By David Gardy Ermann
Some football fans might use the time after the Super Bowl and before kickoff of the regular National Football League season as a respite from 24/7 football. Although football fans might need an offseason, football does not take one.
For the fans who will be tuning into the Thursday night game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Buffalo Bills that kicks off the 2022 NFL season on September 8, check out this recap of a dramatic 2022 offseason full of signings, trades, retirements, personal updates, and more, as recapped through jersey numbers. The setup of this list is as follows: (1) one player per jersey number; (2) players signed to an active roster will be listed under the jersey number they are currently assigned; and (3) retired players or players not signed to an active roster will be listed under a jersey number that is best associated with their NFL career.
1: Kyler Murray
Kyler Murray, the young star QB for the Arizona Cardinals, reportedly would not play for the team in 2022 without a new contract. In February, Murray’s agent Erik Burkhardt issued a statement that called on the Cardinals to commit to Murray long-term as their franchise quarterback. Murray earned Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2019 and back-to-back Pro Bowl selections in 2020 & 2021. In July, Murray and the Cardinals agreed to a five-year $230.5 million contract, with $189.5 million guaranteed. The contract originally included an “independent study” clause that would have required Murray to study film for at least four hours per week during the season, but the Cardinals removed the clause after causing a distraction.
2: Matt Ryan
The Atlanta Falcons were one of the teams trying to trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson. As the Falcons interest in Watson became public, so did conversations about longtime quarterback Matt Ryan becoming available on the trading block. With the Falcons, Ryan earned Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2008, and earned both NFL MVP & Offensive Player of the Year in 2016. He also earned four Pro Bowl selections (2010, 2012, 2014, & 2016) and one first-team All-Pro selection (2016). After missing out on Watson, the Falcons still moved on from Ryan, trading him to the Indianapolis Colts for a 2022 third-round draft pick. The trade will come with a $40.525 million dead cap hit in 2022 for the Falcons, the largest dead cap hit in NFL history. Since being traded to the Colts, Ryan has been commended for his leadership, command, and performance. Colts head coach Frank Reich said of Ryan that “[h]e did everything right.”
3: Russell Wilson
After what had become an annual will-they-won’t-they with regard to whether the Seattle Seahawks would move on from QB Russell Wilson, the Seahawks agreed to send Wilson and a 2022 fourth-round draft pick to the Denver Broncos in exchange for QB Drew Lock, TE Noah Fant, DL Shelby Harris, 2022 draft picks in the first (no. 9 overall), second, & fifth rounds, and 2023 draft picks in the first & second rounds. With the Seahawks, Wilson earned 9 Pro Bowl selections (2012-2015 & 2017-2021) and 1 second-team All-Pro selection (2019). Wilson took the Seahawks to back-to-back Super Bowls (XLVIII & XLIX), winning the first. Wilson was honored with the 2020 Walter Payton Man of the Year award. Wilson subsequently agreed to a five-year, $245 million contract, with $165 million guaranteed.
4: Deshaun Watson
Star quarterback Deshaun Watson requested a trade from the Houston Texans in January 2021 arising out of frustrations with the Texans organization. Watson’s contract, however, had a no-trade clause and so he could veto any potential trade destination. In March 2021, it was reported that a civil lawsuit would be filed against Watson, and by April the number would reach 22 civil lawsuits, in connection with sexual assault and misconduct allegations involving massage therapists. By April 2021, 22 civil lawsuits had been filed against Watson. Also in April 2021, a criminal complaint was filed. Watson did not play for the Texans during the 2021 season. In March 2022, a grand jury declined to indict Watson on the criminal charges. Later in March, Deshaun Watson decided to waive that no-trade clause to join the Cleveland Browns. Houston traded Watson and a 2024 sixth-round draft pick in exchange for 2022 draft picks in the first & fourth rounds, 2023 draft picks in the first & third rounds, and 2024 draft picks in the first and fourth rounds. After the trade was completed, the Browns signed Watson to a new (and unprecedented) contract at five-years, $230 million, all of which became fully guaranteed at signing. In the months after the trade, it has been reported both that Watson allegedly met with at least 66 different massage therapists from 2019 through 2021 and that 25 civil lawsuits had been filed against Watson. This matter went before Judge Sue L. Robinson, the independent Disciplinary Officer jointly appointed by the NFL and NFL Players Association, who found that Watson violated the NFL’s personal conduct policy and suspended him for six games. The NFL appealed Judge Robinson’s decision to suspend Watson for only six games, as they sought a season-long suspension. Eventually the NFL and NFLPA settled on an eleven-game suspension.
5: Randy Gregory
Randy Gregory, drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2015, was seemingly all set to sign a long-term deal with the only professional team he ever played with. Gregory reportedly agreed on a five-year deal with the Cowboys, but he changed course and decided to instead sign a five-year, $70 million contract with the Denver Broncos. After signing with the Broncos, Gregory tweeted that the Dallas Cowboys’ fanbase was “toxic” and that Cowboys ownership acted in “bad faith” during the free agency process.
6: Baker Mayfield
The Cleveland Browns traded for QB Deshaun Watson in March and then immediately re-signed him to a five-year, fully guaranteed mega-deal. Days before that trade was executed, but after the Browns had already met with Watson to discuss the potential deal, then-starting Browns QB Baker Mayfield tweeted a thank you note to Browns fans. Although the trade market seemed quiet for Baker for much of the summer, in July, the Carolina Panthers traded a 2024 conditional draft pick (either a fourth- or fifth- round pick, based on Mayfield’s playing time) to the Browns for Mayfield. Notably, the Panthers are only paying Mayfield $4.85 million of the salary the Browns owed to him, while the Browns are paying the remaining $10.5 million. The Panthers announced that Mayfield would open the 2022 season as the starter ahead of incumbent Sam Darnold.
7: Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger retired from the NFL after 18 seasons, all with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Roethlisberger had a highly decorated career, including earning the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2004 and earning six Pro Bowl selections (2007, 2011, & 2014-2017). He took the Steelers to three Super Bowls (XL, XLIII, & XLV), winning the first two. Roethlisberger finished his career with a 166-82-1 record. However, the future Hall-of-Famer reportedly believes that he can still be a successful starting quarterback in the NFL, but that his “coach and GM don’t want [him] back.” The Steelers drafted QB Kenny Pickett in the first round out of the University of Pittsburgh to be their long term replacement for Roethlisberger. Even if Roethlisberger believes that he still can be the team’s starting QB, he nevertheless offered his support and advice to Pickett.
8: Brian Robinson
Brian Robinson, the rookie running back with the Washington Commanders was shot twice in the right leg on August 28 in an attempted robbery. Robinson avoided both life-threatening injuries and also likely avoided any career-ending injuries. The Commanders placed Robinson on the reserve/non-football injury list, as there seems to be potential that he could return this season.
9: Matthew Stafford
Coming off of the Los Angeles Rams Super Bowl LVI victory, QB Matthew Stafford agreed to a four-year, $160 million contract extension. The contract will keep Stafford with the Rams through the 2026 season. Stafford’s running mate, WR Cooper Kupp, also signed a mega extension this offseason. Kupp signed that three-year, $80 million contract extension while wearing a Stafford jersey.
10: Tyreek Hill
“A little bit of shock” was how Patrick Mahomes described his initial reaction to learning that Tyreek Hill had been traded to the Miami Dolphins. The Chiefs traded Hill to the Dolphins in exchange for 2022 picks in the first (no. 29 overall), second, & fourth rounds, and 2023 picks in the fourth & sixth rounds. Hill, who was already under contract for the 2022 season at the time of the trade, signed a four-year, $120 million extension with the Dolphins. With the extension, Hill became the highest-paid non-QB in NFL history. Hill later said that he was underutilized in Kansas City.
11: Julian Edelman
There has been much speculation about Julian Edelman returning to the NFL and teaming up with his old quarterback, Tom Brady, in Tampa Bay. On February 10, while Brady was firmly retired from the NFL, Edelman explained that he would not be surprised if Brady made a comeback. On March 21, after Brady had already un-retired, Brady posted a video of him and Edelman having a catch. Then on April 1, Edelman posted a photo to Twitter with the caption “Onto the next chapter.” The photo shared in the tweet displayed a picture of Edelman side-by-side with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers logo along with the words “Breaking” and “Buccaneers signing Julian Edelman”. Of course, on April 1, it was just Edelman playing an April Fools’ Day joke and he remained firmly retired after all. Then on August 30, Edelman told Chris Long on his “Green Light” podcast that “I’m doing things where I’m in the beginning stage of, like, an offseason-ish, just kind of feeling out my body and feeling out my legs. I’ve had some downtime. My body feels good . . . There’s some deficiencies here and there, but I feel extremely better than I did the last year-and-a-half of my career. I don’t know if it’s fool’s gold just because I haven’t been compounding loadage. That’s why you get interested, so you kick it up a little bit here and there and you analyze. You don’t make decisions. And that’s what I’m doing.”
12: Tom Brady
The GOAT, Tom Brady, officially announced his retirement from the NFL on February 1. Forty days later, on March 13, the 44 year old Brady un-retired and returned to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It has been rumored that while retired, Brady and Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross discussed a scenario by which Brady would become an executive with the Dolphins and then eventually un-retire and become the Dolphins QB as well. During the offseason, Brady also signed a future contract with Fox to be the network’s lead NFL analyst after his retirement. The contract with Fox is reportedly a ten-year, $375 million deal.
13: Christian Kirk
At the start of the NFL’s legal tampering period before free agency, the Jacksonville Jaguars and wide receiver Christian Kirk agreed to terms on an enormous four-year, $72 million contract. Christian Kirk had been a productive player (236 receptions, 2,902 receiving yards, and 17 touchdowns) during his four years with the Cardinals, but the contract with the Jaguars immediately vaulted Kirk into the top 10 for average per year salaries amongst all wide receivers in the NFL. That contract largely reset the wide receiver market. Davante Adams, Tyreek Hill, Stefon Diggs, and A.J. Brown all signed new contracts after the Kirk signing. Deebo Samuel, Terry McLaurin, and D.K. Metcalf are each still on their rookie contract, but are looking for new deals.
14: Stefon Diggs
Stefon Diggs signed a four-year, $96 million contract extension to remain with the Buffalo Bills for the next six seasons. Diggs has been a standout receiver since being drafted in 2015, and especially since joining the Bills in 2020 where he earned 2 Pro Bowl selections (2020 & 2021) and 1 first-team All-Pro selection (2020).
15: Patrick Mahomes
On March 12, Patrick Mahomes married longtime partner, Brittany Matthews. The two began dating in high school and became engaged in September 2020. Mahomes also took part in the sixth edition of The Match on June 1, in which he teamed up with Josh Allen to face off against the duo of Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers.
16: Jared Goff
There has been a lot of uncertainty about Jared Goff’s future as the quarterback for the Detroit Lions. In his first season with the Lions, Goff went 3-10-1 while throwing for 19 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. GM Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell have both expressed optimism this offseason about Goff’s future at Quarterback with the team.
17: Davante Adams
Although the Green Bay Packers were able to finalize a new deal with Aaron Rodgers this offseason, they did not retain Rodgers’ star pass-catcher, Davante Adams. Adams, who has made five consecutive Pro Bowls and has been named first-team All-Pro each of the past two seasons, was traded to the Los Angeles Raiders in exchange for 2022 draft picks in the first (no. 22 overall) & second rounds. Adams then signed the largest ever wide receiver contract (five-year, $142.5 million) in NFL history, which he held that record for less than one week at which point Tyreek Hill’s new contract with the Dolphins slightly edged Adams’ out.
18: Calvin Ridley
Atlanta Falcons WR Calvin Ridley has been suspended indefinitely—and at least through the conclusion of the 2022 NFL season—for betting on NFL games during the 2021 season. This comes after Ridley played in only five games in 2021 before leaving the club to focus on his mental health.
19: Deebo Samuel
A league winner of the 2021 fantasy football season, full-time wide receiver and part-time running back Deebo Samuel requested to be traded out of San Francisco. Earlier in the offseason, it seemed that the 49ers and Samuel, who still has one year remaining on his current contract (a four-year, $7,247,476 rookie contract signed in 2019), were going to engage in getting a long-term deal done. In light of the other 2022 wide receiver signings (like Davante Adams’ and Tyreek Hill’s respective mega-deals), it seemed that Samuel would be in for a big payday by the 49ers. Instead, Samuel requested a trade, reportedly at least in part because he did not like his usage with the 49ers. Eventually, however, the 49ers and the star do-it-all offensive weapon agreed to a three-year, $73.5 million contract.
20: Eric Weddle
Wordle, the web-based word game, has risen in popularity over the past few months. Millions of users play and on January 31, 2022, The New York Times Company acquired the game. Inspired by Wordle, two high school students created the Wordle variant, Weddle. The name was chosen for its resemblance to “Wordle” and because the creators are fans of Eric Weddle, who re-retired from the NFL after winning Super Bowl LVI with the Los Angeles Rams. In the Weddle game, users have 8 attempts in Normal mode or 10 attempts in a Hard mode to guess the name, team, division, position, height, age, and jersey number of an NFL player. Normal mode is limited to current QBs, WRs, RBs, and TEs, whereas Hard mode can be any current NFL player.
21: Denzel Ward
At 24 years old, Denzel Ward became the second cornerback, joining Jalen Ramsey, in the $100+ million contract with an annual average salary of $20+ million club. He inked a five-year, $100.5 million contract extension with the Cleveland Browns. Ward was selected fourth overall in the 2018 NFL Draft and has since earned 2 Pro Bowl selections (2018, 2021).
22: Christian McCaffrey
Christian McCaffrey is one of the most versatile running backs in the NFL and one of the most dangerous . . . when he is on the field. For example, in 2019, McCaffrey rushed 1,387 yards and 15 rushing touchdowns while also pulling in 1,005 receiving yards and four touchdown receptions. He was just the third player in NFL history to record 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving in a single season. However, with his usage comes injuries, as McCaffrey missed 23 games in the 2020 and 2021 seasons. This led some people to question whether McCaffrey would be better off lining up more as a slot receiver in 2022 than as a running back, in order to avoid taking as many hits. It looks like the Carolina Panthers star will stay at running back though as both he and head coach Matt Rhule rebuffed that idea this offseason. McCaffrey reached out to Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk who gave McCaffrey advice about how to recharge his body, stay healthier throughout the season, and increase the number of years he’ll be able to play in the league.
23: Jaire Alexander
After Denzel Ward joined Jalen Ramsey as the only cornerbacks averaging $20 million or more per season, Jaire Alexander signed a four-year, $84 million contract extension that will keep Alexander with the Packers through the 2026 season.
24: Marshawn Lynch
Marshawn Lynch, former star running back with the Seattle Seahawks, and Macklemore, the rapper and Seattle-native, have each become minority investors in the NHL’s Seattle Kraken.
25: Joe McKnight
The Louisiana Supreme Court decided that Ronald Gasser, the man who shot and killed former New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs running back Joe McKnight, cannot be tried again for murder, although he can still be re-tried for manslaughter. A non-unanimous jury convicted Gasser of manslaughter in 2018, which manslaughter is a lesser charge than murder. As a result of the 2020 United States Supreme Court decision Ramos v. Louisiana, which held that non-unanimous criminal convictions were unconstitutional (and which decision had retroactive effect), Gasser’s conviction was set aside for a new trial. Although Gasser can be tried again for manslaughter, the Louisiana Supreme Court found that Gasser could not be tried again for murder because doing so would violate Gasser’s protections against double jeopardy. Essentially, this means that Gasser was tried for and acquitted of the murder charge by way of the jury convicting Gasser of manslaughter and not murder in 2018.
26: Logan Ryan
The New York Giants released veteran safety Logan Ryan in March. Ryan then signed a one-year, $1.12 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In April, Ryan filed a grievance against the Giants. The grievance arises out of a dispute about how much money he was owed after being cut. Ryan signed a one-year, $7.5 million contract with the Giants in 2020. During the season, he signed a three-year, $31 million contract extension. $5.5 million was fully guaranteed for 2022 (which the Giants paid to Ryan when they released him), while $8.5 million was guaranteed for injury. Reports indicate that Ryan had postseason finger surgery and that he was released after the surgery. Ryan’s grievance is about whether he was actually entitled to the full $8.5 million.
27: J.C. Jackson
Cornerback J.C. Jackson signed a huge five-year, $82.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Chargers. Jackson signed with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2018, and then helped the Patriots win Super Bowl LIII in his rookie season. Last season, Jackson earned a Pro Bowl selection and a second-team All-Pro selection. Jackson had ankle surgery in August and is expected to miss the first two to four weeks of the 2022 season.
28: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
Cleveland Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah’s brother, Joshua, was found dead in a burned house on April 5. Joshua was formerly a linebacker for the College of William & Mary before becoming a high school science teacher. A man has since been arrested and charged with one count each of murder and arson in connection with Joshua’s death.
29: Tarik Cohen
Free agent and former Chicago Bear running back, Tarik Cohen was working hard to make a return to the NFL, but suffered a torn achilles while streaming a training session on Instagram Live.
30: Jessie Bates
The Cincinnati Bengals placed the franchise tag on one of their best players, safety Jessie Bates. Bates, however, has made it clear that he does not want to play under the franchise tag and he skipped the Bengals’ voluntary workouts and most of training camp. Eventually, Bates returned to the Bengals, signing the franchise tag for the 2022 season. Bates is one of the better safeties in the NFL as he earned a second-team All-Pro selection in 2020 and helped the Bengals reach Super Bowl LVI last season. Although the Bengals lost to the Rams in the Super Bowl, Bates played at a very high level during the entire playoff run, which included intercepting Matt Stafford in the end zone and preventing the Rams from taking a two-score lead into halftime of the Super Bowl.
31: Raheem Mostert
Running back Raheem Mostert signed with the Miami Dolphins after spending the last six seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. First year Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel spent his previous five seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, as run game coordinator and then as offensive coordinator. McDaniel has said that he has an “affinity” for Mostert, and the two will now be reunited with the Dolphins.
32: Chris Carson
Seattle Seahawks running back Chris Carson suffered a neck injury in week 4 of the 2021 season and was placed on Injured Reserve. Then in November it was determined that Carson would need neck surgery which ended any chance of him returning to the field last season. On April 21, Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said there were no new updates on Carson’s recovery. In June, Carroll hinted that Carson may be forced to retire. And in July, that’s exactly what happened as Carson retired from the NFL.
33: Gary Brown
Gary Brown, the former NFL running back and beloved assistant coach, died on April 10 after being treated for cancer. He was just 52 years old. Brown was drafted by the Houston Oilers in the eighth round of the 1991 NFL Draft. He played five seasons with the Oilers, one with the San Diego Chargers, and two with the New York Giants. Brown rushed for over 1,000 yards in a season two times, once each with the Oilers and Giants. He returned to the NFL as a running backs coach in 2009 with the Cleveland Browns and spent four years with the team before joining the Dallas Cowboys in the same role. He was with the Cowboys from 2013-2019, in which he coached Darren McFadden, DeMarco Murray, and Ezekiel Elliot all to 1,000-plus yard seasons. Brown also coached Murray (2014) and Elliott (2016 & 2018) in the years they won the NFL rushing title.
34: Brandon Bolden
Running back Brandon Bolden played 8 seasons with the New England Patriots (2012-2017 and 2019-2021) and 1 season with the Miami Dolphins (2018) before he decided to join the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason. Bolden will re-unite with new Raiders head coach (and former longtime Patriots offensive coordinator) Josh McDaniels.
35: Charvarious Ward
Free agent cornerback Charvarius Ward signed a three-year, $40.5 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers in March. Ward started his career as an undrafted free agent in 2018 with the Dallas Cowboys, but was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs before the start of that 2018 season. He then spent four seasons with the Chiefs and helped take them to back-to-back Super Bowls (LIV & LV), winning the first.
36: Grant Haley
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis presented University of Florida Health Jacksonville with an $80 million check in April in order to remodel the trauma center. That new center will be named The UF Health Jacksonville Leon L. Haley, Jr. M.D. Trauma Center. Its namesake was the CEO of UF Health Jacksonville, Dean of the UF College of Medicine, and a UF Professor of Emergency Medicine. He died in July 2021 at 56 years old. One of his children is Grant Haley, a Super Bowl Champion (LVI) cornerback with the Los Angeles Rams. After winning the Super Bowl, Grant Haley posted “Daddy we did it!” to his twitter. Grant Haley was also at the check presentation to honor his father’s legacy alongside Governor DeSantis.
37: Khari Willis
Khari Willis, a safety with the Indianapolis Colts from 2019-2021, retired from the NFL in order to join the ministry. In his retirement message, Willis said, in part, “I have elected to officially retire from the NFL as I endeavor to devote the remainder of my life to the further advancement of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” Willis was drafted in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. In his rookie season, Willis played in 14 games, starting 9 of them. In year 2, Willis again played in 14 games, but this time started in all 14. By year 3, Willis had developed into a solid starting Safety, but unfortunately endured injuries that limited him to only playing in 11 games. Willis finished his career with 219 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 4 interceptions including 1 that he returned for a touchdown.
38: Rhamondre Stevenson
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson had a very strong rookie season in 2021 behind starter Damien Harris. In 12 games, Stevenson rushed for 606 yards and 5 touchdowns, including 2 separate games, each in which he rushed for 100-plus yards and 2 touchdowns (weeks 10 & 17). Heading into the 2022 season, Stevenson focused on improving his route-running and catching the ball out of the backfield. Stevenson is expected to have an even bigger role in 2022 than in 2021. If Stevenson does improve in those areas, he might take an even bigger share of Patriots running back touches in 2022, as fellow running back Brandon Bolden (filling in for an injured James White) retained a large percentage of the third down and pass-catching opportunities in 2021.
39: Devon Allen
The Philadelphia Eagles signed Devon Allen, Olympic Hurdler. Allen is a three-time U.S. national champion at the 110 meter hurdles. He represented the United States in the 100 meter hurdles in the 2016 and 2021 Olympics, placing fifth and fourth respectively. Allen was previously a wide receiver at the University of Oregon where he last played for the Ducks in 2016. Allen, who is balancing his track career with his hopeful NFL career, finished the 110-meters hurdles in 12.84 seconds at the NYC Grand Prix in June. This was the all-time third-fastest time. In the preseason, Allen showed off his track-star speed with a 55-yard touchdown catch against the Browns. He was waived on August 30, 2022 and signed to the Eagles practice squad the next day.
40: Von Miller
Von Miller signed a six-year, $120 million contract with the Buffalo Bills. Miller spent the first 10.5 seasons of his career with the Denver Broncos where he earned the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2011, 8 Pro Bowl selections (2011, 2012, & 2014-2019), 3 first-team All-Pro selections (2012, 2015, & 2016), and 4 second-team All-Pro selections (2011, 2014, 2017, & 2018). Miller was part of the Super Bowl 50 champions, Denver Broncos team, where he also won Super Bowl MVP. Midway through the 2021 season, he was traded to the Los Angeles Rams and the team went on to win Super Bowl LVI.
41: Alvin Kamara
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara was arrested on battery charges on February 6 following the Pro Bowl in Las Vegas, stemming from an incident at a nightclub the prior evening. There was a hearing scheduled for August 1, which was delayed for 60 days. If convicted, Kamara could face prison time. Regardless of the legal results, the NFL could decide to suspend Kamara. Kamara had been one of the best running backs in the NFL. With the Saints, Kamara earned Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2017, 5 Pro Bowl selections (2017-2021), and two second-team All-Pro selections (2017 & 2020).
42: Patrick Ricard
Baltimore Ravens fullback Patrick Ricard re-signed with the team on a three-year, $11.25 million contract. Ricard originally signed with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2017. He has since spent time playing on offense, defense, and special teams for the Ravens, though he has primarily been the team’s fullback. And at 6’3”, 300-plus pounds, he is a tremendous asset for Baltimore’s run-heavy scheme. Ricard has already earned 3 Pro Bowl selections (2019-2021).
43: Kyzir White
The Philadelphia Eagles landed an impactful middle linebacker this offseason. Kyzir White had a breakout season with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2021 and then signed with the Eagles on a one-year, $3 million contract with an additional $2 million in incentives. White finished the 2021 season in the top-10 in total tackles with 144. He also had 1 sack, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 interceptions in 2021.
44: Kyle Juszczyk
The San Francisco 49ers exercised the option on fullback Kyle Juszczyk’s contract, which will keep him under contract from 2023 through 2025. Juszczyk has been one of the best and most consistent fullbacks in the NFL over the past decade. He was drafted in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens and spent his first four seasons with the team. As a free agent in 2017, Juszczyk signed a four-year, $21 million contract with the 49ers and then in 2021 signed a five-year, $27 million extension. That 2021 extension included an option that the 49ers needed to exercise by April 1, 2022 in order to keep Juszczyk under contract through 2025. It came as no surprise that the 49ers exercised the option. Juszczyk has earned a Pro Bowl selection each of the last 6 seasons (2016-2021), which includes his last season with the Ravens and every season that he has played with the 49ers.
45: Bobby Wagner
After trading Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos, the Seattle Seahawks also moved on from their longtime middle linebacker, Bobby Wagner. Wagner signed with the Los Angeles Rams for a five-year, $50 million contract, which can be worth up to $65 million with incentives. With the Seahawks, Wagner earned 8 Pro Bowl selections (2014-2021), 6 first-team All-Pro selections (2014 & 2016-2020), and 2 second-team All-Pro selections (2015 & 2021). Wagner helped take the Seahawks to back-to-back Super Bowls (XLVIII & XLIX), winning the first. Wagner was honored as a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.
46: Raekwon McMillan
After suffering a torn ACL and spending the 2021 season on the injured reserve, Raekwon McMillan, the explosive linebacker, is expected to be a big part of the Patriots defense in 2022.
47: Josey Jewell
Denver Broncos inside linebacker Josey Jewell was setting up for a strong 2021 campaign until he tore his pectoral muscle in the team’s week 2 contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jewell then missed the remainder of the season, but he remained dedicated both to his recovery and improving his mental awareness. Broncos General Manager George Paton said at the 2022 NFL Combine that Jewell is fully recovered. As a free agent in 2022, Jewell re-signed with the Broncos on a two-year, $11 million contract.
48: Bud Dupree
On January 4, Tennessee Titans linebacker Bud Dupree was cited for misdemeanor assault arising out of an altercation at a Nashville pharmacy two days earlier. On February 18, Dupree turned himself in and was booked for that charge. On August 15, Dupree pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge, and was sentenced to six months of supervised probation.
49: Tremaine Edmunds
Last offseason the Buffalo Bills picked up the fifth-year option on Tremaine Edmunds’s rookie contract. This offseason, however, the team has yet to extend him. Edmunds has one year left on his contract before he would become an unrestricted free agent in 2023. Although he is not one of the flashiest linebackers in the NFL in terms of play style or stats (an area that Edmunds wants to improve in), Edmunds is a leader of one of the league’s best defenses (and has been a team Captain since 2019). The Bills will soon have to decide whether Edmunds is part of their long-term plans.
50: Alex Mack
Alex Mack, one of the best centers in the NFL, retired after 13 seasons. Mack was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He spent time with 3 teams: the Browns (2009-2015), the Atlanta Falcons (2016-2020), and the San Francisco 49ers (2021-present). During his career, Mack earned 7 Pro Bowl selections (2010, 2013, 2015-2018, & 2021) and 3 second-team All-Pro selections (2013, 2016, & 2017). Mack was honored as a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.
51: Myles Jack
Inside linebacker Myles Jack spent his first six seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, after which the team released him. With the Jaguars, Jack started 83 of the 89 games that he played. Jack signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason.
52: Khalil Mack
The Chicago Bears traded Khalil Mack to the Los Angeles Chargers for a 2022 draft pick in the second round and a 2023 draft pick in the sixth round. Mack has previously earned the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award (2016), 6 Pro Bowl selections (2015-2020), 3 first-team All-Pro selections (2015, 2016, & 2018), and 1 second-team All-Pro selections (2020). Mack was honored as a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.
53: Darius Leonard
Darius Shaquille Leonard will be going by his middle name, Shaquille, moving forward rather than his first name, Darius, which name he has been known by since bursting onto the NFL scene as a rookie in 2018.
Leonard may not be available for week 1, however, after undergoing back surgery to fix two disks in his back that were impinging on two nerves.
During his career, Leonard earned the Defensive Rookie of the Year award (2018), 3 Pro Bowl selections (2019-2021), 3 first-team All-Pro selections (2018, 2020, & 2021), and 1 second-team All-Pro selection (2019).
54: Tyus Bowser
On April 18, just three months after tearing his achilles in the Baltimore Ravens season finale (week 18 against the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 9), Tyus Bowser reported for voluntary team workouts. However, Bowser was placed on the reserve/PUP list and will miss at least the first four games of the regular season.
55: Chandler Jones
After playing the first 10 seasons of his career with the New England Patriots and Arizona Cardinals, edge rusher Chandler Jones signed a three-year, $51 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders. Jones helped the Patriots to win Super Bowl XLIX. During his career, he has already earned 4 Pro Bowl selections (2015, 2017, 2019, & 2021) and 2 first-team All-Pro selections (2017 & 2019). Jones was honored as a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.
56: Dante Fowler
After the Dallas Cowboys lost pass-rushing extraordinaire Randy Gregory this offseason, the team signed Dante Fowler to be his replacement. Fowler signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Cowboys. Fowler was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars as the third overall pick in the 2015 draft out of the University of Florida. The Jaguars traded Fowler to the Rams during the 2018 season and he then signed as a free agent with the Atlanta Falcons prior to the 2020 season. This move to the Cowboys will reunite Fowler with coach Dan Quinn for a third time. Quinn is the defensive coordinator for the Cowboys. He was the head coach of the Falcons when Fowler signed with the team, and Quinn was previously the defensive coordinator and defensive line coach with the University of Florida where he recruited Fowler and where they spent the 2012 season together.
57: Orlando Brown Jr.
The Kansas City Chiefs franchise tagged offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr., which comes at a cost of about $16.7 million this season. General Manager Brett Veach hopes to get a long-term deal done with Brown, but that will likely cost the team at least a $19 million per year average. The long-term contract extension talks between the two sides stalled while Brown was without an agent. The five highest paid offensive tackles–Trent Williams (San Francisco 49ers), David Bakhtiari (Green Bay Packers), Laremy Tunsil (Houston Texans), Ronnie Stanley (Baltimore Ravens), and Ryan Ramcyzk (New Orleans Saints)–all earn at least a $19 million per year average salary over the life of their respective contracts. Brown has earned 3 Pro Bowl selections (2019-2021).
58: Harold Landry
The Tennessee Titans and outside linebacker Harold Landry agreed to a five-year, $87.5 million extension. In 2021, Landry earned his first Pro Bowl selection. Landry subsequently tore his ACL in the preseason and will miss the 2022 season.
59: Whitney Mercilus
After 10 seasons, linebacker Whitney Mercilus retired from the NFL. Mercilus was drafted by the Houston Texans in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He was selected second-team All-Pro once (2016). Mercilus was released from the Texans in October 2021 during his tenth season with the team, then finished the 2021 season with the Green Bay Packers. He ended his career with 362 tackles, 58 sacks, 13 forced fumbles, 9 fumble recoveries, and 2 interceptions.
60: Ben Jones
The Tennessee Titans re-signed center Ben Jones to a two-year, $14 million contract. Jones is a 10-year veteran and since he signed with the Titans in 2016, he has only missed one start.
61: Roy Mbaeteka
On April 8, the New York Giants announced that they signed offensive tackle Roy Mbaeteka of Nigeria through the NFL’s International Player Program. Mbaeteka is 6’9”, 320 lbs and is the protégé of former Giants defensive end and two-time Super Bowl Champion (XLII & XLVI), Osi Umenyiora. Umenyiora lived in Nigeria from age 7-14.
62: Jason Kelce
Jason Kelce is returning for his 12th season and re-signed with the Eagles on a one-year, $14 million contract, which will make him the highest-paid center in the NFL.
63: Austin Corbett
Austin Corbett, starting guard for the Super Bowl Champions Los Angeles Rams (LVI) last season, signed a three-year, $26.25 million contract with the Carolina Panthers this offseason. On April 23, Austin Corbett and Joel Bitonio–who were teammates with the Cleveland Browns in 2018 and 2019–hosted the first annual Joel Bitonio and Austin Corbett Youth Football Camp at Mackay Stadium in Reno, Nevada. Both players are also alumni of the University of Nevada Wolf Pack football team.
64: JC Tretter
JC Tretter has been a reliable center for the Cleveland Browns since 2017, but the team released Tretter in March and he remains a free agent. Tretter was a leader in the locker room with the Browns but also amongst all NFL players across the league, as Tretter was elected NFL Players Association president in 2020 and was re-elected president this offseason. He’s helped the NFLPA navigate issues involving COVID-19.
65: Larry Ogunjobi
The Chicago Bears had apparently agreed to terms on a three-year deal with defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi, who played with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021 and with the Cleveland Browns from 2017-2020. Ogunjobi reportedly failed his physical with the Bears, after which the team decided not to sign the deal. After that deal fell through, however, Ogunjobi was seen working out with equipment that featured the Chicago Bears logos and marks. This has led to some speculation that Ogunjobi may still sign with the Bears for the 2022 season after all. On June 21, Ogunjobi signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. After sporting # 65 throughout his career and through this preseason, Ogunjobi switched to # 99 so that Offensive Tackle Dan Moore Jr. could wear # 65 during the season.
66: Ryan Jensen
After Tom Brady un-retired and returned to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in March, center Ryan Jensen decided to re-sign with the Buccaneers on a three-year, $39 million contract. Reportedly, if Brady did not come out of retirement, Jensen was planning to sign with the defending AFC Champions Cincinnati Bengals.
67: Justin Pugh
eteran offensive lineman Justin Pugh suffered a stinger in August and had to be checked out by a specialist. His availability to start the season is still up in the air.
68: Kelvin Beachum
Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Kelvin Beachum has had a productive and busy offseason. Since 2013, Beachum has been collecting art and this offseason, he and his wife Jessica have lent 10 paintings to Southern Methodist University. Beachum was a four-year starter at Southern Methodist before being drafted in the 2012 NFL Draft. The paintings will be part of an exhibit regarding the Black experience from February 18 through May 2022, “Narrative as Reality: A World Reimagined/Selections from the Jessica and Kelvin Beachum Family Collection.” Then in June, Beachum helped donate 200,000 meals to the United Food Bank.
69: Shaq Mason
Shaq Mason was reunited with his former QB, Tom Brady, after the New England Patriots traded Mason to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in exchange for a 2022 fifth-round draft pick. Mason won 2 Super Bowls with the Patriots (LI & LII). Mason was ranked as a top-five Guard in the NFL in 2021 by Pro Football Focus.
70: Rayfield Wright
Hall of Fame lineman Rayfield Wright passed away on April 7, 2022 at the age of 76. Wright played for 13 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys where he played under Hall of Fame Coach Tom Landry. With the Cowboys, Wright earned 6 Pro Bowl selections (1971-1976), 3 first-team All-Pro selections (1971-1973), and 3 second-team All-Pro selections (1974-1976). Wright helped the Cowboys win two Super Bowls (VI & XII). Wright was honored as a member of the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team. He was inducted into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor in 2004 and into the Hall of Fame in 2006.
71: La’el Collins
The Dallas Cowboys released veteran offensive lineman La’el Collins in a salary cap move in March. Collins, who has played guard and tackle, during his six seasons with the Cowboys, signed a three-year, $21 million contract with the reigning AFC Champions Cincinnati Bengals.
72: Terron Armstead
Offensive tackle Terron Armstead signed a five-year, $75 million contract with the Miami Dolphins. Armstead played the first 9 seasons of his career with the New Orleans Saints where he earned 3 Pro Bowl selections (2018-2020) and 1 second-team All-Pro selection (2018).
73: Chase Roullier
Washington Commanders center Chase Roullier was carted off the field in week 8 of the 2021 season after fracturing his fibula against the Denver Broncos. He had been one of the NFL’s most consistent centers through the first half of the 2021 season, in which Pro Football Focus rated him an 83.7 player grade. Roullier will look to bounce back from the injury and return to being one of the league’s best centers again in 2022.
74: Ali Marpet
Pro Bowl guard Ali Marpet retired from the NFL after 7 seasons, all with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Marpet was part of the standout offensive line that helped propel the Buccaneers to win Super Bowl LV in Tom Brady’s first year with the team. After retiring, Marpet and then-girlfriend, Maeghan Kane, became engaged.
75: Alijah Vera-Tucker
2021 first-round draft pick Alijah Vera-Tucker will be moving from left guard to right guard on the New York Jets offensive line to accommodate the signing of Laken Tomlinson. Tomlinson was also a first-round draft pick who played his first two seasons with the Detroit Lions and then the next five with the San Francisco 49ers before hitting free agency in 2022.
76: Rodger Saffold
The Buffalo Bills signed veteran offensive lineman Rodger Saffold this offseason to a one-year, $6.25 million contract. Saffold was drafted in 2010 and played the first 9 seasons of his career with the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams followed by 3 seasons with the Tennessee Titans. Saffold had earned 1 Pro Bowl selection (2021) while with the Titans and 1 second-team All-Pro selection (2017) while with the Rams.
77: Andrew Whitworth
Andrew Whitworth, a sixteen-year NFL veteran offensive tackle, announced his retirement this offseason. In eleven seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals and five with the Los Angeles Rams, Whitworth earned 4 Pro Bowl selections (2012, 2015-2017), 2 first-team All-Pro selections (2015, 2017), and 1 second-team All-Pro selection (2014). He helped anchor the Los Angeles Rams offensive line as they won Super Bowl LVI in his final season. Whitworth was also honored with both the 2019 NFLPA Alan Page Community Award and the 2021 Walter Payton Man of the Year award. Whitworth’s most recent accolades thrust him into the gold jacket conversation.
78: Laremy Tunsil
Although from the outside looking in, the Houston Texans were supposed to be in rebuild mode after trading away superstar quarterback Deshaun Watson, the team’s offseason actions indicate that they believe they can win with Davis Mills. Left tackle Laremy Tunsil, who many thought would be a casualty of that potential rebuild in order to recoup draft capital or younger players, is likely not going anywhere. Instead the Texans and Tunsil agreed to restructure his contract whereby his 2022 salary of $17.85 million turned into a $16.815 million roster bonus along with a 2022 salary of just $1.035 million, effectively tying Tunsil to the Texans this season. Tunsil was drafted in the first round by the Miami Dolphins in 2016 and was traded to the Texans (along with wide receiver Kenny Stills) before the 2019 season in exchange for 2 first-round draft picks, 1 second-round draft pick, and two players (cornerback Johnson Bademosi & offensive tackle Julien Davenport). Tunsil earned a Pro Bowl selection each of his first two seasons with the Texans (2019 & 2020).
79: Brandon Brooks
Offensive guard Brandon Brooks announced his retirement this offseason after playing 10 seasons in the NFL, 4 with the Houston Texans and 6 with the Philadelphia Eagles. With the Eagles, Brooks earned 3 Pro Bowl selections (2017-2019) and helped the Eagles win Super Bowl LII over the New England Patriots.
80: Jarvis Landry
29-year-old wide receiver Jarvis Landry was released by the Cleveland Browns in March. In May, Landry signed a one-year deal worth up to $6 million with the New Orleans Saints. Landry returned to his hometown team, as he grew up in Louisiana and played in college for LSU. Landry battled a knee injury during the 2021 season with the Browns, but has been one of the most consistent wide receivers in the NFL since being drafted in 2014. In 123 regular season games, Landry has 688 receptions, 7,598 receiving yards and 37 reception touchdowns. He has earned 5 Pro Bowl selections (2015-2019) and was the NFL receptions leader in 2017.
81: Mike Williams
The wide receiver market went to the moon this offseason and Mike Williams was one of the beneficiaries. Williams just came off his best season as he topped 1,100 receiving yards along with 9 touchdowns. He agreed to re-sign with Los Angeles Chargers on a three-year, $60 million contract.
82: Logan Thomas
Logan Thomas has steadily developed into one of the NFL’s better tight ends. He was drafted as a quarterback by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Thomas was released by the Cardinals in 2015, then spent parts of two seasons bouncing between the active rosters and practice squads of the Miami Dolphins and New York Giants. In 2016, however, Thomas signed with the Detroit Lions and was converted into a tight end. He was signed by the Buffalo Bills off of the Lions practice squad during the 2016 season and saw an increase in playing time at tight end in 2017 and 2018 with the Bills. Thomas once again signed as a free agent with the Detroit Lions in 2019 where he played in all 16 games that season for the first time in his career. He signed with Washington as a free agent in 2020 and enjoyed his best season in the NFL (72 receptions, 670 yards, & 6 touchdowns). Thomas signed a three-year, $24 million contract extension with Washington before the start of the 2021 season. Unfortunately his 2021 season was derailed by injuries. In week 4, he suffered a hamstring injury that put Thomas on the Injured Reserved and caused him to miss 6 games. He returned in week 12, but then suffered a torn ACL and torn MCL in week 13 that ended his season. This offseason Thomas said that his recovery is ahead of schedule and the Commanders will certainly hope that a healthy Thomas can be an integral part of the offense in 2022.
83: Darren Waller
Star tight end Darren Waller is underpaid relative to his talent and production versus the rest of the tight end market, as he is not even in the top-15 average annual salaries for tight ends. The Las Vegas Raiders may have difficulty working out such a deal with Waller under the salary cap, given that the team recently signed Maxx Crosby, Chandler Jones, Davante Adams, and Derek Carr all to huge contracts. Waller hired Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey as his new agents and ended his relationship with Klutch Sports, hoping that the new agents can help get a new contract done with the Raiders. Waller became the starter for the Raiders in 2019 and just five games into the 2019 season, the Raiders, liking what they saw, signed Waller to a four-year, $29.8 million contract extension (keeping him with the Raiders through the 2023 season). Since then, Waller has flourished as one of the best tight ends in the NFL (1,100-plus receiving yards in both 2019 & 2020, and he led all tight ends in receptions in 2020 with 107).
84: Cordarrelle Patterson
Cordarelle Patterson, a sweetheart of the 2021 fantasy football season and a do-everything weapon, re-signed with the Atlanta Falcons on a two-year, $10.5 million contract. Patterson was a featured running back who also played wide receiver, safety, and return specialist during the 2021 season. Patterson showed a clear desire to stay with the Falcons when, at the regular season finale against the Saints, Patterson took and carried a poster from a fan in the stands that read: “Keep CP84 in Atlanta.” The Falcons did just that with this new contract.
85: Robert Tonyan
Pass catching tight end Robert Tonyan re-signed with the Green Bay Packers this offseason. The contract is for one-year, $3.75 million. If not for a torn ACL suffered during a week 8 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, Tonyan may have commanded a much larger contract as a free agent this offseason. With star wide receiver Davante Adams and running mate Marquez Valdes-Scantling both departing the Packers this offseason, Tonyan will likely be an integral part of the Packers passing attack in 2022.
86: Zach Ertz
Tight end Zach Ertz re-signed with the Arizona Cardinals on a three-year, $31.65 million contract. Before being traded to the Cardinals during the 2021 season, Ertz spent eight full seasons and the first 6 games of a ninth season with the Philadelphia Eagles. With the Eagles, Ertz earned 3 Pro Bowl selections (2017-2019) and helped the Eagles win Super Bowl LII over the New England Patriots. Ertz found success in Arizona as well where he had 56 receptions along with 574 receiving yards in just 11 games.
87: Rob Gronkowski
Tight end Rob Gronkowski retired after the 2021 season. Gronkowski is one of the most decorated tight ends in NFL history. He has earned the NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2014), 5 Pro Bowl selections (2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, & 2017), and 4 first-team All-Pro selections (2011, 2014, 2015, & 2017). Gronkowski has helped the New England Patriots and then the Buccaneers to six Super Bowl appearances collectively (XLVI, XLIX, LI, LII, LIII, & LV), in which his teams won four of them. Gronkowski was honored as a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team and as a member of the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. Even though Gronk retired (for the second time in his career), there has been speculation that he might come out of retirement again, including a “gut feeling” from his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, that the tight end might make another NFL comeback.
88: Mike Gesicki
Tight end Mike Gesicki signed the one-year, $10.9 million franchise tag with the Miami Dolphins. Gesicki may be able to expect a significant role in the Dolphins passing attack under new head coach Mike McDaniel where he will get to play alongside wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle (read as: where he will likely play against a lot of single coverage).
89: Drew Sample
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Drew Sample and his wife, Angelina, have been spending much of the NFL offseason focused on helping their family members out of war-torn Ukraine and into the United States while also raising awareness about the extraordinarily difficult positions that so many Ukrainians remain in.
90: DeMarcus Lawrence
DeMarcus Lawrence lost his pass-rushing mate Randy Gregory to the Denver Broncos this offseason, but Lawrence secured a three-year, $40 million contract to keep him with the Dallas Cowboys through his eleventh NFL season.
91: Yannick Ngakoue
Soon after signing All-Pro defensive end Chandler Jones, the Las Vegas Raiders traded defensive end Yannick Ngakoue to the Indianapolis Colts for cornerback Rock Ya-Sin in a one-for-one player trade. Ya-Sin was drafted by the Colts in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Nkagoue was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft and played for the team for his first four seasons in the NFL. He was traded from the Jaguars to the Minnesota Vikings prior to the start of the 2020 season, played 6 games with the Vikings, and then was traded to the Baltimore Ravens for the remainder of the 2020 season. Ngakoue signed a two-year, $26 million contract with the Raiders before the 2021 season.
92: Justin Madubuike
Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike has high expectations for himself in 2022. He is entering his third season after being drafted by the Ravens in the 2020 NFL Draft. This offseason Madubuike spent time working out with Super Bowl champion and three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald.
93: Calais Campbell
Veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell will be returning to the Baltimore Ravens in 2022. He signed a two-year, $12.5 million contract to return to the team. Campbell was drafted in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. He spent time with 3 teams: the Cardinals (2008-2016), the Jacksonville Jaguars (2017-2019), and the Baltimore Ravens (2020-present). During his career, he earned 6 Pro Bowl selections (2014, 2015, 2017-2020), 1 first-team All-Pro selections (2017), and 2 second-team All-Pro selections (2014 & 2015). Campbell was honored as a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team and with the 2019 Walter Payton Man of the Year award.
94: Carl Nassib
The Las Vegas Raiders released defensive end Carl Nassib in March. Nassib proceeded to sign a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This is Nassib’s second stint with the Buccaneers; he previously spent two seasons each with the Raiders, Buccaneers, and Browns, before re-joining the Buccaneers this offseason.
95: Chris Jones
Chris Jones, star defensive tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs had torn ligaments in his wrist during the 2021 season, which he played through. In April Chiefs head coach Andy Reid indicated that Jones had offseason surgery and will be ready to go for the season. Jones was drafted by the Chiefs in 2016 and, during his career with the team, he has earned 3 Pro Bowl selections (2019-2021) and 3 second-team All-Pro selections (2018, 2020, & 2021). Jones helped the Chiefs to win Super Bowl LIV over the San Francisco 49ers.
96: Akiem Hicks
Veteran defensive lineman and longtime member of the Chicago Bears defensive front, Akiem Hicks signed a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason.
97: Glenn Foster Jr.
Glenn Foster Jr. was a defensive end for the New Orleans Saints in 2013 & 2014 and, after he retired from the NFL, he became a successful businessman. On December 3, 2021, Foster was arrested for allegedly driving 92 mph in a 45-mph zone in Reform, Alabama and then leading the police on an 8-mile chase. He was charged with three counts of reckless endangerment, one count of attempting to elude police, and one count of resisting arrest. He was released on December 5, but was rebooked approximately two minutes later on a simple assault charge and a third-degree robbery charge arising out of an alleged altercation with another inmate. A judge ordered that Foster undergo a mental health assessment and the Pickens County Sheriff’s office was to transport Foster from the County jail to a hospital in Northport, Alabama for that assessment. Foster was found unresponsive in the police vehicle, having died while in police custody. The Alabama State Bureau of Investigation has been looking into the cause of Glenn Foster Jr.’s death.
98: Maxx Crosby
On March 11, Maxx Crosby signed a four-year, $98.98 million extension with the Las Vegas Raiders. The new contract puts Crosby directly in the top tier of contracts for edge rushers. Crosby signed the contract on the two-year anniversary of his sobriety and the dollar amount of his extension matches his jersey number.
99: Aaron Donald
Rumors began to circulate before Super Bowl LVI that if the Los Angeles Rams won, then All-World defensive tackle Aaron Donald would consider retirement. After a spectacular performance by Donald and a Rams victory in the Super Bowl, it seems that Donald did just that in February and March. By April, however, it no longer seemed that Donald was considering retirement but that he was indeed looking to sign a new contract. Donald ultimately returned to the Rams, re-working his contract into a three-year, $95 million deal. Donald has earned a Pro Bowl selection every season since he was drafted into the NFL (2014-2021) and he has earned a first-team All-Pro selection every season except his rookie season (2015-2021). Donald has also earned Defensive Rookie of the Year (2014) and has earned Defensive Player of the Year three times (2017, 2018, & 2020). Donald was honored as a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.