7) Packers signal Josh Jacobs, Xavier McKinney
GM Brian Gutekunst did yeoman’s work on the primary day of the negotiating interval, stealing RB Josh Jacobs away from the Raiders and pouncing on an rising star at security in former Big Xavier McKinney. I used to be pleasantly stunned as a result of, as extra of a draft-and-develop operation by way of the years, Inexperienced Bay hasn’t sometimes been too energetic within the pursuit of high-profile free brokers. Two historic exceptions: Reggie White and Charles Woodson. Speaking to Woodson on SiriusXM final week, he laughed at Jacobs following in his footsteps, leaving the Raiders for the Pack. And he raved about Inexperienced Bay’s strikes.
I believe Jacobs is among the finest working backs within the sport immediately. McKinney, nonetheless simply 24 years outdated, may grow to be a family title in Titletown.
8) Raiders give Christian Wilkins the BAG
The Raiders misplaced Josh Jacobs, however they gained a real sport wrecker on the opposite aspect of the ball. I do not need this signing to get misplaced within the shuffle of the free company frenzy. Not that Christian Wilkins, a monster of a person and menace at defensive sort out, may ever get misplaced. And shoot, he simply signed a $110 million contract, for God’s sake. However I nonetheless really feel just like the transfer is not getting the eye it deserves.
Wilkins, who’s recent of a dynamic nine-sack marketing campaign in Miami, is price each single penny. He is a disruptive pressure who was born to be a Raider. Placing him on the identical defensive entrance as Maxx Crosby is nightmare gasoline for opposing offenses.
9) Jets add 4 offensive starters and a legit backup quarterback
I do know, I do know: Mike Williams is coming off a torn ACL. However he suffered the damage manner again in September, that means he ought to already be comparatively far alongside within the restoration course of. I like him as a complement to younger stud Garrett Wilson. Williams is a beast with nice palms, peak and route-running capacity. Wilson has eclipsed 1,000 yards in every of his first two NFL seasons, regardless of enjoying with a collection of underwhelming quarterbacks. The Jets may boast a top-five receiving duo in 2024, particularly with the person returning below middle.
Sure, it is a dream for a wholesome Aaron Rodgers. And so is getting three new veteran starters on the offensive line.
Tyron Smith, like Williams, signed a one-year contract for this all-in season in New York. Additionally like Williams, Smith’s a star who simply wants to remain wholesome. If the 33-year-old left sort out performs 14 video games, that is a win. Joe Douglas additionally nabbed OT Morgan Moses and OG John Simpson to start out up entrance. All of the sudden, Gang Inexperienced has a viable O-line.
All of that smart wheeling and dealing offers Douglas choices with the No. 10 total choose. One of many Massive Three receivers would possibly fall to the Jets. Or they may take the initiative and go YOLO, as our man Daniel Jeremiah simply projected, buying and selling up for Marvin Harrison Jr. They’ll take an offensive sort out, to construct depth and long-term stability on the place. Or possibly Douglas desires so as to add extra to an excellent protection. It is all potential.
In the meantime, Tyrod Taylor is the final word insurance coverage coverage if Rodgers will get damage once more, an apparent improve the overmatched backups New York rolled out final season.
No person desires to listen to it, however the Jets completely ought to make the playoffs. The whole lot that we thought may occur with this franchise final season needs to be in play in 2024.