The original content and analysis produced by the PFR staff during the past week:
- With the 2017 regular season only two months away, PFR began its annual Offseason In Review series, assessing the major signings, departures, trades, and other notable events for each of the 32 NFL clubs. We covered four teams this week:
- PFR published several polls last week, taking the temperature on several noteworthy NFL news items:
- The Browns brought in two quarterbacks — Brock Osweiler and DeShone Kizer — to compete with incumbent Cody Kessler this season, but it’s still unclear whom the team plans to start in Week 1. Sam Robinson asked PFR readers to voice their opinion, and most respondents pulled the lever for Osweiler.
- The Buccaneers haven’t earned a postseason berth since 2007, but after adding pieces such as DeSean Jackson, O.J. Howard, and Chris Baker, could Tampa Bay make it back to the tournament this year? Zach Links asked, and you answered: 61% of voters think the Bucs will be in the 2017 playoffs.
- Though they may appear strong at the moment, a few 2016 playoff teams inevitably will fail to make it back to the postseason next season. Connor Byrne wanted to know which clubs are most likely to fall off in 2017, and PFR readers voted the Texans and Chiefs as the most probable teams to be at home come January.
- Darrelle Revis posted a down year in 2016, but he’s still one of the best cornerbacks available on the free agent market. Money is an obstacle, as Revis is still earning $6MM from the Jets, but Zach asked whether the future Hall of Fame defensive back will play in 2017.
- The 2017 campaign could present a final straw for several young players with a lot — in terms of team success, roster status, and financial gains — on the line. In our Make Or Break Year series, Connor look at Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles, while Rory Parks tackled Dolphins signal-caller Ryan Tannehill.
- The Ravens released veteran Dennis Pitta and saw Darren Waller land a yearlong suspension, meaning Baltimore is now short on tight ends. With that in mind, I made the case that the Ravens should sign former Brown Gary Barnidge.
- While he may not be a household name, Bears defensive lineman Akiem Hicks posted excellent results a season ago, grading as Pro Football Focus’ No. 15 interior defender on 930 snaps. He’s entering a contract year, and Connor examined what a potential long-term extension between Hicks and Chicago could look like.
- Former Steelers and Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams reiterated his desire to continue his career last week, so I took a look at several destinations that could make sense for the veteran runner. A return to Pittsburgh could be ideal, but teams like the Lions and Chargers could also use another back.
- Only eight 2017 draft picks remained unsigned, and as Zach noted, seven of those choices are first-rounders (the only second-round pick without a contract is the Radiers’ Obi Melifonwu). One issue in negotiations could be offset language, which Zach posted a refresher on last week.