With the loose signing largely finished and the training hiring cycle likely over, it’s time to compare NFL teams’ offseasons ahead of the April 25-27 draft in Detroit.
Some groups have stepped up (Steelers, Jets), while others (Patriots, Broncos) are staying afloat or taking a step back.
As decided by the Yardbarker NFL writers, here’s an offseason rating of each AFC team within their division (the 2023 record is in parentheses).
1. NEW YORK JETS (7-10) | Despite wasting Bryce Huff in free agency, the Jets have filled virtually every single hole they had this offseason, adding the additions of LT Tyron Smith, WR Mike Williams, OLB Haason Reddick and RT Morgan Moses. With those moves, New York has flexibility in the first NFL Draft circular and can decide on a quick starter or perhaps an insurance policy for Smith, who is often injured.
2. MIAMI DOLPHINS (11-6) | Miami’s defensive and offensive lines took a beating in free agency, as coach Christian Wilkins signed a four-year, $110 million contract with Las Vegas and RG Robert Hunt signed a five-year, $100 million contract with Carolina. signed forged pieces on defense Jordan Poyer, CB Kendall Fuller and LB Jordyn Brooks, all of whom stepped up on defense DeShon Elliott, CB Xavien Howard and LB Jerome Baker.
3. BUFFALO TICKETS (11-6) | On paper, it looks like Buffalo had a disastrous offseason, as it released several longtime starters due to salary cuts and traded WR Stefon Diggs because of his baggage. Still, given that the team has severed ties with the veterans of a core that failed to win. a Super Bowl, it wouldn’t be unexpected if this turned out to be a case of addition by subtraction.
4. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (4-13) | While the Patriots didn’t get worse this offseason, they didn’t get much worse either, as most of their moves included re-signing key starters (safety Kyle Dugger and OL’s Mike Onwenu, for example). Considering New England went into a loose signing with maximum space indeed, it’s unexpected that general manager Eliot Wolf hasn’t spent more to surround the quarterback he’ll likely pick in the first round with more talent.
1. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (11-6) | The Chiefs traded star cornerback L’Jarius Sneed to the Titans, but re-signed free agent coach Chris Jones (five years, $158. 75 million) and extended defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. It’s imperative to stick with both, as the Super Bowl defending champions were in second place. in the league in numbers allowed (17. 3) last season. Kansas City also improved a receiving corps that led the league in losses (44) in 2023 by signing former first-round pick WR Marquise “Hollywood” Brown to a one-year, $7 million contract.
2. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (8-9) | The Raiders retired interim coach Antonio Pierce after going 5-4 after replacing Josh McDaniels last season. In free agency, Las Vegas bolstered its roster by signing coach Christian Wilkins (four years, $110 million) and QB Gardner Minshew II (two years, $25 million).
3. ANGEL CHARGERS (5-12) | The new HC Jim Harbaugh provides the flavor the Chargers need, but he has a lot of work done for him. Los Angeles traded WR Keenan Allen six times to the Bears and released former first-round pick Mike Williams. Two veteran receivers were replaced in free agency.
4. DENVER BRONCOS (8-9) | The release of QB Russell Wilson resulted in an $85 million salary cap, so the Broncos couldn’t splurge on loose signings and had to trade early on to lose more space. Denver traded former WR first-round pick Jerry Jeudy (Browns) and released Justin Simmons, a double Pro Bowl security.
1. PITTSBURGH STEELS (10-7) | The Steelers have been one of the most active teams this offseason, signing QB Russell Wilson, LB Patrick Queen and defenseman DeShon Elliott and trading for Bears QB Justin Fields and Panthers CB Donte Jackson. Pittsburgh deserves credit for not regaining the lead with one team. in 2024 and awaiting other results.
2. BALTIMORE RAVENS (13-4) | The Ravens haven’t made many moves, however, the re-signing of DT Justin Madubuike and LB Kyle Van Noy and the addition of free agent RB Derrick Henry pay big dividends on both sides of the ball. However, Baltimore still has many paintings. what to do after wasting starting guards John Simpson (Jets) and Kevin Zeitler (Lions), DE Jadeveon Clowney (Panthers), LB Patrick Queen (Steelers) and safety Geno Stone (Bengals).
3. CLEVELAND BROWNS (11-6) | General manager Andrew Berry trading a fifth-round pick for a former first-round catcher, Jerry Jeudy, is impressive. Whether he proves to have a similar effect on WR Amari Cooper, whom the team acquired for a fifth-round pick in 2022 and a sixth-round pick trade are up for debate. However, the Browns did a lot with little, re-signing Za’Darius Smith and coach Shelby Harris, as well as hiring LB Jordan Hicks to lose firmness. maintain their top-notch defense.
4. CINCINNATI BENGAL (9-8) | The Bengals didn’t make any impressive moves, but they fulfilled their biggest wishes with the additions of RB Zack Moss, TE Mike Gesicki, right take-up Trent Brown and manager Sheldon Rankins. Still, there are major questions on offense for Cincinnati after the departure of RB Joe Mixon, who traded to the Texans. In addition, the call for announcements for the WR Tee Higgins is still imminent.
1. HOUSTON TEXANS (10-7) | After landing wide receiver Stefon Diggs as a second-round pick in 2025, the Texans have undoubtedly had the most productive offseason in the division. In addition to creating one of the AFC’s most productive WR lines, Houston bolstered its air career. with Danielle Hunter and Denico Autry, added the LB against Azeez Al-Shaair, signed a forged defense against Tim Settle and added four-hit, 1,000-yard running back Joe Mixon. Houston is going all-in for the 2024 season.
2. TENNESSEE TITANS (6-11) | The Titans signed the most productive receiver (Calvin Ridley) and the most productive middle available (Lloyd Cushenberry III) in a loose signing and traded for the most productive cornerback available (L’Jarius Sneed) to solidify three positions that were desperately at the end of the season. as well as potentially placing ready-to-use starters at linebacker (Kenneth Murray Jr. ) and taking over defense. (Sebastian Joseph-Jour).
3. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (9-8) | The loss of WR Calvin Ridley hurt, but Jacksonville’s signing of WR Gabe Davis is helping cushion that blow. The Jaguars also kept point guard Josh Allen and bolstered their defense (Arik Armstead), center (Mitch Morse) and secondary (safety Darnell Savage, CB). Ronald Darby) line.
4. INDIANAPOLIS CHICKS (9-8) | Indianapolis prioritized keeping its own free agents over signing those on the open market, which is a bad strategy, but it didn’t move the needle. Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. , defensive back Grover Stewart, cornerback Kenny Moore II and guard Julian Blackmon have been forged moves, but quarterback Joe Flacco and coach Raekwon Davis are the headliners of Indianapolis’ lackluster free-agent class.
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