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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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NFL Free Agency
NFL Free Agency: Jalen Ramsey #5 of the Los Angeles Rams gestures towards the Seattle Sehaawks bench during the first half of the game at Lumen Field on January 08, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jane Gershovich/Getty Images) /

2. Los Angeles Rams traded Jalen Ramsey to the Miami Dolphins

In shocking fashion, The Los Angeles Rams have traded their star defensive back Jalen Ramsey to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a 2023 third-round pick and tight end Hunter Long. This gives the Dolphins the best defensive backfield in the AFC and easily one of the three duos in the NFL. Xavien Howard is a stud who is looking to bound back, having Ramsey will help. Sure, Ramsey gave up seven touchdowns last season, but Vic Fangio’s defense will help protect him.

Ramsey, a Pro Bowl selection in each of his four seasons with the Rams, was a key piece in their Super Bowl LVI-winning 2021 season. He produced 242 total tackles, 10 interceptions, and 47 passes defensed in his 57 games with the team. The Fins are getting a stud who will make yet another Pro Bowl. With Aaron Rodgers and Josh Allen in the division, this was the perfect move.

1. No team bid for Lamar Jackson

Every NFL fan knows that quarterbacks are the heart and soul of the game. They can make or break a team’s season, and often come with a hefty price tag. So when former MVP Lamar Jackson became available via the non-exclusive franchise tag, it was shocking that not a single team showed interest.

Let’s just take a moment to appreciate what we’re dealing with here. Jackson is one of the most exciting athletes in all of professional sports, a legitimate franchise quarterback, and he’s only 26 years old. It’s mind-boggling that no team is willing to take a chance on him.

This is a league where having a great quarterback can mean the difference between winning and losing, both on the field and in the eyes of the fans. Just imagine the excitement if Jackson were to join the Carolina Panthers or the Atlanta Falcons. These teams would suddenly become relevant and would likely get prime-time games every week. Throw away the idea of the uncertainty of Jackson. What’s more uncertain? A rookie quarterback or a 26-year-old passer who already won an MVP who has yet to reach his ceiling?

So why is no one interested in Jackson? It’s simple: NFL owners are afraid of fully guaranteed contracts for quarterbacks. They’re so afraid, in fact, that they’re willing to pass up on one of the most talented players in the league.

It’s a shame that we won’t get to see Jackson recreate the magic of Vick 2.0 in some red, white, and black uniforms. But the lack of interest in him is even more shocking than his availability. NFL teams need to take a chance on this incredible player before it’s too late.

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