Assessing Whether Every NFL Team Progressed or Regressed This Offseason
The 2015 NFL offseason was one of the most eventful in recent memory, and that’s true without even taking the scandals into consideration. Between an unusual flurry of trades in March, high-profile players switching teams through those trades or in free agency and a draft highlighted by two top quarterback prospects, there were many roster moves that could have a big impact on the upcoming season.
The question to be answered now, with only low-level free agents still lingering on the market, is whether each team actually got better this offseason.
While all 32 teams’ fanbases have new reasons to be excited in the form of veteran acquisitions and draft selections, it’s also true that every team lost some significant players from last season. For some franchises, those losses outweigh the gains.
Truly, we won’t know which teams progressed and which teams regressed until the games have been played and records from 2015 can be compared back to 2014. But as we reach the point of the year where NFL analysts and fans start to predict which teams will be the NFL’s best and worst this season, it’s time to take a look at each organization’s roster and make a determination on which teams improved and which teams might have taken a step backward.
Teams listed in alphabetical order.
Arizona Cardinals: Progressed
1 of 32Key Additions: LG Mike Iupati, OT D.J. Humphries, DE Cory Redding, DE Corey Peters, OLB Markus Golden, C A.Q. Shipley, ILB Sean Weatherspoon, RB David Johnson
Key Losses: DE Darnell Dockett, NT Dan Williams, CB Antonio Cromartie, OLB Sam Acho, C Lyle Sendlein, TE Rob Housler, TE John Carlson
This first slide could truly go either way. The Arizona Cardinals lost some significant veterans this offseason, and only made one high-profile addition to their roster. That said, they did an adequate job of replacing the players they lost, and that one high-profile addition—guard Mike Iupati—could make a big impact and help the Cardinals take a step forward in 2015.
While injuries to quarterbacks Carson Palmer and Drew Stanton ultimately played the biggest factor in the Cardinals failing to make it out of the first round of the playoffs, the team’s greatest weakness over the whole of the 2014 season was its well-below-par guard play. Signing Iupati, a three-time Pro Bowler who is one of the best guards in the entire NFL, will make the Cardinals exponentially better at the left guard position.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Cardinals regressed, as they failed to make significant moves to replace nose tackle Dan Williams and starting cornerback Antonio Cromartie.
That said, the Cardinals made two solid additions to their defensive line in Cory Redding and Corey Peters, drafted a potential upgrade over Sam Acho in Markus Golden and added inside linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, who could be a fine addition to the rotation if he can stay healthy.
Overall, the Cardinals did not suffer any losses that should take them out of playoff contention, while the addition of Iupati should pay immediate dividends for the Cardinals offense, both in pass protection and in run blocking.
Atlanta Falcons: Progressed
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Key Additions: DE/OLB Vic Beasley, OLB Brooks Reed, OLB Justin Durant, DE Adrian Clayborn, DE/OLB O’Brien Schofield, LG Mike Person, CB Jalen Collins, RB Tevin Coleman
Key Losses: WR Harry Douglas, LG Justin Blalock, RB Steven Jackson, DT Corey Peters, CB Robert McClain, RB Jacquizz Rodgers, FS Dwight Lowery
Coming off a season in which they did not have a single defensive player record more than 4.5 sacks, the Atlanta Falcons had a major need to revamp their pass-rush this offseason, and that’s exactly what they did.
Vic Beasley, the No. 8 overall pick in this year’s draft, is an outstanding athlete who should make an immediate impact off the edge, while offering the versatility to play both defensive end and outside linebacker in new head coach Dan Quinn’s defensive scheme. Brooks Reed, Adrian Clayborn and O’Brien Schofield are veteran additions to the pass-rush rotation who could also make a difference.
While the Falcons lost some veteran players of significance, their draft picks from last year and this year should provide solid replacements.
2014 second-round pick Ra’Shede Hageman can step up to replace Corey Peters at defensive tackle, while third-round pick Dezmen Southward can do the same at free safety. Drafting cornerback Jalen Collins in Round 2 of this year’s draft, along with running back Tevin Coleman in Round 3 and slot receiver Justin Hardy in Round 4, give the Falcons solid replacements for Robert McClain, Steven Jackson/Jacquizz Rodgers and Harry Douglas.
The only position at which the Falcons appear to have taken a significant step back is at left guard, where Mike Person is a downgrade from Justin Blalock. All in all, the Falcons appear set to be a team on the rise in 2015 coming off a coaching change and a strong draft.
Baltimore Ravens: Regressed
3 of 32Key Additions: WR Breshad Perriman, TE Maxx Williams, FS Kendrick Lewis, CB Kyle Arrington, DT Carl Davis
Key Losses: DT Haloti Ngata, WR Torrey Smith, OLB Pernell McPhee, TE Owen Daniels, SS Darian Stewart
The Baltimore Ravens have consistently emphasized re-signing their own players and quality drafting over splashy free-agent spending, so it’s no surprise that the Ravens made no major veteran additions this offseason. Coupling that with some key departures from their depth chart, however, gives the Ravens a slightly less impressive roster heading into 2015 than they had in 2014.
Just minutes before the opening of free agency, Baltimore made one of the offseason’s first shocking moves when it traded five-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Haloti Ngata to the Detroit Lions, along with a seventh-round pick, in exchange for a fourth- and fifth-round pick. The move made sense from the Ravens’ standpoint, as it enabled them to clear a big contract off their books and get something in return, but it nonetheless takes a key cog out of their defensive line rotation.
Meanwhile, the loss of Torrey Smith to the San Francisco 49ers took away the best deep-threat wide receiver from the Ravens’ roster, while Pernell McPhee was another versatile and valuable piece of the Ravens defense that is now playing for another team (the Chicago Bears).
Sticking with their usual gameplan, the Ravens used the draft to replenish at the positions where they lost talent. First-round pick Breshad Perriman’s blazing speed makes him a natural fit to replace Smith as a deep target, second-round pick Maxx Williams is a skilled receiver who could quickly become an upgrade over Owen Daniels and third-round pick Carl Davis has the potential to provide similar versatility to that which Ngata did.
That said, each of those players will likely need time to develop before they are able to make the same impacts their predecessors did, and the Ravens did not add any veterans this offseason who are likely to be difference-makers.
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Buffalo Bills: Progressed
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Key Additions: RB LeSean McCoy, TE Charles Clay, WR Percy Harvin, FB Jerome Felton, QB Matt Cassel, QB Tyrod Taylor, OG Richie Incognito, OG John Miller, CB Ronald Darby
Key Losses: ILB Kiko Alonso, SS Da’Norris Searcy, RB C.J. Spiller, TE Scott Chandler, ILB Brandon Spikes
It’s questionable whether the Buffalo Bills’ additions at quarterback—Matt Cassel and Tyrod Taylor—will actually make them better at that position, where 2013 first-round pick EJ Manuel has failed to establish himself as a capable starter. The offensive talent around the quarterback, however, has clearly improved.
The Bills made the first big splash of the offseason when they traded inside linebacker Kiko Alonso to the Philadelphia Eagles in a straight-up deal for running back LeSean McCoy. Losing Alonso, the 2013 PFWA Defensive Rookie of the Year, is a significant loss for the Bills defense. That said, the trade netted the Bills one of the NFL’s top offensive playmakers, and a clear upgrade over C.J. Spiller.
Lacking a quarterback who can consistently throw the ball with accuracy downfield, the Bills needed playmakers who can create themselves on runs and short-yardage throws. By trading for McCoy as well as signing Percy Harvin and Charles Clay, the Bills have given their quarterback—whoever that ends up being—a significantly more dangerous group of weapons to work with.
The Bills could have done more to address their biggest need—upgrading at the guard position—but they at least added two players in veteran free agent Richie Incognito and third-round draft pick John Miller who have enough talent and skill to compete for starting spots right away.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Bills took a step back by trading Alonso and losing Da’Norris Searcy, which leaves them with a question mark at strong safety. That said, the Bills really needed to focus on upgrading their offense this offseason—which they did—while their defense should continue to be one of the best in the NFL.
Carolina Panthers: Progressed
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Key Additions: OLB Shaq Thompson, WR Devin Funchess, CB Charles Tillman, LT Michael Oher, WR Jarrett Boykin, WR Ted Ginn Jr.
Key Losses: DE Greg Hardy, RB DeAngelo Williams, LT Byron Bell, FS Thomas DeCoud
The Carolina Panthers probably did not make as much progress as they needed to this offseason to be a major contender in 2015, but because they lost almost no significant contributors from their 2014 roster, their roster still took a small step forward.
From a talent standpoint, the only major loss for the Panthers this offseason was Greg Hardy. On the field, Hardy is one of the most talented pass-rushers in the NFL; that said, he only played one game last season and is suspended for the first 10 games of the 2015 season due to a domestic violence incident.
The Panthers failed to find a franchise left tackle this offseason, but in the short term, Michael Oher will likely still be a slight upgrade over Byron Bell, who was arguably the worst starting left tackle in the NFL last season.
In first-round draft pick Shaq Thompson and veteran cornerback Charles Tillman, the Panthers added two players who should be able to make immediate contributions to their defense. By drafting Devin Funchess and signing Jarrett Boykin and Ted Ginn Jr., the Panthers have become significantly deeper at the wide receiver position, while Ginn should also be a significant upgrade over Philly Brown on kickoff and punt returns.
Along with Ginn, the Panthers also added a number of other quietly good special teams players—including linebacker Jason Trusnik and cornerback Teddy Williams—who should make the team better in the third phase of the game.
Chicago Bears: Progressed
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Key Additions: WR Kevin White, FS Antrel Rolle, OLB Pernell McPhee, DE Ray McDonald, DT Eddie Goldman, WR Eddie Royal, DE Jarvis Jenkins, ILB Mason Foster, CB Alan Ball, C Will Montgomery, OLB Sam Acho
Key Losses: WR Brandon Marshall, DT Stephen Paea, C Roberto Garza, CB Charles Tillman, FS Chris Conte, LB Lance Briggs
After bringing in a new head coach (John Fox) and general manager (Ryan Pace) this offseason, it was no secret that the Chicago Bears were going to make an aggressive effort to rebuild their roster—especially on defense—this offseason.
Switching to a 3-4 defense under new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, the Bears needed to add new talent at all three levels of the unit, and they did.
Second-round pick Eddie Goldman gives the Bears a true nose tackle for the middle of their defensive line, while Ray McDonald and Jarvis Jenkins were quality additions at defensive end. Pernell McPhee, a rotational player for the Baltimore Ravens, has the talent to take on a starring role as a pass-rushing outside linebacker in Chicago. At free safety, the Bears made a huge upgrade by replacing Chris Conte with Antrel Rolle.
In trading Brandon Marshall away to the New York Jets, the Bears lost a highly talented receiver who offered great ball skills and contested-catch ability. They negated that loss, however, by using the No. 7 overall pick on Kevin White, who could quickly prove to be a younger, faster version of Marshall opposite the Bears’ No. 1 wide receiver, Alshon Jeffery.
At every single position where the Bears lost a key player this offseason, they replaced that player with someone who has the potential to be better. From the front office to the coaching staff to the roster on both sides of the ball, the Bears organization appears to be in much better shape than it was at the end of the 2014 season.
Cincinnati Bengals: Progressed
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Key Additions: DE Michael Johnson, OT Cedric Ogbuehi, OT Jake Fisher, TE Tyler Kroft, LB Paul Dawson, LB A.J. Hawk, WR Denarius Moore, DT Pat Sims
Key Losses: CB Terence Newman, TE Jermaine Gresham, DE Robert Geathers
The 2016 offseason will almost certainly bring sweeping changes to the Bengals roster, as their impending free agents for next season include their top three wide receivers, top two offensive tackles, top cornerback and top two safeties. Their 2015 lineup, however, will look pretty much the same as their 2014 team, with one big addition to their defensive line.
That major addition is Michael Johnson, who returned to the team this offseason after one season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Johnson is coming off a down year for the Buccaneers—which is why he was released just one season into a five-year deal—but should be able to get back on track in Cincinnati, where he can provide a much-needed spark to a team that ranked dead last in the NFL with just 20 sacks in 2014.
Cincinnati’s most significant loss from last season’s roster could be Terence Newman, who started 13 games for the Bengals at cornerback in 2014. But they have numerous options, including 2014 first-round pick Darqueze Dennard, who can compete to replace Newman in the lineup.
If 2013 first-round pick Tyler Eifert can stay healthy and 2015 third-round pick Tyler Kroft can contribute as a rookie, the Bengals should be unaffected by the loss of Jermaine Gresham, their only other starter from last season no longer with the team.
Because of the potential free-agent losses they face in 2016, many of the Bengals’ moves this offseason—including their top two draft picks, Cedric Ogbuehi and Jake Fisher—were made for the future rather than the present. Even so, the Bengals appear to have a slightly stronger roster than one year ago after taking only minimal losses this offseason.
Cleveland Browns: Progressed
8 of 32Key Additions: CB Tramon Williams, NT Danny Shelton, DE Randy Starks, WR Dwayne Bowe, WR Brian Hartline, TE Rob Housler, QB Josh McCown, OL Cameron Erving, OLB Nate Orchard, RB Duke Johnson
Key Losses: TE Jordan Cameron, QB Brian Hoyer, OLB Jabaal Sheard, CB Buster Skrine, WR Miles Austin, NT Ahtyba Rubin, SS Jim Leonhard
Like the aforementioned Buffalo Bills, the Cleveland Browns’ ability to move forward could be hindered by their lack of improvement at the quarterback position. If Josh McCown can be considered an upgrade over Brian Hoyer, it’s very slight, and it remains uncertain whether 2014 first-round pick Johnny Manziel can be a serious contender for the starting job.
Away from the quarterback position, however, the Browns added enough talent through free agency and the draft to be viewed as a team progressing forward heading into the 2015 season.
While there is a drop-off to Rob Housler from Jordan Cameron at the tight end position, the Browns made a much-needed upgrade at the wide receiver position by signing veteran Dwayne Bowe. Third-round pick Duke Johnson gives them another weapon at the running back position who could end up beating out incumbents Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West.
The Browns upgraded over Ahtyba Rubin by drafting first-round pick Danny Shelton to play nose tackle, and did the same at cornerback by signing Tramon Williams to replace Buster Skrine. Second-round pick Nate Orchard is a solid replacement for Jabaal Sheard and veteran defensive lineman Randy Starks is a quality addition at a position where Cleveland needed more talent.
All in all, the Browns appear to have a more complete roster heading into 2015 than they had in 2014, and should be more well-equipped to be competitive even with a questionable quarterback situation.
Dallas Cowboys: Regressed
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Key Additions: DE Greg Hardy, CB Byron Jones, DE Randy Gregory, LG La’el Collins, RB Darren McFadden, ILB Jasper Brinkley
Key Losses: RB DeMarco Murray, DT Henry Melton, DE George Selvie, OLB Bruce Carter, OLB Justin Durant, DE Anthony Spencer
It’s hard to blame for the Dallas Cowboys for opting not to dish out top dollar to re-sign DeMarco Murray, but their failure to replace him with a feature-quality running back, along with a number of significant losses on their defensive front seven, leaves them with a weakened roster heading into the 2015 season.
By re-signing right tackle Doug Free and left guard Ronald Leary, then landing rookie La’el Collins as a likely upgrade over Leary, the Cowboys should have the NFL’s best offensive line this upcoming season. But while DeMarco Murray ran behind that unit for a whopping 1,845 yards in 2014, their current stable of backs—led by oft-injured free agent signing Darren McFadden and returning player Joseph Randle—is far less likely to put up big numbers.
The area of greatest turnover for the Cowboys this offseason was their defensive front seven, from which they lost five players who played more than 300 snaps last season.
Greg Hardy and Randy Gregory offer more explosive pass-rushing potential than George Selvie and Anthony Spencer did, but Hardy is suspended for the first 10 games of the season, while second-round pick Gregory is a raw player who needs weight-room work before he can play regularly in the NFL. The Cowboys also lost their best interior pass-rusher, Henry Melton, and two solid outside linebackers in Bruce Carter and Justin Durant.
The Cowboys were widely praised for their rookie acquisitions, and rightfully so: first-round pick Byron Jones should be an upgrade at outside cornerback, while Gregory and Collins are both first-round talents who fell due to off-field question marks. That might not necessarily make them better in 2015, however, because the team lost better veterans in free agency than it was able to sign.
Denver Broncos: Regressed
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Key Additions: TE Owen Daniels, TE James Casey, FS Darian Stewart, DE Shane Ray, DE Antonio Smith, DT Vance Walker, RT Ty Sambrailo, G Shelley Smith, C Gino Gradkowski
Key Losses: TE Julius Thomas, DT Terrance Knighton, LG Orlando Franklin, FS Rahim Moore, WR Wes Welker, C Will Montgomery, C/G Manny Ramirez
The Denver Broncos’ window to win a Super Bowl championship with Peyton Manning at quarterback might be shut. While the 39-year-old quarterback is coming back from an injury-plagued year in which he struggled uncharacteristically down the stretch, the team around him lost significant talent on both sides of the ball this offseason.
Offensively, the Broncos lost their best red-zone weapon as well as all three of their starting interior offensive lineman from the second half of the 2014 season.
Owen Daniels and James Casey present adequate receiving threats at the tight end position, but they lack the athleticism and mismatch-creating ability that the Broncos had in Julius Thomas, who caught 12 touchdowns in each of his last two seasons in Denver. The Broncos’ new additions to their offensive line will not necessarily be a big drop-off from the players they lost, but none of them look like sure-fire starters either.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Broncos lost their top run-stopping defensive lineman, Terrance Knighton, while they downgraded to Darian Stewart from Rahim Moore at free safety. The addition of Shane Ray strengthens the team’s pass-rush, but he projects only as a rotational player for 2015, and trading up for him in Round 1 was a questionable move given the Broncos’ needs at other positions.
Altogether, the Broncos lost more than a half-dozen players who held key roles on their team last season, and did not make evident upgrades over any of them. They still have the overall talent to be one of the AFC’s top teams, but they might not have done enough to remain title contenders.
Detroit Lions: Regressed
11 of 32Key Additions: DT Haloti Ngata, DT Tyrunn Walker, CB Josh Wilson, LG Laken Tomlinson, RB Ameer Abdullah, C Manny Ramirez, WR Lance Moore
Key Losses: DT Ndamukong Suh, DT Nick Fairley, DT C.J. Mosley, DE George Johnson, C Dominic Raiola, RB Reggie Bush, LG Rob Sims
Much like the aforementioned Dallas Cowboys with DeMarco Murray, the price tag was simply too high for the Detroit Lions to re-sign Ndamukong Suh. But losing him, along with their other top two players at the position from last season, projects as a significant blow to the middle of the Lions defensive line.
Arguably the NFL’s best defensive tackle, Suh has an incomparable skill set. The Lions landed a solid replacement for him by acquiring Haloti Ngata in a trade with the Baltimore Ravens, but Ngata does not offer the same versatility and ability to blow plays up, especially now in the latter stages of his career.
The Lions also lost Nick Fairley and C.J. Mosley at the defensive tackle position, which will force two of their other new additions this offseason—former New Orleans Saints backup Tyrunn Walker and fourth-round pick Gabe Wright—to take on immediate playing time. Walker has shown some potential in limited playing time, and Wright has high upside as a Fairley-like penetrator, but there is still an inarguable drop-off at the position for Detroit.
Detroit also traded away a solid rotational defensive end in George Johnson, all the while making few notable moves in free agency.
Dominic Raiola and Reggie Bush are unlikely to be missed: Second-round draft pick Ameer Abdullah is a natural replacement for Bush, while 2014 third-round pick Travis Swanson and trade acquisition Manny Ramirez can compete for the starting center job. But with the exception of drafting Laken Tomlinson in Round 1 to replace Rob Sims at left guard, the Lions did not make clear upgrades at any other positions on their roster.
Green Bay Packers: Neither
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Key Additions: CB/S Damarious Randall, CB/S Quinten Rollins, WR Ty Montgomery, ILB Jake Ryan
Key Losses: CB Tramon Williams, CB Davon House, ILB A.J. Hawk, WR Jarrett Boykin
The Green Bay Packers consistently focus on re-signing their own players rather than signing free agents from other teams, and they continued to do so in 2015. The Packers retained more than half of their veterans with expiring contracts this offseason—most notably, the Packers were able to retain wide receiver Randall Cobb and right tackle Bryan Bulaga, two of the best in the NFL at their positions, by signing both to long-term contracts.
That’s why I’m taking a cop-out on this slide, and saying the Packers neither progressed nor regressed from a personnel standpoint this offseason. While they signed absolutely no veteran free agents of significance from other teams, they only lost a few key players of their own, which enabled them to use their draft picks to replenish at those positions.
The most concerning loss for the Packers is the departure of Tramon Williams, who had started all but one game at cornerback for Green Bay over the past five seasons. With that being said, Casey Hayward should be able to step into his starting role as an outside cornerback, while first-round pick Damarious Randall and second-round pick Quinten Rollins can compete for immediate playing time in the secondary.
Releasing A.J. Hawk, who started all but eight games for Green Bay over the past nine years, also leaves the Packers with change at the inside linebacker position. Hawk’s play had steadily declined in recent years, however, and fourth-round pick Jake Ryan is experienced enough to compete for immediate playing time to replace him.
All in all, the Packers’ lineup in 2015 will look very much the same as it did in 2014. They did not make strong enough moves in the draft to take a big step forward this year, but their few losses should not hurt them significantly.
Houston Texans: Progressed
13 of 32Key Additions: NT Vince Wilfork, FS Rahim Moore, QB Brian Hoyer, CB Kevin Johnson, LB Benardrick McKinney, WR Jaelen Strong, WR Cecil Shorts III, WR Nate Washington, SS Stevie Brown
Key Losses: WR Andre Johnson, OLB Brooks Reed, C Chris Myers, FS Kendrick Lewis, SS D.J. Swearinger, SS Danieal Manning, QB Ryan Fitzpatrick
Releasing Andre Johnson—who to this point has had the best Houston Texans career of any player in the team’s short history—is a tough blow to the team’s offense. The Texans made enough moves at the position to adequately replace the aging wide receiver, however, while they upgraded at a number of other spots on their roster.
By drafting Jaelen Strong in the third round and signing Cecil Shorts III and Nate Washington to short-term free-agent contracts, the Texans have three talented wide receivers who can compete for playing time and give their offense solid secondary options to complement No. 1 wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. With Johnson being on the back end of his career, replacing him with those pass-catchers might not prove to be a significant regression at all.
The Texans’ most significant improvement this offseason was at the nose tackle position, where Vince Wilfork will give them a true gap-plugging run-stuffer for the middle of their three-man front. Stevie Brown might not necessarily be an upgrade over D.J. Swearinger and Danieal Manning at strong safety, but Rahim Moore should make the Texans better than they were with Kendrick Lewis at free safety, while first-round pick Kevin Johnson should be able to step in and play immediately as the team’s No. 3 cornerback.
Losing Brooks Reed will only be significantly damaging if 2014 No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney continues to battle injuries in his sophomore season. Additionally, second-round pick Benardrick McKinney is a talented defender who offers the versatility to play both inside linebacker and outside linebacker.
The quarterback position remains one of uncertainty, but Brian Hoyer projects as a stronger competitor for the starting job—for which he will battle with Ryan Mallett—than Ryan Fitzpatrick would have been. Truly, the Texans’ biggest loss might be center Chris Myers; they did not replace him with a new starting center this offseason, leaving Ben Jones to slide over from left guard to assume that role.
Indianapolis Colts: Progressed
14 of 32Key Additions: WR Andre Johnson, RB Frank Gore, OLB Trent Cole, DE Kendall Langford, OT/G Todd Herremans, ILB Nate Irving, FS Dwight Lowery, WR Phillip Dorsett
Key Losses: WR Reggie Wayne, DE Cory Redding, DE Ricky Jean-Francois, S Sergio Brown, S LaRon Landry, WR Hakeem Nicks, C A.Q. Shipley, RB Trent Richardson
The Indianapolis Colts took a clearly defined approach to free agency this offseason by signing veteran players at positions of need to short-term deals. A smart approach for a team on the doorstep of making a Super Bowl run, the Colts very well might have made the moves they needed to get over the hump and in position to play for a title in 2015.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Colts added two big weapons to the mix by signing Frank Gore and Andre Johnson. Both players are on the back ends of their careers, but nonetheless, Gore is a huge upgrade at running back over Trent Richardson, while Johnson still appears to have one or two more seasons of No. 1 receiver-caliber play left in him.
Defensively, the Colts added four potential starters with their signings of outside linebacker Trent Cole, defensive end Kendall Langford, inside linebacker Nate Irving and free safety Dwight Lowery. While all of those signings are solid, the one that stands out is Cole, as the Colts had a need to bring in another pass-rusher who can generate pressure off the edge.
The signing of Lowery might not fix the Colts’ issues at safety, and the same can be said for Todd Herremans and the offensive line. It might have been a smarter move for the Colts to address one of those areas with their first-round pick, rather than to draft another wide receiver in Phillip Dorsett, but those were already problem areas last season—a season in which Indianapolis made the AFC Championship Game—while Dorsett gives the offense another deep threat.
Indianapolis focused on the present rather than the future this offseason, and at least for 2015, it should pay off. While the Colts’ roster is still not perfect, it is not weaker at any position than it was in 2014, as the team sufficiently replaced all the key players it lost.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Progressed
15 of 32Key Additions: TE Julius Thomas, DE/DT Jared Odrick, CB Davon House, RT Jermey Parnell, C/G Stefen Wisniewski, FS Sergio Brown, OLB Dan Skuta, DE Dante Fowler Jr. (injured), RB T.J. Yeldon, LG A.J. Cann
Key Losses: WR Cecil Shorts III, CB Alan Ball, CB Will Blackmon, LB Geno Hayes, LB J.T. Thomas
The Jacksonville Jaguars had no shortage of spending money available to them this offseason, and they used it to strengthen their roster at a wide variety of positions.
Jacksonville’s most notable signings this offseason were the additions of Julius Thomas, which gives the team a true red-zone threat and downfield playmaker at the tight end position, and Jared Odrick, a quick, athletic, 6’5”, 304-pound defensive lineman who can provide versatility at both defensive end and tackle.
The Jaguars also made a strong effort to upgrade their offensive line. Jermey Parnell should be an upgrade at right tackle, Stefen Wisniewski could be an upgrade over Luke Bowanko at center and third-round pick A.J. Cann has the technical skill to immediately push Zane Beadles for his starting job at left guard.
Losing No. 3 overall pick Dante Fowler Jr. to a torn ACL on the first day of rookie minicamp was a terrible break for the Jaguars, but he should be a big asset to the team’s pass-rush in the future if he can make a full recovery. As for the rest of Jacksonville’s draft, second-round pick T.J. Yeldon adds a big, well-rounded back to the team’s running back rotation, while fourth-round pick James Sample, fifth-round pick Rashad Greene and sixth-round pick Michael Bennett could all prove to be steals.
Jacksonville’s most significant loss this offseason was the departure of wide receiver Cecil Shorts III, who had been one of the team’s top two receivers in each of its past three seasons. That said, the Jaguars still have a strong corps of young players at the position, including three second-year players: Marqise Lee and Allen Robinson, who were second-round picks in 2014, and Allen Hurns, who led the team in receiving yards last season despite being an undrafted rookie.
Kansas City Chiefs: Progressed
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Key Additions: WR Jeremy Maclin, LG Ben Grubbs, CB Marcus Peters, SS Tyson Branch, RG Paul Fanaika, OL Mitch Morse, WR Chris Conley
Key Losses: C Rodney Hudson, WR Dwayne Bowe, TE Anthony Fasano, WR Donnie Avery, DE Vance Walker, LG Mike McGlynn, SS Kurt Coleman
After becoming the first team in 50 years to not have a single touchdown pass caught by a wide receiver, the Kansas City Chiefs needed to make a big move at the position this offseason. They did that by cutting Dwayne Bowe, their leading wide receiver for seven of the last eight seasons, and adding a new No. 1 wideout by signing free agent Jeremy Maclin to a five-year deal.
Maclin, a much more explosive player than Bowe with the change-of-direction skills to extend plays in the open field, should be a significant upgrade at the position. So too could Chris Conley, the Chiefs’ third-round pick, who might not be ready to make an immediate impact but is a big wide receiver with the speed to be a big-play weapon on the perimeter.
The Chiefs made another big upgrade at the left guard position by acquiring Ben Grubbs in a trade with the New Orleans Saints. Their overall progress on the interior offensive line was mitigated by the loss of center Rodney Hudson, who signed as a free agent with the Oakland Raiders. The Chiefs did add two other players who could compete for starting spots on the unit, however, in veteran right guard Paul Fanaika and versatile second-round pick Mitch Morse.
Another area in which the Chiefs got better this offseason was in the secondary. First-round pick Marcus Peters is an excellent fit for the team’s press man coverage scheme, and he should compete for a starting spot right away. Tyvon Branch is a rangy safety who should also compete for a spot in the lineup, assuming he has made a full recovery from a season-ending foot injury.
Outside of Hudson and possibly Bowe, the Chiefs did not lose any other players from their 2014 roster who they should miss greatly in 2015. Given that, their influx of secondary talent and the upgrades of Maclin and Grubbs give them a slightly better roster for the upcoming year than they had last year.
Miami Dolphins: Progressed
17 of 32Key Additions: DT Ndamukong Suh, TE Jordan Cameron, WR DeVante Parker, WR Kenny Stills, DT Jordan Phillips, CB Brice McCain, CB Zack Bowman, G Jeff Linkenbach, OLB Spencer Paysinger
Key Losses: TE Charles Clay, DT Jared Odrick, DT Randy Starks, WR Mike Wallace, WR Brian Hartline, WR Brandon Gibson, ILB Dannell Ellerbe, OLB Philip Wheeler, FS/CB Jimmy Wilson, CB Cortland Finnegan, C Samson Satele, LG Daryn Colledge, G Shelley Smith
Although the Miami Dolphins lost a bevy of players this offseason who had played significant roles for their team, their additions through free agency, the draft and a trade were strong enough to keep the Dolphins coming out ahead as they move toward the 2015 season.
First and foremost, the Dolphins came away from free agency with arguably the best player on the market, Ndamukong Suh.
A truly dominant force at the position, Suh provides an upgrade over departed defensive tackles Jared Odrick and Randy Starks, and should make an immediate impact on both the Dolphins’ run defense and pass rush. The Dolphins also used their second-round pick to add another defensive tackle, Jordan Phillips, who could pair with Suh to give Miami a massive, powerful pair of interior defensive line presences.
The Dolphins lost four of their top five receivers from last season—wide receivers Mike Wallace, Brian Hartline and Brandon Gibson and tight end Charles Clay—but they made strong moves to replace them. DeVante Parker and Kenny Stills should give Miami an upgraded tandem of outside wide receivers, while Cameron, although he is a different style of player than Clay, offers more downfield playmaking ability at tight end.
Miami did not do much to replace its losses on the interior offensive line and at linebacker, but it’s also not as if they lost high-quality starters at those positions. The Dolphins will be counting on 2013 third-round pick Dallas Thomas and 2014 third-round pick Billy Turner to step up at guard, while 2014 undrafted free agent Chris McCain could compete with a quartet of undrafted rookies for playing time at linebacker.
Minnesota Vikings: Progressed
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Key Additions: WR Mike Wallace, CB Trae Waynes, CB Terence Newman, LB Eric Kendricks, DE Danielle Hunter, OT/G T.J. Clemmings
Key Losses: WR Greg Jennings, ILB Jasper Brinkley, FB Jerome Felton, LG Charlie Johnson
The Minnesota Vikings did not make a great deal of noteworthy additions this offseason, but they added enough talent—particularly in the draft—to have a more favorable outlook going into the 2015 season than they had in 2014.
Minnesota’s most significant veteran acquisition this offseason came in a trade, when it traded a fifth-round pick to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for Mike Wallace and a seventh-round pick. The addition of Wallace gives the Vikings a true deep weapon on the outside at wide receiver, and made veteran Greg Jennings an expendable player.
The Vikings’ biggest upgrades this offseason came at the cornerback position, where they drafted Trae Waynes in Round 1 and signed Terence Newman as a veteran free agent. Newman is nearing the end of his career, as he will be 37 years old in September, but he should be able to provide solid play at the position for one year, enabling the Vikings to play it slowly with Waynes—who has terrific upside but needs some technical work—if necessary.
Second-round pick Eric Kendricks, a rangy athlete who tackles soundly and excels at dropping back into coverage, should be an upgrade over Jasper Brinkley at the middle linebacker position. Third-round pick Danielle Hunter and fourth-round pick T.J. Clemmings are both projects who are unlikely to see much playing time in 2015, but are outstanding physical specimens who could emerge as great players down the road.
The Vikings do not have clear-cut replacements for fullback Jerome Felton, who left for the Buffalo Bills via free agency, and left guard Charlie Johnson, who was released. That said, Johnson was cut largely because he was a liability on the offensive line last season, while the Vikings probably weren’t planning to use the fullback position much in 2015 anyways.
New England Patriots: Regressed
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Key Additions: NT Malcom Brown, OLB Jabaal Sheard, CB Robert McClain, CB Bradley Fletcher, TE Scott Chandler, TE Fred Davis, RB Travaris Cadet, ILB Brandon Spikes, WR Brandon Gibson, SS Jordan Richards, G Tre Jackson, C/G Shaq Mason
Key Losses: CB Darrelle Revis, CB Brandon Browner, CB Kyle Arrington, NT Vince Wilfork, RB Shane Vereen, RB Stevan Ridley, OLB Akeem Ayers, OLB Jonathan Casillas
Embroiled in the biggest scandal of the NFL offseason, the New England Patriots are set to be without their starting quarterback, Tom Brady, for a four-game suspension (appeal pending). The offseason story that might truly hurt the Patriots most in 2015, however, is the departure of cornerback Darrelle Revis.
Signing Revis last offseason, to what was essentially a one-year contract, proved to be exactly what it was supposed to be: the missing piece to a championship team. Losing Revis this offseason, however, leaves the Patriots with a huge question mark at the cornerback position.
Having not only let go of Revis, but also veterans Brandon Browner and Kyle Arrington, the Patriots’ secondary now looks significantly weaker. Free-agent signing Robert McClain is a solid replacement for Arrington in the slot, but the Patriots have no cornerback on their roster who can provide the quality of outside coverage—or even come close—that Revis can on a snap-to-snap basis.
Losing stalwart nose tackle Vince Wilfork shouldn’t hurt the Patriots too much, given that they were able to draft a strong replacement, Malcom Brown, with their first-round pick. The Patriots’ running back rotation has been made less strong than it was, but Travaris Cadet offers similar receiving ability out of the backfield as Shane Vereen did, while Stevan Ridley’s role had essentially already been replaced by LeGarrette Blount.
The addition of Jabaal Sheard gives the Patriots another pass-rushing threat, while fourth-round picks Tre’ Jackson and Shaq Mason could immediately compete for starting positions on the interior offensive line. All in all, however, the Patriots did not improve a great deal at any area on their roster this offseason, while the loss of Revis will have an impact on their entire defense.
New Orleans Saints: Regressed
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Key Additions: C Max Unger, RB C.J. Spiller, OT Andrus Peat, CB Brandon Browner, CB Kyle Wilson, CB P.J. Williams, ILB Stephone Anthony, ILB Dannell Ellerbe, OLB Hau’oli Kikaha, OLB Anthony Spencer
Key Losses: TE Jimmy Graham, WR Kenny Stills, LG Ben Grubbs, ILB Curtis Lofton, C Jonathan Goodwin, DT Tyrunn Walker, RB Pierre Thomas, CB Corey White, CB Patrick Robinson
The New Orleans Saints’ offseason is one of the most difficult to evaluate, simply because of the quantity of moving parts it included.
At some positions, the Saints got significantly better. Offensively, Max Unger is a big upgrade at center and C.J. Spiller is a strong addition to complement Mark Ingram at running back. Defensively, the Saints improved their rotations at inside linebacker, outside linebacker and cornerback by making multiple additions—combining free-agent signings and draft picks—at each position.
It’s evident that the Saints tried to change their identity this offseason. The side effect of that identity, however, is that they could lose the prolific passing offense that carried them at the height of their success in recent years.
New Orleans traded one of the NFL’s elite tight ends (Jimmy Graham) and its leader in receiving yards from last season (Kenny Stills) in separate deals. The Saints made no moves of significance at either position to replace them.
The Saints still have two solid starting wide receivers in veteran Marques Colston and 2014 first-round pick Brandin Cooks, plus a breakout candidate at tight end in Josh Hill, but lack the wealthiness of weapons that they have used to spread defenses out during the Drew Brees era in New Orleans. And while getting Unger back in the Graham trade gave the Saints an upgrade at center, they ultimately became weaker at left guard by trading Ben Grubbs to the Kansas City Chiefs.
New Orleans’ defense got better this offseason, but it’s still not good enough to carry the team. With the offense likely to lose firepower because of the subtractions to the receiving corps, the Saints do not appear to be in a better place right now than they were a few months ago.
New York Giants: Progressed
21 of 32Key Additions: OT Ereck Flowers, SS Landon Collins, RB Shane Vereen, DT Kenrick Ellis, DE George Selvie, DE Owamagbe Odighizuwa, OLB Jonathan Casillas, OLB J.T. Thomas, WR Dwayne Harris
Key Losses: FS Antrel Rolle, C J.D. Walton, OLB Jacquian Williams, CB Walter Thurmond III, SS Stevie Brown, CB Zackary Bowman, DE Mathias Kiwanuka, DT Mike Patterson
The New York Giants aren’t going to take a major leap forward based upon the moves they made this offseason, but they were able to add some solid role players to their roster that could make them better than they were last year at a number of positions.
When the Giants have been at their best in the past decade, it has been when they have had a deep unit on the defensive line. By signing massive nose tackle Kenrick Ellis and solid edge defender George Selvie to free-agent contracts, then drafting defensive end Owamagbe Odighizuwa with their third-round pick, they ensure that they would have a deep, talented group for the 2015 season.
Shane Vereen gives the Giants a dynamic receiving weapon out of the backfield from the running back position, while Dwayne Harris could be a solid third or fourth receiving option out of the slot. Jonathan Casillas and J.T. Thomas are small but athletic linebackers who give the Giants options at the weak-side linebacker, which they needed.
If the Giants are going to truly progress in 2015, they are going to need their first- and second-round picks to make an immediate impact. Ereck Flowers, selected No. 9 overall, appears to be set to start right away at left tackle after William Beatty suffered a torn pectoral—expected to keep him out five months, according to Newsday’s Tom Rock—on Wednesday. Landon Collins, the No. 33 overall pick, should be an upgrade over Quintin Demps and Stevie Brown at strong safety.
The loss of Antrel Rolle at free safety, where the Giants are set to replace him with 2014 fifth-round pick Nat Berhe, looms large. But although the Giants also lost depth at the cornerback position and on their interior offensive line, Rolle appears to be the only departure that should have a resonant effect on New York’s lineup in 2015.
New York Jets: Progressed
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Key Additions: CB Darrelle Revis, WR Brandon Marshall, DE Leonard Williams, CB Antonio Cromartie, CB Buster Skrine, FS Marcus Gilchrist, G James Carpenter, WR Devin Smith, RB Stevan Ridley, RB Zac Stacy, OLB Lorenzo Mauldin, QB Ryan Fitzpatrick
Key Losses: WR Percy Harvin, RB Chris Johnson, NT Kenrick Ellis, CB Kyle Wilson, SS Dawan Landry
Mike Maccagnan’s first offseason as New York Jets general manager appears to have been a huge success. While the Jets did not make an upgrade at quarterback—offensive coordinator Chan Gailey announced Wednesday that Geno Smith will remain the team’s starter for 2015, according to ESPN.com’s Rich Cimini—they added a great deal of talent, including numerous veteran stars, to build up their roster as a whole.
No unit in the NFL was overhauled in more impressive fashion this offseason than the New York Jets secondary. The Jets were able to lure both Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie back to the Big Apple, reuniting a starting cornerback tandem that was one of the NFL’s best from 2010-12. The Jets also added Buster Skrine, who should be an upgrade over Kyle Wilson at slot cornerback, and Marcus Gilchrist, who can play free safety and enable the Jets to move 2014 first-round pick Calvin Pryor to strong safety.
Offensively, the Jets added weapons that should improve Smith’s chances of succeeding as their quarterback this year.
The acquisition of Brandon Marshall gives the Jets a bona fide No. 1 wide receiver on the outside who can win with his size and compete for catches against coverage. Second-round pick Devin Smith gives the Jets a true deep threat at the wide receiver position, forming a strong trio along with Marshall and Eric Decker. Additionally, the Jets added options at running back by signing veteran Stevan Ridley and trading for Zac Stacy, and upgraded at the guard position by signing James Carpenter.
To top it all off, the Jets came away from the NFL draft with former USC defensive end Leonard Williams, who fell to the No. 6 overall pick but was widely considered to be the draft’s top talent by media draft analysts.
Having suffered virtually no significant losses among their departures this offseason, the Jets improved as much as any team in the NFL. Their success could ultimately hinge upon their quarterback play, but they certainly look to be in much better shape for the 2014 season than they were a year ago.
Oakland Raiders: Progressed
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Key Additions: WR Amari Cooper, WR Michael Crabtree, C Rodney Hudson, DT Dan Williams, ILB Curtis Lofton, SS Nate Allen, DE Mario Edwards Jr., TE Clive Walford, RB Roy Helu, RB Trent Richardson, OLB Malcolm Smith
Key Losses: C Stefen Wisniewski, RB Darren McFadden, RB Maurice Jones-Drew, WR James Jones, CB Tarell Brown, SS Tyvon Branch, OLB Miles Burris, DE Antonio Smith, DT Pat Sims, WR Denarius Moore, DE LaMarr Woodley
Given the limited talent they had to begin with, it would have been hard for the Oakland Raiders not to make positive progress this offseason. With that being said, the Raiders did a solid job adding talent that can make them better on both sides of the ball, without losing any talent that should be significantly missed in 2015.
The Raiders’ greatest need this offseason was to add pass-catching playmakers, and they were able to do that. No. 4 overall pick Amari Cooper and free-agent addition Michael Crabtree should give Oakland a much better tandem of starting wide receivers than they had in 2014, while tight end Clive Walford is a skilled receiver himself who can be a dangerous threat over the middle of the field.
Offensively, the Raiders’ strongest free-agent addition was Rodney Hudson, who gives Oakland an upgrade over Stefen Wisniewski at center.
Defensively, the Raiders added decent starters at all three levels by signing nose tackle Dan Williams, middle linebacker Curtis Lofton and strong safety Nate Allen. They also signed outside linebacker Malcolm Smith, the MVP of Super Bowl XLVIIII, and drafted defensive end Mario Edwards Jr., a raw but high-upside player who can also shift inside, with their second-round pick.
The Raiders still don’t have a playoff-caliber roster, but they would have needed a Herculean effort this spring to make that happen. At the least, they took a step in the right direction that should put them in better position for 2016 and beyond.
Philadelphia Eagles: Progressed
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Key Additions: RB DeMarco Murray, QB Sam Bradford, ILB Kiko Alonso, CB Byron Maxwell, RB Ryan Mathews, WR Nelson Agholor, CB Eric Rowe, CB Walter Thurmond III, WR Miles Austin
Key Losses: RB LeSean McCoy, WR Jeremy Maclin, QB Nick Foles, OLB Trent Cole, SS Nate Allen, G Todd Herremans, CB Cary Williams, CB Bradley Fletcher, TE James Casey
With head coach Chip Kelly now calling the shots on all personnel decisions, the Philadelphia Eagles’ 2015 offseason was a wild ride. The Eagles made major additions to their roster through a couple of high-profile trades and by doling out big money in free agency, but also moved from numerous linchpins of their previous teams.
Philadelphia’s first trade, which sent LeSean McCoy to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for Kiko Alonso, landed the team a young stud at the inside linebacker position. It came at the cost of one of the NFL’s best running backs, but they were able to make up for that in free agency by signing DeMarco Murray, who led the NFL in rushing yards last season, as well as Ryan Mathews.
Their second trade was a quarterback swap with the St. Louis Rams, in which they gave up Nick Foles and acquired Sam Bradford as part of a deal that also included numerous draft picks going both ways. In theory, Bradford should be an upgrade over Foles if he can stay healthy; it was a risky move for the Eagles, however, as Bradford is coming off back-to-back seasons in which he tore the ACL in his left knee.
Evaluations on both of those trades have been mixed, and rightfully so, but it does appear as though both could work out in Philadelphia’s favor.
Another area at which the Eagles upgraded significantly this offseason was cornerback. Free-agent signing Byron Maxwell and second-round pick Eric Rowe give Philadelphia a pair of big, physical cornerbacks who should provide much better coverage than the dreadful starting tandem of Bradley Fletcher and Cary Williams in 2014.
Losing Jeremy Maclin to the Kansas City Chiefs was a big blow to the Philadelphia offense, but the first-round selection of Nelson Agholor gives the Eagles another weapon who should be able to step in right away and make plays. Defensively, the Eagles lost one of their best pass-rushers in Trent Cole, but the re-signing of Brandon Graham leaves the team in solid shape at that position, especially if 2014 first-round pick Marcus Smith can bounce back from a weak rookie year.
Kelly certainly took some risks in rebuilding the Eagles roster this offseason, but the pieces are in place for it to potentially pay off and make Kelly look like very smart.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Regressed
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Key Additions: OLB Alvin “Bud” Dupree, RB DeAngelo Williams, CB Senquez Golson, CB Doran Grant, WR Sammie Coates
Key Losses: OLB Jason Worilds, SS Troy Polamalu, CB Ike Taylor, CB Brice McCain, DE Brett Keisel, WR Lance Moore
When the Pittsburgh Steelers take the field this upcoming season, it will be without four players who have been key cogs for their defense for at least the past five years. Outside linebacker Jason Worilds, cornerback Ike Taylor and strong safety Troy Polamalu all retired this offseason, while the Steelers also decided to release 36-year-old defensive end Brett Keisel.
With the exception of Worilds, who retired at just 27 years old in order to devote his time to religious efforts, the other three moves were expected, as all were aging players who needed to be replaced as it was. The Steelers also lost another cornerback, Brice McCain, who left to join the Miami Dolphins after one season in Pittsburgh.
Despite all of that, the Steelers held true to their ways and focused on re-signing their other players rather than aggressively pursuing other veterans in free agency. Their only free-agent addition of any significance was running back DeAngelo Williams, a move necessitated by the three-game suspension the NFL handed down to starter Le’Veon Bell.
Sticking to their philosophy, the Steelers utilized the draft to address their defensive needs, and came away with some solid talent. First-round pick Alvin Dupree is an explosive athlete who should ultimately be a pass-rushing upgrade over Worilds, while second-round pick Senquez Golson and fourth-round pick Doran Grant will both be expected to contribute at cornerback.
Pittsburgh appeared to have a strong draft this year from top to bottom, and in time, sticking to the plan should pay off for the Steelers. Looking directly toward the 2015 season, however, the Steelers have a severe lack of talent and experience in their secondary.
San Diego Chargers: Progressed
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Key Additions: RB Melvin Gordon, LG Orlando Franklin, WR Stevie Johnson, RT Joe Barksdale, ILB Denzel Perryman, S/CB Jimmy Wilson, CB Patrick Robinson, DE Mitch Unrein
Key Losses: RB Ryan Mathews, OLB Dwight Freeney, OLB Jarret Johnson, FS Marcus Gilchrist, CB Shareece Wright, WR Eddie Royal, C Nick Hardwick, LG Chad Rinehart
After finishing second-to-last in the NFL with just 3.4 yards per carry last season, the San Diego Chargers needed to make a priority of upgrading their rushing offense. The moves they have made this offseason should make that happen.
Coming off a collegiate season in which he ran for 2,587 yards and 29 touchdowns, No. 15 overall draft pick Melvin Gordon should give the Chargers the star feature running back that Ryan Mathews was never healthy enough to become.
Up front, the Chargers made a big upgrade at left guard by signing Orlando Franklin. They added another potential starter to the offensive line just this week by striking a deal with Joe Barksdale, who could play right tackle and give San Diego the option to move D.J. Fluker inside to right guard.
Given the counteracting additions they made at various positions, the Chargers did not take many significant losses to their depth chart this offseason. Stevie Johnson is an adequate replacement for Eddie Royal as the Chargers’ No. 3 wide receiver, while Jimmy Wilson and Patrick Robinson can provide secondary depth to help offset the departures of Marcus Gilchrist and Shareece Wright.
Perhaps the biggest question mark for San Diego coming out of the offseason is at outside linebacker, where the team lost Dwight Freeney and Jarret Johnson, and did make any major moves to replace them. With that being said, 2014 second-round pick Jeremiah Attaochu should be ready to take on a bigger role as a pass-rusher in his sophomore season, which can help offset those departures.
San Francisco 49ers: Regressed
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Key Additions: WR Torrey Smith, DE Arik Armstead, DE Darnell Dockett, SS Jaquiski Tartt, OLB Eli Harold, RB Reggie Bush, CB Shareece Wright, ILB Philip Wheeler
Key Losses: ILB Patrick Willis, ILB Chris Borland, DE Justin Smith, LG Mike Iupati, CB Chris Culliver, CB Perrish Cox, RB Frank Gore, WR Michael Crabtree, WR Stevie Johnson, OLB Dan Skuta
From 2011-2013, the San Francisco 49ers had a run of three consecutive NFC Championship Game appearances. Less than two years later, just making the playoffs looks like a stretch after a disastrous offseason in which the 49ers not only parted ways with the coach (Jim Harbaugh) that got them to those games, but also suffered massive losses to their roster.
The biggest blows to the 49ers came on defense, specifically at inside linebacker, where both Patrick Willis and Chris Borland made shocking decisions to retire this offseason. The 49ers also lost defensive end Justin Smith to retirement, while two key cornerbacks—Chris Culliver and Perrish Cox—left for other teams in free agency.
Another huge hit to the 49ers’ roster happened at left guard, where the team lost three-time Pro Bowler Mike Iupati to the Arizona Cardinals. The 49ers also lost two key skill-position players in running back Frank Gore and wide receiver Michael Crabtree, although they had a strong replacement for Gore in 2014 second-round pick Carlos Hyde, while free-agent addition Torrey Smith should be an upgrade over Crabtree.
The big problem for the 49ers is that while they clearly got worse at a number of positions, they did not clearly get better at any position. With the exception of Torrey Smith and defensive end Darnell Dockett, who should be a decent replacement for Justin Smith if he is recovered fully from his torn ACL, the rest of the 49ers’ free-agent additions are only cut out for backup roles.
Furthermore, it’s unlikely that the 49ers’ draft haul will have a significant impact on the team’s 2015 season. First-round pick Arik Armstead has the talent to be a terrific defensive end, but he is a project who is likely to struggle if pressed into playing time as a rookie. Second-round pick Jaquiski Tartt and third-round pick Eli Harold have the tools to be defensive difference-makers, but their selections did not address needs for the 49ers, and both of them will likely spend their rookie seasons in backup roles.
Seattle Seahawks: Regressed
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Key Additions: TE Jimmy Graham, DT Ahtyba Rubin, CB Cary Williams, CB Will Blackmon, DE Frank Clark, WR Tyler Lockett
Key Losses: CB Byron Maxwell, C Max Unger, LG James Carpenter, TE Zach Miller, DE O’Brien Schofield, OLB Malcolm Smith
The Seattle Seahawks entered the offseason with a need for a pass-catching playmaker who could create mismatches, and they most certainly got that by trading for New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham. One of the NFL’s elite receiving threats at his position, Graham should make a huge impact for the Seahawks offense as a weapon over the middle of the field who can also flex outside as needed.
Between the acquisition of Graham and the third-round draft selection of wide receiver Tyler Lockett, the Seahawks offense appears to have a significantly more dangerous crop of downfield targets than it had last season, which is a big step in the right direction for Seattle. Those additions, however, do not outweigh the major losses that the Seahawks incurred to their offensive line and their secondary.
The Seahawks traded starting center Max Unger to the Saints in the deal for Graham, while they also lost starting left guard James Carpenter to the New York Jets via free agency. That leaves Seattle without its two best interior offensive linemen from last season, and with question marks at both positions.
Given that the Seahawks already have three defensive backs signed to lucrative contracts, the departure of Byron Maxwell this offseason was unavoidable. Nonetheless, it leaves the Seahawks with a likely drop-off at the right cornerback position, while No. 3 cornerback Jeremy Lane’s status for the 2015 season is also in question after he tore his ACL and broke his arm in the Super Bowl.
The inevitable regression that will occur to Seattle’s roster—given the impending mega-deal for quarterback Russell Wilson and the lucrative contracts they already have on their team—has begun to some extent. Nonetheless, the Seahawks still has one of the NFL’s most talented rosters from top to bottom, and are in good position to make another run at a title in 2015.
St. Louis Rams: Progressed
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Key Additions: QB Nick Foles, RB Todd Gurley, DT Nick Fairley, OLB Akeem Ayers, OT Rob Havenstein, G/OT Garrett Reynolds, G/OT Jamon Brown
Key Losses: QB Sam Bradford, RT Joe Barksdale, C Scott Wells, OT Jake Long, RG Davin Joseph, DT Kendall Langford, RB Zac Stacy
It’s uncertain whether the St. Louis Rams’ changes at quarterback and their offensive line will be the improvement they needed to be a playoff contender, but the Rams were able to make some quality additions to upgrade other positions on their roster as well.
The move that could ultimately define the Rams’ 2015 offseason is the trade with the Philadelphia Eagles that sent Sam Bradford to Philadelphia and brought Nick Foles to St. Louis. Foles has just one year remaining on his rookie contract, and is coming off a rough 2014 season in which he played poorly before a broken collarbone ended his year, but he proved in 2013 that he could be an efficient pocket passer at his best.
Needing to rebuild their offensive line, the Rams selected four offensive linemen—Rob Havenstein (Round 2), Jamon Brown (Round 3), Andrew Donnal (Round 4) and Cody Wichmann (Round 6)—in this year’s draft.
Havenstein, a massive and technically sound blocker from Wisconsin, should be an upgrade over Joe Barksdale at right tackle. Center and right guard remain areas of uncertainty for the Rams up front, but they were problem areas for the team last year too; their 2014 starters at the positions, Scott Wells and Davin Joseph, both remain unsigned free agents.
Why the Rams ultimately fall into the Progressed category, however, is that they were also able to make improvements at three positions that were not significant areas of need.
First-round pick Todd Gurley is recovering from a torn ACL, but once he is healthy, he has the tools to be one of the NFL’s truly elite running backs. The addition of defensive tackle Nick Fairley, signed to a one-year contract, gives the Rams another disruptor at the position to form a tremendous trio with Aaron Donald and Michael Brockers. Another free-agent addition, Akeem Ayers, should be an upgrade over Jo-Lonn Dunbar at strong-side linebacker.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Progressed
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Key Additions: QB Jameis Winston, DT Henry Melton, OLB Bruce Carter, DE George Johnson, FS Chris Conte, SS D.J. Swearinger, OT Donovan Smith, G Ali Marpet
Key Losses: DE Michael Johnson, FS Dashon Goldson, ILB Mason Foster, QB Josh McCown, LT Anthony Collins, DE Adrian Clayborn, DE Da’Quan Bowers, LB Dane Fletcher
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers took a big step forward as an organization when they selected Jameis Winston with the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft.
While the selection of Winston comes with some risk—he has a questionable history of off-field incidents and struggled with interceptions on the field in 2014—it gives the Buccaneers a true franchise quarterback, which it did not have in the combination of Josh McCown and Mike Glennon last season. If Winston can keep himself out of trouble off the field and become a more disciplined passer on it, he has the potential to emerge as one of the NFL’s elite pocket passers.
Drafting a franchise quarterback was by far the most important move of the offseason for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and it is enough in itself to mark an offseason of progress for the franchise.
The Buccaneers did not make as progress in improving the rest of their roster, but they did bring in some solid free-agent additions for their defense. Defensive tackle Henry Melton, defensive end George Johnson, outside linebacker Bruce Carter and safeties Chris Conte and D.J. Swearinger should all be in the mix to either be starters or key rotational players this season.
Those players might not be upgrades over the defensive players they lost, but it’s also not as if the Buccaneers lost any stars this offseason. Additionally, the Buccaneers came out of the draft’s second round with two offensive linemen—Donovan Smith and Ali Marpet—who have high upside and should compete for starting jobs as rookies.
Tennessee Titans: Progressed
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Key Additions: QB Marcus Mariota, OLB Brian Orakpo, SS Da’Norris Searcy, WR Dorial Green-Beckham, WR Harry Douglas, WR Hakeem Nicks, TE Anthony Fasano, RT Jeremiah Poutasi, RT Byron Bell
Key Losses: WR Nate Washington, OT Michael Roos, RT Michael Oher, OLB Kamerion Wimbley, SS George Wilson, SS Bernard Pollard, QB Jake Locker
Just like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Tennessee Titans made their biggest step forward this offseason by drafting a franchise quarterback, in their case Marcus Mariota with the No. 2 overall pick.
The reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Mariota is an athletic dual-threat with outstanding intangibles. He can immediately be a leader and add playmaking ability to the Titans offense.
Beyond Mariota, the Titans also made significant upgrades in a number of other areas on their roster.
Offensively, the Titans added a bevy of weapons for Mariota to work with by using their second-round pick to draft wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham and by signing free-agent wide receivers Harry Douglas and Hakeem Nicks plus free-agent tight end Anthony Fasano.
Defensively, the Titans added a pass-rushing spark with the signing of outside linebacker Brian Orakpo. They also made another solid addition in Da’Norris Searcy, who should be an upgrade over George Wilson and Bernard Pollard at strong safety.
The biggest question mark the Titans still have is at right tackle. It’s possible, though, that third-round pick Jeremiah Poutasi could emerge as an upgrade at the position over Michael Oher, who was released from the season after just one disappointing season.
Washington Redskins: Progressed
32 of 32Key Additions: RT Brandon Scherff, NT Terrance Knighton, DE Stephen Paea, CB Chris Culliver, FS Dashon Goldson, SS Jeron Johnson, DE Ricky Jean-Francois, OLB Preston Smith
Key Losses: OLB Brian Orakpo, DE Jarvis Jenkins, NT Barry Cofield, DE Stephen Bowen, RB Roy Helu, FS Ryan Clark, SS Brandon Meriweather, CB E.J. Biggers, RT Tyler Polumbus, WR Santana Moss
In his first offseason with the Washington Redskins, new general manager Scot McCloughan focused on substance over flash. The Redskins made few investments into their offensive skill positions, save for three middle-round draft picks, but made strong efforts to improve their defense and their offensive line.
One area in which Washington made big changes this offseason was the defensive line. The Redskins replaced three outgoing defensive linemen—Jarvis Jenkins, Barry Cofield and Stephen Bowen—with a much stronger trio of Terrance Knighton, Stephen Paea and Ricky Jean-Francois. Knighton gives the Redskins a true nose tackle for the middle of their 3-4 defensive front, while Paea and Jean-Francois could also play key roles in the team’s defensive line rotation.
The safety position is another at which the Redskins made much-needed upgrades this offseason. Dashon Goldson is coming off a disappointing two-year run with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while Jeron Johnson comes over from the Seattle Seahawks as an unproven player, but the team’s new starting combination nonetheless looks like a stronger duo than Ryan Clark and Brandon Meriweather.
On the other side of the ball, the Redskins addressed a major need at right tackle by selecting Brandon Scherff with the draft’s No. 5 overall pick. A four-year starter at Iowa, Scherff should provide an immediate upgrade over incumbent starter Tom Compton at the position. The Redskins also drafted a guard, fourth-round pick Arie Kouandjio, who could quickly compete for playing time.
From a talent standpoint, the Redskins’ biggest loss might be outside linebacker Brian Orakpo. The second-round draft selection of Preston Smith, however, gives the team a solid trio at the position between Smith, veteran standout Ryan Kerrigan and 2014 second-round pick Trent Murphy.
Dan Hope is an NFL/NFL draft Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report.
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