NFL Free Agency 2022- Biggest Winners
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Key Additions:
- Khalil Mack | EDGE
- JC Jackson | CB
- Sebastian Joseph-Day | DL
The biggest winners during the first week of free agency was not the Superbowl Champions Los Angeles Rams but their stadium roommates if you will, the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers made a big splash before the opening of the free agency period by trading for Bears star pass rusher Khalil Mack and soon after added the top CB on the market in JC Jackson and a stout interior lineman in Sebastian Joseph-Day. LA also made sure to one of their own in playmaking WR Mike Williams in an off-season that should set the Chargers up to be contenders in the gauntlet that is now the AFC West.
DENVER BRONCOS
Key Additions:
- Russell Wilson | QB
- Randy Gregory | EDGE
- DJ Jones | DL
The Denver Broncos were considered to be the top candidate for free agent QB Aaron Rodgers but after the back-to-back MVP returned to Green Bay, Denver quickly pivoted to another option and went all in on a trade for Seattle Seahawk, Russell Wilson. After adding the franchise changing QB, the Broncos swooped in and signed pass rusher Randy Gregory from Dallas as well as a good interior lineman in DJ Jones. With these key additions, the Broncos should be considered a strong contender for the playoffs and if all goes well, they could be favorites from the AFC.
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
Key Additions:
- Davante Adams | WR
- Chandler Jones | EDGE
- Bilal Nichols | DL
While QB Aaron Rodgers made his no so shocking return to the Green Bay Packers, the shocking move came a few days after when the team traded his top target and the best WR, Davante Adams, to the Las Vegas Raiders for two high draft picks. Adams has wanted to play for the Raiders and not only will he make a great receiving threat with WR Hunter Renfrow and TE Darren Waller but he will also reunited with his college teammate QB Derek Carr and should be one of the top connections in the NFL this year. Las Vegas also upgraded their defensive line with top pass rusher Chandler Jones and adding depth on the interior in Bilal Nichols. With the AFC West shaping up to be the top division in the league, Las Vegas knew they had some stiff competition and they made sure to add some star power this off-season in one of the wildest weeks of free agency in the last few years.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Key Additions:
- La’el Collins | OT
- Alex Cappa | OG
- Ted Karras | OL
- Hayden Hurst | TE
Everyone knew the Cincinnati Bengals biggest need was offensive line after QB Joe Burrow took a ton of hits this season and so this off-season they made sure to protect their young franchise QB. The Bengals first signed a pair of good interior linemen with Alex Cappa and Ted Karras along with a replacement at TE in Hayden Hurst. Then within the last 24 hrs, newly released OT La’el Collins visited Cincinnati and left with a new 3 year contract with is one of the best signings of the off-season and one that will surely make Burrow a happy camper. The Bengals shocked the NFL world last year by making it to the Super bowl and with their new offensive line don’t be shocked to see them have similar success going into 2021.
NEW YORK JETS
Key Additions:
- CJ Uzomah | TE
- Laken Tomlinson | OL
- DJ Reed | S
- Jordan Whitehead | S
When one looks at the Jets signings so far in free agency, their isn’t a big name that pops off the list but instead they picked up four players who will be instant contributors on a young team. OL Laken Tomlinson is one of the best interior lineman available this off-season and will be a strong presence across from 2021 first round pick Alijah Vera-Tucker. TE CJ Uzomah had a breakout season with the Bengals and could be the TE the Jets have missed for years and they also signed two starting S who will be instant playmakers for HC Robert Saleh’s defense. The New York Jets are a young team with some good talent and they only got better this off-season.