Notable Free Agency Moves of the 2023 NFL Season

The start of free agency on March 15 marked the beginning of a new period of signings and acquisitions for NFL teams. Many notable players were on the move, with teams looking to strengthen their lineups for the upcoming season.

2023 NFL Quarterbacks

Several quarterbacks changed teams during free agency. Notable moves included Jacoby Brissett from Cleveland to Washington, Derek Carr from Las Vegas to New Orleans, Sam Darnold from Carolina to San Francisco, and Baker Mayfield from Los Angeles Rams to Tampa Bay.

Running Backs

Running backs also played a big role in free agency moves, with players like Dalvin Cook moving from Minnesota to the New York Jets, and Ezekiel Elliott moving from Dallas to New England. Other notable moves included Melvin Gordon from Kansas City to Baltimore, and Damien Harris from New England to Buffalo.

Wide Receivers

Many wide receivers were also on the move during free agency, including Odell Beckham Jr., who left the Los Angeles Rams to join the Baltimore Ravens. Other notable moves included D.J. Chark from Detroit to Carolina, Adam Thielen from Minnesota to Carolina, and Robert Woods from Tennessee to Houston.

Tight Ends

Free agency also saw some big moves for tight ends. Notable signings included Mike Gesicki from Miami to New England, and Austin Hooper from Tennessee to Las Vegas.

Offensive Linemen

Offensive linemen were also a significant part of the free agency moves, with several players changing teams. Notable moves here included Orlando Brown Jr. from Kansas City to Cincinnati, and Donovan Smith from Tampa Bay to Kansas City.

Defensive Linemen

Several big names in defensive line moved during free agency as well. Notable signings here included Calais Campbell from Baltimore to Atlanta, and Yannick Ngakoue from Indianapolis to Chicago.

Linebackers

Linebackers were also on the move, with notable players like Tremaine Edmunds from Buffalo to Chicago, and Bobby Wagner from Los Angeles Rams to Seattle.

Defensive Backs

Finally, free agency saw many defensive backs signing with new teams, including Patrick Peterson who left Minnesota for Pittsburgh, and Marcus Peters who moved from Baltimore to Las Vegas.

Kicker and Punters

Even the kickers and punters saw some moves, with Brandon McManus moving from Denver to Jacksonville, and Jake Bailey joining the Miami Dolphins from New England.

The 2023 NFL free agency period was filled with many notable moves and signings, showcasing the competitive nature of the league and the importance of building strong rosters.

Notable Trades of the 2023 NFL Season

The 2023 league year saw several notable trades that shook up teams and changed the landscape of the NFL. From star players to draft pick exchanges, here are the significant trades that occurred during the season.

2023 NFL Season Schedule

March 15

• The Los Angeles Rams traded CB Jalen Ramsey to Miami in exchange for TE Hunter Long and a 2023 third-round selection.
• Indianapolis traded CB Stephon Gilmore to Dallas in exchange for a 2023 fifth-round selection.
• Las Vegas traded TE Darren Waller to the New York Giants in exchange for a 2023 third-round selection.

March 15

• Carolina made a blockbuster trade with Chicago, sending WR D. J. Moore, 2023 first and second round selections (Nos. 9 and 61), a 2024 first-round selection, and a 2025 second-round selection in exchange for a 2023 first-round selection (No. 1).

March 22

• The New York Jets traded WR Elijah Moore and a 2023 third-round selection to Cleveland in exchange for a 2023 second-round selection.

April 19

• The Los Angeles Rams traded WR Allen Robinson and a 2023 seventh-round selection to Pittsburgh in exchange for a 2023 seventh-round selection.

April 24

• Green Bay shocked the league by trading QB Aaron Rodgers and 2023 first and fifth-round selections to the New York Jets. In return, Green Bay received 2023 first, second, and sixth-round selections, as well as a conditional 2024 second-round selection.

April 29

• Detroit traded RB D’Andre Swift and a 2023 seventh-round selection to Philadelphia in exchange for a 2023 seventh-round selection and a 2025 fourth-round selection.

May 16

• Minnesota traded DE Za’Darius Smith along with 2025 sixth and seventh-round selections to Cleveland in exchange for 2024 and 2025 fifth-round selections.

August 25

• San Francisco made a trade with Dallas, sending QB Trey Lance to Dallas in exchange for a 2024 fourth-round selection.

August 27

• Cleveland traded OT Tyrone Wheatley Jr. to New England in exchange for RB Pierre Strong Jr.

August 27

• Pittsburgh made a trade with the Los Angeles Rams, trading G Kevin Dotson and 2024 fifth and 2025 sixth-round selections in exchange for 2024 fourth and 2025 fifth-round selections.

August 29

• New Orleans traded K Wil Lutz to Denver in exchange for a 2024 seventh-round selection.

August 29

• New England made a trade with Tennessee, sending K Nick Folk to Tennessee in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round draft selection.

August 29

• Miami traded CB Noah Igbinoghene to Dallas in exchange for CB Kelvin Joseph.

These trades showcased the willingness of teams to make bold moves to improve their rosters and make a significant impact in the 2023 NFL season.

Notable Retirements in the NFL

QB Tom Brady

• Fifteen-time Pro Bowler
• Six-time All-Pro (three first-team, three second-team)
• Seven-time Super Bowl champion (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX, XLIX, LI, LIII, and LV)
• Five-time Super Bowl MVP (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XLIX, LI, and LV)
• Three-time NFL MVP (2007, 2010, and 2017)
• Two-time Offensive Player of the Year (2007 and 2010)
• 2009 Comeback Player of the Year
• Played for New England and Tampa Bay during his 23-year career

WR A. J. Green

• Seven-time Pro Bowler
• Two-time second-team All-Pro
• Played for Cincinnati and Arizona during his 12-year career

DT Gerald McCoy

• Six-time Pro Bowler
• Three-time All-Pro (one first-team, two second-team)
• Played for Tampa Bay, Carolina, and Las Vegas during his 12-year career

DE J. J. Watt

• Five-time Pro Bowler
• Seven-time All-Pro (five first-team, two second-team)
• Three-time Defensive Player of the Year (2012, 2014, and 2015)
• 2017 Walter Payton Man of the Year
• Played for Houston and Arizona during his 12-year career

These retirees have left a lasting impact on the NFL and will be remembered for their exceptional skills and contributions to the game.

Other Notable Retirements in the NFL

• Nasir Adderley
• Chris Banjo
• Giovani Bernard
• Jared Bernhardt
• Austin Blythe
• Brandon Copeland
• Corey Davis
• Donte Deayon
• Ben Ellefson
• Chad Henne
• Dont’a Hightower
• Jeremy Hill
• Kevin Huber
• Mark Ingram II
• Myles Jack
• Justin Jackson
• Malik Jackson
• Tony Jefferson
• Brett Kern
• Josh Lambo
• Blake Martinez
• Devin McCourty
• Sony Michel
• Alec Ogletree
• Russell Okung
• Corey Peters
• John Ross
• Chase Roullier
• Brandon Shell
• Davis Webb
• Eli Wolf
• Jabari Zuniga

These players have decided to retire from the NFL, bringing an end to their professional football careers. They have made their mark on the league and will be remembered for their contributions to the game.

NFL Draft 2023

Location and Dates

• The 2023 NFL Draft took place outside Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri.
• It spanned from April 27 to April 29.

First Overall Selection

• The Chicago Bears had the first overall selection, granted due to their worst record in 2022.
• However, Chicago traded the pick to the Carolina Panthers.

First Overall Selection – Carolina Panthers

• Carolina used the first overall selection to draft quarterback Bryce Young from the University of Alabama.

The 2023 NFL Draft marked an important event where teams selected promising young talents to join their rosters. The Chicago Bears’ trade with the Carolina Panthers allowed Carolina to secure the highly-rated quarterback Bryce Young as their top pick.

2023 Deaths in the NFL

Pro Football Hall of Fame Members

Bobby Beathard

• General manager of the Washington Redskins (1978-1989), San Diego Chargers (1990-2000), and director of player personnel for the Miami Dolphins (1972-1977)
• Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018
• Four-time Super Bowl champion (VII, VIII, XVII, and XXII)
• Died on January 30 at the age of 86

Bob Brown

• Offensive tackle who played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Rams, and Oakland Raiders during his ten-year NFL career
• Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004
• Six-time Pro Bowler and nine-time All-Pro (five first-team, four second-team)
• Died on June 16 at the age of 81

Jim Brown

• Fullback for the Cleveland Browns for nine seasons
• Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1971
• Nine-time Pro Bowler and nine-time All-Pro (eight first-team, one second-team)
• Three-time NFL MVP and 1964 NFL champion
• Died on May 18 at the age of 87

Bud Grant

• Head coach of the Minnesota Vikings from 1967 to 1983 and in the 1985 season
• Won an NFL championship with the Vikings in 1969
• Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1994
• Died on March 11 at the age of 95

Jerry Green

• Journalist for The Detroit News from 1963 to 2004
• Covered all the first 56 Super Bowls
• Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005
• Died on March 23 at the age of 94

Art McNally

• Director of officiating for the NFL from 1968 to 1991
• First official to be inducted into the Hall of Fame (2022)
• Died on January 1 at the age of 97

Dave Wilcox

• Linebacker who played for the San Francisco 49ers for 11 seasons
• Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000
• Seven-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro (two first-team, two second-team)
• Died on April 19 at the age of 80

Active Personnel

Norma Hunt

• Co-owner (minority) of the Kansas City Chiefs since 2006
• Widow of Chiefs and American Football League founder Lamar Hunt and mother of Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt
• Won two Super Bowls (LIV and LVII) as co-owner
• Died on June 8 at the age of 85

The NFL community mourned the loss of these individuals who had made significant contributions to the league, whether through their playing careers, coaching achievements, or other notable roles. They will be remembered for their significant impact on the sport.

Rule Changes for the 2023 NFL Season

Approved at the NFL Owners’ Meeting on March 28

Jersey Numbering System Modification

• All positions allowed to wear single-digit numbers can now wear the number 0.
• Placekickers and punters can now wear numbers 0-49 and 90-99.
• Previously, number 0 was not permitted since the jersey numbering system was standardized in 1973, and kickers and punters could only wear numbers 1-19.

Timing Rule Modification After a Reversed Ruling

• Outside the two-minute warning, the play clock will be set to 40 seconds instead of 25.
• Inside the two-minute warning, if a 10-second runoff is used, the play clock will be set to 30 seconds.

Addition of Turnover on Downs as Booth Reviewable Plays

• Plays resulting in a turnover on downs are now eligible for booth review.
• Coaches cannot challenge these plays.
• Plays resulting in a successful first down can still be challenged outside of the two-minute warning.

Upgrade of Tripping Penalty

• Tripping is now classified as a personal foul, resulting in a 15-yard penalty.
• This reverts a rule change made in 1974 when tripping was downgraded to a 10-yard penalty.

Illegal Launching Modified

• Launching from one foot to attack an opponent is now illegal.
• This changes the current rule that requires both feet to be off the ground for a launching penalty.

Illegal Forward Handoff Penalty

• Handing the ball forward behind the line of scrimmage, such as a quarterback handing the ball forward to an offensive lineman to avoid a sack, now results in a loss of down.
• This aligns with the penalty for the same foul occurring beyond the line of scrimmage.

Illegal Kick Penalty

• All illegal kicks, whether beyond the line of scrimmage or after the ball returns back behind the line, are now penalized the same as an illegal forward pass.
• This results in a five-yard penalty and loss of down.

End-of-Half Dual Penalties

• If the offense commits a live-ball penalty and the defense commits a dead-ball penalty on the last play of either half, the period will not be extended for an untimed down.

Helmet Contact Language Clarification

• Language referring to “butt, ram, or spear” with the helmet is combined under the umbrella of “impermissible uses of the helmet” and clarified as legal incidental contact.

Approved at the May Owners Meeting

Third Quarterback Bylaw Change

• Teams can now have a third quarterback available on game days without occupying a roster spot.
• The third quarterback will be available if the team’s first two quarterbacks are either injured or disqualified.
• If one of the regular quarterbacks returns to the game, the third quarterback will return to the bench unless both quarterbacks become unavailable again.

Fair Catch on Kickoffs

• A fair catch made at or behind the 25-yard line will be awarded at the 25-yard line.
• This mirrors the college football rule adopted in 2018.

Preseason Overview

Training Camps Opening

• The majority of training camps opened on July 26.

Pro Football Hall of Fame Game

• The preseason began on August 3 with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game.
• The game featured the Cleveland team, represented by Joe Thomas, and the New York Jets team, represented by Joe Klecko and Darrelle Revis from the Hall of Fame Class of 2023.
• Cleveland emerged victorious in the game.

Regular Season Overview

Schedule and Format

• The regular season is set to be played over an 18-week schedule, beginning on September 7.
• Each of the league’s 32 teams plays a total of 17 games, with one bye week for each team.
• The regular season is scheduled to end on January 7, 2024.
• The final weekend of games will consist of intra-division matchups, as has been the tradition since 2010.

Game Structure

• Each team plays the other three teams in its own division twice.
• Teams play one game against each of the four teams from a division in their own conference.
• They also play one game against each of the four teams from a division in the other conference.
• Additionally, teams play one game against each of the remaining two teams in their conference that finished in the same position in their respective divisions the previous season.
• Finally, teams play one game against a team in another division in the other conference that also finished in the same position in their respective division the previous season.

Division Pairings for 2023

• Four intra-conference games:
  • AFC East vs AFC West
  • AFC North vs AFC South
  • NFC East vs NFC West
  • NFC North vs NFC South
• Four interconference games:
  • AFC East vs NFC East
  • AFC North vs NFC West
  • AFC South vs NFC South
  • AFC West vs NFC North
• Interconference games determined by 2022 position:
  • NFC East at AFC West
  • NFC North at AFC North
  • NFC South at AFC East
  • NFC West at AFC South

Season Highlights

• NFL Kickoff Game: The season begins with the Kickoff Game on September 7, featuring Detroit at defending Super Bowl LVII champion Kansas City.
• NFL International Series: Five games are scheduled for international play in 2023.
  • Three games in London, England: Atlanta at Jacksonville (Wembley Stadium) on October 1, Jacksonville at Buffalo (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium) on October 8, and Baltimore at Tennessee (Tottenham) on October 15.
  • Two games in Frankfurt, Germany (NFL’s first games in the city): Miami at Kansas City on November 5 and Indianapolis at New England on November 12.
• Thanksgiving Games: Three games are scheduled for Thursday, November 23. Green Bay plays Detroit, Washington plays Dallas, and San Francisco plays Seattle.
• Christmas Day Games: Three games are scheduled for Christmas Day, December 25: Las Vegas at Kansas City, New York Giants at Philadelphia, and Baltimore at San Francisco.
• Christmas Eve and Post-Christmas Games: The normal Sunday afternoon games will still be played on Christmas Eve. The Sunday night game (New England at Denver) will air on NFL Network. Additionally, NBC will broadcast a game on Saturday afternoon, December 23.

Changes to Flexible Scheduling Rules

Expansion of Flexible Scheduling

• The league’s flexible scheduling system has expanded this season due to new media agreements signed by the networks in 2021.
• Monday Night Football games are now eligible for flex scheduling between Weeks 12 and 17 in 2023.
• The league must announce any rescheduling of Monday Night Football games no later than 12 days before the contests.
• The restriction on early season Sunday Night Football flex scheduling remains the same, with no more than two games allowed to be flexed between Weeks 5 and 13 in 2023.
• A 12-day advance notice must be given for any flex scheduling of early season Sunday Night Football games.
• The deadline for flexing late season Sunday night games has been extended. The league can now give a six-day notice for these contests between Weeks 14 and 17 in 2023, similar to Week 18.

Trial Basis for Thursday Night Football Flex Scheduling

• Flex scheduling rules for Thursday Night Football have been implemented on a trial basis for this season.
• These rules will only carry over to 2024 if no Thursday Night Football games are flexed in 2023.
• Only two games may be flexed between Weeks 13 and 17 for Thursday Night Football.
• Teams cannot play two away Thursday Night Football games during the season.
• The same team cannot be flexed into Thursday Night Football both times.
• The league must give a 28-day notice for any flex scheduling of Thursday Night Football games.

Network Protection and Flexibility

• CBS and Fox still have the ability to protect games from being moved to another network.
• When the initial season schedule is created, the two networks can select a limited number of games involving a specific number of teams from their respective conference.
• Every game can be initially scheduled on any network regardless of conference.
• After the season begins, the networks are allowed to protect one game each week from being flexed to another network.

Changes to Flexible Scheduling Rules

Expansion of Flexible Scheduling

• The league’s flexible scheduling system has expanded this season due to new media agreements signed by the networks in 2021.
• Monday Night Football games are now eligible for flex scheduling between Weeks 12 and 17 in 2023.
• The league must announce any rescheduling of Monday Night Football games no later than 12 days before the contests.
• The restriction on early season Sunday Night Football flex scheduling remains the same, with no more than two games allowed to be flexed between Weeks 5 and 13 in 2023.
• A 12-day advance notice must be given for any flex scheduling of early season Sunday Night Football games.
• The deadline for flexing late season Sunday night games has been extended. The league can now give a six-day notice for these contests between Weeks 14 and 17 in 2023, similar to Week 18.

Trial Basis for Thursday Night Football Flex Scheduling

• Flex scheduling rules for Thursday Night Football have been implemented on a trial basis for this season.
• These rules will only carry over to 2024 if no Thursday Night Football games are flexed in 2023.
• Only two games may be flexed between Weeks 13 and 17 for Thursday Night Football.
• Teams cannot play two away Thursday Night Football games during the season.
• The same team cannot be flexed into Thursday Night Football both times.
• The league must give a 28-day notice for any flex scheduling of Thursday Night Football games.

Network Protection and Flexibility

• CBS and Fox still have the ability to protect games from being moved to another network.
• When the initial season schedule is created, the two networks can select a limited number of games involving a specific number of teams from their respective conference.
• Every game can be initially scheduled on any network regardless of conference.
• After the season begins, the networks are allowed to protect one game each week from being flexed to another network.

Scheduling Changes

Week 15 Schedule

• Five games in Week 15 have been set aside for potential scheduling changes.
• These games have the possibility of being moved into an NFL Network tripleheader scheduled for Saturday, December 16.
• The five games eligible for this tripleheader are: Atlanta vs Carolina, Chicago vs Cleveland, Denver vs Detroit, Minnesota vs Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh vs Indianapolis.
• Three of these games will be selected to play on Saturday at 1:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 8:15 p.m. ET.
• The remaining two games will be scheduled as either Thursday, Sunday, or Monday games.

Week 18 Schedule

• All Week 18 games initially had a kickoff time of “TBD” (To Be Determined).
• Two games with playoff implications are planned to be moved to a Saturday, January 6, doubleheader.
• These games will be broadcasted at either 4:30 p.m. or 8:15 p.m. ET on both ESPN and ABC.
• Another game with playoff implications will be selected as the final NBC Sunday Night Football game at 8:20 p.m. ET.
• All remaining games in Week 18 will be scheduled on Sunday afternoon at either 1:00 p.m. or 4:25 p.m. ET, airing on either CBS or Fox.

Postseason Schedule – 2023 NFL Season Start Date

The 2023 playoffs are scheduled to begin with the Wild Card Round, with three wild-card games played in each conference. Wild Card Weekend is planned for January 13–15, 2024.

In the Divisional Round, scheduled for January 20–21, the top seed in the conference will play the lowest remaining seed, and the other two remaining teams will play each other.

The winners of the Divisional Round games will advance to the Conference Championship Games, scheduled for January 28.

Super Bowl LVIII is scheduled for February 11 at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada.

Notable Event: Sale of the Washington Commanders

After mounting pressure from other league owners to sell the franchise, Daniel Snyder hired BofA Securities to explore possible transactions in November 2022.

In May 2023, he reached an agreement to sell the Commanders to an investment group led by Josh Harris, owner of the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and the NHL’s New Jersey Devils, for $6.05 billion. The group has 20 limited partners worth a combined $100 billion, including Mitchell Rales and Magic Johnson.

The sale of the Washington Commanders was the highest price ever paid for a sports team and was unanimously approved by the NFL on July 20, 2023.

Gambling Suspensions in the NFL

April 21 Suspensions

On April 21, the NFL suspended three players indefinitely: Detroit wide receiver Quintez Cephus, safety C. J. Moore, and Washington defensive end Shaka Toney. Additionally, two players, Detroit wide receivers Jameson Williams and Stanley Berryhill, were suspended for six games. These suspensions were a result of violations of the league’s gambling policy. Detroit later released Cephus and Moore.

June 29 Suspensions

On June 29, the NFL suspended three additional players indefinitely: Indianapolis cornerback Isaiah Rodgers, linebacker Rashod Berry, and free agent defensive lineman Demetrius Taylor. These players were suspended for betting on league games in 2022. The league also suspended Tennessee offensive lineman Nicholas Petit-Frere for six games for violating the league’s gambling policy by betting on non-NFL sports while at team facilities.

July 24 Suspension

On July 24, Denver defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike was suspended indefinitely for violating the league’s gambling policy.

All players who are suspended indefinitely are allowed to apply for reinstatement after the 2023 season.

Head Coaching and Front Office Changes in the NFL

Arizona Cardinals

• Departing Coach: Kliff Kingsbury
• Interim Coach: Jonathan Gannon
• Incoming Coach: Not specified
• Reason for Leaving: Fired
• Notes: Kingsbury was fired on January 9 after four seasons with the Cardinals. Interim coach Jonathan Gannon, who previously served as the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive coordinator, was hired on February 14. This is his first head coaching position at any level.

Carolina Panthers

• Departing Coach: Matt Rhule
• Interim Coach: Steve Wilks
• Incoming Coach: Frank Reich
• Reason for Leaving: Fired
• Notes: Rhule was fired on October 10, 2022, after more than two seasons with the team. Wilks, the team’s defensive pass game coordinator and secondary coach, took over as interim coach. Frank Reich was hired on January 26. He previously served as the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts from 2018 to 2022.

Denver Broncos

• Departing Coach: Nathaniel Hackett
• Interim Coach: Jerry Rosburg
• Incoming Coach: Sean Payton
• Reason for Leaving: Fired
• Notes: Hackett was fired on December 26, 2022, after a 4-11 record with the Broncos. Jerry Rosburg, the team’s senior assistant to the head coach, was named interim head coach. Sean Payton was hired on February 3. He previously had a successful tenure as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints.

Houston Texans

• Departing Coach: Lovie Smith
• Interim Coach: DeMeco Ryans
• Incoming Coach: Not specified
• Reason for Leaving: Fired
• Notes: Lovie Smith was fired on January 8 after one season with the team. DeMeco Ryans, a former Texans linebacker and defensive assistant coach for the San Francisco 49ers, was hired as the new coach on January 31. This is his first NFL head coaching position.

Indianapolis Colts

• Departing Coach: Frank Reich
• Interim Coach: Jeff Saturday
• Incoming Coach: Shane Steichen
• Reason for Leaving: Fired
• Notes: Reich was fired on November 7, 2022, after a 3-5-1 start to the season. Jeff Saturday, a former Colts player and consultant for the team, was named interim head coach. Shane Steichen, the former offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, was hired on February 14.

Please note that the incoming coaches have not been specified for some teams.

Front Office Personnel Changes in the NFL

Arizona Cardinals

• Position: General Manager
• Departing Office Holder: Steve Keim
• Reason for Leaving: Resigned (Health-related)
• Interim Replacement: Monti Ossenfort
• Incoming Office Holder: Not specified
• Notes: Steve Keim stepped down from his position as the Cardinals’ GM after ten seasons due to health reasons on January 9. Monti Ossenfort was hired as the interim replacement on January 16.

Chicago Bears

• Position: President
• Departing Office Holder: Ted Phillips
• Reason for Leaving: Retired
• Interim Replacement: Kevin Warren
• Incoming Office Holder: Not specified
• Notes: Ted Phillips retired after 24 seasons with the Bears on 2022. Kevin Warren was hired as the interim replacement on January 12.

Tennessee Titans

• Position: General Manager
• Departing Office Holder: Jon Robinson
• Reason for Leaving: Fired
• Interim Replacement: Ryan Cowden
• Incoming Office Holder: Ran Carthon
• Notes: Jon Robinson was fired from his position as the Titans’ GM on December 6, 2022, despite leading the team to two AFC South titles, four playoff appearances, and an AFC Championship appearance in 2019. Ryan Cowden, the team’s Vice President of Player Personnel, served as the interim GM for the remainder of the season. Ran Carthon was hired to fill the position on January 18.

Stadium Changes in the NFL

Cleveland Browns Stadium

• Change: Return to original name
• Previous Name: FirstEnergy Stadium
• Reason for Change: FirstEnergy Corp’s involvement in the Ohio nuclear bribery scandal
• Notes: On April 13, the Cleveland Browns and FirstEnergy Corp agreed to end their stadium naming rights agreement due to the company’s involvement in a scandal. The stadium returned to its original name, Cleveland Browns Stadium, which was used from 1999-2012. The naming-rights agreement was originally set to expire in 2029.

TIAA Bank Field

• Change: Renamed
• New Name: EverBank Stadium
• Reason for Change: Bank rebranding
• Notes: On June 23, the Jacksonville Jaguars announced that their home stadium, TIAA Bank Field, would be renamed EverBank Stadium prior to the start of the season. The renaming was a result of a rebranding of the bank.

Uniform Changes in the NFL

Arizona Cardinals

• Change: New uniform design
• Features: Simplified uniform striping, silver added as accent color, “Arizona” word mark above numbers on home uniform, silver-outlined numbers on home uniform, white away uniform with red numbers and silver and red stripes, black alternate uniform with red numbers outlined in silver, modified primary helmet with silver facemask and larger logo

Carolina Panthers

• Change: Adjusted shade of blue
• Notes: Retains preexisting uniform design, but with an adjustment to shoulder stripes

Detroit Lions

• Change: Modified uniform template
• Notes: Part of initiatives celebrating team’s 90th season in the city

Indianapolis Colts

• Change: New alternate uniform
• Design: “Indiana Nights” with heather fabric pattern on blue jerseys and pants, white numbers outlined in black, and new black helmet
• Notes:

Minnesota Vikings

• Change: New throwback uniform
• Design: Similar to design worn during 1960s and 1970s, modified helmet with gray facemask and altered logo
• Notes: Will be worn for one game

New York Jets

• Change: Debuting throwback uniform
• Design: “Legacy White” inspired by former uniform worn from 1978-1989
• Notes: Will be worn for two home games

Philadelphia Eagles

• Change: Reinstated Kelly green throwback uniforms
• Design: Modeled after set worn from 1985-1995
• Notes: Will be worn for two games, last worn in 2010

Seattle Seahawks

• Change: Reintroducing 1990s era uniforms as part of NFL’s classic uniform program
• Design: Replaces grey alternate uniform, will be worn for one game

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Change: Reinstated orange throwback “creamsicle” uniforms
• Design: Worn from 1976-1996, delayed reintroduction from 2022 to 2023
• Notes: Will be worn for one game, first time since 2012

Tennessee Titans

• Change: Wearing Houston Oilers-era uniform for alternate
• Design: Based on design from 1981-1998
• Notes: Replaces light blue alternate uniform, will be worn for two home games, last worn during 2009 season

Alternate Helmets

Cleveland Browns

• Change: Introduced white alternate helmet
• Design: Center stripe in orange and brown to be worn with 1946 throwback uniforms
• Notes: Will be worn for three games

Denver Broncos

• Change: Will wear white alternate helmet
• Design: Decals based on team logo from 1968, similar to 2016 “Color Rush” combination
• Notes: Will be paired with those uniforms

Detroit Lions

• Change: Introduced alternate helmet
• Design: Honolulu blue shell and decals based on team logo from 1961-1969
• Notes: Paired with all-grey alternate uniform

Indianapolis Colts

• Change: Revealed new helmet with “Indiana Nights” alternate uniform
• Design: Black shell with team logo outlined in white

Minnesota Vikings

• Change: Pairing throwback uniform with helmet featuring deeper purple hue
• Notes: Reminiscent of era in which uniform was inspired

Philadelphia Eagles

• Change: Pairing throwback uniform with Kelly green shell helmet featuring silver eagle wing decals outlined in white and gray facemask
• Notes: Replaces black helmet used with black alternate uniform in previous season

Seattle Seahawks

• Change: Pairing throwback uniform with classic silver helmet featuring original team logo
• Notes:

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Change: Pairing throwback uniform with classic white helmet featuring franchise’s original mascot, Bucco Bruce
• Notes:

Tennessee Titans

• Change: Pairing throwback uniform with classic white helmet featuring Houston Oilers oil derrick logo
• Notes:

Patches

Cleveland Browns

• Patch: Commemorates Hall of Famer Jim Brown, who died on May 18

Detroit Lions

• Patch: Commemorates 90th season in the city

Indianapolis Colts

• Patch: Commemorates team’s 40th season in the city, worn during home opener

Minnesota Vikings

• Patch: Honors late former head coach Bud Grant, features signature and will be worn for one game, featured as decal on helmet throughout rest of season

Media Changes in the NFL

U.S. Media Rights Agreements

• Renewed agreements with CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN/ABC
• Existing regular season AFC, NFC, Sunday Night Football, and Monday Night Football packages renewed through 2033
• CBS, NBC, and ESPN can stream games on their paid streaming platforms
• Fox does not have a dedicated paid streaming platform
• Spanish-language versions of games available on respective Spanish-language outlets

Flexible Scheduling and Cross-Flexing

• Expanded flexible scheduling to include Monday Night Football
• Increased amount of “cross-flexing” between CBS and Fox
• CBS and Fox can specify limited amount of games involving their respective conference to air

Monday Night Football

• Three weeks with two games split between ABC and ESPN
• Expansion from one in the 2022 season

NBC and Peacock

• NBC will exclusively stream one national regular season game on Peacock per season
• Game will also be available on over-the-air television stations in participating teams’ local market

Fox

• Fox will air national Christmas Day games

Thursday Night Football and Amazon Prime Video/Twitch

• Second season of 12-year deal with Amazon Prime Video and Twitch to exclusively stream Thursday Night Football
• Flex scheduling expanded to Thursday Night Football on a one-year trial
• Friday afternoon game added on Thanksgiving weekend, available on main Amazon Prime Video platform

NFL Network

• Continues to televise select regular season games, including International Series and late-season games

NFL+ Streaming Service

• Live access to NFL Network on base tier and NFL RedZone on premium tier
• Live streaming of in-market regular season and postseason games on mobile devices only
• Radio broadcasts for all games and most out-of-market preseason games on base tier
• Replays of all games and coaches film on premium tier

Christmas Day and New Year’s Day Games

• Three games on Christmas Day, including an afternoon doubleheader split between CBS and Fox, and Monday Night Football on ABC
• CBS game features youth-friendly broadcast on Nickelodeon for second consecutive year
• Monday Night Football game on weekend of New Year’s Day moved to Saturday, December 30

ESPN and Manningcast

• Third year of partnership deal with Omaha Productions for Manningcast series on ESPN2, simulcast on ESPN+ for select games shown on ESPN and ABC

Wild Card Games

• NBC airs three Wild Card games, including Saturday afternoon game, Sunday night game, and Saturday night game exclusively streamed on Peacock
• ESPN enters third year of their five-year deal for Monday night Wild Card game
• CBS and Fox carry remaining two Sunday afternoon games

Divisional Playoff Games

• Each broadcast television partner airs one divisional playoff game per season
• ESPN/ABC takes over slot previously rotated between CBS and Fox

Super Bowl

• ESPN/ABC simulcasts added to annual Super Bowl rotation
• CBS televises Super Bowl LVIII this season, followed by Fox, NBC, and ESPN/ABC
• Spanish-language rights for Super Bowl LVIII sub-licensed to TelevisaUnivision
• Nickelodeon has youth-friendly broadcast of the game

NFL Sunday Ticket

Exclusivity on YouTube TV

• NFL Sunday Ticket out-of-market sports package exclusively on YouTube TV
• DirecTV did not renew its exclusive rights
• YouTube TV streams NFL RedZone instead of producing a separate version

Commercial Rights to Sunday Ticket

• EverPass Media holds commercial rights to Sunday Ticket
• Funded by RedBird Capital and the NFL’s venture capital arm 32 Equity
• Distributes Sunday Ticket to bars, restaurants, and other commercial venues via cable and satellite providers
• Non-exclusive agreements with existing providers
• First agreement reached with DirecTV

Radio

Westwood One

• Second season of current radio contract with Westwood One
• Rights to all primetime, marquee, and playoff games
• Audio coverage of NFL Draft and NFL Honors

Compass Media, ESPN Radio, and Sports USA

• Continued broadcasting of select Sunday afternoon games nationally on radio

International

DAZN

• New deal with DAZN to become worldwide rightsholder of NFL Game Pass streaming service outside of the U.S. and China
• DAZN already held rights to Game Pass and Sunday Ticket in Canada

Sky Sports (United Kingdom)

• Sky Sports continues to broadcast two selected non-national games live every Sunday
• Sky Sports Mix channel airs live simulcast of NFL Network’s NFL RedZone whip-around show
• Sky Sports broadcasts Sunday Night Football, Monday Night Football (except in weeks with multiple games), and Thursday Night Football games live