The 2023 NFL season has officially ended – but not before we were treated to a phenomenal Super Bowl.
Congratulations to the Kansas City Chiefs on their dramatic 25-22 overtime victory over the San Francisco 49ers who just can’t seem to get over the hump.
Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs became the first team to win back-to-back Super Bowls since the 2003-2004 New England Patriots.
Now, with three titles in five years, are the Chiefs officially a dynasty???
Has Mahomes solidified a spot on the quarterback Mount Rushmore???
How close is he to catching up to – and maybe even passing – Tom Brady???
The @Chiefs’ play call to win #SBLVIII?
"Trips right bunch f shuttle, Tom and Jerry right yellow.” (via @NFLFilms) pic.twitter.com/NWHqLQNszr
— NFL (@NFL) February 13, 2024
Chicago may not be THAT far from Kansas City on a map – but in the football world, the Bears may as well be on the opposite side of the globe.
The proud football city is absolutely starving for a winner – or at least some stability.
They are for all intents and purposes on the clock with the first overall pick in the NFL Draft … No, the draft may not be until April, but the Bears brass is surely deep in thought and discussion about what to do with the top pick.
Are they indeed done with Justin Fields?
Or has he shown enough to make them think he can be their long-term franchise quarterback?
Would they be wise to trade Fields away and draft Caleb Williams or Drake Maye with the first overall pick?
Keyshawn thinks it’s the wrong move for the Bears to draft Caleb at #1.
“Caleb is shorter than Fields… Caleb is an unknown… (the Bears) haven’t given Fields a real chance” AMEN @keyshawn
Trade down, get a haul and draft MHJ. Build around Fields 🐻⬇️ pic.twitter.com/hKolYLxO5s
— Justin Fields Fan Club (@JustinFieldsFC) February 7, 2024
There are many questions that need to be answered as we, sadly, enter the NFL offseason.
Fortunately, the Combine is right around the corner which will help us quench our football thirst.
Afterwards follows a long stretch of player evaluating as teams formulate their big-boards for the draft.
Of course, there’s free agency where teams will look to bolster their rosters with both impact-makers and hidden gems.
OTA’s and training camp may seem like a long way away – and sadly, they are – but the NFL is virtually a year-round sport thanks to all the drama and storylines we have on a daily basis.
First day of another long NFL offseason pic.twitter.com/t7HbxdIy6J
— FantasyPros (@FantasyPros) February 12, 2024
To help ease the depression of realizing that there’s no actual football to be played anytime soon, here’s a look at the complete offseason calendar of events…
February 20: Franchise Tag Commencement
On this day, teams can commence negotiations or extend franchise tag offers to eligible players. The franchise tag entails a one-year contract based on the average salary for the player’s respective position.
February 29 – March 3: NFL Scouting Combine
Indianapolis hosts the NFL Scouting Combine, a crucial pre-draft event. Teams converge to interview prospects and observe them in various physical and mental drills.
March 5: Franchise Tag Deadline
Teams must designate players for the franchise tag by this date.
March 13: Commencement of New League Year and Free Agency
The new league year officially starts, allowing free agents to sign contracts with teams. Negotiations can begin as early as March 11.
March 24 – March 27: Annual League Meeting
League officials, team owners, head coaches, and representatives convene in Florida to discuss rule changes, future Super Bowl host cities, and other league matters.
April 15: Start of Offseason Workouts
Teams reopen their training facilities for returning players. Participation in workouts is voluntary and includes gym and classroom sessions.
April 19: Restricted Free Agent Deadline
Restricted free agents must sign offer sheets with their teams by this date.
April 25 – April 27: 2024 NFL Draft
Detroit hosts the three-day NFL Draft, during which teams replenish their rosters with college prospects.
May 2: Fifth-Year Option Decision Deadline
Teams must decide whether to exercise the fifth-year option for eligible players.
May 3-6 or May 10-13: Rookie Minicamp
Drafted rookies attend a minicamp to undergo training sessions, familiarize themselves with playbooks, and adjust to their new team and environment.
The NFL Draft is one of the biggest highlights – if not THE biggest – of the entire offseason.
With the 2023 season officially in the books, here is a look at the complete order for the first round of April’s draft…
#1. Chicago Bears (from Carolina Panthers) — Panthers record: 2-15
#2. Washington Commanders — Record: 4-13
#3. New England Patriots — Record: 4-13
#4. Arizona Cardinals — Record: 4-13
#5. Los Angeles Chargers — Record: 5-12
#6. New York Giants — Record: 6-11
#7. Tennessee Titans — Record: 6-11
#8. Atlanta Falcons — Record: 7-10
#9. Chicago Bears — Record: 7-10
#10. New York Jets — Record: 7-10
#11. Minnesota Vikings — Record: 7-10
#12. Denver Broncos — Record: 8-9
#13. Las Vegas Raiders — Record: 8-9
#14. New Orleans Saints — Record: 9-8
#15. Indianapolis Colts — Record: 9-8
#16. Seattle Seahawks — Record: 9-8
#17. Jacksonville Jaguars — Record: 9-8
#18. Cincinnati Bengals — Record: 9-8
#19. Los Angeles Rams — Record: 10-7
#20. Pittsburgh Steelers — Record: 10-7
#21. Miami Dolphins — Record: 11-6
#22. Philadelphia Eagles — Record: 11-6 (.481)
#23. Houston Texans (from Cleveland Browns) — Browns record: 11-6
#24. Dallas Cowboys — Record: 12-5
#25. Green Bay Packers — Record: 9-8
#26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Record: 9-8
#27. Arizona Cardinals (from Houston Texans) — Texans record: 10-7
#28. Buffalo Bills — Record: 11-6
#29. Detroit Lions — Record: 12-5
#30. Baltimore Ravens — Record: 13-4
#31. San Francisco 49ers — Record: 12-5
#32. Kansas City Chiefs — Record: 11-6
(Teams without a first-round pick: Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns)
In six seasons as our starter, 15 has 15 playoff wins.
That's the 3rd most all-time… already.
GREATNESS 🚀 @PatrickMahomes pic.twitter.com/8g43lgBvVL
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) February 13, 2024
Taking a step back, what did you think of the 2023 season?
Were you surprised that the Chiefs won their second-straight Super Bowl?
Are they indeed a dynasty?
Looking ahead, what does your favorite team need to do this offseason???