It's challenging to claim that the NFL offseason this year was the craziest ever. Making the argument that all of this volatility could have been anticipated is even more difficult. The frequent movement of prominent players, particularly on the transfer market, was impossible to predict. Simply put, there hasn't been much mayhem like this in this league on a regular basis.
Not everyone is going to be happy with the final rankings of these players who made sensational trades in the hopes of advancing their places for a championship run. When discussing which offseason trade will have the largest impact on the upcoming season, everything appears to be as follows:
Deshaun Watson -
Cleveland Browns • QB
· TRADED BY: Houston Texans
· TRADED FOR: 2022 Rounds 1 and 4 picks; 2023 Rounds 1 and 3 picks; 2024 Rounds 1 and 4 picks (with Cleveland receiving a 2024 Round 6 pick)
It is nearly impossible to acquire an excellent quarterback who is just entering his prime, therefore this deal tops the list for that one simple reason. As everyone is still waiting to learn the outcome of the NFL's investigation into Watson's alleged sexual misbehavior, this is undoubtedly a special circumstance.
But in order to place the 26-year-old in the starting lineup, Cleveland traded away a boatload of draft selections (six in total, including three first-rounders) and money (a five-year deal worth a fully guaranteed $230 million). The consequences of this move will be huge for the Browns and the resurgent Texans.
The Browns would stand a good chance of representing the AFC in Super Bowl LVII if Watson weren't subjected to a protracted ban. This team has one of the deepest rosters in the league. Cleveland merely required strong quarterback play to elevate to the level of genuine championship contender. With Watson, the Browns gain a dynamic player at the position who is a vast improvement over Baker Mayfield.
Denver Broncos • QB
· TRADED BY: Seattle Seahawks
· TRADED FOR: QB Drew Lock, TE Noah Fant, DE Shelby Harris; 2022 Rounds 1, 2 and 5 picks; 2023 Rounds 1 and 2 picks (with Denver receiving a 2022 Round 4 pick)
Wilson elevates Denver right away to terrifyingly good. The roster for the Broncos is loaded with young talent. With Wilson in the mix, the once-promising Broncos are now captained by a player who will go down in NFL history as a Hall of Famer, has already won one Super Bowl, and came close to capturing a second in Seattle.
The only real uncertainty in this situation is how Wilson, who will turn 34 in November, will perform as he ages. His ability to think quickly and confuse defenders with his legs, vision, and downfield precision has always made him the most dangerous player.
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Tyreek Hill
Miami Dolphins • WR
· TRADED BY: Kansas City Chiefs
· TRADED FOR: 2022 Rounds 1, 2 and 4 picks; 2023 Rounds 4 and 6 picks
This transaction had a profound impact on both franchises. While the Dolphins handed quarterback Tua Tagovailoa additional incentive to step up his performance, the Chiefs lost the most electrifying wide receiver in sports. Miami's offense gains a lot from Hill, including a terrifying downfield threat, a crucial weapon for pre-snap motion, and a player who can be just as devastating on jet sweeps and reverses.
Hill gave tight end Travis Kelce more room in the middle of the field and needed two defenders to pay close attention to every play in Kansas City. Consider the impact that will have on Miami targets like tight end Mike Gesicki, Jaylen Waddle, and Cedrick Wilson. Much depends on Tua's development this fall.
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Khalil Mack
Los Angeles Chargers • OLB
· TRADED BY: Chicago Bears
· TRADED FOR: 2022 Round 2 pick; 2023 Round 6 pick
Mack is ranked so highly because the Chargers needed to improve their defense, which is why he is. Everyone was aware that the Chargers in 2021 had trouble stopping the run. Mack offers assistance there. Joey Bosa, a defensive end in the Pro Bowl, required a pass-rushing partner. Mack also makes a difference there.
Despite the doubters who brought up the foot surgery from the previous season, which halted his season after seven games, Mack, 31, still had six sacks before landing on injured reserve. Additionally, he has been nominated for six Pro Bowls, most recently in 2020, and has been a disruptive presence on every defense he has played on. The Chargers took numerous actions to strengthen their defense. Mack will uphold his end of the bargain.
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Davante Adams
Las Vegas Raiders • WR
· TRADED BY: Green Bay Packers
· TRADED FOR: 2022 Rounds 1 and 2 picks
With the acquisition of Adams, probably the best wide receiver in football, the Raiders pulled off a tremendous coup. The 29-year-route old's running, steady hands, and capacity for big plays elevate this offense right away. In three of his last four seasons in Green Bay, he recorded at least 100 receptions, 1,300 yards, and 11 touchdowns.
He will be a part of a Raiders offense led by head coach Josh McDaniels that features a tight end who can be a mismatch nightmare (Darren Waller), a cunning slot receiver (Hunter Renfrow), and a creative offensive mind. The fact that Adams is reunited with quarterback Derek Carr, with whom he previously played college football at Fresno State, helps even more. They'll figure out how to work their own brand of magic in Vegas.
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