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The Houston Texans have officially crossed the line from promising to dangerous. This is a team everyone expects to compete not just for a playoff spot but for a Super Bowl spot. And with that expectation comes a different kind of pressure. Every roster move must now serve a singular purpose: winning in January. With […] The post 2 players Texans must avoid picking in 2026 NFL Draft appeared first on ClutchPoints.
The Texans star could break the bank. The post Texans’ Will Anderson Jr. Turns Heads After Noteworthy Report appeared first on Heavy Sports.
NFL legend DeAndre Hopkins had a message after retirement news on Thursday.
A new mock draft predicts the Houston Texans will pair Nico Collins with 6-foot-5 Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell II.
Every NFL team has that ONE thing. That pattern they just can’t seem to break, no matter how hard they try… or how many times it burns them. Some of these habits are funny, others are painful, and a certain subsection is just flat-out baffling. But here’s the thing… fans already know what their team’s bad habit is. They’ve lived it, screamed at their TVs about it, and taken to social media to post about it! Today, we’re going through all 32 NFL teams and calling out their favorite bad habit. Let’s dive in. What are the bad habits for each NFL team? Arizona Cardinals Ownership FutilityJan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of an Arizona Cardinals helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Bidwill family has owned the Cardinals since 1972. In that time, they’ve had just 11 seasons above .500… That’s right around 20% of the time… Yikes. There have been brief glimpses of hope, but they never last long because the franchise’s dysfunction always leaks in and kills the seed of success before it can really bloom. Some franchises have bad luck. The Cardinals have bad ownership. Atlanta Falcons: Misusing StarsAug 15, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons helmet on the sideline against the Tennessee Titans in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images This one dates back to the days of Julio Jones—when Atlanta simply could not get one of the best receivers in the league the ball in the endzone! Now it is guys like Drake London, Bijan Robinson, and Kyle Pitts… super athletic, talented playmakers—that any team would kill for, but Atlanta can’t quite figure out how to utilize properly. Baltimore Ravens: Losing in JanuaryJan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; A view of Baltimore Ravens players’ helmets on a heated bench against the Pittsburgh Steelers in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Lamar Jackson is a two-time MVP. One of the most electric players in football. In the regular season, he’s nearly unstoppable versus other NFL teams. But January hits… and something changes. The turnovers spike, the efficiency drops—and the Ravens lose their identity—and, unfortunately, quite a few playoff games in the process. Buffalo Bills: Losing to the Chiefs when it CountsJan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; A detailed view of the Buffalo Bills helmet before the AFC Championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images Josh Allen is a top-five quarterback, and Buffalo has made the playoffs consistently… But there’s one problem… Kansas City. The Bills are 0 and 4 against the Chiefs in the playoffs, while going 4 and 1 against them in the regular season. They can beat KC when it doesn’t matter. When does it? Heartbreak every single time. Luckily for Bills fans, they won’t have to worry about Mahomes and co. In the 2025 postseason! Carolina Panthers: Impatient OwnershipCarolina Panthers helmet (Photo By Eric Hartline-Imagn Images) David Tepper bought the Panthers in 2018. Since then, he’s fired three head coaches—Rivera, Rhule, and Reich. Then he forced the team to trade up to draft Bryce Young first overall in 2023—only to push for his benching in Year 2. I respect that Tepper wants to win now. But every time he forces the issue, it sets this NFL team back further. Chicago Bears: Ruining Young QuarterbacksNov 3, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Chicago Bears helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Chicago is where quarterbacks go to die. Caleb Williams’ father actually said that before the draft, and though Caleb has a chance to buck the trend, he wasn’t wrong. We just saw it with Mitch Trubisky… let’s hope the talented USC quarterback isn’t the next victim. Cincinnati Bengals: Bringing in Players With-Off-the-Field IssuesDec 1, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; A general view of the helmet of Cincinnati Bengals long snapper Cal Adomitis (48) during warmups before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images Back in the mid-2000s, the Bengals had a… let’s call it a reputation problem… It seemed like half their roster had a rap sheet. It has gotten a little bit better, but this NFL team can’t seem to shake the trend fully, a la their decision to keep Jermaine Burton in January of ‘25. Cleveland Browns: Churning and Burning QuarterbacksNov 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the Cleveland Browns helmets on a time out against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images Here’s a stat that will make you sad… the Browns have started 42 different quarterbacks since 1999. Forty-two. Insane… The Factory of Sadness keeps churning. And until they figure out the quarterback position, nothing changes. Dallas Cowboys: Living in the PastDallas Cowboys helmets (Photo via Geoff Burke-Imagn Images) America’s Team hasn’t reached an NFC Championship since 1995, and they are going to spend the 2025 postseason on their couches yet again. But that doesn’t stop Jerry Jones from continuing to say “this is our year,” even though it hasn’t closed since the turn of the millennium. Denver Broncos: Can’t Draft Wide ReceiversOct 12, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A general view of a Denver Broncos helmet against the Kansas City Chiefs prior to a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports Since Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker in 2010, the Broncos have whiffed on nearly every wide receiver they’ve drafted, with Courtland Sutton in 2018 being the lone exception. Cody Latimer. Carlos Henderson. Jerry Jeudy. KJ Hamler. All busts. Now it looks like Marvin Mims and Troy Franklin are the latest disappointments. Detroit Lions: HeartbreakHelmet of Detroit Lions place kicker Jake Bates (not in the photo) before the NFC divisional round between Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders] at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. The Lions are good now. Really good. But they still find ways to rip your heart out. In 2024, they blew a 17-point halftime lead in the NFC Championship—the largest comeback in conference championship history. In 2025, as the one-seed with 15 wins, they lost to the six-seed Commanders after Jared Goff threw four interceptions. The talent is there now for this NFL team. The results are better. But Detroit is still Detroit when it matters most. Green Bay Packers: Neglecting Special TeamsDec 29, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; A Green Bay Packers helmet sits ready before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images The organization just doesn’t care about Special Teams. And it keeps costing them. Both in the regular season, where they’ve ranked towards the bottom of the league for years… and the postseason, where the third unit has cost them big-time… like the botched onside kick in 2014 or getting a field goal and punt blocked in 2014. Houston Texans: Power Tripping ExecsAug 9, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; A Houston Texans helmet sits on the sidelines during the 4th quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports The Texans have a habit of giving the wrong people too much power. Bill O’Brien convinced ownership to let him be head coach AND general manager. He promptly traded DeAndre Hopkins—one of the best receivers in the league—for a washed running back and some mid-round picks. Then there was Jack Easterby, a former team chaplain who somehow worked his way into the front office and had ownership’s ear on football decisions. The inmates were running the asylum. Houston’s problem isn’t talent… It’s trusting the wrong people to run the organization around it. Indianapolis Colts: Can’t Quit Veteran QuarterbacksDec 1, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; An Indianapolis Colts helmet sits on an equipment case during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images Andrew Luck retired in 2019. And ever since, the Colts have refused to actually develop a young quarterback. Instead? They’ve brought in Philip Rivers at 38. Matt Ryan. Joe Flacco. And in 2025, Daniel Jones… then Philip Rivers AGAIN! This time, at 44 years old—59 months since his last NFL snap—because Jones tore his Achilles. Yes, they tried and failed with Anthony Richardson, but at some point, the Colts have to figure out how to get a quarterback of the future. Jacksonville Jaguars: Hiring Crazy CoachesNov 3, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars helmets on the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images The Jaguars have had five head coaches since Shad Khan bought the team—and let’s just say—they have a type… crazy. Urban Meyer lasted 13 games before the scandals caught up to him—kicked his kicker, got caught at a bar with a woman who wasn’t his wife, and lost the locker room completely. Doug Pederson threatened to fight a reporter… then Liam Coen showed up to Duval with one of the most bizarre Duuuvaaal cries we’ve ever seen! Kansas City Chiefs: Expecting Mahomes to Figure It OutFeb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Detailed view of a Kansas City Chiefs helmet in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Chiefs have won three Super Bowls. Nobody’s feeling sorry for them. But their approach to skill position players is… interesting—to put it lightly. They’d rather just let Mahomes try and figure it out rather than invest in the kind of talent to make his life easier! And to his credit, he has done a pretty good job to date, but as we’ve seen in 2025, he is only human, and KC might be wise to put some real supporting pieces around him. Las Vegas Raiders: Drafting Fast ReceiversAug 23, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; A Las Vegas Raiders Riddell speedflex helmet on the field at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Al Davis had a type. Fast. Very fast. He drafted the fastest player at the combine in his final three drafts from 2009 to 2011. Darrius Heyward-Bey went seventh overall in 2009—ran a 4.30—picked before Michael Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin. And his son Mark seems to have continued the trend, like we saw when he took Henry Ruggs and his 4.27 speed 12th overall in 2020. What makes it all the more painful is they took Ruggs over CeeDee Lamb and Justin Jefferson… Yikes. Speed is great for each NFL team. But you have to actually be able to play football, too. Los Angeles Chargers: ChargeringAug 12, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers helmets on the bench at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports The term “Chargering” exists for a reason… It seems that, regardless of the players on the field, the coaches calling the plays, or even the city they play in, this team always finds a way to lose in the most shocking fashion. There is perhaps no better example than the 2010 season, when the Chargers finished first in offense AND first in defense… and missed the playoffs because they had the worst special teams in the NFL. Los Angeles Rams: Mortgaging the FutureJan 19, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Rams helmet on the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles in a 2025 NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images While they’ve softened on it a bit the last couple of years, trying to get younger, the Rams’ philosophy is clear… They have no issue trading all of their draft capital for stars. Win now. Worry about the future later. And it worked! They won Super Bowl 56, but when it goes wrong… it goes wrong in a major way, like 2022, when they were 5 and 12 and looked every bit the part of one of the oldest teams in the league. Miami Dolphins: Can't Win When It's ColdAug 3, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, US; A general view of a Miami Dolphins helmet on the field during training camp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports South Beach is warm. Beautiful weather year-round. Perfect for football… unless you have to play anywhere else in January. The Dolphins are 0 and 10 in games under 40 degrees since 2017… and more often than not it isn’t close… instead, they look sad and cold, and get their doors beat off. No wonder this team can’t win once the NFL playoffs come around! Minnesota Vikings: Losing in the NFC Championship GameJan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Detailed view of a Minnesota Vikings helmet during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Vikings have lost six consecutive NFC Championship games, which makes for the longest streak in the NFL. Six times they were just one game away from the Super Bowl—and it always seems to be in heartbreaking fashion, time and time again… like the Wide Right overtime loss in ‘99 and a couple of walloping’s mixed in. New England Patriots: Drafting Wide Receivers that Never Pan OutPatriots Helmet (Photo By Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports) New England cannot draft wide receivers to save their lives. Since 2000, the Patriots have drafted 18 wide receivers and, really, only Deion Branch and Julian Edelman turned into stars—and Demario Douglas has been serviceable. The rest of the lot—like N’Keal Harry, their first-rounder in 2019, and Tyquan Thornton, who went in Round 2 of 2022, however, is a mess. New Orleans Saints: Ignoring the Salary CapDec 23, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; General view of a New Orleans Saints helmet during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images New Orleans Saints: Kicking the Can Down the Road. The Saints spent years pushing cap hits into the future to stay competitive during the Drew Brees era. Now the bill has come due. They’ve been in cap hell for three straight offseasons—cutting veterans, restructuring deals, doing whatever it takes just to field a roster. Brees got his ring. But the franchise is still paying for it… literally. New York Giants: Scared of ChangeOct 28, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants helmets on the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images The Giants hold on too long… Every single time they do it! Tom Coughlin stayed two years past his expiration date. Eli Manning got a few more seasons than he should have. And don’t get me started on Daniel Jones and Brian Daboll! It feels like New York sees the writing on the wall… and then waits another year to read it without fail. New York Jets: Wasting Premium Draft PicksAug 17, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New York Jets helmets during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports Speaking of graveyards… the Jets have turned squandering premium draft picks into an art form. Sam Darnold went third overall in 2018. Zach Wilson went second overall in 2021, making the Jets’ first team since 1967 to draft two quarterbacks with top-3 picks within four years… yet here they are in 2025 still staring down a top draft pick and without a franchise quarterback anywhere in sight. Philadelphia Eagles: Letting their Top Coordinators WalkFeb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Detailed view of a Philadelphia Eagles helmet during Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Eagles have a coordinator problem disguised as a Super Bowl hangover problem. After winning Super Bowl 52, they lost their offensive coordinator, Frank Reich, and their defensive coordinator, Jim Schwartz. By 2020, they went 4-11-1. After losing Super Bowl 57, they lost Shane Steichen to the Colts and Jonathan Gannon to the Cardinals. Got bounced in the Wild Card. After losing Super Bowl 59, they lost Kellen Moore to the Saints—and now their offense is in shambles. This NFL team can get to the mountaintop, but they can’t figure out how to retain the guys that got them there! Pittsburgh Steelers: Can’t Quit on their CoachesDec 15, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers helmet on the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images The Steelers have had three head coaches since 1969. Chuck Noll. Bill Cowher. Mike Tomlin. That’s it. Tomlin has never had a losing season in 18 years, which, yes, is great… But here’s the flip side… he hasn’t won a playoff game in eight years. The stability is admirable, but at some point, you have to wonder if being “too loyal to fire” is actually holding the franchise back. San Francisco 49ers: Relying on Injury Prone StarsJan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a San Francisco 49ers helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Kyle Shanahan is one of the best coaches in the league—and always seems to make do with what he’s got- but the 49ers could make his job a whole lot easier if they stopped relying on stars that can’t stay on the field. Last year it was McCaffrey… this year Fred Warner, Nick Bosa, and even Brock Purdy! It is endless! No wonder they always seem to come up short come playoff time. Seattle Seahawks: Ignoring the O-LineDec 8, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Seattle Seahawks helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Back when Seattle had Russell Wilson, they never once prioritized protecting him… And people thought that it was part of their strategy to lean on his mobility… but in the time since, this NFL team remained in the bottom quarter of the league consistently, regardless of who their quarterback was, and continued to let their quarterbacks get beaten up. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Can Only Win in the NFC SouthNov 4, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A general view of Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmets against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images The Bucs keep winning the NFC South. The problem is… they keep winning it ugly—then get chased out by real competition in the playoffs. In 2022, they won the division at 8 and 9, with a losing record. In 2023, they won at 9 and 8. And in 2024, they won 10 and 7. Four consecutive NFC South titles, a franchise record, is great… but this just points to a decent team winning a bad division. Tennessee Titans: Chasing Out StarsAug 25, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the Tennessee Titans helmet against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports The Titans have a propensity for chasing out their best players… the trend started with guys like Steve McNair and Vince Young, who went from Rookie of the Year, to the scrap heap in the blink of an eye. Then it was Derrick Henry and Head Coach Mike Vrabel. It is no wonder that the heartbreak continues year after year in the Music City. Washington Commanders: Addicted to VeteransSep 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Washington Commanders helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Under new ownership, the Commanders have developed a clear strategy: sign as many old veterans as possible and hope they have one more good year left. Their defense is headlined by Bobby Wagner, who at 35 doesn’t run like he used to but… You guessed it! uses smarts to compensate. Zach Ertz, another 35-year-old, is one of their go-to guys over the middle. Eerily reminiscent of the days when they would swing big with guys like Albert Haynesworth and Deion Sanders… I guess the more things change, the more they stay the same.
Texans owner Cal McNair confirms the team is "totally behind" C.J. Stroud despite the quarterback's 2025 postseason meltdown.
Since our lost NFL mock draft, there have been numerous significant roster transactions — including the blockbuster Jaylen Waddle trade. Now a month away from draft weekend, it’s the perfect time to run an updated 2026 first-round mock draft. Let’s dive right into it. Which prospects will go high in the 2026 NFL Draft? 1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando MendozaFernando Mendoza (Photo by Imagn Images) This one is obvious and has been explained a million times. The Raiders need a quarterback, and despite pushback, Mendoza is heads-and-shoulders above every other signal-caller in the 2026 NFL Draft class. The Raiders hired Klint Kubiak to fill their head coaching vacancy. The cherry on top is giving the savvy offensive-minded head coach his quarterback. 2. New York Jets: Arvell ReeseArvell Reese (Image Credits: Imagn) There aren’t any guarantees after the Raiders and Mendoza, but Reese still feels like the best option for the Jets. Their defense needs new game-changers following the Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams trades. New York’s defense is multiple pieces away from returning to elite status, but snagging the Ohio State edge rusher is the way to start. 3. Arizona Cardinals: Francis MauigoaFrancis Mauigoa (Image Credits: Imagn) The Cardinals already have one budding star at offensive tackle in Paris Johnson Jr. Pairing him with the Miami product would give Arizona’s next signal-caller elite protection at the bookend spots. 4. Tennessee Titans: Rueben Bain Jr.Rueben Bain Jr (Image Credits: Imagn) New Titans head coach Robert Saleh is thrilled about the chance to work with Jeffery Simmons, and the John Franklin-Myers signing in free agency greatly bolsters the pass-rush. Well, the Titans could quickly turn this front seven into one of football’s best with the addition of Rueben Bain Jr. via the NFL Draft. He’s a day-one starter who would do plenty of damage on a defensive line anchored by Simmons, who’s never had the luxury of an elite pass-rusher teammate in Tennessee. 5. New York Giants: Caleb DownsCaleb Downs (Image Credits: Imagn) New Giants head coach John Harbaugh had the fortune of working with all-world safeties like Ed Reed, Eric Weddle, Earl Thomas, and Kyle Hamilton in Baltimore. So if the Ohio State product is still on the board here, the Giants have an easy decision to make. The Giants have quickly built up one of the league’s top pass-rushing units. Adding a five-star safety like Downs would be the finishing touch on turning this defense into one of the NFL’s best. 6. New Orleans Saints (From Cleveland Browns): David BaileyTexas Tech’s David Bailey rushes the Kent State offense during a non-conference football game, Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Jones AT&T Stadium. Projected trade alert! The Saints acquire the No. 6 selection from the Browns in exchange for picks numbers 8 and 132 and a 2027 fifth-rounder. Knowing the Washington Commanders also need pass-rushing help, the Saints move forward to take the best edge rusher remaining. With Bailey in the fold, New Orleans now has Cam Jordan’s successor. And it’s a dandy. 7. Washington Commanders: Sonny StylesFeb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles (LB25) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images The Commanders miss out on Bailey, but they can stand pat and let another game-wrecking menace fall into their laps. No harm, no foul. Dan Quinn has had the luxury of working with all-time great linebacker Bobby Wagner in both Seattle and Washington. Styles is a well-rounded linebacker who can replace the future Hall of Famer as the heart and soul of Washington’s rebuilt defense. 8. Cleveland Browns (From New Orleans Saints): Carnell TateOhio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate (17) catches a touchdown pass during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Oct. 4, 2025. The decision to drop two spots works well for the Browns. They get two extra picks in the draft and still snag the best wide receiver available. There’s a nice foundation on offense here with Jerry Jeudy, Harold Fannin Jr., and Quinshon Judkins. Adding an explosive pass-catcher like Tate could take the offense to another dimension, provided, of course, that the Browns find a suitable QB option. 9. Kansas City Chiefs: Jordyn TysonJordyn Tyson (Image Credits: Imagn) Marquise Brown is gone. Rashee Rice is facing more off-the-field issues. Xavier Worthy hasn’t come as advertised. Other than that, the Chiefs’ receiving corps doesn’t look so bad. KC bolstered its ground game by signing Super Bowl 60 MVP Kenneth Walker III. They can put the last touch on reshaping the offense by taking the big-bodied receiver who should quickly slot in as Patrick Mahomes’ new WR1. 10. Cincinnati Bengals: Keldric FaulkAuburn Tigers defensive end Keldric Faulk (15) blitzes as Auburn Tigers take on Ball State Cardinals at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. Auburn Tigers defeated Ball State Cardinals 42-3. After losing Trey Hendrickson, the Bengals quickly pivoted to cheaper signings like Boye Mafe and Jonathan Allen to fix the pass rush. Well, this would be a heckuva third “pivot” move if the Bengals landed the 6-foot-6, 285-pound edge rusher out of Auburn. And if 2025 first-round pick Shemar Stewart came as advertised? Woah mama. 11. Miami Dolphins: Makai LemonMakai Lemon (Image Credit: Imagn) After cutting Tyreek Hill and trading Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos, the Dolphins have a pressing need for WR help. Fortunately for Miami, the board plays out in their favor and ensures they come away with one of the “big three” receiver prospects. With Tyson and Tate off the NFL draft board, the Dolphins don’t have to hesitate to turn in the draft card. After all, when life gives you lemons… 12. Dallas Cowboys: Mansoor DelaneSep 13, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers cornerback Mansoor Delane (4) reacts to Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (not pictured) making an incomplete pass during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images Dallas is a team to watch closely, with a pair of first-round picks in Jerry Jones’ pocket. But with Trevon Diggs long gone, the Cowboys are lacking a playmaking cornerback to keep the secondary intact. He already signed ex-Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson to bolster the secondary. Adding a capable shutdown corner could be the last move required to help Dallas’ defense regain that elite form we saw under Dan Quinn for three years. 13. Minnesota Vikings (From Los Angeles Rams via Atlanta Falcons): Jeremiyah LoveJeremiyah Love (Image credit: Imagn) Trade alert! The Vikings land the No. 13 pick from the Rams in exchange for the No. 18, No. 82, and No. 196 picks. With the pick, the Vikings turn the NFL draft upside down by taking Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. Because why wouldn’t you pair a generational RB prospect with an offense already featuring Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison? Surely, one of Kyler Murray or JJ McCarthy would make the most of this star-studded supporting cast… Right? 14. Baltimore Ravens: Spencer FanoSpencer Fano (Image Credits: Imagn) Losing Tyler Linderbaum in free agency hurts, but the Ravens can reduce some of the damage via the NFL Draft by pairing the Utah offensive tackle with veteran mainstay Ronnie Stanley Jr. Fano is the complete package who will bolster the pass protection but also open up more running lanes for Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. It’s the perfect match! 15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jermod McCoyTennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) before a college football game between Tennessee and UAB at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Sept. 20, 2025. The Buccaneers lost top cornerback Jamel Dean to the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency. That’s especially tough to stomach when you remember that Tampa’s pass defense still sucked WITH Dean. SO yeah, help is desperately wanted at the corner. This year’s class is deep with quality defensive backs. Todd Bowles would love this well-rounded corner who racked up seven pass breakups and four picks in his final year of college ball. 16. New York Jets (From Indianapolis Colts): Avieon TerrellClemson cornerback Avieon Terrell (8) during Spring Practice in Clemson, S.C. Monday, March 24, 2025. After trading All-Pro corner Sauce Gardner to the Colts, the Jets fittingly use the draft pick they got from Indy on a new hopeful shutdown corner. Terrell had 25 pass breakups, four sacks, eight forced fumbles, and three interceptions in his three years at Clemson. A complete package guy like Terrell would instantly make an impact in Gotham. 17. Pittsburgh Steelers (From Detroit Lions): Ty SimpsonAlabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) rolls out to pass during the second half against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images Projected trade alert! The Steelers acquire the No. 17 pick from the Lions in exchange for selections No. 21 and 85. With a trio of third-round picks this year, Pittsburgh can afford to make a big splash in round one. So, the Steelers shake up the NFL draft big time by moving four spots to select the second-best QB available. There’s their long-term quarterback solution as they await final word from Aaron Rodgers. Even if Rodgers returns, he’s got one year left MAX. Simpson is the long-term guy for Mike McCarthy. 18. Los Angeles Rams (From Minnesota Vikings): Olaivavega IoaneDec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions offensive lineman Olaivavega Ioane (71) against the Boise State Broncos during the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images With Kevin Dotson and Steve Avila entering the final year of their contracts, this is a good opportunity for the Rams to think long-term and draft a succession plan for their NFL squad. As good as Dotson and Avila have been, neither has the upside of the Penn State product. With no immediate weaknesses on their roster, the Rams can bank on long-term upside and take their time developing Ioane. 19. Carolina Panthers: Kadyn ProctorSep 27, 2025; Athens, Georgia, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) celebrates with quarterback Ty Simpson (15) after defeating the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Bryce Young went from a horrible offensive line to a half-decent one in one year. The result? A career year that led Carolina to a surprise NFC South division crown, its first title in a decade. So, imagine what Young could do if Carolina’s offensive line takes yet another step forward? Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor is listed as a tackle but can also shift to guard. That versatility would make him a valuable weapon for an up-and-coming Panthers squad. 20. Dallas Cowboys (From Green Bay Packers): T.J. ParkerT.J. Parker (Image Credits: Imagn) Trading for Rashan Gary was a nice way to bolster the Cowboys’ pass-rush. But, we can’t help but wonder how much this D could take off if Jerry Jones added a player like Parker to complement Gary AND Quinnen Williams. Now you’d have three capable game-changing pass-rushers. Just like that, Gary, Williams, and Parker make the Micah Parsons trade look a lot better for Dallas. 21. Detroit Lions (From Pittsburgh Steelers): Caleb LomuOct 11, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Arizona State Sun Devils with Utah Utes offensive lineman Caleb Lomu (71) during the second quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images The Lions released fan favorite Taylor Decker in a surprise move. That came a year after Frank Ragnow retired, leaving Detroit’s once-elite offensive line in limbo. Well, the decision to trade down for Pittsburgh works out nicely as they watch Utah product Caleb Lomu slip on the blue and white jersey. 22. Los Angeles Chargers: Cashius HowellNov 15, 2025; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive end Cashius Howell (9) reacts after a defensive play during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images The Chargers brought back Khalil Mack, yes, but they need more edge rushers to break through in a crowded AFC. Texas A&M product Cashius Howell fits the bill here. Another hard-hitting, plug-and-play guy who fits the mould of a Jim Harbaugh-coached defense. 23. Philadelphia Eagles: Denzel BostonSep 6, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Denzel Boston (12) returns a punt for a touchdown against the UC Davis Aggies during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images Regardless of how the AJ Brown drama plays out, it’s clear the Eagles sorely need more receiving help. Here’s Howie Roseman’s chance to get another playmaking weapon on a rookie deal. Boston averaged 14.2 yards per catch in his final season at Washington. His ability to stretch the field could easily solve Philly’s struggles in the aerial attack game. 24. Cleveland Browns (From Jacksonville Jaguars): Monroe FreelingNov 9, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Monroe Freeling (57) blocks during the first half against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images The Browns lost Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller and tried to find reinforcements by signing Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins. It’s a start, but they need more juice up front via the NFL Draft. Georgia’s Monroe Freeling is another capable day-one starter who will provide ample protection up front for Cleveland’s next starting QB. His run-blocking needs work, but the pass protection skills are worth banking on. 25. Chicago Bears: Peter WoodsPeter Woods (Image Credits: Imagn) If there was one weakness on the surprising 2025 Bears, it was the lack of pass-rushing depth after Montez Sweat. That can be addressed immediately here by taking the 315-pound defensive tackle out of Clemson. Woods would fix up Chicago’s leaky run defense while providing more pass-rushing support alongside Sweat. 26. Buffalo Bills: Dillon ThienemanDillon Thieneman (Image Credits: Imagn) The Bills’ secondary has gotten worse with each passing year. And we’re not sure it can improve much, with this current group, now that defensive wiz Sean McDermott is no longer here to help. Buffalo addressed its need for a receiver by acquiring DJ Moore from the Bears. They can focus on their next major issue, the secondary, by grabbing this do-it-all workhorse out of Oregon. 27. San Francisco 49ers: K.C. ConcepcionKC Concepcion (Image Credits: Imagn) Now that we know Brandon Aiyuk is DEFINITELY not returning to the 49ers, they have an easy call to take the best remaining wide receiver here. Yes, the 49ers signed Mike Evans in free agency. But like All-Pro tight end George Kittle, Evans is in his mid-30s and carries plenty of injury risk. The 49ers can draft and develop Concepcion to eventually take over as the long-term WR1 that Aiyuk couldn’t become in the NFL. 28. Seattle Seahawks (From Houston Texans): Colton HoodSep 27, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Colton Hood (8) runs with the ball after an interception against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the first half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images Projected trade alert! The defending champs acquire the No. 28 pick from the Texans in exchange for the No. 32 selection and a 2027 third-round pick. Seattle makes the aggressive move for another stud defensive back after losing Tariq Woolen and Coby Bryant in free agency. Their secondary won’t miss a beat with Hood, Devon Witherspoon, and Nick Emmanwori leading the way. 29. Kansas City Chiefs (From Los Angeles Rams): Brandon CisseBrandon Cisse (Image Credits: Imagn) It’d be a surprise if the Chiefs didn’t use one of their first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft on a corner after trading Trent McDuffie to the Rams, who also signed away another stud KC cornerback in Jaylen Watson. Cisse might be a bit of a reach here, but the Chiefs develop talent better than any other franchise. Even if he has some growing pains as a rookie, it’s worth betting on his upside. 30. Miami Dolphins (From Denver Broncos): Blake MillerClemson offensive lineman Blake Miller (78) during Spring Practice in Clemson, S.C. Monday, March 24, 2025. The Dolphins signed Malik Willis to be their new QB1. We had them using the No. 11 pick on a receiver. Now they can shift the attention toward rebuilding a leaky offensive line. Clemson’s Blake Miller earned back-to-back First Team All-ACC selections in 2024 and 2025. He might not be a day-one starter, but the rebuilding Dolphins don’t have to rush him into the lineup. They can be patient with his development. 31. New England Patriots: Kenyon SadiqKenyon Sadiq (Image Credits: Imagn) Judging by their moves in free agency, it looks like the Pats will wait until the NFL draft to bring in more weaponry for Drake Maye. That’s fine as long as they use the picks wisely. Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq would be an excellent value pick here. If other teams aren’t valuing tight ends this year, it would work out very well for the defending AFC champs. Sadiq could immediately step in as the Pats’ top receiving target. 32. Houston Texans (From Seattle Seahawks): Omar Cooper Jr.Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana wideout Omar Cooper Jr. (WO17) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images Trading down proves worthwhile for the Texans, who get a quality wide receiver that the offense sorely needs. CJ Stroud really missed Tank Dell last year, and his game was terrible when opposing defenses contained Nico Collins. Stroud could regain that star-like form from 2023 with a player like Cooper taking the pressure off of Collins.
Athlon Sports NFL Draft expert Luke Easterling puts on his GM hat for every team picking in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft with this updated projection.
The Texans’ QB has been a lightning rod for criticism. The post C.J. Stroud Gets Telling Words From Texans Owner Cal McNair appeared first on Heavy Sports.
It’s been more than a year since Tank Dell suffered his horrific injury. One of the breakout stars for the Houston Texans at the time, Dell suffered a catastrophic knee injury in December of 2024. That injury, which saw the wide receiver suffer multiple torn ligaments, forced him to miss the entire 2025 season. Now, […] The post Texans’ DeMeco Ryans shares ‘main thing’ on Tank Dell situation appeared first on ClutchPoints.
Houston acquired Montgomery in a trade with Detroit earlier this offseason The post Lions’ Dan Campbell Sends Strong Message on New Texans RB David Montgomery appeared first on Heavy Sports.
Fair or not, one reality for NFL quarterbacks is that they get all the credit if their team wins… and all the blame if they lose. That’s just a part of playing the most important position in the game. The first part, especially, rings true for many NFL QBs. They are often shielded from blame and get far too much credit that is, most certainly, not justified. With that, let’s dive into the NFL’s 10 most overrated quarterbacks right now. Who are the most overrated QBs in today’s NFL? 10. Kyler MurrayKyler Murray. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images There’s a crowd that prefers to blame the Arizona Cardinals’ mismanagement for Kyler Murray’s underachievement there. We say it works both ways. The Cardinals gave Murray plenty of talent to work with, namely DeAndre Hopkins, Marvin Harrison Jr., Zach Ertz, James Conner, and Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown. Many of you thought Kliff Kingsbury was the guy holding Arizona back, but he hardly fared any better with Jonathan Gannon at the helm. Murray has yet to throw for 4,000 yards in a season. He’s exceeded 24 passing touchdowns once. A career record of 38-48-1? 121 touchdowns, 60 interceptions, and a 92.2 passer rating? Yeah, we’ve seen better. Few NFL QBs are more exciting to watch than Murray when he’s on top of his game. The problem? He’s rarely on top of his game. He usually plays well in the first half of the season before the wheels come off in the second half. For those who think he’ll fully unlock his potential with the Minnesota Vikings? We say keep your expectations reasonable… 9. C.J. StroudHouston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (Barry Reeger-Imagn Images) The No. 2 pick of the 2023 NFL Draft was lights-out in his rookie year. Stroud completed 63.9 percent of pass attempts for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, and only five interceptions — leading Houston to a surprise AFC South division crown and trip to the Divisional Round. Stroud’s stats noticeably dipped in 2024, but he did just enough to help the Texans defend their AFC South title. They again advanced to the elite eight, falling to the Kansas City Chiefs despite a tremendous effort. But man, was Stroud difficult to watch in 2025. And when you take a deeper dive, Stroud looks more like a game manager who benefits from an elite defense and coaching staff. I mean, his insane rookie season was three years ago now… Stroud only averaged 217.2 passing yards per game in 2025 and had 19 touchdowns vs. eight interceptions. Then he was pathetic in Houston’s two playoff games, throwing two touchdowns against five picks. He single-handedly wasted a generational 2025 Texans defense that gave him every chance to win. So yeah, it’s time to stop thinking of Stroud as a franchise QB. Robert Griffin III and Sam Bradford also had great rookie years. How did the remainder of their careers go? Let’s stop treating Stroud like a legitimate NFL QB until/unless he gets back to that 2023 form. 8. Brock PurdyAug 16, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) warms up before a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images There really isn’t much wrong with Purdy as a quarterback. In his three healthy seasons, he led the San Francisco 49ers to three playoff berths, including two NFC Championship Game appearances and a trip to Super Bowl 58. The issue with Purdy is that we’ve seen two other quarterbacks play like him in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. The 49ers’ investing $265 million in Purdy over five years shows that they view him as an MVP-caliber QB. And he ain’t. Jimmy Garoppolo, of all guys, helped the 49ers to two NFC Championship Game appearances and a trip to Super Bowl 54. And dare we say, backup QB Mac Jones was just as effective as Purdy when he had to start eight games in relief. Yeah, Purdy is solid and all. But Kyle Shanahan has never made a quarterback look bad during his career as an assistant slash head coach. Purdy’s fine, but he’s really nothing special. 7. Jared GoffDetroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) makes a pass against Cincinnati Bengals during the second half at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. Detroit Lions fans are obviously thankful for the role Goff has played in helping them emerge as an NFC powerhouse. But let’s not act like Goff is the entire reason why. With all due respect to Goff, it says a lot that a top head coach like Sean McVay couldn’t wait to ditch him for Matthew Stafford. Lo and behold, the Los Angeles Rams win a Super Bowl in their first season with No. 9 at the controls. With both the Rams and Lions, Goff has had the fortune of playing for two top-tier head coaches with elite offensive units. I mean, how many other QBs would falter with a supporting cast of Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Sam LaPorta, and Jahmyr Gibbs? Goff also hasn’t been money by any means in the postseason. We remember his choke job in the Rams’ loss to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 53. And his meltdown in the Lions’ shocking 2024 Divisional Round loss to the Washington Commanders. Goff puts up good numbers on a star-studded Detroit offense in the regular-season, yes. So could a ton of other NFL QBs. Now, if he could just prove us wrong by showing up in the playoffs for once… 6. Dak PrescottDak Prescott (Photo via Imagn Images) Prescott is a bit of a tough case here. It feels like half of football fans know he’s not elite. But since he’s the starting quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys, there’s the other half that thinks he’s elite and, if anything, not rated fairly. No, it’s not Dak Prescott’s fault that Jerry Jones has done such a terrible job as the general manager. We feel for Dak that he had Jason Garrett and Mike McCarthy waste the first half of his career. But like…come on. Prescott has been playing on star-studded Cowboys teams his entire career. And Peyton “Freaking” Manning went to a Super Bowl with four different coaches. Sometimes, the QB has to be better at his job than the coach. Dallas, for example, had top-10 scoring offenses and defenses in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Prescott won a single playoff game in that period…against an 8-9 Tampa Bay Buccaneers team in the 2022 Wild Card Round. Whoop-dee-doo. In seven playoff games, Prescott is 2-5 with 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Three of those losses came against a considerable underdog at home. He’s an elite regular-season stats machine, yes. But Prescott is just like Auston Matthews and Aaron Judge. Excellent production before the postseason. Then he goes away when the lights shine brightest. But because he plays on a big-market team, he’s hyped up like one of the very best in his sport. He’s good, but far from elite. Two playoff wins in 10 years is the proof in the pudding. 5. Jalen Hurts Dec 20, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) looks on before the game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images That sound you heard was the screams of angry and baffled Philadelphia Eagles fans. But please, do hear us out… Yes, he’s taken Philly to the playoffs in his first five full seasons as a starter, including two NFC Championships. And yes, a Super Bowl 59 triumph over the Kansas City Chiefs. Credit where it’s due. But folks, so many other quarterbacks could win a Super Bowl with a star-studded offensive line, a generational running back like Saquon Barkley, an elite wide receiver tandem of AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith, and…oh yeah…a top-five defense. His passing numbers will never be elite because he’s a dual-threat NFL QB and plays in a rush-first offense led by Barkley. That’s fine. We’re not just saying Hurts is overrated because he plays on a star-studded team. He’s also overrated because his production can best be described as “Jekyll and Hyde.” While he was excellent in 2022 and 2024, Hurts had frustrating and inconsistent 2023 and 2025 seasons. Both years, it got so bad that fans began questioning his leadership, wondering whether he might be responsible for any locker room drama. The Eagles cratered late in the 2023 season because their defense was terrible, and Hurts couldn’t lift them. The Eagles were a disappointment in 2025 because Hurts couldn’t elevate the passing game when Barkley had a down year. That’s not the sign of an elite QB. We would honestly like to see how Hurts would play outside of Philadelphia. To us, he’s a slightly above-average QB who plays in the perfect system to maximize his talents. 4. Lamar JacksonBaltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images) It pains us to put the two-time MVP on this list. But Jackson has had more than enough chances to prove he’s rated fairly. Jackson is unquestionably one of the NFL’s all-time great regular-season quarterbacks. A 76-31-0 record with six playoff appearances in eight years is nothing to scoff at. But if Jackson can make it look so easy in the regular-season…why on earth does he crawl into a shell during the postseason? Jackson is 3-5 in his postseason career with only 10 touchdowns, seven interceptions, and an 84.6 passer rating. His career passer rating of 102.2 in the regular-season, by the way, is tied with Aaron Rodgers for the best ever. But Jackson doesn’t belong in the tier of “elite” quarterbacks until he starts showing up in the postseason. Joe Burrow and Josh Allen don’t have Super Bowl rings, but we’ve seen them both put up plenty of gutsy performances in the playoffs. The same cannot be said about Jackson. Until/unless he translates that regular-season success to the NFL playoffs, Jackson belongs in the “overrated” QB category. 3. Trevor LawrenceJacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) runs on the field before an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Texans 17-10. We know, we know. T-Law led the Jacksonville Jaguars to a 13-win season and surprise AFC South division crown last year. Good on him. But folks, we’re now five years into Trevor Lawrence’s career. For those of you who just started watching football within the last two years? He was hyped as a generational QB prospect when the Jags selected him first-overall in 2021. Remember how little time it took for other “can’t-miss” QB prospects like Peyton Manning, Andrew Luck, and Joe Burrow to break out? We still haven’t seen a true MVP-caliber version of Lawrence. As fun as the Jags were in 2025? I mean, Lawrence was only 20th in passer rating. Guys like Tyler Shough, Mac Jones, Jacoby Brissett, and Jaxson Dart had a better rating, for crying out loud. Lawrence has yet to reach the 4,200-yard passing mark or 30-TD mark. And that’s despite being surrounded by stud playmakers like Travis Etienne Jr., Brian Thomas Jr., and Calvin Ridley over the years. And since his rookie year, only Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes have thrown more interceptions than Lawrence. Generational? No sir. More like just “above average” if you ask us. 2. Jordan LoveSep 11, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) looks on in the third quarter against the Washington Commanders at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images Yeah, it’s time to have a conversation about Jordan Love. The 2020 first-round pick had a remarkable first season as the Green Bay Packers’ full-time starter in 2023 after taking the reins from Aaron Rodgers. Love led the Packers to the postseason after throwing for 4,159 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. His Packers crushed the Cowboys in the Wild Card Round, then barely fell to the top-seeded San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round. That was in 2023. This was supposed to be a team trending up. But Love hasn’t returned to that MVP-like quarterback we saw in 2023. He averaged roughly 20 fewer passing yards per game in 2024 and 2025. And when he missed some time due to injuries? The offense functioned just fine under backup Malik Willis, perhaps indicating that Love may or may not be a system NFL QB. Oh, and the Packers went one-and-done in the 2024 and 2025 playoffs. Love had three interceptions in their 2024 playoff loss to the Eagles. Then he no-showed the second half in their humiliating collapse against the Chicago Bears. Surrounded by an elite supporting cast, there’s no excuse for Love to have a single playoff win in three years. We’re still waiting for his signature moment as a Packer. And beating up on non-playoff teams isn’t what made Aaron Rodgers, Brett Favre, or Bart Starr legendary. If the Packers don’t go on a deep playoff run in 2026, it’ll be time to have a conversation about whether Love is really the guy. 1. Justin HerbertDec 8, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) runs off field after defeating the Philadelphia Eagles in overtime at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images The Los Angeles Chargers’ signal-caller put up all-world numbers over his first three NFL campaigns. He set numerous passing records, including the most yards through a QB’s first three seasons and most consecutive 4K passing seasons to begin a career. At first, the narrative was that he didn’t have a proper coaching staff or the right supporting cast. Okay, well, the Los Angeles Chargers corrected that by hiring Jim Harbaugh in 2024. He coached the league’s No. 1 scoring defense that year and the ninth-best unit in 2025. And yet, Herbert has not been able to take the Chargers to that next level. His first playoff loss? The Bolts blew a 27-0 lead to the Jaguars in the 2022 Wild Card Round. Then he threw four interceptions in their 2024 playoff loss to the Houston Texans. In LA’s 2025 playoff loss to the New England Patriots? 159 passing yards on 31 attempts. Zero touchdowns. Yippee… So you have a guy who put up all-world numbers at the beginning because he had to throw the ball a lot. Now you have a guy who can’t win a big game despite a top-tier head coach and an elite defense. What more does Herbert once? It’s time to stop treating Herbert like we’re in the early 2020s. He’s not young anymore. At what point do we wonder if he’s really the QB who can take LA all the way?
The Texans need him to return to form. The post Texans’ C.J. Stroud Gets Clear Message Amid ‘Expected’ Decision appeared first on Heavy Sports.
There were not many NFL teams as fun to watch in 2025 than the Houston Texans. They would eventually fall to the New England Patriots in the playoffs in a game that did not go well for them. Quarterback CJ Stroud threw four interceptions, and the Texans would lose 28-16. In the offseason, the Texans […] The post Texans’ DeMeco Ryans drops revelation on fired C.J. Stroud coach after playoff debacle appeared first on ClutchPoints.
Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and Justin Jefferson are just a handful of young NFL stars who showed that you oughta believe the hype when they produce early. Then again, former so-called “future stars” like Robert Griffin and Sam Bradford serve as cautionary tales that a hot start doesn’t mean long-term success in the pros. With that, let’s dive into five young NFL stars who will become Hall of Famers, and five hype machines that will fizzle out soon. Which young NFL stars will be Hall of Famers and which ones will not? Become A Hall Of Famer: Drake MayeDrake Maye (Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images) We know that the loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl 60 was tough for New England Patriots fans to watch. Now, try imagining how painful it was for Maye. Maye stood no chance behind that vaunted Seattle defense, taking six sacks and turning the ball over three times. But you wanna know something funny? John Elway lost his first three Super Bowls before winning two of his own. The Patriots had zero expectations in 2025. Maye finished second in MVP voting behind Matthew Stafford after throwing for 4,394 yards and 31 touchdowns against only eight interceptions. His Pats were one win away from a seventh Lombardi Trophy. Don’t you think for a minute that this was peak Drake Maye? Folks, it was only the beginning. Maye and Mike Vrabel are just starting their operation together. And the Patriots’ offensive line can only get better after being ripped apart in the postseason. And yeah, the weaponry around Maye will get better. Stefon Diggs isn’t gonna be his only Pro Bowl-caliber receiver. It’s more than talent and stats. It’s poise, calmness, and swagger. Maye showed he had it all in year one. We would not be shocked if he won multiple Super Bowls and MVP awards. So, Canton members, feel free to get an early head start on that Hall of Fame bust. Fizzle Out: Jayden DanielsWashington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images) Daniels had arguably the greatest rookie quarterback season ever in 2024. The former No. 2 pick and 2023 Heisman Trophy winner completed 69 percent of pass attempts for 3,568 yards, 25 touchdowns, and only nine interceptions to go along with 891 rushing yards and six rushing scores. Daniels led Washington to a 12-5 finish, their best record since 1991. He led them to a thrilling Wild Card Round victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington’s first playoff win in 19 years. Continuing the magic, the Daniels’ Commanders shocked the 15-win and top-seeded Detroit Lions in the Divisional Round. The magical run ended with a blowout loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game, but it nonetheless appeared to be the start of something special in DC. Unfortunately, Daniels’s sophomore season was a nightmare in every aspect. He was limited to three games because of hamstring and knee sprains as well as a dislocated elbow. And don’t mind us for already fearing that Daniels could be the next Robert Griffin III in Washington. Like RG3, Washington showed zero concern or regard for Daniels’ well-being last season. And in hindsight, we should have realized that 2024 was a fluky year, where Washington broke the analytics with their unsustainable success on fourth-down plays. Also, the Commanders’ roster is lousy outside of Daniels and Terry McLaurin. Their three NFC East rivals all have much deeper rosters and more cornerstone pieces. So, don’t mind us thinking that 2024 was peak Jayden Daniels. Not like Washington’s got a rich history of developing star NFL QBs these days, too. Become A Hall Of Famer: Will Anderson Jr.Dec 25, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) reacts after a play during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images The Houston Texans got bold at the 2023 NFL Draft. After using the No. 2 pick on Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud, they traded up via the Arizona Cardinals to select Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. at No. 3 overall. While Stroud has been a model of…inconsistency…Anderson Jr. already looks like someone who’ll take JJ Watt’s status as the Texans’ franchise GOAT. No, it’s not too early to say that after three seasons. Anderson has been a game-wrecking menace, with 30 sacks, six pass breakups, and four forced fumbles over his first three seasons. Houston also reached the Divisional Round in each of Anderson’s first three seasons. No small feat for a franchise that only had four playoff wins over its first 18 years of existence. Credit head coach DeMeco Ryans for helping unlock Anderson’s potential. The 2025 Texans’ defense was one of the best ever, and Stroud’s lousy postseason performance doesn’t take that away. We’re still waiting to see what the deal is with Stroud. But Anderson, at this rate, looks like a lock for Canton. Fizzle Out: Jordan AddisonMinnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (Matt Krohn-Imagn Images) Addison looked like a budding NFL star after a phenomenal 2023 rookie season. Even though the Minnesota Vikings had to use four different starting quarterbacks that year, Addison still finished with 70 receptions for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns. If Addison could post those numbers with guys like Josh Dobbs and Nick Mullens throwing to him…just what could he do with a capable starting quarterback? Not much, apparently. Before the start of the 2024 season, Addison was arrested in Los Angeles for suspicion of driving under the influence. It was only the start of his off-the-field issues. He missed two games in 2024, but the 63-875-9 stat line was still a disappointment, considering how excellent Sam Darnold was behind center for the Vikings in 2024. Addison struggled through a forgettable 2025 season, catching 42 passes for 610 yards and three touchdowns. He was also credited with six drops. A week after the Vikings’ 2025 campaign ended, Addison was again arrested for misdemeanor trespassing in Tampa. Another terrible look for a receiver whose production has declined in consecutive seasons. So, we’re just left thinking maybe Addison isn’t the star that looked to be in development in 2023. The production isn’t there. The off-field issues for a player this young are awfully concerning, too. Maybe Addison as an NFL superstar just wasn’t meant to be… Become A Hall Of Famer: Caleb WilliamsJan 5, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) during the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images The Chicago Bears have been a quarterback graveyard for decades. But it looks like the No. 1 pick of the 2024 NFL Draft will buck the trend as he’s a bona fide star. Williams had a superb rookie season despite coaching malpractice — hi Matt Eberflus! — and taking a league-high 68 sacks. He threw for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns, and only six interceptions. Of course, the party really started after the Bears hired Ben Johnson. He helped Williams take his game to another level in 2025, throwing for 3,942 yards, 27 touchdowns, and seven picks. Williams had six fourth-quarter comebacks in the regular season. To say nothing of that epic comeback win over the archrival Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card Round — and the NEAR-MIRACLE comeback in an overtime loss to the Rams in the Divisional Round. Williams has displayed all-world quarterback play since coming to Windy City. He was this-close to getting them to the NFC title game in his sophomore year. And his partnership with Johnson is just getting started. You see the jaw-dropping quarterback play, clutch genesis, and ridiculous poise. Yeah, the Bears are gonna send a QB to the Hall of Fame in the 21st century, folks! Ya better believe it. Fizzle Out: Kayvon ThibodeauxJun 17, 2025; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) speaks at a press conference during minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images It’s easy to forget now, but Thibodeaux was once considered an early front-runner to go first overall in a relatively weak 2022 NFL Draft. The Jacksonville Jaguars would use the top pick on Travon Walker, with Thibodeaux eventually going fifth overall to the New York Giants. Thibodeaux showed some flashes in his rookie year, but he looked like a future superstar with an excellent 2023 season. Thibodeaux finished with 11.5 sacks, four pass breakups, and three forced fumbles. But it’s been downhill for the Oregon product ever since. Injuries limited him to 22 games over the 2024 and 2025 seasons. He was hardly noticeable with eight sacks in those games. And his Pro Football Focus metrics haven’t been pretty. Thibodeaux has had four years now to put it together. Instead, he looks like a rotational player at best. Become A Hall Of Famer: Kyle HamiltonNov 7, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (14) reacts after tips a Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) pass during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images Hamilton was considered a top-five prospect entering the 2022 NFL Draft. But fortunately for the Baltimore Ravens, other teams didn’t value the safety position that early. So, the Notre Dame product fell right into their laps at No. 14 overall. The fit has been perfect, as everyone expected. Hamilton has made a strong case as arguably the best defensive back in the NFL and certainly the best star safety by a country mile. Hamilton has been lights out in coverage, pass rushing, and run defense. Through four seasons, the three-time Pro Bowler had five interceptions, 36 pass breakups, six forced fumbles, and eight sacks with only a 76.8 passer rating allowed when targeted. All of this accomplished before his 25th birthday? Yeah, this kid is definitely in the Hall of Fame. But can he follow the footsteps of Ravens legend and Hall of Fame safety Ed Reed and eventually claim a Super Bowl championship ring? Fizzle Out: C.J. StroudHouston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (Barry Reeger-Imagn Images) The year before Jayden Daniels went off, Stroud put together his own season that many viewed as the best rookie QB campaign in NFL history. Despite missing two starts, Stroud threw for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, and only five picks for a passer rating of 100.8. Stroud led Houston to the AFC South division crown and a wild-card round victory over the Cleveland Browns before bowing out to the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round. Despite playing all 17 games in 2024, however, Stroud actually finished with fewer passing yards and touchdowns at 3,727 and 20, respectively. His passer rating fell to 87.0. Then in 2025? Stroud missed three games, had 19 touchdowns and eight picks. Then he wasted the Texans’ generational defense by self-destructing in their Divisional Round loss with four interceptions in a 28-16 loss to the Patriots. Houston’s got a stupendous defense and a good set of receivers. Stroud, however, has regressed more and more since his lights-out rookie year. And given his disappointing playoff performances up to this point, it’s safe to question if Stroud will ever become “the guy” in Houston. Or anywhere else… Become A Hall Of Famer: Puka NacuaJan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) celebrates after defeating the Minnesota Vikings during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images What more can be said about Nacua that hasn’t already been said? He’s thriving off the field, too. The Los Angeles Rams struck gold when they drafted Nacua in the fifth round — 177th overall — in 2023. See? There’s a reason why GM Les Snead gets away with trading first-round picks as they grow on trees… In 2023, Nacua set the rookie records for receptions with 105 and receiving yards with 1,486. Despite missing six games in his sophomore year, Nacua racked up 79 receptions for 990 yards and three touchdowns. Nacua was instrumental in Matthew Stafford claiming his first NFL MVP award in 2025. Nacua recorded a league-leading 129 receptions for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns to earn the first of many First-team All-Pro selections. Through three seasons, Nacua has 313 receptions for 4,191 yards and 19 touchdowns. In the postseason, he has 44 catches for 654 yards and three touchdowns. This is Justin Jefferson and Randy Moss-like production for a receiver before his 25th birthday, folks. NFL star, no doubt. Nacua is also in a good spot to keep on producing with Sean McVay running the offense. Honestly, three more seasons like this could be enough to get him in the Hall of Fame. Now, if Nacua could just get that Super Bowl ring while he has Stafford throwing to him… Fizzle Out: Rashee RiceKansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images) Rice’s rookie season couldn’t have gone a whole lot better. The No. 55 pick of 2023 emerged as the Kansas City Chiefs’ top wide receiver, catching 79 passes for 938 yards and seven touchdowns. Rice played a vital role in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl 58 run, catching 26 passes for 262 yards and a touchdown. Kansas City defeated the San Francisco 49ers in overtime to repeat as Super Bowl champions, a feat that hadn’t been accomplished since the 2003-04 New England Patriots. Less than two months after the Chiefs’ Super Bowl 58 triumph, Rice was involved in a Dallas hit-and-run while racing his friend on a highway. He later pleaded guilty to a pair of felony charges and was sentenced to 30 days in prison. Rice was also suspended for six games in 2025. In Week 4 of the 2024 season, Rice suffered a gruesome knee injury that required surgery. That sidelines him for the rest of the year. He performed well in the eight games he suited up for in 2025. But that might be the last we see of Prime Rashee Rice. After the season, Rice’s ex-girlfriend accused him of viciously assaulting her during their relationship. She even posted photos showing the gruesome injuries as well as damage in her home, allegedly inflicted by Rice. After the Super Bowl, the ex-girlfriend filed a lawsuit against Rice. Rice clearly can’t be relied upon to have a clean act and focus on football. The Chiefs have faced plenty of criticism in the past for employing players with baggage like Tyreek Hill, Frank Clark, and Kareem Hunt. Can they really go through this again with Rice? It just feels like Rice’s problematic off-the-field behavior is bound to destroy what should have been a blossoming tenure in Kansas City. And sadly, the young star wouldn’t be the first player to throw away his NFL career with significant legal matters.
The craziness of NFL free agency is mostly over this offseason, as the top free agents have all signed big-money deals and found their home for the 2026-27 NFL season. With players like Kenneth Walker III, Malik Willis, Travis Etienne, Jaylen Waddle, and Mike Evans all latching on to new teams this offseason, there has […] The post NFL Power Rankings, Post Free Agency: Seahawks remain atop the league appeared first on ClutchPoints.
JIMMY ROLDER is set to be among the NFL Draft’s most wanted stars after holding talks with more than six franchises. The Michigan linebacker, 22, is one of the names…
He could be an insurance policy for the Texans. The post Texans Urged to Add Former Eagles Starter in Free Agency appeared first on Heavy Sports.
An NFL writer names defensive lineman Derek Barnett as a fit for the Indianapolis Colts ahead of the 2026 season. The post Colts Tabbed Fit for 34-Sack EDGE Rusher appeared first on Heavy Sports.
Former Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs has been identified as a top free agent target for the Kansas City Chiefs. The post Ex-Bills WR Stefon Diggs Predicted to Join Top Super Bowl Rival appeared first on Heavy Sports.
The Houston Texans have one of the more complete rosters in the NFL, with a healthy mix of both young talent and veteran experience on both sides of the football.That gives the Texans an advantage heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. They can take a step back and look at the big picture, planning out […] The post Texans Mock Draft Gives Long-Term Boost to Offensive & Defensive Lines appeared first on Heavy Sports.
Free agency is a tricky time of year… it is challenging for front offices when their hopes meet reality, and they need to find a way to fill all the holes on their NFL teams and keep their current talent in place. So every offseason we see good players leave, at times, good teams, for one reason or another—and in some cases, they end up being the kind of moves that haunt a front office for years. Let’s run through all 32 teams and break down the players that they absolutely shouldn’t have let walk in the 2026 free agency period. Which players for each NFL team should have stayed in free agency? Arizona Cardinals: Calais Campbell, DLNov 9, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Calais Campbell (93) looks on before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images Campbell is 39 years old and came back to Arizona in 2025 to finish his career where it started… And the man was still producing at a rotational level most 30-year-olds would envy. His contract expired, and while retirement remains on the table, most analysts around the league expect him to lace them up for another year… but Arizona missed the boat on bringing him back. Which is a shame because he could have been a big piece for them in the rebuild post Kyler Murray. Atlanta Falcons: Leonard Floyd, EdgeDec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive end Leonard Floyd (56) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Floyd was a reliable edge presence for the Falcons—a veteran who could set the edge, generate a pass rush, and give a young defense the structure it needed. And it is safe to assume that his downturn in production was a result of the Falcons’ team struggles more than anything. Letting a veteran edge rusher of his caliber leave when your NFL team is still trying to establish an identity is a bigger mistake than it looks. Baltimore Ravens: Tyler Linderbaum, CJun 10, 2025; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum (64) looks on during an NFL OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images This one still stings… Linderbaum made three straight Pro Bowls, anchoring the Ravens’ interior line, and Baltimore declined his fifth-year option rather than pay him market rate because of the myth of positional value. The Raiders blew the entire center market apart with a three-year, $81 million deal—$27 million per year, nine million more annually than the previous record. The Ravens reportedly offered $22 million annually… Which is… just $1million more. Considering the window that they are trying to capitalize on, maybe they should have exercised the option and tried to figure out the long-term deal down the road! Buffalo Bills: Tre'Davious White, CBBuffalo Bills cornerback Tre’davious White (27) celebrates the game-deciding interception during the fourth quarter of an NFL football AFC Wild Card playoff matchup, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Bills defeated the Jaguars 27-24. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] White posted 40 tackles and a team-high 10 passes defensed, his best mark since 2020, and by the back half of the season, analysts were noting he resembled the cornerback who was one of the best in football before his ACL tear. The Bills are already thin in the secondary after losing Taron Johnson, Darius Slay, and Jordan Poyer this offseason… maybe they should’ve tried to bring the vet back into the fold for one more year instead of asking a group of unproven corners to hold up behind a defense that needs to be elite if this NFL team is going to finally get over the hump. Carolina Panthers: Rico Dowdle, RBNov 9, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle (5) during player introductions at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images Dowdle finished 2025 with 1,076 yards on the ground and was the engine that kept the offense moving and this team relevant in the back half of the year. His production gave Bryce Young a legitimate running game to lean on, and when you have a young quarterback still finding his footing, a ball carrier who takes pressure off your passing game is worth more than the raw stats suggest. Chicago Bears: Nahshon Wright, CBChicago Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright (26) throws the game ball into the crowd as Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) reacts to losing the game at the end of their wild-card playoff football game Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. Wright picked off five passes in 2025. He’s 26 years old. And the Bears just let him walk to the Jets on a one-year, $5.5 million deal. That’s not a market-breaking number — that’s a number that his NFL team could have matched without blinking. Have to wonder what they were thinking on this one. Cincinnati Bengals: Joseph Ossai, DENov 3, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Joseph Ossai (58) runs onto the field before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images Ossai joined the Jets on a three-year, $36 million contract, meaning Cincinnati is now rolling with Boye Mafe, Myles Murphy, and Shemar Stewart at defensive end. Mafe is the only proven one in that group, and he’s never cracked six sacks in a season. Not exactly a group that instills hope that a defensive revival is in the making. Cleveland Browns: Devin Bush, LBDevin Bush (Ken Blaze-Imagn Images) Bush came to Cleveland on cheap one-year prove-it deals two straight years and turned his career completely around. In 2025, he started all 17 games, posted a career-high 125 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and three interceptions. That’s not a depth piece. That’s an NFL starter playing at an All-Pro level for a team that was paying him almost nothing. Chicago saw it, signed him to a three-year, $30 million deal with $21 million guaranteed, and now Cleveland is starting over at the position. Dallas Cowboys: Jadeveon Clowney, DENov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (42) celebrates after he sacks Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Say what you will about Jadeveon Clowney, but he still led the Cowboys with 8.5 sacks in 2025 at age 32. Now he’s expected to leave as a free agent, and Dallas hasn’t replaced him with anyone. Here’s the thing about Clowney — everybody forgets about him in March, and then he goes out and puts up numbers every year. Dallas is going to be hurting without him, as that defense really left a lot to be desired. Denver Broncos: Dre Greenlaw, LBSep 21, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Dre Greenlaw (57) on the sidelines prior to the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Greenlaw was brought to Denver last offseason specifically to bring championship experience into that building… and now they were a healthy Bo Nix away from a Super Bowl in January… That window is open right now—and you have to think this team will be kicking themselves come playoffs next year without an NFL player of his pedigree. Detroit Lions: Alex Anzalone, LBDetroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone celebrates a tackle against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025. Tampa Bay signed Anzalone to a two-year, $17 million deal that Detroit apparently wasn’t interested in matching. The Lions are betting their younger linebackers can step up… and maybe they can. But Anzalone was the guy who understood Dan Campbell’s defense from the inside, including the communication at the second level, the disguise work before the snap, and the situational awareness in late-game situations. That’s not something you replace by plugging in whoever is next on the depth chart. Green Bay Packers: Romeo Doubs, WRGreen Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (87) flashes a heart with his hands to the fans as he walks off the field after defeating the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won the game, 34-13 Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Doubs signed with New England and now gives Drake Maye a legitimate option underneath… Good for the Patriots… But for the Packers, that’s a problem. Jordan Love needs weapons to throw the ball to, and instead of adding to their already thin wide receiver room, they are bleeding talent. Houston Texans: Tim Settle, DTOct 20, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Houston Texans defensive tackle Tim Settle (98) warms up before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images Settle left for Washington on a three-year, $25.5 million deal, and to say that Houston will be missing him this year is an understatement. Losing a proven interior piece on defense at the same time means this roster is in transition on both sides of the ball simultaneously. Settle wasn’t flashy. He ate blocks, stayed in his lane, and let Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter do their thing. That kind of player is harder to replace for an NFL team than the contract suggests. Indianapolis Colts: Kwity Paye, DEDec 7, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive end Kwity Paye (51) looks on before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images Paye signed with the Las Vegas Raiders on a three-year, $48 million deal after posting at least four sacks in each of his five NFL seasons, including two years over eight for his previous team. He was the best edge rusher on this roster, and Indianapolis let him walk. The Colts are now piecing together a pass rush to forge their way back towards relevance. Jacksonville Jaguars: Travis Etienne, RBDec 29, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) runs the ball against the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images Etienne ran for over 1,000 yards in three of his four seasons in Jacksonville, set a career high with 13 touchdowns in 2025, and was the most complete offensive player on this roster. The Saints made him an offer Jacksonville couldn’t… or wouldn’t match. Losing your best offensive weapon while the front office counts future draft slots isn’t the message you want to send to a locker room that already had questions about where this franchise is heading. Kansas City Chiefs: Jawaan Taylor, OTAug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor (74) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Taylor’s $27.3 million cap hit made this a financial necessity, and Kansas City released him on March 4 to clear the space. He was their starting right tackle for three seasons, including a Super Bowl run. Now he’s a free agent, while Patrick Mahomes is rehabbing a torn ACL, and the Chiefs are rebuilding almost every other position on the roster at the same time. Not ideal! Las Vegas Raiders: Jamal Adams, SNov 6, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jamal Adams (33) practices before the game at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Adams hasn’t been the player he was in New York in years. Multiple knee surgeries, diminishing production — the Raiders knew what they were getting and made the bet anyway… and the output was better than expected. It feels like a safe conclusion that Vegas could have brought him back on a modest 1- or 2-year deal and gotten a lot of value from his skill set and veteran presence. Los Angeles Chargers: Odafe Oweh, EdgeDec 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Odafe Oweh (98) celebrates a sack against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images Oweh broke out in the second half of 2025 and signed a four-year, $100 million deal with Washington. The Chargers watched that happen without matching it, and now they have a hole at edge rusher with no answer for it. Oweh is 26 years old and clearly figured out how to consistently win against NFL tackles, but now he’s going to hit his prime somewhere else. Jim Harbaugh wants to go deep in the playoffs with Justin Herbert, but right now, that plan has a gap, as this NFL team still has some serious holes to plug. Los Angeles Rams: Tutu Atwell, WROct 2, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell (5) reacts against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images While he never turned into the regular big play guy that Los Angeles was hoping… Tutu Atwell was a nice player for them and filled an important role in this NFL team. The problem for the Rams is that they just lost the fastest receiver on their roster — the one guy who forced safeties to play deep. Without Atwell running past defensive backs, coverage rotations get simpler, defenders crowd the short-to-intermediate game, and Matthew Stafford’s job gets harder. Miami Dolphins: Tyreek Hill, WRDec 8, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) looks on after making a catch against the New York Jets during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Hill tore his ACL in Week 4 last season and was done. Before that, the production had already started sliding. Now, the new front office looked at a $51 million cap hit, $16 million about to trigger in guaranteed money, a 32-year-old coming off a torn ACL… and made what was probably the financially correct decision. But that doesn’t make it any less painful for the Dolphins fans. Minnesota Vikings: Jalen Nailor, WRMinnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor (83) celebrates scoring a touchdown with teamates during their football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, December 29, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Nailor signed with the Raiders for three years and $35 million with $25 million guaranteed after three years operating in the shadows of Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, quietly doing the work — taking the tough assignments, winning on underneath routes, making third-down catches when the defense had the Vikings’ top options blanketed. Casual NFL fans may not expect it, but this team will miss him big time next year. New England Patriots: Stefon Diggs, WRStefon Diggs. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Diggs was a big part of a Super Bowl run in New England last year… but that didn’t stop Vrabel from releasing him this offseason. At 32, with a sizable cap hit and a history of making things difficult wherever he’s been, this wasn’t a shocking call. But releasing a player of this caliber without a clear plan for who fills that role is the kind of move that could just show up on third and eight in November. New Orleans Saints: Alontae Taylor, CBJun 10, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor (1) looks on during minicamp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images The Saints are already in a difficult spot, and losing Taylor made it considerably more difficult. He signed with Tennessee for three years and $60 million — and this wasn’t a surprise departure; it was a talent drain for an NFL team that is desperate to be competitive again. New York Giants: Wan'Dale Robinson, WRNov 23, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson (17) runs upfield after catching a swing pass in the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images Four years, $78 million with the Titans. Gone. Big Blue said that it didn’t fit the budget for a team still rebuilding, and the cap logic makes sense on paper. The Giants have been reconstructing this receiver room for a decade without solving it. Nothing about this offseason suggests that’s about to change. New York Jets: Quincy Williams, LBNew York Jets linebacker Quincy Williams (56) drops back on defense during an NFL Week 10 game between the New York Jets and the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025. 2023 wasn’t that long ago… When Williams posted 139 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 10 passes defensed and was legitimately one of the best linebackers in football. Then 2025 happened. Shoulder injury, hand injury, a brief benching, his brother Quinnen traded to Dallas mid-season… the whole thing unraveled. His coverage numbers were a disaster, and the Jets moved on. Cleveland saw a different story, though — two years, $17 million for a guy who, in the right scheme, has proven he can be an All-Pro for an NFL team. New York may regret this one… but what else is new?! Philadelphia Eagles: Jaelan Phillips, EdgeNov 16, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jaelan Phillips (50) reacts after the game against the Detroit Lions at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images It feels like every offseason the Eagles roster gets picked apart, and this year was no different, as Philly lost their best pass rusher. Phillips signed the richest edge contract in the entire offseason — four years, $120 million with Carolina. Cap constraints are real, sure. So is the gap between Phillips and whoever lines up in his spot Week 1. Pittsburgh Steelers: Isaac Seumalo, OGNov 2, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers guard Isaac Seumalo warms up foe a game against the Indianapolis Colts.at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images Isaac Seumalo quietly anchored Pittsburgh’s offensive line through a season where protecting the quarterback position was an absolute must—and he did a heck of a job. Pittsburgh has paid a lot of attention to its skill position players this offseason, but if the line in front of them is a real problem, none of those additions will matter. San Francisco 49ers: Jauan Jennings, WRJan 11, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (15) reacts in front of Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean (33) after a first down catch in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images In 2025, with the slew of injuries on the roster, Jennings was the 49ers’ offense. Fifty-five catches, 643 yards, nine touchdowns — team-high. And he did it playing through broken ribs and both high and low ankle sprains simultaneously. Losing him is going to be a bigger problem for this NFL team than most people think. Seattle Seahawks: Kenneth Walker III, RBNov 16, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) runs the ball against Los Angeles Rams safety Kam Curl (3) during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Well—this was an easy one… Seattle lost the Super Bowl LX MVP. Over 1,400 yards in 2025 and 5he engine of the entire offense on the biggest stage in the sport. And Seattle didn’t pay him. Time will tell how big a mistake that was! Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mike Evans, WRMike Evans (Photo By Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images) Twelve seasons. Eleven straight 1,000-yard years — tied with Jerry Rice for the all-time record. The face of the franchise through everything that happened post-Brady. And Evans signed with San Francisco because he looked at this roster and decided Tampa wasn’t going to give him a real shot at a ring. Ouch. Tennessee Titans: L'Jarius Sneed, CBTennessee Titans cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (38) heads off the field after a goal-line stop against the p/ during their game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. Four years, $76.4 million. Two seasons. Zero interceptions. That’s what the Sneed experiment cost this franchise. He played 12 games, needed knee and quad surgeries, and the Titans released him to clear $11.4 million in cap space. Letting him go was the right call… There was nothing else to do… but it still hurts! Washington Commanders: Deebo Samuel, WRSep 28, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel (1) shown on the field during the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Last season was a disaster, and shockingly, Deebo was one of the few guys who showed up anyway, quietly putting up 72 catches, 727 yards, and five touchdowns. That’s one of the steals of the 2025 offseason… and now the Commanders are letting him walk.
The 2025 NFL Season was remarkable, as we witnessed the wild journey of many teams making serious playoff pushes, culminating in the Seattle Seahawks winning the Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl 60. Even though the Seahawks have lost some key pieces from their championship roster, they’re likely going to return to the playoffs and defend their honor with ease. Other teams during the offseason have made drastic roster improvements that could help them return to the playoffs, while some might not return to the big dance when the 2026 season is all said and done. As we’ve seen before, NFL teams do whatever they can to rebuild, retool, and reset their rosters for the new season. The moves these teams made during the offseason will always spark our interest on paper. We just have to see it in action when the time arrives. The 2026 regular season may be a long way away, but it’ll be here sooner than you know it. Here at TPS, we’re going to predict who’ll make their return to the playoffs and who won’t return to the playoffs: Which NFL teams will return to the playoffs and which ones will not? Won’t Return: Houston TexansAug 9, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; A Houston Texans helmet sits on the sidelines during the 4th quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports The 2025 Texans had arguably one of the league’s best defenses, but were beaten by the New England Patriots 28-16. The 2026 Texans did trade for David Montgomery from the Detroit Lions, but they need interior offensive linemen to protect C. J. Stroud, as they need a new guard and center for Stroud to work with. Although Stroud reduced his sack rate from 2024, he struggled in the NFL playoffs, completing 51.9 percent of his passes and throwing two touchdowns against five costly interceptions. The Texans also parted ways with safety Jimmie Ward, defensive tackle Mario Edwards, who failed a physical, and defensive tackle Kurt Hinish, who had significant roles on the team’s defense. The Texans have a tougher schedule than they did last year, as they’ll square off against the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles, and Los Angeles Chargers, to name a few of the teams they’ll square off against. If the Texans suffer a few losses against these opponents and their divisional rivals due to key injuries or poor play, they can likely kiss their playoff chances goodbye. Will Return: Kansas City ChiefsFeb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; A detail view of Kansas City Chiefs helmets before Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images As fun as it was for some NFL fans to witness the Chiefs missing the playoffs, they’re reloading their roster for the 2026 season and will be ready to compete for a chance to return to the playoffs. Adding Kenneth Walker III was a smart move, along with retooling the defense with DT Khyiris Tonga, Safety Alohi Gilman, and cornerback Kader Kohou. Patrick Mahomes’ rehab has been going well, but if he isn’t ready by week one, the Chiefs did trade for Justin Fields, who should play fairly well under Andy Reid’s and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy’s system. The rest of the Chiefs’ roster will be fresh and healthy for the start of the 2026 season and will slowly return to their winning ways. The Chiefs’ schedule is also more favorable, as they’ll square off against the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts, Cincinnati Bengals, and Arizona Cardinals, who’ll likely give the Chiefs some well-needed wins for a strong 2026 season. Won’t Return: Pittsburgh SteelersDec 15, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers helmet on the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images 2026 will be a strange year for the Steelers, as Mike Tomlin stepped down immediately after their playoff exit against the Houston Texans, and they are in uncharted waters with Mike McCarthy leading the way. The questions continue, as no one knows whether Aaron Rodgers will continue playing or retire before the start of the 2026 season. If Rodgers does retire, Will Howard will have to prove himself to be the guy the Steelers hoped for, or roll with Mason Rudolph, whose reputation doesn’t scream Pro Bowl-caliber starter. Not to mention key players are starting to age on the roster, such as Cameron Heyward, who’ll be 37 when the 2026 season kicks off. Both T. J. Watt and Jalen Ramsey turn 32 in October of the regular season, and newly signed Jamel Dean will be 30 in October of the regular season. The AFC North is still a competitive division, with the Baltimore Ravens lingering around and wanting revenge for the final game of the 2025 season. It won’t be a cakewalk for the Steelers. The Steelers also have a tougher schedule ahead, as they’ll face teams like the Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles, New England Patriots, and Jacksonville Jaguars, all of whom won their divisions in 2025. Don’t be surprised if the Steelers’ streak of winning seasons since 2004 comes to an end in 2026 and the team finds itself on the outside looking in as other teams reach the NFL playoffs. Will Return: New York GiantsOct 28, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants helmets on the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Hear us out, the “John Harbaugh effect” is real. The moves the teams have made recently should excite and energize Giants’ fans. Signing former Ravens fullback Patrick Ricard and tight end Isaiah Likely will help further improve Jaxson Dart’s performance on offense, as well as the additions of Darnell Mooney and Calvin Austin to solidify the passing attack. Not to mention Malik Nabers and Cam Skataboo will both be fully healthy for kickoff in week one. The Giants’ offense ranked 13th in total offense and averaged 333.5 yards per game in 2025. That ranking is going to increase under new offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, who coached the Chiefs’ offense to back-to-back Super Bowl wins. The Giants still have to further adjust their offensive line for the 2025 season, as Dart was sacked 31 times during his rookie season. Harbaugh and company should find some diamonds in the rough during free agency and in the upcoming NFL Draft. The defense also saw a revamp during the offseason, as Tremaine Edmunds, Ar’Darius Washington, Greg Newsome II, Jason Pinnock, and Elijah Campbell are great additions to the roster. Coach Harbaugh’s physical and mental toughness style of coaching will be refreshing for the G-Men moving forward, as they get prepared for the start of the 2026 season. Won’t Return: San Francisco 49ersSep 15, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; San Francisco 49ers helmets sits idle during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images The 2026 49ers still have some issues to address before the start of the 2026 season. The pass rush needs an update, and the team had 20 sacks in the 2025 season. Brock Purdy will be without Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings, weakening the pass attack. Sure, the team signed veterans Mike Evans and Christian Kirk, but they’re way past their prime. Tight end George Kittle is coming off an Achilles’ tear and is in his 30s, while Christian McCaffrey has had his fair share of injuries throughout the years. The defense saw some regression and has injury problems of its own, with Nick Bosa tearing his ACL, Fred Warner suffering a dislocated and broken ankle, and backup linebacker Tatum Bethune suffering a knee injury. The team’s schedule isn’t forgiving, as they have to square off against the Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, and Los Angeles Chargers, who will likely give the 49ers a run for their money. The 49ers will also have a grueling travel schedule ahead of them, as they’re set to travel over 15,000 miles to play their rivals, the Los Angeles Rams, in Melbourne, Australia, and have a home game in Mexico City On top of that, competition in the NFC West has shifted with the Rams and Seattle Seahawks drastically improving their rosters. No NFL playoffs for this squad. Will Return: Baltimore RavensJan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; A view of Baltimore Ravens players’ helmets on a heated bench against the Pittsburgh Steelers in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images A new era has arrived in Baltimore, as the Jesse Minter saga has begun, as he looks to resurrect the team’s defense to a top-tier unit in 2026. Although the Maxx Crosby trade didn’t work out, the team signed Trey Hendrickson as the next best option to improve the defense. The defense still has playmakers like Kyle Hamilton, Roquan Smith, Marlon Humphrey, and Nate Wiggins ready to cause havoc, and should flourish under Minter’s and defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver’s system. Adding safety Jaylinn Hawkins will improve the secondary. Lamar Jackson should adjust to offensive coordinator Declan Doyle’s schemes and should be healthier for the 2026 season. Not to mention Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews, and Derrick Henry are still on the roster and are ready to regain their offensive footing against opposing defenses, as the team ranked 16th in offensive rankings last season, averaging 332.2 yards per game. The Ravens have the pieces to make a serious playoff run for the 2026 NFL season. They just need to make it happen. Won’t Return: Carolina PanthersDec 8, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Carolina Panthers helmet rests on the bench against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images As fun as it was to see the Panthers reach the NFL playoffs, things could get rough for them in the 2026 season. The Panthers will have a tougher schedule for the upcoming season, as they’ll square off against the Chicago Bears, defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Denver Broncos. All of those teams have playoff-caliber rosters. Bryce Young showed strides of improvement, but could regress due to poor play and trouble with the offensive line, as offensive tackle Iken Ekwonu suffered a ruptured patellar tendon during the team’s Wildcard round playoff game and is potentially doubtful to return by week one. Not to mention Young’s play was inconsistent during the 2025 season, as he threw for 3,011 yards and threw 23 touchdowns against 11 interceptions, the most in his career so far. Losing Rico Dowdle to the Steelers will impact the backfield, but the team still has Chuba Hubbard. The Panthers traded away veteran backup Andy Dalton to the Philadelphia Eagles for a seventh-round draft pick and signed Kenny Pickett to back up Young, who is younger but not nearly as experienced as Dalton. We’ll just have to wait and see what will happen with the Panthers when the 2026 season kicks off. Will Return: Detroit LionsHelmet of Detroit Lions place kicker Jake Bates (not in the photo) before the NFC divisional round between Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders] at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. The Lions can make a return to the NFL playoffs by strengthening their offensive line, as adding Cade Mays, Larry Borom, and Seth McLaughlin should help. The team’s offense should make some improvements under new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. The Lions still have one of the more talented rosters in the league, thanks to Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Sam LaPorta, and Jahmyr Gibbs on offense, and Aidan Hutchinson and Jack Campbell on defense. As a bonus, the Lions have a much easier schedule for the 2026 season, as they’ll face the New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, and Tennessee Titans, who all had losing records in 2025. It should be interesting to see how the Lions will fare in the 2026 season, and we can’t wait to see what they’ll bring forth. Won’t Return: Green Bay PackersDec 29, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; A Green Bay Packers helmet sits ready before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images As iconic as the Packers are, they could miss the playoffs due to a lingering injury crisis that could carry over from the 2025 season. Losing Malik Willis to the Miami Dolphins will sting, as Desmond Ridder is not a flashy name to get behind if Jordan Love gets hurt during the season. The team will also miss Romeo Doubs, who was the team’s leading receiver with 724 receiving yards and scored six touchdowns. Not the flashiest of numbers, but he and Love made things work during their time together. Emmanuel Wilson is also gone, as he signed a one-year deal with the defending champion Seahawks. The Packers’ defense imploded near the end of the 2025 season, and could be a weak point during the 2026 season. Not to mention the NFC North remains one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL, with the Lions and Chicago Bears making significant moves to improve. The Packers have a lot of issues to resolve, but have some time to fix a couple of things before the start of the 2026 season in September. Will Return: Atlanta FalconsNov 10, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the Atlanta Falcons helmet against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images The Falcons finished the 2026 season slightly better than expected. Sure, they showed Raheem Morris the exit, but they made a great hire, bringing in Kevin Stefanski, who’ll bring a much-needed offensive stability to the team moving forward. The Falcons’ offense has talented playmakers still on the roster like Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and the recently franchise-tagged Kyle Pitts, who should flourish under Stefanski’s and Tommy Rees’ systems. Plus, the team added Austin Hooper and Jahan Dotson to the mix Kirk Cousins is no longer on the roster, and signing Tua Tagovailoa is a decent yet risky option to back Michael Penix Jr., just in case he suffers an injury down the road. The defense still has defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich calling the shots on defense, as they took some serious steps forward in the 2025 season with rookies and some injuries to the unit. The unit also added defensive end Cameron Thomas, defensive tackle Da’Shawn Hand, and linebacker Christian Harris to further solidify the unit. The 2026 Falcons will be an interesting team to watch when the offseason and NFL Draft are in the review mirror, and everyone is ready for kickoff with their sneaky good roster.
