As the first wave of free agency passes, all 32 NFL teams are at the beginning of what they’ll be in 2026.
At this time of year, I like to think about the moves teams just made within the larger framework of their team-building model. If the beginning of a team-building timeline is a total rebuild, and the end is a team built completely enough to make a playoff run — and the steps beyond that move a team aggressively toward Super Bowl roster construction — then where is each team right now? As it stands, free agency has set the table for many teams’ draft boards. Rosters will change again, and maybe move a team forward (or backward) in its timeline a little.
Team-building timelines, like the teams themselves, are in a constant state of change over several seasons and offseasons in conjunction. The best organizations can assess their timeline in any given part of the NFL calendar — and understand where others stand.
I like to think I do, too (although you may gladly tell me otherwise in the comments). I’ve bucketed teams by where they are at this phase of their team-building timeline — or at least, where they may think they are.
I’ll explain what each of my “buckets” means. Then within each category, I’ll tell you what I believe is the most interesting move by each team — and what their free-agency strategy so far says about their broader team-building approach:
Win-now
These teams aren’t just building toward the postseason; they are overtly going for a Super Bowl.
They either have a very complete roster with few unknowns and made small problem-solving adjustments in free agency, or they added star power to get over the hump. They have a good to great quarterback, above-average players at most or all premier positions such as pass rusher, cornerback, offensive line and receiver (TE/RB included) … or it’s clear they will add there in the upcoming draft. Their head coach and/or coordinators give them an edge.
Denver Broncos
Plot twist! A team that has so far signed zero external free agents this spring is in this category. They did agree to terms with their own players — 13 of them, through the first few days of free agency. The Broncos are here because of their roster completeness, from their top defense and offensive line to the continued emergence of quarterback Bo Nix (when healthy), and because their roster floor is so high, even with needs such as defensive line depth. They have also openly called their shot: that they like their developing players more than whoever was available in free agency. The Broncos act as though they belong in this bucket. We’ll see if it works out for them.
Most interesting move: Re-signing linebacker Justin Strnad to a three-year, $18 million deal.
Los Angeles Rams
Ahead of schedule since their sprint-rebuild in 2023, the Rams have not been shy about calling their intended shot in 2026, when their home city will again host a Super Bowl. Quarterback Matthew Stafford will be back on an adjusted contract. They believe they’ve fixed glaring issues in the secondary and on special teams. Though they invested significant money in their new cornerbacks, this roster is still mostly built through draft classes in 2023 and 2024. Those players will come due soon for paydays, and the Rams know they must go all-in to maximize this roster and their 38-year-old reigning MVP quarterback.
Most interesting move: Extending cornerback Trent McDuffie on a position-setting deal after trading a first-round pick to the Chiefs for him. The Rams paid McDuffie like a top perimeter cornerback, yet he has position flexibility into the slot (although they also extended their starting slot/safety Quentin Lake in January).
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers’ moves so far in free agency absolutely say that they believe they are a win-now team after exceeding expectations in 2025, especially relative to their defensive roster and injuries. They are loading up: Top receiver Mike Evans is now a 49er and Kyle Shanahan’s true “X” receiver. They traded for Cowboys defensive lineman Osa Odighizuwa, a disruptive and needed addition. They are, in short, hoping to get to as high a floor as possible for their defense and max out their remaining time with core stars Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Fred Warner and Nick Bosa. The latter three players are returning from significant injuries; should they return to performance, Shanahan will believe his team can make a real run (and signing Evans was him calling his shot). Questions loom about the offensive line — particularly with free agent left tackle Trent Williams, an all-time math-changer at the position.
One small clue that tells me where they think they are: a reportedly high asking price for quarterback Mac Jones, who a rebuilding or sprint-rebuilding team might try to turn into draft capital. No, the 49ers want him around in case they need him.
Most interesting move: Signing tight end Jake Tonges to a two-year, $8 million deal gives Kittle much more of a runway to return from his torn Achilles. Tonges showed major potential when filling in for Kittle last season and may outplay this contract.
Seattle Seahawks
The reigning Super Bowl champions built one of the most complete rosters in football last season, led by a historically good defense tailor-made to combat any offensive trend it faced. In free agency, they’re both retaining “their guy” guys (Josh Jobe, Rashid Shaheed) and playing the compensatory pick game. Good teams that don’t need to replace many starters because they have depth or rising talent in-house can do both.
Most interesting move: Re-signing Shaheed on a three-year, $51 million deal. He was good for a couple of game-altering plays in 2025. His snap-to-snap role must increase in 2026.
Must-win; confident and playoff-likely but with stakes
These teams are very talented but have at least one major difference from a “win-now” team. They might be urgently swinging to maximize a top quarterback’s prime. Or they might have underperformed relative to expectations and must reach another stage of contention. Jobs for either coaches or front office members may be on the line.
Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen have battled for years, and both their teams remain in the must-win bucket. (Al Bello / Getty Images)
Baltimore Ravens
While the league at large viewed the initial trade agreement for Maxx Crosby as an overpay, I saw it as a statement from Eric DeCosta and Co. that these were not going to be the “just good enough” Ravens anymore. Then they rescinded the trade and signed a good pass rusher in Trey Hendrickson, but injuries and age are real questions there. Meanwhile, in an era during which Lamar Jackson’s prime must be maximized (not Maxx-imized, apparently), I still have questions about his group of skill players, the offensive line and the longer-term outlook of the running backs room. DeCosta will likely return to his pattern of being active in the later waves of free agency after beginning the period flying on the surface of the sun.
Most interesting non-Hendrickson/Crosby move: Losing center Tyler Linderbaum hurts — so shoring up other areas of the interior offensive line is key. Signing guard John Simpson to a three-year, $30 million deal was a great start.
Buffalo Bills
It’s now-ish or never for the Bills with quarterback Josh Allen in his prime. They addressed receiver with a trade for DJ Moore and signed pass rusher Bradley Chubb, but as the first wave of free agency settled, I found myself asking the same question I have for the last couple of offseasons: Have the Bills actually done enough? They need younger ascending pass rushers and have questions at offensive line and in the secondary. Was this must-win team, well, aggressive enough?
Most interesting move: Signing C.J. Gardner-Johnson to a one-year deal. Such a move seems to foreshadow one or more moves throughout the secondary in the draft.
Los Angeles Chargers
GM Joe Hortiz so far stands firmly in his more conservative approach to free agency. Fans may be fretful about the Chargers’ decisions, especially along the offensive line after last season’s fiasco, but remember: They expect to get both franchise tackles back from injury … still, these were significant injuries. Is the depth up to par? This question, when asked last season, returned a resolute “no.” Meanwhile, unsexy moves like signing a fullback (Alec Ingold, who reunites with offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel) and a blocking tight end (Charlie Kolar) are subject to the eye of the beholder. To new offensive coordinator McDaniel, these will be players to move around the alignment and activate his run and blocking surfaces, disguise personnel looks and — quarterback Justin Herbert hopes — help out the offensive line.
Most interesting move: Signing Kolar, who has the potential to become a “joker” player in McDaniel’s scheme. Ball-knowers know.
Philadelphia Eagles
To me, the Eagles have the highest variance of any NFL team in 2026. At their best or middle-best, though, they are a playoff team and so are in this bucket. Free agency for them has thus far been headlined by GM Howie Roseman’s aggressive attempts to build a trade market for receiver A.J. Brown, who remains on their roster. And yet other moves were classic of this Eagles era: signing their own good players and keeping a roster strength intact. In this case, things kicked off with their extension of defensive lineman Jordan Davis.
Most interesting move: Signing cornerback Riq Woolen to a one-year deal worth up to $15 million. If pairing Woolen with Cooper DeJean (slot/safety) and Quinyon Mitchell (perimeter cornerback) works, this will be as dominant a secondary as there is in the NFL right now.
Success-builder
These teams are building from overachieving in 2025 relative to expectations. They may have invested in a top player at a premier position in free agency, or they are continuing to build around a great young quarterback. They still face questions about their completeness in at least one phase.
Carolina Panthers
Success-building teams are self-aware, and that is exactly how I’d describe these Panthers. With their two outside cornerbacks playing excellent football, especially down the backstretch of the season, they moved to shore up the middle of the field by signing inside linebacker Devin Lloyd. Not to be again outbid on a math-changing defensive lineman, they went financially big on Jaelan Phillips, the 26-year-old edge rusher with a bit of a concerning injury history but huge potential.
Most interesting move: Not coming to terms with center Cade Mays. The Panthers must run the ball well and protect the inside of quarterback Bryce Young’s pocket to get his best.
Chicago Bears
Ben Johnson has the arrow pointed up for the Chicago Bears. (David Banks / Imagn Images)
Ben Johnson’s first season as the Bears’ head coach was a blast, and led to an appearance in the divisional round. Sustaining success means not getting lost in the light. So far, good job by the Bears — who made moves to shore up their interior defensive line and add to a secondary that also lost five players, and did what they could to mitigate the damage along an offensive line dealing with injury questions at tackle and the surprise retirement of starting center Drew Dalman. Meat-and-potatoes moves for a team that could have been high on its own supply, but stayed disciplined and self-aware and basically set up its intentions for the draft: Offensive and interior defensive linemen, and pass rushers.
Most interesting move: Still to come, because the Bears were reportedly in on the Crosby sweepstakes. What will those draft picks become?
New England Patriots
Speaking of self-aware teams, the Patriots may have exceeded expectations all the way to an appearance in Super Bowl LX, but they understand how much work is still to be done on their roster to sustain success. Their moves in free agency show it: Receiver Romeo Doubs is a wonderful (and younger) replacement for the intermediate and underneath pass concepts formerly designed for Stefon Diggs, plus a red-zone threat. Alijah Vera-Tucker, when healthy, is a gem who helps a maligned offensive line. Safety Kevin Byard just feels like a “Mike Vrabel guy,” and a veteran presence to pair with second-year player Craig Woodson.
Most interesting move: Signing Dre’Mont Jones gives New England some good size and inside-outside flexibility in its pass rush — which is a good skill set to have in complement to perhaps a first or second-round rookie pass rusher.
Neutral-positive
These teams have a good-to-great quarterback and a good roster that needs a few adjustments. Their free-agency plans — and remaining needs — make sense, although draft targets and issue areas are obvious. This is a happy and high-ceiling place for a team to spend a few years if it can. Teams in this bucket are either great quarterback play or an improved position group or two away from taking a step forward in contention and into the “must-win” or “win-now” buckets.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys were a fun watch last season (largely on offense) despite their record. Higher levels of competence on defense are and must be the goal under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, and their moves (including trading Odighizuwa to the 49ers for a third-round pick) reflect setting the table to hit the draft hard on that side of the ball. And even if they may not (or Jerry Jones may not) say it publicly, their actions show their self-awareness, as they’ve been in the mix on a few high-profile and mid-level pass rushers, including Crosby, a season after trading star outside linebacker Micah Parsons.
Most interesting move: Franchise tagging receiver George Pickens.
Detroit Lions
That this is the Dan Campbell-era Lions’ floor is a high compliment to the transformation of the organization over the last several seasons. In free agency, their focus on partially rebuilding the offensive line after an uncharacteristic 2025 season, plus mixing up their run game (running back David Montgomery was traded to Houston) was clear. The Lions could and probably will still add to their offensive line and defense in the draft, particularly at edge. This is a well-built team that has clarity about its next moves.
Most interesting move: Signing center Cade Mays to a three-year, $25 million contract. One of the best centers available — and at a great price.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers let several players depart this offseason, seemingly because they were aging out of their current roster build, the team did not want to or could not commit finances, or the players had injury or fit questions. They kept center Sean Rhyan in an apparent decision between him and the more veteran Elgton Jenkins (center/guard). They made the necessary move off of Rashan Gary’s contract by trading him to Dallas. They still need offensive line depth, but this offseason had the feel of a small pruning here, a tweak there, while welcoming a reported four compensatory picks for players who signed elsewhere.
Most interesting move: Trading a young defensive tackle (Colby Wooden) for 29-year-old linebacker Zaire Franklin, a team captain who has familiarity with new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon but had a down year in 2025.
Houston Texans
I have zero questions about this defense, and Houston did well to extend defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins, sign safety Reed Blankenship and add depth elsewhere (DL Logan Hall might be a dude). It’s hard not to love the new “Woody and Buzz” tandem of Woody Marks and Montgomery. I do — for another offseason — have questions about the state of Houston’s offensive line. Houston should be in the win-now spot, but those questions, plus a bad end to the season by quarterback C.J. Stroud, keep them in this bucket for now.
Most interesting move: Signing offensive lineman Braden Smith to a two-year, $25 million contract. He’s being projected as a tackle for now, but I’d like to see what he could do as a guard before committing him outside.
C.J. Stroud’s Texans and Trevor Lawrence’s Jaguars both are positively situated. (Corey Perrine / Imagn Images)
Jacksonville Jaguars
After a joyride of a first season under the power triangle of Liam Coen, James Gladstone and Tony Boselli, and head-turning initial moves last offseason that included a trade up to the No. 2 pick for Travis Hunter, this offseason has started much more quietly. Gladstone has explained that the Jaguars are playing the compensatory pick game to build up the middle-round picks that can eventually reset the foundation of this roster. That means many free agents have departed, with few external additions in exchange (they don’t have much cap space, either).
Most interesting move: Re-signing cornerback Montaric Brown to a three-year, $31.8 million deal after a breakout season.
Kansas City Chiefs
I don’t know what these Chiefs will look like in 2026 — it will depend on the recovery of Patrick Mahomes from his ACL repair — but much of what they’ve done so far follows a typical pattern. They filled two needs, signing running back Kenneth Walker and defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga. They’ll likely have to load up on cornerback in the draft and trust Steve Spagnuolo to work his magic with the group. Travis Kelce is back for a 14th season. It’s all very Chiefs … whose quarterback, if healthy in 2026, can take a neutral team-building model and bump it up into contention.
Most interesting move: Walker is a creative runner who fits right in with Andy Reid’s flexibility to let his players freestyle a little if it works. I’m especially eager to see what he can do in Reid’s screen game.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay has always been good at re-signing its own talent, and did so by extending tight end Cade Otton. It’s an unsexy move, but new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson probably sees a block-and-catch role for Otton similar to Tyler Higbee’s in L.A. Another signing I’m higher on than some is the two-year, $14 million deal for running back Kenny Gainwell, who is fantastic after the catch and should be a nice complement to Bucky Irving as a runner.
The Bucs’ slide through the second half of last season was a bit shocking. But it’s hard to bet on multiple down years for one of the more fundamentally sound front offices in the NFL.
Most interesting (painful?) move: Letting Mike Evans sign with the 49ers. All good things must end eventually.
Neutral
These teams may have executed a solid free agency plan, but might have glaring questions at quarterback (including injuries) or feature an average to below-average/bridge quarterback. Or, they may have a great quarterback on a rookie deal — whose presence is outweighed by significant roster questions in every phase.
Atlanta Falcons
Great skill players on offense. An underrated defense that plays well (and hard) under defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. Playing the compensatory pick game for 2027, after a 2026 draft in which they’ll only have five picks. It all seems methodical for the Falcons to get the most they can out of this roster in the short term with an eye on next season. Part of that is determining their plan at quarterback between Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa.
Most interesting signing: Tagovailoa, another quarterback retread this offseason on a minimum deal.
Cleveland Browns
I loved last year’s draft class and seeing those players take another step forward will be fun. The Browns have also so far done what they said they’d do as free agency began, which is to rebuild an offensive line that somehow all came due at the same time (and they didn’t draft any offensive linemen in 2025 to make this transition easier on themselves). They have so far invested $70 million in guaranteed money into the group, much of it going to veteran players. Two things can be true: They needed to focus almost entirely on the OL, so it’s good they’ve done that, but also, they did this to themselves. Cleveland also has a big quarterback question, and Deshaun Watson (and his contract) continues to loom over every single move this team makes.
Most interesting move: Signing guard Zion Johnson to a three-year, $49.5 million deal to be an anchor in this new-look offensive line.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts called their shot by bringing back receiver Alec Pierce and his quarterback, Daniel Jones. (Trevor Ruszkowski / Imagn Images)
Whether you agree with how they did it, the Colts did what they said they’d do by extending quarterback Daniel Jones and receiver Alec Pierce. The latter move, plus trading Michael Pittman Jr. to the Steelers, forecasts a larger role for Pierce in tandem with tight end Tyler Warren. Both players can combine to carve up the intermediate areas of the field while Pierce also stretches the defense. The Colts still need pass rush help badly, and nobody really knows how Jones will return from his Achilles injury.
Most interesting move: Jones’ two-year $88 million deal (worth up to $100 million; a sign the Colts don’t quite know how this will go either) is definitely high-risk, high-reward for player and team. It gives both time to assess his return to full performance. If he can be the guy who led them to an 8-2 start last season, even if it’s in the second year of the contract, that will be enough. Yes, the injury is a massive red flag. But if he returns with a clear progression over two seasons, then I don’t know why we’re fussing over Jones being the fifth-lowest paid QB among all non-rookie-contract starters once Stafford’s deal is done (and he’ll be even lower on the list when these next two years of QB extensions go through).
Minnesota Vikings
I want so badly to believe in this team’s potential, especially when thinking about new quarterback Kyler Murray’s ceiling and how he throws the football. Minnesota had to work some cap gymnastics this offseason and didn’t previously inspire confidence at quarterback, so the Murray addition at minimum cost is a plus before he ever steps on the field. I’m not buying this as a real quarterback competition yet, even if I also don’t believe the Vikings are done trying to develop J.J. McCarthy. I more so believe it’s a year-long tryout for Murray.
Most interesting signing: Murray, of course. It’s just good business to get into the quarterback retread program.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers had a nice free agency. They made moves that made sense, including trading for and signing Pittman Jr. to reinforce their identity of tough football played by large humans. CB Jamel Dean, S Jaquan Brisker and DL Sebastian Joseph-Day are very solid additions, each with both a high floor and ceiling. It’s just that whole quarterback thing, you know? And it’s a huge question, even if Aaron Rodgers returns.
Most interesting signing: Pittman Jr. signed a three-year deal worth up to $59 million and immediately becomes the ideal volume target in this offense.
Washington Commanders
To me, the Commanders should have more firmly committed to the “rebuild” bucket. Their roster looked every bit its age in 2025 and GM Adam Peters’ splashier moves thus far in free agency are pretty self-aware. He’s added to the pass rush (Odafe Oweh, K’Lavon Chaisson, ILB Leo Chenal, who can blitz), defensive tackle (Tim Settle), filled a hole at tight end (Chig Okonkwo) and gave the secondary some juice (Amik Robertson, Nick Cross).
It sure looks like a rebuild in many ways, yet I couldn’t bring myself to put them there considering the potential they have with Jayden Daniels. Adding more top-tier receiving help must be next.
Most interesting move: Robertson has the potential to be a “move” player in Daronte Jones’ defense, which will draw a lot of concepts from Brian Flores’ in Minnesota.
Sprint-rebuild
These teams have an above-average quarterback and multiple “weight-bearing walls” (above-average to elite players intended to lift the floor of an otherwise rebuilding roster), which, in theory, will make a rebuild faster. A team in a sprint-rebuild may have to take on a significant sum of dead money all in one season, and should be prepared to overhaul part of its roster entirely through the draft.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals started free agency with positive pop by signing Boye Mafe and Bryan Cook to help a much-maligned defense. Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are still the weight-bearing walls of this offense and team, and the focus had to be on improving the other side of the ball. Have they done enough?
Most interesting move: The decision to apparently rely heavily on the incoming draft class to give their defense more of a boost. It’s a risk, but that’s what sprint-rebuild teams do.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins currently incur the third-most dead money in 2026 and a reported $55.4 million off of Tagovailoa’s contract alone, with another $43.8 million in 2027. They have weight-bearing walls in Jaylen Waddle, De’Von Achane and Aaron Brewer, and their new and promising quarterback, Malik Willis, is on a friendly contract. The offense may keep this team legitimately competitive. The defense needs an overhaul and that’ll come via the draft; they have nine picks and five are in the top 100. This is a sprint-rebuild blueprint similar to one used by the Rams and 49ers in recent seasons.
Most interesting move: Not fearing dead money.
Rebuild
These teams either do not have a franchise quarterback, or will feature a bridge quarterback, or will draft a quarterback, or have a quarterback early in his rookie contract, but need a better roster. They may have a new head coach and/or front office. They have needs everywhere and in some cases have to use free agency to reset the floor of their roster.
Arizona Cardinals
Arizona is entering about as obvious a rebuild as it gets, both with a new coaching staff led by former Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur and because they signed Gardner Minshew to a quarterbacks room that is now minus Kyler Murray, and features Jacoby Brissett as the team’s most recent starter. This is a bridge situation, either to the draft, the trade deadline or next offseason’s quarterback carousel.
Most interesting move: Tyler Allgeier, the former Atlanta Falcons running back who signed a two-year, $12 million deal, is a similar style of runner to veteran starter James Conner. Perhaps either injury — or future transaction — insurance?
Tom Brady, who has an ownership stake in the Raiders, talks with Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort in 2024. (Ezra Shaw / Getty Images)
Las Vegas Raiders
If last year’s Raiders felt a bit more like a Pete Carroll team, so far this one feels more like the creation of GM John Spytek (and perhaps Tom Brady, too). The Raiders dramatically re-set the center market to a level that isn’t likely repeatable by signing Tyler Linderbaum to a three-year, $81 million contract with $60 million guaranteed, and brought in a few floor-lifting contributors on defense, including linebackers Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker. However twisty the path, keeping Maxx Crosby certainly doesn’t hurt either.
Most interesting move: Linderbaum’s signing is a reminder of the Raiders’ biggest goal, and that of any rebuilding team: Draft, protect and develop the quarterback. That includes how well the center can navigate the line of scrimmage to help him.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints have been intentional about resetting their floor after exceeding roster expectations through the second half of last season, particularly with how well the defense played and the emergence of quarterback Tyler Shough. They’ll still build the future of this roster through the draft, but “young”-veteran additions such as Kaden Elliss and Travis Etienne Jr., plus the departure of beloved but aging vets, help lift them into the next level of their model.
Most interesting move: Not skipping building steps or overreacting. The Saints are behaving methodically despite the excitement about Shough, spending on players who can be weight-bearing walls in the next phase of their team-building, while attuned to bringing down the age of the team.
New York Giants
The John Harbaugh-led Giants are probably a 12 personnel team, forecast by the signing of his former tight end in Baltimore, Isaiah Likely — who joins forces with an already talented offensive line and another tight end, Theo Johnson. They are in building mode around quarterback Jaxson Dart, whose run-pass ability combines well with a 12 personnel passing game.
Most interesting move: Signing fullback Patrick Ricard to a two-year deal also gives the Giants 21 personnel flexibility.
New York Jets
To me, it’s simple: The Jets went out and signed a bunch of players who they feel can lift the floor of their roster (a common theme with these rebuilding teams) while the front office initially drafts around them, and then drafts to replace them. Many are also familiar with head coach Aaron Glenn. Their rebuild strategy right now reminds me a bit of the Panthers last offseason, or the Patriots. Spend to set a level of competence and culture, then become more competitive over time off of that level.
Most interesting move: Quarterback Geno Smith is a New York Jet, again! Football is so much fun.
Tennessee Titans
Head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll targeted several players they are familiar with from previous head coaching stints with the Jets and Giants, respectively. The Titans also spent big — more than $298 million so far — with the clear aim to reset the team’s identity and raise its talent floor, literally buying time for themselves to draft and develop eventual replacements or complementary starters.
Most interesting move: Defensive tackle John Franklin-Myers had a multi-team market and chose Saleh — and star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. Together they will be appointment viewing.