2023 NFL Offseason Additions and Subtractions: AFC
2023 NFL Offseason Additions and Subtractions
The NFL is an ever-changing league. As a bettor and handicapper, it’s important to know which teams have improved in the offseason and which ones got worse due to free agency or trades. Let’s take a look at all the trades and free-agent acquisitions with the key players in bold.
(some info from NFL.com)
AFC
AFC East
Buffalo Bills:
Key Additions: OLB Leonard Floyd (FA-Rams), DE Poona Ford (FA-Seahawks), RB Damien Harris (FA-Patriots), WR Deonte Harty (FA-Saints), OG Connor McGovern (FA-Cowboys), RB Latavius Murray (FA-Broncos), S Taylor Rapp (FA-Rams).
Key Subtractions: LB Tremaine Edmunds (FA-Bears), S Jaquan Johnson (FA-Raiders), G Connor McGovern (FA-Cowboys), WR Isaiah McKenzie (FA-Colts), RB Devin Singletary (FA-Texans).
Off-season Analysis: The Bills didn’t have a whole lot of needs heading into free agency. They addressed wide receiver with McKenzie gone and brought in Harty, who is more of a return man. Edmunds was the biggest loss and they had to address that in draft with the selection of Dorian Williams from Tulane in the third round. The addition of Floyd is a big one if he and Von Miller still have something left in the tank in terms of a pass rush.
Miami Dolphins:
Key Additions: WR Chosen Anderson (FA-Panthers), WR Braxton Berrios (FA-Jets), S Deshon Elliott (FA-Lions), OG Dan Feeney FA-Jets), LB David Long (FA-Titans), CB Jalen Ramsey (Trade-Rams).
Key Subtractions TE Mike Gesicki (FA-Patriots), CB Byron Jones (FA), LB Elandon Roberts (FA-Steelers),
Off-season Analysis: The key was bringing in Ramsey in a trade with the Rams. Tanner Conner could surprise and fill their need as a receiving tight end, but that’s still a concern with Gesicki gone. Anderson and Berrios can help the passing game some, but they are rotation guys at rest. Long was a solid replacement for Roberts at inside linebacker. PFF had him as the sixth-best run-stopping linebacker in 2022.
New England Patriots:
Key Additions: OT Calvin Anderson (FA-Broncos), LB Chris Board (FA-Lions), WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (FA-Chiefs), TE Mike Gesicki (FA-Dolphins), CB Jonathan Jones (FA-Patriots), OL Riley Reiff (FA-Bears), RB James Robinson (FA-Jets),
Key Subtractions: WR Nelson Agholor (FA-Ravens), RB Damien Harris (Bills), S Devon McCourty (retirement), WR Jakobi Myers (FA-Raiders), TE Jonnu Smith (Trade-Falcons).
Off-season Analysis: The Pats are still looking for a No. 1 receiver, though Smith-Schuster was a nice pickup. He can elevate the downhill passing game. James Robinson is a solid rotation back and Gesicki can do some damage at tight end. The biggest addition was the re-hiring of Bill O’Brien as OC to replace Matt Patricia.
New York Jets:
Key Additions: WR Randall Cobb (FA-Packers), WR Mecole Hardman (FA-Chiefs), WR Allen Lazard (FA-Packers), S Chuck Clark (Trade-Ravens), QB Aaron Rodgers (Trade-Packers), DT Al Woods (FA-Seahawks).
Key Subtractions: WR Braxton Berrios (FA-Patriots), OG Nate Herbig (FA-Steelers), WR Elijah Moore (Trade-Browns), DT Sheldon Rankings (FA-Texans), DE Nathan Shepherd (FA-Saints).
Off-season Analysis: This off-season is all about Rodgers. They gave him more firepower with the additions of the speedy Hardman and the 6-5 Lazard to play next to Garrett Wilson. Rodgers had a 91.1 QB rating, which is a lot better than Zach Wilson, but shows that he’s finally on the downside. The key is to keep him upright and that will make an already tough division one of the best in football.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens:
Key Additions: WR Nelson Agholor (FA-Patriots), WR Odell Beckham Jr. (FA-Rams), CB Arthur Maulet (FA-Steelers), CB Rock Ya-Sin (FA-Raiders).
Key Subtractions: DE Calais Campbell (FA-Falcons), S Chuck Clark (Trade-Jets), TE Josh Oliver (FA-Vikings), CB Marcus Peters (FA-Raiders), OG Ben Powers (FA-Broncos).
Off-season Analysis: The big news for the Ravens came when they signed QB Lamar Jackson to a five-year extension. That made the signing of OBJ make sense though it’s still a huge risk. They really didn’t address their cornerback situation until they added Rock Ya-Sin and never replaced Calais Campbell on the defensive line. They also could use a left guard to replace Ben Powers. Todd Monken replaces Greg Roman in another upgrade at offensive coordinator.
Cincinnati Bengals:
Key Additions: LT Orlando Brown Jr. (FA-Chiefs), OL Cody Ford (FA-Bills), CB Sidney Jones IV (FA-Seahawks), S Nick Scott (FA-Rams), TE Irv Smith (FA-Vikings).
Key Losses: S Jessie Bates III (FA-Falcons), S Vonn Bell (FA-Panthers), CB Tre Flowers (FA-Falcons), TE Hayden Hurst (FA-Panthers), RB Semaj Perine (FA-Broncos).
Off-season Analysis: The biggest addition for the Bengals was getting Orlando Brown, who is a better run blocker, but is an upgrade over Jonah Williams at left tackle. A bigger concern is at safety where they lost Bell and Bates. Nick Scott will step in right away next to Dax Hill. Irv Smith Jr. should get a bigger role as receiving tight end replacing Hurst.
Cleveland Browns:
Key Additions: WR Marquise Goodwin (FA-49ers), DT Trysten Hill (FA-Cowboys), WR Elijah Moore (Trade-Jets), DE Ogbo Okoronkwo (FA-Texans), OLB Za’Darius Smith (Trade-Vikings), S Juan Thornhill (FA-Chiefs), DT Dalvin Tomlinson (FA-Vikings).
Key Subtractions: QB Jacoby Brissett (FA-Commanders), DE Jadeveon Clowney (FA), C Hjate Froholdt (FA-Cardinals), RB Kareem Hunt (FA), DB John Johnson III (FA), CB Greedy Williams (FA-Eagles).
Off-season Analysis: The Browns shook things up by making a trade for Za’Darius Smith to add some pass-rush help for a pair of future fifth-round picks. Since they don’t have many picks left in 2024 (2nd,3rd, 5th), it’s time to win. They traded down to the third round from the second round to get Moore. Tomlinson, Okoronkwo, and Trysten Hill should improve their defensive front. But the best addition might have been the hiring of former head coach Jim Schwartz to lead the defense.
Pittsburgh Steelers:
Key Additions: G Nater Herbig (FA-Jets), LB Cole Holcomb (FA-Commanders), CB Patrick Peterson (FA-Vikings), LB Elandon Roberts (FA-Dolphins), WR Allen Robinson (Trade-Rams), G Isaac Seumalo (FA-Eagles).
Key Subtractions: LB Devin Bush (FA-Seahawks), LB Terrell Edmonds (FA-Eagles), LB Robert Spillane (FA-Raiders), CB Cameron Sutton (FA-Lions)
Off-season Analysis: The Steelers usually draft well and don’t spend much time on free agency. This off-season, they brought in some key players to fix some holes. WR Allen Robinson II was also brought in in a deal from the Rams to attempt to see if he has any juice left. The key will be Holcomb and Roberts replacing Bush and Spillane in the linebacking corps. They also take a chance on aging corner Patrick Peterson to replace Sutton at corner. Adding Seumalolo will also help the interior of the offensive line.
AFC South
Houston Texans:
Key Additions: RB Mike Boone (FA-Broncos), WR Noah Brown (FA-Cowboys), CB Shaquil Griffin (FA-Jaguars), QB Case Keenum (FA-Bills), G Shaq Mason (Trade-Bucs), TE Dalton Schultz (FA-Cowboys), LB Denzel Perryman (FA-Chargers), DT Sheldon Rankins (FA-Jets), DT Hassan Ridgeway (FA-49ers), RB Devin Singletary (FA-Bills) S Jimmie Ward (FA-49ers), EDGE Chase Winovich (FA-Browns), WR Robert Woods (FA-Titans).
Key Subtractions: TE Jordan Akins (FA-Browns), WR Brandin Cooks (Trade-Cowboys), WR Phillip Dorsett (FA-Raiders), Edge Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (FA-Browns), CB Tremon Smith (FA-Broncos).
Off-season Analysis: A great off-season for the Texans is highlighted by the addition of former LB DeMeco Ryans and 49ers DC as the new head coach. They added some pretty good defenders to replace Okoronkwo and Jordan Akins. Mason is a very good pass blocker at guard, who allowed just one sack last season. Schultz has become one of the better receiving tight ends in football. Ryans was able to bring in some of his former players in Ward and Ridgeway.
Indianapolis Colts:
Key Additions: DT Taven Bryan (FA-Browns), DE Samson Ebukam (FA-49ers), K Matt Gay (FA-Rams), WR Isaiah McKenzie (FA-Bills), QB Gardner Minshew (FA-Eagles),
Key Subtractions: WR Parris Campbell (FA-Giants), CB Brandon Facyson (FA-Raiders), CB Stephon Gilmore (Trade-Cowboys), LB Bobby Okereke (FA-Giants), QB Matt Ryan (FA),
Off-season Analysis: The Colts desperately need a quarterback and drafted Anthony Richardson at No. 4. He has a huge upside, but will likely need close to a year to learn the game. Minshew is a decent starter and a quality backup with a career passer rating of 93.1. He is certainly an upgrade over Matt Ryan, who was terrible last season (83.9 QB rating). Former Eagles OC Shane Steichen takes over as the head coach for Frank Reich and certainly knows a lot about Minshew. McKenzie was a nice pickup and adds speed to the WR corps. This should be an improved team this season, but they still have holes to fill at corner and receiver.
Jacksonville Jaguars:
Key Additions: RB D’Ernest Johnson (FA-Browns), K Brandon McManus (FA-Broncos), WR Calvin Ridley (Trade-Falcons), OT Josh Wells (FA-Bucs).
Key Subtractions: Edge Arden Key (FA-Titans), WR Marvin Jones Jr. (FA-Lions), OT Jawaan Taylor (FA-Chiefs).
Off-season Analysis: The Ridley trade was made on Nov. 1, 2022, for a fifth-rounder and a potential second-rounder in 2024. That’s a lot to give up for a player coming off a suspension. He’s 28 and was named All-Pro in 2022. The Jags didn’t manage to make a lot of moves this offseason. This was a bit surprising considering they had about $20 million over the cap going into free agency.
Tennessee Titans:
Key Additions: OT Daniel Brunskill (FA-Titans), CB Sean Bunting (FA-Bucs), OT Andre Dillard (FA-Eagles), LB Luke Gifford (FA-Cowboys), WR DeAndre Hopkins (FA-Cardinals), EDGE Arden Key (FA-Colts), LB Azeez Al-Shaair (FA-49ers),
Key Subtractions: LB Dylan Cole (FA-Bears), G Nate Davis (FA-Bears), EDGE Bud Dupree (FA-Falcons), TE Austin Hooper (FA-Raiders), OT Taylor Lewan, LB David Long Jr. (FA-Dolphins), C Ben Jones, DE DeMarcus Walker (FA-Bears), WR Robert Woods (FA-Texans).
Off-season Analysis: This was a rough off-season for a team that appears to be in rebuilding mode. The addition of Hopkins made very little sense but should help a receiving corps that has never recovered from the loss of A.J. Brown. However, Hopkins is not Brown and wasn’t that fast in his prime. Dillard was a solid pickup and they had a pretty good draft. Key and Al-Shaair should be able to help in pass-rushing situations though they are situational and role players.
AFC West
Denver Broncos:
Key Additions: DE Zach Allen (FA-Cardinals), WR Marquez Callaway (FA-Saints), DE Frank Clark (FA-Chiefs), WR Marquise Goodwin (FA-Browns), RT Mike McGlinchey (FA-49ers), TE Chris Manhertz (FA-Jaguars), HC Sean Payton (Trade-Saints), RB Samaje Perine (FA-Bengals), G Ben Powers (FA-Ravens), QB Jarrett Stidham (FA-Raiders), TE Adam Trautman (Trade-Saints).
Key Subtractions: RB Mike Boone (FA-Texans), RB Chase Edmonds (FA-Bucs), DT Dre’Mont Jones (FA-Seahawks) DT DeShawn Williams (FA-Panthers), G Graham Glasgow (FA-Lions).
Off-season Analysis: The biggest move for Denver was bringing in Sean Payton and they had to give up their first and next year’s second for a 2024 third-round pick from the Saints. The additions of McGlinchey and Powers are a big help to the offensive line. Allen takes the place of Jones on the defensive line and they spent a lot for him. Perine is an underrated back, who can help on third downs.
Kansas City Chiefs:
Key Additions: S Mike Edwards (FA-Bucs), DE Charles Omenihu (FA-49ers), OT Donovan Smith (FA-Bucs) OT Jawaan Taylor (FA-Jaguars), LB Drue Tranquill (FA-Chargers), OL Andrew Wylie (FA-Commanders).
Key Subtractions: OT Orlando Brown Jr. (FA-Bengals), DE Frank Clark (FA-Broncos), WR Mecole Hardman (FA-Jets), DT Khalen Saunders (FA-Saints), WR JuJu Smith -Schuster (FA-Patriots), S Juan Thornhill (FA-Browns), OT Andrew Wylie (FA-Commanders).
Off-season Analysis: The key to this off-season is Donovan Smith and Taylor at tackle. Taylor is an excellent pass-blocker. Veteran tackle Donovan Smith replaces Orlando Brown Jr. at left tackle and allowed six sacks last season. He struggled last season according to PFF, ranking 66th in offensive tackles compared to 19 for Brown.
Las Vegas Raiders:
Key Additions: WR Deandre Carter (FA-Chargers), WR Phillip Dorsett (FA-Texans), S Marcus Epps (FA-Eagles), CB Brandon Facyson (FA-Colts) QB Jimmy Garoppolo (FA-49ers), TE Austin Hooper (FA-Titans), TE O.J. Howard, QB Brian Hoyer (FA-Patriots), WR Jakobi Meyers (FA-Patriots), CB Marcus Peters (FA-Ravens), LB Robert Spillane (FA-Steelers).
Key Subtractions: QB Derek Carr (FA-Saints), WR Mack Hollins (FA-Falcons), LB Denzel Perryman (FA-Texans), TE Darren Waller (Trade-Giants), CB Rock Ya-Sin (FA-Ravens).
Off-season Analysis: They basically traded Carr for Jimmy G. The offense probably needed a shake-up, but the Waller trade was bizarre. Peters is on the back end of his career but still has a swagger that the Raiders can use. Meyers will be a nice complement to Davante Adams.
Los Angeles Chargers:
Key Additions: LB Eddie Kendricks (FA-Vikings).
Key Subtractions: WR Deandre Carter (FA-Raiders), G Matt Feiler (FA-Bucs), S Nasir Adderley (retired), QB Chase Daniel, OT Storm Norton (FA-Saints), LB Troy Reeder (FA-Vikings), LB Drue Tranquil (FA-Chiefs).
Off-Season Analysis: This was a very quiet off-season for the Chargers to the point that their key pickup was rookie WR Quentin Johnson from TCU. Kendricks was a major need with several key losses at linebacker. There’s still a question of safety with Adderley gone.