NFL offseason 2022 – Everything you missed, including QB movement, WR market reset, coaching hires, big trades and new rules

When news of quarterback Tom Brady’s retirement broke in late January, no one knew then what is unmistakably clear now: The NFL was in the beginning stages of what would become a whiplash-inducing 2022 offseason of change. Even the conclusion of the Brady story had a surprise ending, with the seven-time Super Bowl winner reversing his decision six weeks later to return for a 23rd season, his third with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

That was but a single development in one of the most compelling NFL offseasons in recent memory. The past several months have featured a flurry of player movement, with the game’s premier wide receiver and numerous top-tier QBs among those who landed on different teams. But there were innumerable events on other fronts as well.

Kickoff of the NFL’s 2022 regular season is still six weeks away, with the defending champion Los Angeles Rams hosting the Buffalo Bills on Thursday, Sept. 8 (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC). But with training camps around the league opening this week, let’s get you caught up on everything you need to know with our annual offseason review.

Brady (almost) retires

When Brady announced his retirement during the playoffs, he began the message posted to his social channels thusly: “This is difficult for me to write, but here goes …” That was, perhaps, a harbinger of what was to come.

Brady proved unable to stay away from the game, reversing his retirement decision by announcing his return to the Buccaneers in March, citing “unfinished business.” He turns 45 years old on Aug. 3 and will be the NFL’s oldest player this season by nearly five full years.

Some players did actually go through with their retirements this offseason. Among them: quarterbacks Ben Roethlisberger and Ryan Fitzpatrick, tight end Rob Gronkowski, running back Frank Gore, right tackle Mitchell Schwartz, defensive end Stephon Tuitt, left tackle Andrew Whitworth, safety Malcolm Jenkins and center Alex Mack.

Payton steps away from…