Movement Galore:

The NFL Weekly Offseason Scramble 

By: Michael A. Chase Jr.

03/11/2022

From the reigning NFL MVP’s offseason saga to surprising trades happening each day it was a busy week in the NFL offseason. We saw a plethora of notable NFL stars on the move as the NFL landscape changed significantly based on this past week’s activity. The Unheralded Sports View investigates each of the major moves made by NFL teams this past week. Discussing the significance each move may have on all parties involved.

The first major move that set things in motion in the NFL this week ended up being more of an announcement then transaction. The announcement being that 2021 NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers stating he will return to the Green Bay Packers. With this announcement it ends what was a long waiting game between Rodgers, the Packers, and the suitors who were hoping he would request a trade. Green Bay would have saved $19.3 million if they traded him. With teams like the Broncos, Colts, Commanders, and Steelers as the suitors that became known during this process. Rodgers with him choosing to return, also reportedly has a 4-year $200 million dollar extension from Green Bay on the table. This offer being a QB market altering deal that would make the 38-year-old the highest paid player in NFL history. Now Green Bay must continue to maneuver their cap situation with them still around $44 million over the cap. It has been reported they are working to structure the contract to fit it under the cap. Rodgers after all the offseason rumors remains a Packer, which keep Green Bay an NFC favorite.

The next major move made this past week by an NFL team involved another Super Bowl winning quarterback. As the Seattle Seahawks traded Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos for a haul of assets. In the deal Denver acquired Wilson and a 2022 fourth round pick. Seattle received QB Drew Lock, Tight End Noah Fant, Defensive Lineman Shelby Harris, two first round picks (2022, 2023), two second round picks (2022, 2023), and a 2022 fifth round pick. For Seattle this thrusts their franchise right into rebuild mode as they join the teams in search of a quarterback this offseason. Seattle does save $11 million against the cap with this move as well. Meanwhile the Broncos get a major upgrade at QB for a team with talented skill position players and a good defense. Wilson adds another terrific QB to an AFC West division that includes Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Derek Carr. This move makes Denver immediate contenders in the AFC with his arrival.

The third major offseason move made this past week came courtesy of the newly named Washington Commanders. As Washington made a deal with the Indianapolis Colts to acquire former 2016 second overall pick Carson Wentz. In the trade Washington acquired Wentz and the Colts 2022 second round pick. Indianapolis acquires Washington’s 2022 second round pick and two third round picks – one of which can become a second-round pick if Wentz plays 70% of Washington’s snaps. The Colts now will continue their search for a quarterback this offseason, which would become their sixth different starting QB over the last six years. This is difficult for a team that has a playoff ready roster. Washington now will see what they can pull out of the 29-year-old. This is the second straight offseason Wentz has been traded, and Washington will be his third team in three years. Washington will also pay him the full $28 million he’s owed this coming season. The question is not if Wentz is an upgrade at the position for Washington, but do they see him as a long-term solution?

The final offseason transaction made this week was the surprise trade the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Chargers made. The Bears traded 31-year-old outside linebacker Khalil Mack to the Chargers for a 2022 second round pick and 2023 sixth round pick. With this trade the Bears create cap space by moving Mack’s contract, while gaining assets that will further aid in their rebuilding efforts. For Los Angeles they add a superstar pass rusher to their defense that includes star defensive end Joey Bosa and safety Derwin James. This further bolsters a unit that will have to deal with the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Derek Carr, and the recently added Russell Wilson.

This was a crazy week of constant breaking news involving notable NFL names being on the move. There is no telling what else this NFL offseason will bring, but this past week sets a precedent for bombshell developments. As each of these deals significantly improved teams and have altered the NFL landscape.