15 moments that defined the craziest NFL offseason in memory: 5-1
15-11 | 10-6 | 5-1
5. Norman's tag rescinded
The Panthers rescinding Josh Norman's franchise tag late in April, effectively making him an unrestricted free agent, was easily one of the most shocking moments of the offseason. All-Pro players rarely become free agents in their prime, let alone so late in the free-agency period. Although several teams had already spent their salary-cap dollars, it didn't take long for Norman to break the bank.
4. Bradford signs huge deal, demands trade
It's difficult to fathom what must be going through Sam Bradford's head. The former first overall pick was handed a contract worth $78 million before he'd played a snap in the NFL - the last rookie megadeal signed before the NFL fixed the CBA. Since then, Bradford's provided year after year of mediocre quarterback play, yet has continued to be paid like a superstar. The Eagles gave Bradford $36 million in free agency, then traded up for Carson Wentz. Bradford, apparently believing he's above a quarterback competition, demanded a trade. The Eagles created a mess, and they don't have an easy way out of it.
3. Top picks in draft both traded
The Rams' and the Eagles' blockbuster moves before the draft to trade up for the first and second overall picks respectively formed a one-two punch that busted open the NFL offseason and propelled it to an all-time level of nuts. Both teams mortgaged their futures to get a franchise quarterback, with the Rams in dire need of a boost ahead of their first season in L.A. and the Eagles apparently not content with Sam Bradford (despite handing him a boatload of money only weeks before).
2. Brady suspension reinstated out of nowhere
Just when you thought "Deflategate" might finally be a thing of the past, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in New York reversed a federal judge's ruling and reinstated Tom Brady's four-game suspension. A response from the quarterback's camp is certainly in the cards, and fans can expect this to saga to dominate the offseason for a second consecutive year.
1. Tunsil's bong hit and first-round slide
The bong hit seen around the world was a very costly one for top prospect Laremy Tunsil, once considered the favorite to be selected first overall in the draft. Teams panicked after video of Tunsil's smoke session hit the Internet just minutes before the draft, resulting in a free fall that dropped Tunsil out of the top 10. Tunsil lost an estimated $7 million as a result of the slide. We still don't know who posted the video, or why, but their social-media sabotage may have accomplished its goal.
HEADLINES
- Vikings win 7th straight with blowout of reeling Bears
- Falcons stay in NFC South race after narrow win over Raiders
- Geno's knee has no structural damage, could play Sunday vs. Vikings
- Lions lose Montgomery, McNeill for season due to knee injuries
- Fantasy Podcast: Top waiver adds for Week 16, injury roundup