The NFL offseason kicks off next week with the start of free agency. The free market, trades and draft will shape the 2026 NFL season.
The changes will now dictate what happens on the field in the fall and winter. Let’s look at some teams that need to succeed this offseason by making some big moves, presented in alphabetical order:
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Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens enter a new era moving from John Harbaugh after 18 seasons to first head coach Jesse Minter. The Ravens had a disappointing 8-9 record last season and missed the playoffs after being expected to be a Super Bowl contender. This roster is still loaded and there’s no reason why they can’t become an elite team in the AFC again. Quarterback Lamar Jackson is 29 years old. The time has come. Adding a wide receiver and passer could go a long way.
Buffalo Bills
Unlike the Ravens, the Bills made the playoffs, but fell short. Again. This is why Sean McDermott is out and Joe Brady is the head coach. Quarterback Josh Allen is firmly in his prime, but he will turn 30 this year. The Bills must make it to the Super Bowl during Allen’s primary window. Strengthening the passer, wide receiver, offensive line and secondary will bolster their chances.
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Chicago Bear
The Bears were one of the most surprising teams in the NFL last year and appear to be poised to become a legitimate Super Bowl contender for the foreseeable future, led by the coach/quarterback combination of Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams. These are some big steps toward becoming a Super Bowl favorite. This is why trade talks with Maxx Crosby won’t go away.
Dallas Cowboys
Jerry Jones received a lot of criticism last year for not adding much, and then he traded away star pass rusher Micah Parsons. The Cowboys have a chance to make the playoffs and they have the resources. It’s time to make a spectacular move or two in Dallas.
Los Angeles Chargers
Chargers are good. But they have to get better, much better. They’re not elite, but they can be with quarterback Justin Hébert. The Chargers are projected to have the third-highest salary cap in the league. If they can add a difference maker on both sides of the ball, it would go a long way in making this team a standout in the tough AFC West.
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New England Patriots
The Patriots arrived much earlier than expected and, frankly, they may have overachieved and enjoyed a few breaks in their schedule throughout the playoffs en route to a Super Bowl loss. Still, Mike Vrabel’s team is well-positioned to avoid a losing Super Bowl hangover. They have solid cap room and could use a boost at pass rush, wide receiver and offensive line as they try to hold off Buffalo in the AFC East and prove last season was no fluke.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers aren’t getting credit for their 2025 season. They went 12-5 and won a playoff game despite being absolutely ravaged by injuries. It was remarkable. Yet the reality is that the 49ers might be the third-best team in their own division right now. So, general manager John Lynch needs to swing for the fences and improve at offensive line, wide receiver and passer. If the 49ers can add some studs and get a much-needed health shot, they can pose a serious challenge to the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
