It was not until the eve of the 2018 NFL season that the move with arguably the greatest impact over the subsequent 17 weeks took place, as the Chicago Bears acquired star outside linebacker Khalil Mack in a massive trade with the Oakland Raiders that helped catalyze the Bears' terrific 12-4 season.
Keeping in mind that anything can happen at any time, the post-draft lull through which we are currently hovering is a reasonable time to take stock of the offseason. Typically, there will not be a move as impactful as the Mack trade from May through August.
But there have been a ton of moves -- free-agency signings, trades, draft picks, coaching hires, etc. -- and we wanted to give the floor to coaching and front-office evaluators to select their favorite moves of the offseason. Here are their selections.
Note: The much-discussed trade of Odell Beckham Jr. to the Cleveland Browns was brought up in several conversations, as Cleveland added one of the game's elite playmakers. It was an obvious impact move. Because of that, the conversations pivoted to moves that received less acclaim.
Jon Gruden, Mike Mayock form a good tandem
Though there is no questioning who has the final authority for the Oakland Raiders -- a 10-year, $100 million contract speaks for itself -- Gruden tabbed Mayock as his general manager after the departure of Reggie McKenzie. Mayock is a first-time GM, but he has long been heralded in NFL circles for his evaluation skills and meticulous tape study, which are among the reasons one longtime personnel man thought his hiring stood out.
"They had tons of picks, and he's a voice of reason for Jon," he said, referring to how the two are able to balance each other out in what has been a busy offseason for Oakland. "[It's about] patience and systematic building," he continued, adding that Mayock is someone "who [Gruden] respects and has the same line of thinking."