Biggest Offseason Moves & Their Impacts

This off-season has been pretty significant in comparison to the past few years.  Big players have been swapped around all across the league.  I’m here to tell you which ones are going to make an immediate impact on their team in 2018.  In no particular order, here is my list of the biggest moves we’ve seen and why their important.

Kirk Cousins signs with the Vikings.

If you had asked me at the end of the season who Cousins would be signing with, the Vikings would not have crossed my mind.  I think Keenum was fantastic for them last year and I think they could have kept him for a lot less than what their paying Cousins.  This one obviously tops the list though because Cousins was the biggest free agent QB to hit the market.  In terms of impact, I don’t expect much of an immediate one.  Cousins is coming into a new playbook, off of a season where he didn’t perform as well as he’s being paid.  There’s definietly an upgrade here, but it’s not by much yet.

Packers cut Jordy Nelson and sign Jimmy Graham.

When the packers cut Nelson I was incredibly shocked.  This move makes sense though, because Nelson has been Rodgers go-to red zone target.  Who else to replace him than one of the best red zone threats in the league with Graham.  I expect this to be an immediate connection between Graham and Rodgers.  Graham will catch 12+ touchdowns next year.

Richard Sherman signs with the 49ers.

After getting cut by the team that he made his name with,  Sherman stays in the division and signs with the 49ers.  Sherman believes there is really something special in San Francisco and I don’t disagree.  They have a young stud QB, a talented roster, and an intelligent head coach.  I expect him to be able to lock down one side of the field for the 9ers and help them beat Seattle two times next year.

Rams acquire Marcus Peters, Aquib Talib, and sign Ndamukong Suh.

This one includes some trades but holy moly the Rams are building a monster of a team.  These three players are going to make an immediate impact and cause opposing QBs some serious trouble.   The only problem I can foresee with all these trades is you’re going to have a young QB trying to help lead all these big personalities.  As we saw in Seattle that can cause problems in the locker room.

Texans sign Tyrann Mathieu.

This move is huge for the Texans because with the return of Deshaun Watson, they’re looking to bolster their defense.  If they can add a few more solid defensive players in the draft, they’re a serious contender going into next year.

Titans sign Malcom Butler/ Dion Lewis.

After letting DeMarco Murray walk in free agency, the Titans went out and got Dion Lewis.  Lewis along with Derrick Henry is going to be one of the most potent RB duos in the NFL.  Also adding Butler is going to help them solidify their defense so the Titans can stay relevant in the playoffs and Super Bowl race.

There are plenty more important signings.  Next week I’ll be talking about some other impactful moves that you might not have noticed.

~Jon Tetreault ( @jtetreault13 )