Dan Graziano is a senior NFL national reporter for ESPN. He’s been doing a great job analyzing some of the big moves in this NFL offseason. Graziano’s deep experience will serve them well. He’s been sharing those insights on shows like Get Up, NFL Live, SportsCenter, ESPN Radio, Sunday NFL Countdown and Fantasy Football Now. His deep experience as a working journalist undoubtedly adds flavor to his observations. Born in NJ, raised in NY and having spent 10 years at ESPN, he provides the informed, analytical breakdown of the league’s storylines that continue to change.
As teams get ready to kick off the 2023 season, a few franchises are reaching pivotal crossroads where they’re deciding their futures. The Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Commanders, Dallas Cowboys, and Denver Broncos have all been active in the offseason. Key players stepping up big and shrewd pickups will play a huge role in deciding each team’s fate. As we head into the 2024 season, these factors will be most influential.
Browns Seek Clarity in Quarterback Situation
The Cleveland Browns are approaching a key junction in determining just how talented their stable of young QB’s might be. They need to figure out third-rounder Gabriel. They have to be able to project fifth-round pick Sanders and hope he can develop into a future leader on the field. This kind of evaluation is important not just for the team’s short-term approach, but for the future of the franchise.
This year the Browns need to take a hard look at their entire roster. They have to test how it will play in the league’s competitive landscape. The team’s coaching staff is tasked with developing these players and ensuring they are prepared to step up if needed. The decisions the Browns make this offseason will certainly determine their trajectory heading into next year.
And just like that, Baker Mayfield is running out onto the field in a Tampa Bay Buccaneers uniform. Yet even today his time with the Browns stirs debate. In three games since joining the Buccaneers, Mayfield has been remarkably effective. What’s more, he only has a year remaining on his contract — worth $27 million after this season, of course. We will continue to watch how well he lives up to that promise. It will determine how teams approach and assess the quarterback market for years to come.
Chiefs Focus on Player Development and Health
The Kansas City Chiefs have taken an interesting and unusual approach in this official offseason, looking to better develop players to keep them healthy. They’re very high on 2024 first-round pick Xavier Worthy, who made a real leap last year after an up-and-down prior season. Worthy’s growth will be key for the Chiefs as they enter full win-now mode.
From a producer standpoint, another big player for the Kansas City offense overall will be Isiah Pacheco, who enters the season as a full go healthy RB. His impending addition to the backfield gives New Orleans a more talented contingency of runners in their already loaded offensive arsenal. TRAVIS KELCE Former TE Travis Kelce has garnered headlines this offseason by slimming down. This weight loss may increase his quickness and overall ability on the field.
Combined, those factors can make for a significantly more dynamic offense for the Chiefs this season. Prepare yourselves for another thrilling T4T season ahead! Kansas City, meanwhile, has already turned their attention to next season with a purposeful eye towards mining the most from their loaded roster. Simultaneously, they are keeping a watchful eye on injury and player fitness levels.
Commanders and Cowboys Eye Playoff Potential
The Washington Commanders are riding momentum after winning their final five games of the regular season last year, including a notable victory against the Philadelphia Eagles that secured them a playoff spot as a wild card. This resurgence has instilled confidence in the team as they head into the next season under head coach Dan Quinn.
Under the steady hand of quarterback Jayden Daniels, the defending NFC champion Commanders would love to pick up where they left off a season ago. His development will be vital as the Commanders look to establish themselves among a tough, improved NFC East division. His young team will have their hands full with an extremely difficult slate all year long. This late-season success will soon be tested!
The Dallas Cowboys are hoping to establish playoff hopes with quarterback Dak Prescott returning from injury. Only Leadership and Experience Prescott’s leadership and experience can do wonders for the Cowboys. Third, they are hungry to regain their place at the head of the NFC East table. The animosity in this rivalry may be higher than ever with both of these teams looking to make it to the post season.
Broncos Strengthen Defense with Key Acquisitions
The Denver Broncos have clearly been one of the most aggressive teams this offseason in an effort to shore up their defense. Alongside linebacker Dre Greenlaw and All-Pro safety Talanoa Hufanga, they’ve implemented a new wave of talent. These acquisitions are an indication that the Broncos might just be loading up on defense like never before as they head into a new Broncos season.
Along with playing solid D, the Broncos picked up pass-catching TE Evan Engram on their roster. Utilizing Engram’s versatility could open up myriad new options for the Broncos’ offense, making them a more dangerous foe in 2024. Getting new guys acclimated to the defensive and offensive systems are key. This change will be important if they hope to bounce back from their lackluster season from last year.
It’s a time when teams across the league are constantly making tweaks and getting set for training camps. One thing is for sure, fans are in for an incredibly competitive SRI season this fall! Decisions made in the first few months of 2023 will impact the success of every franchise for years to come.
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