NFL offseason grades 2026: Ranking all 32 teams from best (Rams, Raiders) to worst (Dolphins)

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NFL offseason grades 2026: Ranking all 32 teams from best (Rams, Raiders) to worst (Dolphins) originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

How did all 32 teams fare in the 2026 NFL offseason in revamping and upgrading their rosters ahead of training camp? Between re-signings, signings and impact draft picks, some teams did a lot better than others. On the flip side, some teams weren't as active and may also have taken some tough personnel losses.

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In relation to what kind of team they are (established contender or rising rebuilder) and what kind of resources they had to spend and make picks, here's ranking the improvements from most to least impressive:

MORE: Grading every team's NLF free agency

NFL offseason grades 2026

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1. Los Angeles Rams

  • Grade: A

Key additions: EDGE Myles Garrett, CB Trent McDuffie, CB Jaylen Watson, LS Joe Cardona

The Rams are working fast to go "all in again" on winning a second Super Bowl with Matthew Stafford rejuvenated to MVP level, now with Garrett as the prime DPOY centerpiece instead of Aaron Donald five years later. The former Chiefs McDuffie and Watson take care of their coverage concerns behind pressure as Garrett upgrades the pass rush and run defense over rising Jared Verse. They got aggressive to become the new team to beat in a tough NFC.

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2. Las Vegas Raiders

  • Grade: A

Key additions: QB Fernando Mendoza, QB Kirk Cousins, RB Mike Washington Jr., WR Jalen Nailor, FB Connor Heyward, LG Spencer Burford, C Tyler Linderbaum, LB Kwity Paye, LB Nakobe Dean, LB Quay Walker, CB Taron Johnson, K Matt Gay

Tom Brady, John Spytek and Klint Kubiak have flipped the Vegas vibes in a hurry, led by landing the can't-miss Mendoza to give them their long-needed true franchise QB with Cousins as short-term contingency. The emphasis in showing up the middle at center linebacker and nickel back is a boost, especially with the added fortune of not trading Maxx Crosby. The existing best youthful talent gets a boost to think the Raiders will be back relevant and competitive in the AFC West sooner rather than later.

3. Washington Commanders

  • Grade: A

Key additions: RB Rachaad White, WR Antonio Williams, TE Chig Okonkwo, DT Tim Settle, EDGE Odafe Oweh, EDGE K'Lavon Chaisson, LB Sonny Styles, LB Leo Chenal, CB Rasul Douglas, CB Amik Robertson, S Nick Cross

The Commanders reinforced their offense with more dynamic passing assets in White, Williams and Okonkwo, just in time to lift up a healthy Year 3 Jayden Daniels. Dan Quinn, however, is the biggest beneficiary of the offseason, with a complete overhaul of the defensive front seven. Oweh gives them a budding pass rusher, while the rookie Styles and Chenal will make a ton of plays vs. run and pass, too. The secondary has more depth through nickel work, too.

4. Kansas City Chiefs

  • Grade: A

Key additions: QB Justin Fields, RB Kenneth Walker III, RB Emmett Johnson, DT Khyiris Tonga, DT Peter Woods, EDGE R Mason Thomas, CB Mansoor Delane, CB L'Jarius Sneed, S Alohi Gilman, CB Kader Kohou

The Chiefs are hopeful that Patrick Mahomes will recover strongly from his knee injury, now armed with the reliable receiving weaponry between Travis Kelce, Tyquan Thornton, Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy. Flipping away from Jawaan Taylor was great for the offensive line, while Walker will restore a strong power running game to better set up the passing game. The defensive depth was refilled up front and Delane, Sneed, Gilman and Kohou as a collective helped them more than offset the secondary losses.

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5. New England Patriots

  • Grade: A

Key additions: WR A.J. Brown, WR Romeo Doubs, OT James Hudson, G Alijah Vera-Tucker, EDGE Dre'Mont Jones, S Kevin Byard

The Patriots didn't bring much personnel volume and did take their share of offseason defensive hits as the reigning AFC champions, but getting Brown in June tilted their haul to near the top as the missing go-to guy piece for Drake Maye. Doubs also will be a sneaky big factor in that same new-look receiving core. The offensive line also saw some needed change. Byard will restore some big secondary playmaking with his ball-hawking savvy.

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6. Tennessee Titans

  • Grade: A

Key additions: QB Mitchell Trubisky, WR Carnell Tate, WR Wan'Dale Robinson, C Austin Schlottmann, G Cordell Volson, EDGE Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE John Franklin-Myers, EDGE Keldric Faulk, DT Jordan Elliott, DT Solomon Thomas, CB Cor'Dale Flott, CB Alontae Taylor, P Tommy Townsend

The Titans turned over every stone to accelerate their development into an AFC South factor in the wake of hiring the combination of Robert Saleh and Brian Daboll not far removed from their New York jobs. Daboll gets much for Cam Ward in Year 2, with Tate and Robinson as passing game-changing receivers. The line got a few more reinforcements, too with the running game staying intact. For Saleh, he tapped into some of his most promising Jets to push the pass rush forward while seeing a shore-up at cornerback, too. GM Mike Borgonzi was on point with all his cap money and draft capital.

7. Baltimore Ravens

  • Grade: A

Key additions: TE Durham Smythe, G John Simpson, G Vega Ioane, EDGE Trey Hendrickson, EDGE Zion Young, S Jaylinn Hawkins, CB Chidobe Awuize, P Ryan Eckley

The Ravens are making a huge adjustment without John Harbaugh, with defensive-minded coach Jesse Minter and Declan Doyle, the third offensive coordinator for Lamar Jackson. They worked on boosting interior blocking for Jackson and ageless power back Derrick Henry. The Hendrickson prize for the pass rush, stealing from a division rival no less, puts them this high. Don't sleep on the rookie Young, also being a key factor there for Minter.

MORE: Why did the Ravens back out on the Maxx Crosby deal?

8. Cincinnati Bengals

  • Grade: A-

Key additions: EDGE Boye Mafe, DT Dexter Lawrence, DT Jonathan Allen, EDGE Cashius Howell, CB Tacario Davis, S Bryan Cook, S Kyle Dugger

The Bengals knew Hendrickson wouldn't return, so they focused on making their defensive line more complete with the rising former Seahawk Mafe and the stout former Giant Lawrence. They also turned the page well in the secondary to re-raise the playmaking quotient missing since Jessie Bates III left. 

9. Carolina Panthers

  • Grade: A-

Key additions: QB Kenny Pickett, RB A.J. Dillon, C Luke Fortner, OT Monroe Freeling, DT Lee Hunter, EDGE Jaelan Phillips, LB Devin Lloyd, S Nick Scott, P Sam Martin

The Panthers focused more on defensive quality than offensive quantity for Dave Canales, getting Phillips and Lloyd to give them much more pressure and coverage juice against the pass. Phillips can thrive in the system and was one of the best signings for any team, period.

10. New York Jets

  • Grade: B+

Key additions: QB Geno Smith, WR Omar Cooper Jr., TE Kenyon Sadiq, LG Dylan Parham, EDGE David Bailey, DT T'Vondre Sweat, LB Demario Davis, CB Nahshon Wright, S Minkah Fitzpatrick, CB D'Angelo Ponds, K Jason Sanders

The Jets did lower their grade a bit with the choice of bringing back Smith as the bridge QB on the field, now more concerning off the field. But Bailey, Cooper and Sadiq gave them massive early draft talent at prime positions of need for the long term. They also overhauled the secondary and got the key leadership of Davis back to make plays long after his first-team tenure. The Jets won't contend, but they feel a lot more respectable under Aaron Glenn.

11. New York Giants

  • Grade: B+

Key additions: WR Darnell Mooney, WR Calvin Austin III, TE Isaiah Likely, FB Patrick Ricard, RG Francis Mauigoa, DT Shelby Harris, DT D.J. Reader, ILB Arvell Reese, ILB Tremaine Edmunds, CB Greg Newsome II, P Jordan Stout

The Giants' biggest acquisition was landing Harbaugh as their head coach after his long Ravens tenure. They also got Matt Nagy to oversee a promising Year 2 for Jaxson Dart and the offense. To that end, Likely and the rest give their passing game more diversity while Mauigoa provides an immediate big blocking impact. Reese and Edmunds add to their dynamic front seven, the strength of which lies in rushing the passer.

12. Buffalo Bills

  • Grade: B+

Key additions: WR D.J. Moore, EDGE Bradley Chubb, S Geno Stone, CB C.J. Gardner-Johnson

The Bills weren't too busy but concentrated on the two assets that can finally help them put them over the top for an AFC championship while Josh Allen enjoys his MVP prime. Moore gives him a legitimate alpha big-play target. Chubb is the latest addition to a good pass-rush rotation in the transition away from Sean McDermott.

13. Pittsburgh Steelers

  • Grade: B

Key additions: RB Rico Dowdle, WR Michael Pittman Jr., WR Germie Bernard, CB Jamel Dean, S Jaquan Brisker

The Steelers got Mike McCarthy in the mix for Aaron Rodgers and then went to work expanding the receiving pop from DK Metcalf with the savvy route-running Pittman and the open-field rookie dynamo Bernard. Dowdle is also a good new complement to Jaylen Warren in the running game. Dean and Brisker can have a big impact on the secondary.

14. Houston Texans

  • Grade: B

Key additions: RB David Montgomery, G Wyatt Teller, C Keylan Rutledge, RT Braden Smith, DT Kayden McDonald, DT Logan Hall, S Reed Blankenship, P Kai Kroger

The draft was a little rough overall, but the reach for Rutledge and the follow-up on McDonald gave them needed interior impact in the end. Montgomery and Teller also indicate more emphasis on the running game to take needed pressure off C.J. Stroud. The dominant defense didn't do much, but what the Texans got supports their superstars well.

15. New Orleans Saints

  • Grade: B

Key additions: RB Travis Etienne Jr., WR Jordyn Tyson, TE Noah Fant, LG David Edwards, DT Christen Miller, EDGE Anfernee Jennings, LB Kaden Elliss, P Ryan Wright

The Saints made an interesting power move for Etienne, given that, for now, he's more of an upgraded younger supplement to Alvin Kamara than a replacement. Tyson filled a major need to help Chris Olave, raising the second-year optimism around Tyler Shough. They didn't keep Davis, but Cameron Jordan staying can help ease the needed defensive transition.

16. San Francisco 49ers

  • Grade: B

Key additions: WR Mike Evans, WR Christian Kirk, G Robert Jones, DT Osa Odighizuwa, LB Dre Greenlaw, CB Nate Hobbs, P Corliss Waitman

The 49ers gave Brock Purdy some more reliable, less contentious veterans in the essential replacement of Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings with Evans and Kirk. They also were able to fill an offensive line hole and then plus some issues up the middle of the defense.

MORE: Grading every team's NFL free agency

17. Chicago Bears

  • Grade: B

Key additions: WR Kalif Raymond, C Garrett Bradbury, LB Devin Bush, S Coby Bryant, S Dillion Thieneman

The Bears were set to be dangerous contenders with Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson regardless so they didn't need to do much, with Moore being helpful as an addition by subtraction. Bradbury shores up the center for their budding line and Raymond can boost the return game. Bush was a sneaky pickup to clean up some linebacking disappointment. Despite their personnel hits in the secondary, Bryant and Thieneman were a youthful upgrade for their starting safety combination.

18. Philadelphia Eagles

  • Grade: B-

Key additions: QB Andy Dalton, WR Makai Lemon, WR Dontayvion Wicks, WR Hollywood Brown, TE Eli Stowers, EDGE Jonathan Greenard, EDGE Arnold Ebiketie, CB Riq Woolen, S Marcus Epps

The Eagles did OK to recover from needing to move A.J. Brown, but that puts a lot on Lemon, Wicks, and Brown to help DeVonta Smith well for Jalen Hurts. Stowers may need to be a bigger factor there to help re-sign Dallas Goedert. Greenard and Woolen were good veteran coups in the wake of losing Phillips.

19. Cleveland Browns

  • Grade: B-

Key additions: WR KC Concepcion, WR Denzel Boston, OT Spencer Fano, G Zion Johnson, C Elgton Jenkins, RT Tytus Howard, DT Sebastian Joseph-Day, EDGE Jared Verse, LB Quincy Williams, S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren

The Browns are working hard to rebuild the offense. The aggressive addressing of the wide receiver corps and offensive line overhaul gets an "A" for effort. But they didn't really give them a QB alternative to the tenuous battle between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. Plus, it cannot be ignored that they needed to move Garrett, dragging down their defense big-time in June.

20. Los Angeles Chargers

  • Grade: B-

Key additions: RB Keaton Mitchell, FB Alec Ingold, TE David Njoku, TE Charlie Kolar, G Jake Slaughter, C Tyler Biadasz, G Cole Strange, DT Dalvin Tomlinson

The Chargers' biggest addition was Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator for Jim Harbaugh, with the hope of getting more out of the running game to help set up Justin Herbert for his most efficient passing. Mitchell, Ingold and the two tight ends will have an impact on the rushing success. Slaughter and Biadasz can make their line stout should Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt come back at full, healthy dominance.

21. Detroit Lions

  • Grade: B-

Key additions: RB Isiah Pacheco, WR Greg Dortch, C Cade Mays, OT Blake Miller, EDGE D.J. Wonnum, EDGE Derrick Moore, CB Roger McCreary

The Lions had to work a bit to get some key pieces for the offensive line, including the first-rounder Miller. They didn't have too many resources for Brad Holmes with some bigger contracts overall. Pacheco was a fair replacement for moving David Montgomery.

22. Dallas Cowboys

  • Grade: B-

Key additions: QB Sam Howell, WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling, EDGE Rashan Gary, DT Otito Ogbonnia, LB Dee Winters, CB Cobie Durant, S Jalen Thompson, CB/S Caleb Downs, EDGE Malachi Lawrence

The Cowboys didn't make much of a splash and dipped only into defense for starting help. Gary comes from Green Bay to help offset Micah Parsons going there last year. They worked on just plugging many holes and hope Downs can do a lot as a rookie.

23. Indianapolis Colts

  • Grade: B-

Key additions: LB Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB C.J. Allen, LB Bryce Boettcher, S A.J. Haulcy, CB Cam Taylor-Britt

The Colts chose Alec Pierce to keep over Pittman, given his chemistry with Daniel Jones. They didn't have much leeway to make moves beyond in-house priorities, but at least shored up their linebacker corps minus a first-rounder with Allen.

24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  • Grade: C

Key additions: QB Jake Browning, RB Kenneth Gainwell, DT A'Shawn Robinson, EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., ILB Alex Anzalone, ILB Christian Rozeboom, ILB Josiah Trotter, S Miles Killebrew

The Bucs couldn't keep Evans to end his career and will hope Baker Mayfield will be OK with Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan. Todd Bowles got the biggest gift with Bain helping to rebuild the pass rusher and a new look up the middle at tackle and linebacker.

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25. Seattle Seahawks

  • Grade: C

Key additions: RB Jadarian Price, S Bud Clark

The Seahawks had the typical post-Super Bowl-winning offseason, losing some key pieces from the pass rush and secondary that led them to that ring. They also couldn't afford to keep Walker and might have gotten a little first-round desperate to reload with Price given Zach Charbonnet's knee injury recovery. Still, they have most of the key pieces intact for Mike McDonald to push for at least a playoff return behind the Rams.

26. Denver Broncos

  • Grade: C

Key addition: WR Jaylen Waddle

The Broncos are counting on Waddle to help Courtland Sutton help Bo Nix, but there wasn't much needed or able to be done to upgrade an AFC runner-up roster.  Overall improvement from young players will be the key for Sean Payton to get them back to the championship game in a tough AFC field.

27. Arizona Cardinals

  • Grade: C

Key additions: QB Gardner Minshew, QB Carson Beck, RB Jeremiyah Love, RB Tyler Allgeier, WR Kendrick Bourne, G Isaac Seumalo, G Chase Bisontis, RT Elijah Wilkinson, S Andrew Wingard

The Cardinals flipped the page from Kyler Murray at QB and are intent on bridging it with Jacoby Brissett and two new contingencies. Love and Allgeier make it clear they plan to be run-heavy early with rookie Mike LaFleur. The line moves are also helpful to that end. Overall, the Cardinals don't feel much better than they were in 2025.

28. Atlanta Falcons

  • Grade: C

Key additions: QB Tua Tagovailoa, RB Brian Robinson Jr., WR Jahan Dotson, WR Olamide Zaccheaus, TE Austin Hooper, OT Jawaan Taylor, DT Da'Shawn Hand, ILB Christian Harris, S Sydney Brown, CB Avieon Terrell, P Jake Bailey, WR/KR Zachariah Branch

The Falcons are worried about the healthy future of Michael Penix Jr and are taking a shot on Tagovailoa having something left from his best Dolphins days. They also got a key new backup for Bijan Robinson after losing Allgeier. They focused on volume to fill needs, including bringing back Zaccheaus and Hooper. The haul is meh to begin the Kevin Stefanski era.

29. Minnesota Vikings

  • Grade: C-

Key additions: QB Kyler Murray, WR Jauan Jennings, DT Caleb Banks, LB Jake Golday, CB James Pierre, P Johnny Hekker

The Vikings are taking a calculated shot on Murray with quick disappointment from .J.J. McCarthy. Consider the jury out on whether Kevin O'Connell can make it work with another QB project. In relation to the Bears and Lions, the Vikings did little to boost their offensive potential with a defense in transition.

30. Jacksonville Jaguars

  • Grade: C-

Key additions: RB Chris Rodriguez Jr., DT Ruke Orhorhoro

The Jaguars didn't keep Etienne and couldn't do a lot in the draft after the Travis Hunter trade from 2025. Jacksonville will rest on its laurels from Liam Coen's first year with a loaded young roster going as Trevor Lawrence goes.

31. Green Bay Packers

  • Grade: D

Key additions: QB Tyrod Taylor, DT Javon Hargrave, EDGE Dani Dennis-Sutton, LB Zaire Franklin, CB Brandon Cisse, CB Benjamin St-Juste

The Packers' big move was extending Christian Watson, but they lost a lot at wide receiver, so much rides on 2025 first-rounder Matthew Golden. Losing Jeff Hafley from the defense was a rough hit, as Parsons is on the mend. They also don't have the same good backup plan behind Jordan Love. Hargrave and Franklin can have only a limited impact as veterans. Cisse and the rookie class won't do much minus a first-rounder.

32. Miami Dolphins

  • Grade: D

Key additions: QB Malik Willis, WR Tutu Atwell, WR Jalen Tolbert, G Kadyn Proctor, EDGE Josh Uche, LB Jacob Rodriguez, CB Chris Johnson, CB Marco Wilson, S Zayne Anderson, P Bradley Pinion

Willis got a lot of money to replace Tagovailoa to launch the Halfley era. Unfortunately, the line is rebuilding and not much is there offensive skill wise after the splurge on De'Von Achane and neither Tyreek Hill nor Jaylen Waddle back, either. The defense needs a lot of youth to serve fast. Miami looks headed to the top pick and Jeremiah Smith (or a franchise QB) in 2027.

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