There are many teams who improved and regressed this off-season but I picked the 5 that stood out to me the most. Let me know in the comments who your top NFL winners and losers are and I will try to respond to them all.
Winner: Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals used their first 5 draft picks on defense. First round pick DT Walter Nolan, second round pick CB Walter Johnson, and third round pick LB Jordan Burch should make immediate impacts on a defense that desperately needs to improve. They also bolstered their defensive line by signing DT Dalvin Tomlinson and DE Josh Sweat via free agency. These defensive improvements could make the Cardinals a team to surprise us in 2025.
Winner: Minnesota Vikings
The Viking’s biggest weaknesses were along the offensive and defensive lines. They added solid free agent upgrades at those positions and drafted Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson which should improve the running game. They also traded for RB Jordan Mason which gives them a solid one-two punch at back with Aaron Jones. Lastly, they didn’t give QB Sam Darnold a big contract and will go with second year QB JJ McCarthy. They get to see what the kid can do plus it’s addition by subtraction by losing Darnold.
Loser: Pittsburgh Steelers
Many have the Steelers as “winners” this off season because of the additions of QB Aarron Rodgers, WR DK Metcalf, and CB Darius Slay. I would argue that these additions will only keep this team as a pretender. Sure, they could win 9- 10 games and make a playoff appearance but Rodgers is old and at times looked washed up a season ago. Plus, CB Darious Slay isn’t getting younger and can’t keep up with young receivers. I think it would be better to have stayed younger at those positions and taken some lumps. Sometimes a team needs to get worse to get better down the road.
Winner: Chicago Bears
The Bears off season started with a big slash by hiring previous Detroit offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as head coach. He should make an immediate impact on the offense and be the key to the success of QB Caleb Williams. It also helps that the Bears dramatically improved their biggest weakness on offensive line by signing C Drew Dalman and trading for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson. They should be able to run the football much better and Williams will not be running for his life on third down. Look for the Bears to dramatically improve and fight for a playoff birth.
Loser: Seattle Seahawks
I have Seattle as losers based on the signing of QB Sam Darnold. Darnold was able to put up great numbers with the Vikings a season ago but he had tremendous weapons led by WR Justin Jefferson who creates separation and can win one on one battles. He doesn’t have that in Seattle and I see the passing offense struggling especially against good defenses.