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 using this space to identify the most interesting fits on both offense and defense.
We began Friday by highlighting our most interesting players on offense, and continue in the space below by looking at the defensive side of the ball. It’s important to note that we’re looking for the most interesting players, and not necessarily the best. Zach Allen is a good player, but we already know what that type of player looks like in the context of the Broncos defense, so he won’t be highlighted here even though we’ll take a look at some other players who may not be as impactful.
Without further ado…
This is a fascinating signing because just a few years ago, the 49ers traded a similar player (DeForest Buckner) for a first-round pick instead of giving him a long-term contract. The Niners used that first-round selection on Javon Kinlaw, but he has struggled to stay healthy and produce at a high level alongside Arik Armstead on the interior. Now, San Francisco has brought in another high-level disruptor to pair with Armstead and Nick Bosa, and it’s interesting that he operates from the defensive tackle spot, while the departing Charles Omenihu was an edge rusher. That might slightly change the complexion of what has long been one of the NFL‘s best defenses, which was already set to change with Steve Wilks taking over for DeMeco Ryans as defensive coordinator.
The Browns have struggled badly to stop the run in recent seasons. Enter Tomlinson, one of the best body-eaters in the league on the defensive interior. Over the past couple years, they had a pocket-crasher type working across from Myles Garrett in Jadeveon Clowney. Okoronkwo is more of a pure speed threat coming around the edge. Those two signings dramatically change the look of Cleveland’s defensive line. With Thornhill, the Browns get someone who can patrol the deep parts of the field and come up to either stop the run or defend tight ends, which makes him a nice fit alongside Grant Delpit. Cleveland’s defense has had a lot of talent, but not lived up to it of late. Perhaps this trio can close (or at least narrow) the gap between perception and reality.
Minnesota Vikings
I like pairing these two…
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