The NFL’s Free Agency Week started on March 12. This is the time of the year when teams make big changes and bold moves to try to set the team up for success. The free agency consists of free agents (players) without a contract who seek one. Teams negotiate with these players to join for money. Each team has a salary cap, and this time allows them to alter contracts. Trades during this time can make or break a season, so it is important to keep track of them. So far, some teams have made good moves that set up their future, while critics argue that some have not made the mark.
The free agency is important for players and teams because it can make or break their season. This matters for professional football teams because it allows them to strengthen their rosters and create salary space for future acquisitions. Fans must watch closely for trades and acquisitions to see how good their team could be. As Joe Montana once said, “Winners, I am convinced, imagine their dreams first. They want it with all their heart and expect it to come true. There is, I believe, no other way to live.”
Based on the results of last week’s Free Agency Week, the following teams are likely to do well in the upcoming season:
Chicago Bears
Last year, the Chicago Bears were missing an offensive line, so they have been working to fix this in the off-season. The Bears traded for Joe Thuney from the Chiefs and Jonah Jackson from the Rams. This is what the Bears needed to keep Caleb Williams safe. If their line is good at protecting Williams, the Bears should have a good season, so these trades should make the Bears a contender.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks have had a mix-up this off-season. They traded star players Geno Smith and DK Metcalf while releasing Tyler Lockett. This left their offense with Jaxon Smith-Njigba. You may say, “This sounds bad for the Seahawks. How are they winners?”
Shortly after they traded Geno Smith to the Raiders, the Seahawks traded for Sam Darnold. Darnold was the Vikings quarterback who played after J. J. McCarthy. He is a promising quarterback who can change the game for the Seahawks. Also, they signed wide receiver Cooper Kupp, the Super Bowl MVP from the 2021 game. With these acquisitions, the Seahawks should be more competitive this upcoming season.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders had a disappointing season last year, only winning 4 out of 17 games, so they have been making changes behind the scenes. They hired Pete Caroll, the former Seahawks coach who led the team to win one Super Bowl. They also traded for Geno Smith. The Raiders are by no means going to be sure playoff contenders this upcoming season, but they have potential. If they make the right moves in the next couple of years, they could be very competitive moving forward.
Now for the teams which many predict will struggle this year:
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers are trading away their team, recently, trading running back Jordan Mason to the Vikings. This could prove disastrous if Christian McCaffrey does not play well after returning from his injury last year. Also, the 49ers traded for quarterback Mac Jones, a possible replacement for Brock Purdy. Currently, he is the backup quarterback, but if Purdy does not play well this next season, he might be replaced. Purdy was once thought of as the franchise quarterback for the 49ers, but this trade could mean that the team is moving away from that plan.
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are not in a good place. They signed Daniel Jones as a free agent, giving the Colts three quarterbacks to choose from. So now Jones will have to compete with Anthony Richardson and Joe Flacco for the role of star quarterback. Will move be a plus for the Colts? Only time will tell.
