Favorite Team Additions-AFC

The NFL’s new league year kicked off 11 days ago. There’s been far too much movement to be contained in only 11 days. Granted, the dealings were happening days, even weeks, before the official kick off. There’s been a lot of big-time movement. Quarterbacks, star receivers, pass rushers, etc. A lot of teams have made bold moves. A lot of teams have changed their teams and the league. Here are my favorite moves for each team. The NFC was yesterday. It’s the AFC’s turn today. 

Baltimore Ravens

Marcus Williams, S

When I think of Marcus Williams I can’t help but think of his tackling whiff on Stefon Diggs. The Vikings might have a Kai Forbath field goal. They might even have a playoff loss. We don’t have a Minneapolis Miracle if Williams doesn’t whiff on Diggs. One play shouldn’t define a player. Williams is a terrific safety and the Ravens secondary is better with him.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Myles Jack, LB

T.J. Watt-Devin Bush-Myles Jack-Alex Highsmith. That’s a dynamite linebacker group. 

Cincinnati Bengals 

La’el Collins, T

The Bengals attacked the offensive line in free agency. La’el Collins, Alex Cappa, Ted Karras. The Bengals have a strong roster. They had an offensive line weakness. On paper, the offensive line is no longer a weakness. La’el Collins is the best of the new linemen.

Cleveland Browns

I don’t really care for anything that the Browns have done. 

New England Patriots

Devin McCourty, S

This one isn’t an addition. I can’t imagine Devin McCourty playing for a team other than the Patriots. 

Buffalo Bills

Von Miller, Edge

The Bills are one of the most talented teams in the league. They probably didn’t need Von Miller. They are a better team with Von Miller.

Miami Dolphins

Tyreek Hill, WR

I don’t see Tyreek Hill with Tua Tagavailoa the same as Tyreek Hill with Patrick Mahomes. Hill is one of the most dangerous players in the league. Tagavailoa needs Hill more than Mahomes needs Hill. That’s probably why the Chiefs made the trade. It’s the Dolphins gain. Football will be interesting and fun in Miami. That’s a good thing. Hill will be a big reason for that. 

New York Jets

Tyler Conklin, TE

C.J. Uzomah might have the bigger name. Tyler Conklin might be the better tight end addition. 

Tennessee Titans

Robert Brooks, WR

Robert Brooks will pair nicely with A.J. Brown.

Indianapolis Colts

Matt Ryan, QB

The Colts have been trying to find a quarterback solution since Andrew Luck retired. Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz, and now Matt Ryan. Wentz was the youngster of the three. I believe that Ryan has more left than Rivers had when he joined the Colts. Ryan is now with a team that has nearly everything he needs to win. This Colts team might even be more talented than the Falcons team he took to the Super Bowl. 

Jacksonville Jaguars

Darious Williams, CB

The Jaguars kicked off free agency by adding players at such a rate it felt unconscious. I’m sure their fans loved it. We’ll see if the team is improved. Brandon Scherff. Fine. I get it. He topped a lot of rankings. Christian Kirk. Good receiver. Ridiculous contract. It was a Top 10 contract for a Top 25 receiver. At best. It’s the sort of deal that makes one wonder if a team knows the real world. Darious Williams? That’s a strong deal for an underrated football player. 

Houston Texans

Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Edge

When watching the Rams front it’s tough to see anyone other than Aaron Donald. With blinders, I often saw Ogbonnia Okoronkwo flash. He has a future in the NFL. 

Kansas City Chiefs

JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR

What we are seeing now is the difference a quarterback makes. Elite receivers can be found in draft rounds 1-7. Elite quarterbacks are an infuriating crap shoot. I wouldn’t be surprised if JuJu Smith-Schuster’s receiving numbers top those of Tyreek Hill in Miami. Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes are going to love the reliability of Smith-Schuster. 

Denver Broncos

Russell Wilson, QB

In his second year as the general manager of the Broncos, George Paton took a big quarterback swing. I’m not sure if Russell Wilson’s the quarterback that he once was. I’m not sure if he’s ever been the quarterback that most think he is. I assume that Paton and new head coach Nathaniel Hackett are thrilled with their 33-year old quarterback. I trust the professional football people. I trust them even though I believe that Wilson is now the fourth best quarterback in the division. 

Los Angeles Chargers

Khalil Mack, Edge

The Chargers are the Bills without the recent playoff appearances. Ridiculously talented young quarterback. Special playmakers. Very good defense. With Brandon Staley as head coach, the Chargers will always have a strongly schemed defense. At crunch time it comes down to players. Despite Joey Bosa ripping up one side, the Chargers felt the need for a bit of balance. Khalil Mack. One of the most disruptive defensive players of recent years is now paired with Joey Bosa. 

Las Vegas Raiders

Davante Adams, WR

Davante Adams really wanted out of Green Bay. I wonder if there are other Packer players that feel the same. The Packers great loss is the Raiders great gain. Adams is a great receiver. He’ll be a great receiver for a few more years.