A Year in Review: The BEST moves of the 2023 Offseason
With training camp looming in the near distance, I want to take a look at some of the best moves of this offseason. From the draft, to free agency, and trades, the NFL world saw plenty of turnover this year. So today, we will look at the three BEST moves of the entire offseason, and how these acquisitions dramatically shake the landscape that is the NFL.
#1 - The Bears Trade Out of Number One Pick
Chicago Bears Received:
- 2023 1st Rd Pick 9 (Darnell Wright)
- 2023 2nd Rd Pick 61 (DJ Turner)
- 2024 1st Rd Pick (Caleb Williams Pick 1)
- 2025 2nd Rd Pick
- WR DJ Moore
Carolina Panthers Received:
- 2023 1st Rd Pick 1 (Bryce Young)
For our first spot on the list, we have a move that could shake the NFL for years beyond its initial conception. The Carolina Panthers' decision to move up for QB Bryce Young will forever be under the spotlight, not because of him as a player, but due to what they gave up to get him. Chicago landed a massive haul for the pick, including the Panthers' number one WR, DJ Moore, who is a dynamic playmaker. On top of Moore, Chicago was able to draft offensive lineman Darnell Wright at pick 9 after trading down. Wright had a great rookie season as one of the team's starting tackles, allowing seven sacks for the year. However, the most notable piece of this puzzle is none other than the first overall pick of this year's draft, Caleb Williams. Chicago has been on the hunt for a franchise QB for decades, and this trade gifted them the one player who could truly turn the franchise around. Williams has been coined a “generational talent” for good reason. His ability to create with his legs while possessing elite arm talent makes for a scout's dream prospect. It begs the question of whether or not Carolina really messed up by not just waiting it out instead of heavily pursuing Young, who struggled leading his team as a rookie.
#2 - Baker Mayfield Signs One-Year Deal with Buccaneers
In my opinion, this was the biggest steal of last offseason. Tampa was desperately trying to figure out how to fill the void left by Tom Brady after he retired before the start of this past season. They turned to free agent Baker Mayfield on a one-year, $8.5 million prove-it deal to try and temporarily fill the void, or so they thought. Baker vastly exceeded expectations, throwing for 4,044 yards with 28 touchdowns to only 10 interceptions. Baker led a team that many thought would struggle to a division title and a playoff win over the heavy favorite Dallas Cowboys. The 29-year-old QB has had a career revival in Tampa and was rewarded properly with a three-year, $100 million deal. Mike Evans and Mayfield's budding rapport is something to watch heading into 2024, as the two were an elite duo in his first year with the team. With the doubters on hold for now, Baker will have to prove yet again that he is worth the big-time extension.
#3 - David Montgomery Signs a Three-Year Deal in Detroit
There’s a lot to love here with this deal—the dollar value, the production, and the overall impact of this move have been nothing but a success. With multiple running back contracts having been signed since then, the three-year deal for only $18 million is truly a steal. At $6 million a year, Montgomery’s contract places him as the 13th highest-paid back in the NFL. His production last season easily transcended that dollar value, as he was a major contributor in Detroit's road to the NFC Championship. In 14 regular-season games, Montgomery ran for 1,015 yards and a whopping 13 touchdowns. His high-quality production was good enough to earn him the 9th leading rusher in terms of yardage, and his touchdowns had him tied for 5th. Clearly, he played well above his pay grade and was an integral part of the Lions' high-powered offense.