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10 Most shocking moves from the 2023 NFL Free Agency

By Michael Johnson

2023 NFL offseason: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers runs onto the field before a game against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field on January 08, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
2023 NFL offseason: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers runs onto the field before a game against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field on January 08, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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2023 NFL Free Agency started off with a bang and there were a few shockers no one predicted, but a few stood out among the rest.

The start of the 2023 NFL Free Agency saw Aaron Rodgers arise from the darkness. As we awaited his decision, we all knew he was going to confirm a trade with the New York Jets—no surprise there. We saw Jimmy Garroppolo reunited with his New England offensive coordinator, Josh McDaniels, becoming a Las Vegas Raider. Another non-surprise was the Dallas Cowboys parting ways with Ezekiel Elliot. The former Ohio State back was designated as a post-June release. He becomes another running back who got paid but did not live up to expectations.

There were rumors of Darius Slay possibly hitting free agency, but the Eagles wised up and kept their star corner on the roster. The Kansas City Chiefs let Orlando Brown walk as he looks to get paid like a left tackle. It appears they opted for Juwaan Taylor and linked to Laremy Tunsil. Meanwhile, Orlando Brown opted to join the reigning AFC North Champions, the Cincinnati Bengals. Nevertheless, the 2023 NFL Free Agency period had its fair share of surprising moves.

10 most shocking moves in NFL Free Agency so far

2023 NFL Free Agency
2023 NFL Free Agency – Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) reacts after wide receiver Christian Watson (9) dropped a wide open long pass against the Minnesota Vikings on the first play from scrimmage during their football game Sunday, September 11, 2022, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Min.Mjs Apc Packvsvikings 0911220140djp 114193024 /

10. Aaron Rodgers’ wishlist

Everyone but Aaron Rodgers knew he was going to the New York Jets. After being 90% retired, Rodgers arose from the darkness with a wishlist for his new team. The future Hall of Fame quarterback asked the Jets to sign Allen Lazard, Mercedes Lewis, Randall Cobb, and Odell Beckham Jr. What’s shocking is the audacity of the guy to request his future team to sign players that would benefit him more than anything. Aaron Rodgers, for all his greatness, wasn’t taking the Packers to NFC title games and wasn’t taking them to the Super Bowl. Yet, the Jets were given a list by a guy who will probably be nothing more than a one-year rental.

9. Las Vegas Raiders trade Darren Waller to the New York Giants

Josh McDaniels is inserting the Patriot Way by getting his guys in and those who don’t fit out. Darren Waller was traded to the New York Giants for a third-round pick. The Raiders were a team that underachieved in 2022 based on making the playoffs in 2021. Nevertheless, Josh McDaniels felt it was necessary to get rid of the Pro Bowl tight end for a third-round pick. Waller didn’t see the trade coming either, stating that he was getting ready for mid-April workouts.

The trade is shocking from the Giants’ perspective, who gave up a third-round pick and a chance to draft a tight end in a year where they could have taken someone to grow with a young quarterback. Waller’s recent injury concerns should have scared the G-Men, but the upside of a Pro Bow tight end could pay off big time. However, Waller will have a chip on his shoulder in an offense that will suit his skill set.

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