By Marvin Moore July 27, 2023
Several NFL veteran standouts have switched uniforms via free agency or trade this offseason, including a few future Hall of Famers. Some of these moves are game-changing, while other transactions are under-the-radar acquisitions with unknown consequences. Regardless, watching these familiar names suit up for new teams this season will be a treat for football fans.
Last year, the Cleveland Browns signed free-agent quarterback Jacoby Brissett to direct the offense while former Pro Bowl quarterback Deshaun Watson served his 11-game suspension. Brissett’s 75.2 passing grade ranked 12th among quarterbacks with at least 100 attempts, averaging 5.0 yards per carry. However, some free-agent acquisitions do not have a happy ending.
The Miami Dolphins added a pair of free agents in 2022, wide receiver Cedric Wilson and running back Chase Edmonds. Wilson ended last season with a disappointing 12 receptions, while Edmonds ranked 51st out of 53 running backs.
Below is our 2023 NFL All-Acquisition Offensive Team consisting of an array of veteran playmakers playing on new teams this upcoming season.
Quarterback
Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets
The Jets believe Rodgers is the final piece of the puzzle to transform the franchise into a legitimate Super Bowl contender. The 39-year-old failed to throw for 4,000 yards last season for the first time since 2017 but has a much-improved supporting cast this year. If the future Hall of Famer can stay healthy, the Jets will compete for a playoff spot in the ultra-competitive AFC East.
Honorable Mention: Derek Carr (New Orleans Saints), Jimmy Garoppolo (Las Vegas Raiders)
Running Back
Rashaad Penny, Philadelphia Eagles
Penny suffered a season-ending broken fibula in Week 5 last season and has struggled to remain off the injured list during his five NFL seasons. However, the former first-round pick has averaged 6.2 yards per carry over the past two seasons while posting 1,095 yards and eight touchdowns on 176 carries. Penny is a big-time ball carrier who should thrive in the Eagles’ high-octane offense.
Honorable Mention: Miles Sanders (Carolina Panthers), D’Onta Foreman (Chicago Bears)
Wide Receiver
D.J. Moore, Chicago Bears
Moore endured his worst season since his rookie year in 2022 due to the Panthers’ lineup of mediocre quarterbacks. The 26-year-old posted three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons from 2019 to 2021 and will instantly upgrade the Bears’ lackluster passing game. Moore is a talented receiver with all the tools to become one of the league’s premier pass-catchers if Justin Fields evolves into a franchise quarterback.
Honorable Mention: Odell Beckham Jr. (Baltimore Ravens), DeAndre Hopkins (Tennessee Titans)
Tight End
Darren Waller, New York Giants
Waller is one of the league’s top tight ends when he is healthy, but the former Pro Bowler has missed 14 games over the past two seasons. The former sixth-rounder caught 197 passes for 2,341 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns during a two-year stretch from 2019-20. New York quarterback Daniel Jones finally has a security blanket that should transform into one of the NFL’s top red zone threats this upcoming season.
Honorable Mention: Hayden Hurst (Carolina Panthers), Dalton Schultz (Houston Texans)
Offensive Line
Orlando Brown Jr., Bengals
Brown is a four-time Pro Bowl tackle who helped the Kansas City Chiefs win Super Bowl LVII. The former third-round pick inked a four-year, $64 million contract to upgrade the Bengals’ offensive line and protect franchise quarterback Joe Burrow. Brown is one of the few game-changing tackles in the league, and his signing weakened the reigning Super Bowl champions.
Honorable Mention: Jawaan Taylor (Kansas City Chiefs), Mike McGlinchey (Denver Broncos)
