Ask Bears general manager Ryan Poles and he’ll be happy to talk about the value of protecting the franchise’s investment in quarterback Caleb Williams.
That’s why Poland and coach Ben Johnson took to the passing lanes last March to find four new starters on the offensive line, a rebuilding project that featured two trades for Joe Thuney (Chiefs) and Jonah Jackson (Rams) and a quick and expensive free-agent signing.
Williams’ indisputable results, including sharp declines in QB pressure rate and sacks allowed in his career year and the Bears’ first playoff win in 15 years, have become a Chicago blueprint for the Las Vegas Raiders to follow.
Not only do they have a quarterback in their crosshairs with the franchise’s No. 1 pick, Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, but the Raiders enter the offseason in desperate need of an O-line overhaul.
Signing three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum away from the Ravens to begin free agency was the big start Las Vegas needed to turn this spring from one of its worst to a springboard for its first. They didn’t neglect their defense with the trade of cornerback Taron Johnson, a new three-year contract for Eric Stokes and two linebackers, Quay Walker (Packers) and Nakobe Dean (Eagles). Edge rusher Kwity Paye isn’t expected to replace Maxx Crosby, who was cut in a trade with the Ravens, but he and Malcolm Koonce are functional starters who could end up in backup or rotation roles depending on the rest of free agency and the draft.
The Chiefs got points on offense by signing top free agent running back Kenneth Walker III to a contract worth $15 million per season. A detailed analysis of the agreement with the 25-year-old shows more than just a relative win. The Chiefs’ last 1,000-yard rusher was Kareem Hunt version 1.0 with 1,327 yards in 2017. No back has hit .950 since Patrick Mahomes in 2025, when Hunt led the team with 611.
Unfortunately, Mahomes and Andy Reid have answers for cover 2 and cover 3 defenses. Do you want to play eight times in the box to slow down Walker and allow Mahomes to beat you? I didn’t think so.
One player the Chiefs did not retain was cornerback Trent McDuffie. Kansas City, shocked by the Rams’ trade offer for four picks, including a first-rounder, had to make this deal happen.
But this could also be seen as a potential win from the Rams’ perspective.
With an additional first-round pick to work with (acquired during the 2025 draft), GM Les Snead set his sights on McDuffie and made him the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL. The last time he made a deal like this, the Rams won the Super Bowl with Jalen Ramsey at left corner. Snead doubled down by signing Jaylen Watson, another KC cornerback whose data supports the idea that he is a shutdown-caliber defender. Los Angeles signed safety Kam Curl, another name for Snead, to a three-year contract.
If the first 24 hours of the new league year are any indication, we can all agree that the Titans and Browns remain on track toward the bottom of the division. Cleveland’s two big moves were getting offensive line help. exorbitant. However, the Browns selected Tytus Howard in a trade with the Texans and signed Zion Johnson, who was dominant as a guard for the Chargers. The Browns didn’t have a right tackle, so Howard helped. But with a two-year, $45 million extension, he is a patch for an expensive hole that is expected to re-emerge.
The Titans signed Wan’Dale Robinson, a slot receiver who could help Cam Ward develop, but he’s not a No. 1 and plays the exact same role as Chimere Dike, Tennessee’s lead receiver last season. New offensive coordinator Brian Daboll certainly has plans beyond throwing six-yard crosses down the field. right? right?
