NFL Power Rankings: Where teams stand after free agency's 1st wave
NFL Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's football editors.
Here, we evaluate how teams look following the opening wave of free agency.
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ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN | CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND | JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN | NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SEA | SF | TB | TEN | WAS
1. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams already looked like they belonged in the Super Bowl last season, but their defense couldn't stop the Seahawks in the NFC title game. Aiming to make another championship run with Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles has taken an aggressive approach this offseason. Landing cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson were smart and necessary moves to elevate a secondary that allowed 289 passing yards per game in the playoffs.
2. Seattle Seahawks
While it may surprise some that the reigning Super Bowl champions don't top our rankings, the Seahawks have lost several key pieces, including offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, running back Kenneth Walker, and defensive backs Riq Woolen and Coby Bryant. With no major signings to offset the departures, Seattle's success hinges on its core players - a group that keeps the team among the NFL's most balanced squads.
3. Buffalo Bills
The Bills finally landed a proven receiving target for Josh Allen in DJ Moore. They also didn't lose both of their big free-agent offensive linemen, re-signing Connor McGovern to a four-year, $52-million contract. Although guard David Edwards is gone, that's still a win for the franchise. General manager Brandon Beane continued his revolving door of veteran edge rushers by signing Bradley Chubb to a three-year, $43.5-million deal with $21.75 million guaranteed. The guaranteed money is risky, but Chubb has recorded 19.5 sacks over his last two healthy seasons. The offseason is all about talent acquisition, and the Bills stayed busy in that area.
4. Denver Broncos
After a quiet start to the offseason, the Broncos finally made headlines by trading for receiver Jaylen Waddle. The former first-round pick will bring a dynamic element to the receiving room that Courtland Sutton just doesn't offer, but the duo should be one of the league's best one-two combos. Denver also resigned J.K. Dobbins, who was averaging 5 yards per carry before an injury ended his season, on a two-year deal. Alex Singleton earned a two-year extension following a 135-tackle campaign. The one big loss was John Franklin-Myers, a huge part of the Broncos' defensive front in 2025.
5. San Francisco 49ers
The new league year means the 49ers are getting healthy again after several stars suffered season-ending injuries. San Francisco has also done a solid job of bolstering its roster by signing wide receiver Mike Evans and trading for defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, among other moves, filling holes with established starters.
6. New England Patriots
After handing out bags of cash last year, the reigning AFC champions were more selective with their spending this time around. Romeo Doubs elevates the receiving room's floor, even if the group still lacks an alpha. Additionally, New England reinforced the interior of the offensive line with Alijah Vera-Tucker, who could be the steal of the offseason if he stays healthy. Kevin Byard replaces Jaylinn Hawkins in the secondary, while Dre'Mont Jones' tenacity makes him a perfect fit for Mike Vrabel's roster. A move for a WR1 is the only missing piece for what has otherwise been another effective offseason on paper.
7. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs' offseason was a lot like a heavyweight boxing fight. They landed a big swing by adding Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker, and he should bring a home-run threat back to an offense that desperately needs it. There's also Travis Kelce's return and a sneaky good move for the defensive line in Khyiris Tonga. However, Kansas City took some huge hits, losing safety Bryan Cook and cornerback Jaylen Watson in free agency and corner Trent McDuffie via trade. Luckily, the Chiefs still have some firepower to land a couple more haymakers with two first-round picks.
8. Chicago Bears
Have the Bears done enough to their roster to advance further after they fell short in the divisional round? Their offense is poised for a solid season with quarterback Caleb Williams and coach Ben Johnson entering their second year together. Trading for center Garrett Bradbury was a necessary response to Drew Dalman's sudden retirement. Still, the defensive unit is missing a difference-maker up front, and the team's secondary just lost two Pro Bowlers in Kevin Byard and Nahshon Wright. Chicago is hoping Cam Lewis and Coby Bryant can fill those holes.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars had some heavy losses after linebacker Devin Lloyd and running back Travis Etienne left in free agency. They should be able to endure those departures, though. The RB room remains full of talent with Bhayshul Tuten, LeQuint Allen Jr., and signee Chris Rodriguez, while Lloyd's breakout year might've been a byproduct of defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile's system.
10. Detroit Lions
Detroit has done a solid job adding depth pieces, signing running back Isiah Pacheco and offensive lineman Cade Mays, who could start at center. The Lions have one of the NFL's strongest rosters, but they're still missing a solid edge rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson and an established starter at left tackle.
11. Green Bay Packers
The Packers probably should've done more by now, especially after ending last season on a five-game skid that included a heartbreaking wild-card loss to the Bears in which their defense faltered in crunch time. Green Bay hasn't made any offseason splashes despite lacking offensive line stability and questions about its defensive front. While the additions of defensive lineman Javon Hargrave and linebacker Zaire Franklin strengthen the roster, the departure of Rashan Gary and Micah Parsons' recovery from a torn ACL may force the unproven Lukas Van Ness into the role of top edge rusher in Week 1.
12. Baltimore Ravens
There was a mass exodus in Baltimore, and we're not just talking about John Harbaugh. Key Ravens such as Tyler Linderbaum, Isaiah Likely, Dre'Mont Jones, and Alohi Gilman all walked in free agency. Maxx Crosby's time in Baltimore didn't last much longer than his plane ride after a failed physical nixed the Ravens' trade for him. Trey Hendrickson is a decent consolation prize after turning back Crosby, but the 31-year-old carries a significant injury history.
13. Houston Texans
The Texans have finally seen enough of their O-line to start making considerable moves. Out went Tytus Howard and in came Braden Smith, Wyatt Teller, and Evan Brown. Reed Blankenship was also a savvy addition, with the former Philadelphia Eagles safety recording at least 75 tackles and an interception in each of the last three seasons. The bottom line is that the Texans better hope the changes to the offensive line help C.J. Stroud discover his old self - or else this team is doomed to fall on its face again.
14. Philadelphia Eagles
The A.J. Brown trade rumors may have taken attention away from the fact that the Eagles' defensive front lost key starters in edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Nakobe Dean. They signed cornerback Riq Woolen and receiver Hollywood Brown, but Philadelphia has more questions than answers following an O-line regression and an overall offensive collapse late last season.
15. Los Angeles Chargers
After watching Justin Herbert get battered around like a punching bag, the Chargers didn't go for a home run in free agency. Instead, they signed veteran center Tyler Biadasz to a three-year deal and inked former first-round guard Cole Strange to a two-year pact. Biadasz should beef up the interior, but Strange doesn't inspire much confidence after being PFF's 57th-ranked guard last year. Bringing speedster Keaton Mitchell into the backfield feels like a perfect fit for Mike McDaniel's offense and could pay serious dividends.
16. Dallas Cowboys
Dallas' defensive unit feels like it's still missing something. Granted, hiring ascending assistant Christian Parker away from the Eagles as defensive coordinator was a promising move, and adding edge rusher Rashan Gary and the underrated safety Jalen Thompson should help. However, with the Cowboys transitioning to a 3-4 defense, the team has a major hole at inside linebacker. Also, trading Osa Odighizuwa, the club's youngest starting defensive tackle, doesn't make much sense in the short or long term.
17. Minnesota Vikings
The NFL's most fascinating QB battle this offseason resides in Minnesota after the Vikings signed Kyler Murray to a cheap one-year contract to create competition for the unproven J.J. McCarthy. This was a great move for a team facing salary-cap issues and had to part with veteran defensive linemen Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, leaving a big hole in the defense.
18. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals finally parted ways with Trey Hendrickson in free agency, only to watch him join the division-rival Ravens. However, Cincy was proactive in filling the void, inking Boye Mafe to a three-year, $60-million deal following the Seahawks' Super Bowl run. Still, that's a steep price for a player who was a rotational piece in 2025 and produced his best season in 2023 (nine sacks). In the secondary, Cincinnati native Bryan Cook hasn't produced many splash highlights (three interceptions in four years), but his steady play should add some juice to this group.
19. Indianapolis Colts
After getting a brief glimpse of what winning football looks like following a 7-1 start in '25, the Colts did what they had to do to run it back. That meant signing Daniel Jones to a two-year, $88-million deal and locking in Alec Pierce to a whopping four-year, $116-million pact. Unfortunately, those deals came at the cost of losing Michael Pittman Jr., Kwity Paye, Braden Smith, and Nick Cross. There's a lot of risk to consider here, and the futures of head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard will likely hinge on whether the gamble pays off.
20. New York Giants
The Giants are trending up this offseason. With John Harbaugh in town, they've mostly focused on surrounding Jaxson Dart with new weapons. The team checked that box by getting tight end Isaiah Likely and wide receivers Darnell Mooney and Calvin Austin. Defensively, New York acquired potential new starters in linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and cornerback Greg Newsome.
21. Washington Commanders
Washington is having the type of offseason you'd expect from a squad that had the second-worst defense in EPA/play last year. Several of the Commanders' moves have flown under the radar, but the additions of pass-rushers Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson, linebacker Leo Chenal, and defensive backs Nick Cross and Amik Robertson should rejuvenate this defensive unit. Offensively, athletic tight end Chig Okonkwo projects to be a great fit for Jayden Daniels and Co.
22. Tennessee Titans
No team opened up its wallets like the Titans in the opening wave of free agency. Tennessee spent a touch over $300 million on contracts, more than any other club, according to Over the Cap. That strategy worked for the Patriots last year, but there's no guarantee it'll pan out for the Titans. Still, this club desperately needed talent, and coach Robert Saleh got that by adding the likes of John Franklin-Myers, Alontae Taylor, and Wan'Dale Robinson, among others.
23. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers may not be NFC contenders yet, but they've made smart moves to address major needs. Edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd could help improve a defensive unit that ranked in the bottom 10 against the pass and run in 2025. Plus, new center Luke Fortner should start, and Rasheed Walker is a solid stop-gap option to replace injured left tackle Ikem Ekwonu, whose 2026 availability remains unclear.
24. New Orleans Saints
Did the Saints get better? Possibly. But the contracts given to running back Travis Etienne (four-years, $52-million) and guard David Edwards (four-years, $61-million) are questionable. There's hope for Tyler Shough in his first full season as the starting quarterback, but New Orleans' roster isn't nearly as strong as the best teams in the NFC.
25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers' moves aren't adequate for a squad that just missed the playoffs with a losing record. Tampa Bay lost franchise legend Mike Evans, and its main acquisitions on offense (running back Kenneth Gainwell) and defense (linebacker Alex Anzalone and lineman A'Shawn Robinson) are more likely to create depth than move the needle.
26. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers addressed a key need by acquiring Michael Pittman Jr. as a secondary receiver to pair with DK Metcalf. They also bolstered their defense by adding Jamel Dean, who will be a perfect fit in a physical cornerback group opposite Joey Porter Jr. Those moves are great and all, but Pittsburgh still doesn't have an answer at quarterback. After the team said it didn't expect to play the waiting game again with Aaron Rodgers, the Steelers have as many answers about the veteran's future as they did at this time last offseason.
27. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders have done what you'd expect from a rebuilding club with lots of salary-cap space and roster concerns. Among the biggest spenders in free agency this offseason, Las Vegas handed out lucrative three-year contracts to center Tyler Linderbaum ($81 million), linebackers Quay Walker ($40.5 million) and Nakobe Dean ($36 million), and pass-rusher Kwity Paye ($48 million). Not to mention, star edge rusher Maxx Crosby may stay with the team after all, following a failed trade to the Ravens. The Raiders aren't close to contention, but projected No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza will have an overhauled roster to work with in his first NFL season.
28. Atlanta Falcons
It's hard to get excited about the Falcons' moves, but signing Tua Tagovailoa to a low-risk, one-year contract will add much-needed quarterback competition once Michael Penix Jr. is healthy again. Atlanta - now under the watch of new head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Ian Cunningham - also addressed some of its depth issues, most notably bringing in wide receivers Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus.
29. Cleveland Browns
The Browns will have new starters almost everywhere on the offensive line after adding the likes of Tytus Howard, Elgton Jenkins, and Zion Johnson. Cleveland will need all the beef it can get in the trenches, considering its quarterback options are Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and perhaps even Deshaun Watson.
30. New York Jets
The Jets' goal for 2026 is to be at least respectable, a major step from the 3-14 record in Aaron Glenn's first year as a head coach. Glenn will now assume defensive play-calling duties and has brought in veterans like linebacker Demario Davis, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, and quarterback Geno Smith to help keep the team afloat on the field and in the locker room.
31. Arizona Cardinals
Arizona rosters capable players at multiple positions, but it still has question marks on the sideline and at quarterback. Is first-year head coach Mike LaFleur the right guy for the job? And with Kyler Murray out of town, Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew are the club's top QB options. The Cardinals' quarterback situation is questionable (to put it nicely).
32. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins landed big-ticket free-agent quarterback Malik Willis, but make no mistake about it, he comes with a lot of unknowns. That's the kind of risk Miami has to be willing to accept after swallowing enormous dead cap hits for the likes of Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and others. It's a reset year in Miami.