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25 NFL offseason moves that need to happen
Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

25 NFL offseason moves that need to happen

The NFL offseason is often surprising and entertaining for football fans, but it could always be better. Maybe it's just wishful thinking, but these 25 proposed moves would certainly make the 2020 NFL offseason more fun. 

 
1 of 25

Danny Amendola signs with the Patriots

Danny Amendola signs with the Patriots
Raj Mehta / USA Today Sports Images

Amendola is a free agent again at age 34 after a productive year in Detroit. While he wouldn't be an answer to New England's receiver problems, Amendola is still valuable and could step into the complicated offense immediately. The Patriots could be a good capper for his career, as he spent 2013-2017 with the team.

 
2 of 25

Robby Anderson signs with the 49ers

Robby Anderson signs with the 49ers
Brad Penner / USA Today Sports Images

Perhaps no free agent wideout has more upside than Anderson, who is just entering his age 27 season and has averaged 824 yards and six touchdowns over the last three years in a mediocre Jets offense. He's had some problems off the field but could be a difference maker for a San Francisco offense that could use a No. 1 wideout to get over the hump and win the Super Bowl.

 
3 of 25

Shaquil Barrett signs with the Texans

Shaquil Barrett signs with the Texans
Charles LeClaire / USA Today Sports Images

Barrett is about to get a huge payday after leading the NFL with 19.5 sacks in 2019. Houston desperately needs help with its pass rush after trading Jadeveon Clowney last season, along with J.J. Watt's durability issues. Barrett would be an excellent fit if Houston can find the funds.

 
4 of 25

James Bradberry signs with the Redskins

James Bradberry signs with the Redskins
Jeremy Brevard / USA Today Sports Images

One of the top corners on the market, Bradberry has been highly productive in four seasons with Carolina. Washington has already moved on from Josh Norman, so Bradberry would be a good fit while also following former Panthers head coach Ron Rivera to the Skins. 

 
5 of 25

Tom Brady signs with the Raiders

Tom Brady signs with the Raiders
Winslow Townson / USA Today Sports Images

It seems likely Brady remains in New England, but a move to Vegas would cause quite a splash. Derek Carr has struggled in Jon Gruden's offense over the last two seasons, and Brady would add instant credibility to a young Raiders roster that could be ready to take the next step.

 
6 of 25

Teddy Bridgewater signs with the Buccaneers

Teddy Bridgewater signs with the Buccaneers
Reinhold Matay / USA Today Sports Images

Bridgewater proved he can still win as a starter last season, going 5-0 for the Saints when Drew Brees was injured. He's certainly not a superstar, but Bridgewater has consistently won during his career and could provide the Bucs with an accurate passer who protects the ball. That's the antithesis of what they've seen from Jameis Winston recently.

 
7 of 25

Jack Conklin signs with the Browns

Jack Conklin signs with the Browns
Kyle Terada / USA Today Sports Images

Cleveland has plenty of talent, but its offensive line is a clear weakness. Conklin is set for a huge contract, but Tennessee might not be able to afford him with Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry also needing to get paid. Moving to Cleveland would be a great move for the Browns, as they continue to benefit from Baker Mayfield's rookie contract.

 
8 of 25

Kenyan Drake re-signs with the Cardinals

Kenyan Drake re-signs with the Cardinals
Joe Nicholson / USA Today Sports Images

Drake was traded from Miami to Arizona at midseason and likely made himself a lot of money in eight starts with the Cardinals, with 814 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns. David Johnson is still on the team, but if Arizona is able to find a taker for him, Drake could take over, as he certainly looked like a better fit in Kliff Kingsbury's offense last season.

 
9 of 25

David Johnson traded to the Buccaneers

David Johnson traded to the Buccaneers
Joe Camporeale / USA Today Sports Images

Johnson wore down last season and saw only 130 touches in 13 games for the Cardinals. The former All-Pro in 2016 has struggled over the last few seasons, so a change of scenery might not be a bad idea. Former Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians knows Johnson well, and Tampa Bay has a need at running back.

 
10 of 25

Melvin Gordon signs with the Texans

Melvin Gordon signs with the Texans
Kirby Lee / USA Today Sports Images

Gordon's relationship with the Chargers most likely suffered irreversible damage when he held out at the start of 2019. The free agent still presents dynamic ability, and Houston's offense can take advantage of that, adding to strong weapons at wide receiver. It would be another step in the Texans' quest to advance further in the playoffs.

 
11 of 25

A.J. Green signs with the Ravens

A.J. Green signs with the Ravens
Aaron Doster / USA Today Sports Images

Green missed all of 2019 due to injury, so his free agent market will be interesting. There's obvious upside for a player who made the Pro Bowl in his first seven seasons, putting together six 1,000-plus yard campaigns. The Ravens got production from Marquise Brown in his rookie season but could use another prime target for Lamar Jackson.

 
12 of 25

Chris Harris Jr. signs with the Chiefs

Chris Harris Jr. signs with the Chiefs
Isaiah J. Downing / USA Today Sports Images

Harris is set to depart the Broncos after nine seasons to find a spot better suited for his skill set. The Chiefs have a cornerback need with multiple free agents at that position, and Harris attended college in nearby Lawrence, at Kansas. If Harris makes a priority of winning at this point in his career, K.C. becomes a great fit.

 
13 of 25

Hunter Henry signs with the Packers

Hunter Henry signs with the Packers
Gary A. Vasquez / USA Today Sports Images

Henry is one of the most talented tight ends in the league, but injuries have hindered him in four seasons with the Chargers. Those injuries might spook the team from giving Henry a big contract, but Green Bay is desperate to find help for the aging Aaron Rodgers. Henry could be the right fit after Jimmy Graham struggled over the last two years.

 
14 of 25

O.J. Howard traded to the Patriots

O.J. Howard traded to the Patriots
Douglas DeFelice / USA Today Sports Images

Howard looked like a budding star in his first two seasons in Tampa Bay, but he seemed to be in the doghouse with the new coaching staff in 2019. A trade could be best for both team and player in Howard's fourth season, and the Pats are hungry for capable receivers. Bill Belichick should also be able to get a good scouting report about the Crimson Tide alum from his close friend, Alabama head coach Nick Saban.

 
15 of 25

Byron Jones signs with the Broncos

Byron Jones signs with the Broncos
Brad Penner / USA Today Sports Images

Jones could be the odd free agent out for a Cowboys team that is probably set to give big money to Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper. Converted from safety to corner two years ago, Jones has proved capable and better fits the Broncos defensive scheme than Chris Harris Jr. The Broncos should also have plenty of money to spend this offseason.

 
16 of 25

Chris Jones re-signs with the Chiefs

Chris Jones re-signs with the Chiefs
Jay Biggerstaff / USA Today Sports Images

Jones is arguably the top defensive lineman on the market, and he's stated his preference to remain in Kansas City. The question is whether the team can afford him, given that it also needs to extend star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. As the Chiefs try to build a dynasty, keeping Jones around under the cap will be difficult but not impossible.

 
17 of 25

Matt Judon signs with the Titans

Matt Judon signs with the Titans
Mitchell Layton / USA Today Sports Images

Baltimore has proved as capable as any team in the NFL of producing edge pass rushers. After losing Za'Darius Smith and Terrell Suggs last offseason, Judon could be the next to go. Tennessee could use pass rush help, and Judon still might fit under its budget after recording a career-high 9.5 sacks last season.

 
18 of 25

Marcus Mariota signs with the Panthers

Marcus Mariota signs with the Panthers
Jeremy Brevard / USA Today Sports Images

Mariota finally lost his starting job in his fifth season with Tennessee. Despite his career decline, it's worth noting that he has seen a merry-go-round of offensive coaching changes with the Titans. The former No. 2 overall pick still has plenty of upside and would be an interesting signing if the Panthers decide to move on from Cam Newton this offseason.

 
19 of 25

Cam Newton traded to the Chargers

Cam Newton traded to the Chargers
Jeremy Brevard / USA Today Sports Images

Newton missed most of last season with a foot injury and could be in the midst of an early decline, as is often the case with mobile quarterbacks. The Chargers have an early pick in the first round and may be in the market for a bridge quarterback, as they develop a youngster. With Carolina possibly headed for a rebuild after hiring a new head coach and the loss of Luke Kuechly, Newton could have a new home in 2020. The Chargers are just one year removed from a 12-4 season and have the weapons on the outside to help Newton along.

 
20 of 25

Philip Rivers signs with the Colts

Philip Rivers signs with the Colts
Kirby Lee / USA Today Sports Images

Rivers struggled last season with the Chargers, but his experience could still be attractive for a team ready to compete. While Tampa Bay makes sense geographically after Rivers moved to Florida recently, the Colts are also a strong fit with a good roster and history between Rivers and head coach Frank Reich.

 
21 of 25

Darius Slay traded to the Eagles

Darius Slay traded to the Eagles
Raj Mehta / USA Today Sports Images

Slay seems like the big ticket item this offseason, with the Lions cornerback likely to fetch a huge trade package if he's moved. Philadelphia is in need of cornerback help and might be willing to spend the draft capital to get an elite one like Slay. Such a move would be bold and help the team keep pace with Dallas in the NFC East.

 
22 of 25

Danny Trevathan signs with the Broncos

Danny Trevathan signs with the Broncos
Geoff Burke / USA Today Sports Images

Trevathan played only nine games in Chicago last season, and he could come cheap as he rebuilds his value at age 30. Moving back to Denver, where he spent the first four seasons of his career, looks like a perfect fit. Trevathan excelled in Vic Fangio's Bears defense and could rejoin his former coordinator in Broncos Country.

 
23 of 25

Sammy Watkins signs with the Eagles

Sammy Watkins signs with the Eagles
Robert Deutsch / USA Today Sports Images

Watkins is still under contract with the Chiefs but seems likely to be cut, with K.C. saving $14 million under the cap in such a scenario. The Super Bowl hero has enjoyed Andy Reid's offense and wouldn't have to adjust much in Philly under Reid protege Doug Pederson. The Eagles are also in desperate need of wide receiver help. 

 
24 of 25

Albert Wilson signs with the Chiefs

Albert Wilson signs with the Chiefs
Rich Barnes / USA Today Sports Images

With a huge cap number and two injury-plagued seasons with Miami, Wilson is a strong candidate to hit the street this offseason. Rejoining the Chiefs, where he spent his first four seasons, would be a nice fit with the team potentially set to lose Sammy Watkins and Demarcus Robinson. Wilson played one game with Patrick Mahomes in 2017, finishing with 10 catches for 147 yards vs. Denver.

 
25 of 25

Jameis Winston signs with the Bears

Jameis Winston signs with the Bears
Raj Mehta / USA Today Sports Images

Tampa Bay might not want Winston back after he threw 30 interceptions in 2019. His inability to take care of the ball could prevent Winston from being handed a starting job as a free agent, but he could give young Mitchell Trubisky significant competition in Chicago. Like Trubisky, Winston has shown flashes in his five seasons, and the threat of competition could do both quarterbacks some good.

Seth Trachtman

Seth Trachtman is a sportswriter, digital marketer, and fantasy sports expert based in St. Louis, Missouri. He’s a two-time winner of the Tout Wars Fantasy Baseball Expert’s League, and his work has appeared in hundreds of fantasy baseball and fantasy football newsstand and online publications

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