Old, bold, and gold: Ranking NFL's new alternate uniforms

Eight NFL teams have introduced an alternate jersey or helmet this summer, refreshing their wardrobes with a dash of nostalgia or innovation. The Seattle Seahawks are rumored to have new alternate threads coming, but they haven't confirmed anything, so we're not waiting on them to rank the new fits.

Note: All eight NFC West and AFC East clubs are involved in the league's inaugural "Rivalries" collection this season. They'll each sport a new uniform during a select home game against a division rival. The designs will be "rooted extensively in local community insights." At publish time, it's unclear when each design will be unveiled.

8. Cleveland Browns

What's new: Alternate helmet

When they'll wear it: Sept. 21 (vs. Packers), Oct. 19 (vs. Dolphins), Dec. 7 (vs. Titans)

How we feel about it: After a much hyped lead-up to the reveal, Cleveland unveiled a familiar-looking brown helmet labeled "Alpha Dawg." It's essentially an extension of their Color Rush uniform. Finally having a bucket that lets the team properly deliver a monochromatic look is a small victory, but this should have happened well before 2025. The franchise's fashion sense remains as drab as its quarterback situation.

7. Green Bay Packers

What's new: Alternate uniform

When they'll wear it: TBA

How we feel about it: This 1923-inspired throwback jersey veers too far from the Packers' renowned green-and-gold scheme. We appreciate the nostalgia of the navy and leather brown for one of the oldest franchises in the NFL, but the jersey feels stale overall, and the three stripes across the sleeves do nothing for us.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers

What's new: Alternate uniform

When they'll wear it: Oct. 26 (vs. Packers)

How we feel about it: These throwbacks pay homage to the 1933 Steelers. The gorgeous gold helmet featuring a black stripe takes center stage. However, the jerseys give off a rugby-style vibe that never looks appealing in football. The tan pants don't look great with the jersey and helmet color either, pushing these threads down the rankings.

5. Buffalo Bills

What's new: Alternate helmet

When they'll wear it: Regular-season finale (vs. Jets)

How we feel about it: Why go away from a good thing? The Bills are bringing back their iconic red helmets for their final regular-season game before they move into their new stadium in 2026. The red pairs nicely with their jersey set, which already has red trim. This nod to the past deserves a bigger spotlight in the present than a one-off appearance, but we'll take it.

4. New Orleans Saints

What's new: Alternate uniform

When they'll wear it: TBA

How we feel about it: The Saints are attempting to recapture the glory of their prime, and this is a pretty good start. The team introduced a simple yet sleek gold uniform that it'll wear for select games. The alternate black helmet clashed with previous looks, but it's found its forever home with these new jerseys, which complement the fleur-de-lis logo.

3. Washington Commanders

What's new: Alternate uniform

When they'll wear it: Nov. 2 (vs. Seahawks), Nov. 30 (vs. Broncos), Dec. 25 (vs. Cowboys)

How we feel about it: Washington's turning back the clock to its championship era. Jayden Daniels & Co. have us excited about the team's potential, so this feels like the perfect time to revive these classic threads. The Commanders' "W" logo represents a modern take on a traditional look. The only disappointing thing about these unis is that the team isn't wearing them more often.

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

What's new: Alternate uniform

When they'll wear it: Sept. 21 (vs. Jets)

How we feel about it: Tampa Bay is returning to its roots with its 1976 jerseys. You won't encounter any pushback on these beautiful threads here. The Buccaneers' creamsicle uniforms were among the nicest sets in the league, and they've outdone themselves again with these throwbacks. The stripes on the helmet match well with the socks and sleeves, giving the white getups a gorgeous pop. Fittingly, they'll wear these uniforms in their home opener on the franchise's 50th anniversary.

1. Los Angeles Chargers

What's new: Two alternate uniforms

When they'll wear them: Oct. 19 (gold vs. Colts), Oct. 23 (navy vs. Vikings), Nov. 30 (navy vs. Raiders)

How we feel about it: The Chargers expanded their color palette with the addition of a divine all-gold uniform. It's as bold as it is gold, but the white numbers and blue trim make it work. The return of the all-navy set also hits the spot, inspiring flashbacks to the days of LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates. L.A. once again leads the pack when it comes to uniform innovation and execution.