Predictions for the NFL Offseason!

From massive free agent contracts to out-of-the-blue trades, the NFL offseason is always hard to predict. Here’s what we expect as teams begin to retool their rosters!

Now that spring is around the corner and the hype surrounding the Super Bowl has come and gone, it’s time for the NFL offseason! Here are some predictions and potential moves to be on the lookout for!

Free Agency

The NFL’s new league year officially begins on March 13, and with it comes the advent of free agency at 4 p.m. EST on the same day. Quarterbacks Kirk Cousins, Baker Mayfield, and Ryan Tannehill lead the way at their position, as each will more than likely be starters in 2024. The Steelers, Falcons, and Broncos are in need of a signal caller and could look at the aforementioned trio or, better yet, a spot starter like Gardner Minshew, who was a first-time Pro Bowler this past season.

Mike Evans and Tee Higgins are among the top free agent wide receivers, while Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, and Saquon Barkley are due for big paydays at running back. Evans should have no trouble finding his next destination considering his Hall of Fame-caliber resume, and Higgins could be an option for a longer-term deal since he’s only 25. Teams are usually hesitant to give running backs large contracts because of the constant wear and tear, though the Texans and Cowboys could see these players as the missing piece in pursuit of a championship.

On the defensive side, the Packers, Bills, and Bengals might look at Jaylon Johnson, L’Jarius Sneed, or Kendall Fuller, who are three of the top-five free agents at cornerback, according to Pro Football Network. Like Josh Allen and Danielle Hunter, who combined for 34 sacks in 2023, two-time All-Pro Chris Jones is a clear choice for a hefty contract from a new team, but his speech at the Super Bowl parade pointed to a reunion with the Chiefs.

The Trade Market

The two most notable players who have recently expressed interest in a trade are defensive end Haason Reddick and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Reddick is no stranger to new teams, having played for three in his seven-year career, and he was recently given permission by his current squad, the Eagles, to seek a trade. A contender, such as the Lions or 49ers, are the most likely destinations. Aiyuk just played in the Super Bowl for the 49ers, but didn’t seem sold on staying there during a post-game interview and a recent social media post hinted at a potential departure.

Justin Fields is another trade candidate, as his team, the Bears, is expected to take former Heisman winner Caleb Williams with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Falcons own the highest odds to land Fields, above the Steelers and Patriots, and he was complimentary of their roster during a recent interview on The 33rd Team podcast.

The Patriots trading Mac Jones could be an option as well, considering he was replaced by backup Bailey Zappe on several occasions in 2023 and his offensive coordinator said [of Jones’ situation], “everything is on the table.”

The NFL Draft

The NFL Draft can either make or break a team’s offseason, considering it’s the final step before voluntary minicamp and OTA offseason workouts, which are usually held in April and May, and the players selected don’t have any professional experience. Quarterbacks often run the draft, and Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy, and Bo Nix – the top candidates – could fall to QB-needy teams like the Bears, Commanders, Patriots, Giants, Vikings, and Steelers.

Better yet, high-value skill position players as in Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, or Brock Bowers can be early-round selections as well, presenting themselves as appealing offensive pieces to the Chargers, Falcons, and Bears, for example; three teams looking to improve their young cores. For offensive line help, the Jets and Saints appear as clear options to protect Aaron Rodgers and Derek Carr, while the Rams, Broncos, and Jaguars, each ranking in the bottom half of Fox Sports’ defensive list, could look at cornerbacks, linebackers, or interior lineman.

The NFL Draft begins on April 25 at 8 p.m. EST and runs for three days in total, so we’re excited to see which teams will be the most aggressive in terms of adding new players, and how free agency and trades all play out this offseason!