You haven’t had a real sports fan experience if your favorite player didn’t get traded, released, or sign with another team in the offseason after you bought their jersey. I learned to hold off on buying anything with a player’s name until they’ve been with the team for more than three years. Even then, you never know.
Every NFL offseason has big moves, some that annoy fans and some that needed to happen for both the organization and the player. We saw the Cleveland Browns trade star defensive end Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams for linebacker Jared Verse and a 2027 first-round pick (plus more) on June 1. I can’t forget the Las Vegas Raiders agreeing to trade Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens in March, only for the deal to fall through because of a failed physical.
There were also some wide receiver moves, with the Chicago Bears trading DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills and the Eagles sending A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots. Let’s take a look at the receivers who are wearing different threads.
DJ Moore – Buffalo Bills
As a Bears fan, this made me as sad as when they traded Roquan Smith to the Ravens and Justin Fields to the Steelers. DJ Moore is the kind of player who has an instant connection with every QB he plays with. When the Bears needed a big play last season, DJ made it happen. I’ll never forget that 46-yard game-winning touchdown against the Packers in December. Josh Allen and the Bills’ offense will excel with Moore.
Bills preseason matchups: vs. Panthers (August 15), vs. Browns (August 22), vs. Steelers (August 27)
Stefon Diggs – Washington Commanders
Stefon Diggs made it to his first Super Bowl with the New England Patriots, but in March they released the veteran WR. The former Buffalo Bill, who also spent time with the Texans and Vikings, had a lot going on in the offseason but recently found a home with the Commanders on a one-year deal.
Commanders preseason matchups: vs. Dolphins (August 14), vs. Lions (August 22), vs. Ravens (August 28)
Mike Evans – San Francisco 49ers
I was shocked to see Mike Evans sign with the 49ers in the offseason. I thought he would stay and eventually retire with the Buccaneers, the team that drafted him in 2014. With 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, Evans could build a good connection with Brock Purdy.
49ers preseason matchups: vs. Titans (August 13), vs. Chargers (August 20), vs. Raiders (August 27)
A.J. Brown – New England Patriots
There were so many rumors about this move that when it happened, no one was shocked. A.J. Brown became a Super Bowl champion with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2025, but he didn’t seem happy and is now starting a new journey with the Patriots. The move reunites him with head coach Mike Vrabel, who coached him in Tennessee with the Titans.
Patriots preseason matchups: vs. Colts (August 13), vs. Eagles (August 22), vs. Browns (August 27)
Jaylen Waddle – Denver Broncos
The Miami Dolphins wanted a change, which meant moving on from players like Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle. Now a Denver Bronco, Waddle could use his speed to help QB Bo Nix and the team continue its AFC dominance.
Broncos preseason matchups: vs. Falcons (August 14), vs. Packers (August 21), vs. Vikings (August 28)
Header image credit: 33ft from Getty Images Pro via Canva Pro
