The 2023 NFL Offseason Recapped by Jersey Number, 0-99
By: David Gardy Ermann[1]
Some football fans might use the time after the Super Bowl and before kickoff of the regular National Football League season as a respite from 24/7 football. Although football fans might need an offseason, football does not take one.
Before tuning into the Thursday night game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Detroit Lions that kicks off the 2023 NFL season on September 7, check out this recap of a dramatic 2023 offseason full of signings, trades, retirements, personal updates, and more, as recapped through jersey numbers. The setup of this list is as follows: (1) one player per jersey number; (2) players signed to an active roster will be listed under the jersey number they are currently assigned; and (3) retired players or players not signed to an active roster will be listed under a jersey number that is best associated with their NFL career.
0: Calvin Ridley
Wide receiver Calvin Ridley’s NFL career hit highs and hit lows since 2021. In the 2021 offseason, the Atlanta Falcons, Ridley’s then-team, picked up Ridley’s fifth-year option and traded away star wide receiver Julio Jones, making Ridley the number one option. In October 2021, Ridley announced that he would be stepping away from football to work on his mental health. Then, in March 2022, the NFL indefinitely suspended Ridley for gambling on NFL games. In November 2022, the Jacksonville Jaguars traded for the still-suspended Ridley. By March 2023, Ridley was officially reinstated by the NFL. He took responsibility for his mistakes and now, in the 2023 offseason, there are high expectations for what Ridley can do in the ascending Jaguars offense. For example, quarterback Trevor Lawrence said of Ridley, “Just watching him, the way he runs, there’s not many guys like that.”
1: Jalen Hurts
After leading the Philadelphia Eagles to the Super Bowl last season, the team re-signed their superstar quarterback Jalen Hurts to a five-year, $255 million contract extension, with $179.304 million in guarantees and a no-trade clause. At the time of signing, Hurts’ contract made him the highest-paid player in the NFL on an annual basis, however, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson later signed a five-year, $260 million contract, with $185 million in guarantees, which was then bested by Justin Herbert’s five-year, $262.5 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Chargers, which also includes a no-trade clause along with $133.7 million in full guarantees and $193.7 million in injury guarantees.
2: D.J. Moore
The Carolina Panthers traded D.J. Moore in a blockbuster pre-draft move to the Chicago Bears. The Bears sent the 2023 no. 1 overall draft pick to the Panthers in exchange for Moore, 2023 draft picks in the first (no. 9 overall) and second (no. 61 overall) rounds, a 2024 draft pick in the first round, and a 2025 draft pick in the second round. The Panthers used that no. 1 overall draft pick to select Alabama quarterback Bryce Young.
3: Damar Hamlin
After collapsing on the field from cardiac arrest on January 2, 2023 during a week 17 matchup between the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals, Damar Hamlin fully recovered and made his return to the NFL. On August 12, 2023, Hamlin participated in his first NFL game since the incident.
4: Derek Carr
Quarterback Derek Carr signed a four-year, $150 million contract with the New Orleans Saints. Prior to signing with the Saints, Carr spent his entire nine-year career with the Oakland / Las Vegas Raiders, earning 4 Pro Bowl selections (2015-2017 & 2022).
5: Jalen Ramsey
The Los Angeles Rams traded Jalen Ramsey to the Miami Dolphins for a 2023 draft pick in the third round and tight end Hunter Long. After the trade to Miami, however, Ramsey injured his left knee and had to undergo a full meniscus repair. He is expected to be out until at least December. Ramsey previously helped the Rams win Super Bowl LVI. Ramsey has previously earned 6 Pro Bowl selections (2017-2022) and 3 first-team All-Pro selections (2017, & 2020-2021).
6: Miles Sanders
Running back Miles Sanders signed a four-year, $25.4 million contract with the Carolina Panthers. Sanders spent the first four seasons of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles. Sanders helped take the Eagles to Super Bowl LVII.
7: Geno Smith
After a breakout season in his 10th year in the NFL, Geno Smith earned the NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2022 and his first Pro Bowl selection. The Seattle Seahawks re-signed Smith to a three-year contract worth up to $105 million.
8: Aaron Rodgers
After what had become an annual will-they-won’t-they with regard to whether Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers would separate, eventually the Packers agreed to trade Rodgers along with their 2023 draft picks in the first (no. 15 overall) and fifth (no. 170 overall) rounds to the New York Jets in exchange for 2023 draft picks in the first (no. 13 overall), second (no. 42 overall), and sixth (no. 207 overall) and a 2024 conditional draft pick in the second round. With his new team, Rodgers will be donning #8 instead of #12. Although #12 was retired by the Jets in honor of Joe Namath, Namath had given his blessing for Rodgers to wear his old number, however, Rodgers said that “12 is Broadway Joe” and that he was “excited” to go back to the number he had worn in college.
Rodgers previously helped the Packers to win Super Bowl XLV, earning MVP in the game. Rodgers was honored as a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team. He also earned 4 NFL MVP awards (2011, 2014, 2020, & 2021) as well as 10 Pro Bowl selections (2009, 2011-2012, 2014-2016, & 2018-2021), 4 first-team All-Pro selections (2011, 2014, 2020, & 2021), and 1 second-team All-Pro selection (2012).
9: Matthew Judon
Linebacker Matthew Judon and the New England Patriots agreed to a revised contract this offseason, which now guarantees the player $14 million this season and up to $18 million with incentives. Judon also made headlines with a series of social media posts in response to pop superstar Ariana Grande’s album “Yours Truly”, which paid tribute to the late rapper, Mac Miller. Judon wrote: “Absolutely no one cares. Don’t be sad now just because he’s dead it’s your fault”. Judon has been one of the most productive linebackers in the league since being drafted in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft to the Baltimore Ravens. He has earned 4 consecutive Pro Bowl selections (2019-2022).
10: Jimmy Garoppolo
After moving on from Derek Carr, the Las Vegas Raiders signed QB Jimmy Garoppolo to a three-year, $72.75 million contract, with $34 million in guarantees. Prior to joining the Raiders, Garoppolo spent time with two teams: the Patriots (2014-2017) and the San Francisco 49ers (2017-2022). Garoppolo was Tom Brady’s backup with the Patriots for the team’s Super Bowl XLIX and Super Bowl LI victories. As the starter for the 49ers, Garoppolo led his team to Super Bowl LIV, which the team ultimately lost to the Kansas City Chiefs. With the Raiders, Garoppolo will be playing for head coach Josh McDaniels who was the Patriots’ offensive coordinator during Garoppolo’s time with the team.
11: Henry Ruggs
Former NFL wide receiver Henry Ruggs was sentenced to between three and ten years in prison after pleading guilty to felony DUI resulting in death and misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter. The counts were in connection with a 2021 incident in which Ruggs was driving at speeds up to 156 mph and crashed into another vehicle that ultimately killed a woman and her dog. Ruggs was the twelfth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
12: Tom Brady
Tom Brady, officially announced that he was retiring “for good” from the NFL on February 1. Later in the offseason, Brady came to an agreement with Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis to buy an ownership stake in the Raiders.
13: Michael Thomas
In the 3 seasons since winning the 2019 Offensive Player of the Year award, Michael Thomas has only played in 10 total games. Offseason reports have indicated that a healthy Thomas is “primed for a bounce-back season”. His new quarterback Derek Carr said that Thomas is “still a heck of a football player” who “plays violently”, is “strong in the catch points”, is “able to separate”, and is a “great competitor”. In addition to earning the 2019 NFL Offensive Player of the Year award, Thomas also earned 3 Pro Bowl selections (2017-2019) and 2 first-team All-Pro selections (2018-2019).
14: Stefon Diggs
In June, star wide receiver Stefon Diggs skipped the start of the Buffalo Bills’ mandatory minicamp which caused speculation about the reasoning behind his absence. Even head coach Sean McDermott said he was “very concerned” about Diggs’ absence. However, in July, Diggs said that “E]verybody has family issues” and that those issues, whatever they may have been, are “all water under the bridge now.” Diggs went on to express that “All is well. Now we’re back to work.” Diggs has spent time with two teams: the Minnesota Vikings (2015-2019) and the Buffalo Bills (2020-2022). He has earned 3 Pro Bowl selections (2020-2022), 1 first-team All-Pro selection (2020), and 1 second-team All-Pro selection (2022).
15: Ryan Mallett
Ryan Mallett, the former NFL quarterback, who played for the New England Patriots, Houston Texans, and Baltimore Ravens, died on June 27, 2023 by drowning at a Florida beach. He was just 35 years old.
16: Treylon Burks
The Tennessee Titans’ 2022 first-round draft pick, Treylon Burks, suffered an LCL sprain in August and is expected to miss a few weeks. When he returns, alongside newly added veteran DeAndre Hopkins, Burks will lead the Titans wide receiver group.
17: K.J. Osborn
In March, K.J. Osborn, the Minnesota Vikings wide receiver, was in an Uber when he and the other people in the Uber noticed “a vehicle up in flames after a bad crash”. Osborn and his group rescued the man inside of that other vehicle. Reflecting on the incident, Osborn said the man inside the vehicle was “bleeding” and they “picked him up” from the vehicle and “carried him [about] 10, 15 yards” to safety.
18: A.J. Green
A.J. Green, a premier wide receiver in the NFL in the 2010s, retired after 11 seasons. Green was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals with the fourth overall pick of the 2011 NFL Draft. He spent time with two teams: the Bengals (2011-2020) and the Arizona Cardinals (2021-2022). During his career, Green earned 7 Pro Bowl selections (2011-2017) and 2 second-team All-Pro selections (2012-2013).
19: Isaiah Simmons
Isaiah Simmons, the versatile defender who was drafted 8th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, was set to switch from linebacker to safety for the 2023 seasons after spending his first 3 seasons playing linebacker for the Cardinals. Reports indicated that Simmons told the Cardinals that he feels “more comfortable”, “more free”, and “more like himself” playing safety instead of linebacker. After what seemed to be a productive offseason, the Cardinals traded Simmons to the New York Giants, and the athletic defensive player can now be part of a more positionless defense.
20: Patrick Peterson
Patrick Peterson is returning for his 13th NFL season and he signed a two-year $14 million contract, with $5.85 million guaranteed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Peterson was honored as a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team. He also earned 8 Pro Bowl selections (2011-2018) and 3 first-team All-Pro selections (2011, 2013, & 2015).
21: Stephon Gilmore
The Indianapolis Colts traded Stephon Gilmore to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2023 draft pick in the fifth round. He has previously earned the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award (2019), 5 Pro Bowl selections (2016 & 2018-2021), and 2 first-team All-Pro selections (2018-2019). Gilmore helped the Patriots to win Super Bowl LIII.
22: Damien Harris
After spending the first four seasons of his career with the New England Patriots, free agent running back Damien Harris signed a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills. On joining the Patriots, Harris said “I always said that playing against the Bills, I felt like brought out the best in me as a competitor and as a player . . . and from the outside looking in as an opponent, if I felt that way, then I knew that if I was able to join this organization, I feel like I could just take it to a new height.”
23: Rashaad Penny
Rashaad Penny joined a crowded Philadelphia Eagles running back room (even with the departure of 2022 Pro Bowl running back Miles Sanders for the Carolina Panthers). Penny signed a one-year, $1.35 million contract. Penny has been highly effective when healthy, averaging over 6 yards per rushing attempt over the past two seasons, however, he has only been able to start 11 games and play in 15 over that same span. Last season, Penny broke his fibula during a week 5 matchup. He now is expected to be part of an Eagles running back committee also featuring D’Andre Swift (who the Eagles traded for this offseason) and two returning running backs, Kenny Gainwell and Boston Scott.
24: James Bradberry
After just one season with the Philadelphia Eagles, James Bradberry will be returning to the team for the 2023 NFL season. He signed a three-year, $38 million contract. Bradberry earned a second-team All-Pro selection in 2022, his first season with the Eagles. He previously spent time with the Carolina Panthers (2016-2019) and New York Giants (2020-2021) where he was a 2020 Pro Bowl selection. The Eagles, led by Bradberry together with fellow Eagles cornerback Darius Slay, had the best passing defense in 2022. Slay also signed a new deal with a three-year, $42 million contract. Even more decorated than Bradberry, Slay has earned 5 Pro Bowl selections (2017-2019 & 2021-2022) and 1 first-team All-Pro selection (2017).
25: Hassan Haskins
Tennessee Titans running back Hassan Haskins was charged with aggravated assault by strangulation in June in connection with a domestic disturbance with his girlfriend. He was later placed on the Commissioner Exempt List by the league. The trial is scheduled for September 25.
26: Saquon Barkley
In a long offseason for the New York Giants and star running back Saquon Barkley, the Giants placed the franchise tag on Barkley, which he initially refused to sign. The two sides tried to work on a long-term deal before the franchise tag deadline, but could not come to an agreement. Eventually, on July 25, Barkley and the Giants agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $11 million, slightly more than the $10.091 million franchise tag salary. Although Barkley considered not signing the franchise tag at all and sitting out the season, the running back said he “had an epiphany” and “followed [his] heart.”
27: J.K. Dobbins
J.K. Dobbins was absent from much of the Baltimore Ravens offseason, including missing summer workouts and the start of training camp, before being placed on the PUP list due to a knee injury. It was unclear how much of his absence was related to the knee injury, contract concerns, or other matters. Either way, Dobbins was activated from the PUP and returned to practice, noting that “It’s all good now, I’m out here.”
28: Jonathan Taylor
After unsuccessfully seeking a contract extension this offseason with the Indianapolis Colts that would make him one of the highest-paid running backs, Jonathan Taylor requested a trade. Initially, Colts owner Jim Irsay denied Taylor’s request, but eventually the Colts gave their running back permission to seek out a trade partner. However, a trade did not occur and Taylor will start this season on the PUP list.
29: Xavier McKinney
Safety Xavier McKinney wants a contract extension, but the New York Giants seem intent to wait until after the coming season to do so. The Giants drafted McKinney in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. The safety missed much of the 2020 and 2022 seasons with injuries, but played at a very high level in 2021 when he accrued 5 interceptions, 10 pass breakups, and 93 tackles.
30: Jessie Bates
One year removed from playing on the franchise tag with the Cincinnati Bengals, Safety Jessie Bates signed a four-year, $64.02 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons. Bates earned a second-team All-Pro selection in 2020 and previously helped the Bengals reach Super Bowl LVI.
31: Dameon Pierce
The Houston Texans have a new offensive coordinator, Bobby Slowik, who most recently spent time in various offensive coaching roles with the San Francisco 49ers. The team’s second-year running back, Dameon Pierce, is excited for the offensive system that Slowik will bring, which Pierce calls “running back friendly.” To prepare to succeed in that offense, Pierce says he has been studying 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, noting that last year McCaffrey “thrived” by “getting out of the backfield, getting in the flat, catching hitches or whatever the case may be.”
32: Jim Brown
Hall of Fame fullback Jim Brown died on May 18, 2023 at the age of 87. Brown played his entire nine-year career with the Cleveland Browns (1957-1965). Brown helped the Browns to win the NFL Championship in 1964. He was honored as a member of the NFL 1960s All-Decade Team. He also earned 3 NFL MVP awards (1957, 1958, & 1965) as well as 9 Pro Bowl selections (1957-1965), 8 first-team All-Pro selections (1957-1961 & 1963-1965), and 1 second-team All-Pro selection (1962).
33: Dalvin Cook
After 6 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, star running back Dalvin Cook signed with the Aaron Rodgers-led New York Jets on a one year deal worth up to $8.6 million. Cook is joining a running back room that he says “could be something special” this year, which room includes himself and emerging star Breece Hall, to go along with Michael Carter and Zonovan Knight. The former Viking has had 4 consecutive 1,000 yard rushing seasons and earned a Pro Bowl selection for each (2019-2022) heading into this season.
34: Alex Collins
Alex Collins, the former NFL running back, who played for the Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens, died on August 13, 2023. He was just 28 years old. The running back played 3 seasons with the Seahawks (2016 and 2020-2021) and two seasons with the Ravens (2017-2018).
35: Deon Jackson
Indianapolis Colts running back Deon Jackson is the likely beneficiary of the Jonathan Taylor saga, which resulted in Taylor being placed on the PUP list, and leaves Jackson as first in line to start in Taylor’s absence. Jackson signed with the Colts as an undrafted free agent before the 2021 NFL season.
36: Ja’Sir Taylor
The Los Angeles Chargers are expecting Ja’Sir Taylor to be a critical component of their secondary this season and Taylor, too, expects a lot from himself and the entire Chargers secondary this season. The Chargers did not emphasize adding significant talent at the cornerback position during the offseason and with J.C. Jackson returning from injury, Ja’Sir Taylor along with Asante Samuel Jr. may need to step up in the secondary. It does not seem that Taylor is worried, as he showed great confidence in himself and his teammates, saying: “Cornerback group, we’re going to be the best. We got the tools to be the best and once we put it all together, I feel like we’ll be the best DB group out there.” The Chargers drafted Taylor in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
37: Tre Herndon
Cornerback Tre Herndon re-signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars on a one-year, $2.6 million guaranteed contract. Herndon was signed by the Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in 2018 and has remained with the team since.
38: Rhamondre Stevenson
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson is going into an NFL season as his team’s number 1 running back, but he is now joined by former All Pro and two-time NFL rushing yards leader Ezekiel Elliott. Stevenson is very excited for this pairing, saying that back in 2021 the two running backs worked out together having shared the same athletic trainer and he “was hoping to play with [Ezekiel Elliott], but [ ] never thought it would actually happen.” Stevenson said that Elliott is “very hard-working” and that “he’s a student of the game, he knows a lot about football as a whole.” Elliott’s presence has also been helpful to the entire Patriots running back room according to Stevenson because “He’s been in all of our ears, being a helping hand. He’s a veteran, so hearing what he has to say about certain plays, certain schemes, certain runs, it’s great to have him in there.”
39: Lou Hedley
The New Orleans Saints signed Lou Hedley, a 30 year old rookie undrafted free agent to be their punter for the 2023 season. To say the least, Hedley had an unconventional path to the NFL. His sports roots stem from Australian rules football (AFL) but, after dropping out of high school it seemed Hedley’s sports career was over. He spent years as a scaffolding laborer before becoming a co-owner of a tattoo shop in Bali which allowed Hedley to spend much of his time surfing. Nevertheless, the once big-legged Australian rules footballer still wanted to play and so he participated in ProKick Australia and eventually landed with the City College of San Francisco football team. After one season there, Hedley joined the Miami Hurricanes. Now, at 30 years old, Hedley is starting his NFL career.
40: Peyton Hillis
Earlier this year, former NFL running back and Madden NFL 12 cover athlete Peyton Hillis saved his son and niece from drowning as a result of a rip current off the coast of Pensacola, Florida. After saving his son and niece, Hillis lost consciousness and suffered lung and kidney failure; he spent two weeks in intensive care. In June, many fans felt that Hillis was snubbed for not winning the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the 2023 ESPY Awards ceremony.
41: Alvin Kamara
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (along with Indianapolis Colts cornerback Chris Lammons) will both be suspended for the first three games of the 2023 regular season for violation of the NFL’s personal conduct policy. The violation is in connection with Kamara, Lammons, and others allegedly punching and kicking an individual outside of a Las Vegas nightclub during the weekend of the 2022 NFL Pro Bowl.
42: Patrick Ricard
The Baltimore Ravens may add a new position to Patrick Ricard’s arsenal. In college, Ricard was a defensive lineman. He signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2017 at which point the team had him practice on both sides of the ball. Ricard eventually landed as the Ravens’ starting fullback, but has occasionally played defensive end as well. This offseason, the team had Ricard practice with the offensive line where he could serve in a depth capacity, particularly at offensive guard. Coach John Harbaugh explained that “Pat’s quite an athlete. He can do a lot of different things, and maybe we can expand his role just a little bit for a little bit of time here and see how he does.” He has earned 4 consecutive Pro Bowl selections as a fullback (2019-2022).
43: John Johnson
After two seasons with the Cleveland Browns, safety John Johnson returned to his former team, the Los Angeles Rams, on a one-year, $1.08 million veteran-minimum contract for 2023. Johnson was drafted by the Rams in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft and spent the first four years of his career with the team, then signed a three-year, $33.75 million contract with the Browns but was released after two seasons.
44: Travon Walker
Travon Walker, the first overall draft pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, said he is “go[ing] back to the basic fundamental game of football” as he heads into his second season. His goals for 2023 are “playing faster, not thinking as much, [and] playing with a clear head.”
45: Devin White
Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Devin White had requested a trade from the team, which seemingly arose because he wanted a long-term contract that he had not received. Assistant coach and former linebacker Larry Foote said that White was “not going to be the first” nor was he “going to be the last” player to request a trade because of contract concerns. Foote went on to refer to White’s gripes as “champagne problems” because the linebacker is being paid $11 million this season. White later said that he does not want to be traded but rather wants to “just focus[] on the season now” and “be the guy [in Tampa Bay] for a long time”, like Lavonte David has been for the team. He called his trade request “a little bit selfish”.
46: Taybor Pepper
The San Francisco 49ers and long snapper Taybor Pepper agreed to a three-year contract extension. Pepper announced the signing in a hilarious manner, by starting with a montage that seemed like it would be a farewell announcement to the organization and fanbase before cutting to a clip from Wolf of Wall Street in which he announced he was staying with the 49ers.
47: Myles Jack
Inside linebacker Myles Jack spent his first six NFL seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, after which the team released him. With the Jaguars, Jack started 83 of the 89 games that he played. Jack then signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2022 offseason, but was released after just one season. During the 2023 offseason, Jack considered going to trade school for a second career as a plumber, but then signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. However, after just one preseason game and two weeks with the Eagles, Jack ultimately decided to retire from the NFL.
48: Bud Dupree
After edge rusher Bud Dupree made it through just two seasons of the five-year, $82 million contract that he signed in 2021 with the Tennessee Titans, he was released by the Titans and signed as a free agent with the Atlanta Falcons on a one-year contract worth up to $5 million.
49: Tremaine Edmunds
Former Buffalo Bills linebacker Tremaine Edmunds signed a four-year, $72 million deal with $50 million guaranteed with the Chicago Bears. Edmunds was excited about the opportunity to join the Bears to “be part of turning this thing around”. Edmunds was selected by the Bills in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft and previously earned 2 Pro Bowl selections (2019-2020).
50: Justin Houston
Veteran outside linebacker Justin Houston agreed to a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers. Houston has had a terrific career to this point, playing with the Kansas City Chiefs (2011-2018), the Indianapolis Colts (2019-2020), and the Baltimore Ravens (2021-2022) before joining the Panthers. As he enters year 13, the linebacker has already accrued over 500 tackles to go along with 111.5 sacks. Houston has previously earned 1 first-team All-Pro selection (2014) and 4 Pro Bowl selections (2012-2015).
51: Mike Pouncey
Former NFL center Mike Pouncey, who announced his retirement alongside twin brother Maurkice Pouncey in February 2021, signed a one-day contract with the Miami Dolphins this offseason to officially retire as a member of the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins drafted Pouncey in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He played with the Dolphins for seven seasons (2011-2017) before playing two more seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers (2018-2019). Pouncey earned 4 Pro Bowl selections (2013-2015 & 2018).
52: Khalil Mack
The Los Angeles Chargers held a 27-0 lead over the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter of the Wild Card round of last season’s playoffs, and then the Jaguars came back and won 31-30, ending the Chargers season. Mack is ready to put, as he called it, last season’s “nightmare” in the rearview mirror. Alongside a healthy Joey Bosa in 2023, Mack believes the Chargers defensive unit could have a “very special year”. Mack has previously earned the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award (2016), 7 Pro Bowl selections (2015-2020 & 2022), 4 first-team All-Pro selections (2015 as both an Outside Linebacker and as a Defensive End, 2016, & 2018), and 1 second-team All-Pro selection (2020). Mack was honored as a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.
53: Shaquille Leonard
Star Indianapolis Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard is ready for a strong season, but not before reflecting on his down 2022 campaign, in which he says he “look[ed] slow”. Leonard tried to play through injuries last season, but thinks that it was “selfish” to do so because he “hurt the team last year whenever [he] was on the field.” Coming into the 2023 season, the linebacker says he is “feeling a whole lot better” and is “moving around a whole lot better”. Leonard was drafted by the Colts in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He has previously earned Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2018, 3 Pro Bowl selections (2019-2021), 3 first-team All-Pro selections (2018 & 2020-2021), and 1 second-team All-Pro selection (2019).
54: Bobby Wagner
After just one season with the Los Angeles Rams, Bobby Wagner is reuniting with his longtime team, the Seattle Seahawks, on a one-year contract worth up to $7 million. Wagner has previously earned 8 Pro Bowl selections (2014-2021), 6 first-team All-Pro selections (2014 & 2016-2020), and 3 second-team All-Pro selections (2015 & 2021-2022). Wagner helped take the Seahawks to back-to-back Super Bowls during his first stint with the team (XLVIII & XLIX), winning Super Bowl XLVIII. Wagner was honored as a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.
55: Brandon Graham
Brandon Graham, the current longest tenured player on the Eagles, is returning for his 14th season with the team on a one-year contract worth up to $6 million. He helped take the Eagles to Super Bowls LII and LVII, winning Super Bowl LII. Graham has earned 1 Pro Bowl selection (2020) and 1 second-team All-Pro selection (2016).
56: Alex Highsmith
After a breakout 2022 season for Pittsburgh Steelers Alex Highsmith, the team and their star pass rusher agreed to a four-year, $68 million contract extension. Last season, Highsmith had a league-leading 5 forced fumbles, to go along with 14.5 sacks and 20 QB hits.
57: Germain Pratt
Many expected that linebacker Germain Pratt would sign with a new team this offseason when he had hit the open market, however, out of “loyalty” and a desire “to win”, Pratt decided to stay with the Cincinnati Bengals on a three-year, $21 million contract. Pratt said of staying with the Bengals instead of signing a bigger contract elsewhere, “We’re one play away, so why wouldn’t you want to stay? We’re close. It was a fact. I want to win. I’m big on loyalty. They gave me an opportunity when I got in the league, so why would I try to leave for a team that wasn’t as successful for more money? I didn’t feel right about that.” The Bengals selected Pratt in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
58: Bobby Okereke
The New York Giants and free agent outside linebacker Bobby Okereke agreed to a four-year, $40 million contract with $22 million guaranteed. Okereke has been excellent since entering the NFL as a third-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft to the Indianapolis Colts. And just since becoming a starter for the Colts in 2021, Okereke has had 283 tackles.
59: Akeem Davis-Gaither
Expectations are getting bigger for Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither, who has been called a hidden gem to watch. The Bengals’ 2020 fourth round draft selection has been a good depth linebacker during his three seasons in the league, but expectations are that he is going to be “the next man up” behind Germaine Pratt and Logan Wilson and “could make a name for himself” with a bigger role this year.
60: Ben Jones
The Tennessee Titans released their longtime starting center Ben Jones. Jones was a team leader, as head coach Mike Vrabel said of Jones, “He embodied a lot of the qualities we talk about when we describe a Titans player. He was a great teammate; his toughness was off the charts, and he had a leadership quality that was earned through the relationships he built and the dedication to the game he showed to his teammates.” Jones was drafted by the Houston Texans in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He played four seasons with the Texans (2012-2015) before joining the Titans (2016-2022). Jones earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2022.
61: Rodney Hudson
Longtime NFL center Rodney Hudson retired this offseason after 12 seasons in the NFL. He spent time with three teams: the Kansas City Chiefs (2011-2014), the Oakland / Las Vegas Raiders (2015-2020), and the Arizona Cardinals (2021-2022). The Chiefs drafted Hudson in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft and he has earned 1 second-team All-Pro selection (2019) and 3 Pro Bowl selections (2016-2017 & 2019).
62: Jason Kelce
Jason Kelce is returning for his 13th season and re-signed with the Eagles on a one-year, $14.25 million contract, with a maximum of $14.75 million, which will make him the highest-paid center in the NFL. He helped take the Eagles to Super Bowls LII and LVII, winning Super Bowl LII. Kelce has earned 6 Pro Bowl selections (2014, 2016, & 2019-2022) and 5 first-team All-Pro selections (2017-2019 & 2021-2022).
63: Nick Gates
Nick Gates initially signed with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent after the 2018 NFL Draft. Gates became the Giants starting center in the 2020 season and was announced as a team captain for the 2021 season. However, in 2021, Gates suffered a broken tibia and fibula in his left leg, which required seven surgeries and sidelined Gates for 410 days. After returning from injury, Gates became the recipient of the Giants’ 2022 Ed Block Courage Award. After the 2022 season, however, Gates signed with the Washington Commanders on a three-year, $16.5 million contract.
64: Dave Wilcox
Hall of Fame linebacker Dave Wilcox died on April 19, 2023 at the age of 80. He played his entire career with the San Francisco 49ers (1964-1974). During his career, Wilcox earned 7 Pro Bowl selections (1966 & 1968-1973), 2 first-team All-Pro selections (1971-1972), and 2 second-team All-Pro selections (1967 & 1973). Pro Football Hall of Fame President Jim Porter explained that Dave Wilcox was “nicknamed ‘The Intimidator’ for his aggressive style of play, [but] he was a kind, humble and gracious man in all other aspects of life.” Further, Porter said that Wilcox “transformed the outside linebacker position”.
65: Lane Johnson
Lane Johnson, the star right tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles, had surgery to repair a torn adductor (an injury that he played through during the Eagles 2022 playoff run to the Super Bowl) following the 2022 season. In May, he was cleared to play. And by July, Johnson said he felt “awesome.” Johnson has previously earned 4 Pro Bowl selections (2017-2019 & 2022), 2 first-team All-Pro selections (2017 & 2022), and 1 second-team All-Pro selection (2021). He helped take the Eagles to Super Bowls LII and LVII, winning Super Bowl LII.
66: Shane Lemieux
Shane Lemieux was drafted to the New York Giants in 2020 and ended up starting 9 games at guard during his rookie season. However, Lemieux spent most of the next two seasons on the injured reserve. This season could be Lemieux’s best and final chance to prove himself as a capable NFL offensive lineman. He’ll have the opportunity to do so at guard, his natural position, and at center, which position the Giants added Lemieux into the rotation.
67: CJ Okoye
Through the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program, the Los Angeles Chargers added defensive lineman Basil Chijoke “CJ” Okoye. Okoye is 6’6”, 315 lbs and was one of eight players from the International Player Pathway Program added to an NFL roster for the 2023 season. In his first ever football game, Okoye recorded a sack, which he called an “amazing moment” even though he just thought it was a tackle for a loss (Okoye did not know that tackling the quarterback out of the pocket constituted a sack).
68: Kelvin Beachum
Offensive tackle Kelvin Beachum re-signed with the Arizona Cardinals on a two-year, $5.15 million contract, with $3.26 million guaranteed. Including the Cardinals, Beachum has spent time with four NFL teams: the Pittsburgh Steelers (2012-2015), the Jacksonville Jaguars (2016), the New York Jets (2017-2019), and the Cardinals (2020-present).
69: Mike McGlinchey
Free agent right tackle Mike McGlinchey agreed to a five-year, $87.5 million contract with the Denver Broncos. Prior to joining the Broncos, McGlinchey played the first five years of his career with the San Francisco 49ers where he was drafted in 2018 as a first round draft pick.
70: Zack Martin
Zack Martin, the elite offensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys was holding out of training camp this summer with the goal of receiving a restructured contract that would pay him more per season. Eventually, Martin and the Cowboys agreed to a fully guaranteed two-year, $36 million contract. Martin has been one of the top guards in the NFL since he entered the league as a first round draft pick in 2014. He has previously earned 8 Pro Bowl selections (2014-2019 & 2021-2022), 6 first-team All-Pro selections (2014, 2016, 2018-2019, & 2021-2022), and 2 second-team All-Pro selections (2015 & 2017). Martin was honored as a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.
71: La’el Collins
Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle La’el Collins will start the season on the PUP list as he continues to rehab from a torn ACL and MCL. Collins may not return to a starting position as the Bengals signed Orlando Brown Jr. this offseason as their starting left tackle and moved Jonah Williams, who was the previous starting left tackle, to Collins’ old side to be the team’s starting right tackle. The Bengals indicated that they do not plan to move Collins to guard.
72: Hjalte Froholdt
The Arizona Cardinals signed offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt to a two-year contract. This summer, Froholdt has been called a hidden gem, secret superstar, and a Danish Army Knife. Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said that Froholdt is “one of the strongest guys” on the team and that he is “the ultimate pro about how he prepares each and every day.” During his career, he has played fullback, tight end, guard, and center. Froholdt has prided himself on being able to play those positions, explaining that “as a swing guy in the interior, it’s really important to be plug and play and not let the standard fall too much.” Gannon agrees, noting that “he’s got a versatile skill set, he can play multiple positions, so (I’m) glad we have him.” After being named the starting center for the Cardinals, Froholdt may not be moved around as much anymore, which Froholdt thinks will be “nice . . . to hone in on one thing and focus on [his] technique.”
73: Jonah Williams
Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Jonah Williams requested a trade this offseason after the team signed Orlando Brown Jr. to play left tackle. The Bengals rejected the trade request as they planned to move Williams to right tackle. Eventually, Williams changed his mind on the request and explained that he is “happy to be a contributor on a team where [he has] so many great teammates” and that he “love[s] everyone in the room, love[s] the coaches, love[s] the fans.” He added that he is “stoked” for the season where he will be featured at right tackle.
74: Michael Oher
Michael Oher, the former NFL offensive tackle who may be best known for the movie The Blind Side, filed a petition in a Tennessee probate court to end the Tuohys’ conservatorship, which accordingly the filing says that Oher learned only in 2023 that “the Conservatorship to which he consented on the basis that doing so would make him a member of the Tuohy family, in fact provided him no familial relationship with the Tuohys.” Oher was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He spent time with three NFL teams: the Ravens (2009-2013), the Tennessee Titans (2014), and the Carolina Panthers (2015-2016). He helped the Ravens to win Super Bowl XLVII.
75: Orlando Brown Jr.
Orlando Brown, the former star left tackle for both the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs, signed a four-year $64 million contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. Brown helped the Chiefs win Super Bowl LVII. He has earned 4 Pro Bowl selections (2019-2022).
76: Bob Brown
Hall of Fame offensive tackle Bob Brown died on June 16, 2023 at the age of 81. He spent time with three teams: the Philadelphia Eagles (1964-1968), the Los Angeles Rams (1969-1970), and the Oakland Raiders (1971-1973). During his career, Brown earned 6 Pro Bowl selections (1965-1966 & 1968-1971), 5 first-team All-Pro selections (1965-1966 & 1968-1970), and 4 second-team All-Pro selections (1964, 1967, & 1971-1972). Brown was honored as a member of the NFL 1960s All-Decade Team. Pro Football Hall of Fame President Jim Porter described Bob Brown as a “fierce” player who “used every tactic and technique – and sometimes brute force – to crush the will of the person across the line from him.”
77: Mekhi Becton
Mekhi Becton, who was drafted by the New York Jets in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft to be the team’s left tackle of the future, is making a switch to right tackle. Reportedly, however, Becton was nearly not going to be in the starting lineup at all, but Becton brought energy to camp and took the starting job. This corresponds to how Becton said he felt before camp, when he explained that it was “the most excited [he had] ever been going into training camp” and that he “definitely [felt] way more confident than [he had] felt the[] past three years”.
78: Laremy Tunsil
Laremy Tunsil remains committed to the Houston Texans as he signed a three-year, $75 million contract extension with the team this offseason. This cap figure reset the offensive line market, making Tunsil the highest-paid offensive lineman in the league. He has earned 3 Pro Bowl selections (2019-2020 & 2022). Tunsil may play a particularly important role in 2023 as the Texans could rely on rookie signal caller C.J. Stroud, and Tunsil would be tasked with protecting his blindside.
79: Ronnie Stanley
Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley, who was an All-Pro lineman in 2019 and signed a contract in 2020 that made him the highest paid offensive lineman in the NFL, has spent a lot of the last couple seasons on the injured reserve. Speaking over the summer, Stanley said “this is as good as I’ve felt since 2019, preseason 2020.” He added that “the majority of my time, the past couple years, have been spent on rehab.” Stanley was drafted by the Ravens in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He earned a first-team All-Pro selection and a Pro Bowl selection in 2019.
80: Jimmy Graham
At long last, after time with multiple team and a season away from football entirely, Jimmy Graham is returning to the New Orleans Saints in 2023. Graham was one of the most dominant pass catching tight ends in the NFL for much of the 2010s, after being drafted by Saints in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He has spent time with four teams: the Saints (2010-2014 & 2023), the Seattle Seahawks (2015-2017), the Green Bay Packers (2018-2019), and the Chicago Bears (2020-2021). During his career, Graham earned 5 Pro Bowl selections (2011, 2013-2014, & 2016-2017), 1 first-team All-Pro selection (2013), and 1 second-team All-Pro selection (2011). Graham said he is “fired up” to be back with the Saints in 2023 and that he had “been trying to come home for a long time.”
81: Hayden Hurst
Tight end Hayden Hurst signed a three-year, $21.75 million contract with $13 million fully guaranteed with the Carolina Panthers. Prior to signing with the Panthers, Hurst spent time with three teams: the Baltimore Ravens (2018-2019), the Atlanta Falcons (2020-2021), and the Cincinnati Bengals (2022).
82: Foster Moreau
Tight end Foster Moreau’s 2023 offseason has been quite unusual. In March, after a routine physical performed by the New Orleans Saints uncovered that the then-free-agent had Hodgkin lymphoma, Moreau said he would be “stepping away from football . . . to fight a new opponent: Cancer.” Moreau eventually signed with the Saints on a three-year, $12 million contract, with $8 million guaranteed, and by July, Moreau announced that he was in full remission. Moreau spent the first four seasons of his career with the Oakland / Las Vegas Raiders after being drafted in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
83: Tyler Boyd
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd is the number three receiver alongside Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins in what may be the best wide receiver trio in the NFL. Boyd is set to become a free agent after the 2023 season and there has been speculation about where Boyd will play next. To that end, Boyd is not focused on 2024 or beyond, saying “This is my home for now . . . I just ain’t going to worry about the unexpected. I’m here to finish the year out and whatever happens, happens, but I know we have a very, very high chance of making the Super Bowl and even winning. This is where I want to be. Whether I come up with a new deal or not, I’ve got to just go out there, and I’m going to be me.” Boyd was drafted by the Bengals in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
84: Corey Davis
New York Jets wide receiver Corey Davis retired from the NFL at only 28 years old. Davis was drafted by the Tennessee Titans as the fifth overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He played four seasons with the Titans before signing with the New York Jets, where Davis spent each of the last two seasons. Jets head coach Robert Saleh said that Davis “is a true competitor on the field and was a tremendously positive influence in the locker room.”
85: Cole Kmet
Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet signed a four-year, $50 million extension, with $32 million guaranteed. The Bears drafted Kmet in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. In 2022, Kmet led the team in receptions (50 receptions), receiving touchdowns (7 touchdowns), and receiving yards (544 yards).
86: Bud Grant
Bud Grant, a great athlete, coach, and executive, died on March 11, 2023 at the age of 95. Grant was selected in the 1950 NFL Draft and the 1950 NBA Draft. He played two seasons in the NBA with the Minneapolis Lakers, helping the team win the 1950 NBA championship. He then joined the Philadelphia Eagles for the 1951 season, in which he played defensive end and led the team in sacks. For 1952, Grant switched to offense and led the team in receptions (56 receptions), yards from scrimmage (997 yards), and combined rushing and receiving touchdowns (7 touchdowns). Grant then played in the CFL for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for four seasons before transitioning to the team’s head coach from 1957-1966. After 10 years coaching the Blue Bombers, Grant became the head coach for the Vikings in 1967 and stayed in that role until his short-lived retirement following the 1983 season, then returned for one more season as the team’s coach in 1985 before retiring again. He stayed on with the Vikings as a consultant from 1986 through the 2022 season. Bud Grant was honored as the CFL Coach of the Year in 1965 and NFL Coach of the Year in 1969, and was inducted into both the CFL Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
87: Travis Kelce
After winning his second Super Bowl last season, superstar tight end Travis Kelce kept busy this offseason including hosting Saturday Night Live, hosting a music festival (the inaugural Kelce Jam), and participating in the eighth edition of The Match (which Kelce won with his golf partner Patrick Mahomes). Kelce has earned 8 consecutive Pro Bowl selections (2015-2022), 4 first-team All-Pro selections (2016, 2018, 2020, & 2022), and 3 second-team All-Pro selections (2017, 2019, & 2021). He helped take the Chiefs to three Super Bowls (LIV, LV, and LVII), winning Super Bowls LIV and LVII. Kelce was honored as a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.
88: Terrace Marshall
Third-year wide receiver Terrace Marshall says that he is “clear-minded” and “ready to go” for the upcoming Carolina Panthers’ season, which will feature new head coach Frank Reich and a rookie quarterback Bryce Young leading the offense. Marshall was drafted by the Panthers in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
89: Otis Taylor
Otis Taylor, a great wide receiver for more than 10 years, all of which he played with the Kansas City Chiefs, died on March 9, 2023 at the age of 80. The wide receiver earned 1 AFL All-Star selection (1966), 1 first-team All-AFL selection (1966), 1 second-team All-AFL selection (1967), 2 Pro Bowl selections (1971-1972), and 2 first-team All-Pro selections (1971-1972). Taylor helped take the Chiefs to two AFL Championships (1966 & 1969) and won one AFL Championship MVP in the process (1969), as well as helping the Chiefs to win Super Bowl IV.
90: David Onyemata
The Atlanta Falcons signed free agent defensive tackle David Onyemata to a three-year, $35 million contract, with $24.5 million guaranteed. Before signing with the Falcons, Onyemata had spent his entire career with the New Orleans Saints, where he was drafted as a fourth-round selection in 2016. His position coach for the last six seasons with the Saints was Ryan Nielsen, who will also be with the Falcons in 2023 as the team’s defensive coordinator.
91: Fletcher Cox
Fletcher Cox is returning for his 12th season and re-signed with the Eagles on a one-year, $10 million contract. He helped take the Eagles to Super Bowls LII and LVII, winning Super Bowl LII. The Eagles drafted Cox in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Cox has earned 6 Pro Bowl selections (2015-2020), 1 first-team All-Pro selection (2018), and 3 second team All-Pro selections (2014-2015 & 2017). Cox was honored as a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.
92: Austen Lane
Former defensive end Austen Lane made his UFC debut this summer against Justin Taga, which resulted in a no contest. The rematch is scheduled for September 10. Lane switched to mixed martial arts in 2015 (after retiring from the NFL). He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft and also spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs, the Detroit Lions, and the Chicago Bears.
93: Calais Campbell
Veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell is joining the Atlanta Falcons for his 16th NFL season, which will be his fourth team. He signed a one-year, $7 million contract. Campbell was drafted in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. He previously spent time with the Cardinals (2008-2016), the Jacksonville Jaguars (2017-2019), and the Baltimore Ravens (2020-2022). During his career, he earned 6 Pro Bowl selections (2014, 2015, 2017-2020), 1 first-team All-Pro selection (2017), and 2 second-team All-Pro selections (2014 & 2016). Campbell was honored as a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team and was the recipient of the 2019 Walter Payton Man of the Year award.
94: Daron Payne
Defensive tackle Daron Payne signed a four-year, $90 million extension, with $60 million guaranteed with the Washington Commanders. The contract makes Payne one of the top five highest paid players at his position. The Commanders drafted Lawrence in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. In 2022, he earned a Pro Bowl selection.
95: Dalvin Tomlinson
The Cleveland Browns signed free agent defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson to a four-year, $57 million contract, with $27.5 million guaranteed. Tomlinson has spent time with two teams: the New York Giants (2017-2020) and the Minnesota Vikings (2021-2022).
96: Derek Barnett
Defensive end Derek Barnett is unlikely to be a starter for the elite Philadelphia Eagles’ defense this season and although he would still likely have a significant role, the player reportedly requested a trade, which the team granted. However, the team would like to retain Barnett. General manager Howie Roseman said that having all of the defensive line talent that the Eagles have helps the team “sleep a little bit better at night, and Derek is certainly one of those guys.” Head coach Nick Sirianni echoed the same sentiment, saying “I just think [Derek Barnett] has had a great camp and so excited that he is a part of this football team . . . I love his toughness, his edge, and his ability that he brings to this team every day.” Barnett was drafted by the Eagles in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He helped take the Eagles to Super Bowl LII, which the team won, but was injured in the run up to the team’s appearance in Super Bowl LVII.
97: Dexter Lawrence
Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence signed a four-year, $90 million extension, with $60 million guaranteed with the New York Giants The contract makes Lawrence one of the top five highest paid players at his position. The Giants drafted Lawrence in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. In 2022, he earned a Pro Bowl and a second-team All-Pro selection.
98: Jeffery Simmons
Defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons signed a four-year, $94 million extension, with $66 million guaranteed. The contract makes Simmons one of the top five highest paid players at his position. Simmons wants to remain a Titan for the rest of his career, saying “I never picture myself wearing another color than two-tone blue, other than a gold jacket.” The Titans drafted Simmons in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Simmons has already earned 2 second-team All-Pro selections (2021-2022) and 2 Pro Bowl selections (2021-2022).
99: J.J. Watt
Defensive end J.J. Watt retired after the 2022 season. Watt is one of the most decorated defensive players in NFL history, having earned 5 Pro Bowl selections (2012-2015 & 2018), 5 first-team All-Pro selections as a Defensive End / Edge Rusher (2012-2015 & 2018), and 2 second-team All-Pro selections as a Defensive Tackle / Interior Lineman (2014 & 2018). He had also earned Defensive Player of the Year three times (2012, 2014 & 2015). Watt was honored as a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team and was the recipient of the 2017 Walter Payton Man of the Year award. Watt is not moving away from football though, as he joined CBS Sports as an NFL studio analyst.
[1] David Gardy Ermann is a Counsel at FanDuel Group. The information contained in this article reflects the opinion(s) of the author and is not an official opinion of FanDuel Group.
