After the whirlwind of the initial week of NFL free agency, teams perceive themselves with fresh faces and lasting gaps on their rosters. There are several moves in the professional football realm. These include Saquon Barkley's move to the Philadelphia Eagles, Kirk Cousins' move to the Atlanta Falcons, and Christian Wilkins' acquisition by the Las Vegas Raiders.
In conjunction with several others, these maneuvers have encouraged discussions across the league. Also, the maneuvers have encouraged analysis that shows which teams have escalated their ranks and which ones still need improvement.
Atlanta Falcons Free Agency Impact
The Atlanta Falcons acquired the services of experienced quarterback Kirk Cousins. This bold move during free agency is anticipated to enhance the Falcons' offense, which encountered challenges in the earlier season due to disappointing performances from their quarterbacks. Although they fielded a competitive team in their division last year, uneven quarterback play from Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke prevented the Falcons from securing the division title.
The team strengthened its skill position arsenal by adding Darnell Mooney and Rondale Moore, complementing. They were added to the robust group featuring proficient players like Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson.
The Falcons feature one of the most effective run-blocking offensive lines. The Falcons are expected to contend for the NFC South championship in 2023 with a powerful offensive setup. However, whether they can play as genuine Super Bowl contenders is still debated. It is still relatively early to decide on this.
Giants and Eagles: Free Agency Moves
During the free agency period, the New York Giants chose against re-signing their standout running back, Saquon Barkley. Instead, they distributed their resources into strengthening their offensive line and improving their defensive lineup via several trades and signings. Remarkably, they added proficient players like Jon Runyan, Brian Burns, and Jermaine Eluemunor to fortify their team.
The Philadelphia Eagles added Barkley to reinforce their offense during the team's existing Super Bowl window. Barkley, acclaimed as one of the league's leading premier running backs, will team up with DeVonta Smith, A.J. Brown, and Dallas Goedert to create a formidable offensive attack behind Jalen Hurts.
The Eagles' offense is poised to be a principal force in the NFL this season, positioning them as genuine contenders for a Super Bowl berth.
Justin Fields: Free Agency Dilemma
During free agency, Justin Fields emerged as a sought-after player as teams sought to reinforce their quarterback positions. However, several prime choices are already acquired. So, Fields may be left with limited options, potentially demoted to a backup role or traded for draft assets. Teams such as the Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers loom as possible destinations where Fields could land.
Chicago Bears fans may have to prepare themselves for the possibility of a quarterback shake-up. The reason is the team may need an attractive offer to retain Fields. The uncertainty veils Fields' future. However, his upcoming destination will be vital in shaping his success and trajectory in the NFL.
Cowboys' Free Agency Void and Roster Gaps
The Dallas Cowboys were comparatively quiet during free agency. Their most notable addition was Eric Kendricks. However, the departure of prominent players like Tyler Biadasz and Tyron Smith has revealed significant gaps in their roster across multiple positions.
Although the Cowboys usually focus on the draft to solve these issues, their subdued free agency activity has made them scramble to stay competitive in their division.
Including a top prospect from the 2023 NFL Draft could assist Dallas rebound from their sluggish start in free agency. The same could also help them enhance their roster for the forthcoming season.