Midwest Sports

It looks like the Minnesota Vikings are rolling with QB, JJ McCarthy as their starter, but who will be his backup? Currently the only other QB on the roster is Brett Rypien.  The Vikings may have been considering Aaron Rodgers, but he brings too much drama, is too much of a me guy, and thinks he doesn't need to show up for OTAs. Apparently Minnesota is talking with Ryan Tannehill. Tannehill took last season off. Usually taking a year off from football doesn't lead to very productive play. Should the Vikings try and sign Russell Wilson, Joe Flacco, Drew Lock, Carson Wentz, Case Keenum, or Tyler Huntley? Hopefully McCarrhy plays well and the Vikings won't need to turn to their backup QB at all throughout the season. 

The Cleveland Browns should of never let QB, Baker Mayfield go. Mayfield brought the Browns to the playoffs in 2020 ending an 18 year playoff drought.  Then 2022 comes along and Cleveland made possibly one of the worst trades in NFL history. They traded three first round picks, a third round pick, and a fourth round pick for QB, Deshaun Watson and gave him a five year fully guaranteed $230 million contract. Oh and he was suspended for the fist 11 games of 2022. He has played a total of 17 games for the Browns throwing for 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. I'm guessing Head Coach, Kevin Stefanski can't wait to find a new QB if he keeps his job long enough. 

It is looking like corner, Jaire Alexander will most likely play for the Packers this coming season. General Manager, Brian Gutekunst didn't do much to help the cornerback room in Green Bay (or anywhere else via free agency apart from signing CB Nate Hobbs and OG Aaron Banks). Alexander and Hobbs could be one of the better cornerback duos in the NFL if they both stay healthy. 

Apparently quarterback, Anthony Richardson has never had a completion percentage of above 55 dating back to his high school seasons. Perhaps bringing in Daniel Jones for competition will help both Richardson and Jones try and live up to being a top 10 first round pick.

Detroit missed out on trading for pass rushers Myles Garrett (Cle) and Maxx Crosby (LV). The Lions were decimated by injuries last year especially on the defensive side of the ball. Getting healthy will help this coming season, but the Lions should now try and trade for edge rusher, Kayvon Thibodeaux (NYG). He is still on his rookie deal and can be kept for a 5th year option in 2026. Pairing him with Adian Hutchinson could be a headache for opposing offensive lines to try and stop.

Chicago brought in free agent wide outs, Mecole Hardman Jr and Rondale Moore. Neither signed with the Bears. Instead both went to their division rivals - Hardman to the Packers and Moore to the Vikings.  Bears instead signed pro bowl return specialist, Devin Duvernay who should boost Chicago's special teams play.

The Cincinnati Bengals had the triple crown winner with Ja'Marr Chase leading the league with 127 receptions, 1,708 yards, and 17 touchdowns. They rewarded Chase with being the highest paid non quarterback. The Bengals had another triple crown winner in guard, Alex Cappa who gave up 51 pressures, 36 hurries, and 8 sacks. They rewarded Cappa by releasing him.  Cincinnati signed free agent guard, Lucas Patrick. He literally can't play worse than Cappa.

The Browns defense regressed from 2023 to 2024. In 2024 they struggled in coverage, pass defense, and tackling. They did sign linebacker, Jerome Baker (Sea). Cleveland's offense ranked dead last in scoring last year. Having four different players at quarterback throughout the season didn't help. They didn't sign many playmaker this offseason. The Browns signed wide out DeAndre Carter (Chi). They also traded for quarterback, Kenny Pickett (Phi). Other offensive weapons still available are wide outs Stefon Diggs, Amari Cooper, and Keenan Allen and running backs Nick Chubb and JK Dobbins.  It is hard for Cleveland to do much with quarterback, Deshaun Watson taking such a big cap hit. Kirk Cousins is staying in Atlanta and Jameis Winston signed with the Giants. The Browns had Russell Wilson for a visit, but haven't signed him. He may be waiting to see where Aaron Rodgers signs.

The Colts have a much improved secondary signing one of the best free agent cornerbacks in Charvarius Ward (SF) and one of the best safeties in Camryn Bynum (Min). They also signed Corey Ballentine (GB). Their new secondary has a history of getting their hands on the ball and making plays.  Indianapolis signed running back Khalil Herbert (Cin) who is a nice back up and change of pace back to workhorse, Jonathan Taylor.  The Colts lost both center, Ryan Kelly and guard, Will Fries to the Vikings. They resigned their depth and are looking to have guard, Danny Pinter and center, Wesley French take over. Look for the Colts to draft some offensive linemen as well.  Lastly, Indianapolis brought in free agent quarterback, Daniel Jones (Min) to compete for the starting spot with Anthony Richardson. Richardson has struggled early in his career, but the Colts need to see if he can be their long term answer at quarterback. He'll have to beat out Jones who is looking to be this year'...

Detroit Lions lost cornerbacks, Carlton Davis to the Patriots and Kindle Vildor to the Bucs. They were able to resign corner Khalil Dorsey and signed Avonte Maddox (Phi) and Rick Ya-Sin (SF). Lions resigned linebacker, Derrick Barnes as well. Their defense will be dominant like last year. The Lions had one of the best offensive lines in the NFL last year. They lost offensive guard, Kevin Zeitler to the Titans, but may have his replacement already on their roster. A 2024 sixth round pick - Christian Mahogany who apparently was a steal in last year's draft.