NFL offseason 2022 – All you missed: QB movement, WR reset, coaching hires. Big trades. New rules

7:00 AM ET

Stephen HolderESPN

News about the quarterback Tom BradyAlthough he announced his retirement in January, nobody knew what was certain now. The NFL was just beginning to transition into a chaotic 2022 offseason. The Brady story ended unexpectedly. He reversed his decision six weeks later and returned for a third season with the team. Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

This was just one development in one the most exciting NFL offseasons in recent history. There has been a lot of player movement over the past few months, with the game’s top wide receiver and many top-tier QBs landing on different teams. There were also many other events.

Six weeks remain before kickoff for the NFL’s 2022 Regular Season. The current champion is the one remaining. Los Angeles Rams Hosting the Buffalo Bills Thursday, September 8 (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC). As training camps for the league open this week, we’ll be covering all you need with our annual offseason overview.

Brady almost (almost!) retires

Brady announced his retirement During the playoffs, he started the message he posted to his social media channels with the following: “This is hard for me to write, …” This was perhaps a sign of what was to follow.”

Brady couldn’t stay away from the game, so he reversed his retirement decision. announcing his return In March, he wrote to the Buccaneers, citing “unfinished work.” He will turn 45 on August 3rd and will be the NFL’s oldest player by five full years.

Some players were able to go through with their retirements during the offseason. Ryan Fitzpatrick (tight end) and Ben Roethlisberger (quarterback) were among them. Rob GronkowskiRunning back Frank GoreThe right tackle Mitchell SchwartzStephon Tuitt, defensive tackle, and Andrew Whitworth (left tackle), safety Malcolm Jenkins Alex Mack in the center

Saints move away from Payton

The last time that the New Orleans Saints A coaching search was conducted, and President George W. Bush was currently in his second term. Sean Payton was hired in 2006 and remained for 16 years. He led the Saints to their Super Bowl victory in 2009. But he wasn’t done. stepped down in JanuaryHe agreed, saying that while he didn’t consider himself to be retired, he also said that coaching was not something that interests him at the moment.

Only Sean McVay and Bill Belichick, Mike Tomlin, Andy Reid, and Mike Tomlin have greater winning percentages (.631) than Payton. Dennis Allen, the former Saints’ defensive coordinator, will succeed him.

In a league that has seen the rise of new head coaches, the 2022 hiring cycle proved to be a surprising success. Five retread coaches participated in the 2022 hiring cycle. among the new hires this yearAllen joins Lovie Smith (Houston Texans), Doug Pederson (Jacksonville Jaguars), Josh McDaniels (Las Vegas Raiders) and Todd Bowles (Buccaneers). Despite this, the long-standing trend of searching for something is still evident. savvy offensive coaches Kevin O’Connell (Minnesota VikingsBrian Daboll (New York Giants), Nathaniel Hackett (Denver Broncos) and Mike McDaniel (Miami DolphinsAll of them landed jobs. Matt Eberflus (Colts’ defensive coordinator over the past four years) was the 10th hire for the offseason.Chicago Bears).

Flores sues NFL

Brian Flores, former Dolphins coach filed a lawsuit Allergy against the NFL, Dolphins Broncos, and Giants racial discrimination. The accusations in the suit There are also allegations that Stephen Ross, Dolphins owner offered incentives for Flores’s team to lose games to improve draft position. Additionally, the Giants & Broncos subjected Flores and his teammates to “sham interviews” to comply with Rooney Rule.

Former Arizona Cardinals Steve Wilks, long-time assistant league coach Ray Horton will be the head coaches. joined Flores’ suitThey also made their claims against the Titans and Cardinals, respectively. The NFL officials then reassessed Rooney Rule, which included a new mandate For the 2022 season, all teams will be required to hire a minor offensive assistant. enhance opportunities You can be promoted in the future. There are six minority head coach, which includes three of the ten hires this offseason. McDaniel and Bowles joined Ron Rivera.Washington CommandersMike Tomlin (Pittsburgh SteelersRobert Saleh (New York Jets).

Rodgers to Green Bay

After all the confusing signs and mixed messages, Aaron Rodgers In the end, they stayed home. The All-Pro Green Bay Packers The reigning MVP and quarterback had offered teams hope that he could be traded to them. apparent discontent. Rodgers won the day. re-signed with Green BayHe could be a good neighbor and agree to a three year deal. $150 million over the next three seasons.

Rodgers had previously signed a revised deal in 2021, which voided the 2023 season. This would have been Rodgers’ last season under his previous contract.

Market for WR turned on its head

Rodgers’ return to Green Bay was not enough to keep the All-Pro receiver at the team. Davante Adams The Packers declined to sign a contract and instead accepted a trade to the RaidersThen, he was awarded a five year contract with an average of $28.5 million per season by.

The move reunited college teammates Adams and Raiders quarterback Derek CarrThey have been close friends throughout their careers. However, it completely disrupted the large receiver market. It soon had repercussions elsewhere.

The Kansas City Chiefs They believed they were on track for a deal to extend their contract with Tyreek Hill. Then they didn’t. Hill was out of reach in Kansas City after Adams’ deal reopened negotiations. Hill was able to find a trade partner through the team. The Dolphins were his preferred choice. gave him a record-breaking contract Average $30 million per season The following month, the Philadelphia Eagles Acquisition A.J. Brown The following are the Tennessee Titans In a draft-day move And signed him to a four year deal worth $100 Million.

Four receivers (Hill-Adams, Brown, and Buffalo’s) Stefon DiggsThe Rams signed individual contracts worth more than $95million this offseason. Cooper Kupp A three-year extension of $80 millions was agreed to, which brings the total value of his current agreement to five years and $110million. This guarantees $75 million. Another draft with a high number of WRs was created by the market reset. It’s worth keeping an eye on this trend in the next years. At least five receivers were taken in round 1 this April for the third year in a row.

Jeremy Fowler breaks it down for you: Which NFL rookie wide receivers are going to make an immediate impact on your team?

The draft is dominated by defense

Even with those five Day 1 receiversThe board was ablaze with defensive players early In the 2022 draft. The top five draft picks were all defensive players for the first time since 1991. Travon Walker (Jaguars). Leading edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson (Detroit LionsCornerback Derek Stingley Jr. Cornerback, Texas Sauce Gardner (Jets and edge rusher) Kayvon Thibodeaux (Giants). Walker was the fourth defensive play to be named No. Walker became the fourth defensive player to be ranked No. 1 since 2006.

In contrast, the draft didn’t include any quarterbacks. One — Kenny Pickett (Pittsburgh Steelers, No. 20) — was chosen in the first round. The third round saw the selection of Round 3’s QB. Desmond Ridder, Malik Willis And Matt Corral The board was removed.

One of the biggest storylines of the draftThere are two New York teams significantly upgrading With two picks each in the top 10. The Giants loaded up and selected Thibodeaux (5th overall) as offensive tackle. Evan Neal (seventh), while Gardner (fourth), receiver, was added by the Jets Garrett Wilson (10th) and pass rusher Jermaine Johnson II (26th).

Seattle is ending an era

The Broncos were one of the teams that expressed an interest in trading Rodgers. But they decided to instead executed a deal With the Seattle Seahawks for nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson Rodgers and the Seahawks both agreed to stay in Green Bay on the same day. The Seahawks were also involved in the transaction. said goodbye To one of the most important players in franchise history.

Moving is a big deal. reminiscent Denver purchased Peyton Manning, a 2012 acquisition by the Broncos. solidified its most important position After years of instability at the quarterback. The Broncos were instantly a favorite in the AFC. But can they win their division? Subplot: The intrigue of AFC West. It is home to the best QB-collection of any division.

Other moves such as Adams’ acquisition by the Raiders intensified the in division competition. signing pass-rusher Chandler Jones, and Los Angeles Chargers trading for Edge rusher Khalil Mack And signing Cornerback J.C. Jackson.

Watson’s Trade, ongoing Lawsuits

After missing the entire 2021 season, the Texans have appointed Pro Bowl quarterback Deshaun Watson This was traded To the Cleveland Browns While facing 24 civil lawsuits Accusations of inappropriate behavior and sexual assault during massage sessions. The judge dismissed a 25th suit after he ruled that the petition must be amended to include the plaintiff. Watson was awarded a record-breaking $230 million in guaranteed cash from Cleveland. This deal beat many other suitors.

Grand juries were established in Texas in January in two jurisdictions. declined to indict Watson facing criminal charges stemming out of allegations Watson was then settled 20 of the 24 civil lawsuits. The remaining four lawsuits could go to trial at a later dateIt is expected to arrive in the spring of next year. The NFL’s own investigation This was led by retired federal judge Sue L. Robinson, NFL disciplinary officer. expected soon.

Colts swap QBs… again

Watson’s courtship had a major impact on the landscape of quarterbacks. The Atlanta FalconsThe overtures made by franchise quarterbacks, whether they were intended or not, helped to clarify the murky future. Matt Ryan He was convinced to ask for a trade. He was accommodated by the Falcons dealing him To the Indianapolis Colts For a third-round draft selection.

The Colts are hopeful that he will solve their long-running quarterback problems. Acquisition of Carson Wentz The 2021 plan was to end the recent revolving doors of QBs in the franchise. They found themselves back in the quarterback marketplace one year later.

The Colts traded Wentz was introduced to the Commanders by Wentz, before Ryan agreed to the Ryan deal a few weeks later. Ryan will be the fifth different quarterback to begin the Colts season in five seasons. Wentz’s career is at a crossroads. He can resurrect Washington’s career.

Mayfield’s Cleveland run is over

With the end of the month, the domino effect continued. Baker Mayfield era in Cleveland. The No. The No. traded From the Browns to The Carolina Panthers after four seasons. The compensation could be as high as a fourth-round selection if the conditional-pick agreement is reached.

The deal created a unique situation for Carolina: The Panthers now hold the first and third picks in the 2018 draft in Mayfield. Sam Darnold. Both of these prospects were fired by their first teams, and now they are trying to rebuild themselves. Is there a better example than this of the all or nothing nature of drafting QBs today’s NFL?

Jackson’s contract situation

The NFL is currently dealing with one of the most intriguing contract situations. What do you think about the current contract status? Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson It all depends on how you accept the team’s story. Jackson is in the final season under his rookie contract. The Ravens claim they are willing and able to negotiate a deal.

Jackson, who doesn’t employ an agent for Jackson, is still under his original contract. Market-shifting agreements have made Jackson signing a costly proposition. This could become a distraction for the entire season if the sides fail to reach an agreement before the season.

Robert Griffin III discusses the impact of Kyler Murray’s contract on Lamar Jackson.

Cardinals quarterback also has big news regarding contract extensions Kyler Murray The speculation was ended — his agent made a clear statement in February that stated, among other, that actions speak louder than words in volatile business. a five-year, $230.5 million extension This month. Defensive tackle was also taken by the Rams Aaron Donald The highest-paid non-quarterback in league history With a contract that averages 31.6 million per year, Donald can put to rest any questions about his possible retirement.

Free agency: Big money

Remember the 2021 muted period of free agency that occurred following a decrease in the salary cap due to the pandemic? We don’t either. NFL players were able to enjoy a free agency bonanza 2022 will see teams show generosity in their efforts to help others massive contracts during 2022 free agency.

Edge rusher Von Miller Signed a $120 Million contract with the Bills Offensive tackle Terron Armstead The Dolphins offered $75 million. J.C. Jackson, cornerback (Chargers), receiver Christian Kirk (Jaguars), edge rusher Randy Gregory (Broncos), and safety Marcus Williams (Baltimore avens), each signed contracts totaling at least $70 millions.

The franchisees’ eight players saw mixed results. Chiefs Orlando Brown Jr. The Cincinnati Bengals‘ Jessie Bates III Have not signed their tenders and have not received contract extensions. Tight ends Mike Gesicki (Dolphins). Dalton Schultz (Dallas Cowboys) signed their tenders, and the remaining four franchised players signed new contracts.

The players flexed their power

NFL players historically have had less influence than NBA and Major League Baseball athletes. However, there have been notable examples of NFL players using their power to achieve their goals this offseason.

Watson and Wilson used the no-trade clauses of their contracts to basically pick their trade destinations. Hill worked independently with the Dolphins, Jets, and Dolphins to negotiate terms with Miami. Adams’ case was similar. It is not possible for every NFL player to have the same level of talent as these stars. But, those who do have the ability to use it aren’t afraid to show it.

Washington’s scandal gets worse

The Commanders’ workplace misconduct investigation remained unabated. involvement of a Congressional committee. Congress began investigating the workplace culture of the team under Daniel Snyder’s ownership in October. This included allegations of sexual misconduct.

The House Committee on Oversight and Reform found that Snyder had been convicted. conducted a “shadow investigation” According to a 29-page report by the committee, while the NFL conducted its own internal investigation. Roger Goodell was appointed commissioner. embroiled in the matterLast month, Snyder was forced to testify before the committee. Snyder will give his eagerly awaited testimony on July 28.

Changes to the Playoff OT format

Following the controversy over January’s Divisional Game between Bills & Chiefs, a rule was adopted that will govern. ensure at least one possession For both teams in postseason overtime.

The Bills were defeated by the Chiefs in one of the sport’s most exciting playoff games After winning the overtime coin toss, and scoring on the first possession. This result caused a lot of debate in the league. The new rule applies only to playoff games.

Unresolved problems of the Niners

Conversations around the San Francisco 49ers The offseason has been dominated by two topics: potential trade The quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo The contract dispute with the receiver Deebo Samuel. They have neither been resolved as of right now.

Garoppolo was expected to be traded by the 49ers months ago. However, Garoppolo’s shoulder surgery and QB movement elsewhere within the league have had a negative impact on his market. San Francisco will start their 2021 first round pick. Trey Lance Under center this season. Samuel was looking for a new contract, and he skipped the voluntary workouts that were scheduled in May and June. attending the team’s mandatory minicamp last month.

And what else?

Some notable suspensions for 2022 include the Cardinals receiver DeAndre HopkinsThe regular season’s first six games will be missed by, violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drugs policy. Falcons receiver Calvin Ridley After he was suspended, he will be out for at least the whole 2022 season. gambling on NFL games.
Saints running back Alvin Kamara He was charged with felony battery in connection to an incident at a Las Vegas casino. The arrest remains under league reviewA hearing in court is scheduled for Aug. 1.
Heinz Field in Pittsburgh was renamed The company bought the rights to name the stadium Acrisure Stadium. It ended a 20 year-long tradition of the venue being named after a Pittsburgh institution.
Condoleezza rice, former U.S. Secretary-of-State joined the Broncos’ ownership group By purchasing an undisclosed share of the franchise
David Highhill, longtime NFL league executive, has moved to a new role: Vice President, General Manager of Sports Betting. This is the first job in a league devoted to the management of the NFL’s betting business.