The 2022 NFL offseason activity is mostly over as it pertains to player movement. Between free agency, the draft, and trades, which moves are the worst?
The free agency period during the 2022 NFL offseason was more exciting than usual. We saw several instances of major quarterbacks on the move, and, like every offseason, saw a ton of movement with big-name free agents.
It’s pretty clear which teams had very solid offseasons. Teams like the Bills, Chargers, Broncos, and Eagles had a great offseason, between free agency, trades, and the draft.
However, there are teams who are perhaps the losers of the offseason, including teams like the Bears, Packers, and Titans.
There were perhaps hundreds of transactions made since the beginning of the free agency period back in March, and we’re going to try to rank the three worst moves made overall, factoring in free agency with signings and trades, and looking at draft picks as well.
Obviously, the moves I personally believe to be the worst could actually turn out good for the teams on the wrong end of the decision, but for now, I think these three moves made during the 2022 NFL offseason stand alone as the absolute worst decisions made over the last few months.
Three worst moves during the 2022 NFL offseason
3. Titans trading AJ Brown, then drafting Treylon Burks
This was a bit of a shocking move when it happened. The deal went down during the draft.
The Eagles had the 18th overall pick and decided they needed a premier receiver for Jalen Hurts.
So, the Titans apparently came calling, trading their star receiver, AJ Brown, to the Titans for the 18th overall pick.
The Pro Bowl receiver was in line for a massive extension from Tennessee and was entering his fourth season with them, but the Titans apparently did not want to meet his contractual demands.
It’s puzzling, mainly because they were only able to get the 18th and 101st overall picks. That’s a mid-first rounder and low third-rounder, which they then traded to the Jets.
So, they effectively only received the 18th overall pick, which they used on Treylon Burks, who is very much similar to AJ Brown, however, Burks’ speed is a valid question, and his 225-pound frame could be a bit concerning.
The Eagles then inked Brown to an extension that will pay him an average of $25 million per year.
For the Titans, while several other AFC teams added a ton of firepower, they’ll have to settle with their less than ideal offseason, which now includes a receiver room featuring an unproven rookie in Burks, and an older receiver in Robert Woods, who is coming off a torn ACL.
I would not expect the Titans the be a huge threat this season.