlanta now has two second and two third round picks in the 2022 NFL Draft.
New Orleans Saints: Re-Sign Jameis Winston QB to 2 year $28-million dollar deal B- Grade
The Saints won't have Terron Armstead at left tackle or head coach Sean Payton back. While Winston was promising before his injury in 2021. It's entirely possible that Winston's play declines without those two in 2022.
Atlanta Falcons: Sign Marcus Mariota QB to 2 year $18.75-million dollar deal B- Grade
Marcus Mariota is getting a second chance as a starter. Mariota has one playoff win over Kansas City. He's 1-1 in the playoffs just like Baker Mayfield. Also, he doesn't cost any draft capital.
Buffalo Bills: Sign Jameson Crowder to 1 year $4-million dollar deal B- Grade
Jameson Crowder is solid, but nothing spectaular. He's a nice role player for the Bills though..
Detroit Lions: Sign Mike Hughes CB to 1 year $3.50-million dollar deal C+ Grade
Mike Hughes did okay as a nickel corner in the regular season, but was a liability in the playoffs. Mike Hughes will compete for a nickel cornerback job on an incredibly deep cornerback room in Detroit.
Las Vegas Raiders: Sign Brandon Parker RT to 1 year $3.5-million dollar deal B Grade
Las Vegas doesn't have a draft pick until the third round. Even if the Raiders find their future starting right tackle in the 2022 NFL Draft, the odds of getting an immediate contributor at right tackle were next to none.
March 20, 2022
Cincinnati Bengals: Sign La'El Collins to 3 year $30-million dollar deal A+ Grade
The Bengals gave Collins a 3 year deal with 2 years and $20-million of that guaranteeed. Jonah Williams still has two years left on his rookie deal if the Bengals 2019 first round pick at left tackle gets his fifth year tender. Essentially, the Bengals are rolling with Jonah Williams and La'El Collins as their bookend offensive tackles for the next two years. Right now Jackson Carman is expected to play left guard with Ted Karras at center and Alex Cappa at right guard.
Los Angeles Chargers: Sign Gerald Everett TE to 2 year $12-million dollar deal A+ Grade
The Chargers are replacing Jared Cook Jr. with a younger tight end in Gerald Everett on a cheaper deal. This is an awesome move for the Los Angeles Chargers considering that Everett will only cost $6-million per year.
New England Patriots: Re-Sign Trent Brown RT to 2 year $12-million dollar deal A Grade
New England has four of their five offensive linemen back including both of their offensive tackles. Quarterback Mac Jones has left tackle Isaiah Wynn, center David Andrews, right guard Michael Onwenu, and right tackle Trent Brown on the offensive line. These guys also run block at a high level which helps Damien Harris, Rhamondre Stevenson, and James White. New England could end up addressing left guard in the 2022 NFL Draft. New England has drafted four starting guards under Bill Belichick. Those guards are Logan Mankins, Shaq Mason, Joe Thuney, and Michael Onwenu. New England's track record for drafting starting guards is good.
Seattle Seahawks: Re-Sign Rashaad Penny RB to 1 year $5.75-million dollar deal A- Grade
The Seahawks brought back their workhorse running back Rashaad Penny on a one year prove it deal. Penny carried this offense down the stretch making things easier for Russell Wilson. He's gonna have to continue to carry this offense with Drew Lock set to take over for Russell Wilson.
Houston Texans: Re-Sign Kamu Grugier-Hill ROLB to 1 year $4-million dollar deal A Grade
Kamu Grugier-Hill was a Pro Bowl alternate last season after a career high 106 total tackles at 4-3 right outside linebacker once Houston transitioned to a 4-3 defense. Houston now has Kamu Grugier-Hill at 4-3 right outside linebacker, Christian Kirksey at 4-3 middle linebacker, and Jalen Reeves-Maybin at 4-3 left outside linebacker. Kirksey has been injury prone throughout his career so Reeves-Maybin was clearly a depth move. Houston may get a 3-4 middle linebacker in the draft, but it will probably be on day 3 looking at what the Texans have done in the offseason so far.
Carolina Panthers: Sign Bradley Bozeman C to 1 year $2.8-million dollar deal A Grade
Carolina brought in a younger Bradley Bozeman to replace Matt Paradis. This is a good move for Carolina as Bozeman was considered the top Free Agent center not named Ryan Jensen or Brian Allen.
Carolina Panthers: Sign Cory Littleton MLB to 1 year $2.6-million dollar deal A Grade
Speaking of linebacker trios, Carolina, has a solid one with Damien Wilson at 4-3 right outside linebacker, Cory Littleton at 4-3 middle linebacker, nad Shaq Thompson at 4-3 left outside linebacker. Wilson can play outside linebacker on either side, Littleton can play right outside linebacker or middle linebacker, and Thompson can play middle linebacker or left outside linebacker. Carolina picked a good variety of linebackers in Free Agency because the Panthers can line up these linebackers in different formations.
March 19, 2022
Los Angeles Rams: Re-Sign Matthew Stafford QB to 4 year $160-million dollar deal A- Grade
The Rams created quite a bit of cap space by extending Matthew Stafford which is the biggest reason I gave the Rams an A- grade here. He got the Rams a Super Bowl and earned this contract. At the same time, there is no question the Rams overpaid for Matthew Stafford.
Tennesee Titans: Trade for Robert Woods WR A Grade
Tennessee gave up a 2023 sixth round pick for Robert Woods. The Titans got an upgrade over Julio Jones. Tennessee replaced Julio Jones who missed games due to injuries with Robert Woods another receiver who missed games due to injuries.
Los Angeles Rams: Trade For 2023 sixth round pick D+ Grade
The Rams could have gotten a better return. At the same time, the next two NFL Drafts are incredibly deep at wide receiver which is why you can't fault the Rams too much for taking such a bad deal.
Green Bay Packers: Re-Sign Rasul Douglas CB to 3 year $21-million dollar deal A+ Grade
Rasul Douglas did well complimenting rookie cornerback Eric Stokes, Green Bay's 2021 first round pick when Jaire Alexander was injured. Green Bay will now havve Alexander, Douglas, and Stokes at full health next season. This is a fantastic move since Green Bay will have the NFL's best cornerback trio in 2022 if Alexander can stay healthy.
Carolina Panthers: Re-Sign Donte Jackson CB to 3 year $35.1-million dollar deal A Grade
Speaking of cornerback trios, Carolina, has a solid one just like the Green Bay Packers. Carolina's cornerback trio consists of Jaycee Horn, Donte Jackson, and C.J. Anderson. Horn and Jackson both suffered season ending injuries in 2021 which is why this got an A grade instead of an A+ grade.
Atlanta Falcons: Re-Sign Cordarrelle Patterson RB to 2 year $10.5-million dollar deal A Grade
Cordarrelle Patterson is a gadget player and swiss army knife on Atlanta's offense. Atlanta had to do something big to cheer up quarterback Matt Ryan after attempting to trade for Deshaun Watson only to watch the Browns snag Watson at the last minute.
Buffalo Bills: Trade for Case Keenum QB A Grade
Cleveland traded Case Keenum to Buffalo. Buffalo lost their backup quarterback Mitchell Trubisky to Pittsburgh. Buffalo traded for Case Keenum who went 2-0 as the Browns backup when Baker Mayfield missed games due to injuries. Cleveland made this move after successfully trading for Deshaun Watson. Buffalo also restructered Keenum's contract.
Cleveland Browns: Trade For 2022 seventh round pick B Grade
Cleveland got Buffalo's 2022 seventh round pick for Case Keenum. This is amazing when you consider that Keenum is now the third string quarterback on the Browns until Cleveland deals Baker Mayfield.
March 18, 2022
Cleveland Browns: Trade for Deshaun Watson QB A- Grade
Cleveland traded the twelfth pick in the 2017 NFL Draft to the Houston Texans who selected Clemson quarterback and National Championship MVP Deshaun Watson. Five years later, Houston shipped Watson to the Browns for three first round picks, a 2023 third round pick, and a 2024 fourth round pick. Houston only gave up Watson and a 2024 fifth round pick. Cleveland got a guy who is arguably a top 5 quarterback in the league. Cleveland even gave Watson a raise despite being accused of sexual assault by 22 different women. This is a steep price to pay, but Watson is a clear upgrade over Baker Mayfield at quarterback. I gave Cleveland an A- grade because the Browns are paying him $230-million over five years while mortaging three first round picks to Houston to get Watson.
Houston Texans: Trade For 3 first round picks B Grade
Cleveland traded the twelfth pick in the 2017 NFL Draft to the Houston Texans who selected Clemson quarterback and National Championship MVP Deshaun Watson. Five years later, Houston shipped Watson to the Browns for three first round picks, a 2023 third round pick, and a 2024 fourth round pick. Houston got a good return for a team that's going to be in a rebuild for quite a while.
Carolia Panthers: Re-Sign D.J. Moore to WR to 3 year $61.88-million dollar deal B Grade
Carolina re-signed their number one target. The reason they managed to pull this off is because Roby Anderson the Panthers number two target took a paycut to stay with the team. Anderson also unfollowed starting quarterback Sam Darnold and ESPN expects Anderson to get traded. Moore has been Carolina's number one receiver since he was drafted out of Maryland, so this is a good move for Carolina.
Tennessee Titans: Sign Austin Hooper TE to 1 year $6-million dollar deal A+ Grade
The Titans needed a viable starter at tight end. Austin Hooper entered the season as the Browns starting tight end before getting cut by the team to save cap space. Tennessee signing Hooper on a one-year prove it deal is a good move for the team after Tennessee released Julio Jones at wide receiver to clear cap space.
Philadelphia Eagles: Re-Sign Fletcher Cox DT to 1 year $14-million dollar deal A+ Grade
Philadelphia was paying Cox over $15-million so they cut him and brought him back to save cap space. That's one reason why I love this move. The Philadelphia Eagles 2012 first round pick has spent his entire NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles. In fact, Fletcher Cox is the only 2012 first round pick from the infamous Andrew Luck draft still on the team that drafted him. Dont'a Hightower could join Cox in this category if New England brings him back.
New England Patriots: Re-Sign Ja'whaun Bentley 3-4 MLB to 2 year $9-million dollar deal B Grade
First Bentley led New England with 106 total tackles while complimenting Dont'a Hightower. Second, bringing back Bentley was much cheaper then bringing back D'onta Hightower. New England now has Bentley and Raekwon McMillan at 3-4 middle linebacker next season, but they will probably take a 3-4 middle linebacker on day 2 to push McMillan for the starting job across from Bentley next season since the Patriots want to get younger at linebacker.
Kansas City Chiefs: Sign JuJu Smith-Schuster WR to 1 year $3.25-million dollar deal A+ Grade
It was originally reported that the Chiefs payed over $10-million. JuJu Smith-Schuster only cost the Chiefs $3.25-million for one year. Sure, Kansas City may have lost Byron Pringle and DeMarcus Robinson, but there won't be any drop off in the passing game with the top two receivers Hill and Hardman returning along with JuJu Smith-Schuster as a slot option and Josh Gordon in a role similar to the one Robinson was in last season. Every other offensive starter is back on the Kansas City Chiefs as well.
March 17, 2022
Las Vegas Raiders: Trade for Davante Adams WR A- Grade
Las Vegas gave Green Bay picks 22 and 53 for their best receiver Davante Adams. Green Bay offered more money then the Raiders around $30-million per year. Adams wanted to re-unite with his former Fresno State teammate Derek Carr. Las Vegas gave up picks 22 and 53 in the 2022 NFL Draft, but they traded for Adams, extended him, and paid Adams $28.5-million per year.
Green Bay Packers: Trade For 2022 first and second round picks. A Grade
Green Bay could have told Aaron Rodgers they were going to do this. At the same time this is a nice return for the 29-year-old Davante Adams as Green Bay got picks 22 and 53 in the first two rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Washington Commanders: Sign Andrew Norwell LG to 2 year $10-million dollar deal A Grade
Washington needed a left guard upgrade. I like the move of signing Andrew Norwell who played with Ron Rivera in Carolina on a cheap two year deal where he makes $5-million per year.
Cincinnati Bengals: Re-Sign Eli Apple CB to 1 year $4-million dollar deal C Grade
Cincinnati probably should have let Eli Apple walk. At the same time, there's no guarantee any of the 2022 first round corners will be there at 31. That's why this re-signing warranted a C grade.
Los Angeles Rams: Sign Allen Robinson WR to 3 year $46.5-million dollar deal A+ Grade
The Rams got the top Free Agent at wide receiver after Davante Adams and Chris Godwin got franchise tagged. If Cooper Kupp and Allen Robinson can both stay healthy, the Los Angeles Rams could improve in the passing game on offense in 2022 even with Andrew Whitworth retiring.
Los Angeles Rams: Sign Michael Pierce NT to 3 year $16.5-million dollar deal A+ Grade
The Ravens lost their starting nose tackle to Free Agency. Baltimore brought back former Raven Michael Pierce filling a need at nose tackle while getting a huge upgrade over last years starter at nose tackle in Brandon Williams.
Atlanta Falcons: Sign Casey Heyward CB to 2 year $11-million dollar deal A Grade
Atlanta signed Casey Heyward and brought back Isaiah Oliver in Free Agency. These moves give Atlanta the flexibility to prioritize an edge rusher at 3-4 outside linebacker or an offensive lineman over a cornerback if someone like Kayvon Thibodeaux fell to Atlanta at 8. If Thibodeaux and the top 3 offensive linemen were gone, I think Atlanta would take a cornerback at 8 if Ahmad Gardner or Derek Stingley Jr. fell to 8. Heyward and Oliver would compete for the nickel cornerback job giving Atlanta four very good cornerbacks which may help Atlanta get more offensive possessions.
Houston Texans: Sign Jalen Reeves-Maybin LOLB to 2 year $7.5-million dollar deal A Grade
Jalen Reeves-Maybin played his entire career with the Detroit Lions as a 2017 fourth round pick. This is a good veteran for Houston to add without overpaying for his services.
Carolina Panthers: Sign Damien Wilson ROLB to 2 year $6.9-million dollar deal A Grade
Damien Wilson was an effective 4-3 outside linebacker on the Kansas City Chiefs next to Anthony Hitchens on both of Kansas City's Super Bowl teams. He had a career high 106 total tackles as a 3-4 middle linebacker next to Myles Jack in Jacksonville in 2021. Damien Wilson and Shaq Thompson give Carolina one of the leagues better 4-3 outside linebacker tandems. Carolina like Pittsburgh got a really good former Jaguar linebacker at a premium bargain.
Chicago Bears: Sign Byron Pringle WR to 1 year $6-million dollar deal A- Grade
This is a good move for the Chicago Bears. A part of me believes the Bears slightly overpaid for Pringle. Pringle's experience on a Super Bowl winner in Kansas City could help Justin Fields prepare for his sophomore season with the Chicago Bears after losing Allen Robinson.
Dallas Cowboys: Re-Sign Dorrace Armstrong LE to 2 year $13-million dollar deal B- Grade
Dallas lost Randy Gregory. They needed someone to pair with Demarcus Lawrence. I guess Dallas doesn't believe a good defensive end will fall to their pick at 24 so this is a solid, but not a spectacular move.
Cincinnati Bengals: Sign Hayden Hurst TE to 1 year $3.5-million dollar deal C Grade
Cincinnati is paying Hayden Hurst slightly more then what Kansas City paid JuJu Smith-Schuster. Hayden Hurst lost the starting tight end job to rookie Kyle Pitts in Atlanta after the Baltimore Ravens 2018 first round pick who was drafted before Lamar Jackson lost the starting job to 2018 third round pick Mark Andrews. If the Bengals draft someone like Colorado State tight end Trey McBridge, Hurst may end up losing a starting tight end job once again. Hurst is on a one-year prove it deal for a cheap bargain so it's not a bad signing.
Denver Broncos: Sign Tom Compton RT to 1 year $2.25-million dollar deal A Grade
Tom Compton took over for an injured Mike McGlinchey at right tacke. Compton was San Francisco's starting right tackle during the 49ers playoff run to this years NFC Championship. This is a good insurance policy for the Denver Broncos at right tackle.
Cincinnati Bengals: Re-Sign Brandon Allen QB to 1 year $1.5-million dollar deal A Grade
Joe Burrow's backup quarterback is back. Brandon Allen got a one year extension to remain Joe Burrow's backup.
Arizona Cardinals: Re-Sign Andy Lee P to 1 year $1.5-million dollar deal A+ Grade
Andy Lee was college teammates with Larry Fitzgerald at Pittsburgh before both former Pitt Panthers were drafted in the 2004 NFL Draft. Fitzgerald may have played his entire career as a Cardinal, but Andy Lee's career has been longer than Fitzgerald as Andy Lee has played punter for the 49ers who drafted him, the Cleveland Browns, the Carolina Panthers, and has been the Arizona Cardinals starting punter since 2017.
New York Giants: Sign Ricky Seals-Jones TE to 1 year $1.18-million dollar deal C- Grade
Ricky Seals-Jones now joins his sixth team since the 2017 NFL Draft when he was undrafted. His best season came in 2018 before he got cut by the Arizona Cardinals. He had a career high 4 receiving touchdowns in 2019 as a backup to Freddy Kitchens. He was a backup tight end to Travis Kelce on the Chiefs team that lost Super Bowl 55. This past season he started at tight end for Washington. He did alrght filing in for an injured Logan Thomas. New York signed him to a cheap deal and as an insurance plan in case they can't find a viable starting tight end in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Houston Texans: Sign Royce Freeman RB to 1 year $1.18-million dollar deal C- Grade
Royce Freeman is effective when he's healthy. The problem is he's been injury prone throughout his career whether it is with the Denver Broncos or the Oregon Ducks back in College. Houston now has Rex Burkhead as their starter Dare Ogunbowale as their backup, and Royce Freeman as the teams third string running back. Houston won't draft a running back until day 3 of the 2022 NFL Draft.
March 16, 2022
Buffalo Bills: Sign Von Miller LOLB to 6 year $120-million dollar deal A- Grade
This signing was originally going to get a C+ grade. My biggest objection with this move was Von Miller getting all of this money. Chris Ransom our companys founder and CEO got word from Bills fans and Draft Utopia contributors Mark Sciubba and Thomas Coburn that this contract is front loaded putting any objections I had about this signing to rest. It's also worth pointing out that both Mark and Thomas were happy with this move. I'm not sure if Von Miller is going to be used as a 4-3 left outside linebacker which was where A.J. Klein played or if he's going to be the 4-3 right end with Gregory Rosseau complimenting him at 4-3 left end. My guess is Von Miller will play right end in nickel packages and left outside linebacker in plays where Buffalo opts to play a 4-3 defense with four defensive lineman and three outside linebackers. You don't pay Von Miller all that money without using him as an every down player. Von Miller lined up against both left tackles and right tackles in Super Bowl 56 despite Leonard Floyd being the Rams 3-4 right outside linebacker all season.
Denver Broncos: Sign Randy Gregory 3-4 ROLB to 5 year $70-million dollar deal C- Grade
The Randy Gregory reversal to the Broncos was 100% a matter of the Cowboys tinkering with contract language at the last moment. Like it or not, you can't come in with that maneuver when there's another team on hold, just waiting for an opening. That being said, Denver overpaid Grgory. At the same time, Denver had Gregory ranked ahead of Chandler Jones and former Bronco Von Miller who spent all of his career in Denver prior to being moved to the Los Angeles Rams during their Super Bowl run prior to the 2021 NFL Trade Deadline. Even if you believe the Broncos overpaid for Gregory, the worst grade you can give this move is a C- grade.
Las Vegas Raiders: Sign Chandler Jones RE to 3 year $51-million dollar deal B Grade
Chandler Jones was the only Free Agent available that was a potential upgrade over Yannick Ngakoue. Yannick is younger than Chandler Jones. It's not a bad move by teh Raiders, but it's certainly a puzzling move to say the least. I think the biggest reason the Raiders made this move is because Josh McDaniels is familiar with Chandler Jones since they were both on the Patriots.
Indianapolis Colts: Trade for Yannick Ngakoue RE A+ Grade
I love this move for the Colts. Yannick Ngakoue will now start at 4-3 right end. Kwitty Paye who played 4-3 right end as a rookie will move over to 4-3 left end and face right tackles after struggling against Jacksonville Jaguars 2021 second round pick Walker Little in the regular season finale. The Colts have outstanding stability at both defensive end spots for the first time since the team had Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis when the Colts made Super Bowl 44. Indianapolis will remain competitve in games largely due to their defense led by the defensive end tandem of Yannick Nagkoue and Kwitty Paye.
Las: Trade For Rock Ya-Sin CB B Grade
This trade is a solid move for the Raiders as well after signing Chandler Jones to compliment Maxx Crosby. Also the Raiders have a cornerback trio of Trayvon Mullen, Rock Ya-Sin, and Nate Hobbs next season so defensive end and cornerback will be the strengths of this defense once again.
Tampa Bay Bucccaneers: Re-Sign Chris Godwin WR to 3 year $60-million dollar deal A+ Grade
Tampa Bay has Mike Evans and Chris Godwin back for the next three years. Also, Tom Brady unretired and is back for one more season at quarterback which means Evans and Godwin will dominate once again.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Sign Foley Fautukasi NT to 3 year $30-million dollar deal D+ Grade
Foley Fautukasi has played in a 4-3 scheme his entire career. He'll be making a transition to a 3-4 defense after having 16 quarterback pressures and being one of the top run stuffers in the league. One reason Fautukasi has thrived is due to playing next to Quinnen Williams the third overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. The biggest reason this signing got a D+ grade is because I'm just not comfortable with paying a defensive tackle $10-million per year if they had 0 sacks in 2021 and never played in a 3-4 scheme. Fautukasi being the top run stuffer on the defensive line is the only thing that salvages this from being an F grade.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Sign Darious Williams CB to 3 year $30-million dollar deal B+ Grade
Darious Wiliams did well after Robert Rochelle got injured down the stretch. Jacksonville overpaid for Williams, but you can argue this is their best defensive signing. Jacksonville now has Shaquem Griffn as their field corner playing a number one cornerback role with Darious Williams playing the boundary cornerback role while Tyson Campbell, the corner the Jaguars drafted at 33 in the 2021 NFL Draft is now playing nickel cornerback.
New York Jets: Sign C.J. Uzomah TE to 3 year $24-million dollar deal A+ Grade
C.J. Uzomah had a bounce back season with Cincinnati. I really like this move by the New York Jets to go out and get Zach Wilson a quality tight end.
New Orleans Saints: Sign Marcus Maye SS to 3 year $22.5-million dollar deal A+ Grade
Marcus Maye was drafted ahead of Marcus Williams in the 2017 NFL Draft. This is a great signing and it keeps New Orleans from having to draft a safety in the 2022 NFL Draft to start right away. New Orleans has Marcus Maye and Malcolm Jenkins complimenting each other at safety. I'm not sure whether Maye or Jenkins plays strong safety or free safety, but both safeties are versatile enough to play either safety role which bodes well for the New Orleans Saints.
New York Jets: Sign Tyler Conklin TE to 3 year $21-million dollar deal A+ Grade
Tyler Conklin showed he could start when Irv Smith Jr. got injured. Conklin will be a very good number two tight end that compliments Uzomah the same way Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith complimented each other in New England.
Seattle Seahawks: Sign Uchenna Nwosu ROLB to 2 year $19-million dollar deal B Grade
I like this move. Uchenna Nwosu is going to play 4-3 right outside linebacker complimenting Jordyn Brooks Seattle's 2020 first round pick whose a two year starter at 4-3 left outside linebacker. Nwosu is great at rushing the quarterback, but suspect against the run. His style of play compliments Brooks who excels at stuffing the run and playing coverage. Seattle has their best outside linebacker core since Super Bowl 48. It's too bad the team released Bobby Wagner, but I understand why Seattle cut him to save cap space in the long-term.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Sign Myles Jack 3-4 MLB to 2 year $16-million dollar deal A+ Grade
Pittsburgh got one of the best 3-4 middle linebackers on the market. Also Pittsburgh paid him under $10-million per year making this an awesome signing.
Las Vegas Raiders: Sign Bilal Nichols DT to 2 year $11-million dollar deal A+ Grade
The Raiders lost 5 defensive tackles to Free Agency. Las Vegas had zero defensive tackles on their depth chart. Nichols did well starting at nose tackle for an injured Eddie Goldman. He deserved a shot to start for the Raiders. Now the former Delaware Blue Hen gets his audition as a full-time starter in Las Vegas.
Denver Broncos: Re-Sign Josey Jewell 3-4 MLB to 2 year $11-million dollar deal A Grade
Denver has a trio of Josey Jewell, Baron Browning, and Alex Singleton who led the Eagles in tackles at 3-4 middle linebacker. Denver has Jewell and Browning as starters with Singleton for depth if Jewell gets injured again.
Indianapolis Colts: Re-Sign Zaire Franklin LOLB to 3 year $10-million dollar deal A Grade
In addition to having stability at defensive end with Yannick Ngakoue and Kwity Paye. Indianapolis has extended Darious Leonard at 4-3 right outside linebacker, Bobby Okerke at 4-3 middle linebacker, and Zaire Franklin at 4-3 left outside linebacker. This deadly front 7 also has DeForest Buckner at 4-3 defensive tackle. Indianapolis is going to have a front 7 that's just as good as it was in 2019 next season. They just need a quarterback and a left tackle.
Cleveland Browns: Re-Sign Anthony Walker MLB to 1 year $5-million dollar deal A+ Grade
The Cleveland Browns bring their 4-3 middle linebacker back. Anthony Walker really stepped up in a contract year. The former Colts middle linebacker was drafted out of Northwestern and has continued to play just good enough to keep his starting job. He's not a star, but he's reliable enough to start at middle linebacker on an NFL roster.
Cleveland Browns: Sign Taven Bryan DT to 1 year $5-million dollar deal A+ Grade
The Cleveland Browns replace Malik McDowell with Taven Bryan who is on a one year prove it deal after struggling as the Jacksonville Jaguars 2018 first round pick.
Tampa Bay Bucccaneers: Re-Sign Cameron Brate TE to 2 year $8-million dollar deal A+ Grade
Tampa Bay has Cameron Brate back. Rob Gronkowski should re-sign with Tampa Bay, but if he doesn't Brate will be ready to play.
Houston Texans: Re-Sign Eric Murray SS to 2 year $8-million dollar deal A+ Grade
Houston lost Justin Reid. They brought back their other safety Eric Murray on a cheap deal to save face.
Buffalo Bills: Sign O.J. Howard TE to 1 year $3.5-million dollar deal A Grade
Buffalo now has Dawson Knox, O.J. Howard, and Tommy Sweeney at tight end. Buffalo is just as deep as the Kansas City Chiefs when it comes to the tight end position.
March 15, 2022
Baltimore Ravens: Sign Marcus Williams FS to 5 year $70-million dollar deal A Grade
This deal includes $37 million guaranteed, including $31 million in next year. Willams (age 25) has been a huge part of the defensive turnaround in New Orleans, a unit that ranks sixth in the NFL in both yards and points allowed since he arrived. The 6-foot-1, 195-pounder has 15 career interceptions in the regular season, including one returned for a touchdown in 2019, and one interception in the playoffs. He also has three forced fumbles, 38 pass defenses and 321 tackles.
San Francisco 49ers: Sign Charvarius Ward CB to 3 year $42-million dollar deal A- Grade
Ward, who turns 26 on May 16, has been a regular in the Chiefs' starting lineup since late in the 2018 season. His addition will be the most significant commitment the 49ers have made at cornerback since coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch arrived in 2017, but it was also a needed one after the Niners cycled through eight starting corners in 2021 because of various injuries.
Kansas City Chiefs: Re-Structure Frank Clark RE to 2 year $36-million dollar deal A Grade
The 28-year-old joined the Chiefs in a 2019 trade with the Seattle Seahawks. He helped Kansas City win its first Super Bowl championship in 50 years that season by getting five sacks in three postseason games, including three in the divisional-round victory over the Houston Texans.
Kansas City Chiefs: Sign Justin Reid FS to 3 year $31.5-million dollar deal A Grade
This is a great move. The Chiefs get a younger safety that can be an upgrade over Tyrann Mathieu. Mathieu was a 2013 second round pick while Justin Reid was a 2018 third round pick.
Denver Broncos: Sign D.J. Jones NT to 3 year $30-million dollar deal B Grade
D.J. Jones didn't start for San Francisco until 2020 second round pick Javon Kinlaw got injured. Jones did well enough to earn a starting job as a nose tackle in Denver. This was a huge need in Denver which is why the Broncos get a B grade despite giving Jones $10-million per year.
Carolina Panthers: Sign Austin Corbett RG to 3 year $29.25-million dollar deal A Grade
Carolina needed to make upgrades at both guard spots. Austin Corbett got cut from Cleveland after being drafted thirty third overall out of Nevada, two spots ahead of Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb. He got a second chance with the Los Angeles Rams and capitalized on it by blocking at right guard winning a Super Bowl. Now Corbett gets the opportunity to compliment right tackle Taylor Moton whose considered the leader on Carolina's offensive line.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Sign James Daniels RG to 3 year $26.5-million dollar deal A Grade
James Daniels, who turns 25 in September, was drafted 39th overall by Chicago in 2018 and has started 48 games. He began his NFL career predominantly playing left guard before becoming the Bears' starting right guard in 2021. He also has experience at center, where he spent time during the 2019 season and played during his final two years at Iowa. I love this move for Pittsburgh since James Daniels can start anywhere on the Steelers interior offensive line.
Los Angeles Chargers: Sign Sebastian Joseph-Day NT to 3 year $24-million dollar deal B Grade
Sebastian Joseph-Day was the backup nose tackle to Greg Gaines on the Super Bowl 56 Champion Los Angeles Rams. Sebastian Joseph-Day only started 7 games this season. Los Angeles replaces Linval Joseph with Sebastian Joseph-Day. I think the Chargers downgraded at nose tackle, but at the same time if they draft someone like Jordan Davis at 17, you can easily argue that the combination of Jordan Davis and Sebastian Joseph-Day is an upgrade over what Linval Joseph brought to the Chargers.
Minnesota Vikings: Sign Harrison Phillips DT to 3 year $19.5-million dollar deal A+ Grade
Adds a third “Harrison” to the Vikings’ roster, along with Hand and Smith. Also, a huge upgrade at defensive tackle over Michael Pierce.
Houston Texans: Re-Sign Maliek Collins DT to 2 year $17-million dollar deal A Grade
Houston re-signed one of their key starters at 4-3 defensive tackle. Collins did a good job as a veteran helping Roy Lopez a 2021 sixth round pick out of New Mexico State who beat out Ross Blacklock a day 2 selection from TCU in the 2020 NFL Draft for a startinb job. Houston has three reliable 4-3 defensive tackles as Houston heads into year 2 of the 4-3 scheme.
Miami Dolphins: Sign Connor Williams LG to 2 year $14-million dollar deal A Grade
Miami got an upgrade at left guard with Connor Williams. I absolutely love this move for the Miami Dolphins. If he wasn't responsible for so many Cowboys penalties, this signing may have gotten an A+ grade. Connor Williams is an upgrade over Austin Jackson at left guard though.
Los Angeles Chargers: Sign Austin Johnson 3-4 LE to 2 year $14-million dollar deal C Grade
Austin Johnson is a downgrade over Justin Jones the Chargers starting 3-4 left end. At the same time he did well next to Leonard Williams as a 3-4 defensive end. I don't hate this signing, but I don't love it either.
Detroit Lions: Re-Sign Charles Harris 3-4 LOLB to 2 year $14-million dollar deal A Grade
Charles Harris led Detroit in sacks in 2021. A pass rusher duo of Aidan Hutchinson and Charles Harris would be scary. Detroit can roll with Julian Okwara and Charles Harris if the Jaguars take Hutchinson at 1.
Detroit Lions: Sign D.J. Chark WR to 1 year $12-million dollar deal B+ Grade
D.J. Chark could end up bouncing back next to Amon'Ra-St. Brown who showed the promise and potential to be a number one target as a rookie. This allows Detroit to have St. Brown as their top receiver, Chark as their number two option, and Josh Reynolds in the slot. Detroit may still draft a rookie wide receiver, but they can ease him in rather than expecting him to start on day 1. This is the exact approach the Lions took with St. Brown too.
Dallas Cowboys: Re-Sign Malik Hooker SS to 2 year $8-million dollar deal A Grade
Dallas brought back Malik Hooker. Dallas got their starting strong safety back for next to nothing.
New England Patriots: Re-Sign James White RB to 2 year $5-million dollar deal A Grade
New England has Damien Harris, Rhamondre Stevenson, and James White as their top three running backs for one more year. New England should be run heavy once again in 2022.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Re-Sign Montravius Adams NT to 2 year $5-million dollar deal A Grade
Pittsburgh brought back their starting nose tackle on a cheap deal. This was a nice re-signing for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
March 14, 2022
Los Angeles Chargers: Sign J.C. Jackson CB to 5 year $82.5-million dollar deal A Grade
I wish the Patriots found a way to pay J.C. Jackson. Now Jackson goes to Los Angeles where he will pair with Asante Samuel Jr. and Michael Davis to form a deadly cornerback trio for the Los Angeles Chargers.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Sign Christian Kirk WR to 4 year $72-million dollar deal C- Grade
Christian Kirk provides an upgrade at wide receiver. Still, there's no question Jacksonville overpaid for his services as he'll make $18-million per year and up to $21-million per year if he meets certain conditions via team signing bonuses. Kirk was worth $15-million tops so there's no question Jacksonville overpaid for Kirk.
Miami Dolphins: Re-Sign Emmanuel Ogbah 3-4 ROLB to 4 year $65.4-million dollar deal D Grade
Miami overpaid for Ogbah. I liked him coming out of Oklahoma State and he was pretty good with Miami the last two seasons. That doesn't change the fact that Miami overpaid for Ogbah.
Atlanta Falcons: Re-Sign Jake Matthews LT to 3 year $55-million dollar deal A+ Grade
Atlanta had to bring back Jake Matthews at any cost. Matthews is one of the best left tackles in the entire NFL. This contract won't take effect until 2023 as Matthews had one year left on his contract for 2022.
Green Bay Packers: Re-Sign Preston Smith 3-4 LOLB to 4 year $52-million dollar deal B Grade
Preston Smith stayed healthy when Z'Darius Smith was injured. I like the decision by Green Bay to bring back Preston Smith. Rashad Gary should break out in year 3 with Preston Smith complimenting him.
Green Bay Packers: Re-Sign De'Vondre Campbell 3-4 MLB to 5 year $50-million dollar deal A+ Grade
I love what De'Vondre Campbell did this year. Campbell is special and this is an awesome signing for Green Bay. Another 3-4 middle linebacker next to Campbell like Nakobe Dean or Devin Lloyd could make Green Bay Super Bowl contenders.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Sign Brandon Scherff RG to 3 year $49.5-million dollar deal A Grade
Jacksonville got Brandon Scherff looking for an upgrade at right guard. Jacksonville got that and addressed a need on their offensive line.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Sign Foyesade Olukoun 3-4 MLB to 3 year $45-million dollar deal C- Grade
Foyesade Olukoun is a talented player. At the same time, I feel like Jacksoville overpaid for his services.
Philadelphia Eagles: Sign Haason Reddick LOLB to 3 year $45-million dollar deal A Grade
Haason Reddick has dominated the last two seasons as a sack artist and extra rusher off the edge. This is a fantastic signing for Philadelphia as the former Temple Owl returns to Lincoln Financial Field.
Dallas Cowboys: Re-Sign DeMarcus Lawrence LE to 3 year $40-million dollar deal B Grade
DeMarcus Lawrence is an asset on Dallas when healthy. This was a good move for Dallas.
Los Angeles Rams: Re-Sign Joseph Noteboom LT to 3 year $40-million dollar deal B Grade
Andrew Whitworth retired. Joseph Noteboom has been groomed behind Whitworth for the past few years. He's ready to start and had a strong game in the Divisional Round against Tampa Bay when Whitworth was out.
New York Jets: Sign Laken Tomlinson RG to 3 year $40-million dollar deal B Grade
New York signed Laken Tomlinson. This is a good signing at right guard for the New York Jets. New York now has stability at guard.
Seattle Seahawks: Re-Sign Quandre Diggs FS to 3 year $39-million dollar deal B Grade
Seattle has Quandre Diggs and Jamal Adams back at safety. This is one area that Seattle has stability at.
Cincinnati Bengals: Sign Alex Cappa RG to 4 year $35-million dollar deal B+ Grade
Cincinnati got a massive upgrade at right guard over Hakeem Adeniji. Alex Cappa has been nothing but spectacular since winning the right guard job on Tampa Bay.
Cincinnati Bengals: Re-Sign B.J. Hill DT to 3 year $30-million dollar deal B- Grade
B.J. Hill came in and played very well for an injured Larry Ogunjobi down the stretch. This contract was a bit excessive, but certainly warranted.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Re-Sign Chukwuma Okarafor RT to 3 year $29.5-million dollar deal B Grade
Chukwuma Okarafor did a nice job for Pittsburgh at times. This was a good move by Pittsburgh to re-sign him.
New York Giants: Sign Mark Glowinski RG to 3 year $18.3-million dollar deal A Grade
New York got one of the better right guards in the NFL. It only costs the Giants $6.1-million in cap space for the next three years to have Glowinski starting at right guard.
Los Angeles Rams: Re-Sign Brian Allen C to 3 year $18-million dollar deal A+ Grade
Brian Allen did a fantastic job at center. He deserves at least $7-million per year and the Rams got him for $6-million per year. Easily an A+ grade largely due to the value the Rams extracted while saving cap space on this move.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Sign Mason Cole C to 3 year $15.75-million dollar deal C+ Grade
Pittsburgh gets Mason Cole as their new starting center after Kendrick Green struggled at center as a rookie following the retirement of Maurkice Pouncey. Pittsburgh only had to pay Cole $5.25-million per year for the next three years.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Sign Mitchell Trubisky QB to 2 year $14.2-million dollar deal C Grade
Pittsburgh brought in Mitchell Trubisky on a short-term deal. He was going to choose either New York or Pittsburgh, but chose Pittsburgh because he'd have a better chance of starting there. Pittsburgh only has to pay Trubisky $7.1-million fo r the next two years.
Los Angeles Chargers: Re-Sign Ben Jones C to 2 year $14-million dollar deal B Grade
Tennessee got Ben Jones back at center for only $7-million a year for the next two years. Ben Jones was a key player on Tennessee's offensive line so it's good to see he'll be back run blocking for Derrick Henry and pass protecting for Ryan Tannehill next season.
March 13, 2022
Minnesota Vikings: Re-Sign Kirk Cousins QB to 1 year $35-million dollar deal A- Grade
Minnesota has Kirk Cousins under contract until 2024 now. This is a nice move for Minnesota.
Dallas Cowboys: Re-Sign Michael Gallup WR to 5 year $57.5-million dollar deal B- Grade
Dallas brought back Michael Gallup after trading Amari Cooper to clear up cap space. This is a solid move. Gallup will have a much bigger role after Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb opene things up for Gallup last year.
Tampa Bay Bucccaneers: Re-Sign Ryan Jensen C to 3 year $39-million dollar deal A+ Grade
Tampa Bay brought back the top center on the market once Tom Brady unretired. This is a fantastic move for Tampa Bay that easily deserves an A+ grade.
Arizona Cardinals: Re-Sign Zach Ertz to 3 year $31.65-million dollar deal A+ Grade
Zach Ertz was a superb trade deadline acquisition for Arizona. Now the Cardinals will get a few more years of Ertz as Zach Ertz gets just over $10-million without getting overpaid. I was expecting Ertz to get overpaid and make around $15-million so Arizona gets an A+ grade for giving Ertz a 3 year deal without overpaying him.
New England Patriots: Re-Sign Devin McCourty FS to 1 year $8-million dollar deal A Grade
New England brought back Devin McCourty for one more year. The Patriots will remain deep at safety for next season.
March 11, 2022
Las Vegas Raiders: Re-Sign Maxx Crosby LE to 4 year $94-million dollar deal A- Grade
Las Vegas brings back a player who many argue is their best value pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Maxx Crosby is a starting right tackles worst nightmare. He knows how to get pressure on the quarterback and he constantly generates pressures, hurries, and sacks for the Las Vegas Raiders on defense.
March 10, 2022
Green Bay Packers: Re-Sign Aaron Rodgers QB 4-year $200-million dollar deal A+ Grade
The reigning NFL MVP agreed to a four-year, $200 million extension with the Packers that will make him the highest-paid player in NFL history with a $50 million average annual salary, Rodgers will receive $153 million guaranteed as part of the extension, creating significant amounts of salary cap space available for the Packers (approximately $21 million). Rodgers considered retirement and potentially a trade to the Denver Broncos or another team as other options, but this commitment to the Packers suggests the team's all-time passing touchdowns leader will finish his career in Green Bay.
What Rodgers has accomplished over the past three seasons has arguably been one of the best three-year stretches for a quarterback in NFL history. Rodgers has completed 67.1% of his passes for 12,416 yards with 111 touchdowns to just 13 interceptions for a 109.2 passer rating. Rodgers has thrown 85 touchdown passes to nine interceptions since the start of the 2020 season with a 116.7 passer rating, all first in the NFL.
Rodgers had an historic 2021 season in capturing MVP honors, completing 68.9% of his passes for 4,115 yards with 37 touchdowns to just four interceptions for a 111.9 passer rating. He led the NFL in touchdown percentage (7.0), interception percentage (0.8), and passer rating. He's the second-oldest player to win the MVP award and his 13 games with multiple passing touchdown and zero interceptions are the most in a season in NFL history.
Rodgers has thrown for 55,360 yards and 449 touchdowns to just 93 interceptions in his career (104.5 passer rating). He's the only player with over 400 touchdown passes and fewer than 100 interceptions, ranking fifth all-time in touchdown passes, 10th in passing yards, and second in passer rating.
The Packers got Rodgers back in the fold for the 2022 season. Their championship window remains intact, centered around the pursuit of getting Rodgers his second Super Bowl title.
Los Angeles Chargers: Trade for Khalil Mack 3-4 LOLB B Grade
Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack can be deadly if both stay healthy. That's a big if though. Personally, I wouldn't have made this deal knowing how much cap space Mack occupies.
Chicagos: Trade For 2022 second round pick B Grade
Chicago may not have a first round pick, however the Bears now have two second round picks. That's huge since hitting on those second round picks will accelerate the rebuild if Justin Fields steps up in year two.
March 9, 2022
Indianapolis Colts: Trade For Draft Picks C Grade
Washington is sending Indianapolis a package of picks that includes a pair of third-round selections. Indianapolis and Washington are also swapping second round picks which means the Colts now pick at 42 instead of 47 in the 2022 NFL Draft. Remember Washington traded with the Colts when trading up for Dwayne Haskins. Chris Ballard got Michael Pittman Jr. as his number one receiver in large part due to the Dwayne Haskins trade.
Washington Commanders: Trade for Carson Wentz C- Grade
Wentz is due a $22 million salary and $6.294 million roster bonus in 2022, a $20 million salary and a $6.176 roster bonus in 2023, and a $21 million salary and $6.235 roster bonus in 2024.
After coming to Indianapolis from Philadelphia via trade, Wentz had a middling 2021 season. He started all 17 games for the Colts, compiling a 9-8 record. He completed 62.4 percent of his passes for 3,563 yards with 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions. His sack rate also went down from a whopping 10.3 percent in 2020 to 5.8 percent in 2021.
Wentz had a bounce back 2021 season until the Colts collapsed in week 18 against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Stadium. Washington had 33 million in cap space and now loses $28.2-million of that thanks to this trade. That's one reason why Washington got fleeced here. Washington still has Taylor Heinicke for now, but its hard to see him not getting moved in the coming days with less than $5-million in cap space.
March 8, 2022
Denver Broncos: Trade for Russell Wilson QB A Grade
After weeks of negotiations, in one of the biggest trades in NFL history, the Denver Broncos have agreed to send a significant package of players and draft picks to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson, The Broncos have agreed to trade quarterback Drew Lock, tight end Noah Fant, defensive lineman Shelby Harris, two first-round picks, two second-round picks and a fifth-round pick to the Seahawks for Wilson and a fourth-round pick. Denver now has a top 10 quarterback that will keep them in games. However they gave up too much to get an A+ grade. Clearly they won this trade though.
Seattle Seahawks: Trade For Noah Fant TE D Grade
Wilson has two years and $51 million left on the four-year, $140 million extension he signed in April 2019. That includes base salaries of $19 and $22 million, with $5 million March roster bonuses in each year making up the remainder. Had Wilson remained on Seattle's roster as of March 20, the Seahawks would have owed him his $5 million bonus. Wilson leaves Seattle as the franchise's career leader in most relevant passing categories and the only quarterback to win a Lombardi Trophy for the Seahawks. Seattle gave up two first round picks to get Jamal Adams, and only got two picks back in return which was disappointing. Seatlte also got two second round picks as well.
Green Bay Packers: Franchise Tag Davante Adams WR A+ Grade
With Aaron Rodgers resigning at a lower cap number, the Packers are expected to use the franchise tag on receiver Davante Adams, If Adams plays on the tag in 2022, he’ll earn $18.419 million. The Packers and Adams will have until mid-July to work out a long-term deal.
Adams has bloomed into one of the league’s best receivers, earning first-team All-Pro honors in each of the last two seasons. In 16 games last year, he caught 123 passes for 1,553 yards with 11 touchdowns. In 2020, he led the league with 18 touchdown receptions.
In 116 career games, Adams has 669 catches for 8,121 yards with 73 TDs. Adams has been Green Bay's best pick from the 2014 NFL Draft. Hard to believe the Packers secured Derek Carr's go to guy from Fresno State in the second round after taking HaHa Clinton-Dix in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
Cincinnati Bengals: Franchise Tag Jessie Bates III FS A+ Grade
Jessie Bates III is the best player the Cincinnati Bengals have drafted on defense. This was a player that the Bengals had to keep any cost. The 2018 third round pick out of Wake Forest had 3 seasons with 100 total tackles and 3 interceptions. Despite only having 1 interception and 88 tackles in 2021, he stepped up in the playoffs with 6 deflections from pass breakups and 2 interceptions during his four playoff games with the Bengals. Everyone except Eli Apple is back on this defense next season.
Cleveland Browns: Franchise Tag David Njoku TE B+ Grade
David Njoku entered the season as the number two tight end behind Austin Hooper. Njoku outperformed Hooper this year as the 2017 first round pick that Cleveland drafted at 29 put everything together in 2021 and became a reliable target for Baker Mayfield.
Miami Dolphins: Franchise Tag Mike Gesicki TE B+ Grade
The Miami Dolphins have placed the franchise tag on tight end Mike Gesicki, Gesicki was set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, with Spotrac estimating his market value at $44 million over four years. The Dolphins used a third-round pick in 2021 on tight end Hunter Long and kept five active tight ends on their 53-man roster during the season. None of them were as productive as Gesicki.
The Dolphins and Gesicki will have until July 15 to agree to a long-term deal. If no deal is reached, Gesicki will play the 2022 season on the franchise tender, which is worth $10.931 million for tight ends.
Dallas Cowboys: Re-Structure contracts of Dak Prescott QB & Zack Martin RG A+ Grade
The #Cowboys announced they have restructured the contracts of QB Dak Prescott and G Zack Martin to gain $22M of salary cap space. That helps fit in the Dalton Schultz franchise tag. Dallas can clear even more cap space by releasing wide receiver Amari Cooper or left tackle Tyron Smith.
Kansas City Chiefs: Franchise Tag Orlando Brown Jr. LT A+ Grade
The Kansas City Chiefs have put their franchise tag on left tackle Orlando Brown Jr., The tag for offensive linemen was set at $16.662 million.
Brown joined the Chiefs last year in a trade with the Baltimore Ravens and started 16 of Kansas City's regular-season games along with three postseason contests at left tackle. He was selected to the Pro Bowl for the third time in his career.
The Chiefs and Brown have until July 15 to agree to a long-term contract or he will play the 2022 season on his franchise tender.
Dallas Cowboys: Franchise Tag Dalton Schultz TE B Grade
The Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday placed the franchise tag on tight end Dalton Schultz. Their 2018 fourth round pick out of Stanford will be back along with the teams current starting tight end Blake Jarwin who missed time this season due to injuries prior to Schutlz breaking out in 2021.
Dalton Schultz had 13 catches in his first two seasons, but in 2020 and '21, he had 141 catches for 1,423 yards and 12 touchdowns. In 2021, he joined Jason Witten as the second tight end in team history with at least 70 catches and 800 yards in a season as he became one of quarterback Dak Prescott's most trusted targets.
Schultz is the seventh player the Cowboys have ever used the franchise tag on. In 2020, Prescott played under the $31.4 million tag and was tagged again in 2021, but the Cowboys signed him to a four-year, $160 million deal last March. In 2018 and '19, the Cowboys used the tag on defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, but they reached a long-term deal worth $105 million in 2019.
The other players to be tagged by the Cowboys are: Dez Bryant (2015), Anthony Spencer (2012, 2013), Ken Hamlin (2008) and Flozell Adams (2002). The only players to play under the tag have been Prescott, Lawrence, Spencer and Adams.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Franchise Tag Chris Godwin WR A+ Grade
The Bucs are negotiating a long-term deal with Chris Godwin but preparing to use the franchise player tag on their top receiver for the second straight year if an agreement can’t be reached. Tampa Bay wants to have Mike Evans and Chris Godwin back to make things easier for their quarterback in 2022 with Tom Brady retiring. The receivers that Tampa Bay has drafted on day 3 from 2019 and beyond haven't stepped up yet, plus Antonio Brown got himself released as none of those receivers could fill the void Godwin left following his injury in 2021.
Godwin led the team with 98 receptions for 1,103 yards (he also scored five touchdowns) this past season despite sustaining torn anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his right knee following a hit by Saints defensive back P.J. Williams in December. Because the Bucs used the franchise tag on Godwin last year, they have to guarantee him 120 percent of his salary in 2022, or roughly $19.18 million, if they apply that designation again by Tuesday’s 4 p.m. deadline.
The Bucs are in the process of freeing up salary-cap space by restructuring a few deals as they have done in the past. It’s as simple as converting the base salary of some players into a bonus.
Los Angeles Chargers: Re-Sign Mike Williams WR to 3-year $60-million dollar deal A+ Grade
The Los Angeles Chargers and wide receiver Mike Williams have reached agreement on a three-year, $60 million deal that includes $40 million guaranteed and $28 million in Year 1. He is coming off the best season of his five-year career, setting career highs with 76 receptions and 1,146 yards while adding nine touchdown receptions, one short of his previous career best. He had 27 more catches and 145 more yards than his previous highs entering the 2021 season.
According to Next Gen Stats, Williams has the sixth-most deep receiving yards (1,270) in the NFL since 2018 (deep reception equaling 20-plus air yards). Only Tyler Lockett, Tyreek Hill, Mike Evans, Stefon Diggs and Davante Adams have had more. Retaining one of the best deep threats in the NFL should help maintain one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL. In 2021, the Chargers ranked in the top five in total offense (390.2 yards per game), passing offense (282.4 YPG) and points scored per game (27.9).
Detroit Lions: Re-Sign Josh Reynolds WR to 2-year $12-million dollar deal C Grade
It’s a two-year deal for WR Josh Reynolds with a max value of $12 million, Reynolds played well down the stretch for the #Lions, who liked his leadership and his relationship with Jared Goff. Detroit wanted this done before free agency. The sides got there.
Reynolds signed a one-year deal with the Titans as a free agent last offseason, but he didn’t find a consistent spot in the lineup and asked Tennessee to waive him in November. He was claimed off of waivers by the Lions and caught 19 passes for 306 yards and two touchdowns in seven games with Detroit.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Franchise Tag Cam Robinson LT D Grade
The Jacksonville Jaguars have used the franchise tag on Cam Robinson for the second consecutive year, guaranteeing the left tackle $16.6 million in 2022. Robinson played the 2021 season under the franchise tag ($13.754 million) for Jacksonville, but the blind-side protector for quarterback Trevor Lawrence ranked 48th among qualifying tackles with an 86.1% pass block win rate, which is just below average (87.5%). During 2017-21, he ranked 69th in pass block win rate (81.3%) among tackles who played at least 16 games.
With Robinson coming back, the Jaguars could opt to have Walker Little, one of the team's two second-round draft picks in 2021, compete with incumbent starter Jawaan Taylor at right tackle. Robinson has allowed 29 sacks, per ESPN Stats & Information research. Taylor has allowed 40 in 12 fewer games. Both Robinson and Taylor had a pass blocking grade of below 70 on Pro Football Focus too. This may explain why Trevor Lawrence had a rough rookie season after being the first pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
After being selected with the 34th overall pick in 2017, Robinson immediately stepped in as the starter at left tackle and helped the Jaguars lead the NFL in rushing during his rookie season. Jacksonville also allowed only 24 sacks -- tied for third fewest in the league -- that season when Jacksonville made the AFC Championship game for the third time in team history suffering an AFC Championship loss to New England for the second time.
Robinson, who turned 26 in October, missed 14 games in 2018 after suffering a torn ACL in Week 2. He returned in Week 3 of the 2019 season and didn't miss another game that year. He played every game in 2020 and almost played every game in 2021 until he was sidelined for the final three games of last season because of COVID-19.
Buffalo Bills: Release A.J. Klein LOLB A Grade
Klein’s release will save the Bills $5.2 million against the salary cap in 2022 and cost the club $400,000 in dead money. This means Buffalo will get $4.8 million back if you subract cap hit - dead money.
Klein was entering the final year of a three-year, $18 million deal signed in March 2020. He appeared in 31 games with 15 starts over the last two seasons. But he had only four starts in 2021, recording 35 total tackles with four tackles for loss. He also had five passes defensed, an interception, and a fumble recovery. Klein was on the field for just 29 percent of Buffalo’s defensive snaps in 2021.
Klein, who turns 31 in July, spent his first four seasons with the Panthers before playing three years for the Saints. He spent the last two seasons with the Bills complimenting Matt Milano and Tremaine Edmunds at times. Buffalo needs to clear up cap space for 2023 when Micah Hyde, Dawson Knox, and Tremaine Edmunds are unrestricted Free Agents so this move needed to happen.
Dallas Cowboys: Re-Sign Noah Brown WR to 1-year deal C Grade
The Dallas Cowboys lose Michael Gallup and Cedrick Wilson Jr. to Free Agency. There's also a chance Amari Cooper gets released. Dallas had to make a conscious effort to keep two of their receivers under contract. Assuming Cooper gets cut, CeeDee Lamb and Noah Brown are Dak Prescott's main receiving targets along with their two tight ends.
The Cowboys has signed Brown to a one-year extension through the 2022 season. The five-year veteran wideout was scheduled to hit unrestricted free agency next week after playing last season on a one-year deal.
Brown has been a backup receiver and key special teams player since signing with the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent out of Ohio State. Last season, Brown played in 13 games (one start) and posted 16 catches for 184 yards on offense along with three special teams tackles.
Seattle Seahawks: Release Bobby Wagner MLB D- Grade
A franchise altering day for the Seattle Seahawks continued Tuesday evening with the team informing All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner that he is being released. The move will save the Seahawks $16.6 million in cash and salary cap space while leaving a massive hole in the middle of their defense. And it comes as no surprise given Wagner's contract, age (he'll be 32 in June) and the noncommittal comments coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider made at last week's NFL scouting combine.
Wagner will become a free agent for the first time in his career. That comes with an interesting twist, as he continues to serve as his own agent, which he did when he negotiated his three-year, $54 million extension in the summer of 2019. The megadeal set a record for off-the-ball linebackers at $18 million per season and served as perhaps the best success story of a high-profile NFL player handling his own contract talk.
I want to give Seattle an F grade for releasing Wagner since he had 1 year left on his deal producing 100 or more tackles in every season in Seattle after being the Seahawks second round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft one round before the Seahawks took Russell Wilson. Nobody was willing to take Wagner's contract head on which is probably why Seattle released Wagner giving Seattle a D- grade here.
Baltimore Ravens 2022 Free Agents
LT
3-4 LOLB
3-4 MLB
Cincinnati Bengals 2022 Free Agents
TE
Cleveland Browns 2022 Free Agents
Pittsburgh Steelers 2022 Free Agents
LT
CB
FS
Houston Texans 2022 Free Agents
QB
C
RE
MLB
CB
SS
Indianapolis Colts 2022 Free Agents
RG
DT
CB
Jacksonville Jaguars 2022 Free Agents
WR
TE
LG
RT
3-4 LE
FS
Tennessee Titans 2022 Free Agents
LG
Buffalo Bills 2022 Free Agents
Miami Dolphins 2022 Free Agents
C
New England Patriots 2022 Free Agents
3-4 MLB
CB
New York Jets 2022 Free Agents
LT
C
ROLB
MLB
Denver Broncos 2022 Free Agents
RT
3-4 MLB
Kansas City Chiefs 2022 Free Agents
Las Vegas Raiders 2022 Free Agents
RT
ROLB
LOLB
Los Angeles Chargers 2022 Free Agents
RT
Top 7 AFC Teams heading Into 2022 1. Kansas City Chiefs, 2. Buffalo Bills, 3. Cleveland Browns, 4. Tennessee Titans, 5. Miami Dolphins, 6. Cincinnati Bengals, 7. Los Angeles Chargers.
Chicago Bears 2022 Free Agents
WR
C
RG
LOLB
Detroit Lions 2022 Free Agents
QB
Green Bay Packers 2022 Free Agents
CB
Minnesota Vikings 2022 Free Agents
C
Atlanta Falcons 2022 Free Agents
QB
RB
WR
RT
NT
3-4 LE
SS
FS
P
Carolina Panthers 2022 Free Agents
TE
LG
DT
New Orleans Saints 2022 Free Agents
DT
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2022 Free Agents
3-4 LE
Dallas Cowboys 2022 Free Agents
New York Giants 2022 Free Agents
QB
RB
WR
TE
C
3-4 LE
CB
Philadelphia Eagles 2022 Free Agents
CB
FS
Washington Commanders 2022 Free Agents
RG
LOLB
CB
SS
Arizona Cardinals 2022 Free Agents
CB
SS
Los Angeles Rams 2022 Free Agents
San Francisco 49ers 2022 Free Agents
LOLB
SS
Seattle Seahawks 2022 Free Agents
QB
WR
LG
C
RG
LE
DT
MLB
Top 7 NFC Teams heading Into 2022 1. Dallas Cowboys, 2. Los Angeles Rams, 3. Green Bay Packers, 4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 5. Minnesota Vikings, 6. New Orleans Saints, and 7. Detroit Lions.
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