The 2023 NFL season is only a few weeks away. Football is almost back. Let’s dive into whether or not we should buy or sell some of the offseason buzz. Just about each team in the NFL has had their share of buzz-worthy events happen to them this offseason, so we could do a buy or sell for each team.
However, I think there are three teams that have made the most noise this offseason, but just because a team made a ton of noise in any given offseason, does not mean they will have that type of success when the season begins. For example, there really is no correlation between spending a ton of money in free agency and success during the season.
Besides that, these three teams made a variety of moves that include massive trades, solid drafts, free agency splashes, and everything in between. Let’s dive into a buy or sell for these three teams ahead of the 2023 NFL season.
2023 NFL Season: Buying or selling offseason buzz for teams
New York Jets: Sell
The New York Jets made arguably the biggest move of the offseason this year when they traded for Aaron Rodgers. I think the Jets gave up too much in this trade, but that is a different story. Not only did the Jets trade for Rodgers, perhaps ending their league-leading playoff skid, I don’t entirely buy their offseason.
Sure, they have signed a slew of Aaron Rodgers’ former teammates and did hire his old offensive coordinator in Nathaniel Hackett, but they’re still the New York Jets, and there was another team last offseason who underwent precisely what the Jets are experiencing now.
The Denver Broncos made a huge trade for a veteran QB last offseason and also hired Nathaniel Hackett. The Broncos had a ton of hype from that and many pegged them as a true playoff team. That all blew up on their face, though.
I don’t think the New York Jets are going to have as bad of a 2023 NFL season as the Denver Broncos did last year, but I don’t think they’re as easily of a playoff team as some may think they are.
2023 NFL Season: Buying or selling offseason buzz for teams
Denver Broncos: Buy
The biggest change of the offseason this year was the Denver Broncos going from Nathaniel Hackett to Sean Payton at head coach. Sean Payton is one of the most successful head coaches in the history of the NFL with a Hall of Fame resume.
He’s never won less than seven games during his HC career, averages 11 wins over ae 17-game season, has a winning playoff record and a Super Bowl title under his belt. His success on offense is also very obviously.
Not only that, the Broncos will see the return of Garett Bolles, Javonte Williams, and Tim Patrick from their season-ending injuries, and additions along the offensive line have turned that unit into one of the best on paper in the NFL.
How can you not buy the Broncos? I get if you’re skeptical of Russell Wilson, but if you look at what Payton did with Drew Brees towards the end of his career, you might have a change of tune.
Chicago Bears: Buy
I am buying the Chicago Bears for the 2023 NFL season, but it’s in lowercase if that makes sense. QB Justin Fields took strides as a passer and runner in 2022, but he’s still not yet proven to be a franchise QB, and year three is probably his last chance.
Additions along the offensive line of Nate Davis and Darnell Wright should greatly help Fields’ development, and the addition of DJ Moore gives the Bears a very good trio of wide receivers that also includes Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool.
The defense saw some improvement in free agency as well. However, this was one of the three worst teams in the NFL last year, so I think if you’re hoping the Bears make the playoffs this year, you might be disappointed, but if you see a clear improvement in the win column, perhaps finishing with seven-ish wins, I could buy into that.