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Every year, the NFL offseason brings a rush of activity. Big names change teams. Lineups get shuffled. Lucrative contracts get signed. Surprise trades unfold. And yet, because of the sheer volume of moving pieces, it can be difficult to pin down exactly which teams have actually gotten better. Or which players are better suited to succeed.
That’s going to remain the case for a while. Because until we see some of the spiciest new pairings in action — Kirk Cousins with the Atlanta Falcons, for example — everything is merely a projection.
Even so, we’ve now had enough movement from each team — and most of the top free agents — to take an early crack at identifying “winners” and “losers,” at least relative to offseason expectations. After nearly a full week of action, here’s our read:
Winners
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell
USATSI
Cleveland Browns
Everything hinges on quarterback Deshaun Watson, which isn’t a great starting point. But they improved his weaponry by trading for Jerry Jeudy, making a truly formidable route-running duo out wide. They kept their strong front seven intact by retaining Za’Darius Smith and Shelby Harris, while adding Jim Schwartz favorite Jordan Hicks. And Jameis Winston at least adds some flavor to the No. 2 spot under center, with enough juice to match Joe Flacco’s off-the-bench heroics.
Houston Texans
Paying high-level money to extend new running back Joe Mixon is a genuine head-scratcher, but otherwise, they’ve operated exactly like the ascending contender they are. Pass rusher Danielle Hunter is a huge, imposing get for a DeMeco Ryans-led front already headlined by Will Anderson Jr., and the dual poaching of ex-rivals Azeez Al-Shaair and Denico Autry gives the defense even more physicality. With C.J. Stroud leading the other side,…
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Author : Cody Benjamin
Publish date : 2024-03-15 13:24:12
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