By Marvin Moore July 28, 2023
Numerous NFL veterans change teams every offseason via free agency or trade, including some with Hall of Fame careers. Although a few of these transactions will change the playoff trajectory of some teams, it will take time before the consequences of some moves will be known. Still, with so many familiar names switching uniforms this past offseason, the 2023 regular season will be more than enjoyable for NFL fans.
During the 2022 offseason, the Philadelphia Eagles inked free-agent outside linebacker Haason Reddick, who finished second in the league with 16 sacks while recording an NFL-high six forced fumbles last season. Another successful offseason acquisition last winter was the Minnesota Viking’s signing of edge rusher Za’Darius Smith. The former Green Bay Packer tallied 55 total quarterback pressures through Week 10 a year ago.
Below is our 2023 NFL All-Acquisition Defensive Team consisting of a bevy of veteran standouts playing on new teams this upcoming season.
Defensive End
Za’Darius Smith, Cleveland Browns
Smith will be playing for his third team in three seasons but has been a productive pass rusher when on the field. The former fourth-round pick rebounded with 10 sacks last season for the Minnesota Vikings after suiting up for just one game in his final campaign with the Green Bay Packers. The three-time Pro Bowl selection has compiled 36 sacks over his last 49 games. Smith should put up big numbers in 2023, playing opposite All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett.
Honorable Mention: Leonard Floyd (Buffalo Bills), DeMarcus Walker (Chicago Bears)
Defensive Tackle
Javon Hargrave, San Francisco 49ers
Hargrave tallied a career-high 11 sacks last season and inked a four-year, $84 million contract during the offseason to join the 49ers’ elite defense. The Pro Bowl interior lineman is a complete player adept at stopping the run and putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Hargrave will fortify a stout 49ers defensive line that includes Nick Bosa, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
Honorable Mention: Dre’Mont Jones (Seattle Seahawks), Zach Allen (Denver Broncos)
Linebacker
Bobby Wagner, Seattle Seahawks
Wagner returns to Seattle after a one-year hiatus with the Los Angeles Rams. The future Hall of Famer continues to play at an All-Pro level with a career-high six sacks in 2022. The eight-time Pro Bowler has registered 100-plus tackles for 11 straight seasons and should bolster one of the league’s worst run defenses a year ago. This year may be the former second-round pick’s final season, and a playoff berth could be in the cards for the Seahawks.
Honorable Mention: Bobby Okereke (New York Giants), Tremaine Edmunds (Chicago Bears)
Cornerback
Jalen Ramsey, Miami Dolphins
Ramsey’s debut with the Dolphins will be delayed after the six-time Pro Bowl quarterback underwent knee surgery and will miss six to eight weeks. The fifth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Ramsey has averaged four interceptions over the past two seasons. The 28-year-old is one of the league’s top lockdown cornerbacks and was signed to upgrade a Miami secondary that will face Josh Allen and Aaron Rodgers twice this upcoming season.
Honorable Mention: Stephon Gilmore (Dallas Cowboys), Patrick Peterson (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Safety
Jessie Bates, Atlanta Falcons
Bates has been a consistent performer during his five seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, who inked a four-year, $64.02 million deal to bolster the Falcons defensive backfield. The former second-rounder has 14 career interceptions and three seasons with over 100 tackles. The versatile safety will help Atlanta fortify its defense up the middle, and Bates is a playmaker who can roam on the back end or get physical in the box.
Honorable Mention: Vonn Bell (Carolina Panthers), C.J. Gardner-Johnson (Detroit Lions)
