We’re just a few days into the 2023 NFL free agency period, but there have already been a slew of moves that should change the complexion of the league next season. With new faces in new places all across the league, we’re going to use this space over the next couple of days to identify the most interesting fits on both offense and defense.
It’s important to note that these are the most interesting acquisitions and not necessarily the best. Jakobi Meyers was a good get for the Raiders, but we already know how he fits in Josh McDaniels’ offense, so he’s not included here. I’m not all that interested in the Saints again trying to desperately cling to whatever sliver of a contention window they have left, so neither is Derek Carr, even though he’s a better player than some of the quarterbacks we’ll highlight. We are, however, going to include a couple of players acquired via trade, because teams treat this time of year as the player-acquisition phase of the offseason, and it all mixes together.
With all that said, let’s get started with the offensive side of the ball.
Quarterbacks
These fits are all interesting for wildly different reasons. For Garoppolo, it’s going to be fascinating to see what he looks like outside of the Kyle Shanahan cocoon. There’s long been a disagreement among film-watchers and stat nerds about the true level of Garoppolo’s talent, and removing him from Shanahan’s ecosystem will provide a nice test case. Sure, Garoppolo and McDaniels are familiar with each other from their days with the Patriots, but Jimmy G made just two starts and threw only 94 passes across three seasons with New England, so we don’t really know what he looks like in this offense.
Meanwhile, it’s entirely possible that Darnold ends up having to play at some point for the 49ers, considering the injury issues the team has with both Trey Lance and Brock Purdy. Shanahan’s offense has been a rising tide that lifts all boats, and the Niners have one of the most friendly ecosystems into which a quarterback can be dropped; will it be able to help one of the most underwhelming young quarterbacks in recent memory?
And then there’s Brissett, who more than admirably filled in for Deshaun Watson in Cleveland last season, and actually outperformed Cleveland’s preferred starter. The Commies are talking like Sam Howell is going to be their starter this season, but it seems at least somewhat…
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