Three big NFL offseason moves… that you already forgot about

It’s hard to remember a more exciting NFL offseason than this one. 

We have seen some of the biggest names moving over the past few months. Davante Adams to Las Vegas, Tyreek Hill to Miami, Russell Wilson to Denver; the list goes on. 

And that’s not even mentioning the extensions and free agency signings which have drawn the attention of talking head sports shows.

With all the moves, there are signings that have gone completely under the radar. Ones that have already been removed from our memory bank, but could be huge in the upcoming season.

Allen Robinson II to the Los Angeles Rams

This one felt necessary to lead off. While researching for this article, I completely forgot that this signing occurred this offseason. 

Early in March, the defending Super Bowl Champion Los Angeles Rams signed Robinson to a three-year contract worth $46.5 million. $30.7 million of that contract is guaranteed. 

According to reports, Robinson received offers from other teams with higher average annual value. But the opportunity to play for a Super Bowl contender, while securing more guaranteed money, was too enticing to pass up. 

I am excited about A-Rob at the Rams. For the first time in his career, he will get the opportunity to play with an above-average quarterback in Matthew Stafford. 

Despite the Rams shipping Robert Woods to Tennessee and Odell Beckham Jr. remaining a free agent, Robinson will be behind Cooper Kupp on the LA receiver depth chart. Yet there is an opportunity for the former Chicago Bear to be the WR2 on a high-powered offense. 

Indeed, last year was not that impressive for Robinson. But given his track record of success, I believe the 2021 season was an aberration. 

In 2022, I predict the former Penn State wideout will finish closer to the 1,000 yards mark than the 410 yards he reached last season.

Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts

March saw the end of the Matt Ryan era in Atlanta, when the Falcons traded the former MVP to the Indianapolis Colts. In a time of increasing hostility between players and their teams, it is refreshing to see a Falcons team do right by moving on their former franchise quarterback. 

Atlanta traded Ryan to the Colts, allowing him to pursue a Super Bowl title as his career winds down. 

Indianapolis get a competent, veteran quarterback. The Falcons can now start their rebuild around a new QB. This was a great move for all parties.

It has been a QB carousel for the Colts since the shocking retirement of Andrew Luck. The team has seen the likes of Carson Wentz, Jacoby Brissett, Phillip Rivers and Brian Hoyer start games since 2019. 

Ryan will not be the long-term solution, but he’ll definitely provide solid quarterback play while their window of contention is still open.

The No.1 pick has yet to play a snap for the Colts, but already has the support of his new teammates. Running back Nyheim Hines said during a radio interview: “I think the sky’s the limit with Matt. I’m super excited to work with him.” 

Ryan’s numbers were down last season, throwing 20 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions. However, he helped lead the ‘tanking’ Falcons to a respectable, albeit sub-par 7-10 record. His leadership, passing ability and experience will be an asset to a Colts squad that will be looking to contend for the Super Bowl. 

After a chaotic and frustrating season with Wentz, Matty Ice will begin the season with minimal pressure of filling in the shoes of his predecessor. 

As long as he doesn’t throw a shuffle pass to the opposing defense every single game, Ryan will be decent in Indy.

D.J. Chark to the Detroit Lions

D.J. Chark signed a one-year, fully guaranteed $10 million contract with the Detroit Lions this offseason, in one of the most under-the-radar moves of this year’s summer. 

Yes, it’s only a one-year deal. Yes, Chark has been inconsistent and injury-prone. And yes, Detroit is one of the weaker teams in the NFL. 

But that being said, I believe this could be one of the steals of this offseason.  

Chark enters the 2022/2023 season aged just 25 years old. He’s motivated to prove he is worthy of a big wide receiver contract in the future. 

A pro-bowler in 2019, Chark has seen a decline in his stats, mostly due to injuries over the last two seasons. However, coming into this season healthy, Charkhas some intriguing upside for this year. 

Chark will fill a void on a gritty Lions offense and help Detroito become more vertically explosive in 2022. He will also help to open up the field for their other talented receiving options such as T.J. Hockenson and Amon-Ra St. Brown, as well as rookie receiver Jameson Williams from the NFL Draft. 

Jared Goff has another young weapon, as he is also looking to prove that he is still a starting-caliber quarterback in the NFL. 

Though the Chark signing might be less of an impact than Matt Ryan or Allen Robinson II, it is the optimal low-risk, high-reward play that a team like the Detroit Lions needed to take this offseason.