2025 Offseason Report Cards for Every NFL Team
While the 2025 NFL offseason isn't over, the roster-building period is largely complete. Yes, some quality free agents remain unsigned, but the draft is over and organized team activities (OTAs) are about to begin.
Now's as good a time as any to grade how teams have handled the 2025 offseason, which is exactly what we'll do here.
Hirings, firings, contract extensions, signings, draft picks and trades were all considered. As we did with our 2024 offseason report cards, we also included an "extra-credit project" for each team that could impact overall grades by going beyond pure player movement.
Last offseason, for example, we gave the Philadelphia Eagles bonus points for focusing on a defensive rebuild. As we now know, that new-look defense played a massive role in Philadelphia's victory in Super Bowl LIX.
Of course, we have yet to see how this year's moves will impact the regular season and beyond, so grades are based on the information we have available. Teams that appear to have significantly improved on paper will receive higher grades than those that overspent, lost key contributors or failed to address key needs.
Franchise trajectories were also considered here because a 12-win team that maintains the status quo has to be judged differently than a four-win team that does the same.
Arizona Cardinals
1 of 32
Key Additions/Re-Signings: EDGE Josh Sweat, EDGE Baron Browning, DT Dalvin Tomlinson, TE Trey McBride (Re-Signed)
Key Draft Additions: DL Walter Nolen, CB Will Johnson, EDGE Jordan Burch
Key Departures: LB Kyzir White, OT Kelvin Beachum, EDGE Dennis Gardeck
Free Agency/Trade Grade: B
Draft Grade: B+
EC Project: Revamping the Defensive Front
Overall Grade: B
Though a four-game winning streak in the middle of the season briefly brought the Arizona Cardinals into relevance, they largely felt like a team that was just sort of there in 2024.
The Cardinals posted a sub-.500 record and never felt like a team with a cohesive identity—aside from being the one that employed exciting dual-threat quarterback Kyler Murray.
Things may be different in 2025, however. General manager Monti Ossenfort put a lot of effort into bolstering the defensive front, adding the likes of Josh Sweat and Barnon Browning before drafting Walter Nolen and Jordan Burch. That's relevant because head coach Jonathan Gannon knows how to build a top-tier defense around an aggressive and physically imposing defensive front.
Gannon, you may recall, helmed the league's second-ranked overall defense as the Eagles defensive coordinator in 2022. Philly reached the Super Bowl that season and won it in February, thanks in large part to a dominant defensive front.
Arizona ranked just 21st in overall defense last season, but Gannon may now have the talent at his disposal to forge a defense like the one he oversaw in Philadelphia. If so, pairing that defense with offensive playmakers like Murray, Tre McBride and Marvin Harrison Jr. could give the Cardinals an identity and make them extremely relevant in the NFC West this season.
Could the Cardinals have afforded to give Murray another playmaker or two? Sure, but focusing on a defensive overhaul was absolutely the right approach.
Atlanta Falcons
2 of 32
Key Additions/Re-Signings: EDGE Leonard Floyd, LB Divine Deablo, OT Jake Matthews (Re-Signed)
Key Draft Additions: LB Jalon Walker, EDGE James Pearce Jr., S Xavier Watts
Key Departures: S Justin Simmons, DT, Grady Jarrett, EDGE Matthew Judon
Free Agency/Trade Grade: D+
Draft Grade: B
EC Project: Improving the Pass Rush
Overall Grade: C+
It was a relatively quiet early offseason for the Atlanta Falcons, whose most noteworthy move in free agency may have been the release of star defensive tackle Grady Jarrett.
The Falcons did swap out pass-rusher Matthew Judon for Leonard Floyd, but they did not significantly alter their depth chart before the draft.
"If Atlanta’s going to contend in the NFC South, the team has to bolster the defense in the draft—and find the impact edge-rusher that has seemingly eluded Atlanta for years," Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport wrote after grading every team's offseason ahead of the draft.
The good news for Atlanta fans is that general manager Terry Fontenot did address the defense aggresively in the draft. After using one first-round pick on do-it-all linebacker Jalon Walker, Fontenot traded back into Round 1 for pass-rusher James Pearce Jr.
While the move up for Pearce did cost Atlanta a 2026 first-round selection, it's worth noting that the Tennessee product was once viewed as a franchise-caliber defensive prospect.
The Bleacher Report Scouting Department even had Pearce as the top selection in its way-too-early 2025 mock draft following the 2024 draft.
Adding Pearce, Floyd, Walker and safety Xavier Watts should improve a defense that ranked 23rd overall and produced a mere 31 sacks in 2024. That shouldn't be overlooked.
The Falcons are moving forward with second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. as their offensive centerpiece. While putting more pieces around Penix would have been one way to support the young signal-caller, complementing him with a functional defense is another.
Atlanta already has offensive playmakers in Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, Drake London and Darnell Mooney. This year, it may also have a defense that isn't regularly asking the offense to score 30 points a game.
Baltimore Ravens
3 of 32
Key Additions/Re-Signings: OT Ronnie Stanley (Re-Signed), WR DeAndre Hopkins, QB Cooper Rush, RB Derrick Henry (Extension)
Key Draft Additions: S Malaki Starks, EDGE Mike Green, OL Emery Jones Jr.
Key Departures: OG Patrick Mekari, CB Brandon Stephens, LB Malik Harrison
Free Agency/Trade Grade: C
Draft Grade: A
EC Project: Adding WR3
Overall Grade: B
Though the Baltimore Ravens weren't exactly aggressive during the early offseason, there's plenty to like about general manager Eric DeCosta's overall approach.
The Ravens did lose starting lineman Patrick Mekari, but they also kept left tackle Ronnie Stanley, who might have been viewed as the top tackle in 2025 free agency had he actually reached it. Baltimore also locked up standout running back Derrick Henry with a new two-year extension that will keep him signed through 2027.
This means that Henry should be distraction-free as he looks to follow up last season's 1,921-yard rushing campaign.
The Ravens also took another swing at finding a reliable third receiver to complement Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, signing DeAndre Hopkins to a one-year, $5 million deal.
While Hopkins is now more of a mid-level possession receiver than the elite No. 1 wideout he was early in his career, adding him was an extremely logical move. His skill set should complement Flowers, Bateman and tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, making him a better fit than receivers Baltimore has tried for the WR3 role in the past, notably Odell Beckham Jr. and Diontae Johnson.
There's little reason to think that Lamar Jackson won't be leading one of the NFL's most exciting offenses again in 2025.
In the draft, the Ravens focused on adding young potential playmakers to their defense. Safety Malaki Starks should pair with Kyle Hamilton to form one of the league's top young safety tandems. Mike Green has the potential to provide immediate help on the edge.
If Baltimore's defense picks up where it left off at the end of the 2024 season—playing efficiently after some early struggles under first-year coordinator Zach Orr—the Ravens should have one of the most complete rosters in the NFL this season.
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Buffalo Bills
4 of 32
Key Additions/Re-Signings: EDGE Joey Bosa, WR Josh Palmer, QB Josh Allen (Extension), EDGE Gregory Rousseau (Extension)
Key Draft Additions: CB Maxwell Hairston, DL T.J. Sanders, EDGE Landon Jackson
Key Departures: CB Kaiir Elam (Trade), WR Mack Hollins, WR Amari Cooper, Edge Von Miller
Free Agency/Trade Grade: C+
Draft Grade: B
EC Project: Extending Josh Allen
Overall Grade: B-
It's hard to say that the Buffalo Bills will be substantially better or worse than they were in 2024. Most of the moves general manager Brandon Beane made this offseason can be viewed as one-for-one player replacements.
For example, the Bills parted with pass-rusher Von Miller but added Joey Bosa in free agency. It hasn't re-signed cornerback Rasul Douglas but used a first-round pick on Maxwell Hairston. 2024 trade-deadline addition Amari Cooper remains unsigned, but Buffalo added Joshua Palmer to its receiving corps.
Of course, when a team has one of the top rosters in its conference, there's nothing wrong with maintaining the status quo. Buffalo won 13 games last season and came within a few plays of knocking off the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game.
The Bills should be right back in the Super Bowl conversation this season, and possibly, for the foreseeable future.
This is because Beane has taken steps to lock up some of the team's best players, like quarterback Josh Allen. The Bills gave him a six-year, $330 million extension in March, which was a smart move even though he was already signed through 2028.
For one, Allen is now signed through 2030 at an annual price tag of $55 million—which should seem extremely reasonable toward the end of the deal. Secondly, the extension gave Buffalo a little extra financial flexibility in 2025, which Allen was on board with.
"I was like, if it has any impact on the cap, let's figure out a way to not do that," Allen said, per NFL.com's Kevin Patra.
Expect the Bills to remain AFC front-runners alongside Baltimore and Kansas City in 2025.
Carolina Panthers
5 of 32
Key Additions/Re-Signings: CB Jaycee Horn (Extension), S Tre’von Moehrig, DT Tershawn Wharton, RB Rico Dowdle
Key Draft Additions: WR Tetairoa McMillan, EDGE Nic Scourton, EDGE Princely Umanmielen, RB Trevor Etienne
Key Departures: S Xavier Woods, RB Miles Sanders, EDGE Jadeveon Clowney
Free Agency/Trade Grade: B
Draft Grade: B+
EC Project: Putting More Talent Around Bryce Young
Overall Grade: B+
As a rookie and even early last season, quarterback Bryce Young looked to be in over his head in the NFL. After spending several games on the bench behind journeyman Andy Dalton, however, things finally clicked for Young in Dave Canales' offense.
Young was fantastic over his final three games, posting a QB rating above 100.0 in all three contests while compiling seven passing touchdowns, three rushing touchdowns and zero turnovers.
While the Carolina Panthers didn't go overboard in upgrading Young's supporting cast, they did make the group better.
Carolina used its first-round pick on Tetairoa McMillan, who should be a perfect fit for Canales' offense. Dame Parson of the B/R Scouting Department compared McMillan to wide receiver Mike Evans, who was the centerpiece of Caneles' passing attack when he was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator in 2023.
And by pairing McMillan with 2023 first-round pick Xavier Legette, the Panthers have two promising receivers who can grow alongside Young in the coming years.
The Panthers also added running back Rico Dowdle, who was fresh off a 1,000-yard rushing season for the Dallas Cowboys. Pairing him with Chuba Hubbard will help ensure that Carolina has a functional running game as 2024 second-round pick Jonathon Brooks recovers from a second ACL tear.
Of course, the Panthers didn't ignore the other side of the ball. Players like Tershawn Wharton and Nic Scourton should help boost a defense that ranked dead-last in both yards and points allowed last season. However, fans shouldn't expect to suddenly see a playoff-caliber defense in Carolina.
And the Panthers are probably at least another year away from the postseason. That will be acceptable if Young solidifies himself as an above-average starter this season.
Chicago Bears
6 of 32
Key Additions/Re-Signings: OG Joe Thuney (Trade), DT Grady Jarrett, C Drew Dalman, OG Jonah Jackson
Key Draft Additions: TE Colston Loveland, WR Luther Burden III, OT Ozzy Trapilo, DL Shemar Turner
Key Departures: EDGE Darrell Taylor, OG Teven Jenkins, WR Keenan Allen
Free Agency/Trade Grade: A-
Draft Grade: A-
EC Project: Having a Plan to Support Caleb Williams
Overall Grade: A+
It's hard not to love what the Chicago Bears have managed to do this offseason. A year after using the No. 1 pick in the draft on quarterback Caleb Williams, the Bears have formed a cohesive and sensible plan for getting the most out of the USC product.
Let's be honest, Williams did not play up to his potential or his draft status as a rookie. However, he was saddled with a poor offensive line and a head coach in Matt Eberflus who frequently struggled with simple things like clock management and situational planning.
Chicago kicked off its offseason by hiring Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to be its new head coach. Will he succeed as a first-time head coach where Eberflus failed? That remains to be seen. However, he's a proven offensive mind who used creative formations and blocking schemes to field a balanced and potent offense in Detroit.
Williams should show improvement as a player under Johnson.
The Bears then threw multiple darts at their offensive line to rebuild its entire interior before drafting pass-catchers Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III. With playmakers like D.J. Moore, D'Andre Swift, Rome Odunze and Cole Kmet already in the fold, Chicago now boasts one of the more impressive skill groups in the NFL.
With more weapons, better blocking and improved offensive game-planning, Williams will have an opportunity to make a significant jump in 2025. While that should be the most important result of Chicago's offseason, the Bears didn't focus on offense alone.
New additions Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo should immediately boost a defense that ranked 29th in yards per carry allowed, 31st in net yards per pass attempt allowed and 27th overall last season.
Cincinnati Bengals
7 of 32
Key Additions/Re-Signings: WR Ja’Marr Chase (Extension), WR Tee Higgins (Re-Signed), DT T.J. Slaton
Key Draft Additions: EDGE Shemar Stewart, LB Demetrius Knight Jr., IOL Dylan Fairchild
Key Departures: OG Alex Cappa, DT Sheldon Rankins, EDGE Sam Hubbard (Retired)
Free Agency/Trade Grade: B-
Draft Grade: C
EC Project: Locking Up (Some) Key Contributors
Overall Grade: C
The Cincinnati Bengals receive a good grade for their approach to the early offseason, even though they did little to actually improve their roster. Cincinnati took care of some much-needed business by extending standout wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
Now, the Bengals probably should have gotten deals with both receivers done a year ago, but late is better than never. The extensions should appease quarterback Joe Burrow, who lobbied hard for the Bengals to bring back both of his two favorite targets.
Unfortunately, Cincinnati didn't extend every key contributor who was due a new deal this offseason. Pass-rusher and reigning NFL sacks leader Trey Hendrickson is entering a contract year and his lack of a new deal has seemingly created a strained relationship.
"We've tried to keep it as least amount as personal as possible, but at some point in this process it's becomes personal," Hendrickson said, per ESPN's Ben Baby. "Being sent 30 days before mandatory camp, or how many ever days it is, that if I don't show up I will be fined alludes to the fact that something won't get done in that time frame."
While making Burrow happy and keeping one of the league's best passing attacks intact is good for business, Cincinnati's unwillingness to invest heavily in its defense is problematic. The team's 25th-ranked defense prevented the Bengals from making the playoffs last season, but their solution was to fire coordinator Lou Anarumo and replace him with Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden.
The Bengals did use their top two draft selections on defenders, but first-round pick Shemar Stewart is an unpolished boom-or-bust prospect who may not contribute right away.
Cincinnati probably can't expect a dramatic defensive turnaround this season, and it should have worked harder to improve an offensive line that allowed 48 sacks last season. Adding Lucas Patrick and rookie third-round pick Dylan Fairchild isn't enough to give Burrow top-tier protection.
Cleveland Browns
8 of 32
Key Additions/Re-Signings: EDGE Myles Garrett (Extension), QB Kenny Pickett (Trade), QB Joe Flacco
Key Draft Additions: DL Mason Graham, LB Carson Schwesinger, RB Quinshon Judkins, QB Dillon Gabriel, QB Shedeur Sanders
Key Departures: OT James Hudson, OT Jedrick Wills, QB Jameis Winston
Free Agency/Trade Grade: C
Draft Grade: B+
EC Project: Admitting That The Deshaun Watson Experiment Was a Failure
Overall Grade: B
Arguably the best thing the Cleveland Browns have done over the last couple of years was finally admitting that Deshaun Watson isn't going to solve the franchise's quarterback woes.
"We took a big swing and miss with Deshaun. We thought we had the quarterback, we didn't and we gave up a lot of draft picks to get him," franchise owner Jimmy Haslam said in March per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.
Watson is under contract for two more seasons, but by essentially moving on from him this offseason, the Browns have a chance to salvage the remaining prime years of players like pass-rusher Myles Garrett, who received a record-setting extension this offseason.
After convincing Garrett to stick around—following his February trade request—the Browns threw multiple darts at the quarterback position. They brought back 2023 hero Joe Flacco, traded for Kenny Pickett and drafted both Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
Cleveland also added an extra 2026 first-round pick by trading the No. 2 pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars so they could take Travis Hunter. If it doesn't look like Pickett, Gabriel or Sanders can be a long-term answer at quarterback, the Browns should have the capital needed to move up for a signal-caller in next year's draft.
Along the way, the Browns managed to add three potential rookie starters in Mason Graham, Carson Schwesinger and Quinshon Judkins, though the overall roster may not be markedly better than it was in 2024.
The most important thing is that Cleveland finally has a quarterback plan that doesn't involve throwing Watson back on the field and hoping that he'll become the Pro Bowl player everyone else has long known is gone for good.
Dallas Cowboys
9 of 32
Key Additions/Re-Signings: LB Kenneth Murray (Trade), DT Osa Odighizuwa (Re-Signed), EDGE Dante Fowler Jr., WR George Pickens (Trade)
Key Draft Additions: IOL Tyler Booker, EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku, CB Shavon Revel Jr.
Key Departures: OG Zack Martin (Retired), RB Rico Dowdle, EDGE Demarcus Lawrence
Free Agency/Trade Grade: D+
Draft Grade: A
EC Project: Finding WR2
Overall Grade: C+
For the second straight offseason, the Dallas Cowboys were relatively quiet through the initial stages. Losing Zack Mertin to retirement hurt, but Dallas was able to retain underrated defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa.
Before the draft, the biggest move Dallas made was hiring Brian Schottenheimer as head coach after Mike McCarthy declined a new contract offer. Schottenheimer does have experience with the franchise but has never been a head coach before. In a cycle that saw the hirings of Ben Johnson, Aaron Glenn, Kellen Moore and Mike Vrabel, the Cowboys' choice felt a little underwhelming.
On the positive side, Schotteneheimer isn't a potential distraction in the mold of Deion Sanders, who was briefly linked to the Cowboys opening.
Dallas fared much better in the draft, grabbing pro-ready prospects like Tyler Booker and Donovan Ezeiruaku, who should contribute immediately. The Cowboys also swung a trade for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens after the draft.
While Pickens does carry some concerns about his focus and motivation—and he's entering a contract year—he has the potential to be the reliable No. 2 receiver that Dallas has lacked since trading away Amari Cooper.
The Cowboys want to see Dak Prescott healthy and playing at a Pro Bowl level again in 2025. Pairing Pickens with CeeDee Lamb and Jake Ferguson should give Prescott a terrific trio of pass-catchers. Ideally, Pickens will perform well enough to earn an extension from his new team.
Denver Broncos
10 of 32
Key Additions/Re-Signings: S Talanoa Hufanga, LB Dre Greenlaw, TE Evan Engram
Key Draft Additions: CB Jahdae Barron, RB RJ Harvey, WR Pat Bryant, DL Sai'vion Jones
Key Departures: LB Cody Barton, QB Zach Wilson, RB Javonte Williams
Free Agency/Trade Grade: A-
Draft Grade: B
EC Project: Making the Defense Even Better
Overall Grade: B+
The Denver Broncos were an unexpected playoff team in 2024. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix had some early struggles but proved to be more than capable of guiding the offense and leading Denver into the postseason.
One could expect general manager George Paton and coach Sean Payton to focus on better supporting Nix in his sophomore season, and the Broncos did add a few offensive pieces.
Rookie running back RJ Harvey should help bring some balance to an offense that ranked just 21st in yards per carry. Rookie receiver Pat Bryant and tight end Evan Engram will give Nix two more big receivers in a lineup that already features Courtland Sutton and Devaughn Vele.
However, the Broncos deserve credit for recognizing that their defense was a team strength and continuing to build upon it.
Denver ranked seventh in total defense and third in points allowed last season. It also has the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, cornerback Patrick Surtain II. To that group, the Broncos added three potential starters in Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga and Jahdae Barron.
While Nix is certainly capable of making a second-year jump, he's unlikely to become a truly elite signal-caller in 2025. However, the Broncos may now have the makings of an elite defense, which can carry a team extremely deep into the playoffs.
Don't be surprised if the Broncos put significant pressure on the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West this season.
Detroit Lions
11 of 32
Key Additions/Re-Signings: CB D.J. Reed, LB Derrick Barnes (Re-Signed), WR Tim Patrick (Re-Signed), DT D.J. Reader
Key Draft Additions: DL Tyleik Williams, IOL Tate Ratledge, WR Isaac TeSlaa
Key Departures: CB Carlton Davis, OG Kevin Zeitler, S Ifeatu Melifonwu
Free Agency/Trade Grade: C
Draft Grade: C+
EC Project: Hiring From Within
Overall Grade: C+
As we mentioned earlier, when teams are near the top of the NFL hierarchy, simply not getting worse can be viewed as an offseason win.
It would seem that the Detroit Lions' approach to the offseason was to largely maintain the squad it had in 2024 and hope that injuries don't become as much of a factor this year. General manager Brad Holmes retained linebacker Derrick Barnes and third receiver Tim Patrick while replacing cornerback Carlton Davis with D.J. Reed in free agency.
The Lions also drafted defensive lineman Tyleik Williams. He and D.J. Reader should play a prominent role as Alim McNeill continues to recover from a torn ACL. Rookie guard Tate Ratledge may immediately take over for the departed Kevin Zeitler.
Perhaps the biggest challenge Detroit had to face this offseason, however, was the loss of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who both left to become head coaches.
To replace Glenn, Detroit promoted linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard. To replace Johnson, the Lions hired John Morton, who spent the past two seasons in Denver but was with the Lions as a senior offensive assistant in 2022.
These hirings are noteworthy because they should allow for a relatively easy transition. Both new coordinators have experience with head coach Dan Campbell and the culture he has created in Detroit over the past few seasons.
The Eagles showed a couple of seasons ago just how difficult it can be to navigate a double-coordinator change in the same season. While there's no guarantee that Sheppard and Morton will be as successful as Glenn and Johnson were, the Lions coaching staff should be firmly on the same page in 2025.
Green Bay Packers
12 of 32
Key Additions/Re-Signings: CB Nate Hobbs, OG Aaron Banks, LB Isaiah McDuffie (Re-Signed)
Key Draft Additions: WR Matthew Golden, OT Anthony Belton, WR Savion Williams
Key Departures: DT Tedarrell Slaton, CB Eric Stokes, LB Eric Wilson
Free Agency/Trade Grade: C
Draft Grade: C+
EC Project: Finally Drafting a Receiver in Round 1
Overall Grade: C
Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst has long preferred a draft-and-develop approach to roster building. Unsurprisingly, he wasn't particularly active in free agency.
Nickel back Nate Hobbs may walk into a starting role, and Aaron Banks should at least compete at left guard. However, Green Bay didn't improve significantly before the draft.
The Packers did finally use a first-round draft pick on a wide receiver, Texas' Matthew Golden. If nothing else, that sends a message to quarterback Jordan Love that the team is willing to put talent around him.
Before drafting Golden, the Packers hadn't drafted a receiver in the first round since taking Javon Walker in 2002. That means Green Bay never drafted a first-round receiver while Aaron Rodgers was the starting quarterback.
Golden and fellow rookie receiver Savion Williams should push Green Bay's current collection of young wideouts and may help Love take another step in his development. It's fair to wonder, though if investing in the wide receiver room was Green Bay's best use of resources.
The Packers didn't have a true No. 1 receiver last season but they still ranked third in net yards per pass attempt. Of course, Green Bay also ranked fifth in total offense and fifth in total defense and didn't have many glaring needs this offseason.
So while taking Golden in Round 1 may have been a luxury pick, it's one that might just make Green Bay a more formidable playoff team in 2025.
Houston Texans
13 of 32
Key Additions/Re-Signings: OT Cam Robinson, CB Derek Stingley Jr. (Extension), WR Christian Kirk (Trade), G Laken Tomlinson
Key Draft Additions: WR Jayden Higgins, OT Aireontae Ersery, WR Jaylin Noel, CB Jaylin Smith
Key Departures: OT Laremy Tunsil (Trade), WR Stefon Diggs, S Eric Murray
Free Agency/Trade Grade: C
Draft Grade: B+
EC Project: Reloading the Offensive Line
Overall Grade: C+
For the second straight season, the Houston Texans won the AFC South and a wild-card game. However, they didn't feel quite as threatening in 2024 as they did in 2023, and quarterback C.J. Stroud had a few sophomore struggles.
Of course, Stroud was done no favors by a suspect offensive line that surrendered 54 sacks on the season. He was further hampered by receiver injuries, as both Stephon Diggs and Tank Dell suffered significant ones.
Diggs left for the New England Patriots in free agency, while Dell is likely to miss the entire 2025 season.
Houston backfilled the receiver room by drafting Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel after trading for Christian Kirk. It also took some swings at rebuilding the offensive line.
The Texans took a high-volume approach to their offensive line, adding Cam Robinson, Laken Tomlinson, Ed Ingram, Trent Brown and rookie tackle Aireontae Ersery. Of course, new players don't guarantee better play, and general manager Nick Caserio dealt the team's best lineman as part of the rebuilding process.
Five-time Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil is now a member of the Washington Commanders. The Texans also dealt 2022 first-round pick Kenyon Green, though he was not the reliable starter that Tunsil has been throughout his career.
While we can respect Houston's decision to try reloading the offensive line, we don't have to love the approach. The line remains a massive question mark, though the Texans are better at receiver than they were a couple of months ago.
Indianapolis Colts
14 of 32
Key Additions/Re-Signings: QB Daniel Jones, S Camryn Bynum, CB Charvarius Ward
Key Draft Additions: TE Tyler Warren, EDGE JT Tuimoloau, CB Justin Walley
Key Departures: OG Will Fries, EDGE Dayo Odeyingbo, C Ryan Kelly
Free Agency/Trade Grade: C-
Draft Grade: B+
EC Project: Trying to Push Anthony Richardson
Overall Grade: C+
It's easy to like what the Indianapolis Colts accomplished in the draft. They're looking to get more out of third-year quarterback Anthony Richardson and have long needed a high-end receiving tight end. They helped address both issues by snagging Tyler Warren in Round 1.
Warren is a tight end prospect with elite upside who should immediately aid whoever is under center in Indianapolis.
The Colts then bolstered a pass defense that ranked 29th in net yards per attempt allowed and recorded just 36 sacks last season by drafting JT Tuimoloau and Justin Walley.
It's much harder, however, to love what Indy did before the draft. Indy did add Camryn Bynum and Charvarius Ward to its secondary, and both are solid additions. However, general manager Chris Ballard's "plan" is questionable at best.
The Colts added former New York Giants draft disappointment Daniel Jones to compete with Richardson. While the idea of pushing Richardson is sound in theory, bringing in another team's castoff isn't going to inspire much confidence in Richardson, who was drafted fourth overall just two years ago.
If Jones beats out his younger counterpart, the Colts may have no choice but to move on from Richardson entirely in 2026.
And, unfortunately, whichever quarterback wins the competition this year is likely to have his hands full behind a downgraded offensive line. Indy allowed both Will Fries and Ryan Kelly to depart in free agency.
Jacksonville Jaguars
15 of 32
Key Additions/Re-Signings: OG Patrick Mekari, WR Dyami Brown, CB Jourdan Lewis
Key Draft Additions: WR/CB Travis Hunter, S Caleb Ransaw, IOL Wyatt Milum
Key Departures: WR Christian Kirk (Trade), TE Evan Engram, OG Brandon Scherff
Free Agency/Trade Grade: C-
Draft Grade: A-
EC Project: Hiring an Offensive Coach
Overall Grade: B
The Jacksonville Jaguars didn't have the most impressive foray into free agency. They largely added mid-level players to replace departed ones and lost a terrific pass-catching tight end in Evan Engram.
Jacksonville made things much more interesting during the draft, though. New general manager James Gladstone made an aggressive play to go up and get wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter with the second overall pick.
While Gladstone parted with a second-round pick and a 2026 first-rounder to get Hunter, he may, potentially, fill holes at both corner and receiver with the move. He also sent a message to the fanbase that the new regime will take bold steps to improve the roster whenever possible.
We'll have to wait and see if Hunter lives up to the hype as a potential two-way player, but he should boost Trevor Lawrence's receiving corps immediately. New head coach Liam Coen, who helped coax a Pro Bowl campaign out of Baker Mayfield in 2024, should also help Lawrence improve.
As franchise owner Shad Khan, the desire to get more out of Lawrence played a big role in the decision to hire Coen.
"Our quarterback was everything,” Khan said, per The Athletic's Michael Silver. “In a sense, he was the only thing.”
This was the right approach by the Jaguars, who drafted Lawrence first overall in 2021 but have yet to see him play up to his draft status. The Clemson product made the Pro Bowl in his second season—his first under former head coach Doug Pederson—but he's been decidedly average and has battled injuries in the two years since.
Kansas City Chiefs
16 of 32
Key Additions/Re-Signings: OG Trey Smith (Franchise Tag), OT Jaylon Moore, LB Nick Bolton (Re-Signed)
Key Draft Additions: OT Josh Simmons, DL Omarr Norman-Lott, EDGE Ashton Gillotte, CB Nohl Williams
Key Departures: OG Joe Thuney (Trade), DT Tershawn Wharton, S Justin Reid
Free Agency/Trade Grade: C
Draft Grade: B
EC Project: Throwing Multiple Darts at Left Tackle
Overall Grade: B-
As long as Andy Reid is the head coach and Patrick Mahomes is healthy, the Kansas City Chiefs are likely to remain in the Super Bowl mix. That's why a fairly underwhelming foray into free agency can still be viewed as a success.
General manager Brett Veach managed to re-sign linebacker Nick Bolton and used the franchise tag on standout guard Trey Smith. He also signed offensive tackle Jaylon Moore to a two-year, $30 million contract.
The Chiefs may have overpaid for Moore, who has just 12 career starts on his resume. However, left tackle was a major need that Kansas City couldn't wait to address.
And Veach doubled-down on the position by using his first-round pick on Ohio State tackle Josh Simmons. While he's coming off of a season-ending knee injury but has the potential to be a long-term starter for Kansas City.
"There's a question on how much of Simmons's early season dominance is due to a lack of competition or him being that much better, but there's no doubt that his size, movement skills, play strength and technique are on the level of an immediate starting left tackle in the NFL," Brandon Thorn of the B/R Scouting Department wrote.
Kansas City did trade away guard Joe Thuney, who also spent time at left tackle in 2024. However, its decision to throw a couple more darts at the left-tackle problem was wise.
As we saw in Super Bowl LIX in February—and also in Super Bowl LV a few years ago—poor pass protection is about the only thing that can stop Mahomes from being great.
Las Vegas Raiders
17 of 32
Key Additions/Re-Signings: QB Geno Smith (Trade), EDGE Maxx Crosby (Extended), S Jeremy Chinn, CB Eric Stokes, LB Elandon Roberts
Key Draft Additions: RB Ashton Jeanty, WR Jack Bech, CB Darien Porter, IOL Caleb Rogers, OT Charles Grant
Key Departures: S Tre’von Moehrig, CB Nate Hobbs, LB Robert Spillane
Free Agency/Trade Grade: B-
Draft Grade: A+
EC Project: Hiring an Experienced Head Coach
Overall Grade: A-
It's hard to know what sort of window the Las Vegas Raiders have with 73-year-old head coach Pete Carroll. However, it's easy to think that Las Vegas can field a competitive team this season and over the next few.
Having won both a Super Bowl and a national championship, Carroll has achieved more coaching success than any head coach the Raiders have employed this century.
For a franchise that has failed to find sustained success over the past two decades, Carroll and general manager John Spytek—who comes from a largely successful Tampa Bay Buccaneers front office—provide hope. Las Vegas' moves in free agency and the draft should provide early results.
The Raiders moved quickly to find a starting-caliber quarterback, trading for Geno Smith and reuniting him with Carroll. They then used free agency to plug holes on a defense that ranked 25th in points allowed last season.
In the draft, the Raiders added a pair of offensive difference-makers in Ashton Jeanty and Jack Bech. Jeanty, in particular, has the potential to reshape Las Vegas' offensive identity.
"Jeanty is a high-volume and playmaking running back," Dame Parson of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "Between his bowling ball-esque frame and ELITE contact balance, Jeanty's game translates incredibly well to the NFL."
Suddenly, Las Vegas has an offense headlined by Smith, Jeanty, Bech, Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers that can go head-to-head with just about any other unit in the NFL. It's defense should be better too, and the Raiders ensure that Maxx Crosby will continue to be its centerpiece after locking him up with a three-year extension.
A year after being the only AFC West team to miss the playoffs, the Raiders are ready to make a legitimate run at the postseason.
Los Angeles Chargers
18 of 32
Key Additions/Re-Signings: EDGE Khalil Mack (Re-Signed), OG Mekhi Becton, RB Najee Harris
Key Draft Additions: RB Omarion Hampton, WR Tre Harris, DL Jamaree Caldwell
Key Departures: EDGE Joey Bosa, WR Josh Palmer, CB Kristian Fulton
Free Agency/Trade Grade: C
Draft Grade: B+
EC Project: Improving Justin Herbert's Supporting Cast
Overall Grade: B
The Los Angeles Chargers weren't exactly a surprise team in 2024, as many expected new head coach Jim Harbaugh to have an immediate and positive impact on the franchise.
That's exactly what we saw, as L.A. leaned on a physical ground game and its top-ranked scoring defense to make a run to the postseason. Of course, having a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback in Justin Herbert helped, even if he largely played the game-manager role last season.
This year, the Chargers should be a much more balanced team that highlights Herbert's status as an upper-echelon franchise quarterback. This is because the Chargers used plenty of offseason capital to improve Herbert's supporting cast.
Los Angeles' new-look backfield of Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton will keep things rolling on the ground, while guard Mekhi Becton should be the final piece of L.A.'s powerful offensive line.
With Becton now in the fold, the Chargers line boasts four former first-round picks in starting positions.
The Chargers also upgraded their receiving corps by bringing back Mike Williams and drafting Tre Harris in the second round. Those two should complement 2024 rookie Ladd McConkey well and give the Chargers a bit more offensive flexibility.
"Harris profiles as a strong possession receiver with good run-after-catch ability," Dame Parson of the B/R Scouting Department wrote of Harris. "He is alignment versatile and can play all three wide receiver positions effectively."
While the Chargers did part with Joey Bosa, lost cornerback Kristian Fulton and haven't re-signed cornerback Asante Samuel Jr., their defense should be close to what it was a year ago. With the offense poised to be much better, Los Angeles looms as a legitimate threat in the AFC West.
Los Angeles Rams
19 of 32
Key Additions/Re-Signings: WR Davante Adams, OT Alaric Jackson (Re-Signed), DT Poona Ford
Key Draft Additions: TE Terrance Ferguson, EDGE Josaiah Stewart, RB Jarquez Hunter
Key Departures: OG Jonah Jackson, WR Cooper Kupp, OG Mekhi Becton, EDGE Michael Hoecht
Free Agency/Trade Grade: C+
Draft Grade: B+
EC Project: Working Things Out With Matthew Stafford
Overall Grade: B
The Los Angeles Rams experienced a down season in 2022, due in large part to injuries. However, they've been back in the playoffs in each of the past two seasons and worked to keep their playoff window open this offseason.
The biggest move Los Angeles made was working out a new deal with quarterback Matthew Stafford. After initially allowing the 37-year-old to speak with other teams about a contract, the Rams reached a new agreement with the future Hall of Famer.
That agreement was finalized after the draft. According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, Stafford will now receive $84 million over the final two years of his contract instead of the $58 million he was due to make previously.
Keeping Stafford in the fold was the key to L.A. having a successful offseason. The Rams have a terrific supporting cast, and Sean McVay is a wonderfully creative head coach, but Stafford makes the offense hum.
Of course, the Rams didn't stop with bringing back Stafford. They replaced the oft-injured Cooper Kupp with Davante Adams at receiver, re-signed starting left tackle Alaric Jackson and added Poona Ford to an already impressive defensive front.
General manager Les Snead then did some wheeling and dealing in the draft, netting a 2026 first-round pick by flipping the 26th and 101st picks to the Falcons for the 46th and 242nd picks.
Snead still managed to add a couple of likely contributors in Terrance Ferguson and Josaiah Stewart during the draft. That extra 2026 first-rounder could also come in handy if it looks like Stafford may be ready to call it a career next offseason.
Miami Dolphins
20 of 32
Key Additions/Re-Signings: OG James Daniels, CB Kader Kohou (Re-Signed), S Ifeatu Melifonwu, QB Zach Wilson
Key Draft Additions: DL Kenneth Grant, IOL Jonah Savaiinaea
Key Departures: S Jevon Holland, DT Calais Campbell, OG Robert Jones
Free Agency/Trade Grade: D+
Draft Grade: C
EC Project: Focusing on the Trenches
Overall Grade: D+
We can only judge things on paper, but it sure feels like the Miami Dolphins had a poor offseason.
Miami did add quality players like James Daniels Kenneth Grant and Jonah Savaiinaea to its offensive and defensive lines. That's a positive because the Dolphins lacked physicality on both sides of the ball over the last couple of years.
However, Miami reached for Grant at No. 13 overall—he was the 26th-ranked prospect on the final B/R board—and Daniels is coming off of a torn Achilles that he suffered in Week 4.
And, unfortunately, that's about all the Dolphins accomplished this offseason. They did add former draft bust Zach Wilson to back-up oft-injured quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, but there's no guarantee he'll be an upgrade over Tyler Huntley, who started five games for the Dolphins in 2025.
Wilson has a career passer rating of just 73.2.
The Dolphins lost standout safety Jevon Holland and pass-rusher Calais Campbell and they're still actively in the process of trying to trade cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
"Whenever it happens, we will make the deal at the appropriate time," general manager Chris Grier said of a Ramsey trade after the draft, per Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.
It's impossible to think that Miami has made up ground on the Bills in the AFC East, and it wouldn't be a total surprise if the Dolphins are no longer the second-best team in the division.
In what should be a pivotal year for both Tagovailoa and head coach Mike McDaniel, the Dolphins may have actually gotten worse.
Minnesota Vikings
21 of 32
Key Additions/Re-Signings: DT Jonathan Allen, DT Javon Hargrave, OG Will Fries, C Ryan Kelly.
Key Draft Additions: OL Donovan Jackson, WR Tai Felton
Key Departures: QB Sam Darnold, S Camryn Bynum, OT Cam Robinson
Free Agency/Trade Grade: B-
Draft Grade: C+
EC Project: Committing to J.J. McCarthy
Overall Grade: B-
The Minnesota Vikings won 14 games last season with Sam Darnold behind center. Yet, the franchise made the difficult decision to let Darnold depart in free agency and move forward with 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy at quarterback.
It couldn't have been an easy call, as McCarthy suffered a season-ending knee injury last preseason and never got the opportunity to prove himself during game action. Yet, moving forward with McCarthy was absolutely the right call.
We saw Darnold's ceiling last season, and it wasn't high enough to get Minnesota past the wild-card round. The Vikings let him sign a lucrative contract with the Seattle Seahawks and also avoided the temptation to add another potential stopgap veteran like Aaron Rodgers or former starter Kirk Cousins—who is looking for a trade away from the Falcons.
Instead, the Vikings traded for Sam Howell over draft weekend, which gives them a veteran insurance policy who won't threaten McCarthy's job this season. This is McCarthy's team, and Minnesota now has four years to see what it can build while he's on a rookie contract.
Will McCarthy be an improvement over Darnold in his first season as a starter? Perhaps not, but there are reasons to believe that Minnesota won't be significantly worse in 2025.
Offensive playmakers Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson and Aaron Jones are all back for another go, and Minnesota improved in the trenches by adding the likes of Javon Hargrave, Jonathan Allen, Will Fries, Ryan Kelly and Donovan Jackson.
Minnesota only made five total selections in last month's draft, but it did enough to have what should be considered a successful overall offseason.
New England Patriots
22 of 32
Key Additions/Re-Signings: DT Milton Williams, WR Stefon Diggs, EDGE Harold Landry, C Garrett Bradbury, OT Morgan Moses, CB Carlton Davis III
Key Draft Additions: OL Will Campbell, RB TreVeyon Henderson, WR Kyle Williams, IOL Jared Wilson, S Craig Woodson
Key Departures: DT Davon Godchaux, CB Jonathan Jones, QB Jacoby Brissett
Free Agency/Trade Grade: A-
Draft Grade: A+
EC Project: Bringing Back Mike Vrabel
Overall Grade: A+
It's entirely fair to say that head coach Jerod Mayo never got a fair opportunity in New England. However, it's also fair to say that hiring Mike Vrabel as soon as possible was a brilliant move by the Patriots.
Vrabel, after all, knows the Patriots Way as well as anyone, having spent eight seasons with the franchise as a player. He's also a proven head coach who helped the Tennessee Titans make three playoff appearances in six seasons.
Hiring Vrabel kicked off what might be the most impressive offseason of any team in 2025. Vrabel and executive vice president Eliot Wolfe added multiple impact players in both free agency and the draft.
While the Patriots may have taken an unnecessary risk in signing Stefon Diggs, who is coming off of a torn ACL. However, players like Milton Williams, Garrett Bradbury, Carlton Davis, Harold Landry, Morgan Moses, Will Campbell and TreVeyon Henderson should all boost New England's roster immediately.
In some ways, this feels a lot like New England's 2021 offseason, which saw an aggressive approach in free agency yield a playoff season with rookie quarterback Mac Jones behind center.
However, the Patriots have already seen more from second-year quarterback Drake Maye than they ever saw from Jones, and they haven't simply added pieces for a one-year run.
New England has its quarterback, and it has given him a supporting cast that is significantly better than it was in the early spring. Don't be surprised if the Patriots make a push for the playoffs in 2025.
New Orleans Saints
23 of 32
Key Additions/Re-Signings: EDGE Chase Young (Re-Signed), S Justin Reid, TE Juwan Johnson (Re-Signed)
Key Draft Additions: OL Kelvin Banks Jr., QB Tyler Shough, DL Vernon Broughton, S Jonas Sanker
Key Departures: QB Derek Carr (Retirement), CB Paulson Adebo, WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling, S Will Harris
Free Agency/Trade Grade: F
Draft Grade: D+
EC Project: Not Waiting on Derek Carr to Make a QB Move
Overall Grade: D-
The New Orleans Saints find themselves in a tough spot following the retirement of quarterback Derek Carr. Of course, the Saints already knew that they might not have Carr in 2025 because of a shoulder injury, which is why they were smart to jump on rookie quarterback Tyler Shough in the early second round.
Shough should carry more upside than the other young quarterbacks on New Orleans' roster, Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener. He'll at least make the quarterback competition a bit more interesting for first-year head coach Kellen Moore.
However, Shough carries durability concerns, and the Saints reached heavily for Kelvin Banks Jr. in the early first round. Tackle was a need, but the Saints could have found better value in the top 10 than Banks, who was the 33rd-ranked prospect on the final B/R board. Their so-so draft weekend followed an even more underwhelming stint in free agency.
"It wasn’t all terrible—the team retained long-term defenders like edge-rusher Cameron Jordan and safety Tyrann Mathieu on reasonable deals, but overpaying for average talents like Young and Johnson isn’t going to fix the Saints’ whacked-out cap situation," Davenport wrote while giving New Orleans an "F" for its early offseason.
On a positive note, Carr's retirement should help give the Saints a completely fresh start after years of kicking contracts down the road and trying to trying to tread water as a borderline playoff team.
New York Giants
24 of 32
Key Additions/Re-Signings: CB Paulson Adebo, QB Russell Wilson, S Jevon Holland, QB Jameis Winston
Key Draft Additions: EDGE Abdul Carter, QB Jaxson Dart, DL Darius Alexander
Key Departures: EDGE Azeez Ojulari, S Jason Pinnock, CB Adoree Jackson
Free Agency/Trade Grade: A-
Draft Grade: A
EC Project: Creating a Plan at Quarterback
Overall Grade: A
With the New York Giants be good enough to save the jobs of Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen in 2025? Maybe not, but it doesn't change the fact that New York had a terrific offseason.
The Giants decided to move on from quarterback Daniel Jones last season, and they took a two-step approach to replacing him this offseason. They added veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston before trading back into Round 1 to snag Mississippi signal-caller Jaxson Dart.
If Dart is ready to start at some point during his rookie season, great. If not, New York should be able to get serviceable play out of Wilson and/or Winston while the rookie sits and learns.
While Dart is considered a relatively unpolished prospect, he does carry an intriguing amount of upside.
Of course, Daboll and Schoen didn't stop with addressing the quarterback issue. They added several players who can help improve the roster immediately. Paulson Adebo and Jevon Holland should both start in the secondary, while rookie third overall pick Abdul Carter should partner with Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns to form a terrific pass rush.
On paper, the Giants are better than they were a year ago. They should have a respectable defense in 2025 while evaluating the quarterback position and continuing to develop young players like Thibodeaux, Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Malik Nabers.
Just don't expect New York go challenge Philadelphia in the NFC East this season.
New York Jets
25 of 32
Key Additions/Re-Signings: QB Justin Fields, LB Jamien Sherwood (Re-Signed), CB Brandon Stephens
Key Draft Additions: OT Armand Membou, TE Mason Taylor, CB Azareye'h Thomas
Key Departures: QB Aaron Rodgers, WR Davante Adams, CB D.J. Reed, DT Javon Kinlaw
Free Agency/Trade Grade: D+
Draft Grade: B
EC Project: Pulling the Plug on Rodgers
Overall Grade: C
The best thing the New York Jets did this offseason was stop pretending that they're only a piece or two away from Super Bowl contention. Adding players like Aaron Rodgers, Mike Williams and Davante Adams over the past couple of years did nothing to turn New York into a contender.
The Jets actually won two fewer games in 2024 than they did in either 2023 or 2022.
Ripping off the proverbial Band-Aid and parting with Rodgers and Adams was the right call for the Jets. They're eyeing a fresh start under new head coach Aaron Glenn, and they did not need Rodgers potentially undermining the new regime.
Will the Jets be more competitive in 2025 without Rodgers? That remains to be seen, but the 41-year-old was never going to be a long-term answer for the franchise. Free-agent addition Justin Fields might be, even though he's only shown glimpses during his time in the NFL.
While New York lost several quality veterans in free agency, including Rodgers, Adams, D.J. Reed and Javon Kinlaw, tearing down the roster is a necessary step in any significant rebuild. New general manager Darren Mougey added some potential long-term building blocks like Armand Membou and Mason Taylor in the draft.
This will likely be a transition season in New York, which is a good thing. The Jets desperately need to get something right at quarterback, and if Fields doesn't prove to be an answer, the team should be poised to make a run at a QB prospect early in the 2026 draft.
Philadelphia Eagles
26 of 32
Key Additions/Re-Signings: OT Lane Johnson (Extension), LB Zack Baun (Re-Signed), OG Kenyon Green
Key Draft Additions: LB Jihaad Campbell, S Andrew Mukuba, DL Ty Robinson
Key Departures: DT Milton Williams, EDGE Josh Sweat, OG Mekhi Becton, S C.J. Gardner-Johnson (Trade)
Free Agency/Trade Grade: C+
Draft Grade: A
EC Project: Promoting From Within
Overall Grade: B
As is often the case for teams that win the Super Bowl, the Eagles lost a few key contributors this offseason. They traded safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson while losing Milton Williams, Josh Sweat and Mekhi Becton in free agency.
Philly did, however, manage to re-sign linebacker Zack Baun and extend offensive tackle Lane Johnson.
General manager Howie Roseman doubled down on the linebacker position by using a first-round pick on Jihaad Campbell. Andrew Mukuba and Ty Robinson were also drafted to help backfill Philadelphia's offseason departures.
Perhaps the biggest departure, however, was that of offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who left to become the Saints' head coach. Moore and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio helped Philly right the proverbial ship in 2025 after a double-coordinator change sunk it the previous season.
The Eagles still employ Fangio and promoted passing game coordinator Kevin Patullo to replace Moore. This should help maintain some continuity, as Patullo has long had a role in the offensive game planning.
"I can’t tell you that I make a decision without saying to Kevin first, ‘What do you think?’ head coach Nick Sirianni said, per the Associated Press. "That’s in everything. That’s in-game, out of game, with scheduling, that’s with offensive stuff, that’s with game-management stuff. I lean on him a lot."
The Eagles have done an excellent job of preparing for the future via the draft, and while they may take a slight step backward in 2025, they shouldn't fall completely flat as they did after losing coordinators Jonathan Gannon and Shane Steichen in 2023.
Pittsburgh Steelers
27 of 32
Key Additions/Re-Signings: WR DK Metcalf (Trade), QB Mason Rudolph, RB Jaylen Warren (Re-Signed)
Key Draft Additions: DL Derrick Harmon, RB Kaleb Johnson, EDGE Jack Sawyer
Key Departures: QB Russell Wilson, QB Justin Fields, OT Dan Moore, WR George Pickens (Trade)
Free Agency/Trade Grade: F
Draft Grade: C
EC Project: Keeping the Door Open for Aaron Rodgers
Overall Grade: D
The Steelers have never experienced a losing season under head coach Mike Tomlin. That's unlikely to change in 2025, but it doesn't feel like Pittsburgh is poised to be a Super Bowl contender either.
Pittsburgh's offseason will be defined by former Packers and Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and whether he ever signs a contract with the Steelers. The 41-year-old has visited the team's facilities and appears to be the team's Plan A at quarterback. However, he has yet to announce whether he'll even play this season.
ESPN's Adam Schefter believes that Rodgers will make a decision before Pittsburgh's mandatory minicamp in June.
"I would think that we would get a decision from Aaron Rodgers shortly before then about whether or not he should play," Schefter said on the Unsportsmanlike podcast (h/t Mike Fisher of Athalon Sports. "To me, you can't miss that mandatory minicamp where you start gearing up. I guess you can, but that's not ideal."
Even if Rodgers agrees to start for the Steelers in 2025, that's not ideal. He may have more left in the tank than he showed with the Jets last season, but he's still no long-term answer at the game's most important position. And the Steelers, it would seem, don't really have one.
Pittsburgh did bring back Mason Rudolph and take a sixth-round flier on Will Howard. However, the Steelers had chances to retain Justin Fields or draft a quarterback early and passed.
It's also hard to see Pittsburgh's roster being markedly better in 2025. Rookies Derrick Harmon, Kaleb Johnson and Jack Sawyer all fit the Steelers culture and can contribute immediately. However, the Steelers essentially replaced Larry Ogunjobi with Harmon, Najee Harris with Johnson and George Pickens with DK Metcalf.
If Rodgers ultimately decides not to play for the Steelers this season, Pittsburgh could be decidedly worse than it was a year ago and finally flirt with a sub-.500 record.
San Francisco 49ers
28 of 32
Key Additions/Re-Signings: TE Luke Farrell, WR Demarcus Robinson, FB Kyle Juszczyk (Re-Signed)
Key Draft Additions: EDGE Mykel Williams, DL Alfred Collins, LB Nick Martin, CB Upton Stout
Key Departures: WR Deebo Samuel (Trade), OG Aaron Banks, CB Charvarius Ward, LB Dre Greenlaw, S Talanoa Hufanga, Javon Hargrave
Free Agency/Trade Grade: F
Draft Grade: C+
EC Project: Bringing Back DC Robert Saleh
Overall Grade: D
While the San Francisco 49ers may not be looking to tear things down and initiate a rebuild, that certainly felt like the plan in the early offseason. General manager John Lynch traded Deebo Samuel, cut Javon Hargrave, and allowed key contributors like Aaron Banks, Charvarius Ward, Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga to depart in free agency.
In other words, the 49ers roster got decidedly worse between the start of free agency and the draft.
The 49ers added 11 total players in the draft, and some of them may emerge as long-term building blocks. However, rookie first-round pick Mykel Williams is likely to be a project, and it's hard to envision San Francisco's rookie class pushing the team back into Super Bowl contention—though players like Williams and Nick Martin will likely see early playing time.
Of course, the 49ers may return to the playoff picture with better injury luck, and bringing back Robert Saleh was a brilliant move. After he departed to take the Jets job in 2021, the 49ers struggled to maintain defensive consistency. Having him back could solve quite a few issues on that side of the ball.
Are the 49ers better than they were a couple of months ago? No, but they had to do some tearing down in order to afford the inevitable contract extension for quarterback Brock Purdy. Hopefully, paying Purdy won't cripple the 49ers moving forward.
Seattle Seahawks
29 of 32
Key Additions/Re-Signings: QB Sam Darnold, WR Cooper Kupp, EDGE Demarcus Lawrence
Key Draft Additions: IOL Grey Zabel, S Nick Emmanwori, TE Elijah Arroyo, QB Jalen Milroe
Key Departures: QB Geno Smith (Trade), WR DK Metcalf (Trade), DT Dre’Mont Jones
Free Agency/Trade Grade: C
Draft Grade: B
EC Project: Making Bold Moves at QB
Overall Grade: C+
It would seem that the Seahawks are attempting the difficult balancing act of reloading the roster while also trying to stay competitive.
Seattle released longtime receiver Tyler Lockett and traded both starting quarterback Geno Smith and star receiver DK Metcalf. The team then took a $100.5 million flier on quarterback Sam Darnold, signing him to a three-year deal in free agency, and added Cooper Kupp to the receiving corps.
While betting on Darnold may seem like a big gamble, it's really not. If the 2024 Pro Bowler flops, the Seahawks can release him with a post-June 1 designation next offseason and save $27.5 million in cap space. If Darnold replicates last year's success, he's more likely to be Seattle's long-term quarterback solution than Smith, who will turn 35 in October.
The Seahawks also took a flier on former Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe in the draft. He'll be a project at the NFL level, but he has elite dual-threat upside, which will appeal to head coach Mike Macdonald, who spent two seasons with Lamar Jackson in Baltimore.
Seattle also drafted potential rookie starters in Grey Zabel and Nick Emmanwori, and both have the potential to be long-term building blocks.
Replacing Smith with Darnold is risky, but it makes plenty of sense from a long-term perspective. Macdonald now has a chance to develop "his guy," and if that isn't Darnold, it might eventually be Milroe. It was never likely to be Smith, at least, not for more than another season or two.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
30 of 32
Key Additions/Re-Signings: WR Chris Godwin (Re-Signed), EDGE Haason Reddick, LB Lavonte David (Re-Signed)
Key Draft Additions: WR Emeka Egbuka, CB Benjamin Morrison, CB Jacob Parrish
Key Departures: C Robert Hainsey, EDGE Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, OT Justin Skule
Free Agency/Trade Grade: B-
Draft Grade: A
EC Project: Promoting From Within
Overall Grade: B+
It's fairly easy to like what the Tampa Bay Buccaneers did this offseason. General manager Jason Licht once again prioritized keeping key players like Chris Godwin and Lavonte David, and he added Emeka Egbuka in the first round to help the Bucs navigate Godwin's recovery from a season-ending ankle injury.
The Buccaneers didn't ignore a defense that ranked just 18th overall last season either. Haason Reddick should boost the pass rush significantly, and cornerbacks Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish will both have opportunities to contribute early.
In other words, Tampa's 29th-ranked pass defense should be better, while it's third-ranked offense should be as good as it was a year ago if not even more potent. The promotion of passing game coordinator Josh Grizzard to offensive coordinator should help maintain continuity on the offensive side of the ball.
Grizzard's promotion might be an overlooked piece of the Buccaneers offseason, but it's an important one. For the second straight season, the Bucs have lost their offensive coordinator to another team's head coaching vacancy. This means that quarterback Baker Mayfield will have only had the same offensive coordinator in two of his first nine NFL seasons.
However, Grizzard played a big role in the Bucs offense under Liam Coen last season and has the confidence of his players.
"Grizz knows [this system] like the back of his hand," left tackle Tristan Wirfs said, per ESPN's Jenna Laine. "He's a wizard. ... He knows what to do. He knows what to call."
The familiarity should aid Mayfield, who is coming off of his second straight Pro Bowl campaign, and the Bucs offense in general. While Egbuka is a new addition, most of the team's 2024 offense remains intact.
Tampa should face improved competition from the rest of the NFC South this season, but it should again be considered the favorite heading into training camp.
Tennessee Titans
31 of 32
Key Additions/Re-Signings: OT Dan Moore, OG Kevin Zeitler, DT Dre’Mont Jones, WR Tyler Lockett
Key Draft Additions: QB Cam Ward, EDGE Oluwafemi Oladejo, S Kevin Winston Jr.
Key Departures: EDGE Harold Landry, LB Kenneth Murray (Trade), WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
Free Agency/Trade Grade: C-
Draft Grade: A
EC Project: Finding the QB of the Future
Overall Grade: B-
Look, the Tennessee Titans and new general manager Mike Borgonzi deserve credit for sticking with the No. 1 overall pick and using it on a potential franchise quarterback in Cam Ward.
While Ward may not be a blue-chip prospect in the mold of Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter, he was clearly the top QB prospect in the 2025 class.
"The combination of arm talent, mobility/athleticism, and accuracy is what the NFL is looking for in potential franchise QBs," Dame Parson of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "He has superstar potential if he can cut down on mistakes/risky decisions.
If Ward reaches his NFL ceiling and becomes the franchise quarterback the Titans have long lacked, the rest of their 2025 offseason will largely be forgotten. That will probably be a good thing, as the rest of the offseason has been forgettable.
Tennessee needed help along the offensive line, and while Kevin Zeitler is a solid addition, it's probably a short-term one. Zeitler turned 35 in March.
The Titans also significantly overpaid when signing left tackle Dan Moore Jr. to a four-year, $82 million contract. That's a fair price for a reliable starting tackle, but Moore has not been that during his pro career.
With the Steelers last season, Moore was responsible for 12 sacks allowed, according to Pro Football Focus.
The Titans did add a couple of veteran receivers in Van Jefferson and Tyler Lockett, but the team's receiving corps is still more good than great. A defense that ranked 30th in points allowed last season may only be marginally better in 2025—though it ranked second in yards allowed last season and has potential.
Tennessee has its quarterback, but its roster isn't significantly improved overall. Expect this season to be all about Ward's development and the evaluation of second-year coach Brian Callahan.
Washington Commanders
32 of 32
Key Additions/Re-Signings: WR Deebo Samuel (Trade), OT Laremy Tunsil (Trade), DT Javon Kinlaw, LB Bobby Wagner (Re-Signed)
Key Draft Additions: OT Josh Conerly Jr., CB Trey Amos
Key Departures: DT Jonathan Allen, S Jeremy Chinn, EDGE Dante Fowler Jr.
Free Agency/Trade Grade: B+
Draft Grade: B
EC Project: Building the Offensive Line
Overall Grade: B+
The Commanders rode rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels to an appearance in the NFC title game last season. Unsurprisingly, general manager Adam Peters prioritized Daniels' protection this offseason.
While acquiring Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil did cost Washington four draft picks—a 2025 third-round pick, a 2025 seventh-round pick, a 2026 second-round pick, and a 2026 fourth-round pick—that's a reasonable price for one of the better pass blockers in the game.
Pro Football Focus graded Tunsil as the fourth-best pass blocker among 140 tackles last season. He'll turn 31 in August but should still have several good years ahead of him.
The Commanders added another piece to their offensive line by taking tackle Josh Conerly Jr. That was after Washington got Daniels another weapon by trading for 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel.
While Samuel may not be the Pro Bowl-caliber player he was in 2021, his unique skill set as a runner and receiver will add another interesting wrinkle to Washington's offense in 2025.
"He can put a team on his back and he's gonna present a lot of problems for defenses," Peters said of Samuel on The Pat McAfee Show after the trade.
Defensively, the Commanders added Javon Kinlaw, Deatrich Wise and Eddie Goldman to help reshape the defensive front—Washington ranked 28th in yards per carry allowed last season—and added Will Harris, Jonathan Jones and Trey Amos on the back end.
While Washington only ended up making five draft selections, they used their resources wisely and did improve in a couple of key areas. Most importantly, the Commanders took steps to help protect their biggest asset, Daniels.
Washington won't be taking anyone by surprise in 2025, but they're well equipped to meet their higher expectations head-on.
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