NFL Report Card: Grades for Every Team's Offseason Moves

May 18, 2026

NFL Report Card: Grades for Every Team's Offseason Moves. Read the NFL Report Card: Grades for Every Team's Offseason Moves.

The 2026 NFL Draft and free agency period are finally behind us, which means the current rosters will be very similar to what we see take the field in August. While some changes may still occur, for now, we have a great picture of how each team will look at the beginning of the preseason.

As a result, it's time to hand out some report card grades on how each team fared during the offseason.

Let's dive in!

Arizona Cardinals

Grade - C-

The Cardinals are in the midst of a major rebuild. While they showed solid upside on offense last season, their defense was among the worst in the sport. In 2025, the Cardinals allowed the fourth-most PPG in the sport, which led to their downfall most weeks. Despite this, much of their attention was focused on the offensive side of the ball, as they strengthened their running back position by signing Tyler Allgeier to a two-year deal and drafted Jeremiyah Love with the third overall pick.

On the defensive side of the ball, much of their offseason spending went toward improving their defensive line, as they signed Roy Lopez, L.J. Collier, and Jonah Williams. This team is projected to finish at the bottom of both the NFC West and the entire NFC. Expect them to compete for the first overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.

Atlanta Falcons

Grade - C

The Falcons had a quiet offseason outside of their quarterback position. They opted to part ways with veteran QB Kirk Cousins and instead signed former Miami Dolphin QB Tua Tagovailoa to pair with former first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. As of writing, both QBs figure to compete for the starting job in camp.

Their other moves were very small as they signed Brian Robinson to serve as the No. 2 option behind superstar Bijan Robinson. On defense, they agreed to several small one-year deals but made a big splash in the second round of the NFL Draft, selecting defensive back Avion Terrell out of Clemson, which pairs him with his brother, AJ Terrell.

Baltimore Ravens

Grade - A

While most of their offseason headlines were in relation to parting ways with longtime coach John Harbaugh, the Ravens acquired a superstar to bolster their defensive line. After appearing to have acquired Maxx Crosby from the Raiders, they opted to back out of the trade and instead acquired former Bengals standout Trey Hendrickson in free agency.

Hendrickson tallied 17.5 sacks in both 2023 and 2024 and has the skill set to provide a massive spark to this defensive line. This team is built to win, and Hendrickson will make an immediate impact on this roster.

Buffalo Bills

Grade - B+

Buffalo's main offseason transaction was trading away to acquire the Chicago Bears' wide receiver DJ Moore in exchange for two draft picks. The Bills lack true playmakers in their passing attack, and this move gives Josh Allen a solid No. 1 option. While Moore is not in the elite range of wide receivers, he is far more skilled than Khalil Shakir, who led the wide receiver room.

On the defensive side of the game, the Bills signed edge rusher Bradley Chubb to a three-year deal. Chubb was one of the few bright spots in Miami over the last two seasons, posting back-to-back 8.5-sack seasons and an impressive 11.0 sacks in 2024.

DJ Moore a Prime Bounce-Back Candidate Following Offseason Trade https://t.co/yTRgP1wA1A

— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) May 6, 2026

Carolina Panthers

Grade - B

The Panthers snuck into the postseason in 2025 and claimed the NFC South title on a tiebreaker. In the offseason, they continued to strengthen their team, especially on defense, and should enter the campaign as the slight favorite to repeat as division champions. Much of their attention went to the defensive line as they inked edge rusher Jaelan Phillips to a massive four-year, $120 million contract.

In addition to Philips, they added linebacker Devin Lloyd on a three-year deal and re-signed Isaiah Simmons and Trevis Gipson, among others. On offense, they did not make any major signings but lost Rico Dowdle in free agency (to the Steelers), which is why they received a slightly lower grade.

Chicago Bears

Grade - B

The Bears had a very busy offseason heading into the 2025 campaign and hit on most of their moves, ultimately claiming the NFC North title. but also won a playoff game. As a result, their 2025 offseason was far less busy, with only a handful of transactions to improve their team.

Their largest free agency signing came on the defensive side of the ball as they inked safety Coby Bryant to a $40 million deal. On offense, they parted ways with WR DJ Moore but have ample depth on the roster to make up for his loss, as second-year WR Luther Burden III is emerging as an early-season breakout pick.

Cincinnati Bengals

Grade - B-

The Bengals were busy in free agency, but may not have made the most effective moves. Their major move came in trading their 10th overall pick for Giants lineman Dexter Lawrence. After not opting to resign superstar edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, they parted ways with a top-10 pick to acquire Lawrence.

While Lawrence can make a massive impact in 2026, they could have found a similarly high-quality player and kept them under contract (at a much lower cost) for a longer period if they had used that 10th overall pick in the actual NFL Draft. They also took the time to strengthen their offensive line by signing Orlando Brown to a two-year deal and Dalton Risner to a one-year contract.

Cleveland Browns

Grade - D+

The Browns appear headed towards another rebuilding year in 2026. They have some promising foundational pieces on their 2025 roster, including Quinshon Judkins and Harold Fannin Jr. However, their solution at the QB position remains very unknown heading into the 2026 campaign, which will likely be a major weakness once again this fall.

Much of their free agency money was spent on the offensive line as they brought in Elgton Jenkins and Zion Johnson. Their defense should remain the best in the sport, but without a proven option to lead the offense, this team will likely finish near the bottom of the standings once again. They entered the offseason without a true "QB1" and will face the same problem in training camp.

Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys fell short of the NFL postseason picture last year but are in a great position not only to compete for a Wild Card but also to potentially make a run at the NFC East title. On offense, much of their effort went to re-signing key players. After a strong debut campaign, they opted to sign Javonte Williams to a three-year deal and wide receiver George Pickens to a franchise tag, keeping one of the game's top WR rooms intact.

While they did not address the defense much in free agency, they did during the draft. In the opening round, they select top safety Caleb Downs and edge rusher Malachi Lawrence, who could make a massive impact in their rookie campaigns.

Denver Broncos

Grade - A+

The Broncos claimed the top seed in the AFC at the conclusion of the regular season, but ultimately saw their playoff run cut short in the AFC Title Game against the New England Patriots. However, the Broncos have a very productive offense and remain the clear favorites to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.

They made several moves on offense, including finding a legit WR2 in Jaylen Waddle and re-signing veteran running back J.K. Dobbins, who will serve as the 1A alongside RJ Harvey. Their defense was already among the best in the sport, but they brought back several key contributors, including Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad.

Detroit Lions

Grade - D

The Lions fell far short of expectations during the 2025 campaign, missing the postseason just one year removed from claiming the NFC's top seed. However, they did not make the necessary moves in the offseason to prepare themselves for a bounce-back season, especially in a tough NFC North.

Most of their tackles last season came on defense (24.3 PPG allowed), and their largest free agent contract was a $6 million deal to edge rusher D.J. Wonnum. On the offensive side of the ball, they parted ways with David Montgomery and replaced him with Isiah Pacheco who is coming off the worst season of his career.

Green Bay Packers

Grade - C-

Like the Lions, the Packers also had a very quiet season and are trending in the wrong direction ahead of the 2026 campaign, especially if they want to compete in the NFC. On offense, they opted not to re-sign WR Romeo Doubs (signed with the Patriots) and traded away Dontayvion Wicks, which leaves Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and Matthew Golden as the lone pass catchers on the roster.

On defense, their lone signings came in a two-year deal to Javon Hargrave and defensive back Benjamin St.-Juste. Hargrave is several seasons away from his career-high 11.0 sack campaign (2022), but he should bring a spark to the Green Bay defensive line that will welcome back a healthy Micah Parsons at some point during the season.

Houston Texans

Grade - A-

The Texans had a very productive season and remain the favorites not only to sit at the top of the AFC South but also to make a deep playoff run in the conference. Their primary move to bolster their running back room was the acquisition of veteran David Montgomery. While rookie Woody Marks showed flashes at times last season, Montgomery brings much-needed presence to this room.

They also strengthened their offensive line (which was a weakness last season) by signing Evan Brown, Wyatt Teller, Trent Brown, and Braden Smith, and re-signing Ed Ingram to a three-year deal. The lone weakness remains a proven No. 2 WR opposite Nico Collins, a wide-option role for either Jayden Higgins or Jaylin Noel to claim.

Indianapolis Colts

Grade - B+

Much of their offseason headlines came on the offensive side of the ball. Entering free agency, wideout Alec Pierce was viewed as one of the top players on the open market by the Colts, who ensured their budding star would not reach free agency as they signed him to a massive $114 million deal for four years.

They also re-signed QB Daniel Jones, who is slated to lead the offense once again. He was enjoying a dominant first half before suffering a season-ending injury. However, they did not address their defensive concerns as much as a contender should have (12th-most PPG allowed), which remains a weakness.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Grade - C

The Jaguars had a quiet offseason but remain in contention to compete for the top spot in the AFC South. They were unable to retain star running back Travis Etienne Jr., who joined the New Orleans Saints, leaving a glaring weakness on the team's current depth chart.

However, they did bring in former Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. to join Bhayshul Tuten, who the team drafted in last year's class. Their major move on defense was to re-sign former first overall pick Travon Walker to a four-year, $110 million contract. While they should still be very competitive in 2026, they could have established themselves as true AFC contenders this spring.

Kansas City Chiefs

Grade - A+

The Chiefs missed the postseason for the first time during Patrick Mahomes' tenure as the QB1, but took major swings in the spring to ensure this would not happen again. Their headliner move came early in free agency when they signed reigning Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III to a three-year deal worth up to $45 million.

Their running back room was among the worst in 2025, and adding Walker brings an entirely new layer to this offense. On defense, they opted to move up in the draft to acquire the top defensive back prospect in the class, Mansoor Delane out of LSU. This team should quickly return to their previous pedigree early in 2026.

Las Vegas Raiders

Grade - B+

The Raiders are about to kickstart an entire new regime with Klint Kubiak leading the charge. While they will not emerge as contenders after one off-season, they have begun taking the right steps to build a strong foundation. They found their long-term center in Tyler Linderbaum in free agency on a three-year deal.

Their major move, however, came on draft night when they selected reigning Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick. They will endure some growing pains, but with Mendoza, Brock Bowers, Ashton Jeanty, and Maxx Crosby on the roster, this team could surprise in 2026.

Los Angeles Chargers

Grade - A-

The Chargers dealt with major injuries on their offensive line in 2025 and focused much of their offseason attention on adding depth to that unit. In free agency, the Chargers brought in Cole Strange and Tyler Biadasz on new contracts and re-signed Trevor Penning and Trey Pipkins.

On defense, they agreed to a handful of re-signings, including veteran Khalil Mack on a one-year deal and De'Shawn Phillips on a two-year contract. In the draft, they prioritized their edge rush as they selected Akheem Mesidor out of Miami. They remain a top playoff contender but play in one of the sport's toughest divisions.

Los Angeles Rams

Grade - C-

Despite being a true Super Bowl contender, the Rams did not have the most productive offseason to improve their chances of defeating the Seahawks for the NFC crown. Their lone productive move on the defensive side of the ball came when they acquired defensive back Trent McDuffie from the Chiefs in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick.

However, during the NFL Draft, they made a surprising selection, opting to take their franchise QB, Ty Simpsons, instead of an immediate impact player like WR Makai Lemon. Even though Matthew Stafford is returning for another season, the Rams had the opportunity to make their offense even more potent but opted to look towards the future.

Miami Dolphins

Grade - B-

In terms of competing for a Super Bowl, the Dolphins would have received an F for their moves. However, this team has begun to embrace a full rebuild and appears set on earning a top pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, which earns them a solid grade on our report card. On offense, they shipped top wideout Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos for several top picks.

However, they opted to sign Malik Willis to a questionable three-year, $67.5 million contract. While Willis could emerge as the franchise's long-term solution, given their lack of supporting cast, Willis will face an uphill battle to get into the win column. Given their current roster, they will likely be in a great position to find a QB at the top of the 2027 Draft. Expect them to shop superstar running back De'Von Achane for a further surplus of picks.

Minnesota Vikings

Grade - B+

The Vikings had a down season in 2025 but are setting themselves up for a quick bounce-back in 2026. On offense, they made many prominent signings, including potentially their new QB1 in Kyler Murray, and, more recently, added another wide receiver in Jauan Jennings to pair with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.

On defense, most of their remaining salary cap went to re-signing linebacker Eric Wilson to a three-year deal worth $22.5 million and adding defensive back James Pierre on a two-year contract. Even though they play in a tough division, if Murray can return to his pre-injury form, this team could make a serious run for a Wild Card.

New England Patriots

Grade - A

The Patriots saw their season end at the hands of the Seahawks in the Super Bowl and are well-situated to make another lengthy postseason run in 2026. In the offseason, the team focused on strengthening its offensive line by bringing in guard Alijah Vera-Tucker on a three-year contract and drafting tackle Caleb Lomu with its first-round pick.

In terms of playmakers, they acquired wide receiver Romeo Doubs in free agency to give Drake Maye another reliable option in this offense. While they could still use another pass catcher, they have been linked to A.J. Brown, which could make this team the clear favorite to take home the Lombardi Trophy.

Patriots Signing Former Packers Wideout Romeo Doubshttps://t.co/Ub3HlhHqiq

— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) March 10, 2026

New Orleans Saints

Grade - A+

The Saints showed solid progress during the second half of the 2025 campaign and continued to strengthen their roster this spring. Their major swing came on the offensive side of the ball as they brought in former first-round pick Travis Etienne Jr. on a massive four-year, $52 million deal.

Last season, the Saints averaged the fifth-fewest rushing yards per game, and adding Etienne will bring a new level to this offense. They also selected WR Jordyn Tyson with the eighth overall pick in April's draft, which added yet another option for Tyler Shough in this offense. On the other side of the ball, the Saints inked linebacker Kaden Elliss. The Saints may not only make a push for the Wild Card, but also pose a serious threat to the NFC South.

New York Giants

Grade - A

Like their NFC East rival, the Cowboys, the Giants also put together a very strong season and could very well emerge out of their rebuild in impressive fashion in 2026. They spent a chunk of their free agency salary on offense, bringing in fullback Patrick Richard to improve the blocking and adding a competent No. 2 WR in Darnell Mooney (following the loss of Wan'Dale Robinson).

While they moved Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals in a trade, they netted the 10th overall pick, which they used to select lineman Francis Mauigoa to provide more protection for Jaxson Dart. They also held the fifth overall pick, which they used to select Arvell Reese from Ohio State. Even though the Giants may look like a rebuilder on paper, this team is in a good position to surprise in 2026, especially with an experienced head coach in John Harbaugh leading the team.

New York Jets

Grade - C-

While the Jets had a very successful NFL Draft, their free-agent moves were very questionable. In the draft, they added two top playmakers to their offense in Kenyon Sadiq and Omar Cooper Jr. The New York offense has finished near the bottom of the sport for nearly half a decade and is in desperate need of potential superstars.

However, in free agency, they did not make any major moves outside of finding their QB1 in Geno Smith in a small trade with the Raiders. While the foundation is beginning to take shape, they still have a major question under center who is likely to be replaced following next year's draft.

Philadelphia Eagles

Grade - B

The Eagles had a quiet offseason but may have yet to make their most impactful move. Throughout the offseason, top wide receiver A.J. Brown has been linked to several teams on the trade block, and it appears the Eagles are already preparing for his exit and selecting rookie WR Makai Lemon in the opening round.

Outside this potential blockbuster, the Eagles focused on re-signing key players like Dallas Goedert and Jordan Davis. They remain the "favorite" to win the NFC East, but their seat is getting warm.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Grade - C

The Steelers appeared to be heading towards a rebuild after parting ways with Mike Tomlin, but after hiring Mike McCarthy this spring, they will likely compete for an AFC North title once again. Their moves in free agency seem to support this claim, as they signed another running back, Rico Dowdle, and traded for wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.

While Aaron Rodgers appears all but certain to return for one more season, the Steelers do not have a long-term option waiting in the wings, which remains a major weakness that continues to be ignored.

San Francisco 49ers

Grade - B+

The 49ers saw their postseason run cut short in the Divisional Round, but put together a productive offense and should be in the running to claim the NFC West crown once again in 2026. On offense, the 49ers signed a true No.1 WR in Mike Evans to a three-year deal, who will likely become Brock Purdy's top target.

They also resigned superstar offensive lineman Trent Williams and kicker Eddy Pineiro. On the defensive side of the ball, they did not make any major signings but added some strong depth options in Nate Hobbs, Luke Gifford, and Osa Odighizuwa (via trade).

Seattle Seahawks

Grade - A-

Even though the Seahawks were unable to re-sign reigning Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III in free agency, the Super Bowl Champions still had a very productive spring and should once again be poised for a lengthy playoff run. They opted to extend superstar WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba to a four-year deal and extend No. 2 WR Rashid Shaheed as well.

On defense, the Seahawks re-signed several key players, including Joshua Jobe (a three-year deal). Fortunately, they did not have to wait long to find their new RB1, as they selected Jadarian Price out of Notre Dame with the final selection in the opening round.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Grade - B-

The Buccaneers had a very quiet offseason but remain serious contenders for the NFC South. They were unable to claim the division title on a tiebreaker, but with a healthy Baker Mayfield, they should be in a prime spot to rebound to their 2024 form. This spring, much of their attention went to the offensive side of the ball as they opted not to re-sign Mike Evans but did re-sign TE Cade Otton to a three-year deal.

They also bolstered their running back room by signing Kenneth Gainwell to a two-year deal. On defense, they signed several small contracts with the largest going to Alex Anzalone (two-year, $17 million).

Tennessee Titans

Grade - B+

The Titans had a busy offseason, especially on the offensive side of the ball. In free agency, they brought in Wan'Dale Robinson to serve as the primary slot wideout for Cam Ward. Then, in the NFL Draft, the Titans found their potential WR1 at the fourth overall pick with Carnell Tate out of Ohio State.

This team is building a strong foundation for second-year QB Cam Ward, who had a weak supporting cast as a rookie. On defense, they were just as busy, signing John Franklin-Meyers II, Jacob Martin, and acquiring Solomon Thomas via trade. This team is not projected to compete, but they should be in several competitive games this fall.

Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders had a disappointing 2025 campaign and do not appear to be in the best spot to bounce back in 2026. While they dealt with several injuries last season, including those to franchise QB Jayden Daniels, they did not make many major moves in the offseason to get this back to their 2024 form.

On offense, they opted to sign Rachaad White to pair with second-year RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt in the backfield. They still lack a proven No. 2 option opposite of Terry McLaurin, which remains a major weakness on this roster. On defense, they made a handful of signings (including Tim Settle and Nick Cross), but their significant move came during the draft when they selected the top linebacker prospect, Sonny Styles.

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