Following the conclusion of each NFL season, fans anticipate that decisions will be made by front offices using comments left on Instagram posts throughout the off-season. With this, trade rumors begin to circulate and the mock drafts get underway. As the 2024 NFL season approaches, everyone who isn’t on the Kansas City Chiefs feels even more pressure to unseat the two-time defending champions. Given the state of the NFL, many teams require more than a few changes, but I will propose moves for each team who missed the playoffs last year that would help put them in contention for a Super Bowl window or at the very least a playoff caliber roster. Remember, some teams have way more picks and way more availability within free agency. My moves are mere suggestions to help bolster each teams chances. Also to keep in mind some contracts have been made, and some players mentioned have already found a home.
Arizona Cardinals
- Draft Marvin Harrison Jr. (Pick 4) (WR)
- Sign Xavier McKinney (FS)
- Sign Devin White (ILB)
- Draft Troy Fautanu (Pick 27) (OT/OG)
- Sign Jeff Okudah (CB)
It looks like the Cardinals are expected to let Hollywood Brown test the open market this off-season, meaning this offense is in desperate need of a true X. After Kyler came back, Trey McBride demonstrated that he could develop into a premier tight end in the passing game. With the team selecting Paris Johnson in last year’s draft, paying Kelvin Beachum, and signing Will Hernandez last off-season, Fautanu would fill in perfectly as the last member of that offensive line for the time being. Their defense leaves a lot to be needed, but a priority for the Cardinals should be adding another safety across from their stud safety. Budda Baker and Xavier McKinney would partner with Baker to form one of the strongest safety duos in the entire NFL. In his attempt to revert to his 2021 play, Devin White would partner with Zaven Collins in the middle of the field. Additionally, the Cardinals could help Jeff Okudah, the former third overall pick, revive his career. To put it simply, the Cardinals need Kyler to play because the last time we saw him in good health was during his 14-game stint in 2021, during which he helped the team to a 9-5 record. With Marvin Harrison joining forces with a robust offensive line, a talented tight end, and a healthy Kyler, this offense might be very dangerous in the upcoming season.
Atlanta Falcons
- Sign Kirk Cousins (QB)
- Draft Dallas Turner (Pick 8) (DE)
- Sign Curtis Samuel (WR)
- Sign Isiah Simmons (LB/S)
- Draft Sedrick Van Pran (Pick 43) (C)
Get used to seeing Kirk Cousins on this list since, in the free agency class, it’s very much “kirk or bust.” However, if Fields doesn’t wind up in Atlanta, I think Cousins would fit in quite well there. As recently appointed head coach Raheem Morris stated, “If we had better quarterback play, I may not be standing here at the podium.” Atlanta is a squad full of talent on all sides of the ball. Kirk Cousins would immediately lead to improved quarterback play because Atlanta already has a good supporting group in place. Even if Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson’s stats were unimpressive, the departure of Arthur Smith has given rise to a renewed sense of optimism. With Samuel more than likely out the door in Washington, adding a gadget guy like Samuel would only make this offense more electric. Similar to the likes of Devin White and Jeff Okudah, Isiah Simmons would look to remake something of himself in Atlanta, and who better to learn from than Jessie Bates, who proved he is an all-pro-caliber player? With Grady Jarrett suffering his first major career injury last year and Calais Campbell continuing to defy time, Atlanta selecting Dallas Turner at the top of the first would bolster this premier defense into something scary on paper. While results are yet to be seen, there is little to no doubt that Dallas Turner is going to be an elite-level player, and what mentor is better than a 38-year-old, 6x pro-bowler? It is an exciting time to be a Falcons fan, as it seems the pieces are all there; all that is left is for them to make their move on a quarterback.
Carolina Panthers
- Resign Brian Burns (DE)
- Sign Calvin Ridley (WR)
- Resign Jeremy Chinn (S)
- Draft Adonai Mitchell (Pick 33) (WR)
- Sign D.J Reader (DT)
- Sign Laken Tomlinson (OG)
If I said this squad could be fixed in one off-season, I would be lying, but you never know. Bryce Young’s rookie season was anything but amazing, especially in light of the fact that C.J. Stroud—who was selected one choice later—has become an immediate sensation. Although the numbers do not support Young, there is still cause for optimism. It’s also important to remember that his supporting cast is likely among the weakest in the league. If your top wide receiver is 33-year-old Adam Thielen, it’s likely that your pass game won’t be very good. By selecting Adonai Mitchell and adding Calvin Ridley, you can get Bryce Young, a real X WR, and a vertical deep threat. According to rumors, the Rams offered Carolina two first-round picks a few years ago for Burns, but the Panthers rejected the offer and are now probably letting him walk. Burns must come back with Jeremy Chinn, who had a promising rookie season, if this team is going to be serious by the beginning of next season. Burns and D.J. Reader would forge a solid defensive tandem and help the Carolina run defense, which finished last season among the worst in the league, improve right away. Adding Tomlinson would further strengthen this O-line, which needs to offer Young more support because Carolina already has good tackles in place, or at the very least tackles who are serviceable for next year. Even though this team wouldn’t stand out among the other NFC heavyweights on paper, things in Carolina might seem promising very soon if Young can develop into the first overall pick that he was.
Chicago Bears
- Draft Caleb Williams (Pick 1) (QB)
- Draft Romeo Odunze (Pick 9) (WR)
- Trade Justin Fields to Pittsburgh for (Pick 51)
- Sign Connor Williams (C)
- Sign Christin Wilkins (DT)
Justin Fields or Caleb Williams has been the argument off the off-season thus far, and to be honest, a part of me hopes Fields stays in Chicago, but it is hard to pass up someone of Caleb caliber when you have the first overall pick, and Fields is not a sure thing. I truly believe that with the pieces the Bears have in place currently, they could make a sneaky run with the selection of Williams to man the helm. D.J. Moore proved his worth last season when Fields was running the offense and showed he can be a true alpha WR, but with the Bears having two picks inside the top 10, it is a perfect situation for this Bears offense to change in the blink of an eye. The chances of Odunze falling to nine are not guaranteed, but with Moore and Odunze and a prospect like Williams leading your offense, that becomes a sight to see, and it honestly becomes hard to imagine that it would not work out instantly. Where Fields ends up is a story for another day, but for the Bears to open their “Super Bowl window,” I believe it all starts with Caleb. The Bears, with the likes of Tremaine Edmunds, Montez Sweat, and Jaylon Johnson, to name a few, on defense, are more than capable of turning this into a stellar defense. With Wilkins being set to test the open market, a move to Chicago would make this defense something to fear, as at every level Chicago would have an all-pro-caliber player. Rookie center + rookie quarterback is never a good idea, and with the Bears already having some guard and tackle talent, I have them recruiting another South Beach player in Connor Williams to be the buttocks that kickstart Williams career. While some Bears fans will rejoice in moving on from Fields, I know there are still loyal fans who believe in the kid. Simply put, the opportunity the Bears have is once a decade, and with all these possible moves for the Bears, they would become something to finally give the Packers and the rest of the NFL a run for their money.
Cincinnati Bengals
- Resign Tee Higgins (WR)
- Draft JC Latham (Pick 18) (OT)
- Sign Noah Fant (TE)
- Sign Jordan Poyer (SS)
- Draft Troy Franklin (Pick 49) (WR)
It feels wrong to include the Bengals in here, but they did in fact miss the playoffs last year, and while Jake Browning delivered some special moments for a backup quarterback, this team needs Joe Burrow healthy and on the field. Two NFL seasons ago, the Bengals found themselves in the Super Bowl, led by Joe Burrow and rookie Jamar Chase. Since then, not much has changed for this team besides the growth in other positions, which only bolsters the Bengals chances moving forward. As the AFC continues to remain a stellar division of elite quarterback play, there were arguments prior to the injury that Burrow was the one quarterback who could go toe-to-toe with Patrick Mahomes, because, let’s be honest, the entire league, especially the AFC, is chasing the man in red in Kansas City. There have been talks of a possible tag and trade for Tee Higgins, but if the Bengals are going to go into next year with a chance to return to where they were, Higgins must remain on the roster, and a Chase extension must wait. Last off-season, the Bengals brought in Orlando Brown Jr., and he seems to be good enough, but it does seem that former first-round pick Jonah Williams will test the open market, meaning this team will need to spend early on a tackle position because nothing is more important to the Bengals success than Burrow’s health. I love the fit for Brock Bowers in this offense, but baring a trade up from 18, I do not expect Bowers to slip that far down. Which is what leads me to bring in Noah Fant in this offense. A premier TE, I feel, has been the missing piece in this offense, and with the departure of Tyler Boyd, this team needs someone for red zone action and the intermediate throws. I am also in love with the idea of the Bengals being able to acquire Troy Franklin out of Oregon in the middle of the second as a Tyler Boyd replacement as they strengthen this offense even more. With strong pieces on defense from the likes of Logan Wilson, Trey Hendrickson, and Mike Hilton, adding a vet like Jordan Poyer to this strong secondary seems like a great fit. The Bengals, on paper, are weakest at the safety position, so bringing in a former two-time all-pro into the mix pans out as a great move. Overall, the Bengals are already a great squad and finished over.500 last season, but with certain moves shifting this offense around, I believe a healthy Joe Burrow will remind the world of his ultra-talented ability and will be a strong contender for a Super Bowl next February.
Denver Broncos
- Sign Kirk Cousins (QB)
- Draft Byron Murphy II (Pick 12) (DT)
- Sign Chase Young (DE)
- Sign Eric Kendricks (ILB)
- Sign Stephon Gilmore (CB)
To be blatantly honest, the Broncos seemed to be screwed entering next year, as the Russell Wilson trade two years ago was a complete bust. The Broncos have very little draft capital in this year’s draft, and the team remains in cap hell due to the $80 million in dead-cap that Wilson will take over the next two years. Now I will admit I am still a believer in Wilson, but with the influence of Sean Payton and the team’s little to no success, it seemed something had to give in Denver. Denver sits among the bottom of NFL teams in total cap and has recently released all-pro safety Justin Simmons in order to create some breathing room. While Denver will remain in cap trouble, the team still must do something in order to bounce out of it. While it is likely that Denver could select any of the quarterbacks who are not part of the big three, it is unlikely any of them will come in and make this team a playoff-caliber squad. Adding Cousins would create an interesting dynamic between quarterback and coach and give some Drew Brees vibes. In the first round, Denver would look to bolster their defense with the selection of Byron Murphy II. Murphy is an instant day one starter at the nose tackle position, something that Denver desperately needs. While the team has holes all over the field, bringing in veterans or prove-it guys to this defense would seemingly benefit them as each player would become the best at their respected position on the roster. A veteran of Eric Kendricks caliber would become a leader for this defense and would serve as a great veteran mentor to any plans of selecting a linebacker in the draft. While Kendricks is a shell of his former self, his presence alone would be just as impactful. The team must add more talent to their defensive line even past the selection of Murphy II, and with Chase Young seemingly needing to earn a prove-it deal, he could become what he was supposed to be when drafted in Denver and shine in a team desperate for a game wrecker. While Pat Surtain II trails almost every elite WR, Denver matches up with everything outside of that that lacks real starter ability, especially after releasing Justin Simmons, and while the team may be in the market for a safety, they cannot sign anyone to massive deals. Adding Stephon Gilmore to another veteran contract would help relieve some of the responsibility Surtain is sure to face this year and create one of the better CB pairings in the NFL. Regardless of what Denver does, it will not be perfect, but with Sean Payton still being a great coach and bringing in a quarterback like Cousins, this Broncos team could truly surprise some folks next year. I would not be surprised to see Cousins end up in Denver with a wildcard spot next year. (Denver has since cleared up $50 million in cap and traded Jerry Jeudy to Cleveland… Cousins loading??)
Indianapolis Colts
- Sign Tre’Davious White (CB)
- Sign Tyron Smith (OT)
- Draft Quinyon Mitchell (Pick 15) (CB)
- Sign Kamren Curl (FS)
- Draft Cade Stover (Pick 50) (TE)
The Indianapolis Colts were one of the most fun teams in the National Football League last year, as the injury of their rookie quarterback, Gardner Minshew, brought this team above a.500 record. While it did not lead to much, there is reason for excitement as the Colts have a strong young core on offense that is only going to get better. The Jonathan Taylor drama solved itself, and Richardson has all year to get healthy for the upcoming season. The team also made sure to retain Michael Pittman Jr. on a franchise tag to not have to worry about his contract just yet. With a young core of Richardson, Taylor, Pittman Jr., and Josh Downs, the Colts will be able to develop this entire offense for years to come. The Colts have always been known to have one of the better offensive lines in the entire NFL, but the team is in need of a LT to protect Richardson’s blind side. Not only that, but to help support Jonathan Taylor in the run game. With the signing of a veteran like Tyron Smith, the priority will always be to ensure that he is on the field and healthy, because when on the field, Smith is one of the best in the game. Imagine having to stop Taylor or Richardson in the backfield as they run behind two all-pros in Tyron Smith and Quentin Nelson. While the offense leaves a lot of potential and their defense is respectable, one key area that must be addressed is the secondary, as the Colts had one of the worst pass defenses in the league last year. The Colts could look to fix this secondary in no time, as in the first round I have them selecting a combine warrior and potential number one CB in the entire class in Quinyon Mitchell. The Colts would also add Tre’Davious White in free agency, as White was recently cut by Buffalo. While White has struggled with injuries over the past few years, he is still extremely talented and would serve as a mentor and elite partner with Mitchell. They would not just be done here, as the team could look to target many safety’s in this deep free agency class, but with Kamren Curl seemingly out of Washington, the fit in Indianapolis makes perfect sense as the team needs a free safety. Curl, who has respectfully earned a large contract since being drafted in the 7th round out of Arkansas, would not only improve this secondary but would suddenly turn this secondary from one of the worst to one of the best in the league with other additions. In the second round of the draft, the Colts could add Cade Stover, a TE out of Ohio State, and instantly create a young group of players all over the offense that they can play for the future with. Similar to other teams on this list, the Colts need their quarterback to get healthy, as when on the field, Anthony Richardson was extremely talented and showed lots of promise, but with this team having youth in every offensive skill position, they could battle for the next decade with the young star in Houston.
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Resign Josh Allen (DE)
- Draft Terrion Arnold (Pick 17) (CB)
- Sign Mitch Morse (C)
- Sign Trent Brown (OT)
- Draft Ladd McConkey (Pick 48) (WR)
The Jaguars were a rollercoaster of emotions last year, as at one point this team had a potential 1 seed shot, but things slowly fell apart and the team missed out on the playoffs. While Trevor Lawrence has flashed abilities, it does not feel like it’s all been put together yet, and due to Urban Meyer being his rookie-year head coach, it is hard to judge him just yet. As someone who watched many Jaguar games (a Lawerence dynasty owner), the team always felt much worse than the record said, but their late-season collapse was simply unheard of. Last year, the team brought in Calvin Ridley, and while many, including myself, believed Ridley could be a great 1 option, it always seemed that Christian Kirk out of the slot was the team’s true 1. The issue that lies for Jacksonville is that while Ridley didn’t work out, he’s the best WR available in free agency, so the team must take another route. While his combine and pro day may have elevated his projection, the fit of Ladd McConkey in the second round would instantly give the Jaguars a number-two option and someone who could potentially be Ridley’s replacement. The play of Christian Kirk and Evan Engram last year was amazing at points and gave the Jaguars something real to build on. As of yesterday, the Jags have inked up both offensive guards for the foreseeable future, making it so their offensive line is really only one or two pieces away. Adding Mitch Morse in free agency to be the team’s new center would make this offensive line more than capable of being a premier unit. Morse had a strong year last year and figures to be one of the better centers available. The Jags could also look to add offensive tackle Trent Brown, who does have on- and off-field issues but, when playing, is one of the better tackles in the league. Though the key for Jacksonville to have any hope on the opposite side of the ball is bringing back phenomenal edge rusher Josh Allen, it seems as of today that Allen will receive the tag, which will be good enough for now. While the team must make sure to bring back their star player, they could also add a future star at the cornerback position with Terrion Arnold out of Alabama. Arnold would figure to be the best or second-best corner on this team immediately, and while rookie corners tend to struggle, if Arnold can grow to an NFL level, then the fit is perfect for Jacksonville as they look to replace the play they once had in Jalen Ramsey. I always loved the comparison of the jags being “baby San Francisco,” but it does seem a bit outstretched as of today. Overall, the Jaguars are still a good team. We saw what they could be last year when they started 8-3, but with a quick fall off towards the end of the year, most of the hype died off. As Trevor Lawerence continues to grow, this team will continue to elevate to new heights. With the AFC South seemingly having multiple franchise quarterbacks, the Jaguars must continue to plan for their future. The Jaguars could easily return to the form they were once in, as they have been there before, but it all starts with Lawerence.
Las Vegas Raiders
- Sign Kirk Cousins (QB)
- Resign Josh Jacobs (RB)
- Sign Leonard Williams (DT)
- Draft Olumuyiwa Fashanu (Pick 13) (OT)
- Sign Kenney Moore II (CB)
- Draft Tyler Nubin (Pick 44) (S)
Well, Well, Well, Cousins finds himself a home in Vegas and joins his 3rd team in this article like I said Cousins will be here a lot. In all seriousness, I love the fit of Cousins in Vegas, as the years of their star WR Davante Adams cannot go to waste. The Jimmy G experiment failed, and it went so badly that the team started Aidan O’Connell to end the season, but let’s be honest, we can all agree that if Antonio Pierce has any plan to keep his job moving forward, the quarterback position must figure itself out, and again, we can all agree that O’Connell is not the answer. The Raiders, currently sitting with the 13th pick in the NFL Draft, would not find their quarterback prayer, as more than likely the top three will be gone and everyone else below seems as if they are going to be eased into the NFL within their first year. So why not take a shot at Cousins? While reports do not relieve Raiders fans of the news of Josh Jacobs, I believe if this team wants to come out firing on all cylinders next year, then the return of their star Alabama product is crucial to team success, as head coach Antonio Pierce is no stranger to ground-and-pound football. Though even if the team returns Jacobs and we’re to bring Cousins to Vegas, the roster lacks true talent on the offensive line. Adding Fashanu to their first-round pick almost makes too much sense if they do decide the veteran route at quarterback, as Fashanu is one of the premier, if not the premier, tackles in this year’s draft class. Moving to the other side of the trenches is where all-pro Max Crosby resides, and boy does Vegas need to bring him some help. Bringing in Leonard Williams within the Vegas 3-4 system would not only benefit the team but also help reduce the amount of attention Crosby gathers. While the signing of Williams would solve a hole, there still remains a lot to be seen within the secondary. While there are plenty of options to go around, I particularly like the fit of Kenney Moore II, who shined as a slot CB in his time in Indianapolis. The Raiders would not just be done here, as adding another secondary piece is crucial within the draft, and look no further than golden gopher Tyler Nubin, whose talent may just lead him to go earlier than the second round. Nubin would come in as someone who can play from the box as a safety and go sideline to sideline, making big plays. The Raiders have two amazing things to offer any potential player, which are Vegas and Davante Adams, and with this comes a heavy pull. I believe if Vegas can figure out a way to bring in a veteran of Kirk Cousins caliber, they may just give Kansas City a run for their money in the AFC West.
Los Angeles Chargers
- Cut Mike Williams (WR) (Save $20 million)
- Sign Jonah Williams (OT)
- Draft Kris Jenkins (DT) (Pick 37)
- Draft Malik Nabers (WR) (Pick 5)
- Sign Tony Pollard (RB)
- Sign Robert Hunt (OG)
- Sign Josey Jewell (MLB)
Single-handedly, the biggest move the Chargers made this off-season was firing Brandon Staley and bringing in a coach to help Herbert not only grow but compete at a high level. Fresh off a National Championship, coach Harbaugh brings his winning pedigree to Los Angeles immediately. While, similarly to the Bengals, the Chargers have their superstar franchise quarterback, the team has yet to find a direction in the years of Herbert thus far. With bad coaching, poor defense, and a lack of offensive talent surrounding Herbert, this offseason may be the most important yet. The Chargers must find a way to create some cap space to work with this free agency period, and with four guys who would release $20 million in cap, I believe Mike Williams becomes the odd man out. While it is without a doubt that Williams is ultra talented, his health has prolonged his NFL career, and while he could have a resurgence elsewhere, I don’t see it happening in LA. The Chargers could go multiple directions with the 5th overall pick, whether it’s trading down or selecting Joe Alt, but with Keenan Allen only getting older and this team having missed on Quentin Johnson or so, it seems the talent of Malik Nabers to go along with Allen would be a sight to see. Allen won’t stay young forever, and adding Nabers would solidify Herbert’s long-term weapon. While the team could consider trading or cutting Joey Bosa or Khalil Mack, I don’t believe that is the best thing to do for immediate success next year. Instead, I have them bolstering their defensive front and selecting Kris Jenkins with their second-round pick. Jenkins being one of Harbaugh’s Michigan men only adds to the fit in LA, as he would form a scary partnership alongside Mack and Bosa. While adding to their defense is a must this off-season for the Chargers, they have to continue to solidify the protection upfront for their star man. With the team selecting Rashan Slater in the first round of the 2021 draft, adding pieces via free agency makes more sense than spending their pick at the top of the draft. Adding Jonah Williams, who was a former first-round pick, would instill two starters at tackle for the immediate future and only add to the protection of Herbert. Additionally, Robert Hunt grades out as one of the better guards in this year’s FA class, and for a team with talent like the Chargers, they have to go get their protection now, not late in the draft, where most offensive linemen are projects. This same train of thought can be applied to the linebacking class, as I think the Chargers would be better off signing a veteran like Josey Jewell instead of trying to find a gem late. Spending his career in Denver Jewell is a capable LB who can fill the void for the time being. With Austin Ekeler set to test the market after not being able to finalize an extension, look no further than Austin Ekeler 2.0 with Tony Pollard, who showed last year that behind a great offensive line he can still succeed at a high level. While Pollard has proven himself in this league, the comparison of Ekeler 2.0 really feels like it applies here, as Pollard is younger and quicker but carries the same skill sets as Ekeler in the run-and-pass game. As the Chargers look to have a bounceback year under first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh, Herbert and company could be setup for immediate success in the 2024 NFL season as they hold serious draft capital and the ability to offer players a life in Los Angeles.
Minnesota Vikings
- Resign Kirk Cousins (QB)
- Draft Ennis Rakestraw (Pick 42) (CB)
- Draft Jared Verse (Pick 11) (DE)
- Sign Frankie Luvu (LB)
- Sign Saquon Barkley (RB)
- Sign Grover Stewart (DT)
Well, I said to you that Kirk Cousins would be back on this list, and here he is. Though, as of today, a return to Minnesota feels like the most unlikely situation for the veterans. The Minnesota Vikings were a rollercoaster of emotions last season, as the team started off record-breaking as one of the worst and then went on a run, making them the hottest team in football. While Joshua Dobbs sparked life for them after the Kirk Cousins injury, it just wasn’t enough, as the team simply couldn’t find a rhythm and missed out on the postseason. Cousins was on pace for a monster year, and we’re talking monster, but Cousins suffered his first major career injury, and so did their absolute stud wide receiver Justin Jefferson. While it was fun for a while watching backup after backup, when you lose your starting quarterback and best player, things just won’t work out. This team shows signs of putting it all together; it just hasn’t happened quite yet, but there is reason for optimism, as Brian Flores seemed to have fixed all defense woes within the Vikings defense last year. While the Vikings hold the 11th overall pick in this year’s draft and whispers have begun of possible trade-ups, I don’t think the top three of the draft class will be available to them unless something catastrophic happens. So where does this lead them? Well, if this team wants to enter next year with a Super Bowl in mind, then they must find a way to retain Cousins for one more year, even with the question marks surrounding him and his injury. Whenever Justin Jefferson is on the field, he and his cousins have an unquestioned connection, as Kirko Chainz knows how to target his star weapon. With the team’s selection of Jordan Addison in the last draft and trading for a top-five TE in TJ Hockenson, the offense is stronger than ever. The team recently cut Alexander Mattisson, and for good reason, as he struggled to be a lead back. But imagine this team with the addition of Saquon Barkley. Barkley, Jefferson, Addison, and Hockenson would arguably form the strongest weapon core in the entire NFL, and why put an unproven rookie behind center with all these toys when you know what you have with Cousins? If this team can bring in a RB like Saquon Barkley or Josh Jacobs, then the rest of the league better watch out, as the Vikings would instantly propel to among the NFC favorites. The home run selections of all of their weapons and offensive line pieces leave this team the opportunity to address every defensive need via the draft and free agency. With star edge rusher Danielle Hunter testing the open market, the team is in need of an immediate successor, and while I would’ve liked to have Minnesota return both Cousins and Hunter, it just seems improbable. With the idea of Cousins staying, Minnesota would stay put in the draft and let edge rusher Jared Verse fall right into their laps. Verse is arguably the best true defensive end in the class and would immediately become the successor to Hunter. The Vikings would not just be done here, as in the second round, the team would select CB Ennis Rakestraw out of Missouri. As much as I love the fit of Kool-Aid McKinstry out of Alabama, his pedigree leaves me to believe he won’t make it all the way back to the Vikings in the second. Regardless, Rakestraw would join Byron Murphy Jr. on the outside and would provide a much-needed piece in the Minnesota secondary. With an immediate replacement for DE and CB, the Vikings would then look to upgrade two other key areas on defense. Defensive tackle is arguably the biggest need of this entire Vikings defense, which makes the fit of veteran Grover Stewart a solid pickup for this defensive line. Stewart would slide in with Verse and provide a brand new combo to pressure the quarterback for Minnesota. In a deep linebacker free agency class, signing Frankie Luvu would be another home run move for this team, as Luvu is probably the best linebacker available and is someone who a season ago recorded 125 tackles and 5.5 sacks on a bad Carolina defense. Luvu would become the piece they have been looking for since the departure of Eric Kendricks and would shine in the Flores system as he would command the entire defense. Of all of the teams I have written about so far, Minnesota excites me the most, as this team has ultra-talented weapons in place and good cap and draft capital to make things shake this offseason. Regardless of the talent, this team must find a quarterback to spread the ball around, and why chase that when you have it in your building? As long as Cousins injury doesn’t hinder him, the Vikings could be in store for the season they have been waiting for next year. McCarthy, Penix, and Maye would simply not help this team contend next year, which is why they must do everything in their power to return Kirk Cousins if they want to sniff potential championship games.
New Orleans Saints
- Draft Taliese Fuaga (Pick 14) (OT)
- Sign Jon Runyan (OG)
- Draft Payton Wilson (Pick 45) (MLB)
- Sign Josh Uche (DE)
- Sign Tyler Boyd (WR)
The New Orleans Saints are one of the more interesting teams in the league, and not necessarily for good reason. Every year, it seems like the Saints are millions over the cap, but they continue to make signings year in and year out. While the Saints have made some moves to clear some caps, like the release of WR Michael Thomas, this team still does not have the money in place to go crazy. So while Derek Carr may not be the most elite quarterback, he is certainly better than what the current free agent market entices (besides Kirk), and he also gives them a better chance than any rookie quarterback. It seemed impossible to turn this Saints team into a playoff threat, but if you look at the landscape of the NFC South, it certainly is on the cards. The Saints have some talent on their offensive line, but a lot is left to be seen as the team is planning the departure of two starters this offseason. Within the first round of the draft, I have the Saints looking to solidify a franchise tackle with Taliese Fuaga, who is one of the premier tackles in this year’s draft class. While the Saints have holes in other areas, the need for a franchise LT since the departure of Terron Amstrad has been strong, as Derrick Carr cannot take the beating he did last year, so what better than to protect his blindside? In addition to adding a tackle, the Saints could also target packers LG. Jon Runyan is a free agent as the team doesn’t have a lot of cap to work with and must target lower-tier players, but Runyan is more than serviceable, as he showed in Green Bay, and would fill in nicely. Going back to the cut of veteran WR Michael Thomas creates a hole in the Saints WR2 spot, as everyone knows the ultra-talented Chris Olave, but the team truly lacks a second option outside of that. Tyler Boyd is a very good WR but just got overshadowed by the premier talents in Jamar Chase and Tee Higgins. Boyd would figure to be the number 2 WR on this team and not only take away pressure from Olave but serve as a great middle-of-the field threat and someone Carr could look to rely on. Former all-pro Cameron Jordan is the Saints game wrecker, but with a lack of talent across from him, it has become harder for Jordan to shine. Continuing the idea of balling on a budget, the Saints could look to add Josh Uche, who put up good numbers in New England when playing but fell out of favor with coaching. The Saints, who are looking for Demario Davis replacement coils, also look to add my favorite LB in the class, Payton Wilson, in the second round. Wilson is ultra athletic, as he displayed at the combine, and could potentially be a day-one starter for this team. While the Saints don’t have a lot of cap, there is still enough to be done to improve this team and give them a chance next year. With the NFC South being one of the worst divisions in football, the path for the Saints to host a playoff game is still wide open.
New England Patriots
- Draft Drake Maye (Pick 3) (QB)
- Draft Jordan Morgan (Pick 34) (OT)
- Trade for Tee Higgins (WR)
- Sign Jonathan Greenard (DE)
- Sign Kendall Fuller (CB)
New York Giants
- Resign Saquon Barkley (RB)
- Draft Joe Alt (Pick 6) (OT)
- Resign Xavier Mckinney (FS)
- Sign Chidobe Awuzie (CB)
- Sign Willie Gay Jr.
- Draft Adonai Mitchell (Pick 39) (WR)
New York Jets
- Draft Olumuyiwa Fashanu (Pick 10)(OT)
- Sign Mike Onwenu (OG)
- Sign A.J. Epenesa (DE)
- Sign Jordyn Brooks (LB)
- Sign Gabe Davis (WR)
Seattle Seahawks
- Sign Mekhi Becton (OT)
- Sign Bryce Huff (DE)
- Draft Jackson-Powers-Johnson (Pick 16)(C)
- Sign Sheldon Rankins (DT)
- Draft Micheal Penix Jr. (Pick 50) (QB)
Tennessee Titans
- Sign Tony Pollard (RB) (Just happened)
- Sign Jonah Williams (OT)
- Sign Calvin Ridley (WR)
- Draft Malik Nabers (Pick 7) (WR)
- Sign Leonard Floyd (DE)
- Sign Lavonte David (ILB)
Washington Commanders
- Sign Danielle Hunter (DE)
- Sign Kirk Cousins (QB)
- Draft Marvin Harrison Jr. (Pick 2) (WR)
- Resign Kamren Curl (FS)
- Sign Patrick Queen (MLB)
- Sign Austin Ekeler (RB)
Overall, let’s be honest, some teams are more than just an offseason away, but within this article, it is more building on the idea that the team had to go all in for one year. While moves are happening constantly at this time, it is hard to put a different player on each team as Kirk Cousins was a popular name throughout, but as the season begins to unfold, we will see how much everything translates. The last six teams were not finished, as I wanted to put this out before the giant waves of free agents happen.
