With the 2023 NFL draft in the rearview and offseason workouts starting to take place around the league, the bulk of the offseason is officially over. Several quality free agents remain available, and we might see some late-offseason trade activity. But the work of building training camp rosters is largely done.
Now is a perfect time to take a step back and grade every NFL team’s offseason thus far.
From hirings, firings and contract extensions to signings, trades and the draft, every facet of each team’s offseason will be under the microscope.
Teams that appear to have significantly improved their front offices and rosters while maximizing resources will receive higher grades than those that overspent, lost key contributors or failed to address significant needs. A grade of “C” is average and represents a team that isn’t in a better or worse position as it pertains to long- and short-term goals.
As we did during the 2022 offseason report cards, we’ll be including an “extra-credit project” for each team that can improve its overall grade. This could be a particularly impactful coaching hire, a savvy trade or a smart offseason plan.
Last year, for example, we gave the Kansas City Chiefs bonus points for making the tough financial decision to trade Tyreek Hill and reload the roster through the draft. That proved to be a sound strategy, as rookies like George Karlaftis, Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson and Isiah Pacheco went on to help Kansas City lift the Lombardi Trophy.
Full 2023 report cards for every team can be found below. Teams are listed in alphabetical order.
Key Additions/Re-Signings: Head coach Jonathan Gannon, LB Kyzir White, LB Krys Barnes, WR Zach Pascal, G Will Hernandez, K Matt Prater
Key Draft Additions: OT Paris Johnson Jr., Edge BJ Ojulari, CB Garrett Williams
Key Departures: Edge Zach Allen, CB Byron Murphy, LB Ben Niemann, Edge J.J. Watt (retirement), DT Trysten Hill, G Cody Ford
Free Agency, Trade Grade: D+
Draft Grade: A-
EC Project: Moving on from Kliff Kingsbury
Overall Grade: C
After losing key players like Zach Allen and Byron Murphy, the Arizona Cardinals failed to get better during the early stages of free agency.
This, combined with DeAndre Hopkins’ uncertain future—though general manager Monti Ossenfort doesn’t “foresee” a trade happening, according to ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss—and safety Budda Baker’s trade request made for an underwhelming start to the offseason.
Things were much more optimistic over draft weekend, however. After trading down from No. 3 and then back up to No. 6, Arizona landed Ohio State offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Johnson was a player quarterback Kyler Murray liked “a lot.”
After the first-round shuffling, the Cardinals added a 2024 first-round pick and a 2024 third-round pick while still getting the top offensive tackle on the Bleacher Report Scouting Department’s final draft board.
Ossenfort opened Day 2 by trading the 33rd pick (along with No. 81) to the Tennessee Titans for Nos. 41 and 72 and a 2024 third-rounder. He still landed pass-rusher BJ Ojulari, the 24th-ranked prospect on the B/R board in Round 2.
The draft was a big win for Arizona, as was the tough decision to part with head coach Kliff Kingsbury at the onset of the offseason. The Cardinals signed Kingsbury to an extension last offseason but were wise enough to realize that team just wasn’t moving in the right direction.
It remains to be seen if Jonathan Gannon was the right choice to replace Kingsbury, and with Murray working his way back from a torn ACL, Arizona probably won’t win a lot of games this season. However, the Cardinals did a nice job of adding future draft capital and made a much-needed transfer of power.
Key Additions/Re-Signings: L Calais Campbell, S Jessie Bates III, WR Mack Hollins, QB Taylor Heinicke, LB Kaden Elliss, DT David Onyemata, Edge Bud Dupree, TE Jonnu Smith, WR Scotty Miller, OT Kaleb McGary, G Chris Lindstrom
Key Draft Additions: RB Bijan Robinson, OL Matthew Bergeron, DL Zach Harrison
Key Departures: CB Isaiah Oliver, QB Marcus Mariota, OL Germain Ifedi
Free Agency, Trade Grade: A
Draft Grade: B
EC Project: Building around Desmond Ridder
Overall Grade: A
The Atlanta Falcons clearly like what they have in second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder. That became apparent quickly, as many of their early moves were made to support the young signal-caller.
The Falcons did add Taylor Heinicke as insurance, but they also brought in the likes of Mack Hollins, Jonnu Smith, Scotty Miller and Ethan Greenidge while re-signing offensive linemen Kaleb McGary and Chris Lindstrom.
Atlanta continued building its offense in the draft, taking do-it-all running back Bijan Robinson and offensive lineman Matthew Bergeron with its first two selections.
With a strong offensive line and an impressive skill group consisting of Tyler Allgeier, Cordarrelle Patterson, Drake London, Kyle Pitts, Robinson, Smith, Hollins and Miller, the Falcons will know what they have in Ridder by the end of the season. It’s been a brilliant approach for a team looking to find Matt Ryan’s permanent successor.
Ridder, it’s worth noting, was the top-ranked quarterback on the B/R Scouting Department’s 2022 draft board.
The Falcons didn’t ignore their defense either. They hired former New Orleans Saints defensive line coach and co-defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen to run their defense and added players like David Onyemata, Jessie Bates III, Bud Dupree, Calais Campbell, Kaden Elliss and rookie defensive lineman Zach Harrison.
Atlanta got better on both sides of the ball and, most importantly, did everything imaginable to support its young quarterback. This is a team that could win the NFC South in 2023, and in a worst-case scenario, it will know whether or not Ridder can be its quarterback of the future.
Key Additions/Re-Signings: WR Odell Beckham Jr., WR Nelson Agholor, CB Rock Ya-Sin, CB Trayvon Mullen, QB Lamar Jackson
Key Draft Additions: WR Zay Flowers, LB Trenton Simpson, Edge Tavius Robinson
Key Departures: G Ben Powers, TE Josh Oliver, DL Calais Campbell, S Chuck Clark
Free Agency, Trade Grade: C
Draft Grade: B+
EC Project: Getting Lamar Jackson under contract
Overall Grade: B
The Baltimore Ravens were relatively quiet in the early stages of free agency and arguably lost more than they gained. The Ravens lost players like guard Ben Powers and complementary tight end Josh Oliver while trading starting safety Chuck Clark for a mere 2024 seventh-round pick.
Baltimore did add receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Nelson Agholor and brought in cornerback Rock Ya-Sin following the draft.
During the draft, the Ravens added speedy former Boston College receiver Zay Flowers, who will partner with Beckham and Agholor to give Baltimore a big boost in the passing game. A pass-catching group of Beckham, Agholor, Flowers, Rashod Bateman and tight end Mark Andrews has the potential to be great.
Linebacker Trenton Simpson and pass-rusher Tavius Robinson will help ensure that a defense that ranked third in points allowed last season remains strong.
However, the success story of Baltimore’s offseason is the extension the team finally got done with quarterback Lamar Jackson. The Ravens gave Jackson the non-exclusive franchise tag and came dangerously close to alienating the 2019 MVP—he even requested a trade early in the offseason. However, the two sides finally agreed on a five-year, $260 million deal.
Jackson is now ready to move forward.
“I’m not really worried about what happened in the past,” the quarterback told reporters. “We’re gonna keep it about these next five years and keep it about what’s going on today.”
There may be some growing pains in Baltimore this season, as Jackson and his teammates adjust to new offensive coordinator Todd Monken. However, the Ravens did a wonderful job of supporting Jackson with an improved receiving corps while delaying any future QB contract drama for at least another half-decade.
Key Additions/Re-Signings: RB Damien Harris, G Connor McGovern, WR Deonte Harty, S Taylor Rapp, DL Poona Ford, S Jordan Poyer, Edge Shaq Lawson, G David Quessenberry, P Sam Martin
Key Draft Additions: TE Dalton Kincaid, IOL O’Cyrus Torrence, LB Dorian Williams
Key Departures: LB Tremaine Edmunds, WR Isaiah McKenzie, G Rodger Saffold, RB Devin Singletary
Free Agency, Trade Grade: C+
Draft Grade: C+
EC Project: Creating Cap Flexibility
Overall Grade: C+
Buffalo Bills fans shouldn’t be displeased with the franchise’s offseason, given the drop-off in talent it could have experienced. Buffalo did lose a few key pieces like linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and wideout Isaiah McKenzie, but the losses could have been more substantial.
Credit general manager Brandon Beane for creating a little wiggle room. He restructured the contracts of linebacker Von Miller, wide receiver Stefon Diggs and quarterback Josh Allen. This allowed Buffalo to retain players like safety Jordan Poyer, edge-rusher Shaq Lawson, guard David Quessenberry and punter Sam Martin.
The Bills also locked up linebacker Matt Milano with a two-year, $28.3 million extension.
Receiver/returner Deonte Harty was added to help replace McKenzie, and Damien Harris was signed to replace Devin Singletary at running back.
Buffalo made a couple of nice moves during the trade, trading up to secure tight end Dalton Kincaid and snagging Florida interior lineman O’Cyrus Torrence. Having Kincaid alongside Dalton Knox will give offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey a lot of flexibility in two-tight-end sets. Torrence should help protect quarterback Josh Allen while further boosting Buffalo’s seventh-ranked rushing attack.
However, two of Buffalo’s biggest problem areas remain suspect. The Bills still don’t have a high-end No. 3 receiver behind Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. Additionally, the Bills did little to strengthen a pass rush that was too inconsistent following Von Miller’s torn ACL.
Buffalo had 40 sacks last season, and Miller was responsible for eight of them. Against the Cincinnati Bengals in the divisional round, the Bills managed just a single sack on quarterback Joe Burrow.
The Bills didn’t get worse this offseason, which is a positive, but they don’t appear to be substantially better either.
Key Additions/Re-Signings: Head coach Frank Reich, RB Miles Sanders, WR DJ Chark, S Vonn Bell, TE Hayden Hurst, WR Adam Thielen, QB Andy Dalton, C Bradley Bozeman, K Eddy Pineiro
Key Draft Additions: QB Bryce Young, WR Jonathan Mingo, Edge DJ Johnson
Key Departures: RB D’Onta Foreman, WR D.J. Moore, LB Cory Littleton
Free Agency, Trade Grade: A-
Draft Grade: B
EC Project: Going all-in on a New QB
Overall Grade: B+
Give the Carolina Panthers credit for going all-in on the 2023 rookie quarterback class. Carolina gave up a lot to secure the No. 1 overall pick from Chicago—the ninth and 61st picks this year, a 2024 first-rounder, a 2025 second-rounder and star receiver D.J. Moore—but it knew that its long-term answer wasn’t on the roster or awaiting in free agency.
Carolina ultimately tabbed Alabama’s Bryce Young to be that answer.
The Panthers had a well-constructed plan for chasing a rookie quarterback too. Frank Reich is an offensive coach and former quarterback who helped Carson Wentz find early success with the Philadelphia Eagles. Andy Dalton is a veteran insurance policy and mentor who can also help Young develop.
While losing Moore hurts, Carolina brought in proven veterans like Hayden Hurst, Adam Thielen, DJ Chark and Pro Bowl running back Miles Sanders to further support their young QB. It also added Jonathan Mingo of Mississippi in the second round.
Wisely, the Panthers didn’t totally ignore their defense, adding the likes of Vonn Bell and rookie pass-rusher D.J. Johnson to a unit that ranked 19th in points allowed last season.
Will Young find early success? That’s the big question. The former Crimson Tide star is a dynamic playmaker with most of the tangibles that teams seek in a franchise quarterback. However, he is undersized at only 5’10” and 204 pounds.
Young will have to prove that his height and slight frame won’t be issues at the pro level. Carolina has done a fine job, though, of clearing the path to Young and putting quality pieces around him.
Key Additions/Re-Signings: WR D.J. Moore, LB T.J. Edwards, TE Robert Tonyan, LB Tremaine Edmunds, DT Andrew Billings, G Nate Davis, Edge DeMarcus Walker, WR Dante Pettis, RB D’Onta Foreman
Key Draft Additions: OT Darnell Wright, DT Gervon Dexter Sr., CB Tyrique Stevenson, DL Zacch Pickens. RB Roschon Johnson
Key Departures: RB David Montgomery, OT Riley Reiff
Free Agency, Trade Grade: A+
Draft Grade: A
EC Project: Trading the No. 1 pick
Overall Grade: A+
We don’t always see win-win trades at the top of the draft, but the Bears-Panthers deal involving the No. 1 pick is an exception. Carolina got its quarterback of the future, while Chicago got all sorts of pieces to help aid third-year quarterback Justin Fields.
General manager Ryan Poles’ ability to flip the top pick for a hefty return is only the tip of what the Bears have accomplished this offseason.
In addition to wideout D.J. Moore, Chicago also added the likes of running back D’Onta Foreman, tight end Robert Tonyan, guard Nate Davis and rookie right tackle Darnell Wright to help support Fields.
Fields had a very inconsistent offensive line and an underwhelming skill group last season and was forced to carry the offense with his legs (1,143 rushing yards). Both units should be better this year, and a skill group of Moore, Foreman, Darnell Mooney, Chase Claypool, Cole Kmet, Tonyan, Khalil Herbert and rookie Roschon Johnson could be one of the better groups in the NFC North.
Chicago also upgraded a defense that ranked 29th in yards allowed and 32nd in points allowed last season. Veterans like T.J. Edwards, Tremaine Edmunds and Andrew Billings will help immediately, while rookies like Gervon Dexter Sr., Tyrique Stevenson and Zacch Pickens could become nice building blocks over the next couple of seasons.
The Bears are unlikely to be playoff-relevant this season—that could change if Fields shows significant growth as a passer—but they took some massive steps in the rebuilding process this offseason. Chicago’s roster is much, much better than it was just a couple of months ago, and the Bears have extra future draft capital with which to continue reloading.
Key Additions/Re-Signings: OT Orlando Brown Jr., S Nick Scott, CB Sidney Jones IV, TE Irv Smith Jr., LB Germaine Pratt
Key Draft Additions: Edge Myles Murphy, CB DJ Turner II, S Jordan Battle
Key Departures: S Jessie Bates III, S Vonn Bell, TE Hayden Hurst, CB Eli Apple, RB Samaje Perine
Free Agency, Trade Grade: B
Draft Grade: B+
EC Project: Leaving the Books Open for Extensions
Overall Grade: B+
The Bengals have seemingly established themselves as the 1B to the 1A Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC. The two teams have split the last two AFC title games and have, debatably, the two best quarterbacks in the NFL in Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow.
Between free agency and the draft, Cincinnati did a pretty solid job of replacing departed players like Jessie Bates III, Vonn Bell, Hayden Hurst and Eli Apple. It also added a premier pass-rushing prospect in Myles Murphy, a player who should improve a pass rush that recorded only 30 sacks last season.
Of course, Cincinnati’s big “win” of the offseason was landing Pro Bowl offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. He should provide an upgrade over former 1st-round pick Jonah Williams, who was responsible for four penalties and 12 sacks allowed, according to Pro Football Focus.
Brown was responsible for six penalties and four sacks allowed in 2022, according to Pro Football Focus. He comes in on a relatively affordable four-year, $64.1 million contract. That’s less than the going rate for top tackles—Jawaan Taylor, for example, signed a four-year, $80 million deal with Kansas City this offseason.
The Bengals deserve a lot of credit for reloading their roster without breaking the bank. They still have $15.4 million in cap space available, which is important. Borrow is extension-eligible this offseason, wideout Tee Higgins is in the final year of his rookie deal, and receiver Ja’Marr Chase will be extension-eligible next offseason.
Cincinnati is in position to get at least one new deal done before the start of the regular season. For a team looking to remain a perennial contender, that’s big.
Key Additions/Re-Signings: DT Dalvin Tomlinson, Edge Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, S Juan Thornhill, WR Elijah Moore, WR Marquise Goodwin, TE Jordan Akins, DT Trysten Hill, QB Joshua Dobbs, Edge Za’Darius Smith, S Rodney McLeod, LB Anthony Walker Jr., LB Sione Takitaki
Key Draft Additions: WR Cedric Tillman, DL Siaki Ika, DL Isaiah McGuire
Key Departures: RB Kareem Hunt, S John Johnson III, Edge Jadeveon Clowney, QB Jacoby Brissett
Free Agency, Trade Grade: A
Draft Grade: B+
EC Project: Hiring Proven Coordinators
Overall Grade: A-
The Cleveland Browns have quietly had one of the better offseasons in the NFL this year. They replaced safety John Johnson III with Juan Thornhill, replaced backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett with Joshua Dobbs and significantly improve both their receiving corps and their offensive line.
The Browns signed wideout Marquise Goodwin, tight end Jordan Akins and traded for New York Jets receiver Elijah Moore. In the trade for Moore, Cleveland only moved from the second to the third round, and it still landed Tennessee wideout Cedric Tillman—the 52nd-ranked prospect on the B/R board.
Cleveland added players like Dalvin Tomlinson, Ogbonnia Okoronkwo and Trystan Hill to the defensive line in free agency before drafting Siaki Ika and Isaiah McGuire. It then traded for Pro Bowl edge-rusher Za’Darius in a bargain exchange with the Minnesota Vikings.
Acquiring Smith and 2025 sixth- and seventh-round picks cost the Browns fifth-round picks in 2024 and 2025.
With new front-line defenders in place and linebackers Sione Takitaki and Anthony Walker Jr. coming back, Cleveland should be much better against the run than it was in 2022 (25th in yards and yards per carry allowed).
On top of everything else, the Browns hired two experienced coordinators in Jim Schwartz (defense) and Bubba Ventrone (special teams).
Breakdowns on defense and special teams were reoccurring problems for Cleveland last season, and they should be mitigated by a more seasoned staff. Having Schwartz and Ventrone in the fold should also take some management responsibility off of head coach and offensive play caller—which could potentially make the Browns better in all three phases.
Key Additions/Re-Signings: WR Brandin Cooks, CB Stephon Gilmore, S Donovan Wilson, LB Leighton Vander Esch, Edge Dante Fowler Jr., QB Cooper Rush, RB Tony Pollard
Key Draft Additions: DL Mazi Smith, TE Luke Schoonmaker, LB DeMarvion Overshown
Key Departures: TE Dalton Schultz, RB Ezekiel Elliott, G Connor McGovern, WR Noah Brown, CB Anthony Brown
Free Agency, Trade Grade: B-
Draft Grade: C+
EC Project: Capitalizing on the Trade Market
Overall Grade: C+
The Dallas Cowboys did a pretty solid job of retaining players like Leighton Vander Esch, Cooper Rush and franchise-tagged running back Tony Pollard. However, they did lose three key players in tight end Dalton Schultz, running back Ezekiel Elliott (still unsigned) and guard Connor McGovern.
Dallas also lost offensive coordinator Kellen Moore to the Los Angeles Chargers, which could be a rather big deal. Moore’s offense ranked fourth in scoring last season, even though quarterback Dak Prescott missed five games with a thumb injury.
Head coach Mike McCarthy will take over play-calling duties.
On a positive note, Dallas got great value in trades for wideout Brandin Cooks and cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who will replace Noah Brown and Anthony Brown, respectively.
Gilmore was acquired for a 2023 fifth-round pick. Cooks was acquired for a 2023 fifth-round pick and a 2024 sixth-rounder. The Cowboys also convinced the Houston Texans to take on $6 million of his 2023 salary.
Dallas kicked off its draft with two developmental prospects from Michigan. As a rotational player, Mazi Smith can help a run defense that ranked 22nd in yards allowed last season, but he’s not a complete player just yet.
The same is true for tight end Luke Schoonmaker, who will likely platoon with Jake Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot early. Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown might be the most productive Cowboys rookie this season. While the Cowboys did land Deuce Vaughn late in the draft, the undersized (5’5″, 179-pound) back won’t directly replace Elliott in the rushing rotation.
Dallas shouldn’t be worse than it was a year ago, though a lot will depend on how the offense fares without Moore calling the shots.
Key Additions/Re-Signings: Head coach Sean Payton, G Ben Powers, OT Mike McGlinchey, DL Zach Allen, RB Samaje Perine, S Kareem Jackson
Key Draft Additions: WR Marvin Mims Jr., LB Drew Sanders, CB Riley Moss
Key Departures: DT Dre’Mont Jones, G Graham Glasgow, CB Ronald Darby
Free Agency, Trade Grade: B
Draft Grade: C-
EC Project: Having a Plan to “Fix” Russell Wilson
Overall Grade: C+
The Denver Broncos were arguably the league’s biggest disappointment in 2022. They swung a massive trade for future Hall of Fame quarterback Russell Wilson and got a career-worst campaign (84.4 passer rating) from Wilson in return.
This offseason, Denver added a couple of nice pieces to aid Wilson, who was sacked 55 times last season, in guard Ben Powers and right tackle Mike McGlinchey—though the Broncos likely overpaid for McGlinchey on a five-year, $87.5 million deal. He’s a strong run-blocker but is susceptible to mistakes in pass protection.
McGlinchey was responsible for 10 penalties and six sacks allowed last season, according to Pro Football Focus.
In the draft, Denver made five selections, and it may not get a lot of early returns from its rookie class. Getting linebacker Drew Sanders, the 33rd-ranked prospect on the B/R board, in Round 3 was a great value, but the Broncos reached for wideout Marvin Mims Jr.—the 102nd-ranked prospect on the B/R board.
Of course, the biggest move Denver made this offseason was the trade for head coach Sean Payton. Since Payton was still under contract with the New Orleans Saints, the Broncos had to cough up a 2023 first-round draft pick and a 2024 second-rounder to acquire his rights and a 2024 third-round selection.
The theory is that Peyton can get Wilson back to Pro Bowl form. It’s only a theory, but Payton does have a strong track record of working with signal-callers. In New Orleans, he got respectable results from lesser quarterbacks like Taysom Hill (7-2 as a starting quarterback under Payton) and Jameis Winston (5-2).
There’s no guarantee that the bet on Payton will get Wilson back on track. However, going with a proven Super Bowl winner is a much better plan than going with an untested rookie head coach, like Denver did with Nathaniel Hackett last year.
Key Additions/Re-Signings: S C.J. Gardner-Johnson, CB Cameron Sutton, G Graham Glasgow, RB David Montgomery, WR Marvin Jones Jr., K Michael Badgley
Key Draft Additions: RB Jahmyr Gibbs, LB Jack Campbell, TE Sam LaPorta, S Brian Branch, QB Hendon Hooker
Key Departures: RB Jamaal Williams, WR DJ Chark, CB Mike Hughes, CB Jeff Okudah, RB D’Andre Swift
Free Agency, Trade Grade: B+
Draft Grade: A
EC Project: Loading up on Defense
Overall Grade: A-
The Detroit Lions were one of the league’s hottest teams in the second half of last season. They found ways to win games with their explosive offense, despite having a defense that ranked 32nd in yards allowed and 28th in points allowed.
Wisely, the Lions put a lot of work into their defense this offseason. In free agency, they brought in safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson and cornerback Cameron Sutton, and each should make an immediate impact.
Gardner-Johnson and Sutton combined for 23 passes defended and nine interceptions last season. Sutton allowed an opposing passer rating of only 65.3, while Gardner-Johnson allowed an opposing passer rating of just 78.4.
In the draft, Detroit landed linebacker Jack Campbell and safety Brian Branch, two of the top 30 prospects on the B/R board.
The Lions did make some big offensive moves too. They added David Montgomery and rookie Jahmyr Gibbs to replace running back Jamaal Williams. They also signed Marvin Jones Jr. to replace DJ Chark and drafted tight end Sam LaPorta, who has already become a standout in rookie camp.
“I thought he was one of the best players on the field Saturday,” Tim Twentyman of the Lions’ official website recently wrote.
An offense that ranked fourth overall last year might actually be better in 2023. If the defense can provide even average play, Detroit could be a serious postseason contender.
One can argue the value of using first-round selections on a running back and an off-ball linebacker—something Detroit did with Gibbs and Campbell—but it’s hard to argue that the Lions haven’t had a wonderful offseason.
Key Additions/Re-Signings: S Tarvarius Moore, S Rudy Ford, RS Keisean Nixon
Key Draft Additions: Edge Lukas Van Ness, TE Luke Musgrave, WR Jayden Reed, TE Tucker Kraft
Key Departures: QB Aaron Rodgers, WR Allen Lazard, TE Robert Tonyan, LB Krys Barnes, DT Jarran Reed, S Adrian Amos, WR Randall Cobb
Free Agency, Trade Grade: C
Draft Grade: B+
EC Project: Getting a Great Return for Aaron Rodgers
Overall Grade: C+
Will the Green Bay Packers finish with a better record than the 8-9 mark they had in 2022? That depends almost entirely on the play of third-year quarterback Jordan Love, who has just one career start on his resume.
At least Green Bay did some work to get Love help during the draft. The Packers used their first-round pick on pass-rusher Lukas Van Ness, which follows a trend by general manager Brian Gutekunst.
Since being promoted to general manager in 2018, Gutekunst has used seven of his eight first-round picks on defensive players—Love being the exception.
Green Bay targeted pass-catchers after the first round, though, bringing the likes of Luke Musgrave, Jayden Reed and Tucker Kraft into the fold. It was a smart way to support the young quarterback and a necessary one after Green Bay’s foray into free agency.
The Packers lost players like Allen Lazard, Robert Tonyan, Randall Cobb and Jarran Reed while doing next to nothing to replace them in free agency.
Green Bay would have a borderline failing free-agent/trade grade if it hadn’t finally sent quarterback Aaron Rodgers to the Jets just before the draft. The move was expected, but the eventual return was not.
The Packers gave up Rodgers and a 2023 fifth-round pick to move up two spots in the first round, claim a 2023 second-round pick, get a 2023 sixth-round pick and net a 2024 second-round pick that will become a first-rounder if Rodgers plays 65 percent of the offensive snaps in 2023.
That’s a major return for a 39-year-old quarterback who struggled (91.1 QB rating) last season. And while Rodgers has said he doesn’t view his Jets tenure as a “one-and-done,” according to SNY’s Ben Krimmel, Green Bay won’t lose any trade compensation if it is.
Key Additions/Re-Signings: Head coach DeMeco Ryans, DT Sheldon Rankins, S Jimmie Ward, WR Robert Woods, TE Dalton Schultz, RB Devin Singletary, LB Denzel Perryman, WR Noah Brown, Edge Chase Winovich, DT Hassan Ridgeway, G Shaq Mason, QB Case Keenum
Key Draft Additions: QB C.J. Stroud, Edge Will Anderson Jr., OL Juice Scruggs, WR Tank Dell
Key Departures: Edge Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, WR Brandin Cooks, TE Jordan Akins, WR Phillip Dorsett
Free Agency, Trade Grade: A-
Draft Grade: A
EC Project: Finding Offensive and Defensive Centerpieces in the Draft
Overall Grade: A
Like the Bears, the Houston Texans have followed a dismal 2022 campaign with a fantastic 2023 offseason.
It started with the hiring of DeMeco Ryans, a head coach who might be able to instill a winning culture in Houston. Ryans played for the Texans as a linebacker and comes from a very consistent San Francisco 49ers program.
Houston lost a couple of contributors in Ogbonnia Okoronkwo and Jordan Akins, and it didn’t get much in return for Brandin Cooks. However, the Texans also added a ton of proven talent during free agency.
Players like Sheldon Rankins, Robert Woods, Dalton Schultz, Denzel Perryman, Shaq Mason and Jimmie Ward, who played under Ryans when he was the 49ers’ defensive coordinator, can help show the rebuilding Texans how to win.
In the draft, Houston made a stunning move to land both a new franchise quarterback and a franchise-altering pass-rusher. After using the second overall pick on Ohio State signal-caller C.J. Stroud, the Texans moved back up to No. 3 to grab the B/R Scouting Department’s top overall prospect, Will Anderson Jr.
Anderson didn’t come cheaply—Houston surrendered the No. 12 pick, the No. 33 pick, a 2024 first-round pick and a 2024 third-round pick for the third and 105th picks—but the Texans now have a core foundational piece on each side of the ball.
An elite edge-rusher is arguably the most valuable piece a team can add next to a franchise quarterback. The Texans may have gotten both in the same draft, which is one heck of a way to jump-start a rebuild.
Key Additions/Re-Signings: Head coach Shane Steichen, QB Gardner Minshew, Edge Samson Ebukam, DT Taven Bryan, WR Isaiah McKenzie, K Matt Gay, TE Pharaoh Brown
Key Draft Additions: QB Anthony Richardson, CB Julius Brents, WR Josh Downs
Key Departures: CB Stephon Gilmore, QB Matt Ryan, LB Bobby Okereke, WR Parris Campbell, CB Brandon Facyson
Free Agency, Trade Grade: C+
Draft Grade: A-
EC Project: Having a Plan for a Rookie QB
Overall Grade: B
The Indianapolis Colts weren’t especially active in the early stages of free agency. They added players like Samson Ebukam, Taven Bryan and Isaiah McKenzie while losing the likes of Bobby Okereke, Parris Cambell and Brandon Facyson.
The Colts also got a mere fifth-round pick for cornerback Stephon Gilmore and overpaid for kicker Matt Gay at $22.5 million for four years.
What Indianapolis did well was set the stage for a rookie quarterback. It hired former Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen as head coach and brought in Philly’s former understudy in quarterback Gardner Minshew II.
Steichen helped Jalen Hurts grow into a viable MVP candidate in Philadelphia, and Minshew has proved himself to be a quality bridge and spot starter (career passer rating of 93.1).
Then, Indy either pivoted at the last minute or pulled off one of the best pre-draft smokescreens in recent memory. All the buzz indicated that the Colts wanted Kentucky quarterback Will Levis at No. 3 overall, but the Colts instead took Florida’s Anthony Richardson.
Richardson has the physical tools to be an elite dual-threat at the next level, not unlike Hurts. He’s a 6’4″, 244-pound quarterback with 4.43-second speed, good pocket awareness and a cannon of a right arm.
After two years of working with Hurts, Steichen is the perfect coach to unlock Richardson’s potential. And if Richardson isn’t ready to start from day one, the Colts can still field a functional offense with Minshew.
If star running back Jonathan Taylor can stay healthy, Indianapolis could even be surprisingly relevant in the AFC South this season.
Key Additions/Re-Signings: RB D’Ernest Johnson, WR Calvin Ridley, OT Josh Wells, TE Evan Engram, QB C.J. Beathard, DL Adam Gotsis
Key Draft Additions: OT Anton Harrison, TE Brenton Strange, RB Tank Bigsby, LB Ventrell Miller, DL Tyler Lacy, DL
Key Departures: Edge Arden Key, OT Jawaan Taylor, WR Marvin Jones Jr.
Free Agency, Trade Grade: C+
Draft Grade: B
EC Project: Maximizing Draft Positioning
Overall Grade: B-
The Jacksonville Jaguars emerged as the best team in the AFC South last season, and there’s little reason to believe that they won’t remain on top in 2023.
The Jags didn’t do a ton to improve their roster early in free agency, but they did add running back D’Ernest Johnson and franchise tag valuable tight end Evan Engram. They also added wideout Calvin Ridley, which we’re counting, even though it technically wasn’t an offseason move.
Jacksonville traded for Ridley in November, but he was only reinstated in March after being suspended for betting on NFL games while away from the Falcons. In his last full season in Atlanta, Ridley caught 90 passes for 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns. He should quickly become Trevor Lawrence’s new No. 1 receiver.
The Jaguars also found a replacement for departed offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor by taking Oklahoma’s Anton Harrison on the draft’s opening night. That move came after general manager Trent Baalke did a tremendous job of moving around the board.
Baalke traded down twice in Round 1, netting the 130th, 160th and 240th picks to go from No. 24 to No. 27. Getting that sort of added value while still landing one of the draft’s top tackles is a pretty big win.
Jacksonville also traded down five spots in Round 2, adding the 136th pick in the process. Over the course of the weekend, the Jaguars ended up netting and using 13 2023 selections.
That’s a ton of depth for a 2022 playoff that remains largely unchanged. Not every rookie will make the team, but Jacksonville should have some terrific camp competition to bring out the best in the back end of its roster.
Key Additions/Re-Signings: OT Jawaan Taylor, OT Donovan Smith, WR Richie James, Edge Charles Omenihu, S Mike Edwards, LB Drue Tranquill, QB Blaine Gabbert, RB Jerick McKinnon
Key Draft Additions: Edge Felix Anudike-Uzomah, WR Rashee Rice, OT Wanya Morris
Key Departures: OT Orlando Brown Jr., S Juan Thornhill, WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, DT Khalen Saunders, OL Andrew Wylie, edge Frank Clark, QB Chad Henne (retirement)
Free Agency, Trade Grade: C+
Draft Grade: B
EC Project: Having a Succession Plan at Offensive Coordinator
Overall Grade: B
If we’ve learned one thing about the Chiefs over the past few years, it’s that Kansas City will remain competitive as long as head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes are in charge.
The Chiefs have done a tremendous job of replacing and adjusting to player departures, and that will likely play out again in 2023.
Kansas City lost key contributors like left tackle Orlando Brown Jr., safety Juan Thornhill, wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster, right tackle Andre Wylie and pass-rusher Frank Clark. To replace them, the Chiefs brought in veterans like Jawaan Taylor, Charles Omenihu, Richie James, Mike Edwards and Drue Tranquill before turning to the draft.
In the draft, the Chiefs landed pass-rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah, wideout Rashee Rice and offensive lineman Wanya Morris in the first three rounds. Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers left tackle Donovan Smith was signed following draft weekend.
Kansas City also managed to retain role players like wideout Justin Watson, tight end Blake Bell, defensive lineman Derrick Nnadi, guard Nick Allegretti and safety Deon Bush.
This is a franchise that has made five consecutive AFC title games, in part, because it has been smart about picking and choosing who to keep and who to replace. That trend continued this offseason, and not just with the roster.
With offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy departing for the Washington Commanders, Kansas City made the smart decision to call up senior assistant and former coordinator (2016-17) Matt Nagy to replace him.
Nagy was welcomed back after being fired as the Bears head coach at the end of the 2021 season, and he should help maintain an elite level of continuity on offense. In Nagy’s last season as the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator—and the last before Mahomes became the full time starter—the offense ranked fifth in yards and sixth in scoring.
Key Additions/Re-Signings: QB Jimmy Garoppolo, WR Jakobi Meyers, S Marcus Epps, CB Brandon Facyson, WR Phillip Dorsett, LB Robert Spillane, TE O.J. Howard, TE Austin Hooper, CB Duke Shelley, CB David Long, RB Josh Jacobs
Key Draft Additions: DL Tyree Wilson, TE Michael Mayer, DL Byron Young, WR Tre Tucker, CB Jakorian Bennett
Key Departures: QB Derek Carr, TE Darren Waller, TE Foster Moreau, WR Mack Hollins, LB Denzel Perryman
Free Agency, Trade Grade: B-
Draft Grade: A
EC Project: Finally Starting the Rebuilding Process
Overall Grade: B
Two years ago, the Las Vegas Raiders were a playoff team. When head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler were hired last offseason, they tried to add a couple of big-time players (Chandler Jones and Davante Adams) and run it back. It didn’t work, and now the Raiders regime has begun the actual rebuild.
Former franchise staples like Derek Carr and Darren Waller are out. The Raiders largely brought in replacement-level veterans to help fill out the roster, though most of them are unlikely to be key pieces of the future.
This is even true for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Though he signed a three-year, $72.8 million deal, Las Vegas can release Garoppolo next offseason and save $13 million against the 2024 cap.
Running back Josh Jacobs, who was given the franchise tag, may be nearing the end of his time as a Raider.
The exception here is wideout Jakobi Meyers, who played under McDaniels with the New England Patriots. He’s perhaps the only true veteran building block Las Vegas added during this crucial tear-down stage of the rebuild.
Ziegler and Co. didn’t really start the building phase until the draft, where the Raiders landed high-upside players like defensive lineman Tyree Wilson, tight end Michael Mayer, wideout Tre Tucker, defensive lineman Byron Young and cornerback Jakorian Bennett. These are the players who are likely to, eventually, bring progress to Las Vegas.
That progress may not come early this season. With quarterback prospects like Caleb Williams and Drake Maye waiting in the 2024 draft, it may not come at all this year by design—and not everyone has been thrilled with the front office’s direction this offseason.
“We don’t see eye-to-eye on what we think is best for us right now,” star wideout Davante Adams said in an interview with The Ringer’s Marin Fader.
However, Las Vegas has laid solid groundwork for the next stage of the rebuilding process.
Key Additions/Re-Signings: LB Eric Kendricks, TE Donald Parham Jr., DL Morgan Fox
Key Draft Additions: WR Quentin Johnston, Edge Tuli Tuipulotu, LB Daiyan Henley
Key Departures: LB Drue Tranquil, LB Kyle Van Noy, S Nasir Adderley (retirement)
Free Agency, Trade Grade: C+
Draft Grade: C
EC Project: Hiring Kellen Moore as Offensive Coordinator
Overall Grade: C+
It’s been an odd offseason for the Los Angeles Chargers, who haven’t done nearly enough to address a run defense that ranked dead-last in yards per carry allowed (5.2) last season. L.A. added linebacker Erick Kendricks, re-signed Morgan Fox and drafted Daiyan Henley, but it’s hard to see their run defense suddenly becoming even an average unit.
For a team with the offensive potency players like Justin Herbert, Mike Williams, Keenan Allen, Donald Parham, Austin Ekeler and Gerald Everett can provide, this seems counterintuitive. Improving the defense would seem like the logical next step.
But, it seems that general manager Tom Telesco wants to build a team that can win by putting up points and rushing the passer. It’s been a successful Chiefs model, so there’s at least some logic to the approach.
Instead of using early draft picks to address team weaknesses, Telesco grabbed receiver Quentin Johnston to further nourish the offense. He then added pass-rusher Tuli Tuipulotu to a rotation that already includes Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack.
Whether this strategy actually makes L.A. a stronger playoff contender will hinge on what new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore brings to the proverbial table.
Under Joe Lombardi, the Chargers offense could find yards (ninth in total offense) but wasn’t particularly efficient—it ranked 14th in yards per pass attempt (6.1) and 30th in yards per rush (3.8). If Moore can address the issue, the Chargers may dramatically improve an offense that ranked 13th in scoring a year ago.
Only time will tell if Los Angeles can successfully follow Kansas City’s plan of producing points and pressure, and finally become one of the AFC’s elite teams.
Key Additions/Re-Signings: TE Hunter Long, DT Marquise Copeland, G Coleman Shelton
Key Draft Additions: OL Steve Avila, Edge Byron Young, DL Kobie Turner, QB Stetson Bennett
Key Departures: CB Jalen Ramsey, Edge Leonard Floyd, LB Bobby Wagner, WR Allen Robinson II, S Taylor Rapp, K Matt Gay, S Nick Scott, P Riley Dixon, LS Matt Orzech, CB David Long
Free Agency, Trade Grade: F
Draft Grade: C+
EC Project: Tearing it Down
Overall Grade: D
The Los Angeles Rams were one of the few teams that got noticeably worse this offseason. L.A. mortgaged much of the future to win the Super Bowl two years ago, of course, but the teardown likely came sooner than many expected.
Injuries to Matthew Stafford, Van Jefferson, Aaron Donald and Cooper Kupp in 2022, made it a sensible time to start rebuilding. There’s no guarantee that older vets like Stafford (35) and Donald (31) can stay healthy, so it was time to look to the future.
Players like Leonard Floyd, Bobby Wagner, Taylor Rapp and Matt Gay were allowed to go, while the Rams traded both Jalen Ramsey and Allen Robinson II. L.A. got a reasonable return for Ramsey—a third-round pick and tight end Hunter Long—but fared poorly in the Robinson deal.
The Rams paid $10.3 million of Robinson’s salary to send him to the Pittsburgh Steelers and move up a mere 17 spots in the seventh round.
General manager Les Snead played the numbers game in the draft, landing 14 prospects between the second and seventh rounds. While interior lineman Steve Avila and pass-rusher Byron Young might be the only early starters in the bunch, L.A. desperately needed depth after sitting on the sidelines during free agency.
While beginning the teardown process was necessary, the Rams are caught in an odd position where they may be stuck with costly veterans for the foreseeable future. Kupp has $64.4 million in dead money remaining on his contract, while Stafford’s 2024 salary became fully guaranteed on March 17.
The real rebuilding may be more than a year away, which makes this sort of a lose-lose offseason for L.A.
Key Additions/Re-Signings: CB Jalen Ramsey, WR Chosen Anderson, LB David Long Jr., S DeShon Elliott, WR Braxton Berrios, P Jake Bailey, RB Raheem Mostert, RB Jeff Wilson Jr., OT Isaiah Wynn, OT Cedric Ogbuehi
Key Draft Additions: CB Cam Smith, RB Devon Achane
Key Departures: TE Mike Gesicki, TE Hunter Long, LB Elandon Roberts, P Thomas Morestead
Free Agency, Trade Grade: B
Draft Grade: B–
EC Project: Addressing the secondary
Overall Grade: B
How the Miami Dolphins get along in 2023 will have a lot to do with the health and continued development of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The Alabama product showed flashes of brilliance in 2022 and was an elite and efficient distributor of the football (105.5 QB rating).
However, Tagovailoa has only played at a high level for less than a full season and suffered multiple concussions last year. While Miami can and should be cognizant of Tagovailoa’s health, these factors aren’t totally under the team’s control.
A 27th-ranked pass defense Miami had last season is something the team can control, and the Dolphins did a great job of addressing it. They acquired cornerback Jalen Ramsey at a relative bargain and used their second-round draft choice on promising corner Cam Smith.
“Smith is an exceptional athlete who is regarded as one of the best man cover guys in this draft,” Cory Giddings of the B/R Scouting Department wrote.
Miami also added safety DeShon Elliott and re-signed cornerbacks Nik Needham and Justin Bethel for depth. If the secondary shows enhancement and Tagovailoa stays healthy, that could be enough to put Miami in the Super Bowl conversation.
Of course, these weren’t the only moves the Dolphins made. They added to their offense with receiver Chosen Anderson and rookie speed back Devon Achane while re-signing Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr.
Offensive linemen Isaiah Wilson and Cedric Ogbuehi—who just signed this week—represent solid depth additions late in free agency.
The clash atop the loaded AFC will be fierce, but Miami has done a good job of giving itself a fighting chance.
Key Additions/Re-Signings: Edge Marcus Davenport, CB Byron Murphy, TE Josh Oliver, C Garrett Bradbury, RB Alexander Mattison, FB C.J. Ham
Key Draft Additions: WR Jordan Addison, CB Mekhi Blackmon, S Jay Ward
Key Departures: WR Adam Thielen, TE Irv Smith Jr., DT Dalvin Tomlinson, CB Patrick Peterson, CB Duke Shelley, LB Eric Kendricks, Edge Za’Darius Smith
Free Agency, Trade Grade: C+
Draft Grade: B
EC Project: Hiring Brian Flores as Defensive Coordinator
Overall Grade: B
Not unlike the NFC North rival Lions, the Minnesota Vikings leaned heavily on their offense in 2022. The defense, which ranked 31st in yards allowed and tied for 28th in points allowed, was a liability. Minnesota managed to win 13 games while surrendering three more points than it scored in the regular season.
The Vikings looked to get younger this offseason, especially on defense. Wideout Adam Thielen and linebacker Eric Kendricks were let go, and a few notable vets—like Dalvin Tomlinson and Patrick Peterson—were allowed to walk in free agency. Minnesota also traded pass-rusher Za’Darius Smith.
Additionally, Minnesota has “come close” to trading standout running back Dalvin Cook, according Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated. The team also recently replace Cook with Alexander Mattison in its Twitter banner (h/t Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk).
The Vikings took a couple of promising defenders in Mekhi Blackmon and Jay Ward, but they used their first-round pick on former USC wideout Jordan Addison. He won’t help that dreadful defense, but he should immediately replace Thielen as the No. 2 receiver opposite Justin Jefferson.
“You could tell he’s a little bit ahead of a lot of guys with how he’s lining up,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said of Addison during rookie camp, per The Athletic’s Alec Lewis.
What should improve the defense is the hiring of seasoned defensive coach Brian Flores. The former Steelers assistant and Dolphins head coach should get more out of his players than former defensive coordinator Ed Donatell. As a senior assistant and linebackers coach in Pittsburgh, Flores helped turn a run defense that ranked dead-last in 2021 into a top-10 group this past season.
Flores was the perfect hire for a team that needed schematic improvements on that side of the ball. If Minnesota sees even minor defensive improvement without an offensive drop-off, it will be back in the playoff mix this season.
Key Additions/Re-Signings: WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, TE Mike Gesicki, RB James Robinson, OT Riley Reiff, OT Calvin Anderson, QB Trace McSorley, DB Jalen Mills, LB Chris Board, G James Ferentz
Key Draft Additions: CB Christian Gonzalez, Edge Keion White, LB Marte Mapu, K Chad Ryland, P Bryce Baringer
Key Departures: WR Jakobi Meyers, S Devin McCourty (retirement), P Jake Bailey, TE Jonnu Smith, RB Damien Harris
Free Agency, Trade Grade: B+
Draft Grade: B+
EC Project: Getting Some Help for the Quarterbacks
Overall Grade: B+
There’s a lot to like about the Patriots’ offseason, starting with the hiring of offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien.
Last year, the offense floundered with Matt Patricia and Joe Judge—who have defensive and special-teams backgrounds, respectively—calling plays. Quarterback Mac Jones regressed significantly after being a rookie Pro Bowler in 2021 and may not have a lock on the starting job.
O’Brien, who coached a top-10 offense as New England’s offensive coordinator back in 2011, should help Jones return to form—or get more out of Bailey Zappe, should he supplant Jones as the starter.
Finding stability at quarterback should be New England’s top priority over the second half of the offseason.
Signing JuJu Smith-Schuster, James Robinson and Mike Gesicki in free agency should also help New England’s quarterbacks, and the Patriots may have improved a defense that ranked eighth overall last season.
The defense didn’t lose much notable talent, aside from Devin McCourty, who retired. In the draft, the Patriots landed Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez and pass-rusher Keion White, two of the top 34 prospects on the B/R board. Linebacker Marte Mapu is a high-upside prospect with the versatility that head coach Bill Belichick loves to have at the position.
New England also overhauled its special-teams unit, drafting kicker Chad Ryland and punter Bryce Baringer on Day 3.
We’ll have to see how quickly the Patriots’ new specialists adapt, but with a stout defense and an enhanced offensive plan, New England should at least be relevant in the AFC East, even if it isn’t a serious postseason threat.
Key Additions/Re-Signings: QB Derek Carr, DT Khalen Saunders, DT Nathan Shepherd, RB Jamaal Williams, TE Juwan Johnson, TE Foster Moreau
Key Draft Additions: DL Bryan Bresee, Edge Isaiah Foskey, RB Kendre Miller
Key Departures: QB Andy Dalton, Edge Marcus Davenport, DT David Onyemata, S Justin Evans, LB Kaden Elliss, WR Marquez Callaway, WR Deonte Harty
Free Agency, Trade Grade: B+
Draft Grade: B
EC Project: Finding a Long-Term Answer at QB
Overall Grade: B+
The Saints took a huge swing at the quarterback position, signing 2022 Pro Bowler Derek Carr to a four-year, $150 million contract. The 32-year-old might not be New Orleans’ quarterback for the next decade, but he’s more of a long-term answer than recent additions Jameis Winston and Andy Dalton.
If Carr can provide consistency at the quarterback position, the Saints will have a chance to compete in the NFC South this season. A defense that ranked fifth in yards allowed last season lost key players like Marcus Davenport, David Onyemata, Justin Evans and Kaden Elliss, However, New Orleans did a very admirable job of replacing them.
The Saints signed Khalen Saunders before drafting Bryan Bresee and Isaiah Foskey. Their defensive front should remain a team strength despite the turnover.
New Orleans added Jamaal Williams and rookie Kendre Miller to its backfield to give Carr some support, and it worked out a contract restructure with wideout Michael Thomas. It remains to be seen if Thomas can regain the Pro Bowl form we last saw in 2019, but just giving him an opportunity to work with Carr should be seen as a win.
According to Carr’s brother and former NFL quarterback David Carr, Thomas and his new quarterback had a strong relationship before their union in New Orleans.
“Michael Thomas, they go way back,” David Carr told the Harvest Sports podcast (h/t Ross Jackson of Saints Wire). “And they have history.”
The Saints should make some positive strides this season, and with Tom Brady no longer in the NFC South, they might be considered the early division favorites.
Key Additions/Re-Signings: QB Daniel Jones, RB Saquon Barkley, WR Darius Slayton, WR Sterling Shepard, TE Darren Waller, WR Parris Campbell, WR Jamison Crowder, CB Amari Oruwariye, LB Bobby Okereke, DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches
Key Draft Additions: CB Deonte Banks, C John Michael Schmitz, WR Jalin Hyatt, RB Eric Gray
Key Departures: OL C Jon Feliciano, OL Nick Gates, S Julian Love
Free Agency, Trade Grade: A-
Draft Grade: C+
EC Project: Avoiding an Offensive Reset
Overall Grade: B
The New York Giants’ offseason goal was to maintain offensive continuity after reaching the divisional round in 2022. They did that by franchise-tagging Saquon Barkley and signing Daniel Jones to a four-year, $160 million contract.
Did the Giants overpay for a quarterback with one season of above-average play on his resume? Yes, but doing so prevents New York from having to start over at the game’s most important position.
New York also managed to retain players like punter Jamie Gillan, pass-rusher Jihad Ward, linebacker Jarrad Davis and receivers Darius Slayton and Sterling Shepard. It then upgraded its receiving corps by signing Parris Campbell and Jamison Crowder and trading for tight end Darren Waller.
In the draft, the Giants added a speedy complementary receiver in Jalin Hyatt. They also got a promising interior line prospect in John Michael Schmitz and a potential lockdown corner for Don Martindale’s defense in Deonte Banks.
Rookie running back Eric Gray will provide valuable depth behind the oft-injured Barkley.
By keeping much of the roster intact and improving a few key areas, New York has given itself a chance to improve upon last year’s playoff campaign.
The problem is that New York resides in the brutal NFC East, a division that sent two other teams to the playoffs in 2022. The Giants failed to land the true No. 1 receiver their offense has lacked, and they did practically nothing to address a run defense that ranked 31st in yards per carry last season (5.2).
With run-heavy teams like the 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles potentially standing between New York and a deep playoff run, that’s a legitimate concern.
Key Additions/Re-Signings: QB Aaron Rodgers, C Connor McGovern, WR, Allen Lazard, WR Randall Cobb, WR Mecole Hardman, G Billy Turner, DL Al Woods, S Chuck Clark
Key Draft Additions: Edge Will McDonald IV, IOL Joe Tippmann, OT Carter Warren
Key Departures: QB Mike White, WR Elijah Moore, G Nate Herbig, WR Braxton Berrios
Free Agency, Trade Grade: B
Draft Grade: C
EC Project: Landing Aaron Rodgers
Overall Grade: B-
The Jets’ offseason is and has always been about landing Aaron Rodgers. New York hired former Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett for the same position and signed former Green Bay pass catchers like Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb.
New York eventually did get Rodgers, though it came at a heavy cost. Everything now depends on him providing a clear-cut upgrade over quarterback Zach Wilson—which shouldn’t be hard, considering Wilson finished his 2022 campaign with a lowly 72.8 passer rating.
Aside from their foray into the Rodgers sweepstakes, the Jets added a few appreciable defensive players in Al Woods, Chuck Clark and rookie pass-rusher Will McDonald. New York missed out on landing one of the draft’s top offensive tackle after exchanging first-round picks with Green Bay in the Rodgers trade, but it got an auspicious interior-line prospect in Joe Tippmann.
The Jets didn’t get an acceptable return for wideout Elijah Moore, only swapping a third-rounder for a second-round pick, but with new additions in the receiver room, there wasn’t truly a spot for him.
With a defense that ranked fourth in both points and yards allowed last season, the Jets have an opportunity to be contenders this season—if Rodgers proves to be better than he was with the Packers last season (91.1 passer rating).
Betting on the 39-year-old was a weighty gamble, and there’s no guarantee that Rodgers even plays beyond the coming season. However, it’s a risk the Jets were intent on taking. Seeing the trade come to fruition should be viewed as a net positive in New York.
Key Additions/Re-Signings: RB Rashaad Penny, CB Greedy Williams, S Terrell Edmunds, S Justin Evans, LB Nicholas Morrow, QB Marcus Mariota, C Jason Kelce, DT Fletcher Cox, Edge Brandon Graham, CB James Bradberry, RB D’Andre Swift,
Key Draft Additions: DL Jalen Carter, Edge Nolan Smith, OL Tyler Steen, S Sydney Brown, CB Kelee Ringo
Key Departures: DT Javon Hargrave, S C.J. Gardner-Johnson, LB T.J. Edwards, LB Kyzir White, G Isaac Seumalo, QB Gardner Minshew, S Marcus Epps, RB Miles Sanders
Free Agency, Trade Grade: A-
Draft Grade: A+
EC Project: Locking up Jalen Hurts
Overall Grade: A
It’s difficult to undersell the work Eagles general manager Howie Roseman did this offseason. The reigning NFC champions lost several key contributors from their 2022 Super Bowl run, but Roseman managed to mitigate the losses and did an enviable job of replacing the departures.
Losing players like Miles Sanders, Javon Hargrave, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, T.J. Edwards, Isaac Seumalo, Kyzir White and Marcus Epps wouldn’t be an easy challenge for most teams to overcome. However, Roseman found good additions like Terrell Edmunds, Justin Evans, Nicholas Morrow and Rashaad Penny to help fill holes in free agency.
Philadelphia then knocked the draft out of the proverbial park. Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith were two of the top 13 prospects on the B/R board, and both should be early impact players. Prospects like Tyler Steen, Sydney Brown and Kelee Ringo all project as future starters.
Additionally, Roseman managed to retain key cogs like center Jason Kelce, cornerback James Bradberry, pass-rusher Brandon Graham, defensive tackle Fletcher Cox and running back Boston Scott. He also found a way to keep cornerback Darius Slay with an extension.
Perhaps most importantly, the Eagles locked up quarterback Jalen Hurts with a new five-year, $255 million contract extension. This was monumental for two big reasons.
For one, it eliminates the potential for impending contract drama—something the Ravens went through with Lamar Jackson this offseason. Secondly, it allowed Roseman to get out ahead of a quarterback contract market that isn’t going down.
Jackson already got more total money than was on Hurts’ deal, and with signal-callers like Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert also extension-eligible, Hurts’ contract could come across as a relative bargain sooner than later.
Overall, it’s been a tremendous time to be an Eagles fan.
Key Additions/Re-Signings: CB Patrick Peterson, G Isaac Seumalolo, LB Elandon Roberts, LB Cole Holcomb, G Nate Herbig, WR Allen Robinson II, DL Larry Ogunjobi, QB Mason Rudolph
Key Draft Additions: OT Broderick Jones, CB Joey Porter Jr., DL Keeanu Benton, TE Darnell Washington
Key Departures: LB Robert Spillane, CB Cameron Sutton, S Terrell Edmunds, LB Devin Bush
Free Agency, Trade Grade: B
Draft Grade: A
EC Project: Reloading the offensive line
Overall Grade: A-
While the Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t quite nail the offseason like the cross-state Philadelphia Eagles, they came close. It started with a sound replacement plan in free agency.
Pittsburgh added Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts to replace Robert Spillane and Devin Bush and signed Patrick Peterson to replace Cameron Sutton. The Steelers then landed wideout Allen Robinson on a team-friendly deal. After convincing the Rams to take on part of Robinson’s salary, the wideout will carry a modest cap hit of $3 million this season.
Pittsburgh did tremendous work in the draft, coming away with three of the top 26 prospects on the B/R board. Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. should quickly emerge as a starter opposite Peterson, while Darnell Washington has the potential to be an elite blocking tight end with some receiving upside.
Trading up to secure Georgia offensive tackle Broderick Jones was a brilliant move that should yield early dividends. There may be an adjustment period, but Jones has far more upside than left tackle Dan Moore Jr.— who was responsible for 10 penalties and seven sacks allowed in 2022, according to Pro Football Focus.
Adding Jones, Isaac Seumalo and Nate Herbig to the offensive line should improve Pittsburgh’s offense substantially. Jones and Seumalo should be immediate starters who aid the protection of quarterback Kenny Pickett and boost a ground game that ranked 25th in yards per carry (4.1) last season.
The Steelers went 9-8 during Pickett’s rookie campaign. They have a more complete roster now and stand a very good chance of reemerging in the postseason.
Key Additions/Re-Signings: DT Javon Hargrave, QB Sam Darnold, CB Isaiah Oliver, C Jon Feliciano, K Zane Gonzalez, Edge Clelin Ferrell, S Tashaun Gipson
Key Draft Additions: S Ji’Ayir Brown, K Jake Moody, TE Cameron Latu
Key Departures: QB Jimmy Garoppolo, RT Mike McGlinchey, Edge Samson Ebukam, S Jimmie Ward, Edge Charles Omenihu, LB Azeez Al-Shaair, DT Hassan Ridgeway
Free Agency, Trade Grade: B
Draft Grade: D+
EC Project: Finding quarterback insurance
Overall Grade: C
The San Francisco 49ers might not be better than they were in 2022, when they had one of the most flawless rosters in the league.
Right tackle Mike McGlinchey, edge-rusher Samson Ebukam and safety Jimmy Ward are all significant losses. However, San Francisco reloaded nicely by bringing in the likes of Isaiah Oliver, Jon Feliciano and Clelin Ferrell, while re-signing safety Tashaun Gipson. Adding standout defensive tackle Javon Hargrave potentially changes the complexion of the Niners’ top-ranked defense and could make their front even more difficult to deal with.
Things fell off the rails a bit in the draft. The 49ers didn’t have first- or second-round selections, and general manager John Lynch seemed to attack the draft with a sense of arrogance. He took who he wanted with no regard for a general perception of draft value.
Safety Ji’Ayir Brown was a sensible choice as a potential replacement for Ward, but the selection of Michigan kicker Jake Moody in Round 3 was a surprise. Third-round pick Cameron Latu was the 17th-ranked tight end on the B/R big board and will be a pure depth player behind George Kittle.
For the 49ers to be title contenders this season, they’ll need the sort of reliable quarterback play they got from rookie Brock Purdy last season. He’s recovering from elbow surgery, though, and he’ll likely compete with 2021 third overall pick Trey Lance, who is coming off a season-ending ankle injury.
Lynch made a smart move by signing Sam Darnold. The 2018 third overall pick hasn’t lived up to his draft status, but he showed growth with the Panthers last season (career-high 92.6 passer rating) and is a tremendous insurance policy.
If Purdy isn’t ready to go Week 1, Darnold should be able to steer San Francisco to a few early wins as a game manager a la Jimmy Garoppolo.
Key Additions/Re-Signings: QB Geno Smith, LB Bobby Wagner, LB Devin Bush, S Julian Love, DT Dre’Mont Jones, DT Jarran Reed
Key Draft Additions: CB Devon Witherspoon, WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Edge Derick Hall, RB Zach Charbonnet
Key Departures: RB Rashaad Penny, WR Marquise Goodwin, LB Cody Barton
Free Agency, Trade Grade: A
Draft Grade: A-
EC Project: Keeping Geno Smith at a fair price
Overall Grade: A
The Seattle Seahawks have had a wonderful offseason, and it all started with their extension of quarterback Geno Smith.
Seattle signed the newly-minted Pro Bowler to a three-year, $75 million deal, a bargain compared to the four-year, $160 million deal that Daniel Jones got from the Giants. The deal is doubly valuable because it offers the Seahawks a potential out if Smith regresses.
If Seattle decides to part with the 32-year-old after this season, it can save $13.8 million off the 2024 salary cap.
The Seahawks then signed defensive standouts like Devin Bush, Dre’Mont Jones, Jarran Reed and Bobby Wagner. They should immediately improve a defense that ranked 26th overall and 25th in points allowed in its first year under coordinator Clint Hurtt. First-round pick and cornerback Devon Witherspoon can become a fixture in Hurtt’s secondary from day one.
Rookie edge-rusher Derek Hall should see an early role in the pass-rushing rotation as well.
Seattle also got a couple of nice pieces for its offense in first-round pick Jaxon Smith-Njigba and second-rounder Zach Charbonnet. While Charbonnet was a luxury selection, he can form a very strong tandem with incumbent starting running back Kenneth Walker III.
Smith-Njigba, meanwhile, has the capacity to be an elite slot receiver and a dangerous complement to wideouts Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf.
An offense that ranked ninth in scoring last season could be even better in 2023, and the defense shouldn’t be the liability it previously was. The Seahawks will still look to lean on their offense—and they’ll only go as far as Smith can carry them—but Seattle could emerge as a real threat to the 49ers in the NFC West this year.
Key Additions/Re-Signings: LB Lavonte David, CB Jamel Dean, QB Baker Mayfield, DT Greg Gaines, RB Chase Edmonds, K Chase McLaughlin
Key Draft Additions: DL Calijah Kancey, OL Cody Mauch, Edge YaYa Diaby
Key Departures: QB Tom Brady (retirement), RB Leonard Fournette, LT Donovan Smith, DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches, DT Akiem Hicks, TE Cameron Brate, TE O.J. Howard, CB Sean Murphy-Bunting, WR Scotty Mlller, K Ryan Succop, QB Blaine Gabbert
Free Agency, Trade Grade: C
Draft Grade: B-
EC Project: Taking a gamble at quarterback
Overall Grade: C+
We’re either going to look back at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 2023 offseason as a masterclass in opportunity or a complete disaster. It may all come down to their gamble on quarterback Baker Mayfield.
The Buccaneers lost star quarterback Tom Brady to retirement this offseason and lost a slew of key contributors—including Leonard Fournette, Donovan Smith, Rakeem Nunez-Roches, O.J. Howard, Sean Murphy-Bunting and Ryan Succop—along with him.
However, Tampa retained players like cornerback Jamel Dean, pass-rusher Anthony Nelson, linebacker Lavonte David and guard Aaron Stinnie. It also added some standout defensive prospects in Calijah Kancey and YaYa Diaby to go with rookie offensive lineman Cody Mauch.
With high-end players like Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Tristan Wirfs, Devin White, Vita Vea, Jamel Dean and Antoine Winfield Jr. still on the roster, Tampa has enough talent to be competitive in 2023. It all comes down to the quarterback position, which will be settled with a competition between Mayfield and 2021 second-round pick Kyle Trask.
Mayfield has flashed high potential in the past and performed well in a limited stretch with the Los Angeles Rams last season. He posted a respectable 86.4 passer rating despite not having much talent around him.
The Buccaneers hired Seattle Seahawks quarterbacks coach Dave Canales as their new offensive coordinator this offseason. Canales helped Geno Smith revitalize his career last season, so perhaps he can do the same with Mayfield.
If the Mayfield-Trask competition produces a quality starter, Tampa will have a young quarterback around whom to build long-term. If both flop, the Bucs might have a chance to land one of the top prospects in the 2024 draft. The caveat is that Tampa might have too much overall talent to truly tank, even if Mayfield and/or Trask fail to pan out.
Key Additions/Re-Signings: Edge Arden Key, LB Azeez Al-Shaair, CB Sean Murphy-Bunting, OL Daniel Brunskill, OT Andre Dillard
Key Draft Additions: OL Peter Skoronski, QB Will Levis, RB Tyjae Spears
Key Departures: LT Taylor Lewan, WR Robert Woods, G Nate Davis, K Randy Bullock, LB David Long Jr., DT DeMarcus Walker, Edge Bud Dupree
Free Agency, Trade Grade: D+
Draft Grade: B+
EC Project: Preparing to turn the page on Ryan Tannehill
Overall Grade: C
It’s been a tale of two halves for the Tennessee Titans this offseason.
In March, they parted ways with veterans like Bud Dupree, Taylor Lewan, Robert Woods and Randy Bullock for financial purposes. They also lost quality players like David Long Jr., DeMarcus Walker and Nate Davis in free agency. The Titans added a few notable pieces like pass-rusher Arden Key, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, and cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting, but they didn’t improve before the draft.
One could argue that the Titans didn’t get much better in the draft, at least as it pertains to the coming season. They didn’t use a single pick to address a defense that ranked 32nd against the pass and 23rd overall last season. However, they did land the top-ranked lineman on the B/R big board, Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski.
Tennessee then traded up in Round 2 to grab Kentucky quarterback Will Levis. The former Wildcat should instantly become the heir apparent to Ryan Tannehill, who is entering the final year of his contract. The Titans used a third-round pick on fellow quarterback Malik Willis in 2022, but he struggled as a rookie (42.8 passer rating) and ultimately got benched for Joshua Dobbs.
Meanwhile, rookie running back Tyjae Spears could be the heir to Derrick Henry, who is also entering the final year of his contract.
Tennessee has done a respectable job of preparing for the future, even if it could be poised to take a step back this season. The Titans might want an early look at Levis, as they could strongly consider tanking for a top 2024 quarterback prospect if they get off to a slow start.
Key Additions/Re-Signings: QB Jacoby Brissett, OL Nick Gates, OT Andrew Wylie, LB Cody Barton, Edge Efe Obada, C Tyler Larsen, DL Daron Payne
Key Draft Additions: CB Emmanuel Forbes, S Jartavius Martin, OL Ricky Stromberg
Key Departures: QB Taylor Heinicke, LB Cole Holcomb, CB Bobby McCain
Free Agency, Trade Grade: B
Draft Grade: C-
EC Project: Giving Sam Howell a fair chance to succeed
Overall Grade: C+
The Commanders had a stronger early offseason than it might seem at first blush. They put in a fair bit of work to give second-year quarterback Sam Howell a legitimate chance to succeed.
Washington started by hiring former Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy for the same position. After years of working firsthand with Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes, Bieniemy should have a good idea of how to support a young signal-caller.
The Commanders also added journeyman quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who can mentor Howell and fill in if things go awry. He recorded an 88.9 quarterback rating through 11 starts with Cleveland last season, and he comes in on a bargain one-year, $8 million deal.
The Commanders also added veterans Nick Gates and Andrew Wylie along with rookie Ricky Stromberg to improve an offensive line that allowed 48 sacks in 2022. With skill-position players like Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson on the roster, Howell should have a solid supporting cast.
Things went a little wonky for Washington early in the draft when it reached for cornerback Emmanuel Forbes. The Mississippi State product has immense playmaking potential (six interceptions, three pick-sixes last season), but the 166-pound defender was the 103rd-ranked prospect on the final B/R big board.
Washington could have found better value at that spot, but Forbes joins a defense that ranked third in yards allowed and seventh in points allowed last season. If Howell can finally settle the Commanders’ longstanding quarterback issues, they should be competing for a playoff berth this season.
Cap and contract information via Spotrac. Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference unless otherwise noted.