Heading into the second week of 2022 NFL free agency, the changes we have seen are nothing short of monumental. Blockbuster trades, massive contracts, and a realigning of the power scale for both the AFC and NFC divisions.
The first spark that kicked free agency into high gear was the announcement of Tom Brady’s decision to return for another season as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers starting quarterback.
Brady's return meant that impending Buccaneer free agents that had initially planned to go elsewhere or retire, were now set on returning and joining Brady for another round of glory chasing.
This also means that other notable free agents on the market are fair game for Brady and the Bucs as they attempt to lure more firepower to Tampa.
One major free agent worth mentioning is veteran wide receiver, Julio Jones. Recently, the Tennessee Titans cut the seven-time Pro Bowler after just one season with the team and he could serve as a viable replacement for Antonio Brown in Tampa.
Rumors have circulated that there’s mutual interest in bringing Julio to Tampa Bay, which may spell trouble for the rest of the NFL.
In regards to trades, the quarterback carousel has been moving rather quickly with the Seattle Seahawks moving on from Russ
el Wilson in a trade that sent him to the Denver Broncos.
Former MVP and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan was traded to the Indianapolis Colts for a third-round pick in the upcoming 2022 NFL Draft.
Deshaun Watson finally got his wish of being traded from the Houston Texans as he waived his no-trade clause to the Cleveland Browns. This latest arrival of Watson to Cleveland leaves Baker Mayfield out in the cold.
Once Mayfield requested a trade, there was apparent interest to pave his way to the Colts, but that fell short once they made the move for Ryan. While it may seem bitter to be Mayfield right now, there may be an opportunity awaiting him in Seattle.
The Seahawks received quarterback Drew Lock as a part of the Wilson deal but would be hard-pressed to not consider Mayfield an upgrade over Lock.
We’ll sit back and watch as more deals pan out, there is much more movement in the NFL expected ahead of the upcoming NFL Draft!