Sean Payton to the Broncos
It feels almost like a stock answer to highlight Payton as a difference-making acquisition. In fact, we’re almost hesitant to crown him Denver’s savior, considering his regular-season dominance rarely translated to postseason triumph late in his Saints tenure. And yet this franchise probably couldn’t have found a coach better suited to guide a Russell Wilson reclamation and/or culture restoration. He’s in a tough division, but whether this year or next, his no-nonsense vision should get them competitive again.
Brian Flores to the Vikings
His immediate impact may not be felt as much as, say, Vic Fangio with the Dolphins. That’s because, unlike Miami, Minnesota didn’t exactly operate this offseason as if it’s planning to make a title run in 2023, preferring to part with pricey veterans rather than welcome them. Still, Flores represents a total philosophical shift for the Viking’s “D,” which sat back and allowed opposing offenses to dictate games in 2022. He figures to instill an attacking mindset that should at least keep opponents guessing.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Lions
You could substitute the ex-Eagles safety for fellow acquisition Cameron Sutton, or Alabama rookie Brian Branch, and we’d celebrate the move all the same. The common thread, of course, is Detroit prioritizing versatility and physicality in its secondary. Gardner-Johnson is the definition of a feisty player, embracing the opportunity to antagonize while ball-hawking from multiple spots. While he may be a one-year rental, he proved with Philly he can be a game-changer, and he fits the Lions like a glove.
D’Andre Swift and Rashaad Penny to the Eagles
Call it the discount duo. Instead of paying Miles Sanders to return as their starting ball carrier, the reigning NFC champions took Swift off the Lions’ hands and inked Penny to a one-year, prove-it deal in free agency. Neither veteran has been especially healthy throughout his career, but both have flashed elite breakaway ability. In tandem, alongside Jalen Hurts and returning backs Boston Scott and Kenny Gainwell, they have a real path to efficient, explosive production in Philadelphia.
Javon Hargrave to the 49ers
It’s debatable whether San Francisco needed to break the bank for another defensive lineman, with Nick Bosa already headlining their front off the edge. But that doesn’t mean Hargrave won’t produce on their interior. He’s gone from solid to disruptive in stints with the Steelers and Eagles, and now he’ll play on the best defense of his career, near Bosa and in front of Fred Warner. It wouldn’t be surprising in the least if he rivals, say, the Chiefs’ Chris Jones as 2023’s top interior terrorizer.
Stephon Gilmore to the Cowboys
Fellow trade acquisition Brandin Cooks is another decent candidate for 2023 success, plugging in opposite CeeDee Lamb in Dallas. But Gilmore might be joining an even better unit, considering Dan Quinn’s squad has been the beating heart of America’s Team in recent years. Opposite playmaker Trevon Diggs, the former All-Pro should be much more at ease than he was with the Panthers and Colts from 2021-2022 when pressure was often on him to serve as the lone star cover man on the outside.
