Ranking the 25 Best Moves of the 2026 NFL Offseason

After two headline post-June 1 trades, it's a good time to reflect on an eventful offseason.

A Super Bowl-winning offensive coordinator will take on a new challenge as a head coach. Top running backs found new homes in free agency. Several teams made aggressive moves during the draft or picked up potential steals.

So, where do these hires and roster acquisitions rank among offseason moves?

Here's a top-25 list of the best ones so far this year.

These selections are ranked based on the potential impact on the short and long term. 

Of course, a roster addition or coaching hire that helps a team get closer to the ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl holds more weight than a rookie draft pick with a blank pro resume. This also highlights favorable value on signings and trade returns.

No. 25-No. 21: Best Value Acquisitions

AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

Michael Pittman Jr.

Browns Pick Up Another 2027 1st-Round Pick

Cleveland Browns fans should feel sick about the team trading Myles Garrett, but general manager Andrew Berry received two-time Pro Bowl edge-rusher Jared Verse and three draft picks, including a first-rounder in next year's draft, in return for him. The 2027 class could be elite, and if the Browns play their cards right, they'll add two rookies who could be cornerstone players.

Commanders Sign Edge K'Lavon Chaisson 

The Washington Commanders' prized free-agent pickup is Odafe Oweh, who signed a four-year, $96 million contract. K'Lavon Chaisson posted comparable 2025 pass-rushing numbers to Oweh's, finishing with the same number of sacks (7.5) and one fewer pressure. Yet he signed a one-year, $11 million contract. Chaisson is a free-agent steal who will shine on a prove-it deal.

Giants Sign TE Isaiah Likely 

As more details emerge about Pro Bowl wideout Malik Nabers' complicated recovery from a torn ACL, Isaiah Likely becomes more valuable to the New York Giants offense. Head coach John Harbaugh told reporters the team doesn't have a timetable for Nabers' return. Likely could be Big Blue's lead pass-catcher in the first month or so of the season.

Titans Sign DE John Franklin-Myers 

John Franklin-Myers doesn't have any Pro Bowl or All-Pro seasons on his resume, but he's one of the most productive versatile defensive linemen who can play in even and odd-man fronts. The 29-year-old logged at least seven sacks in consecutive seasons. Now, he reunites with defensive-minded head coach Robert Saleh, who was his lead skipper with the New York Jets. Franklin-Myers and Jeffery Simmons will be a game-wrecking interior duo.

Steelers Acquire WR Michael Pittman Jr. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers traded a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Indianapolis Colts for Michael Pittman Jr. and a 2026 seventh-rounder. They also signed him to a three-year, $59 million extension, which isn't breaking the bank. In terms of trade value, the Steelers won this deal, acquiring a wideout who has eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards twice in six seasons. Pittsburgh significantly upgraded its No. 2 receiver spot, which will help Aaron Rodgers in his final NFL season.

No. 20-No. 16: Battle-Tested Veterans Going to Playoff Contenders

AP Photo/Jeff Chiu

Mike Evans

Eagles Trade for Edge Jonathan Greenard 

Once again, Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman found a way to strengthen his team at the line of scrimmage. He sent 2026 and 2027 third-rounders to the Minnesota Vikings for a 2026 seventh-round pick and Jonathan Greenard, who logged 12-plus sacks in 2023 and 2024. If he bounces back from an injury-riddled 2025 campaign, the 29-year-old will lead the Eagles in sacks this year.

49ers Sign WR Mike Evans 

When you consider Ricky Pearsall's extensive injury history and Brandon Aiyuk's imminent departure (h/t Bay Area News Group's Cam Inman), the San Francisco 49ers signed their new No. 1 wide receiver in Mike Evans. The 32-year-old missed nine games because of injuries last year, but if that was a blip rather than a trend of more ailments to come, he'll be back over 1,000 receiving yards for a 12th season.

Chiefs Sign RB Kenneth Walker III

While Patrick Mahomes works his way back from a torn ACL, the Kansas City Chiefs must design an offense that takes pressure off him with their shaky wide receiver group and tight end Travis Kelce entering his age-37 term. The Chiefs could allot 15-16 carries per game to Kenneth Walker III until Mahomes looks like himself again.

Bears Sign S Coby Bryant

In free agency, the Chicago Bears lost three-time All-Pro Kevin Byard, but they signed a 27-year-old ascending ball hawk in Coby Bryant. He played a key role in the Seattle Seahawks' Super Bowl-winning defense, recording four interceptions and seven pass breakups while allowing one touchdown and a 54 passer rating in coverage. For comparison, Byard allowed seven touchdowns and a 98.6 passer rating last year. The Bears upgrade at safety.

Rams Trade for CB Trent McDuffie 

The Los Angeles Rams had a glaring weakness in their secondary, and they addressed it immediately this offseason by acquiring Trent McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs in March. McDuffie is an All-Pro cornerback who can line up on the boundary and in the slot. He'll bolster a pass defense that ranked 19th in yards allowed last season.

No. 15-No. 11: Rookies Who Will Make a Significant Immediate Impact

AP Photo/John Amis

Carnell Tate

Eagles Trade Up for WR Makai Lemon

Based on the timing of the Philadelphia Eagles sending wideout A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots, general manager Howie Roseman probably knew he would make the move once the 2026 dead cap hit dropped from $43.3 million to $16.4 million to trade him post-June 1. So, his move up three spots for Makai Lemon makes sense, especially when few thought the USC product would be available at No. 20.

Titans Draft WR Carnell Tate 

In 2025, the Tennessee Titans watched quarterback Cam Ward struggle throwing to Calvin Ridley and two fourth-round wide receivers, Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike. In order to help him make Year 2 strides, they took the first wide receiver in this year's draft at No. 4. Ward praised Carnell Tate's reliable hands and his ability to consistently beat man coverage (h/t Nashville Post's John Glennon). The Ohio State product is an Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate.

Jets Draft David Bailey Over Arvell Reese 

With the Las Vegas Raiders expected to take Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick, the New York Jets had a tough decision between top pass-rushing prospect David Bailey and a versatile standout defender in Arvell Reese. After trading Jermaine Johnson II to the Tennessee Titans, Gang Green made the right move to fill a void in its pass rush rather than figure out where Reese would fit in the defense.

Cowboys Trade Up for S Caleb Downs 

Bleacher Report's scouting department ranked Caleb Downs as the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2026 class. Likely because he plays a non-premium position, the Ohio State product fell out of the top 10, and the Dallas Cowboys moved up one spot for the two-time unanimous All-American. Dallas had to revamp its defense, which gave up the most points and second-most yards last year. Downs has the intangibles and versatility to reform one of the league's worst defensive units.

Buccaneers Draft Edge Rueben Bain Jr.

If not David Bailey, draft analysts considered Rueben Bain Jr. the best pure passing-rushing prospect in this year's class. Critics have concerns about his 30 ⅞" arm length, but his steady collegiate production at Miami (33.5 tackles for loss and 20.5 sacks) shows he knows how to use his physical tools to win on the edge. At No. 15, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted a motivated top edge-rushing prospect who heard all the naysayers doubt him. He may be the biggest steal of the 2026 draft.

No. 10-No. 6: Coaches and Skill Players Who Will Elevate Offenses

AP Photo/Charles Krupa

A.J. Brown

Saints Sign RB Travis Etienne Jr.

The New Orleans Saints can change the complexion of their ascending offense with Travis Etienne Jr. After sitting out his 2021 rookie campaign with a Lisfranc injury, he racked up 1,300-plus scrimmage yards and rushed for over 1,000 yards in three of the following four seasons. Etienne should be the focal point of head coach Kellen Moore's offense. Moore has fielded a top-nine rushing attack in three of the last five years.

Broncos Acquire WR Jaylen Waddle

The Denver Broncos traded a first-rounder, a third-rounder and a fourth-rounder in this year's draft for Jaylen Waddle and a 2026 fourth-round pick. With Courtland Sutton entering his age-31 season, the Broncos added a receiver who can lead their aerial attack over the next five seasons and grow alongside third-year quarterback Bo Nix. Under offensive-minded head coach Sean Payton, Waddle's best years may be ahead of him.

Patriots Trade for WR A.J. Brown 

We all saw this move coming, though it's still impactful. With an average receiver group, quarterback Drake Maye finished second in 2025 MVP voting, throwing for 4,394 yards, 31 touchdowns and eight interceptions with a league-leading 72 percent completion rate. Expect him to top those numbers with A.J. Brown, his new No. 1 wideout, who averages 15.3 yards per catch.

Chargers Hire OC Mike McDaniel

Mike McDaniel will improve the Los Angeles Chargers' ground attack. He'll also bring creativity and fully utilize the personnel's speed. Under his tutelage, the Miami Dolphins ranked sixth in rushing, and Tua Tagovailoa led the league with 4,624 passing yards for the 2023 term. In a balanced offense, quarterback Justin Herbert and running back Omarion Hampton could be in line for a big year.

Titans Hire OC Brian Daboll 

Brian Daboll has a history of getting the most out of athletic quarterbacks and his No. 1 receivers. In his offense, Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs made their first Pro Bowls. He helped Malik Nabers become a rookie Pro Bowler and led the New York Giants to the playoffs with Daniel Jones as his quarterback. He's the reason to buy the Tennessee Titans as a surprise playoff team this year.

No. 5-No. 1: Franchise and Season-Altering Moves

AP Photo/Kyusung Gong

Rams general manager Les Snead (left), Myles Garrett (middle) and Sean McVay (right).

Raiders Hire HC Klint Kubiak 

The Las Vegas Raiders' hiring of Klint Kubiak could be somewhat comparable to the Chicago Bears' hiring of Ben Johnson last offseason. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza doesn't have a year of experience as Caleb Williams did, but Las Vegas has an innovative play-calling head coach who's coming off a Super Bowl victory with the third-ranked scoring offense. Kubiak can optimize the talent of All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers and 2025 first-round running back Ashton Jeanty right away. 

Giants Hire HC John Harbaugh 

John Harbaugh established a winning culture with the Baltimore Ravens for nearly two decades and won a Super Bowl in the 2012 campaign. Sure, his teams had disappointing playoff losses with two-time league MVP Lamar Jackson, but he'll immediately raise the New York Giants' standards. Big Blue has two playoff appearances (one postseason win) since its successful 2011 Super Bowl run.

Vikings Sign QB Kyler Murray 

Nothing changes the trajectory of a football team like an upgrade at quarterback. The Minnesota Vikings will likely pivot from third-year signal-caller J.J. McCarthy to two-time Pro Bowler Kyler Murray. In recent years, Murray has battled injuries. If healthy, he could rediscover his Pro Bowl form under head coach Kevin O'Connell, who helped Sam Darnold's career resurgence.

Raiders Sign C Tyler Linderbaum 

You can make the case that the Las Vegas Raiders had the best offensive signing of the offseason, locking three-time Pro Bowler Tyler Linderbaum into a three-year, $81 million deal. In 2015, the Raiders signed center Rodney Hudson, who played a big role in solidifying a top offensive line group dubbed (Derek) Carr Insurance. Linderbaum can do the same for a unit that will eventually protect No. 1 pick, Fernando Mendoza.

Rams Acquire Edge Myles Garrett

The Los Angeles Rams pulled off the biggest blockbuster trade of the offseason so far. They swapped edge-rusher Jared Verse, a 2027 first-rounder, a 2028 second-rounder and a conditional 2029 third-rounder for Myles Garrett. The Rams have reigning league MVP Matthew Stafford leading the No. 1 scoring and total offense from 2025. Now, they have the all-time single-season sack leader in his prime. This move is so good that Aaron Donald is thinking about coming out of retirement.

College football statistics are provided by cfbstats.com. 

Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.