Top 5 NFL Teams with the Best Offseason so Far

NFL free agency is like no other. No time being wasted, no rumors at all.. The official “offseason” for football begins March 13th, but so many teams and players agree to deals during the legal tampering period time, March 11th and 12th. These two days this year did not disappoint. Moves were happening within minutes of each other and unlike baseball, the NFL waste no time signing the players they want. With the official offseason now upon us, I’ll rank my top 5 teams who have had the best offseason so far.

 

1. Cleveland Browns

Notable additions: Odell Beckham, Olivier Vernon (trade), Kareem Hunt, Sheldon Richardson (signing)

This should come as no surprise. The Browns have made the biggest move this offseason so far. The great thing about NFL free agency and trades is that there is no rumors, the moves just happen. The trade for Odell Beckham and Olivier Vernon was just that and what a trade it was for Cleveland. Beckham is reunited with his old teammate from LSU, Jarvis Landry and is now paired with the best quarterback of his career, Baker Mayfield. Get ready for fireworks Cleveland.

The Browns also added defensive lineman, Sheldon Richardson to a 3 year deal to boost their defensive line. Also in a move that surprised and created major pushback, the Browns agreed to terms with ex Chief running back, Kareem Hunt. He was suspended and released by the Chiefs last season after a video of him pushing and kicking a young women surfaced. Hunt is one of the best young running backs in the league and if he can get his head back on straight, has the ability to take this Cleveland offense to another level.

2. New York Jets

Notable Additions: Le’Veon Bell, C.J. Mosley, Henry Anderson, Jamison Crowder (signing)

The big offseason target for the jets was none other than Le’Veon Bell and they got their man. The contact is valved at 4 years for 52.5 million. The contact surprised many, myself included. Many speculated Bell would receive a bigger contact, but many teams were hesiste of Bell after he sat out last season. New York was his highest offer and the Jets should be more than pleased with the deal.

In addition to Bell, the Jets signed the best middle linebacker available, C.J. Mosley. Mosley, still very young at age 26, spent the first 5 years of his career with Baltimore and was a huge factor for their defense. The Jets also added slot receiver, Jamison Crowder on a 3 year deal. Even with the loss of Anthony Barr, he committed to sign with the Jets but backed out and returned to the Vikings before making the deal official, the Jets signed their top offseason target and added a Pro-Bowl level linebacker.

3. New England Patriots

Notable additions: Michael Bennett (trade) Phillip Dorsett, Jason McCourty (signing)

The ever so quiet Patriots are quietly putting together another great offseason and doing it their way. They had the opportunity to resign defensive lineman, Trey Flowers and decided to move on. For context the Lions will be paying Flowers 16 million a season for the next 5 years. They also moved on from a key offensive lineman, Trent Brown. Brown signed with the Raiders and they made him the highest paid offensive lineman in the game, something the Patriots would never even consider.

The Patriots have quietly traded for a very good replacement for Flowers, Michael Bennett. Bennett was a major contributor in the Seahawks’ past 2 Super Bowl appearances. They also resigned Phillip Dorsett and Jason McCourty, average players that the Patriots know how to get the most out of. The patriots keep playing chess, while everyone else is playing checkers.

4. Green Bay Packers

Notable Additions: Preston Smith, Za’Darius Smith, Adrian Amos, Billy Turner (signing)

Another team who has flown under the radar this offseason. The Packers are not one to be known to spend a lot in free agency, but have made some very smart and beneficial moves so far this offseason. They have added 3 starter to their defense, always their major weakness with Aaron Rodgers as their quarterback. Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith will boost their linebacker play instantly. Adrian Amos ,an underrated safety, will fill the void Ha Ha Clinton Dix left after the Packers traded him last season. Their defense is greatly improved from last year and with many rookies returning for their year two season, this Packer defense could be one of the best they have had in years.

5. Philadelphia Eagles

Notable Additions: Brandon Graham, Malik Jackson (signing) DeSean Jackson (trade)

The Eagles’ strength of their team just got better, their defensive line. They resigned defensive end Brandon Graham to a 3 year 40 million dollar deal and have also added ex-Jaguar defensive tackle, Malik Jackson. Their defensive line stands as one of the best in football and with these two signings make them arguably the best in football.

The Eagles also bring back an old friend this offseason, DeSean Jackson. The ex-Philly receiver spent the past 2 season in Tampa Bay. Jackson spent the first 6 years of his career in Philly and was a fan favorite the minute he got to town. The Eagles traded a 6th round pick for Jackson and after the deal became official quickly signed him to a 3 year extension. He will be a great deep threat target for strong armed quarterback, Carson Wentz.