<div class="article-meta"><span class="timestamp" data-behavior="date_time" data-date="2021-08-02T11:05:00Z"><span class="time" data-dateformat="time1" data-showtimezone="true">7:05 AM ET</span></span></div> <p>Though the COVID-19 pandemic appears far from over, the NFL gradually regained a semblance of normalcy during the 2021 offseason. The draft returned to being a live event, as thousands of fans flocked to the banks off Lake Erie in Cleveland. Players reported for offseason workouts in the summer. Teams are preparing for packed stadiums in the fall.</p> <p>Though seemingly normal, the 2021 offseason still featured plenty of drama, especially among the quarterbacks. One of the league’s all-time greatest retired, while another contemplated joining him after feuding with his organization. The GOAT signed an extension through his 45th birthday, while a Heisman winner started a comeback — at a different position. Another QB finally got his contract, while another restructured his record deal make a run back at the Super Bowl. And for just the second time this millennium, five passers went in the top 15 of the draft, beginning with a generational prospect at the top.</p> <p>As <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31849337/2021-nfl-training-camp-biggest-questions-roster-projections-all-32-teams">training camps</a> across the league crank up, let’s get to our annual offseason review, with everything you need to know from the past six months to get you up to speed and ready for the <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/schedule">2021 season</a>.</p> <p><img src="https://a.espncdn.com/i/infographics/20170710_nfl_fpr/charts/_end_rule.png" width="100%"><img alt="" class="floatleft" src="https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/nfl/500/gb.png&h=110&w=110" width="31"></p> <h2>Rodgers returns to Green Bay</h2> <p>Despite being <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31359453/aaron-rodgers-want-return-green-bay-packers-sources-say">disgruntled with the organization</a>, reigning MVP <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/8439/aaron-rodgers">Aaron Rodgers</a> finally <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31897023/aaron-rodgers-shows-first-day-green-bay-packers-training-camp">agreed to rejoin</a> the <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/gb/green-bay-packers">Green Bay Packers</a> at the start of training camp — albeit with the condition that he would be able to control his future after the upcoming season. As a result, the Packers voided the 2023 year in Rodgers’ contract, the last one in his current deal, while agreeing not to tag him in the future. To <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31911767/green-bay-packers-gm-says-randall-cobb-trade-was-very-important-thing-aaron-rodgers">consummate the peace offering</a>, the Packers also traded for Rodgers’ former go-to wide receiver <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/14053/randall-cobb">Randall Cobb</a>.</p> <p>Rodgers candidly <a href="https://www.espn.com/blog/green-bay-packers/post/_/id/51008/aaron-rodgers-transcript-everything-he-said-about-return-to-packers">aired his grievances</a> with the organization as camp opened, noting his frustration with being left out of key personnel decisions. He even admitted he <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31906198/aaron-rodgers-says-mulled-retiring-wants-more-say-green-bay-packers">considered retiring</a>. Instead, he’s <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31913899/aaron-rodgers-signs-reworked-deal-green-bay-packers-sources-say">back for his 17th season</a> with the Packers. And despite the falling-out, they’ll <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31433043/from-holdout-concession-how-aaron-rodgers-green-bay-packers-got-here">attempt at least one more run</a> at a Super Bowl together.</p> <div data-behavior="video_scroll" class="contentItem__content contentItem__content--media-card contentItem__content--fullWidth contentItem__content--inline" readability="6"> <figure data-video="native,640,360,31906109" data-cerebro-id="61019d21be6ab319372776ce" class="media-wrapper_image video" data-source="espn"><picture class="media-wrapper_image"><source media="(min-width: 376px)" srcset="https://a2.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fmedia%2Fmotion%2F2021%2F0728%2Fdm_210728_SC_Hasselbeck_on_Rodgers_presser%2Fdm_210728_SC_Hasselbeck_on_Rodgers_presser.jpg&w=640&h=360&cquality=80&format=jpg"></source><source media="(max-width: 375px)" srcset="https://a2.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fmedia%2Fmotion%2F2021%2F0728%2Fdm_210728_SC_Hasselbeck_on_Rodgers_presser%2Fdm_210728_SC_Hasselbeck_on_Rodgers_presser.jpg&w=335&cquality=80, https://a2.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fmedia%2Fmotion%2F2021%2F0728%2Fdm_210728_SC_Hasselbeck_on_Rodgers_presser%2Fdm_210728_SC_Hasselbeck_on_Rodgers_presser.jpg&w=670&cquality=40&format=jpg 2x"></source><img class=" lazyload lazyload"></picture><span class="video-play-button" data-id="31906109">play</span><figcaption class="media-caption"> <p>1:31</p> </figcaption></figure> <div class="contentItem__contentWrapper" readability="32"> <p class="contentItem__subhead">Tim Hasselbeck discusses the message Aaron Rodgers sent to the Packers during his news conference.</p> </div> </div> <hr> <p><img alt="" class="floatleft" src="https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/nfl/500/no.png&h=110&w=110" width="31"></p> <h2>Brees hangs it up</h2> <p><a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/no/new-orleans-saints">New Orleans Saints</a> QB Drew Brees did <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31065863/new-orleans-saints-qb-drew-brees-retires-nfl-20-seasons">decide to retire</a>, finishing as the NFL’s all-time leader with 80,358 passing yards. After an illustrious 20-year career, which included leading the Saints to their first Super Bowl appearance (and victory), Brees should be a lock to become a first-ballot Hall of Famer.</p> <p>Other notable retirements included quarterbacks Phillip Rivers and Alex Smith, wide receivers Julian Edelman and Demaryius Thomas, tight ends Jason Witten and Greg Olsen, offensive linemen Maurkice Pouncey, Mike Pouncey, Mike Iupati and Anthony Castonzo, linebackers Thomas Davis and Sean Lee and kicker Adam Vinatieri.</p> <hr> <p><img alt="" class="floatleft" src="https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/nfl/500/hou.png&h=110&w=110" width="31"></p> <h2>Watson faces sexual assault accusations</h2> <p>In April, the first of <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31510249/houston-texans-qb-deshaun-watson-not-scheduled-deposed-case-early-2022">23 lawsuits</a> was filed against <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/hou/houston-texans">Houston Texans</a> quarterback <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3122840/deshaun-watson">Deshaun Watson</a>, with allegations of sexual assault or sexually inappropriate behavior during massage sessions. In addition, 10 women <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31890699/two-women-new-allegations-10-file-police-complaints-texans-qb-deshaun-watson">filed complaints with Houston police</a>, two of whom hadn’t filed lawsuits against Watson.</p> <p>The NFL <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31899690/nfl-says-no-restrictions-deshaun-watson-houston-texans-camp-investigation-ongoing">hasn’t restricted Watson’s participation</a> with the Texans, though it said in a statement last week that a “review of the serious allegations remains ongoing and active.”</p> <p>Before the allegations surfaced, Watson had <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31888473/sources-houston-texans-now-willing-trade-qb-deshaun-watson">requested a trade</a> from the Texans.</p> <hr> <aside class="inline editorial float-r" data-behavior="article_related"> <ul> <li><a name="&lpos=story:editorspicks:inline:1" href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31849337/2021-nfl-training-camp-biggest-questions-roster-projections-all-32-teams" class="img-link"><img loading="lazy" src="https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/photo/2021/0501/nfl_draft_pick_1296x1296.jpg&w=130&h=130&scale=crop&location=center" width="65" height="65"></a></li> <li><a name="&lpos=story:editorspicks:inline:2" href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31884363/how-nfl-training-camps-work-2021-answering-big-questions-new-covid-19-protocols-rules-unvaccinated-players" class="img-link"><img loading="lazy" src="https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/photo/2021/0726/r885366_1296x1296_1-1.jpg&w=130&h=130&scale=crop&location=center" width="65" height="65"></a></li> </ul> <p>1 Related</p> </aside> <p><img alt="" class="floatleft" src="https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/nfl/500/sea.png&h=110&w=110" width="31"></p> <h2>Tension with Seahawks fuels Wilson trade rumors</h2> <p>Rodgers wasn’t the only premier quarterback to become exasperated with his circumstances. <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/14881/russell-wilson">Russell Wilson</a> expressed <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31606775/seahawks-russell-wilson-says-there-were-unfortunate-frustrations-last-season-wants-stay-seattle">frustration</a> with all the hits he’d been taking and requested more say in the <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/sea/seattle-seahawks">Seattle Seahawks</a>‘ personnel decisions, as well. Wilson never demanded a trade. But the fact that his agent <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31353209/seahawks-say-fantastic-place-russell-wilson-actively-engage-trade-talks">publicly disclosed</a> the only four teams (Cowboys, Saints, Raiders and Bears) he would play for in the event of a trade underscored the tension.</p> <hr> <p><img alt="" class="floatleft" src="https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/nfl/500/dal.png&h=110&w=110" width="31"></p> <h2>Dak finally gets his money</h2> <p>The third offseason was the charm for quarterback <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/2577417/dak-prescott">Dak Prescott</a>. After seemingly endless negotiations that covered three years, Prescott and the <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/dal/dallas-cowboys">Dallas Cowboys</a> finally <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31029457/dallas-cowboys-agree-new-contract-qb-dak-prescott">agreed to a four-year extension</a> worth $160 million, including $126 million guaranteed. The deal also included an NFL-record $66 million signing bonus, effectively resetting the quarterback market for future negotiations elsewhere.</p> <p>Prescott might be coming off a compound ankle fracture, but after such a massive extension, the pressure will be on for him to become the first quarterback since Troy Aikman to take Dallas to a Super Bowl.</p> <hr> <p><img alt="" class="floatleft" src="https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/nfl/500/tb.png&h=110&w=110" width="31"></p> <h2>Brady signs extension</h2> <p>A month after winning a seventh Super Bowl, quarterback <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/2330/tom-brady">Tom Brady</a> signed a one-year <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31051305/sources-tom-brady-tampa-bay-buccaneers-agree-4-year-extension">contract extension</a> with the <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/tb/tampa-bay-buccaneers">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> that will tie him with the team through the 2022 season — and his 45th birthday.</p> <p>The move saved the Buccaneers $19 million against the salary cap, which allowed them to keep the bulk of their Super Bowl-winning team together, making them a favorite to repeat.</p> <hr> <p><img alt="" class="floatleft" src="https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/nfl/500/ne.png&h=110&w=110" width="31"></p> <h2>Patriots splurge post-Brady</h2> <p>After watching Brady win a Super Bowl without them, the <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/ne/new-england-patriots">New England Patriots</a> went on <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31112209/new-england-patriots-owner-robert-kraft-spending-business-win">a free-agent spending spree</a>, setting an NFL record with $163.4 million in guaranteed money doled out in one offseason.</p> <p>The first domino to fall actually came via a trade with the <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/lv/las-vegas-raiders">Las Vegas Raiders</a> for offensive tackle <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3043109/trent-brown">Trent Brown</a>, who already owned a Super Bowl ring protecting Brady’s blindside in New England three years ago. In addition to bringing back QB <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/13994/cam-newton">Cam Newton</a>, the Patriots signed tight ends <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3054212/jonnu-smith">Jonnu Smith</a> and <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3046439/hunter-henry">Hunter Henry</a> and edge rushers <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3961466/matt-judon">Matt Judon</a> and <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/16772/kyle-van-noy">Kyle Van Noy</a>, among several other potential key players.</p> <p>In the draft, the Patriots possibly might have scored their next quarterback of the future, as Alabama’s <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4241464/mac-jones">Mac Jones</a> fell to their pick at No. 15.</p> <p>After an NFL-record 11 straight trips to the playoffs with Brady, the Patriots’ brass didn’t want to sit out a second consecutive postseason without him.</p> <div data-behavior="video_scroll" class="contentItem__content contentItem__content--media-card contentItem__content--fullWidth contentItem__content--inline" readability="6"> <figure data-video="native,640,360,31904222" data-cerebro-id="6101578cbe6ab3193726f2d9" class="media-wrapper_image video" data-source="espn"><picture class="media-wrapper_image"><source media="(min-width: 376px)" srcset="https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fmedia%2Fmotion%2F2021%2F0728%2Fdm_210728_Get_Up_Saturday_on_Pats_offense%2Fdm_210728_Get_Up_Saturday_on_Pats_offense.jpg&w=640&h=360&cquality=80&format=jpg"></source><source media="(max-width: 375px)" srcset="https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fmedia%2Fmotion%2F2021%2F0728%2Fdm_210728_Get_Up_Saturday_on_Pats_offense%2Fdm_210728_Get_Up_Saturday_on_Pats_offense.jpg&w=335&cquality=80, https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fmedia%2Fmotion%2F2021%2F0728%2Fdm_210728_Get_Up_Saturday_on_Pats_offense%2Fdm_210728_Get_Up_Saturday_on_Pats_offense.jpg&w=670&cquality=40&format=jpg 2x"></source><img class=" lazyload lazyload"></picture><span class="video-play-button" data-id="31904222">play</span><figcaption class="media-caption"> <p>0:46</p> </figcaption></figure> <div class="contentItem__contentWrapper" readability="32"> <p class="contentItem__subhead">Jeff Saturday puts pressure on the Patriots’ offense after a disappointing 2020 season.</p> </div> </div> <hr> <p><img alt="" class="floatleft" src="https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/nfl/500/kc.png&h=110&w=110" width="31"></p> <h2>K.C. revamps OL despite missing out on Williams</h2> <p>After struggling to protect quarterback <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3139477/patrick-mahomes">Patrick Mahomes</a> during their Super Bowl loss to Tampa Bay, the <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/kc/kansas-city-chiefs">Kansas City Chiefs</a> completely turned over their offensive line.</p> <p>Kansas City was unable to close the deal on <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/13241/trent-williams">Trent Williams</a>, who returned to the <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/sf/san-francisco-49ers">San Francisco 49ers</a> as the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history with $55.1 in guaranteed money. Still, the Chiefs <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31071220/kansas-city-chiefs-agree-5-year-deal-joe-thuney">signed</a> guard <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/2577773/joe-thuney">Joe Thuney</a> and center <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/2582448/austin-blythe">Austin Blythe</a> before <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31317874/kansas-city-chiefs-sending-3-picks-baltimore-ravens-part-orlando-brown-package">nabbing</a> <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3116370/orlando-brown-jr">Orlando Brown Jr</a>. to man left tackle in a trade with the <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/bal/baltimore-ravens">Baltimore Ravens</a>. Kansas City brought former Pro Bowl guard <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/15801/kyle-long">Kyle Long</a> <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31604464/sources-kansas-city-chiefs-hope-kyle-long-back-start-regular-season-leg-injury-practice">out of retirement</a> on a one-year deal as well.</p> <p>To help make it all happen, Kansas City <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31052482/sources-kansas-city-chiefs-restructure-qb-patrick-mahomes-contract-save-17m-salary-cap">restructured Mahomes’ contract</a>, saving the Chiefs $17 million against the cap. Should his new line jell, Mahomes surely will reap the rewards.</p> <hr> <p><img alt="" class="floatleft" src="https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/nfl/500/lar.png&h=110&w=110" width="31"><img alt="" class="floatleft" src="https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/nfl/500/det.png&h=110&w=110" width="31"></p> <h2>Rams swap Goff for Stafford</h2> <p>One of the biggest moves this year actually went down before the end of the playoffs. The <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/lar/los-angeles-rams">Los Angeles Rams</a> picked up quarterback <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/12483/matthew-stafford">Matthew Stafford</a> in a trade with the <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/det/detroit-lions">Detroit Lions</a> in <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30808788/detroit-lions-dealing-matthew-stafford-los-angeles-rams-jared-goff-picks-sources-say">exchange for</a> quarterback <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3046779/jared-goff">Jared Goff</a> and a bevy of draft picks. The Lions collected two future first-rounders, plus a third-rounder this year in the first exchange of former No. 1 overall picks in the common draft era.</p> <p>Goff had led the Rams to a Super Bowl just two years earlier before signing a contract extension worth $100 million in guaranteed money. The Rams’ offense, however, tailed off the past two seasons, prompting the organization deal for Stafford.</p> <hr> <p><img alt="" class="floatleft" src="https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/nfl/500/ind.png&h=110&w=110" width="31"><img alt="" class="floatleft" src="https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/nfl/500/phi.png&h=110&w=110" width="31"></p> <h2>Eagles send Wentz to Indy</h2> <p>Goff wasn’t the only quarterback to get traded this offseason after signing a big-money extension in 2019. The <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/phi/philadelphia-eagles">Philadelphia Eagles</a> sent quarterback <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/2573079/carson-wentz">Carson Wentz</a> to the <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/ind/indianapolis-colts">Indianapolis Colts</a> for <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30923798/sources-philadelphia-eagles-trade-qb-carson-wentz-indianapolis-colts-two-draft-picks">a third-round pick this year and an additional 2022 conditional pick that could be a first-rounder</a> if Wentz starts the bulk of this season for Indy. (The conditional pick will be a first-rounder if Wentz plays at least 75% of the Colts’ offensive snaps, or if he plays at least 70% of the snaps and the Colts reach the playoffs. Otherwise, it is a second-rounder.)</p> <p>Wentz <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31921384/indianapols-colts-qb-carson-wentz-indefinitely-foot-injury-sources">suffered a foot injury</a> in the Colts’ opening week of training camp. Late in 2017, Wentz tore an ACL as the Eagles went on to win the Super Bowl. He then signed an extension, which included $107.9 million guaranteed.</p> <hr> <aside class="inline float-r inline-track" readability="2.8484848484848"><img data-lazyload="true" data-src="https://a.espncdn.com/photo/2021/0501/nfl_draft_pick_608x342.jpg" class="round lazyload" src="https://a.espncdn.com/photo/2021/0501/nfl_draft_pick_608x342.jpg"></p> <p>The NFL season is just around the corner. Here are the biggest questions heading into training camp and roster projections for all 32 teams. <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31849337/2021-nfl-training-camp-biggest-questions-roster-projections-all-32-teams"><b>Read more</b> »</a><br />&#8226 <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/schedule" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><b>Full 2021 schedule</b></a> | <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29098001/2021-nfl-depth-charts-all-32-teams" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><b>Depth charts</b> »</a><br />&#8226 <a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/transactions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><b>Transactions</b></a> | <a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/injuries" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><b>Injuries</b></a> | <b><a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">More NFL »</a></b></p> </aside> <p><img alt="" class="floatleft" src="https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/nfl/500/car.png&h=110&w=110" width="31"><img alt="" class="floatleft" src="https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/nfl/500/nyj.png&h=110&w=110" width="31"></p> <h2>Jets trade Darnold to Carolina, draft Wilson</h2> <p>Three years after hailing him as the face of the franchise, the <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/nyj/new-york-jets">New York Jets</a> jettisoned <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3912547/sam-darnold">Sam Darnold</a> to the <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/car/carolina-panthers">Carolina Panthers</a>. The trade <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31199202/new-york-jets-trade-qb-sam-darnold-carolina-panthers-3-draft-picks">netted the Jets a 2022 second-round pick</a> while clearing the way for them to select BYU’s <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4361259/zach-wilson">Zach Wilson</a> with the second overall pick in this year’s draft.</p> <p>The Jets are betting Wilson can develop into the passer they once thought Darnold would become. The Panthers, meanwhile, are gambling that they can rehabilitate Darnold, a former No. 3 pick.</p> <hr> <p><img alt="" class="floatleft" src="https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/nfl/500/den.png&h=110&w=110" width="31"><img alt="" class="floatleft" src="https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/nfl/500/car.png&h=110&w=110" width="31"></p> <h2>Panthers send Bridgewater to Denver</h2> <p>After netting Darnold, Carolina shipped <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/16728/teddy-bridgewater">Teddy Bridgewater</a> to the <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/den/denver-broncos">Denver Broncos</a> for <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31352350/carolina-panthers-trade-qb-teddy-bridgewater-denver-broncos-source-says">a late pick</a> while agreeing to eat a chunk of Bridgewater’s salary. The trade gave Denver an alternative at quarterback to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3924327/drew-lock">Drew Lock</a>, who ranked just 29th in QBR last season.</p> <p>Across the board, the Broncos boast a playoff-caliber roster. But to get to the postseason, they’ll need much better play at quarterback, regardless of who starts.</p> <hr> <p><img alt="" class="floatleft" src="https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/nfl/500/sf.png&h=110&w=110" width="31"><img alt="" class="floatleft" src="https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/nfl/500/chi.png&h=110&w=110" width="31"></p> <h2>49ers, Bears trade up for QBs</h2> <p>The <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft/news">draft</a> featured plenty of wheeling and dealing, <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2021/insider/story/_/id/31142298/nfl-draft-trade-grades-dolphins-49ers-eagles-how-team-did-their-first-round-deals-next">highlighted</a> by the San Francisco 49ers <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31141794/san-francisco-49ers-move-nfl-draft-acquire-no-3-pick-miami-dolphins-sources-say">acquiring</a> the third pick from the <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/mia/miami-dolphins">Miami Dolphins</a> ahead of the <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft/rounds">first round</a> to select North Dakota State quarterback <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4383351/trey-lance">Trey Lance</a>. Later in the draft, the <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/chi/chicago-bears">Chicago Bears</a> were able to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31362114/chicago-bears-select-qb-justin-fields-no-11-pick-nfl-draft-making-deal-new-york-giants">swing a deal</a> as well, moving up from No. 20 to No. 11 to grab Ohio State quarterback <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4362887/justin-fields">Justin Fields</a>.</p> <p>The Dolphins jumped back to No. 6 in a pre-draft trade with the Eagles to eventually grab Alabama wide receiver <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4372016/jaylen-waddle">Jaylen Waddle</a>. Then at the draft, the Eagles leapfrogged one rival (<a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/nyg/new-york-giants">New York Giants</a>) in a trade with another (Cowboys) from No. 12 to 10 to draft Waddle’s college teammate, Heisman Trophy winner <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4241478/devonta-smith">DeVonta Smith</a>.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/jax/jacksonville-jaguars">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> opened the draft by <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31361456/jacksonville-jaguars-select-former-clemson-qb-trevor-lawrence-no-1-overall-pick-nfl-draft">taking</a> Clemson’s <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4360310/trevor-lawrence">Trevor Lawrence</a>, who will try to become the first No. 1 overall pick since Peyton Manning to quarterback the team that drafted him to a Super Bowl title.</p> <div data-behavior="video_scroll" class="contentItem__content contentItem__content--media-card contentItem__content--fullWidth contentItem__content--inline" readability="6.5"> <figure data-video="native,640,360,31905350" data-cerebro-id="610182b5be6ab31937274dd3" class="media-wrapper_image video" data-source="espn"><picture class="media-wrapper_image"><source media="(min-width: 376px)" srcset="https://a1.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fmedia%2Fmotion%2F2021%2F0728%2Fdm_210728_FT_Max_on_Niners_QBs%2Fdm_210728_FT_Max_on_Niners_QBs.jpg&w=640&h=360&cquality=80&format=jpg"></source><source media="(max-width: 375px)" srcset="https://a1.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fmedia%2Fmotion%2F2021%2F0728%2Fdm_210728_FT_Max_on_Niners_QBs%2Fdm_210728_FT_Max_on_Niners_QBs.jpg&w=335&cquality=80, https://a1.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fmedia%2Fmotion%2F2021%2F0728%2Fdm_210728_FT_Max_on_Niners_QBs%2Fdm_210728_FT_Max_on_Niners_QBs.jpg&w=670&cquality=40&format=jpg 2x"></source><img class=" lazyload lazyload"></picture><span class="video-play-button" data-id="31905350">play</span><figcaption class="media-caption"> <p>1:34</p> </figcaption></figure> <div class="contentItem__contentWrapper" readability="33"> <p class="contentItem__subhead">Max Kellerman outlines why he sees the 49ers having the perfect quarterback situation with Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance.</p> </div> </div> <hr> <p><img alt="" class="floatleft" src="https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/nfl/500/ari.png&h=110&w=110" width="31"><img alt="" class="floatleft" src="https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/nfl/500/cle.png&h=110&w=110" width="31"></p> <h2>Watt goes to Arizona, Clowney to Cleveland</h2> <p>A pair of up-and-coming teams upgraded their pass rush further by <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/story/_/id/31010041/nfl-free-agency-grades-every-big-signing-trade-2021">signing</a> two former teammates.</p> <p>After the Texans granted his request for a release, five-time All-Pro <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/13979/jj-watt">J.J. Watt</a> signed <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30985209/jj-watt-announces-signing-arizona-cardinals">a two-year deal</a> with the <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/ari/arizona-cardinals">Arizona Cardinals</a>. Watt, 34, will team up with <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/14927/chandler-jones">Chandler Jones</a>, who leads the NFL in total sacks since 2012.</p> <p>The Browns, meanwhile, <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31256556/jadeveon-clowney-cleveland-browns-reach-one-year-deal-worth-10m-source-says">scored</a> <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/16734/jadeveon-clowney">Jadeveon Clowney</a>, who played with Watt in Houston after the Texans selected him No. 1 in 2014. Clowney has battled injuries throughout his career, but in Cleveland, he’ll have a prime chance to thrive playing opposite All-Pro <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3122132/myles-garrett">Myles Garrett</a>.</p> <p>Other notable <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/nfl-free-agency/">free-agent signings</a> included: wide receiver <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/2974858/kenny-golladay">Kenny Golladay</a> (Giants), safety <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3046292/john-johnson">John Johnson III</a> (Browns), wide receiver <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3042778/corey-davis">Corey Davis</a> (Jets), safety <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/2577814/anthony-harris">Anthony Harris</a> (Eagles), receiver <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3052876/william-fuller-v">William Fuller V</a> (Dolphins), quarterback <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/8664/ryan-fitzpatrick">Ryan Fitzpatrick</a> (Washington), cornerback <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3120347/adoree'-jackson">Adoree’ Jackson</a> (Giants), center <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/16864/corey-linsley">Corey Linsley</a> (Chargers), offensive guard <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/14931/kevin-zeitler">Kevin Zeitler</a> (Ravens), defensive end <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3051911/carl-lawson">Carl Lawson</a> (Jets), cornerback <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/2980383/mike-hilton">Mike Hilton</a> (Bengals), cornerback <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3054026/shaquill-griffin">Shaquill Griffin</a> (Jaguars), defensive end <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3053044/yannick-ngakoue">Yannick Ngakoue</a> (Raiders), defensive end <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/2576702/bud-dupree">Bud Dupree</a> (Titans), defensive end <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3052743/trey-hendrickson">Trey Hendrickson</a> (Bengals), defensive end <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/2980504/haason-reddick">Haason Reddick</a> (Panthers) and wide receiver <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/13983/aj-green">A.J. Green</a> (Cardinals).</p> <hr> <p><img alt="" class="floatleft" src="https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/nfl/500/jax.png&h=110&w=110" width="31"></p> <h2>Tebow makes a comeback</h2> <p>After being out of football the past six years, <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/13200/tim-tebow">Tim Tebow</a> <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31476623/source-tim-tebow-signs-one-year-contract-jacksonville-jaguars-tight-end">signed a deal</a> to play tight end with the Jaguars, reuniting the 2007 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback with Urban Meyer, his college head coach at Florida.</p> <p>Tebow, 34, previously had been toiling in the New York Mets’ minor league system. Nine years ago, Tebow did win a playoff game as quarterback of the Broncos. But he never has caught a pass in his college or pro career.</p> <p>Meyer, who won national titles for the Gators and at Ohio State, was one of <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/story/_/id/30711036/grading-nfl-head-coach-hires-2021-arthur-smith-falcons-robert-saleh-jets-urban-meyer-jaguars">seven new NFL head-coaching hires</a>, along with Brandon Staley (Chargers), Nick Sirianni (Eagles), Arthur Smith (Falcons), Robert Saleh (Jets), David Culley (Texans) and Dan Campbell (Lions).</p> <hr> <p><img alt="" class="floatleft" src="https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/nfl/500/ten.png&h=110&w=110" width="31"></p> <h2>Titans reel in a star wideout</h2> <p>The <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/ten/tennessee-titans">Tennessee Titans</a> bolstered their already physically imposing offense by <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31577241/atlanta-falcons-expected-trade-julio-jones-tennessee-titans-next-24-48-hours-sources-say">trading for</a> seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/13982/julio-jones">Julio Jones</a>. Jones, wide receiver <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4047646/aj-brown">A.J. Brown</a> and All-Pro running back <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3043078/derrick-henry">Derrick Henry</a> form a trio that figures to leave plenty of bruises on opposing defenses. In all, the Titans landed Jones and a 2023 sixth-round pick in exchange for a 2022 second-round pick and a 2023 fourth-round selection.</p> <hr> <p><img alt="" class="floatleft" src="https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/nfl/500/lv.png&h=110&w=110" width="31"></p> <h2>Nassib announces he’s gay</h2> <p>In June, Las Vegas Raiders defensive end <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/2614825/carl-nassib">Carl Nassib</a> became the <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31682318/carl-nassib-las-vegas-raiders-announces-gay">first active NFL player to come out as gay</a>. Nassib, 28, made the announcement in an Instagram post, saying “one day, videos like this and the whole coming-out process” would be unnecessary. “But until then,” he said, “I’m going to do my best and do my part to cultivate a culture that’s accepting.” In a statement, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said the league was “proud of Carl for courageously sharing his truth.”</p> <div data-behavior="video_scroll" class="contentItem__content contentItem__content--media-card contentItem__content--fullWidth contentItem__content--inline" readability="6.5"> <figure data-video="native,640,360,31682796" data-cerebro-id="60d123c3ca84b7178aca971f" class="media-wrapper_image video" data-source="espn"><picture class="media-wrapper_image"><source media="(min-width: 376px)" srcset="https://a1.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fmedia%2Fmotion%2F2021%2F0621%2Fdm_210621_sc_nfl_mina_on_nassib%2Fdm_210621_sc_nfl_mina_on_nassib.jpg&w=640&h=360&cquality=80&format=jpg"></source><source media="(max-width: 375px)" srcset="https://a1.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fmedia%2Fmotion%2F2021%2F0621%2Fdm_210621_sc_nfl_mina_on_nassib%2Fdm_210621_sc_nfl_mina_on_nassib.jpg&w=335&cquality=80, https://a1.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fmedia%2Fmotion%2F2021%2F0621%2Fdm_210621_sc_nfl_mina_on_nassib%2Fdm_210621_sc_nfl_mina_on_nassib.jpg&w=670&cquality=40&format=jpg 2x"></source><img class=" lazyload lazyload"></picture><span class="video-play-button" data-id="31682796">play</span><figcaption class="media-caption"> <p>2:40</p> </figcaption></figure> <div class="contentItem__contentWrapper" readability="33"> <p class="contentItem__subhead">Mina Kimes admits she got emotional as she watched the video of Carl Nassib announcing he is gay and hopes this will pave the way for other gay athletes to feel safe enough to come forward.</p> </div> </div> <hr> <p><img alt="" class="floatleft" src="https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/nfl/500/wsh.png&h=110&w=110" width="31"></p> <h2>Washington fined after workplace culture investigation</h2> <p>Following an investigation into the team’s workplace culture, the NFL <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31745729/nfl-fines-washington-football-team-10m-culture-investigation">fined</a> the <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/wsh/washington">Washington Football Team</a> $10 million. “Bullying and intimidation frequently took place,” the report said, “and many described the culture as one of fear.” All senior executives, including owner Dan Snyder, were also instructed to take part in training in workplace conduct.</p> <hr> <p><img alt="" class="floatleft" src="https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/leagues/500/nfl.png&h=110&w=110" width="31"></p> <h2>NFL OKs jersey number rule change</h2> <p>NFL owners approved a rule change to allow running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, defensive backs and linebackers to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31303703/nfl-owners-approve-replay-change-other-new-rules-2021-season">wear single-digit numbers</a>. Previously, only quarterbacks, kickers and punters could don them. Los Angeles Rams cornerback <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3045373/jalen-ramsey">Jalen Ramsey</a> (No. 20 to No. 7), <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/min/minnesota-vikings">Minnesota Vikings</a> cornerback <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/13980/patrick-peterson">Patrick Peterson</a> (21 to 7) and Carolina Panthers wide receiver <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3915416/dj-moore">DJ Moore</a> (12 to 2) were among those to change numbers. More figure to be on the way in 2022, when players won’t have to buy out the existing inventory of player jerseys to alter their number, which was the case this year.</p> <hr> <aside class="inline float-r inline-track" readability="5.953488372093"><img data-lazyload="true" data-src="https://a.espncdn.com/photo/2021/0711/nfl-execs-pick-every-position-qbs_16x9.jpg" class="round lazyload" src="https://a.espncdn.com/photo/2021/0711/nfl-execs-pick-every-position-qbs_16x9.jpg"></p> <p>Jeremy Fowler polled a panel of more than 50 coaches, execs, scouts and players to come up with top-10 rankings for 2021:</p> <p>• <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/story/_/id/31733216/ranking-nfl-top-10-edge-rushers-2021-execs-coaches-players-make-their-picks">Edge</a> | <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/story/_/id/31753508/ranking-nfl-top-10-interior-defensive-linemen-2021-execs-coaches-players-make-their-picks">Interior DL</a> | <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/story/_/id/31765336/ranking-nfl-top-10-linebackers-2021-execs-coaches-players-make-their-picks">LB</a><br />• <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/story/_/id/31771608/ranking-nfl-top-10-cornerbacks-2021-execs-coaches-players-make-their-picks">CB</a> | <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/story/_/id/31776559/ranking-nfl-top-10-safeties-2021-execs-coaches-players-make-their-picks">Safety</a> | <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/story/_/id/31789857/ranking-nfl-top-10-offensive-tackles-2021-execs-coaches-players-make-their-picks">OT</a> | <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/story/_/id/31795706/ranking-nfl-top-10-interior-offensive-linemen-2021-execs-coaches-players-make-their-picks">Interior OL</a><br />• <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/story/_/id/31800661/ranking-nfl-top-10-quarterbacks-2021-execs-coaches-players-make-their-picks">QB</a> | <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/story/_/id/31734567/ranking-nfl-top-10-running-backs-2021-execs-coaches-players-make-their-picks">RB</a> | <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/story/_/id/31739496/ranking-nfl-top-10-wide-receivers-2021-execs-coaches-players-make-their-picks">WR</a> | <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/story/_/id/31732993/ranking-nfl-top-10-tight-ends-2021-execs-coaches-players-make-their-picks">TE</a><br /><strong><a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/">More NFL coverage »</a></strong></p> </aside> <p><img alt="" class="floatleft" src="https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/leagues/500/nfl.png&h=110&w=110" width="31"></p> <h2>League threatens forfeits for unvaccinated outbreaks</h2> <p>Before training camps opened, the NFL sent out a statement <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31863308/nfl-warning-teams-covid-19-outbreaks-unvaccinated-players-lead-forfeited-games">threatening forfeits and the loss of game checks</a> should an outbreak among unvaccinated players cause an unresolvable disruption in the regular-season schedule.</p> <p>NFLPA president and Browns center <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/16001/jc-tretter">JC Tretter</a> responded by calling the memo unhelpful, then ripped the teams that had been forcing their unvaccinated players to wear wristbands during practices. Tretter said the policy was “unnecessary” and had been put in place “to try to shame unvaccinated players publicly.”</p> <p>Unvaccinated players already face severe protocols this season, including <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31884363/how-nfl-training-camps-work-2021-answering-big-questions-new-covid-19-protocols-rules-unvaccinated-players">daily testing, mask-wearing and travel restrictions</a>.</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://patabook.com/sports/2021/08/02/welcome-back-nfl-recap-everything-that-happened-this-offseason-from-qb-trades-to-big-signings/">Welcome back, NFL: Recap everything that happened this offseason, from QB trades to big signings</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://patabook.com/sports">Patabook Sports</a>.</p>
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