Ranking 2022 Offseason For 2021 NFL Division Winners

The NFL preseason is roughly a month away as the Las Vegas Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars clash in the Hall of Fame Game at Canton, Ohio. The regular season kicks off on September 8 at SoFi Stadium as the defending Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams host the Buffalo Bills. And training camps open for all 32 teams in the league later this month.

So what’s been happening the last four months around the NFL? Here is a ranking of how the eight defending division champions fared this offseason.

8. Tennessee Titans

The decision to part ways with 2020 Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Brown was a bit perplexing despite the financial considerations. Prior to that, the club did swing a deal with the Rams to obtain veteran wideout, Robert Woods. And on the same night they dealt Brown, the Titans used a first-round pick in April on the University of Arkansas wide receiver. Releasing guard Rodger Saffold was also a bit of a mystery for a team that relies on the ground game.

7. Dallas Cowboys

It’s been a rough few months for the defending NFC East champions. The team wound up dealing wide receiver Amari Cooper to the Cleveland Browns. The Cowboys lost wideout Cedric Wilson and guard Connor Williams to the Miami Dolphins and pass-rusher Randy Gregory to the Denver Broncos – all in free agency. And Dallas parted ways with tackle La’el Collins, who latched on with the Cincinnati Bengals. First-round tackle Tyler Smith bears watching.

6. Buffalo Bills

It’s a team that has not been able to get past the talented Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC playoffs. The Bills have seen their season end at Arrowhead Stadium each of the last two years. Hence, the club underwent some big-time changes – mainly on the defensive front. The addition of two-time Super Bowl champion Von Miller is a big help to the pass rush and he’s emerged as a big-time playoff performer. And adding guard Rodger Saffold was a big plus.

5. Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals bounced back from a 4-11-1 season in 2020 to reach Super Bowl LVI. But Zac Taylor’s team couldn’t close the deal because the team’s shaky offensive line cost them dearly in the second half vs. the Rams. Hence the decision in free agency to sign the trio of tackle La’el Collins (Cowboys), guard Alex Cappa (Buccaneers), and versatile Ted Karras (Patriots). And the Bengals used three of their six picks in April to bolster their secondary.

4. Los Angeles Rams

The defending Super Bowl champions finally made their first selection in the 2022 draft until the fourth round. But GM Les Snead still wound up drafting eight players. The Rams wound up gathering some big-time talent in free agency. They signed wide receiver Allen Robinson away from the Bears and picked up middle linebacker Bobby Wagner when he was cast off by the rival Seahawks. And All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald has a new contract.

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3. Kansas City Chiefs

Andy Reid’s team overhauled its wide receiving corps as six-time Pro Bowler Tyreek Hill was sent to the Miami Dolphins in a mega-deal. Meanwhile, Demarcus Robinson and Byron Pringle signed with the Raiders and Bears, respectively. More importantly, general manager Brett Veach used seven of the club’s 10 draft choices on defense, including first-rounders in cornerback Trent McDuffie (Washington) and end George Karlaftis (Purdue)

2. Green Bay Packers

In an offseason full of big trades, the decision to deal with deal All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams to the Raiders is still a bit stunning. The team did just enough in free agency, adding veteran wideout Sammy Watkins and defensive tackle Jarran Reed. Brian Gutekunst bolstered the defense in the draft with linebacker Quay Walker and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt. But keep an eye on rookie receiver Christian Watson.

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tom Brady’s decision to “un-retire” was obviously a positive one for the franchise. The Bucs were the only reigning division champion to change head coaches this offseason as Todd Bowles takes over for Bruce Arians. As far as free agency goes, the team added some solid veteran additions on defense in the form of end Akiem Hicks and safeties Keanu Neal and Logan Ryan. Meanwhile, wide receiver Russell Gage and guard Shaq Mason bolster the offense.