The NFL offseason has yet to come, but it’s already starting to take shape. With big trades and signings popping up on a daily basis, we wanted to rank the biggest so far.
The “2022 nfl offseason moves” is a ranking of the biggest trades that have occurred so far in the 2022 NFL Offseason.
The NFL offseason of 2022 has delivered on all fronts. There has been no lack of movement in recent weeks, from Aaron Rodgers’ decision to return to the Green Bay Packers to a slew of blockbuster transactions.
In terms of deals, a number of high-profile players have been moved in the last week or two. These are decisions that will surely affect the NFL landscape until at least 2022, and maybe beyond.
The following is a ranking of the most significant of these movements so far.
4. The Indianapolis Colts traded Carson Wentz to the Washington Commanders.
The Indianapolis Colts’ Carson Wentz #2 looks to throw during the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars | Julio Aguilar/Getty Images
Wentz is no longer the MVP candidate he once was, but he is still a starting-caliber NFL quarterback who had a respectable season in 2021. With just seven interceptions, he passed for 3,563 yards and 27 touchdowns.
The Colts are seemingly hitting the reset button, and they got themselves a pretty nice haul in return for a quarterback they clearly no longer believed in.
From Washington’s viewpoint, the Commanders believe they’re only one starter quarterback away from being a legitimate NFC East threat. Taylor Heinicke is an entertaining character, but he’s only a high-level backup.
Wentz may not be Washington’s long-term answer, but he should make the Commanders a difficult out in the NFC East in 2022.
3. The Cleveland Browns acquired Amari Cooper from the Dallas Cowboys.
Amari Cooper is still just 27 years old, and a proven No. 1 wide receiver, which the #Browns desperately needed on the heels of the OBJ debacle. Andrew Berry makes his first big move this offseason #Browns
— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) March 12, 2022
This was a win-win situation for all sides. Cooper was almost certainly going to be released by the Dallas Cowboys due to a salary limit constraint. His contract included an out, but rather than releasing him and getting nothing in return, the Cowboys wisely sought a trading partner.
At the very least, the Browns were able to secure a 2022 fifth and sixth-round selection in exchange for Cooper.
For the Browns, acquiring Cooper is a huge lifesaver tossed into turbulent water in the hopes of giving Baker Mayfield one more chance to establish he can be a high-level starting quarterback. Cooper is still a top wide receiver at this stage in his career, even if he couldn’t make it work with Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry is likely on his way out. Mayfield benefits from his strong downfield presence and experience.
2. The Chicago Bears traded Khalil Mack to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Khalil Mack is no longer the freakishly talented pass rusher he once was, but he recorded six sacks in seven games before being hurt in 2021. With Mack, there’s still something there. There’s most likely more than one object there.
The Chargers definitely looked around and witnessed the Rams win the Super Bowl, while the AFC West became even more explosive with the addition of Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos.
Why not store up on defense with that in mind?
The Chargers’ offense, led by standout quarterback Justin Herbert and just re-signed Mike Williams, should already be deadly. They can now put together a defense (Brandon Staley’s forte) with Joey Bosa and Mack as bookends.
If LA decides to make one more huge defensive splash in the 2022 NFL Draft by selecting one of the top defenders, that unit may quickly become exceptional.
1. The Seattle Seahawks traded Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos.
During the 2022 NFL Pro Bowl, Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks and the NFC looks to pass against the AFC | Ethan Miller/Getty Images
This offseason’s blockbuster was the blockbuster of all blockbusters. With Aaron Rodgers opting to remain in Green Bay, the Broncos moved fast to send a sizable haul to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for the nine-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl 48 winner.
Wilson and a 2022 second-round selection were acquired by the Broncos. They have to turn up 2022 and 2023 first-round selections, 2022 and 2023 second-round picks, a 2022 fifth-round pick, and three players: Drew Lock, Noah Fant, and Shelby Harris.
Isn’t it the definition of going for broke?
The Broncos have a new offensive-minded head coach and one of the league’s finest quarterbacks. Over the previous three seasons in Green Bay, Nathaniel Hackett has been able to assist Rodgers win two consecutive MVP awards. Now that the two are in Denver, there’s reason to expect Wilson will have just as much success.
Denver’s attack, in particular, has the potential to be quite explosive. Jerry Judy was allowed to stay on, and he is expected to have a breakout year in 2022. Wilson will like using Courtland Sutton and K.J. Hamler as well.
It won’t be easy for the Broncos to emerge from the stacked AFC West, but they must believe this is their greatest chance to win a Super Bowl since Peyton Manning retired.
ESPN and Pro Football Reference provided the statistics. Spotrac provides contract information.
RELATED: Greg Olsen Tells Intense Story About New Broncos QB Russell Wilson
The “nfl free agency” is the process in which National Football League teams can sign players to contracts. There have been some big trades so far this offseason, and it will be interesting to see how they affect the rankings.
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