Clemson Football: Where are Tigers in the AFC in 2023?

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16), left, hugs center Tyler Shatley (69) after the game of an NFL first round playoff football matchup Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023 at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Fla. Jacksonville Jaguars edged the Los Angeles Chargers on a field goal 31-30. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]Jki 011423 Chargers Jags C
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16), left, hugs center Tyler Shatley (69) after the game of an NFL first round playoff football matchup Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023 at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Fla. Jacksonville Jaguars edged the Los Angeles Chargers on a field goal 31-30. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]Jki 011423 Chargers Jags C

As with all NFL players, the alumni of Clemson Football sometimes stay put over an offseason, and other times they are on the move.

Here is a quick primer to catch up on all the movement to date for AFC teams.

Cincinnati’s roster has Tee Higgins, DJ Reader, Jackson Carman, and Myles Murphy. Higgins has been a key player in the Bengals’ playoff runs over the past two seasons. He forms a formidable receiver duo with Ja’Marr Chase. Reader continues his career as one of the most reliable defensive linemen in the league. Carman is beginning his second season on the offensive line for Cincy. Murphy joins after being drafted in the first round this past spring.

Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne return to the Jacksonville Jaguars to try to improve on their 2022 AFC South Division championship and divisional playoff win. Joining them is long-time veteran Tyler Shatley, who is beginning his tenth season with the Jags.

The Baltimore Ravens will feature John Simpson, Trayvon Mullen, and Trenton Simpson. John Simpson was waived by the Raiders after nearly three seasons and signed onto the Ravens’ practice squad. He will be attempting to make the main roster this fall. Mullen was claimed off waivers from the Cowboys in January.  Trenton Simpson was the steal of the 2023 NFL Draft when Baltimore selected him in the third round.

The Buffalo Bills will feature Shaq Lawson and Baylon Spector. Lawson continues his second stint with Buffalo after rejoining in 2022. Spector will be starting his second season with the Bills after being a seventh-round pick in 2022.

The Kansas City Chiefs have Justyn Ross and Cornell Powell. Ross is returning from a season-long injury in 2022. Powell will be attempting to make the main roster after spending 2022 on the practice squad.

The Los Angeles Chargers have Mike Williams and Jordan McFadden. Williams is starting his seventh season for the Chargers and has become a primary target of quarterback Justin Herbert. McFadden was drafted by LA this past spring.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have Tanner Muse and B.T. Potter. Muse signed with the Steelers and spent the 2022 season bouncing between the Seahawks’ main roster and practice squad. Potter signed as an undrafted free agent this spring.

Some Clemson Football alumni are staying put with their NFL teams while others have moved

Deshaun Watson will get his opportunity to start at quarterback for the Cleveland Browns for an entire season. He was suspended to start the 2022 campaign. Expectations are high in Cleveland following the massive trade with the Texans and Watson’s large guaranteed contract.

Amari Rodgers is on the Houston Texans roster. He signed with Houston following a difficult second season with the Packers.

Hunter Renfrow begins another season for the Las Vegas Raiders after a 2022 campaign that was interrupted by a concussion. Renfrow will have a new quarterback in Jimmy Garoppolo in 2023.

The Miami Dolphins’ defensive line will again be anchored by Christian Wilkins. The Dolphins wisely picked up his fifth-year option. Wilkins will be a free agent after this season, so this is a contract year.

The Tennessee Titans added a Tiger to their roster when they signed DeAndre Hopkins to a two-year deal in July. Hopkins was released by the Arizona Cardinals this offseason.

Schedule

Schedule