Â鶹¹ú²ú

Watching Kenneth Walker III, Boye Mafe and Coby Bryant leave had to sting, but as far as defending champs go, the Seahawks remain in very respectable shape. They were able to retain Rashid Shaheed and the ascending Josh Jobe, and Seattle had the funds to keep the aforementioned veteran trio if it wanted, so we'll respect those decisions for now. The Seahawks brought in some cheaper free agents to patch positional holes, and the draft can help buttress spots, as well. Seattle has just four picks in the 2026 draft, but only one of those is outside the top 100. GM John Schneider has worked draft magic in the past -- turning four picks into 11 via trades back in 2019 -- so it's impossible to know what the 'Hawks end up with. But for now, I have no reason to demote the champs in their effort to repeat.

The Rams have approached this offseason like they're Super Bowl contenders, and rightfully so. They wasted no time targeting the biggest area of need in the secondary, adding Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, and they don't appear done. Even after trading one first-rounder, they still have another at No. 13 overall. The offensive line is an area I expect them to target, and a wide receiver also could be on the menu with Davante Adams close to the finish line and Tutu Atwell gone. The Rams have their typically-strange allotment of draft picks, with three in the first 93 overall, none for the ensuing 113 picks and four selections from No. 207 on. Expect Los Angeles not to end up with those same picks, as GM Les Snead always keeps his finger on the trigger. The Rams are gunning for another title in Matthew Stafford's age-38 season.

The Broncos aren't exactly flush with endless cap space, but I figured they might spend a little on fresh talent -- even if only for celebration -- now that Russell Wilson's contract is off the books. Plus, they'd signed a Day 1 free agent in each of GM George Paton's first five offseasons. This year, nada. Instead, they stuck to keeping some -- but not all -- of their own free agents from last year's team. The biggest loss so far is probably John Franklin-Myers, who played a significant role on defense, but Denver could reinvigorate the D-line in the draft. There is some young talent to build around, but I would like the Broncos to bolster the front seven and add at least one more skill-position player among their nine draft picks. 

The Bills maneuvered to create the cap space necessary to land DJ Moore and Bradley Chubb, and that might be it for the big moves this offseason. Chubb felt like a consolation prize after Buffalo reportedly tried to get involved with bigger-named edge rushers, including Trey Hendrickson. When Hendrickson signed with Baltimore, the Bills pivoted to Chubb, who has been very good when healthy, but he's missed significant chunks of time in three of his eight years in the NFL. The risk level is high with Chubb, and Moore is coming off his least-productive season since his rookie year. The Bills remain a force because of Josh Allen, but last season exposed some holes, and there's really only so much they can achieve this offseason.

The ever-reliable Mike Evans joining the 49ers is an upgrade for a receiver corps that had to endure injuries and the bizarre absence of Brandon Aiyuk last season. Evans can serve as a mentor to young receivers like Ricky Pearsall and help give Brock Purdy a consistent threat on the outside, assuming Evans' health woes from last year don't crop up again. Adding Osa Odighizuwa appeared to be a smart and fairly cheap way to address the pressure needs up front, but the 49ers still need outside rush threats. The , San Francisco's 2025 co-sack leader (with four!), further exacerbates the issue up front. The Niners are trying to keep pace with the Seahawks and Rams, who remain two of the very best teams in the NFL.

Well, it's been nothing short of a fascinating start to the offseason for the Ravens, with the failed Maxx Crosby trade (and subsequent Trey Hendrickson signing) dominating the early news cycle in free agency. Prior to that, the Ravens lost a slew of players in free agency, including Pro Bowl C Tyler Linderbaum, who has clearly been their best offensive lineman in the past few years, especially in the run game. I'm still chewing on everything they've done and had done to them so far. Right now, it's OK, even if I think it's pretty clear that Baltimore's roster isn't in as good of shape, top to bottom, as it was a few years ago. That said, it's still a roster that should produce a serious contender in 2026. And like I said in the intro, this is a grand reshuffling with an eye toward next fall, thus explaining the Ravens' rise in this rundown.

There are health risks around the two biggest offseason additions, with Alijah Vera-Tucker suffering season-ending injuries in three of the past four years and Romeo Doubs seemingly always nicked up. But both could end up being solid foundational moves and net upgrades over what New England had offensively a year ago. On defense, adding Dre'Mont Jones and Kevin Byard only moves the needle so much, even if both veterans are sensible additions at needed spots. The Patriots clearly overachieved last season and did so against an easier schedule, lest anyone think this thing is close to completion. The Pats haven't been as aggressive in free agency as they were a year ago -- when they had more needs and more money to spend -- but they're targeting some of the right areas so far.

The Texans have been busy adding veteran pieces all over the place, including to the offensive line, which was a need area. But I don't think they'll be out of the OL business when the draft comes along, potentially targeting another blocker at either No. 28 or No. 38. Having Nos. 59 and 69 right behind those isn't bad, either. This draft seems particularly strong in that range. After adding some depth on defense, trading for David Montgomery and even dealing for a punter, it feels like the offensive line, defensive line and wide receiver are the most pressing spots of need. The pass-protection issues last season might have blurred our view of what this team is capable of. Houston isn't too far off of the formula Seattle just employed to win a Super Bowl.

It's been a little bit of a mixed bag in free agency so far for the Bears, who have made more noise in recent offseasons. Devin Bush replacing Tremaine Edmunds and Coby Bryant replacing Kevin Byard could end up a wash, or maybe a tiny upgrade. Losing DJ Moore stings, but they got a pretty good trade return for him and have some more ammo, with four picks in the top 89 of the draft. If you factor in a young roster continuing to bloom, it's possible to see improvement from within, too. I still think they'll find a way to grab some headlines, either in the draft or before it, but the Bears are being prudent and holding serve well enough for now.

They've now lost valuable pieces on all three levels of the defense, with Jaelan Phillips, Nakobe Dean and Reed Blankenship all departing in free agency, while adding Riq Woolen, who had a slightly reduced role on Seattle's defense during its title run. The pass-rush need would have been there even if Phillips had re-signed. Philly is also teetering on the idea of trading A.J. Brown, but it almost feels inevitable at this point. GM Howie Roseman has pulled rabbits out of hats before, almost to the point where Eagles fans expect it at this point, but he might have to get creative in order to manage the team's long-term finances.

I'm still marinating on what the Chargers have done and not done, but it's been a little curious, with a major shakeup on the interior O-line. , Mekhi Becton was cut and Zion Johnson walked in free agency. They got their center in Tyler Biadasz, with Cole Strange the presumed right guard. That means they still need a left guard, and it could come down to the draft. Simply adding Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater back from injured reserve is a huge lift; making the playoffs without both bookends was a stunning achievement, honestly. But we saw what the line looked like in the postseason, and I am not sure it's vastly improved right now. The Bolts had the cap space to do more, but GM Joe Hortiz all but told us they'd be measured. Maybe we should have listened.

This was never going to be a bonanza free agency for the Jaguars, salary cap-strapped as they are, and they lack a first-round pick, thanks to last year's draft-day trade for Travis Hunter. But even so, the draft should be able to provide some help, as Jacksonville holds 11 total picks, including three third-rounders. The Jags' list of extremely-pressing needs isn't long, but they did allow some notable players to walk in free agency, including Devin Lloyd and Greg Newsome II on defense and Travis Etienne on offense. I have to imagine they're looking to beef up the defensive front one way or another. They stopped the run well last season, but they'll want to find more pressure sources. Can Jacksonville remain among the contenders? Too early to definitively say yes or no. 

We're still waiting to hear about the Steelers' plan at quarterback, but that's nothing new. They were fairly busy otherwise, but I wonder how much of a net improvement we're really looking at. Michael Pittman Jr. unquestionably helps the offense, but the loss of Isaac Seumalo is a setback. Rico Dowdle is a nice player, but is he an upgrade over Kenneth Gainwell? I'm not terribly sure. The one big net plus: adding Jamel Dean, Jaquan Brisker and Darnell Savage to an already-strong secondary. At best, it's a solid start -- given the two big players who left. Would Aaron Rodgers returning to play for Mike McCarthy get this team into the playoffs? Maybe, maybe not. There's a vacancy sign at left guard, and the pass rush must return to form.

So much depends on Patrick Mahomes' ability to return to full strength after a torn ACL -- and to do so by his Week 1 goal -- but the Chiefs are starting to act like a team that expects to contend again. Travis Kelce is back, probably for one last run. The Kenneth Walker III signing was a fascinating one from a value standpoint, but it could help add life to a dormant run game, and the trade for Justin Fields provides interesting insurance for Mahomes.. The pass rush remains an issue, and Kansas City might need another receiver, but the secondary is probably the biggest gap after all the departures. It wouldn't be shocking at all to see the Chiefs use one of their two first-round picks (Nos. 9 and 29) on a cornerback. We'll wait to see how they address that need, but Andy Reid's team was destined to move up from the end-of-season rankings one way or another, even if it still has unfinished business.

It has been a net migration for the Packers, who shed a lot of skin early in free agency. They watched Malik Willis, Romeo Doubs, Quay Walker and Kingsley Enagbare sign elsewhere, traded Rashan Gary and cut Elgton Jenkins, without a ton coming back in return. Trading 25-year-old Colby Wooden for 29-year-old Zaire Franklin helps replace Walker, but it also makes the Packers older. Adding 33-year-old Javon Hargrave achieved the same end. They also quietly might be scouting backup QB options with Willis gone. He filled an important role for the Pack over the past couple seasons, and Jordan Love has only earned a certain level of trust to date. With Green Bay coming off a gutting Wild Card Weekend loss at Chicago, questions still hover over this talented but flawed team.

Right now, there are two huge holes at premium positions just staring the Lions in the face. They need a left tackle after Taylor Decker's release. That's obviously a big one, as it looks like Larry Borom is their current starter there. Getting Cade Mays and Juice Scruggs to help inside is nice, but the O-line isn't the strength it once was. Edge rusher is another massive question mark -- I'd argue Detroit needs at least two. At present, it's Aidan Hutchinson and the Question Marks taking the stage in Motown. The Lions are fine on the defensive interior, but losing DE Al-Quadin Muhammad could end up being one of those sneaky-big moves we overlook now but revisit during the season when things don't go as planned.

We'll find out if the money spent on edge Jaelan Phillips ($120 million over four years) and linebacker Devin Lloyd ($45 million over three years) was spent well, but it appears the Panthers have upgraded on defense. Per , their pursuit of Phillips was informed by their failure to sign Milton Williams in 2025; Carolina refused to be left out in the cold this time. The Rasheed Walker signing was a mild surprise, giving the offensive line excellent insurance while left tackle Ikem Ekwonu works his way back from . The O-line might still need further work following the departure of center Cade Mays, but the Panthers appear to be in relatively decent shape up front. I still think they'll add one more offensive lineman. They're not there yet, but they're also not terribly far, depending on how high you think quarterback Bryce Young's ceiling might be.

Daniel Jones signed for two years at franchise-QB money ($88 million). Now we'll find out if he can get healthy by Week 1 -- and stay that way. Spending on him is an awfully big risk, but the Colts saw last season what he could be. Can he resume that form after recovering from an Achilles tear? That's a significant unknown. A big part of what makes Jones so dangerous is his mobility, and we have no idea how much of that will be there post-surgery. He'll have Alec Pierce back at receiver, but the offensive line isn't as strong after tackle Braden Smith's departure for the rival Texans. The Colts also couldn't land the big pass-rush fish on the market, with Trey Hendrickson deciding on Baltimore. Between that and Kwity Paye leaving for the Raiders, Indy might not be able to wait until the draft to address a position group that became a real sore spot by last season's end.

It has been a strange start to free agency after last season's collapse. The Buccaneers started the 2025 campaign as dandies but ended it in a morass, losing seven of their final nine games and yielding the NFC South to the 8-9 Panthers. And now WR Mike Evans and CB Jamel Dean have walked in free agency. The team was active when it came to adding players, signing RB Kenneth Gainwell, LB Alex Anzalone, DT A'Shawn Robinson and edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad. But can we realistically say the Bucs are better? I keep going back to Evans leaving. It's more than a player just chasing a ring elsewhere; to me, it reads like a franchise icon saying (without actually saying) that he believes his chances of winning a title are greater elsewhere than they are with Baker Mayfield and Todd Bowles. Both men enter 2026 with their futures in Tampa not looking quite as sturdy from the outside as they did not too long ago.

What, no spending spree? Some fans might have been disappointed by Dallas' quiet start to free agency after hearing Jerry Jones casually hint the team could spend more, but it follows a pattern we've seen before; remember the 2024 offseason, when the Cowboys were supposed to be "all in" but barely made a peep on the market? Next season, Dallas is switching to a 3-4 scheme on defense, and there are parts required on all three levels. Linebacker looks pretty bare, with injury-prone DeMarvion Overshown and not a lot else, but cornerback and edge rusher aren't too far behind on the needs list. If the Cowboys went all defense with their eight picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, including with their two first-rounders, I probably wouldn't hate it. This is the sort of class -- rich with edge-rushing talent -- that should encourage a team to at least be open to such an idea.

The Ravens gave ex-Bengal pass rusher Trey Hendrickson a four-year deal worth up to $120 million. Cincinnati spent roughly the same amount to bring in three defensive starters: pass rusher Boye Mafe ($60 million over three years), safety Bryan Cook ($40.25 million over three years) and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen ($26 million over two years). As a reliable tackler, Cook, in particular, fills a big need for what was one of the worst-tackling teams in recent memory last season. But the Bengals also lost Joseph Ossai, so they'll likely need at least one of their two young pass rushers -- Myles Murphy or Shemar Stewart -- to step up in a big way. The offensive line is another area Cincinnati could stand to keep upgrading. It's hard to know exactly where the Bengals stand now after three straight sideways seasons, but they at least appear to be pushing forward.

The Falcons are going with the all-lefty, injury-prone duo of Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa at quarterback, and there's obviously some risk to this plan. Counting on just one of those two QBs to play a whole season uninterrupted would be tough, given that it's only happened once (in 2023, when Tagovailoa made 17 starts); the possibility that both will stay upright feels even more remote. Franchise-tagging tight end Kyle Pitts kept him locked down, but Atlanta ultimately lost more than it gained over the first week of free agency. That's a tough reality for a team that lacks a first-round pick and currently has just five selections overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. Then there's the matter of whatever NFL discipline might come from the multiple criminal charges (including three felonies) faced by James Pearce Jr., the pass rusher for whom the Falcons traded this year's Round 1 choice. These are some nervous times for this team's fans, who have to hope last year's underachieving can be washed away with the arrival of Kevin Stefanski and his new staff.

The Saints haven't gone hog wild in free agency, which isn't shocking for a rebuilding squad light on cap space, but they've added a few pieces on offense to bolster their young QB. Running back Travis Etienne was the headline name, but I think it was just as important to beef up the offensive line with guard David Edwards. The defense took a few hits, but nothing terribly concerning. I think the biggest remaining need might be at wide receiver. If we get to the eighth overall pick in the draft and the Saints have their choice of Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson and Makai Lemon, I think they should take one of them. Chris Olave is the one remaining target on the roster that can be called "reliable," but even he carries some significant injury risk. The Saints are still trending positively, especially after their late-season surge in 2025, but I'm not quite ready to call them contenders.

I am a little ambivalent about some of Washington's moves so far. Five months ago, the Ravens traded a slumping Odafe Oweh to the Chargers, and there's no indication the Commanders were in on a potential deal for the edge rusher. But now he's worth $100 million to Washington, despite having just one season with double-digit sacks (10, in 2024) on his résumé? That one scares me a little. On the flip side, the Commanders landed pass rusher K'Lavon Chaisson, tight end Chig Okonkwo, defensive tackle Tim Settle and cornerback Amik Robertson for reasonable money. The offense clearly needs another weapon at receiver to pair with Terry McLaurin, and the line is far from complete in front of Jayden Daniels. Are they closer now to last year's 5-12 team or the 12-5 team from 2024? I'd lean toward the former, but they're trying hard to change that.

The Vikings have had an odd and uncomfortable March so far, getting noticeably weaker up the middle on both sides of the ball. Losing linemen Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave hurts the defensive front, and Ryan Kelly's retirement leaves a hole at center. Receiver Jalen Nailor's exit was quietly a big one for a team that needs all the non-Justin Jefferson targets it can hold on to. Fullback C.J. Ham retired, and longtime stalwart Harrison Smith could , potentially creating a major void at safety. Even signing Kyler Murray to a league-minimum deal, cheap as it was, delivered a certain awkwardness, thanks to the presence of former first-round pick J.J. McCarthy. Murray's no-tag clause tells me he's more likely to start than not, which would make McCarthy's future even more muddled.

The Titans had cash to spend, and they wasted little time doing so. It's not hard to imagine Tennessee following the Patriots' blueprint from a year ago: add aggressively in free agency, change the locker-room culture with a new coaching staff and continue building around a talented second-year QB. That's the hope, anyway. How much did the Titans improve after the early flurry? Hard to say, really. As big a fan of Wan'Dale Robinson as I am, I think they might have overpaid (four years and $78 million, with $38 million guaranteed) for the WR a bit. Still, adding as much depth as they have gives the Titans some flexibility in the draft. Tennessee has filled holes, but the bottom line should be collecting the best talent, not micro-targeting specific spots.

The Giants went to work adding size and versatility on offense in the early stages of free agency, and it’s no shock that John Harbaugh was able to lure a slew of former Ravens to New York. What did surprise me was the lack of moves to bolster the offensive line, even if the Giants are talking up Evan Neal as a worthy reclamation project. They need help on the defensive interior, too. But could they go a different direction with the fifth overall pick? I wouldn’t be stunned by LB Sonny Styles or RB Jeremiyah Love, even if neither plays a premium position. The G-Men do have some talent already on the roster but still need difference-makers. With a few more additions, they could be competitive in Harbaugh’s first season.

Everyone knew the deal with the offensive line, so it was no shock that the Browns went into attack mode on that position group after the free agency whistle blew. Are they better up front now than they were a year ago? That remains to be seen, but they’re clearly favoring a veteran-heavy approach so far, with the draft creeping up. Could they take another blocker at No. 6 or No. 24? Absolutely, with the left tackle job still unsettled. And I’d argue going OL with the first pick might be more likely than the second of their two firsts. There's also a big hole (or holes) at wide receiver, where Jerry Jeudy is the nominal WR1 for now. And, of course, the QB room remains lacking, although I wouldn’t expect much in the way of fireworks there. Might end up being what it is now: Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson and Dillon Gabriel.

If all that comes from the failed Maxx Crosby trade is that the edge menace comes back and is re-energized for the only franchise he’s ever played for, then it’s hard to say the Raiders have lost in this ordeal. I have the feeling they were thrilled to get two first-rounders initially, though, so they’ll have less ammunition to continue a very big rebuild. There are promising higher-end pieces in place, and the likely selection of Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick next month gives some hope at the most important position. They’ll need another receiver and OL help on offense, and the defense could use some more bulk up front and talent in the secondary. This is no quick fix, but I am fairly encouraged by the early stages of the offseason.

I really wasn’t sure they’d be able to afford Malik Willis after cutting Tua Tagovailoa (and taking on $99.2 million in dead money), but they got it done, and I'm intrigued. Willis might not ever lead this team to a Super Bowl, but the way he played the past two seasons in relief, I want to see what he can do with command of an offense and a full offseason to prepare as the starter. Miami shed a lot of skin outside of Tua, too, and there’s a lot that’s still needed to restock some of the shelves. But the Dolphins have six of the first 111 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft and can cross off a number of needs then.

If you want to say that Aaron Glenn is trying to build a more professional locker room, fine. But this approach also tells another story: Glenn has to win next season. That’s what I took away from the Jets trading for Geno Smith and Minkah Fitzpatrick and signing Demario Davis and David Onyemata, as all of them are well-seasoned veterans. The Jets have retooled the front seven, and that’s a good thing. I am bullish on Kingsley Enagbare and Joseph Ossai, too, so maybe the defense won’t turn out half bad. Offensively, they’re counting on a bounce-back season from Smith, more returns from their skill-position guys and a step forward from the offensive line. All in all, though, this is still a team that looks on paper to be well shy of the finish line.

I actually kind of liked a few of Arizona's free-agent additions, including OG Isaac Seumalo and RB Tyler Allgeier, but it’s hard to ignore the big picture. The Cardinals still have a lot to sort out. The offensive line remains unfinished, I believe, despite adding a few journeyman tackles. The defensive front still needs reinforcements, even after all the picks they’ve allocated there in the past few years. And yes, quarterback remains a mystery. Right now, it’s Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew and who knows? If a draft QB such as Alabama's Ty Simpson tempts them, the Cardinals might have to pull the trigger. Waiting until 2027 to solve that problem could guarantee another last-place finish, but then again, it might take a miracle to avoid the basement in the loaded NFC West anyway.