2026 offseason

The NFL is like a revolving door, with talent coming in and out of teams like a grocery store, as teams seek to bring in the best talent they can find to improve on their previous seasons. As NFL teams make smart moves during the offseason, they have also made some questionable moves that have us scratching our heads, wondering why they would do that.  Here are all 32 NFL teams’ worst offseason moves so far. Which bad offseason moves did each NFL team make? Arizona Cardinals: Settling for a backup quarterbackJan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of an Arizona Cardinals helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Cardinals had to move on from Kyler Murray after he dealt with an injury-riddled season in 2025.  However, their quarterback choices are questionable, as they currently have journeymen backups, Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew.  Brissett threw for over 3,300 yards and threw 23 touchdowns against eight interceptions, but his production didn’t lead to many victories, as he won one game in 2025 and lost 11.  The quarterback situation in the desert isn’t promising for 2026.  Atlanta Falcons: Signing Tua TagovailoaNov 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 Kirk Cousins experiment was a flop due to inconsistent play and nagging injuries, and releasing him was the right move. However, signing Tagovailoa, who has his own injury history, is very questionable this NFL offseason. Michael Penix Jr. already dealt with an ACL injury after the Falcons’ week 11 game against the Carolina Panthers last season, and having another injury-prone quarterback on the roster is not an inspiring move. Even though the Falcons signed Tagovailoa for a one-year, $1.3 million contract, staying healthy is more important. Let’s just hope Penix Jr. and Tagovailoa stay healthy in 2026.  Baltimore Ravens: Losing Tyler LinderbaumJan 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 The Ravens weren’t able to re-sign Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum after the 2025 season, and the Raiders swooped in and signed him to a three-year, $81 million deal. Losing Linderbaum is a massive loss for the Ravens’ offensive line, as he started all 17 games for the team, had five penalties, and allowed two sacks in 2025. The Ravens signed centers Danny Pinter and Jovaughn Gwyn from the Colts and Falcons, respectively. However, neither have the résumé Linderbaum does, nor are they Pro Bowlers.  Having a very reliable center in the offensive line is important, and we can hope Gwyn and/or Pinter can fill the shoes left behind by Linderbaum. Buffalo Bills: Overpaying for Bradley ChubbJan 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 Chubb had to leave a sinking Dolphins team, and his joining the Bills gives them a great veteran presence. However, the Bills signed him to a three-year, $43.5 million deal.  Chubb will be 30 when the 2026 season kicks off, and he hasn’t made a Pro Bowl since 2022. Not to mention, Chubb has had injury problems in recent years.  The Bills could’ve used some of the money in Chubb’s deal to address other areas of need this NFL offseason. Chubb also hasn’t had a double-digit sack season since 2023. If this deal falls flat, don’t be surprised if general manager Brandon Beane is shown the exit.  Carolina Panthers: Overpaying for Jaelan PhillipsDec 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 Adding Phillips will bolster the Panthers’ defense in 2026. However, the team could’ve signed him for less money.  Phillips has dealt with injuries throughout his NFL career, with a ruptured Achilles in 2023 and a torn Achilles in 2024. The Panthers need help in the pass-rush, but they’re making a massive gamble with Phillips’ four-year $120 million deal, as overpaying players sometimes doesn’t work. Phillips isn’t an elite pass-rusher either and hasn’t had a double-digit sack season yet. Chicago Bears: Letting key defenders in the secondary goNov 3, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Chicago Bears helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images All NFL teams have to release talent every offseason to manage their respective salary cap and replace underperformers with fresh faces. However, the Bears released a lot of talent from the secondary. Kevin Byard signed with the Patriots after making the Pro Bowl, and Nahshon Wright signed with the Jets after making the Pro Bowl as well. Jaquan Brisker is gone, C. J. Gardner-Johnson is gone, and Jonathan Owens is gone. The Bears still have Elijah Hicks and Jaylon Jones, and added Cam Lewis from the Bills and Coby Bryant from the Seahawks, but they’ll miss the production from Wright and Byard, who helped the Bears win the NFC North and reach the NFC Divisional Round in the playoffs last season. Cincinnati Bengals: Signing Jonathan AllenDec 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 As talented as Allen is, he’s 31 and getting up there in age and is coming off two consecutive seasons of declining performances.  Allen is not the same guy he once was in his prime with the Commanders, when he made two Pro Bowls.  He also tore his pectoral muscle in 2024 and missed significant time with the Commanders at the time. The Bengals are making a huge gamble signing him, and he may not live up to expectations. Cleveland Browns: Overpaying for Zion JohnsonNov 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 The Browns need offensive line help, but they may have overpaid for former Chargers guard Zion Johnson this NFL offseason. Johnson signed a three-year, $49.5 million deal. However, he posted mixed results in 2025 with the Bolts, struggling at times despite flashes of success. As all NFL teams need strong offensive linemen to protect their quarterbacks, overpaying for Johnson might smack the Browns in the face.  Dallas Cowboys: Trading Away Osa OdighizuwaNov 23, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; A general view of a Dallas Cowboys helmet before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images The Cowboys traded Osa Odighizuwa to the 49ers for a third-round pick, yet damaged their defensive line in the process. Odighizuwa was very reliable in the Cowboys’ pass-rush, having 44 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 2025.  The Cowboys may not find a suitable replacement for Odighizuwa with the third-round pick they traded for, as a day-two rookie may not replace his impact.  Denver Broncos: Releasing Dre GreenlawOct 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 The Broncos stunned many by releasing Greenlaw after he posted a very productive season in the Mile High City in 2025.  Greenlaw had 43 tackles, a sack, two pass deflections, an interception returned for 27 yards, and a forced fumble in 2025.  Although his play was inconsistent, he made a strong impact on the team’s defense and helped guide them to the AFC Championship game.  Greenlaw returns to the 49ers on a one-year, $7.5 million deal, and he’s shown to be one of the league’s best linebackers when healthy. A release the Broncos might regret moving forward. Detroit Lions: Loss of Veteran leadership on defenseHelmet 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 didn’t spend big on defense and lost defensive leaders like Alex Anzalone and Al-Quadin Muhammad to free agency.  Losing these contributors hurts the defense and leaves Aidan Hutchinson without any Pro Bowl-caliber help.  If the Lions don’t address needs on the pass-rush this offseason, they could experience a rough 2026 NFL season.  Green Bay Packers: Replacing Romeo Doubs with Skyy MooreJan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers helmet on the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images Even though Doubs isn’t a 1,000-yard receiver, replacing him with Moore is very head-scratching.  Moore was on the Chiefs, who won back-to-back Super Bowls, but he hasn’t had a season where he topped 500 receiving yards. Moore has some big shoes to fill on the Packers’ offense in 2026.  Houston Texans: Signing Logan HallAug 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 added some much-needed talent to the offensive line, but they really didn’t address their problem at the edge by signing Hall to a two-year, $14 million deal. The Texans already have Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. at the position and didn’t need to bring Hall into the fold.  The team could’ve signed other talent, like an offensive lineman. We’ll just have to see if this move helps or hurts the Texans. Indianapolis Colts: Overpaying Daniel JonesDec 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 The Colts decided to sign Daniel Jones to a two-year, $88 million deal after his on-field production in 2025. Jones completed 261 passes for 3,101 yards and threw 19 touchdowns against eight interceptions. It’s a massive contract for Jones, who is still recovering from the Achilles injury he suffered in the team’s week 14 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Colts need to sign a reliable backup quarterback, in case Jones isn’t ready to begin the 2026 season.  Jacksonville Jaguars: Not re-signing Travis EtienneNov 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 had a very nice 2025 season and won the AFC South. However, they lost Travis Etienne to free agency, as he signed a four-year, $52 million deal with the Saints. Etienne’s production will be missed, as he has rushed for three 1,000-yard seasons so far. His production won’t be easy to replace, but the team will have to find a new running back in the 2026 NFL Draft or this offseason just to reset their run game. Kansas City Chiefs: Not re-signing Bryan CookFeb 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 Releasing Bryan Cook is a massive sting to the Chiefs’ secondary, as he had 85 tackles and six pass deflections in 2025. Cook signed a three-year, $40.25 million deal with the Bengals, and his replacement, Alohi Gilman, will have to further step up in his new role. Cook’s production in the secondary will be missed, as he brought experience and veteran leadership to the unit. Las Vegas Raiders: Replacing Daniel Carlson with Matt GayAug 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 Ever since Gay made his only Pro Bowl and helped the Rams win Super Bowl LVI, his field-goal percentage has decreased each year.  Replacing Daniel Carlson with Gay is a downgrade, as Carlson is a more accurate kicker during his tenure with the Raiders, especially with longer field goals. Los Angeles Chargers: Re-Signing Trey PipkinsAug 12, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers helmets on the bench at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Although Pipkins served as a fill-in while Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater were on the sidelines, the Bolts decided to re-sign him to a two-year deal. Pipkins has struggled with injuries and poor play in 2025. The Chargers could’ve signed another offensive lineman, as Pipkins has a 47.2 grade from Pro Football Focus. Los Angeles Rams: Not signing a backup quarterbackJan 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 Reigning MVP Matthew Stafford is getting up there in age, as he’s 38, and won’t be playing for much longer.  The Rams didn’t sign any talented journeymen backup quarterbacks to the roster this offseason and released NFL veteran Jimmy Garoppolo.  Stetson Bennett doesn’t have the talent or charisma to keep the Rams afloat in the NFC West after Stafford eventually hangs up the cleats.  Miami Dolphins: Trading Jaylen WaddleAug 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 The Dolphins are having a fire sale, having released Bradley Chubb and Tua Tagovailoa and traded away Jaylen Waddle, with the hope of tanking and potentially drafting Arch Manning or Dante Moore. Waddle was the team’s receiving yards leader with 910 and scored six touchdowns in 2025.  Waddle’s production is going to be missed in South Beach, as they have no Pro Bowl-caliber wide receiver for Malik Willis to work with for now.  Minnesota Vikings: Releasing Jonathan Allen and Jovan HargraveJan 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 parted ways with both Allen and Hargrave, who didn’t make enough of an impact under defensive coordinator Brian Flores.  However, this offseason move might come back to bite the Vikings, as the team is moving on from experienced pass rushers to unproven talent, which can be 50/50 in today’s NFL. New England Patriots: Signing Romeo DoubsPatriots Helmet (Photo By Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports) The Patriots released Stefon Diggs, who posted 1,013 yards in 2025, and replaced him with former Packer Romeo Doubs. Doubs’ talent is nowhere near Diggs’ talent, as he posted 724 receiving yards and scored six touchdowns with the Packers last season. On top of that, Doubs never had a 1,000-receiving-yard season before. New Orleans Saints: Overspending on Travis EtienneDec 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 The Saints made a big splash in free agency by signing former Jaguar Travis Etienne to a four-year, $52 million deal. However, the Saints still have Alvin Kamara and could’ve used some of the money in Etienne’s contract to sign other needs to bolster the roster, like improving the offensive line.  New York Giants: Re-signing Evan NealOct 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 Although John Harbaugh and the G-Men are making huge moves in free agency, they re-signed Evan Neal, who struggled on the offensive line. Neal struggled in his early days with penalties and was on injured reserve after dealing with a hamstring injury.  The Giants could’ve signed a more experienced NFL lineman instead this offseason.  New York Jets: Trading for Geno SmithAug 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 The Justin Fields project flopped, and the Jets need a new quarterback. However, the Jets traded away a sixth-round pick for Smith to return. Smith was the most sacked quarterback in 2025, and this move by the Jets is similar to reuniting with an ex from an old relationship, hoping to make it work the second time around. However, this move may end on another ugly note.  Philadelphia Eagles: Trading Sydney BrownFeb 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 shocked the NFL world by trading safety Sydney Brown to the Falcons.  This move will hurt the Eagles’ secondary, as Brown had 34 tackles in the 2025 season. His production will be missed in the city of Brotherly Love in 2026. Pittsburgh Steelers: Overloading the secondaryDec 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 are a top-tier defensive team, but they may have put too much focus on the secondary after adding Jaquan Brisker and Darnell Savage, raising questions about DeShon Elliott’s playing time.  The Steelers have other positions to address this offseason, like who’ll be the team’s starting quarterback in the 2026 NFL season. As no one knows whether Aaron Rodgers will play in 2026.  San Francisco 49ers: Neglecting the offensive lineSan Francisco 49ers helmet (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images) The 49ers were one of the most injury-riddled teams in the 2025 season, and they’re currently not addressing the issues at the offensive line. Trent Williams’ future in the Bay Area is in question, as contract negotiations aren’t going as planned. Williams could be traded down the road if the negotiations fall flat, and the 49ers need a talented offensive line to protect Brock Purdy. Seattle Seahawks: Not retaining Kenneth Walker IIIDec 8, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Seattle Seahawks helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Seahawks’ ground game took a massive hit when Kenneth Walker III signed a multi-year deal with the Chiefs during the NFL offseason. Charbonnet is serviceable, but not as talented as Walker III. The Seahawks signed Cam Akers, but he has had a history of injuries.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Losing Mike EvansNov 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 Even though Mike Evans suffered a hamstring injury in 2025, he ended up signing a three-year, $42.4 million deal with the 49ers. Losing Evans will drastically impact the Bucs’ passing attack. Hopefully, Emeka Egbuka continues to flourish and step up. Tennessee Titans: Signing Austin SchlottmannAug 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 made a head-scratching move, releasing reliable veteran center Lloyd Cushenberry and signing Austin Schlottmann in his place.  Cushenberry started in every game for the Titans when he signed with the team in 2024.  Schlottmann, on the other hand, has dealt with broken fibulas in 2022 and 2024 and has only started in 18 games.  Washington Commanders: Overpaying for Odafe OwehSep 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Washington Commanders helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Commanders needed help on defense, as they had too many veterans on the roster who were past their 30s in 2025. The Commanders signed Oweh to a four-year, $100 million deal after a productive season with the Chargers, with 28 tackles and 7.5 sacks. Washington may have overpaid for Oweh, as he has never been to a Pro Bowl and has been inconsistent throughout his career, and the team could have signed him for less.