Denver Broncos
Key acquisitions: S Brandon Jones, DT Malcolm Roach, LB Cody Barton, WR Josh Reynolds, CB Levi Wallace, C Sam Mustipher, G Calvin Throckmorton, DT Angelo Blackson, QB Zach Wilson
Re-signed: K Wil Lutz, S P.J. Locke, TE Adam Trautman, LB Justin Strnad
Departures: QB Russell Wilson (Steelers), S Justin Simmons, WR Jerry Jeudy (Browns), C Lloyd Cushenberry (Titans), LB Josey Jewell (Panthers)
Remaining free agents: CB Fabian Moreau, NT Mike Purcell, CB K’Waun Williams, T Cameron Fleming, LB Ben Niemann
Analysis: I still don’t know how I feel about the Russell Wilson release. Yes you are admitting this was the worst trade in NFL history and gave him the worst contract in NFL history before he played a snap with you, but you still owe him a ton of money while he plays in Pittsburgh. Now before just recently you only had Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNicci in your QB room, but you just traded for former Jets No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson…so you still need to address QB.
They also traded former first-round receiver Jerry Jeudy after years of average play and tons of headaches and trade talks. They signed Josh Reynolds and still have Courtland Sutton and Tim Patrick, but need more.
The big move on defense was the release of longtime starting safety Justin Simmons. They replaced him with former Dolphins starter Brandon Jones. Other additions on defense include Malcolm Roach and Cody Barton.
The offensive line took a hit with starting center Lloyd Cushenberry signing with the Titans, so that’s a position of need that shouldn’t be filled by Sam Mustipher or Calvin Throckmorton.
Conclusion: The Broncos got worse this offseason. They emerged as a major threat two years ago with the Wilson trade, but that yielded horrible results and they’re starting over yet again. They have the 12th pick which could net a tier two quarterback in Bo Nix or Michael Penix, but they should be trying to trade into the top 5 to get a J.J. McCarthy.
Kansas City Chiefs
Key acquisitions: WR Marquise Brown, TE Irv Smith Jr., QB Carson Wentz
Re-signed: DT Chris Jones, LB Drue Tranquill,, DT Derrick Nnadi, DE Mike Danna, RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, DT Tershawn Wharton, S Deon Bush
Departures: CB L’Jarius Sneed (Titans), LB Willie Gay (Saints), WR Marquez Valdez-Scantling, G Nick Allegretti (Commanders), S Mike Edwards (Bills), P Tommy Townsend (Texans)
Remaining free agents: RB Jerick McKinnon, T Donovan Smith, WR Mecole Hardman, WR Richie James, TE Blake Bell
Analysis: The Super Bowl champs focused on retaining the guys that they could, but had to part with some big guys. The most important signing was Chris Jones, who finally has his issues sorted out with his third contract. Key starters in Drue Tranquill, Derrick Nnadi and Mike Danna are also back, with Clyde Edwards-Helaire surprisingly back in the fold on a one-year deal after losing the starting job.
They did lose franchise tagged starting corner L’Jarius Sneed via trade with the Titans and linebacker Willie Gay to the Saints, leaving some massive voids in the defense. They released MVS but upgraded him with Hollywood Brown, and added another tight end alongside Travis Kelce in Irv Smith Jr.
Conclusion: This Chiefs roster is pretty good, and a draft with picks at the end of the rounds will building depth, likely in the secondary, linebacker, and receiver.
Las Vegas Raiders
Key acquisitions: DT Christian Wilkins, QB Gardner Minshew, TE Harrison Bryant, RB Alexander Mattison, G Cody Whitehair
Re-signed: C Andre James, DT John Jenkins, RB Ameer Abdullah, DT Adam Butler
Departures: RB Josh Jacobs (Packers), QB Jimmy Garoppolo (Rams), WR Hunter Renfrow, CB Amik Robertson (Lions), DT Bilal Nichols (Cardinals), T Jermaine Eluemunor (Giants), TE Austin Hooper (Patriots), QB Brian Hoyer, DT Jerry Tillery (Vikings), CB Tyler Hall (Eagles)
Remaining free agents: G Greg Van Roten
Analysis: A rare not crazy offseason for the Raiders, who usually sign like 20 guys. They did spend a lot of money to get Christian Wilkins, which will be worth it as he’s one of the best at his position, but didn’t do much else. They added starting depth with Gardner Minshew, Alexander Mattison and Cody Whitehair, who might all be starters in Week 1. They lost a lot though with Josh Jacobs heading to Green Bay and the departures of defensive starters Amik Robertson and Bilal Nichols.
Conclusion: Another team that needs a quarterback that isn’t in the top 10. They could trade up, but with so many other teams needing help I doubt they’ll get a top guy, but they could end up with a Bo Nix or Michael Penix, or even J.J. McCarthy. Besides the most important position, they need help nearly everywhere else. Definitely need a wide receiver, offensive line, edge rush, secondary, running back, basically every position is up for grabs.
Los Angeles Chargers
Key acquisitions: RB Gus Edwards, CB Kristian Fulton, TE Will Dissly, TE Hayden Hurst, RB J.K. Dobbins, DT Poona Ford, LB Denzel Perryman, C Bradley Bozeman, LB Troy Dye
Re-signed: S Alohi Gilman, QB Easton Stick
Departures: WR Keenan Allen (Bears), WR Mike Williams (Jets), RB Austin Ekeler (Commanders), LB Kenneth Murray (Titans), LB Eric Kendricks (Cowboys), TE Gerald Everett (Bears), CB Michael Davis (Commanders), DT Austin Johnson (Bills), C Will Clapp (Bills)
Remaining free agents: WR Jalen Guyton, RB Joshua Kelly, S Dean Marlowe, DT Nick Williams
Analysis: I’m so sorry Chargers fans. Losing Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Austin Ekeler in one offseason leaving Justin Herbert with nothing on offense is no way to live. Sure they brought in Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins, but who is catching passes…Quentin Johnston? We saw what his rookie year was.
Speaking of disappointment they lost Kenneth Murray who did not live up to his first-round billing, and also cut Eric Kendricks, but did bring back former longtime starter Denzel Perryman. Couple other nice signings in Kristian Fulton to replace Michael Davis. Bradley Bozeman at center will likely replace Corey Linsley who’ll likely retire after missing most of last season with a heart issue. They did re-sign Alohi Gilman, their starting free safety last year.
Conclusion: I’m so disappointed in this team. You have a top QB in this league and got rid of his only two legit pass catchers. They have the fifth pick and just have to take a receiver, either Marvin Harrison Jr or Rome Odunze, just give Herbert some help please.
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