The NFL offseason moves of 2026: An expert's perspective
The NFL offseason is a time of strategic maneuvering, where teams aim to strengthen their rosters and position themselves for success. This year, several teams made bold moves that could shape their future. Here's a breakdown of some of the most notable transactions, along with my analysis and commentary.
Arizona Cardinals: Hiring Mike LaFleur as HC
Hiring an offensive-minded head coach is a smart move for any team, and the Cardinals made a solid choice in Mike LaFleur. While his success is uncertain, he brings creativity and potential excitement to a team in dire need of a boost. This move could be a game-changer for the Cardinals' future.
Atlanta Falcons: Being honest about their situation
The Falcons' free agent moves indicate a focus on short-term deals, which is a strategic approach given their quarterback-rich draft and cap space. While this is a transition year, the team's honesty about its situation is refreshing. It's a calculated risk that could pay off in the long run.
Baltimore Ravens: Firing John Harbaugh
The Ravens' decision to part ways with John Harbaugh was a necessary step to reach new heights. The team had stalled under his leadership, and the arrival of a new voice, Jesse Minter, is a welcome change. This move could be a turning point for the Ravens' future success.
Buffalo Bills: Hiring Jim Leonhard as DC
The Bills' decision to fire Sean McDermott and promote Joe Brady was a head-scratching move, but bringing in Jim Leonhard was a smart counter. Leonhard's experience with the Broncos' defense and his role in Josh Allen's playoff exit make him a valuable addition. This move could improve the Bills' defense and provide a fresh perspective.
Carolina Panthers: Delaying the Bryce Young decision
The Panthers' decision to delay the Bryce Young decision is a cautious approach. With the high cost of quarterbacks, Carolina might be better off dealing with uncertainty than committing to a costly mistake. This move could be a strategic move to avoid financial strain.
Chicago Bears: Trading away WR DJ Moore
The Bears' decision to trade away DJ Moore made sense from both a monetary and team standpoint. With a new supporting cast, including Luther Burden III, Rome Odunze, and Colston Loveland, the Bears are building a strong foundation. The trade also brought in a second-round pick, a smart move for future draft capital.
Cincinnati Bengals: Trading for Dexter Lawrence
The Bengals' focus on defense is evident in their free agency and draft choices. Trading for Dexter Lawrence is a bold move to strengthen their defense, which allowed the second-most yards per game last season. Lawrence's presence could be a game-changer for the Bengals' defense.
Cleveland Browns: Not skipping steps in the rebuild
The Browns' decision to draft a quarterback in the future and focus on the trenches is a disciplined approach. By working on the supporting cast and drafting a quarterback next year, they are building a stable foundation. This move ensures a brighter future for the team.
Dallas Cowboys: Trading up to draft Caleb Downs
The Cowboys' strategy of fixing the defense without breaking the bank is commendable. Caleb Downs is a potential star, and this move could be a game-changer for the team's defense. It's a calculated risk that could pay off in the long run.
Denver Broncos: Trading for WR Jaylen Waddle
The Broncos' decision to trade for Jaylen Waddle was a necessary move to improve their offense. With Sean Payton's creative approach, Waddle's explosiveness and ability to make plays after the catch will be a valuable addition. This move could open up the offense and boost the team's success.
Detroit Lions: Hiring Mike Kafka as passing game coordinator
The Lions' decision to hire Mike Kafka as passing game coordinator is a strategic move. With the offense struggling after Ben Johnson's departure, Kafka's creative approach could bring the team back to life. His experience with the Giants' offense makes him a valuable addition.
Green Bay Packers: Extending WR Christian Watson
Extending an often-injured player like Christian Watson is a risky move, but it's a necessary one. Watson's proven ability to be a deep threat and his discount due to injury history make it a worthwhile risk. This move ensures the Packers' future success.
Houston Texans: Trading for RB David Montgomery
The Texans' decision to trade for David Montgomery is a strategic move to improve their offense. By lessening the burden on C.J. Stroud's arm, the team can focus on short gains and improve their overall performance. This move could be a game-changer for the Texans' offense.
Indianapolis Colts: Re-signing WR Alec Pierce
The Colts' decision to re-sign Alec Pierce is a smart move to build on their success. With a bigger role next season, Pierce can continue to grow and contribute to the team's success. This move ensures a stable foundation for the Colts' future.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Signing RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.
The Jaguars' decision to sign Chris Rodriguez Jr. is an under-the-radar move that could pay off. With no clear RB1 and the loss of Travis Etienne, Rodriguez's experience and complementary role make him a valuable addition. This move could be a game-changer for the Jaguars' offense.
Kansas City Chiefs: Signing Kenneth Walker III
The Chiefs' decision to sign Kenneth Walker III is a strategic move to improve their offense. With the running back committee struggling, Walker's presence could open up the passing attack and boost the team's success. This move ensures a more balanced offense.
Las Vegas Raiders: Signing OL Tyler Linderbaum
The Raiders' decision to sign Tyler Linderbaum is a necessary move to improve their trenches. With a massive free agent deal, Linderbaum's presence ensures the team's stability and success. This move is a smart investment for the Raiders' future.
Los Angeles Chargers: Hiring Mike McDaniel for OC
The Chargers' decision to hire Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator is a game-changer. With his creativity and ability to utilize motion and speed, McDaniel will build an offense around Justin Herbert. This move could significantly raise the Chargers' ceiling in 2026.
Los Angeles Rams: Trading for Myles Garrett
The Rams' decision to trade for Myles Garrett is one of the biggest trades in NFL history. With no clear areas of weakness, the Rams are building a super team. This move could establish them as a force to be reckoned with in the NFL.
Miami Dolphins: Deciding to clean house
The Dolphins' decision to clean house is a necessary step to start over. By firing Mike McDaniel, trading Jaylen Waddle, and releasing Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill, the team gets a fresh start. This move could be a turning point for the Dolphins' future success.
Minnesota Vikings: Signing QB Kyler Murray
The Vikings' decision to sign Kyler Murray is a strategic move to improve their quarterback play. With injuries and inconsistent performance, Murray's experience and proven track record make him a valuable addition. This move could push J.J. McCarthy to be the best version of himself.
New England Patriots: Trading for WR A.J. Brown
The Patriots' decision to trade for A.J. Brown is a smart move to improve their offense. With Drake Maye's potential, Brown's presence will take the team to the next level. This move ensures the Patriots' future success.
New Orleans Saints: Drafting WR Jordyn Tyson
The Saints' decision to draft Jordyn Tyson is a risky move, but it's a calculated one. With injury concerns, the team is taking a chance on a premier talent at a discounted rate. This move could pay off in the long run.
New York Giants: Hiring John Harbaugh
The Giants' decision to hire John Harbaugh is a strategic move to raise the floor of the team. With a focus on stability and credibility, Harbaugh's presence will bring a new level of success to the Giants. This move could be a turning point for the team.
New York Jets: Acquiring established vets
The Jets' decision to acquire established vets like Demario Davis, Geno Smith, and Minkah Fitzpatrick is a big step. With a focus on leadership and direction, this move ensures the team's stability and success. The Jets are building a strong foundation for the future.
Philadelphia Eagles: Trading for Jonathan Greenard
The Eagles' decision to trade for Jonathan Greenard is a smart move to improve their defense. With a strong defensive line, Greenard's presence will boost the team's performance. This move ensures the Eagles' future success.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Leaning into the Packers' reunion
The Steelers' decision to lean into the Packers' reunion is a bold move. With Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy, the team is all-in. This move could be a turning point for the Steelers' future success.
San Francisco 49ers: Drafting WR D'Zhaun Stribling
The 49ers' decision to draft D'Zhaun Stribling is a strategic move. With his big-bodied receiver and willingness to run-block, Stribling fits Kyle Shanahan's scheme. This move ensures the team's future success.
Seattle Seahawks: Getting the JSN deal done
The Seahawks' decision to sign Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a smart move to improve their offense. With a focus on great players, the team saved valuable dollars for the future. This move ensures the Seahawks' continued success.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Signing LB Alex Anzalone
The Buccaneers' decision to sign Alex Anzalone is a strategic move to improve their linebacker room. With leadership and skill, Anzalone's presence will boost the team's defense. This move ensures the Buccaneers' future success.
Tennessee Titans: Drafting WR Carnell Tate
The Titans' decision to draft Carnell Tate is a smart move to improve their offense. With a focus on a quarterback-friendly receiver, Tate's presence will boost the team's performance. This move ensures the Titans' future success.
Washington Commanders: Not repeating last year's mistakes
The Commanders' decision to bring in younger, athletic players is a strategic move. With a focus on youth and athleticism, the team is determined to change its fortunes. This move ensures a new energy and success for the Commanders.
