The NFL offseason is a whirlwind of player movement, roster adjustments, and front-office maneuvering. Among the most influential figures in shaping a team’s future are the general managers (GMs). These individuals make decisions that can impact a franchise for years to come, from acquiring free agents to making draft picks and trading for players. As teams navigate the first wave of free agency, fans often evaluate how well their team’s GM is managing the roster and shaping the future of their squad. With the first wave of free agency now behind us, it’s time to assess the popularity of each NFL general manager (GM) based on their moves in the offseason and how fans are responding to them.
The Importance of Free Agency in the GM’s Reputation
In the world of professional sports, few events are as high-stakes as free agency. It’s a time when teams can dramatically improve their roster by acquiring star players, addressing weaknesses, or making savvy moves to prepare for the future. For GMs, free agency is a critical time to showcase their ability to build a championship-contending team.
After the first wave of free agency, fans have had enough time to assess their team’s activity and begin forming opinions on their GM’s moves. Were the signings smart and strategic? Did the team overpay for players? Did the GM address the most pressing needs? These are the questions that are on the minds of many fans when evaluating the actions of their GM.
In this evaluation, we’ll take a look at how the most notable GMs have performed in the offseason and how their popularity has been affected by their moves. We’ll break down key moves made during free agency, provide an analysis of how fans perceive these decisions, and gauge the overall impact on each GM’s reputation.
The Winners: GMs Who Increased Their Popularity
- Brandon Beane – Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills have been one of the most consistent teams in the NFL over the last few years, and GM Brandon Beane has been instrumental in building a contender. After a disappointing playoff loss, the Bills focused on solidifying their defense and adding depth in key areas. The Bills brought in linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and defensive tackle DaQuan Jones to bolster their defense, two moves that have been well-received by the fanbase.
Additionally, Beane was able to lock up key players such as quarterback Josh Allen on a long-term deal, which was seen as a major win by Bills fans. Beane’s ability to retain important pieces while improving the roster through free agency has earned him the admiration of Bills supporters. His reputation as a savvy, forward-thinking GM has only been bolstered by these calculated moves, and fans are excited about the team’s potential heading into the next season.
- Chris Ballard – Indianapolis Colts
Chris Ballard, the GM of the Indianapolis Colts, has long been regarded as one of the more methodical and balanced executives in the NFL. In the first wave of free agency, Ballard’s moves have largely been well-received by Colts fans. The addition of veteran quarterback Matt Ryan was seen as a smart move to address the team’s quarterback uncertainty. Ryan brings stability and leadership to a position that had plagued the Colts in recent years. This acquisition filled an immediate need while also giving Ballard the opportunity to continue building around Ryan with younger talent.
Ballard also shored up the offensive line by signing key free agents, which was a move that impressed fans who had long been critical of the team’s ability to protect the quarterback. Given the Colts’ solid draft class and other free-agent additions, fans have responded positively, and Ballard’s popularity has only increased as the team looks poised to compete in the AFC South.
- Jon Robinson – Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans’ GM, Jon Robinson, had a mixed reputation heading into free agency, but he appears to have elevated his standing with Titans fans after a strong start to the offseason. The Titans were in need of offensive weapons to help quarterback Ryan Tannehill, and Robinson delivered. The signing of wide receiver Robert Woods and offensive lineman Ben Jones were viewed as major moves that immediately addressed the team’s needs.
Robinson’s ability to land solid veterans without overpaying has made him a fan favorite in Tennessee, and the consensus is that he has solidified the Titans’ place as a serious contender in the AFC. His calculated approach in free agency has helped him regain some of the popularity that may have been in question following some of the Titans’ earlier playoff disappointments.
- Andrew Berry – Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns GM Andrew Berry has been an astute leader during his tenure, and his actions in the offseason have only further endeared him to the fanbase. After securing quarterback Deshaun Watson in a blockbuster trade, Berry focused on addressing other key positions with free-agent signings. The Browns strengthened their defense by adding pieces like defensive tackle Taven Bryan and linebacker Anthony Walker.
Berry also helped the team’s offense by locking up key players like offensive tackle Jack Conklin to solidify the protection around Watson. While there were some mixed reactions surrounding the Watson trade, the team’s overall moves in free agency have made it clear that Berry is committed to building a balanced, competitive roster. Fans are excited about the direction of the team and Berry’s reputation has only grown since the first wave of free agency.
The Middle Ground: GMs with Mixed Results
- Howie Roseman – Philadelphia Eagles
Howie Roseman, the GM of the Philadelphia Eagles, is often considered one of the most polarizing figures in the NFL. After the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory, Roseman earned the nickname “Howie the Genius” for his ability to construct a championship-winning roster. However, the team’s recent struggles and a few questionable decisions left fans divided.
In the first wave of free agency this year, Roseman made a splash by retaining key players, including defensive tackle Fletcher Cox and cornerback Darius Slay, while also signing free agents like wide receiver Zach Pascal to add depth. However, the Eagles didn’t land any high-profile stars, which left some fans feeling as though the team missed an opportunity to improve significantly.
While some appreciate Roseman’s focus on continuity and ensuring the team remains competitive, others feel that the Eagles could have done more to address the team’s weaknesses. Overall, Roseman remains a highly competent GM, but his popularity is mixed among Eagles fans who are still holding out hope for another deep playoff run.
- Paton George – Denver Broncos
George Paton, the GM of the Denver Broncos, entered the offseason with significant pressure after a disappointing season in which the Broncos were plagued by inconsistent quarterback play and a lack of offensive production. Paton’s first wave of free-agent moves focused on improving the offense, most notably with the acquisition of quarterback Russell Wilson in a blockbuster trade with the Seattle Seahawks.
While the Wilson trade has been hailed as a bold move, there have been mixed opinions regarding the Broncos’ other free-agent additions, particularly their spending in the offensive line and secondary. Some fans are excited by the possibility of a rejuvenated offense under Wilson, but others are wary of how well the team’s overall strategy will translate on the field. Paton’s moves have done little to endear him to the fanbase, as many are still waiting to see how these changes will affect the Broncos’ performance in 2022.
The Losers: GMs with Questionable Popularity
- Dave Gettleman – New York Giants
Dave Gettleman has been at the helm of the New York Giants for several years, but his tenure has been riddled with criticism and frustration from the fanbase. After a disappointing season, Gettleman entered free agency with high expectations to turn things around. However, his early moves have left many Giants fans feeling unsatisfied.
One of the biggest criticisms of Gettleman’s approach to free agency has been his reluctance to spend big on marquee free agents. Instead, the Giants made low-profile signings and failed to address some glaring needs, including the lack of a true number-one wide receiver. Fans have been vocal about their frustration with Gettleman’s conservative approach and inability to deliver a competitive roster.
- Steve Keim – Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals GM Steve Keim has faced significant backlash from fans over the past few years, and his popularity has taken another hit after the first wave of free agency this year. The Cardinals made a few underwhelming moves that left fans unimpressed, including the loss of key players to free agency and the inability to bring in any high-impact signings.
Keim’s failure to land a quarterback of the future, coupled with his inconsistent drafting and handling of player contracts, has left many fans questioning his ability to lead the team into the future. While the Cardinals are coming off a strong season, Keim’s lack of action in free agency has not been well-received by the fanbase.
The GM-Fan Relationship is Fluid
As teams begin to settle into their new rosters after the first wave of free agency, general managers’ reputations are continuously evolving. The moves made during free agency have a significant impact on how fans perceive their team’s future, and the popularity of GMs can shift dramatically depending on how their decisions play out.
For some, the first wave of free agency has strengthened their popularity, with smart moves and calculated risks paying off. For others, the aftermath of free agency leaves more questions than answers, with fans questioning their GM’s strategy and ability to build a contender. As the offseason progresses, these opinions will continue to evolve, and GMs will need to prove that their decisions have been the right ones. Whether praised or criticized, general managers’ legacies are constantly being shaped by the players they bring in and the direction they set for their teams.
Ultimately, the success or failure of free agency, along with the moves made in the draft and during the season, will determine the long-term popularity of each GM with their team’s fans. The NFL’s ever-changing landscape keeps GMs on their toes, constantly trying to balance present success with future aspirations, and fans will be there every step of the way, ready to voice their opinions on the job being done by those at the helm.