NFL Training Camp Updates: As the 2023 NFL Super Bowl is going to be an exciting one and the training camps are already approaching, the Chicago Bears and AFC East teams are gearing up for an exciting season. Training camp presents a critical juncture for players to prove their worth, secure roster spots, and prepare for the grueling regular season. For the Bears, notable players are facing uncertainties, while the AFC East teams are making significant roster changes and strategizing for challenging matchups. This article combines insights from both topics to view the upcoming NFL season comprehensively.
NFL Training Camp Updates: Bears’ Training Camp Battles
The Bears’ training camp is set to begin, and players are eager to showcase their skills and secure positions on the depth chart. Among notable players, Equanimeous St. Brown, a wide receiver, faces tough competition for a spot on the roster. St. Brown must vie for the sixth spot against Dante Pettis, with the top three receiver positions seemingly settled.
In 2023 NFL offseason was filled with dramatic player moves and contract negotiations. For instance, after rewarding Darren Waller with an unprecedented deal from Las Vegas Raiders, they unexpectedly traded him to New York Giants. At the same time, Saquon Barkley of the Giants failed to secure an extension by the franchise tag deadline. This article delves deeper into Waller’s trade reasons and Barkley and Jacobs’s contract situations.
Darren Waller’s Unexpected Trade
In September 2022, the Raiders made Darren Waller the highest-paid tight end in NFL history by inking him to a three-year, $51 million contract with them; yet only six months later, they traded him away to the Giants in exchange for a third-round pick – leaving many fans and analysts bewildered over this move – but Pro Football Network provided insight into it by suggesting the Raiders became concerned over Waller’s frequent injuries that caused him to miss 14 games over two seasons combined.
Waller has proven his worth even while suffering injuries, ranking among the top tight ends for receiving yards per game since 2019. His versatility as a receiver and ability to create big plays make him a valuable addition to any team, evidenced by him leading all tight ends with 20-plus yard catches downfield even when missing significant time due to injury.
Resilience and Development
NFL Training Camp Updates: For Waller, his trade to the Giants represents a new beginning and an opportunity to prove his critics wrong. Speaking with CBS Sports about this life lesson learned during an injury lay-off, Waller managed to stay connected to his team by finding ways to contribute in any given circumstance and bring value—that mindset of continuous development fuelling him into New York.
Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs Contract Standoff
On the other side of NFL contract negotiations, running backs Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants and Josh Jacobs from Las Vegas Raiders found themselves stuck at an impasse during extension talks. As their franchise tag deadline passed without agreement from either running back, negotiations broke down without compromise being found; Barkley wanted an extension with substantial guaranteed money, while Jacobs wanted something similar with similar guarantees as Barkley wanted a deal that included significant guarantees up-front for their new contracts to move forward successfully.
Their Choices With no new deals signed off upon, Barkley and Jacobs must pursue one or more options moving forward:
Sign the one-year tag and report to training camp as planned to play out the 2023 season for $10.1 Million, or refuse it and use that as leverage when signing. Sitting out portions of training camp or regular-season games as a negotiation strategy works well.
Wait to sign the tag and potentially miss games up until November’s deadline – at which time he or she must either accept it or sit out the season altogether. Decline altogether to sit out all 2023 season.
Lessons Learnt From Past Franchise Tag Disputes
Le’Veon Bell serves as an essential example. After his contract dispute with Pittsburgh Steelers was settled in 2018, he chose not to play due to injuries and short stints elsewhere hindering his progression as an NFL star. Eventually, he signed on with New York Jets, but injuries limited his progress further still.
Notable Roster Changes
2023 Draft class Selection
TE Dalton Kincaid Round 1 (No. 25 overall)
OG O’Cyrus Torrence Round 2 (No. 59)
LB Dorian Williams Round 3 (No. 91)
WR Justin Shorter Round 5 (No. 150)
OG Nick Broeker Round 7 (No. 230)
CB Alex Austin Round 7 (No. 252)
Additions Departures
QB Kyle Allen QB Case Keenum
RB Damien Harris RB Devin Singletary
RB Latavius Murray WR Cole Beasley
WR Deonte Harty WR Jamison Crowder
WR Trent Sherfield WR Isaiah McKenzie
OT Brandon Shell OT Bobby Hart
OG David Edwards OG Rodger Saffold
OG Connor McGovern OG Greg Van Roten
Edge Leonard Floyd LB Tremaine Edmunds
DL Poona Ford S Jaquan Johnson.
Preseason Schedule
Week 1: vs. Indianapolis Colts | 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 12
Week 2: at Pittsburgh Steelers | 6:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 19
Week 3: at Chicago Bears | 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 26
2023 Schedule Notes
Seventh toughest strength of schedule in 2023 based on their opponents’ 2022 win percentage (.542).
Four straight games against 2022 playoff teams in Weeks 12-16 (bye in Week 13).
Five of the final six games versus 2022 playoff teams.
The 2023 NFL offseason has been one of contract intrigue and unexpected player moves, such as the Las Vegas Raiders trading of Darren Waller after signing him to an attractive contract previously raised many questions; on the other hand, Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs’ contract negotiations highlight the ongoing difficulty of securing running back extensions; as 2023 season approaches, everyone is eagerly watching these circumstances play out and affect both teams and individuals involved.
Hilbert Mayer
Sports Writer
Hilbert Mayer is a professional sports writer, betting analyst, and content strategist with over 15 years of experience in the sports industry. Before focusing on sports betting analysis and handicapping, Hilbert worked as a sports writer for various news outlets, covering everything from game recaps to in-depth matchup features. Today, he specializes in MLB, NFL, March Madness, and UFC betting, combining his journalistic background with deep statistical expertise and real-world betting insights. His proven track record, sharp reads, and ability to break down complex matchups make him a trusted voice among both casual bettors and seasoned sharps.
Published on: July 18, 2023
Last updated: July 18, 2023