With the wild 2024 NFL offseason almost complete, every franchise is re-evaluating everything about their roster and plan moving forward into the 2025 regular season. Our season opener is only four months away! Franchises are still remixing their all-star casts with blockbuster moves in player personnel and increasing their own expectations. It’s the Miami Dolphins and the Los Angeles Rams under fire these days. All of these choices have led to significant decisions on their players under center and their team chemistry as a whole. This article examines critical offseason developments, highlighting key players and their anticipated impacts.
The Miami Dolphins selected quarterback Smith in the second round of the 2022 draft. His performance has really dropped the ball on this. General Manager Chris Grier publicly expressed confidence in Smith, indicating that the team still counts on him for the upcoming season. Still, a lot of fans are not buying the idea that Smith will be with the franchise long-term. To shore up the veteran presence behind Stafford, the Rams have re-signed Jimmy Garoppolo to serve as the unquestioned backup. They brought back Stetson Bennett, their 2023 fourth-round pick. The mix of these players creates a really fascinating dynamic to the Rams’ quarterback battle.
Dolphins’ Quarterback Dilemma
The Dolphins are looking at a dangerous teeth-gritting arrangement — especially considering their quarterback and WR1 are top-dollar players. Yet Smith’s lackluster with a core question of his viability as a starting quarterback since being drafted. Despite this, Grier’s optimism signals a commitment to Smith’s development and future contributions.
Miami’s financial leverage makes it difficult to make large changes to the roster. The franchise is all-in on the talent it has now, raising questions about its ability to survive past this iteration. The next few months will be critical for Smith to demonstrate that he’s worth every penny. Fans are cautiously optimistic to see if he’ll be able to revive his once-promising career.
“should offer fans some comfort and confidence that the team knows what it’s doing” – Brandon Beane
Rams’ Adjustments and New Signings
The Rams were dealing with their own issues this offseason as well, including a contract dispute with veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford. As they navigate these issues, the addition of free agents such as Joshua Palmer, Elijah Moore, and Laviska Shenault Jr. aims to bolster their offense. Holding onto Garoppolo as a backup signals the Rams’ willingness to accept a lack of drama and stability. They hope to impart a sense of experience to the quarterback position.
Garoppolo’s presence would certainly give Bennett a great mentor as the rookie gets his feet underneath him at the next level. Like many other teams, the Rams are committed to developing the young talent they’ve brought in. This includes ensuring that seasoned players are always trained to jump in whenever the need arises. This strategy further underscores their dedication to not just surviving but thriving in the toughest division in all of baseball.
The same principle applies to how the technical team should integrate new signings into their roster. Meanwhile, they have to juggle current contracts with shrewdness while getting ready for the new season.
League-Wide Developments and Challenges
They aren’t the only ones — across the league, many other teams are still very active. Instead, the Atlanta Falcons chose to re-sign Kirk Cousins rather than risk cutting him prior to free agency starting. This decision affects their maneuvering room with the roster. Cousins’ contract contained a $10 million roster bonus. Five days into the new league year, that bonus automatically became guaranteed, ensuring his place on the team.
Meanwhile, the New York Jets are expected to finalize a deal with Aaron Rodgers, who aims to improve upon last season’s performance following an Achilles injury. Analysts are optimistic Rodgers will return this season rejuvenated and more productive. This creates some extra intense competition among the division’s contending clubs.
Go Buffalo Bills— you’re changing the game ! They played their pay-for-picks card to strengthen their new defensive front, adding veteran defensive ends Joey Bosa and Larry Ogunjobi. Defensive signings include players like Haason Reddick and Leonard Floyd to one-year “prove-it” deals. This strategy bolsters their roster in the short term while still sidestepping any long-term financial commitments.
Like Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud last season, it’s just a hard way to live to be sacked 52 times on the 24th 2024 season. This alarming statistic only further emphasizes the need for better protection and support from his offense. His inspiration to move beyond entry-level and advance in his field.
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