Okay, why does it feel like football season is almost upon us already? The way players are being shuffled around in the NFL, you'd think that preseason was two weeks away.
Several huge players are moving around this off-season, with some teams making moves and some teams hemorrhaging players. Let's take a look at the whos-who this off-season, and what this means for next season for some of these bold teams:
New England Patriots :
The first news to note is that wide receiver Danny Amendola has signed a contract with the Miami Dolphins, meaning that New England now has an open slot at wide receiver. Other players of note leaving the Patriots this off-season are Dion Lewis, Malcolm Butler, and Nate Solder among others. This makes for a lot of holes that need filled, but fear not! if anyone can fill holes, it's the Patriots.
Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders:
I'm a Michael Crabtree fan, and, as sad as I am to see him go, I know he will find a good home (more below.) Filling the void is a Mr. Jordy Nelson, fresh out of the Packers (again, more below) and ready to (hopefully) give Amari Cooper some competition.
Jon Gruden certainly seems to be making moves this season, as new head coach of the Raiders, a trend we will likely see continue, especially on the defensive side of the ball, with the recent additions of several defensive line and secondaries.
Baltimore Ravens:
The ink hasn't even dried on Jordy Nelson's contract and the man he replaced is already with another team. Michael Crabtree has come to the Baltimore Ravens, and hopefully, he will have a decent shot at improving his game, especially with on-again-off-again QB Joe Flacco at the helm...
Oh, well...don't screw this up, Joe!
San Francisco 49ers:
This team is looking hot this coming season. With their new (dare I say it?) Franchise QB in Jimmy Garoppolo, they were looking good, but with a one-year deal with Richard Sherman from the Seattle Seahawks in place, things are definitely looking up for this franchise. Just remember, San Francisco, all eyes are upon you, so don't mess this up!
Green Bay Packers:
In the way of moves this season, the Packers losing Jordy Nelson doesn't seem that bad compared to other moves, but the Packers are surprising in the fact that they have done little about it.
Other than attempting a grab at Chicago's Kyle Fuller, Green Bay has been pretty quiet... What are you up to Packers? What devious plots are you hatching even as we speak?
Other teams have been moving, but these teams are the ones that have been making the most noise as of late.
