Rechercher dans ce blog

Monday, January 9, 2023

2023 NFL offseason: Key free agents, draft notes, predictions - ESPN

With the end of the 2022 NFL regular season, 18 of 32 teams have officially entered the 2023 offseason. A lot lies ahead for each franchise, including changes to coaching staffs, rosters, front offices and schemes. We're here to break down what each team must do over the next six months to improve.

Our NFL Nation reporters picked out one big offseason priority for the team they cover, hitting anything from finding a new quarterback to figuring out what went wrong on defense. Then they identified an under-the-radar priority that should be considered this spring. NFL analyst Field Yates weighed in on one looming free agent decision for each club, and draft experts Matt Miller and Jordan Reid picked out what you need to know about every team's draft outlook. And finally, Football Outsiders' Aaron Schatz made one big prediction for each team's offseason, including a few interesting trade possibilities.

Let's dig in on how every eliminated team can get better this offseason, starting with the four-win Cardinals.

Jump to:
ARI | ATL | CAR | CHI | CLE | DEN
DET | GB | HOU | IND | LV | LAR | NE
NO | NYJ | PIT | TEN | WSH

2022 record: 4-13
Estimated 2023 cap space: $23.7 million
Total 2023 draft picks: 8
First-round slot: No. 3

Biggest offseason priority: Arizona needs to take a long, hard look in the mirror and figure out what went wrong and how it can fix it. That could mean a complete overhaul inside the building, perhaps including a new general manager, new coach and even a full roster revamp. Yes, the Cardinals have a franchise quarterback in Kyler Murray, who's coming back from an ACL injury to his right knee at some point next season. But other than that, don't be surprised if the Cards look very different in 2023.

Under-the-radar offseason priority: Re-signing defensive end Zach Allen will need to be a priority. He's not a big name, but he has impacted Arizona's defensive front in a big way, providing 5.5 sacks, 47 tackles and 16 pass breakups through Week 17. With J.J. Watt retiring, the Cardinals can't afford to lose Allen, who's built in the same model of Watt's frame. -- Josh Weinfuss

Will they re-sign cornerback Byron Murphy Jr.? Yes. Murphy is a home-grown talent set to enter the prime of his career at a premium position. The deal won't be cheap for a player with his ability, but there's little reason to move on from him, regardless of the direction of the team. Murphy was limited to nine games this season, but he had four interceptions and 12 pass breakups in 2021. -- Yates

Draft outlook: The defensive line needs talent at tackle and edge rusher. Arizona could target one of the top-tier prospects early in Round 1, but with three projected picks on Day 2, the Cardinals could also look at Notre Dame's Isaiah Foskey or Michigan's Mazi Smith to rebuild the defensive line. The Cardinals had 36 sacks this season, tied for 23rd in the NFL. -- Miller

Big prediction for the offseason: The Cardinals will cut veteran wide receiver Robbie Anderson, who had seven catches in 10 games with the team this year. Cutting Anderson trims $12 million off the Arizona cap for 2023 with no dead money. -- Schatz


2022 record: 7-10
Estimated 2023 cap space: $70.7 million
Total 2023 draft picks: 8
First-round slot: No. 8

Biggest offseason priority: The Falcons have to decide on the quarterback position. They got a four-game sample of rookie Desmond Ridder, but was it enough? If they don't think so, the Falcons need to find a higher-end veteran who makes sense with their roster or use a first-round pick on a QB. But if they feel good about Ridder's outlook, then they can focus on other areas in the offseason and find a capable backup to compete with Ridder. Ridder completed 63.5% of his passes, but his yards per attempt is 6.2 (would be outside the NFL's top 30 if it qualified).

Under-the-radar offseason priority: Atlanta needs edge rushers and interior defensive linemen. For sustained success, it needs an influx of free agent and draft talent there after finishing 31st in sacks this season (21). In addition, a second starting cornerback opposite A.J. Terrell is necessary to either replace or learn from Casey Hayward if he is back in 2023. -- Michael Rothstein

Will they re-sign offensive tackle Kaleb McGary? Yes. McGary has had a breakout season in his fourth year that will make for a huge payday. Atlanta should eventually solve its quarterback quandary, but ensuring whoever is throwing the passes has a dependable line in front of him is key. McGary could be looking at $12-plus million per year on his next contract. -- Yates

Draft outlook: Atlanta has to get better in the trenches, and with an early selection yet again, it has the chance to do that on draft night. After taking the best player available over the past two drafts (Kyle Pitts and Drake London), the Falcons have to look at defense. Clemson's Myles Murphy and Texas Tech's Tyree Wilson are excellent pass-rushers who could be possibilities on Day 1. -- Reid

Big prediction for the offseason: The Falcons will cut quarterback Marcus Mariota, who was benched for Ridder. Cutting Mariota opens up $12 million in cap space with $2.5 million of dead money. -- Schatz


2022 record: 7-10
Estimated 2023 cap space: $1 million
Total 2023 draft picks: 7
First-round slot: No. 9

Biggest offseason priority: The Panthers need to find a coach and quarterback. Interim coach Steve Wilks has made a strong case to take the permanent job after getting Carolina back in the playoff hunt after a rough start to the season, and players want him back. And if he is hired full time, Sam Darnold could return as a bridge quarterback, even though he's not the long-term answer. If Wilks doesn't get the job, look for Darnold to move on and the new coach to likely look toward the draft to find his guy.

Under-the-radar offseason priority: Carolina should re-sign running back D'Onta Foreman after a huge second half. He's 26 years old and can be kept at a reasonable price. Foreman has given the Panthers stability at a key position after Christian McCaffrey was traded at midseason, rushing for 914 yards on 203 carries. The Panthers were near the top of the NFL in rushing (1,668 yards) after Week 6. -- David Newton

Will they re-sign center Bradley Bozeman? Yes. Carolina got Bozeman on what seemed at the time like a value deal ($2.8 million for this season), and it has turned out to be exactly that. Bozeman has been dependable, parlaying his play into a payday that could be $10 million or more per year. His 95.5% pass block win rate ranked in the top 10 among centers in 2022. -- Yates

Draft outlook: Finding a franchise QB is the first order of business in Carolina, and with their early pick, the Panthers have a shot at landing Kentucky's Will Levis or Florida's Anthony Richardson. But if the Panthers find a passer via trade or free agency, wide receiver -- perhaps TCU's Quentin Johnston or USC's Jordan Addison -- is next on the draft needs list. With two picks in the second round, the Panthers could check a lot of boxes on the first two days, including potentially landing a starting quarterback, receiver and cornerback. -- Miller

Big prediction for the offseason: The Panthers will sign defensive end Brian Burns to a large extension in order to establish him as one of the foundational pieces of their team and lower his $16 million cap cost for 2023. The fourth-year player had 12.5 sacks in 2022. -- Schatz

play

0:16

Eddy Pineiro ends the Panthers' season off in style with a 42-yard winning field goal as time expires.


2022 record: 3-14
Estimated 2023 cap space: $122.2 million
Total 2023 draft picks: 8
First-round slot: No. 1

Biggest offseason priority: The Bears have their franchise quarterback but now must build around Justin Fields. That starts with addressing the offensive line -- center and right tackle should be the priorities -- in free agency to ensure Fields isn't among the most sacked quarterbacks (55, tied for the most) in the NFL for a second straight year. Chicago also needs to bring in at least two impact receivers to close the talent gap in that room. No Bears wide receiver broke 500 receiving yards this season.

Under-the-radar offseason priority: Chicago should also think about tweaking the defensive scheme. The ineffectiveness of Chicago's pass rush is the result of more than just the caliber of players up front. The Bears were forced to dial up more blitz packages than normally expected from this defensive system and still ranked last in sacks (20). -- Courtney Cronin

Will they re-sign running back David Montgomery? No. This one is tricky, as Montgomery is so respected by the organization and the Bears have more cap space than any other team. But with Khalil Herbert and Trestan Ebner on the depth chart, Chicago might decide to allocate the resources elsewhere -- like receiver, offensive line or cornerback. -- Yates

Draft outlook: Edge rusher and defensive tackle will dominate the conversation for the Bears with their first-rounder. Alabama's Will Anderson Jr. and Georgia's Jalen Carter are the top two players in the class, and the Bears would instantly get better by drafting either at No. 1 overall. Wide receiver in Round 2 is a must in a good class for the position. -- Miller

Big prediction for the offseason: The Bears will trade for a wide receiver. One great candidate would be the Broncos' Jerry Jeudy, a 2024 free agent. Denver might not have the cap space to retain him, and he'd be a big boost to Chicago's offense. -- Schatz


2022 record: 7-10
Estimated 2023 cap space: $1.9 million
Total 2023 draft picks: 8
First-round slot: None

Biggest offseason priority: The Browns had one of the worst run defenses in the NFL this season. Cleveland ranked near the bottom of the league in defensive rush EPA despite improving overall late in the year. It was woefully undersized at defensive tackle and linebacker, which allowed opposing offenses to pound them between the tackles. So the Browns have to beef up the run defense. With a hefty salary cap and limited draft capital because of the Deshaun Watson trade, that won't be easy to accomplish.

Under-the-radar offseason priority: The Browns' special teams had another down season. However it happens, Cleveland needs to find a way to finally make its special teams a positive. It had just one return TD (a Donovan Peoples-Jones punt return), and kicker Cade York was among the NFL's worst in field goal percentage (75%). -- Jake Trotter

Will they re-sign edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney? No. Clowney's recent comments to Cleveland.com make a separation inevitable. He had two sacks and seems destined for a new home. -- Yates

Draft outlook: The Browns lack a first-rounder after the Watson trade and must use their eight picks in Rounds 2-7 to address the wide receiver and defensive line needs. North Carolina's Josh Downs would slot in perfectly opposite Amari Cooper and will likely be available in Round 2 for Cleveland. Defensive tackle is arguably the team's biggest need, though, and the Browns are more likely to find a rotational option like Pitt's Calijah Kancey in Round 3. -- Miller

Big prediction for the offseason: The Browns will sign free agent Yannick Ngakoue to a big contract in another attempt to get a bookend pass-rusher who can help take attention away from Myles Garrett. They might need to restructure Garrett's contract and free up short-term cap space to make it happen, but Ngakoue had 9.5 sacks in 2022 with the Colts. -- Schatz


2022 record: 5-12
Estimated 2023 cap space: $17.5 million
Total 2023 draft picks: 7
First-round slot: Projected at No. 28

Biggest offseason priority: Denver obviously has to find a coach after firing Nathaniel Hackett, but the Broncos will be focusing on fixing the offense. Yes, they dealt with plenty of injuries, but quarterback Russell Wilson has to make better decisions with the football, and the protection needs to improve for when Wilson tries to push the ball down the field. The Broncos were tied for 28th in points (16.8 per game), 30th in QBR (34.7) and 23rd in yards per play (5.1).

Under-the-radar offseason priority: The defense was consistent but didn't create enough turnovers because it couldn't generate enough pressure with the pass rush. Denver needs more of a presence on the edge, whether that be via the draft or free agency. -- Jeff Legwold

Will they re-sign guard Dalton Risner? Yes. We'll spend all offseason talking about whether or not the Broncos can get Wilson back on track, but the offensive line play should not be overlooked. Risner has been a plug-and-play starter for Denver and should stick around long term. He has a 93.1% career pass block win rate, top-20 among guards since being drafted in 2019. -- Yates

Draft outlook: The Broncos traded their first-rounder for Wilson but do have the 49ers' pick. There are major needs here, including offensive line and cornerback depth. Florida guard O'Cyrus Torrence or Illinois corner Devon Witherspoon could be easy targets at the back end of Round 1 for whomever Denver hires as its next coach. -- Miller

Big prediction for the offseason: The Broncos will woo Sean Payton but discover that Payton doesn't want to be the one to try to resuscitate Wilson's career. They will hire a young offensive mind instead as their new coach -- someone like Shane Steichen of the Eagles, Ben Johnson of the Lions or Brian Callahan of the Bengals. -- Schatz


2022 record: 9-8
Estimated 2023 cap space: $27.7 million
Total 2023 draft picks: 8
First-round slot: Nos. 6, 18

Biggest offseason priority: All eyes will be on whether quarterback Jared Goff -- who revived his career with a 62.5 QBR (fifth) -- stays in Detroit. The Lions have a shot at landing a franchise quarterback in the draft. And while Goff is signed through 2024, the Lions could move on with a $10 million dead-cap hit. So they'll have to decide whether they view him as more than a bridge quarterback and how they want to approach the QB position.

Under-the-radar offseason priority: No surprise here, but the Lions have to continue developing the defense. It allowed the most yards per play (6.2) and ranked 31st in defensive efficiency, and it desperately needs more game-changers, particularly in the secondary. -- Eric Woodyard

Will they re-sign running back Jamaal Williams? Yes. This strikes me as a pretty perfect fit between team and player from both an on-field and character perspective. Williams is a leader and tone-setter for a team whose success derived in part from a great culture. Williams rushed for 1,066 yards and 17 touchdowns. -- Yates

Draft outlook: With glaring needs at defensive line, cornerback and linebacker, the Lions will likely bolster the defense early on Day 1. Clemson's Bryan Bresee, Clemson's Myles Murphy and Texas Tech's Tyree Wilson are all scheme fits, but if Detroit opts to wait until the later rounds to address the defensive front, Alabama's Byron Young and Georgia Tech's Keion White are two intriguing prospects to watch. And yes, quarterback could be in play depending on the offseason plans. -- Reid

Big prediction for the offseason: The Lions will go on a defensive spending spree, with veteran defenders attracted to playing for no-nonsense coach Dan Campbell. Lavonte David will set the tone for the defense next to Malcolm Rodriguez at inside linebacker. James Bradberry will give the Lions a solid veteran cornerback to line up opposite Jeff Okudah. At safety, Vonn Bell replaces DeShon Elliott next to second-year free safety Kerby Joseph. -- Schatz


2022 record: 8-9
Estimated 2023 cap space: minus-$5.3 million
Total 2023 draft picks: 10
First-round slot: No. 15

Biggest offseason priority: The Packers need to sort out the quarterback(s). They can't do much until they know what Aaron Rodgers wants to do in 2023, and more than $59 million in guaranteed money is waiting for him if he plays next season. And then there's Jordan Love. Green Bay must decide by May whether to pick up his fifth-year option. And if Rodgers does return, perhaps Love would ask for a trade and another team would make an offer the Packers can't refuse. Green Bay finished 25th in QBR (40.4).

Under-the-radar offseason priority: David Bakhtiari and Aaron Jones are both under contract through 2024, but they have massive roster bonuses due in March -- $9.5 million for Bakhtiari and $7 million for Jones. The way their extensions were designed, 2023 was the first year the Packers could move on and gain salary-cap relief. Their ages and injury histories will factor into that decision. -- Rob Demovsky

Will they re-sign returner/defensive back Keisean Nixon? Yes. While not the Packers' free agent likely to get the most money, Nixon has become extremely valuable as a game-altering return man, averaging 28.8 yards per kickoff return and 12.7 yard per punt return. The Packers will have flexibility issues in re-signing guys at premium positions, but Nixon won't cost a massive amount. -- Yates

Draft outlook: There are long-term needs to think about at safety, tight end and edge rusher, but the Packers could finally use a first-rounder on a wide receiver -- like USC's Jordan Addison, if available. Even with the rise of rookie Christian Watson, the Packers need more help in the passing game. A tandem of Addison and Georgia tight end Darnell Washington in the first two rounds could change this franchise. -- Miller

Big prediction for the offseason: The Packers will refresh their receiver room. Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb and Robert Tonyan are all free agents, and the Packers will let all three leave to save cap space. Yes, even Cobb. Expect rookies and low-cost Kendrick Bourne-types to supplement top receivers Watson and Romeo Doubs. -- Schatz


2022 record: 3-13-1
Estimated 2023 cap space: $46.6 million
Total 2023 draft picks: 12
First-round slot: Nos. 2, 12

Biggest offseason priority: The Texans have work to do, starting with figuring out the plan at quarterback and with their coaching staff. The Texans fired Lovie Smith after Week 18, so they will be looking for a new coach. And the Texans don't have an answer at QB after using three different signal-callers in Davis Mills, Jeff Driskel and Kyle Allen. Together, they threw 20 interceptions and averaged 196.7 yards passing (bottom third).

Under-the-radar offseason priority: Regardless of who is at QB, Houston also has to upgrade the receiving corps. With leading receiver Brandin Cooks wanting out of Houston, the Texans will have to revamp an already struggling group. No receiver broke 700 yards receiving this season. -- DJ Bien-Aime

Will they re-sign wide receiver Chris Moore? Yes. The Texans have the cap space to keep pretty much any of their free agents, and Moore should stick around. The receiver room is likely to experience plenty of change, but Moore deserves credit for the way he has stepped up. The cost won't be prohibitive, and Moore caught 48 passes for 548 yards in 2022. -- Yates

Draft outlook: With 12 total picks -- including two first-rounders -- the Texans are in prime position to collect a lot of talent in April. Finding a long-term solution under center is priority No. 1, though. Alabama's Bryce Young, Ohio State's C.J. Stroud and Kentucky's Will Levis are the three names to know. I recently mocked Young to Houston, but that was at No. 1, the Texans' projected spot entering Week 18. Their win dropped them to No. 2 on the board. Other needs include receiver, defensive line and interior offensive line. -- Reid

Big prediction for the offseason: The Texans will trade Cooks and try to replace him by drafting a first-round receiver with the pick they received from Cleveland in the Deshaun Watson trade. They can pair that receiver with whichever quarterback they select second overall. -- Schatz


2022 record: 4-12-1
Estimated 2023 cap space: $31.3 million
Total 2023 draft picks: 7
First-round slot: No. 4

Biggest offseason priority: The Colts have a lot of challenges, but nothing is more important than developing a plan at quarterback. The Colts have had a revolving door of starters since 2019, and there seems to be serious momentum toward reversing that trend. The disappointing results of the past two seasons with Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan likely forces them to change directions and invest a high draft pick at the position. Indy was low on the board in QBR at 37.7.

Under-the-radar offseason priority: The Colts can't achieve success at quarterback until they stabilize their offensive line. The unit has been the backbone of the offense in recent seasons, but it fell apart in 2022. Indianapolis allowed 60 sacks and was last in pass block win rate (47.2%). If the Colts don't fix this, their potential young quarterback might be doomed. -- Stephen Holder

Will they re-sign edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue? Yes. Ngakoue has switched teams a lot for a player who is 27 years old, but that should stop this offseason. The Colts are in a rebuild, but this one could be executed in a hurry if they figure out their QB room. Ngakoue is a sack specialist (9.5 in 2022), and a deal could come to around $15 million per season. -- Yates

Draft outlook: The Colts should be all-in on Ohio State's C.J. Stroud to restart the franchise. There are needs at left tackle and for more pass-rushers, but the Colts' roster isn't as bad as the record indicates. With seven projected draft picks, general manager Chris Ballard has room to make major fixes. -- Miller

Big prediction for the offseason: Perhaps nothing surprising here, but the Colts will choose a young quarterback with their first-rounder, finally getting the team off the veteran quarterback carousel that they've been riding since Andrew Luck retired. -- Schatz

play

0:24

Zack Moss won't be denied and he fights across the goal line to pull the Cotls within three.


2022 record: 6-11
Estimated 2023 cap space: $35.5 million
Total 2023 draft picks: 11
First-round slot: No. 7

Biggest offseason priority: Figure out who will play quarterback. Derek Carr appears to be moving on after being benched for the final two games. Next year's starter will likely be someone with experience in coach Josh McDaniels' system. Could it be Tom Brady? Jimmy Garoppolo? Mac Jones via a trade? And don't count out Jarrett Stidham being the guy, though he is on an expiring contract.

Under-the-radar offseason priority: The Raiders will consider using the $40 million saved on Carr's contract to address the defense and give defensive end Maxx Crosby much-needed help. Yes, free agency and the draft should both be aimed at defense. Las Vegas was near the bottom of the league in defensive EPA (minus-82.2) and passing yards allowed per game (242.9). -- Paul Gutierrez

Will they re-sign running back Josh Jacobs? Yes. It will be an offseason of change in Las Vegas, but retaining Jacobs should be near the top of the to-do list. While running back is mainly a replaceable position, Jacobs is elite and means a lot to the program. He was named a team captain late in the season when the incumbent captains requested it. That speaks volumes. It might be a deal worth $14 million or so per year after Jacobs led the league in rushing with 1,653 yards. -- Yates

Draft outlook: Their early first-rounder could net the Raiders a shot at a top-tier quarterback prospect like Ohio State's C.J. Stroud or Kentucky's Will Levis, but there are also needs on the offensive line and at defensive tackle. General manager Dave Ziegler is projected to have 11 picks to work with before any potential trade of Carr, so the Raiders have the draft capital to make a massive turnaround. -- Miller

Big prediction for the offseason: The Raiders will trade Carr and then use the returns -- along with their own first-round pick -- to move up and draft their next quarterback, rather than focus on fixing the position in free agency. Levis or Florida's Anthony Richardson could be in play. -- Schatz


2022 record: 5-12
Estimated 2023 cap space: $1.7 million
Total 2023 draft picks: 10
First-round slot: None

Biggest offseason priority: The Rams have to make sure quarterback Matthew Stafford is healthy and ready for the offseason program. They have taken every step in that direction, putting Stafford on injured reserve after his second time in the concussion protocol and allowing him to heal from a spinal cord contusion. Having a healthy Stafford on the field for OTAs -- which wasn't the case in 2022 -- will get the offseason program started on the right foot and give him more time with any offensive additions.

Under-the-radar offseason priority: Los Angeles has to sort out its coordinators for 2023. Offensive coordinator Liam Coen might return to Kentucky after one season in L.A. to serve as Wildcats coordinator, and Raheem Morris -- who has been the Rams defensive coordinator for the past two seasons -- could again receive interviews for open head-coaching jobs. -- Sarah Barshop

Will they re-sign quarterback Baker Mayfield? No. For all the practical reasons, the Rams should want Mayfield back. He was impressive as a late-season waiver add and would add insurance at the most important position. But Mayfield's late-season stretch (four passing TDs over five games) might have priced himself out of a return to the Rams, who already have many huge contracts on the books for 2023. -- Yates

Draft outlook: The Rams are without a first-round selection again this year, but they do have a second- and third-round pick -- and they need help off the edge. Kansas State's Felix Anudike-Uzomah and Army's Andre Carter II fit as excellent pass-rushers who can get home on the QB. -- Reid

Big prediction for the offseason: The Rams will trade cornerback Jalen Ramsey. In a post-June 1 move, this would still be $8.2 million of dead money on their salary cap, but it's also $17 million in cap savings. And it would let the Rams fill out their roster with a few decent starters right away and add an additional draft pick or two. Ramsey had four interceptions and 20 pass breakups in 2022. -- Schatz


2022 record: 8-9
Estimated 2023 cap space: $54.1 million
Total 2023 draft picks: 11
First-round slot: No. 14

Biggest offseason priority: Fixing the offense. Quarterback Mac Jones didn't make the anticipated second-year jump, and coach Bill Belichick's assessment as to why will be critical. How much of it was the unconventional coaching hires of leaning on those with limited experience on offense? How much was streamlining the offensive scheme? How much of it was Jones himself? The second-year QB posted a 32.7 QBR and had a lackluster 14-11 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

Under-the-radar offseason priority: Can the Patriots address the potential leadership void? If defensive back Devin McCourty and receiver/special-teamer Matthew Slater aren't back, who takes their place as captains? They have been long-term pillars of what Belichick wants the Patriots to represent. -- Mike Reiss

Will they re-sign wide receiver Jakobi Meyers? Yes. Meyers has been one of the Patriots' best recent player development stories, as he has emerged into an extremely consistent player. He has the ability to be a steady No. 2 or No. 3 receiver, which could run a bill of $10-plus million per year. Meyers had 804 receiving yards and six TDs. -- Yates

Draft outlook: Left tackle and wide receiver sit atop the list of priorities. Northwestern's Peter Skoronski and Georgia's Broderick Jones could be first-round options, but Oklahoma's Anton Harrison and Syracuse's Matthew Bergeron are worth a look on Day 2 along the O-line. Both have skill sets that might translate into future starters. -- Reid

Big prediction for the offseason: The Patriots will try to resuscitate their offense by bringing back Bill O'Brien as offensive coordinator. O'Brien's two-year contract with Alabama ended after the Sugar Bowl, and he served as New England's coordinator in 2011. -- Schatz


2022 record: 7-10
Estimated 2023 cap space: minus-$53.8 million
Total 2023 draft picks: 7
First-round slot: None

Biggest offseason priority: The Saints are in a tough position with quarterback Andy Dalton's contract expiring, no first-round pick and work to be done on the salary cap. So finding a quarterback won't be an easy task. Jameis Winston's future also seems uncertain after the team stuck with Dalton as the starter. Resolving the quarterback situation should be priority No. 1. The Saints were middle-of-the-road in QBR (52.5), but there isn't a long-term answer here.

Under-the-radar offseason priority: The Saints kept almost all of Sean Payton's coaching staff for 2022, but if Dennis Allen stays for a second season, he'll need to tweak things offensively. That could mean moving on from offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael, among other staff changes. -- KatherineTerrell

Will they re-sign defensive tackle David Onyemata? Yes. Onyemata is a good player. He's tough, long, physical and great against the run. And he collapses the pocket as a pass-rusher, getting five sacks this season. The Saints will have minimal cap flexibility, but I have little doubt that they will find a way to make it work if they want to re-sign Onyemata. The price tag could be a tick above his last deal ($9 million per year), though. -- Yates

Draft outlook: After trading their first-round pick to the Eagles, the Saints are projected to have seven picks. There's a gaping hole at quarterback, but it will be difficult for the Saints to find their future quarterback outside of the first round. But there are also needs along the defensive line and in the secondary. Baylor's Siaki Ika is a wide-bodied interior defensive tackle who could be available in the second round, and Illinois' Jartavius Martin -- who has experience at multiple defensive back spots -- is projected to be a late-Day 2 or early-Day 3 pick. There are options. -- Reid

Big prediction for the offseason: The Saints will re-sign Dalton to be their quarterback. The roster is a salary-cap nightmare, which makes it difficult to trade for or sign a big-name quarterback. They lack a first-round pick, so they might as well bring back Dalton, who has been reasonable (18 TDs, nine interceptions over 14 games). It will probably be similar in cost to the one-year, $3 million deal they struck for 2022. -- Schatz


2022 record: 7-10
Estimated 2023 cap space: $15.2 million
Total 2023 draft picks: 6
First-round slot: No. 13

Biggest offseason priority: Zach Wilson was benched twice and showed no signs of being the long-term answer -- an epic fail based on his No. 2 overall draft status. He completed 54.5% of his passes (by far the worst in the league) and threw more picks than TDs. Wilson or Mike White (free agent) could fill the backup role, but the Robert Saleh-Joe Douglas regime needs a proven QB1 who can galvanize their skill-position talent. Derek Carr and Jimmy Garoppolo are two of the more logical options.

Under-the-radar offseason priority: Cut bait on overpriced veterans. Defensive end Carl Lawson ($15.3 million cap), wide receiver Corey Davis ($11.2 million) and tight end C.J. Uzomah ($10.3 million) loom as potential cap casualties. Linebacker C.J. Mosley ($22.5 million) could fall into that category, too, but there might be a way to renegotiate there. The Jets have too much money tied up in underperforming players. -- Rich Cimini

Will they re-sign defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins? Yes. While the Jets need to fix their offense to take their success to higher levels, ensuring that the defense doesn't step back is also essential. Rankins fits the scheme, alleviates some pressure from Quinnen Williams and helps defend the run. He has earned a multiyear deal. -- Yates

Draft outlook: The quarterback situation has to be sorted out first, but regardless of who is under center, left tackle remains a need. Mekhi Becton has played 15 games since being drafted in 2020, and none since September 2021. Georgia's Broderick Jones would be an ideal Round 1 pick at left tackle, leaving the Jets to worry about safety and linebacker in Rounds 2-3. -- Miller

Big prediction for the offseason: The Jets will sign Garoppolo in free agency. With former 49ers passing game coordinator Mike LaFleur in charge of their offense, it simply makes too much sense not to happen. -- Schatz


2022 record: 9-8
Estimated 2023 cap space: $17.3 million
Total 2023 draft picks: 6
First-round slot: No. 17

Biggest offseason priority: Finding consistency on offense. Yes, the offense has looked better and was a factor in the 7-2 record after the Week 9 bye. But the team has major red zone struggles (51.9% red zone percentage, outside the top 20 in the NFL) and doesn't consistently move the football. While offensive coordinator Matt Canada has gradually improved as a playcaller, it might not be enough to justify sticking with his system for a third year. Only five teams averaged fewer yards per play than the Steelers' 5.0.

Under-the-radar offseason priority: Can the Steelers find help for the secondary? A true lockdown corner never emerged after the team declined to re-sign Joe Haden. Arthur Maulet and Cameron Sutton have solid versatility, but the team could use a true No. 1 corner to round out the group. Pittsburgh gave up 7.5 yards per passing attempt, 29th in the league. -- Brooke Pryor

Will they re-sign cornerback Cameron Sutton? Yes. Sutton continues to improve and is among the top cornerbacks set to hit the market. He'll earn a decided raise from his $4.5 million average annual value deal that he is currently playing on, but Pittsburgh has the resources to ensure Sutton -- who had three picks and 15 pass breakups -- sticks around at a position where it needs plenty of depth. -- Yates

Draft outlook: Improving the offensive line must be a key point of emphasis, followed by finding cornerback help. Ohio State's Paris Johnson Jr. and Georgia's Broderick Jones are options in Round 1, while Ohio State's Dawand Jones and North Dakota State's Cody Mauch are Day 2 possibilities at offensive tackle. -- Reid

Big prediction for the offseason: The Steelers will move on from Canada and bring in a young assistant coach who can move the offense in a more modern direction. The offense is better than standard stats indicate. It was middle-of-the-road in DVOA despite being 24th in points per game (17.7). And the Steelers were in the bottom half of the NFL in the use of motion and play-action this season. -- Schatz

play

0:20

Kenny Pickett finds George Pickens to tie the game with a 31-yard touchdown.


2022 record: 7-10
Estimated 2023 cap space: minus-$18.5 million
Total 2023 draft picks: 6
First-round slot: No. 11

Biggest offseason priority: Offensive improvement is a priority for the Titans, who had an NFL-high 59 three-and-out drives. Running back Derrick Henry had a bounce-back season, but there was a significant lack of balance on offense. The passing game yielded just 16 touchdowns, and Tennessee had a pass catcher post a 100-yard receiving game twice this season.

Under-the-radar offseason priority: The offensive line could see changes. Left tackle Taylor Lewan holds a $14.8 million cap hit and is coming off a torn ACL. Center Ben Jones had multiple concussions in 2022. And right guard Nate Davis is set to hit free agency. Tennessee was near the bottom of the NFL in pass block win rate at 53.8%. -- Turron Davenport

Will they re-sign guard Nate Davis? Yes. The identity of the Titans has been a team that will overwhelm you physically and earn everything over the course of 60 minutes. The road-grading Davis personifies this mentality and is deserving of a new deal. The guard market is going up, so this could be eight figures per season. -- Yates

Draft outlook: The Titans have to start thinking about the future with quarterback Ryan Tannehill injured and ineffective this season. A first-round quarterback is unlikely, but Kentucky's Will Levis could be available. But how about left tackle or pass-rusher? If the Titans go that direction, they should have plenty of Day 1 options. -- Miller

Big prediction for the offseason: The Titans will cut left tackle Lewan. The three-time Pro Bowler has played only 20 games over the past three seasons, and the Titans can get out of his $14.8 million salary for 2023 without any dead money on their cap. -- Schatz


2022 record: 8-8-1
Estimated 2023 cap space: $20.1 million
Total 2023 draft picks: 8
First-round slot: No. 16

Biggest offseason priority: Finding a new owner. Nothing matters more than who will buy the team from Dan Snyder. It'll set the direction for the next few decades, impact where the next stadium will be built and determine who will coach the team (a decision likely made after the 2023 season, given the timing of a possible sale). It could also help reignite the fan base, though winning must follow.

Under-the-radar offseason priority: Who is the quarterback? The Carson Wentz experiment failed, and in the past five years, Washington has started 12 quarterbacks. The failures stem from injuries, owner interference and poor evaluation. The Commanders' 39.4 QBR was 26th in the league. -- John Keim

Will they re-sign defensive tackle Daron Payne? Yes. Washington's strength is its front seven, and Payne is a shop-wrecker. He's everything you could ask for in a defensive building block and has earned a deal that could fetch nearly $20 million per season. Payne posted 11.5 sacks in 2022. -- Yates

Draft outlook: With a pick in the middle of the first round, the Commanders could miss out on the top three quarterbacks. Florida's Anthony Richardson is intriguing, but he will be a developmental prospect not likely to be ready in 2023. If the top QBs aren't available, Washington can focus on flipping a secondary that needs talent at safety and cornerback. This franchise loves former Alabama players, and defensive back Brian Branch is a great fit. -- Miller

Big prediction for the offseason: The Commanders will cut Wentz, saving $26.2 million on the salary cap for 2023. Only Davis Mills had a lower QBR this season than Wentz's 33.0, and the Washington QB was benched for Taylor Heinicke. -- Schatz

Adblock test (Why?)


2023 NFL offseason: Key free agents, draft notes, predictions - ESPN
Read More

No comments:

Post a Comment

Blue Jays manager John Schneider saves woman choking at lunch, given free beer by restaurant - Fox News

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider sprung to action when he saw a woman choking on food while at a lunch with his wife near the team’...