The NFL's Offseason: A Re-Evaluation of Major Moves
As the NFL offseason draws to a close, it's time to take a step back and re-evaluate the biggest trades and free-agent signings of 2026. With training camp just around the corner, the initial excitement over these moves is starting to fade, and it's becoming clear that some of these deals may not have lived up to the hype. So, let's take a closer look at the 10 most significant roster acquisitions of the year and grade them based on resources used and potential impact.
The Grades
- Bears Trade WR DJ Moore to the Bills
The Bears traded WR DJ Moore to the Bills for a 2nd-round pick and a 5th-round pick. While Moore hasn't eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards since 2023, he could be Buffalo's lead pass-catcher and bring much-needed speed to the team's aerial attack. However, his receiving yard totals have been on the decline over the last two years, and he ceded targets to younger pass-catchers last season. The Bills needed to bolster their wide receiver group, but they did so at a costly price. Grade: B+.
- Broncos Acquire WR Jaylen Waddle from the Dolphins
The Broncos traded a 1st-round pick, a 3rd-round pick, and a 4th-round pick for WR Jaylen Waddle. Waddle played second fiddle to Tyreek Hill in Miami but can be the lead pass-catcher in Denver. He'll have competition for targets, but his big-play ability could lead to gaudy weekly numbers. The Dolphins used the Broncos' picks to select a cornerback, a wide receiver, and an edge-rusher, which is what rebuilding teams are supposed to do. Grade: B+.
- Browns and Rams Swap Edge Myles Garrett and Edge Jared Verse
The Rams traded edge Myles Garrett for edge Jared Verse, a 1st-round pick in 2027, a 2nd-round pick in 2028, and a conditional 3rd-round pick in 2029. Garrett, the NFL's top pass-rusher, will immediately elevate the Rams' 19th-ranked pass defense. However, the Browns' general manager should've known that the team's timeline for playoff contention and Garrett's desire to play in the postseason didn't align in the short term. Grade: C.
- Chiefs Trade CB Trent McDuffie to the Rams
The Chiefs traded CB Trent McDuffie for a 1st-round pick, a 5th-round pick, a 6th-round pick, and a 3rd-round pick in 2027. McDuffie earned All-Pro honors in 2023 and 2024 but had some inconsistencies in coverage. The Chiefs used their draft capital wisely, bundling a third-rounder with Los Angeles' fifth-round pick in a trade up for a top cornerback prospect. Grade: A.
- Giants Trade DT Dexter Lawrence II to the Bengals
The Bengals traded a top-10 pick for DT Dexter Lawrence II, an established three-time Pro Bowl veteran. Lawrence will line up alongside fellow Bengals newcomer Jonathan Allen within a revamped unit, and Cincinnati could improve from worst to top 10 in run defense with those two additions. Grade: B+.
- Panthers Sign Edge Jaelan Phillips
The Panthers signed edge Jaelan Phillips to a four-year, $120 million contract. Phillips had a pressure rate of 16.5 percent and the third-fewest sacks in 2025, and no one on their defense recorded more than five sacks for the season. However, if Phillips avoids significant injuries, he'll lead the Panthers in sacks and pressures. Grade: B.
- Patriots Acquire WR A.J. Brown from the Eagles
The Eagles traded WR A.J. Brown for a 5th-round pick in 2027 and a 1st-round pick in 2028. Brown publicly clashed with the Eagles offense last season, and Philadelphia signed Hollywood Brown, acquired wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks, and traded up for Jordan Davis on Day 1 of this year's draft. The Patriots picked up a No. 1 receiver without having to give up a first-round pick in next year's draft, which may be an elite class in terms of blue-chip prospects. Grade: A.
- Raiders Sign C Tyler Linderbaum
The Raiders signed center Tyler Linderbaum to a three-year, $81 million contract. Linderbaum played for a perennial contender and chose to sign with a franchise that's been in a perpetual rebuild for over two decades. In Year 1 with the Raiders, Cousins and Linderbaum will set the foundation for the offense. Grade: A.
- Ravens Sign Edge Trey Hendrickson
The Ravens signed edge Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million contract. Hendrickson left the Bengals for greener pastures within the division. Last offseason, Hendrickson was traded amid an extended contract dispute with the Bengals. Grade: B-.
- Vikings Sign QB Kyler Murray
The Vikings signed quarterback Kyler Murray to a one-year, $1.3 million contract. Murray is a two-time Pro Bowler and former No. 1 overall pick with respectable passing numbers. Despite inconsistent quarterback play, the Vikings barely missed the 2025 postseason, and Murray could be a Comeback Player of the Year candidate. Grade: A.
Personal Commentary
As an expert commentator, I find these grades to be quite interesting. The Bears' trade for DJ Moore seems like a risky move, given his declining production and the Bills' need for a pass-catcher. The Broncos' acquisition of Jaylen Waddle, on the other hand, seems like a smart move, given his big-play ability and the Dolphins' rebuild process. The Rams' trade for Myles Garrett is a clear win-now move, but the Browns' general manager should've known better than to trade a star edge-rusher one year after signing him to a new deal.
The Chiefs' trade for Trent McDuffie is a wise move, given his All-Pro honors and the team's need for a top cornerback. The Giants' trade for Dexter Lawrence II is a bold move, given his established status and the team's need to improve their run defense. The Panthers' signing of Jaelan Phillips is a risky move, given his injury history and the team's need for a pass-rusher. The Patriots' acquisition of A.J. Brown is a smart move, given his proven track record and the team's need for a No. 1 receiver.
The Raiders' signing of Tyler Linderbaum is a smart move, given his established status and the team's need for a solid center. The Ravens' signing of Trey Hendrickson is a risky move, given his injury history and the team's need for an edge-rusher. The Vikings' signing of Kyler Murray is a low-risk, high-reward move, given his proven track record and the team's need for a quarterback.
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