The United States are ostracizing themselves from the rest of the Western World, European Nations are rearming themselves, tensions are at an all-time high and relations are at an all-time low. But the NFL continues to pop off.
When the world needed a distraction the National Football League was there to stand up, hitting us with a barrage of breaking news as free agency approaches. We had trade, trade requests, retirements, and releases in one of the most action-packed offseason periods in recent memory.
Big Releases
With free agency fast approaching teams have been getting their finances in order, which occasionally means releasing established names as their age and cap hit aren’t worth the production anymore.
With the NewYork Jets**** stating that they weren’t interested in bringing back Aaron Rodgers for next season it was only a matter of time before they released Davante Adams. The 32-year-old receiver's release made sense as despite him still being a useful player his cap hit going into next season would’ve been $38.3m. He’ll now have a chance to hit free agency and potentially sign with a contender, or whoever Rodgers decides to sign for.
Other notable receivers that got released were Tyler Lockett and Christian Kirk. Lockett, a fan favourite for the Seattle Seahawks, has seen his role diminish in recent years so the departure is not surprising. Kirk has had two injury-plagued years following a productive first season with the Jacksonville Jaguars where he helped reset the market for wide receiver contracts.
The defensive side of free agency will be bolstered by the release of veterans **Joey Bosa**and Darius Slay. Bosa’s departure is significant as he was the last remnant of San Diego within the team, but an inability to stay healthy has been a constant feature of his career so far. Cornerback Darius Slay leaves Philadelphia as a Superbowl Champion, showing no signs of slowing down at a position where few play deep into their 30s.
There are rumours that Washington Commanders defensive lineman, Jonathan Allen, could join this group if his team cannot find a trade partner. Upon release, Allen would become one of the most exciting free agents available as the 30-year-old still has a few years of his prime left.
Big Money Extensions
Fans who want their team to make a big trade for an elite pass rusher will have had their hopes dented upon learning that Maxx Crosby has signed an extension with the Las Vegas Raiders. The two-time all-pro penned a three-year $106m extension, ending speculation that he could be a high-profile trade candidate as he plays out his prime for the Raiders.
The other high-profile extension involved the Philadelphia Eagles extending Zack Baun who was arguably the best defensive player on the best defence in the NFL last season. The Eagles rewarded the linebacker with a three-year $51m contract that, when paired alongside Saquon Barkley’s pay rise, shows that the landscape of the NFL has changed once more. Running backs and off-ball linebackers have gone from some of the least important positions in the league to getting handed big contracts by the league's best GM, Howie Roseman.
Trades
The Chicago Bears have been the busiest teams this offseason in regards to making aggressive moves. They recently traded a 6th-round pick to the Los Angeles Rams to acquire guard Jonah Jackson. Jackson was a disastrous free agent pick-up for LA, but he had success under the new Bears head coach Ben Johnson when they were together in Detroit.
More significantly, they just traded a fourth-round pick for guard Joe Thuney. Thuney has been one of the league's best interior linemen for a few years now and is a potential hall of famer as he is a four-time all-pro and a four-time Superbowl Champion. This move is a clear indication of where the Bears' focus lies this year; protecting Caleb Williams.
Outside of the Bears, there have been no other notable trades, but there could be one soon. Seattle Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf has requested to be moved away from the orginisation. The Seahawks have indicated they are listening to offers and would expect multiple picks, including a first-rounder. So far, the LA Chargers and New England Patriots seem the most likely destinations.