Just a little more than a week into the NFL offseason, there is already so much excitement around the league. Free agent signings, potential trade candidates and team updates have been present since even before the Super Bowl. This series will include the most recent offseason updates. Here is a breakdown of what has happened recently in the offseason.
The Cleveland Browns made a big splash in the free agent market on Monday as the front office signed Kareem Hunt to a one-year deal.
Kareem Hunt. (Photo by USA Today)
The running back was cut by the Kansas City Chiefs in December after TMZ released a video of Hunt assaulting a woman. Because of these actions, Hunt was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list, meaning he cannot play until the NFL’s investigation is complete.
Even with expected disciplinary actions on the way, the Browns still chose to sign Hunt. After the one-year deal ends, Hunt will be a restricted free agent. Meaning, the Browns organization will maintain the rights to Kareem Hurt.
The Carolina Panthers re-signed safety Eric Reid on Monday. The new contract will last three years and is worth approximately $22 million.
Eric Reid. (Photo Credit: MarketWatch/AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
After not being re-signed by the 49ers, Eric Reid was not signed to another team before the 2018 season started. Suspicion grew that Reid was not being signed due to kneeling in protest during the national anthem. Although there is ongoing collusion grievance filed by the NFLPA in place due to Reid, it did not stop the Panthers from signing the safety to a one-year contract shortly after week 3.
Reid racked up 73 tackles, one interception and a sack starting in 13 games. His performances led the Panthers to extend his contract by three years.
After a season full of disappointments, the Oakland Raiders need to make some big changes in order to succeed. As of late, rumors have surfaced that the Raiders will be making a push to trade for wide receiver Antonio Brown.
Antonio Brown.(Courtesy of: The Source Magazine).
Since the Pittsburgh Steelers missed the playoffs, the drama between the team and Antonio Brown has been headlining all offseason. As of early January, Brown requested a trade from the team.
Before the 2018 season debut, the Raiders traded away All-Pro linebacker/defensive end Khalil Mack to the Chicago Bears for two first-round draft picks. Later in the season, the team also traded Pro Bowl wide receiver Amari Cooper to the Dallas Cowboys in return of a first-round draft pick.
With the amount of trade-able assets the Raiders possess, the team will have a good shot at pulling in Antonio Brown.
During last year’s NFL offseason, Dallas Cowboys center Travis Frederick was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome. The condition results in severely weakened muscles.
Travis Frederick. (Photo Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports)
According to Frederick, he is about 95% back to his ideal state. The center is expected to return in March or April. The return of Frederick will be a huge asset for the Dallas Cowboys. Even with Frederick helping the offensive line from the sideline, the Cowboys offensive line struggled more than in recent history. Gaining back their starting center, the Cowboys offensive line is looking to return back as a dominant force.
The Baltimore Ravens have made it clear that the team plans on pursuing running back Mark Ingram if the Saints let him hit the free agent market.
Mark Ingram. (Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
It has become evident that the New Orleans Saints’ feature back will be Alvin Kamara for years to come. But, Mark Ingram has contributed plenty to make a case for a contract extension with the team. Rushing for 645 yards on 138 carries all while being suspended for four games shows that Ingram can be a workhorse. Even with the production between the two-headed monster composed of Kamara and Ingram, Ingram is set to be a free agent in 2019.
The running back would play a crucial role within the Ravens offense. With the Ravens expected to move on from Joe Flacco, the team should have enough cap space to make an attempt at signing Ingram this offseason.
Featured Image Credit: AP Photo/Mike McCarn
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