Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals parted ways with quarterback Kyler Murray and hired former Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur as their new head coach. This is a significant reset for the franchise, signaling a fresh start both at quarterback and in the coaching staff. LaFleur will now be tasked with building a new identity for the Cardinals moving forward.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons hired former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski to lead their team going forward. Stefanski has a strong reputation as an offensive-minded coach with a history of getting the most out of his players. Atlanta is hoping his experience can help stabilize the franchise and build a more competitive team.
Baltimore Ravens
After 18 seasons with John Harbaugh leading the team, the Ravens decided to go in a new direction and hired Jesse Minter as their next head coach. Minter earned his reputation as a rising star through his work as a defensive coordinator, and Baltimore believes he's ready to lead his own program. It's a major shift for a franchise that had one of the longest-tenured coaches in the league, and Ravens fans will be curious to see how the team's identity evolves under new leadership.
Buffalo Bills
After Sean McDermott left the team, the Bills didn't have to look far for their next head coach. They promoted Joe Brady, who had been serving as interim offensive coordinator, to take over as the full-time head coach. Brady already knew the team's system and its players, so the move gave Buffalo a sense of stability during a time when many other teams were still searching for leaders. Fans will be watching closely to see if Brady can keep the Bills competitive in a tough AFC East.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers made a franchise-record move by signing edge rusher Jaelan Phillips away from the Philadelphia Eagles to a four-year, $120 million contract with $80 million guaranteed. General manager Dan Morgan had said the team's lack of quarterback pressure in 2025 was unacceptable, and Phillips gives Carolina a proven pass-rushing threat to fix that problem. It's the biggest contract in team history, showing just how serious Carolina is about building a defense that can finally get after opposing quarterbacks.
Chicago Bears
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals made a splash by trading their top-10 draft pick in order to acquire All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. Giving up such a high pick is a big price to pay, but it shows how much Cincinnati wanted to strengthen the middle of its defensive line. Lawrence is known for being one of the most disruptive interior linemen in football, and the Bengals hope he can anchor their defense for years to come.
Cleveland Browns
Cleveland turned to Todd Monken, the former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator, to be their new head coach. Monken has a strong track record of designing effective offenses, and the Browns are hoping he can help develop their quarterback situation and bring more consistency to that side of the ball. It's a fresh start for a franchise looking to turn things around after a difficult stretch.
Dallas Cowboys
Dallas made its biggest offseason move on defense, trading a 2027 fourth-round pick to the Green Bay Packers to acquire edge rusher Rashan Gary. The Cowboys had one of the league's most disappointing defenses in 2025, and general manager Jerry Jones made it clear he wanted to be aggressive in fixing it. Gary gives new defensive coordinator Christian Parker a proven pass rusher to build around as Dallas tries to turn things around on that side of the ball.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos made a big splash by trading for star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins. Waddle is known for his speed and playmaking ability, giving Denver's offense a dangerous new weapon on the outside. This move shows the Broncos are looking to add more explosiveness to their passing game.
Detroit Lions
Detroit hired Drew Petzing as offensive coordinator from in an effort to keep their high-powered offense running at a top level. Hiring Drew Petzing brings a physical, run-first identity and heavy play-action scheme to the Detroit Lions offense. Known for orchestrating a top-five rushing attack during his time with the Arizona Cardinals, Petzing relies heavily on multiple tight end sets, downhill gap-scheme runs, and pre-snap motion. For Detroit, his addition is designed to maximize the duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery on the ground while simplifying deep-shot play-action opportunities for Jared Goff.
Green Bay Packers
After Jeff Hafley left to become the Miami Dolphins' head coach, the Packers went out and hired Jonathan Gannon, the former Arizona Cardinals head coach, as their new defensive coordinator. Gannon has a strong track record on that side of the ball, having helped lead the Philadelphia Eagles to the NFC Championship back in 2022. Green Bay is hoping he can bring that same identity to a defense looking for an upgrade. The Packers also made a notable roster move at the same time, trading away edge rusher Rashan Gary to the Dallas Cowboys for a future draft pick after he underperformed relative to his contract. Together, the two moves show Green Bay betting that a fresh scheme and smarter roster spending can make up for the loss of a proven pass rusher.
Houston Texans
The Texans strengthened their secondary by signing former Philadelphia Eagles Pro Bowl safety Reed Blankenship in free agency. Blankenship is known for his physical style of play and his ability to make plays on the ball, which should help Houston's defense cover some of the league's top receivers. This addition gives the Texans more depth and experience in the back end of their defense.
Indianapolis Colts
Jacksonville Jaguars
Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City added even more firepower to its backfield by signing Super Bowl MVP running back Kenneth Walker. Walker's combination of power and speed makes him a versatile weapon who can wear down defenses. Adding a player of his caliber gives the Chiefs even more ways to attack opposing defenses on the ground and through the air.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders used the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft to select Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. Landing the top pick in the draft gave Las Vegas a chance to bring in one of the most decorated college players in the country, and expectations are high for what he can bring to the franchise. It's a pick that could shape the direction of the team for years to come.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers hired former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel to serve as their new offensive coordinator. McDaniel is known for his creative and innovative approach to offense, and Los Angeles is hoping he can bring some of that same magic to their play-calling. It's a notable step down in title for McDaniel, but a chance to prove his scheme can work with a new roster.
Los Angeles Rams
In a historic blockbuster trade, the Rams landed two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett. Garrett is widely regarded as one of the most dominant pass rushers in the league, and adding him instantly transforms the Rams' defensive front. This trade could make Los Angeles's defense one of the most feared units in all of football.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins went outside the organization for their new head coach, hiring Jeff Hafley away from his job as the Green Bay Packers' defensive coordinator. Hafley built a strong reputation for developing tough, disciplined defenses in Green Bay, and Miami is hoping he can bring that same identity to a team that has struggled to find consistency. It's a big step up for Hafley, who now gets his first shot at running an entire NFL team.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings signed former Pro Bowl quarterback Kyler Murray to a team-friendly deal after his release from the Arizona Cardinals. Murray brings dual-threat ability and starting experience to Minnesota, giving the team a proven option at quarterback. This low-risk deal gives the Vikings a chance to see if a change of scenery can help Murray recapture his best form.
New England Patriots
In one of the biggest trades of the offseason, the Patriots landed star wide receiver A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles. Brown is one of the most talented deep-threat receivers in the league, and adding him gives New England's offense a true go-to target. This move signals that the Patriots are serious about building a winning roster and are willing to make bold trades to get there.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints' biggest offseason move was signing running back Travis Etienne Jr. in free agency, a homecoming for the Louisiana native after his time in Jacksonville. Etienne gives New Orleans a proven playmaker to build around as second-year head coach Kellen Moore looks to keep developing the offense around young quarterback Tyler Shough. Pairing Etienne with the rest of the Saints' pass-catching additions is part of a bigger plan to surround Shough with more talent.
New York Giants
In one of the biggest coaching moves of the offseason, the Giants hired Super Bowl-winning head coach John Harbaugh. Harbaugh brings decades of experience and a strong track record of success, making this a major statement hire for a franchise looking to return to contention. New York is hoping his leadership can help turn the team's fortunes around quickly.
New York Jets
The Jets made a move to solidify their quarterback situation by trading for veteran Geno Smith from the Las Vegas Raiders. Smith has proven he can be a steady, reliable starter, and the Jets are counting on him to bring experience and leadership to their offense. After years of searching for stability at the position, New York is hoping Smith can finally provide it.
Philadelphia Eagles
After trading away star receiver A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots, the Eagles are now focused on retooling their passing offense. Losing a player of Brown's caliber is a significant change, and Philadelphia will need to find new ways to generate big plays through the air. This move marks a shift in direction for an offense that relied heavily on Brown's ability to stretch the field.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers made headlines by signing veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a one-year contract. Rodgers, a future Hall of Famer, brings a wealth of experience and a strong arm to a Pittsburgh offense looking for a spark. While it's only a short-term deal, the signing shows the Steelers are focused on winning now rather than waiting on a long rebuilding process.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers hired former Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris to serve as their new defensive coordinator. Morris brings head coaching experience and a strong defensive background to San Francisco's staff. This hire gives the 49ers added leadership and expertise on that side of the ball.
Seattle Seahawks
Fresh off winning Super Bowl LX, the Seahawks spent the offseason focused on keeping their championship roster together rather than making a big splash. Their most notable loss was running back Kenneth Walker III, who left in free agency to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs. On the coaching side, Seattle hired Brian Fleury away from the San Francisco 49ers to be their new offensive coordinator after Klint Kubiak left to become the Las Vegas Raiders' head coach. It's a mostly stay-the-course offseason for a team looking to prove its title run wasn't a one-year fluke.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay brought in Zac Robinson as their new offensive coordinator to call plays for quarterback Baker Mayfield. Robinson has experience working with veteran quarterbacks and designing schemes that fit their strengths. The Buccaneers are hoping this new partnership helps Mayfield continue to build on his recent success.
Tennessee Titans
Tennessee brought in Robert Saleh, who previously served as head coach of the New York Jets and defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, to lead the team. Saleh has a reputation for building strong, aggressive defenses, and the Titans are hoping his experience can help turn their team into a more competitive unit. It's a fresh chapter for both Saleh and a Tennessee franchise looking for direction.
Washington Commanders
The Commanders made one of the offseason's biggest financial statements, spending $259.49 million in free agency — the third-most in the NFL — and signing 28 different free agents to overhaul the roster. The headline deal was a four-year, $96 million contract for edge rusher Odafe Oweh, brought in to fix a defense that finished dead last in the league in total yards allowed in 2025. It was a clear message from the front office that Washington wasn't satisfied after a disappointing, injury-riddled follow-up to its NFC Championship season, and ownership was willing to spend big to fix it.
Author
Ron Winkler
Last Updated: September 10, 2026