The offseason is the time for teams to make their roster competitive, fill some needs, and build for the future. And there list of NFL teams who didn’t.
The offseason is a time of hope and anticipation for NFL fans. It’s a chance for teams to make moves that will improve their roster and set them up for success in the upcoming season. For the most part, the NFL did a good job collectively with free agent contracts and the draft. We didn’t see anyone get vastly overpaid though there is always an argument to be made. Let’s not do that.
Instead, let’s focus on how the NFL teams tried to help themselves in one way or another for the upcoming season. We’ve seen the rich get richer like the Philadelphia Eagles they added some key free agents to give them the best chance to repeat. They also became Georgia 2.0 with their draft.
There was also the Miami Dolphins who made a splash trade for Jalen Ramsey to pair with Xavien Howard and a loaded secondary that includes Brandon Jones, Jevon Holland, and Kohou, Kader. They hired one of the greatest defensive minds in Vic Fangio, a coach that loves to play chess and someone who coached Bradley Chubb to a Pro Bowl.
Who can forget what the Ravens did? They resigned Lamar Jackson after adding Odell Beckham, Nelson Agholor, and Zay Flowers. New offensive coordinator Todd Monken will open up the offense and the Ravens will likely repeat as playoff contenders. Speaking of contenders the Bills added depth at tight end and bolstered their offensive line in the draft.
However, for all the teams that made some great moves, there are the have-nots. The teams that didn’t do so well this past offseason.
NFL team no. 6: Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts have been hard at work during the off-season, making crucial changes to their coaching staff, player roster, and planning in response to a disappointing previous season. While they have made impressive moves, concerns persist as they head into the 2023 NFL season with high hopes and a dynamic rookie quarterback in Anthony Richardson.
The Colts made a significant move by hiring Shane Steichen as their head coach. Steichen brings extensive knowledge and experience in coaching different types of quarterbacks, making him an ideal choice to guide their rookie signal-caller. His past successes provide a sense of security and optimism for the team’s future, but he’s still a rookie.
Recognizing the importance of surrounding their franchise quarterback with experienced coaches, the Colts made two crucial hires: Jim Bob Cooter as offensive coordinator and Cam Turner as quarterback coach. These coaches have a track record of developing quarterbacks, and their expertise will be invaluable in supporting the development of the Colts’ rookie quarterback.
Michael Pittman leads the Colts’ wide receiver room. Alec Pierce is still developing, yet the team parted ways with the speedy Parris Campbell due to contract demands. Parri’s speed saw him have an impressive season statistically, now they’ll rely on Isaiah McKenzie (Bills) was brought in and rookie Josh Downs to help. We’ll have to wait and see how it plays out.
Although the Indianapolis Colts have had a fantastic off-season and secured their franchise quarterback, concerns remain regarding the defense, departures of key players, and the need for development. Despite their roster, Richardson has an athletic floor, a Pro Bowl running back, and a weapon in Pitman that could see them find success.
NFL team no. 5: Tennessee Titans
Unfortunately for fans, the Titans’ roster is undergoing a complete transformation. Key offensive linemen and a talented linebacker have bid farewell, leaving some big shoes to fill. There are even talks of potentially parting ways with star players like Derrick Henry and Kevin Byard. That would suck.
Now, let’s talk about the Titans’ draft strategy in 2023. While there were some exciting picks, like guard Peter Skoronski who has the potential to be an absolute stud, others come with a few question marks. Take quarterback Will Levis, selected in the second round, for example. He’s got some glaring flaws and faces a bumpy road ahead. And running back Tyjae Spears, although talented, comes with a history of knee issues that could put a damper on his impact. It seems the Titans are investing in future potential rather than immediate impact players, reaffirming their commitment to long-term success.
Free agency signings can be a mixed bag, and the Titans’ acquisitions are no exception. While names like Chris Moore, Ben Niemann, Treyvon Wesco, Sean Murphy-Bunting, Arden Key, Azeez Al-Shaair, Luke Gifford, and Andre Dillard have joined the squad, there’s still a lingering sense of uncertainty. Let’s be real here, folks. It may take time for these new faces to make an impact.
But wait, it gets tougher. The AFC South is a battlefield where rival teams have sharpened their swords during the offseason. The Titans’ weaknesses in crucial areas like offensive line, wide receiver, edge rusher, cornerback, safety, and linebacker could be ruthlessly exploited by their divisional opponents. Despite their lackluster roster, because of Mike Vrabel, the Titans will not be an easy out.
NFL team no. 4: Houston Texans
Despite the hiring of former 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans as the new head coach, the Texans could end up netting the Arizona Cardinals Caleb Williams. Honestly, the Texans plugged a lot of holes in the 2023 off-season. They made strides in free agency and the draft., but they have a long long way to go. Over the past few years, they have struggled to find success, with a combined record of 11-38-1 since 2020. It will take time for the young players to develop and for the team to find its rhythm.
As it stands, the AFC is a tough conference. And they are playing the AFC East and AFC North this season. Meaning, the Texans will face an uphill battle and the young roster may struggle to keep up with more experienced teams.
The Texans deserve credit after acquiring some potential hidden gems like RB Devin Singletary, WR Noah Brown, and TE Dalton Schultz, but they had too many holes to fill. These mid-tier veteran castoffs can contribute, but they might not be enough to address all the team’s weaknesses.
Although optimism is warranted, it’s important to manage expectations. While other teams have also had productive off-seasons, claiming the Houston Texans had the best off-season in the league might be a stretch. The road to success is a long one, and the Texans will need to overcome significant obstacles to turn their off-season gains into on-field victories.
NFL team no. 3: Los Angeles Rams
It’s official the Los Angeles Rams have entered a rebuilding phase. With limited cap space and an aging roster, the Rams opted to sit out the free agency process, focusing on restructuring contracts to create flexibility. For the first time in a long time, the Rams made their presence felt in the draft. No, they didn’t make a Day 1 pick, but they were active on Days 2 and 3, making a total of 14 selections.
One notable pick was third-round edge defender Byron Young, who has the potential to develop into an excellent pass-rusher. Another value pick came in the form of TCU cornerback Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, who was targeted 81 times in 2022 and allowed just 28 receptions while intercepting three passes.
The best move of the offseason for the Rams was their decision not to “run it back” with most of the same roster. The disappointment of the 2022 season, coupled with the age and injuries of key players, prompted the Rams to focus on rebuilding with youth. Walking away from the draft with a significant number of selections and future picks sets them up for the long term. Keeping most of their Pro Bowl guys make it possible for them to compete.
However, the Rams still have areas of concern and remaining team needs. With a roster filled with new faces, gaining experience and evaluating their most pressing needs will be crucial for future off-season moves. The Rams will rely on their rookies to contribute and gain valuable playing time.
The Rams’ outlook depends on the health of key veterans like Donald, Stafford, and Cooper Kupp. While their elite corps of veterans can compete with any team, the overall youth and thinness of the roster may limit their effectiveness in the long run. The 2023 season could serve as a reboot and a way for the Rams to land Caleb Wiliams.
NFL team no. 2: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers made eight picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, but unfortunately, none of them stood out as game-changers. While some picks, such as Calijah Kancey and Cody Mauch, show potential, they are not immediate impact players. The overall grade for the draft class reflects this mediocrity, and it raises questions about the team’s ability to find high-upside players for the long term.
One of the most significant blows to the Buccaneers’ chances in the upcoming season is the departure of Tom Brady. The future Hall of Fame quarterback was instrumental in leading the team to its Super Bowl victory and provided stability and leadership on and off the field. Without him, the Buccaneers will have to rely on a new starting quarterback, likely Baker Mayfield.
Signing Matt Feiler and Ryan Neal was not enough to fill the void left by key departures. The tight salary cap situation forced the team to make difficult decisions, resulting in the releases of Donovan Smith, Leonard Fournette, Cam Brate, and Ryan Succop. All players that played crucial roles in the Buccaneers’ recent success.
General Manager Jason Licht acknowledged that the team is currently in a restocking phase, aiming to build another championship team for the long term. This strategy suggests that the Buccaneers might not be as competitive in the immediate future. While they still aim to win and compete for the division title, the emphasis on long-term goals might impact their performance in the 2023 season.
There’s uncertainty ahead with a new starting quarterback, a less dominant roster, and a challenging NFC South division. The road ahead for the Buccaneers is far from smooth. Losing key players and the lack of significant additions during the draft raise concerns about the team’s ability to replicate its previous success. While the Buccaneers have proven doubters wrong in the past, the upcoming season poses a unique challenge that fans should be prepared for.
NFL team no. 1: Arizona Cardinals
Sorry, but Arizona Cardinals fans you might be in the Caleb Williams sweepstakes. Before diving into the bad, I want to give the Cardinals some credit. Their best move of the offseason was their trade during the draft. Instead of selecting offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. with the third overall pick, they traded back to the 12th overall pick. They acquired additional draft capital, including Houston’s first- and third-round picks in 2024, before trading up to the sixth overall pick for Johnson.
Kyler Murray shouldn’t rush back. Even if he did, this isn’t a team worthy of fighting for a playoff spot. The Cardinals seem to be content with writing off the 2023 campaign and focusing on a big splash in the 2024 draft.
Unfortunately, the Cardinals did little to upgrade their roster via free agency. It didn’t help that two key players, defensive lineman Zach Allen and cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. signed with other teams. They didn’t do anything to replace them.
Another area of concern for the Cardinals is their defensive line and interior offensive line. The defensive line lost its top player in Zach Allen, and the remaining players graded below average last year. The offensive line, particularly at center needs an upgrade.
The youth movement is evident in the Cardinals’ plans for the upcoming season. The team will rely on young players like Garrett Williams, a third-round pick at cornerback, to make an immediate impact. However, relying on inexperienced players can be risky and may lead to inconsistencies and growing pains.