While most of us are zoned into squeaky shoes on hardwoods and lively pep bands of college basketball, the NFL is not lacking drama in the league’s offseason, before free agency officially even commences!
The LA Rams and their stout defensive may arguably have made some of the most surprising splashes early on. To date, Los Angeles has traded DE Robert Quinn down to Miami and LB Alec Ogletree across the map to the rebuilding New York Giants. After these initial moves, many wondered why the Rams would disassemble such a solid unit; however, Sean McVay and company were able to court both Aqib Talib (Denver) and Marcus Peters (Kansas City). Now, the league is on “Tavon watch” as the star receiver is expected to depart. Rumored landing spots include Houston, Philly, Pittsburgh, and Baltimore.
Causing a storm across social media, Seattle astoundingly cut ties with shutdown corner Richard Sherman after rumors swirled for weeks. The cornerback has been shown interest form a handful of contenders including Detroit, San Francisco, Green Bay, Houston, Tennessee, Oakland, and Tampa Bay. It was announced tonight, however, that he will sign with former rival San Francisco. Sherman’s cut took place just days after star lineman Michael Bennett, brother to tight end Martellus, was traded away to the Super Bowl Champ Eagles, giving the NFC a quite intimidating image that will come to life this fall.
And then there’s Cleveland. In a matter of three hours, the Browns made three blockbuster trades that made fans across the country say, “what just happened?!” The first of these significant moves was the acquisition of wideout Jarvis Landry from the Miami Dolphins in exchange for two mid-round draft picks-one in 2018 and one in 2019. About 120 minutes later, Bills Mafia said goodbye to their respected quarterback, Tyrod Taylor, who was sent packing to join the Browns. Not long after, a trade occurred between the Packers and Browns: Green Bay corner Damarious Randall was traded for quarterback DeShone Kizer. The deal also swaps fourth and fifth round draft picks bumping up the Packers’ spot on Day 3 of the draft.
We can’t forget about the staggering announcement in February that will bring Alex Smith to the Redskins in exchange for Kendall Fuller and a third-round pick. This of course confirmed the churning question of Kirk’s future in Washington. It’s a matter of where, not if, at this moment in time for Cousins.
For many organizations, this is the time of year that builds hope for a fresh start in September. Although it seems as the party has started quite early this year, March 14th officially kicks off free agency and it appears there will be no lack of entertainment until the 2018 draft which takes place April 26-28th in Arlington, Texas.
