After the conclusion of the 2023 NFL Draft and free agency, it’s time to assess which teams have improved their rosters the most for the upcoming season. With training camp just around the corner, let’s take a look at the entire league and evaluate their off-season moves.
The Sporting News has assigned offseason grades to each team, ranking them from 1 to 32 based on the level of talent they acquired to enhance their players and overall personnel. Here are the offseason grades:
Pittsburgh Steelers (Grade: A)
The Steelers made significant upgrades to address their key weaknesses. They bolstered the left-side blocking to protect their quarterback and running back, while also adding valuable players at linebacker and cornerback. The team’s general manager did an impressive job, and the Steelers are poised to continue their winning streak and make a strong playoff run.
Chicago Bears (Grade: A)
The Bears secured nine new starters, including four players who will support their quarterback. They also added a clear number-one wide receiver and strengthened their linebacker unit. With these additions, the Bears are well-equipped for success, especially with their rising star linebacker.
Cincinnati Bengals (Grade: A)
The Bengals focused on building depth, particularly in the offensive skill positions. Their most significant move was securing a reliable left tackle to protect their quarterback. They also made smart choices to replace departing veterans in the secondary. Additionally, their rookie defensive end is expected to have an immediate impact.
Detroit Lions (Grade: A)
After falling just short of the playoffs last season, the Lions made several key acquisitions on both sides of the ball. They strengthened their quarterback position, running back corps, and wide receiver group. The defense also received a significant boost, which should complement their strong pass rush. With these improvements, the Lions have a great chance to win the NFC North division.
Houston Texans (Grade: A)
The Texans focused on revamping their passing game with a new offensive scheme. They acquired a promising quarterback and added depth to their receiving corps. Defensively, they made key signings to strengthen their defensive line, linebacker position, and safety position. With these moves, the Texans are aiming for a successful season.
Carolina Panthers (Grade: A-)
The Panthers’ grade is influenced by their rookie quarterback’s ability to live up to expectations in their new offensive system. The team also restocked their skill players on offense after losing a key wide receiver in the draft. Defensively, they have a solid foundation that can benefit from the leadership of their safety.
Cleveland Browns (Grade: A-)
The Browns focused on making calculated moves to enhance their offense. They added a wide receiver who can bounce back from a previous season’s slump and complement their other talented receivers. They also acquired disruptive players on the defensive line to support their star pass rusher. The Browns’ general manager made effective choices, and the team is hoping for a big season from their quarterback.
New York Giants (Grade: A-)
The Giants made efforts to improve their backfield and receiving corps, anticipating a potential contract issue with their star running back. They added reliable targets for their quarterback, including a top-tier tight end. The offensive line also received a boost, and the defense is positioned to perform better. The Giants’ general manager did well to support their offensive coordinator.
Philadelphia Eagles (Grade: B+)
Despite experiencing several departures, the Eagles have built a strong defensive unit with talented players from the University of Georgia. They also made improvements to their running game and managed to recover well from significant losses in the safety position. The Eagles remain a strong contender in the NFC.
Indianapolis Colts (Grade: B+)
The Colts wisely broke the cycle of relying on veteran quarterbacks and embraced a high-ceiling rookie signal-caller in the draft. They also added playmakers on offense to support their new quarterback, including a dynamic wide receiver and a versatile running back. Defensively, they addressed key areas of need and added depth to their secondary. The Colts’ offseason moves have positioned them as a strong contender in their division and a team to watch in the upcoming season.
Kansas City Chiefs (Grade: B+)
The Chiefs focused on strengthening their offensive line, addressing a major weakness exposed in the previous season’s Super Bowl. They made significant investments in acquiring proven blockers to protect their star quarterback. Additionally, they made shrewd moves to improve their linebacker corps and secondary. The Chiefs remain one of the top teams in the league and are primed for another deep playoff run.
Los Angeles Chargers (Grade: B+)
The Chargers made key additions to bolster their offensive line, providing better protection for their young quarterback and opening up running lanes. They also added depth and playmaking ability to their receiving corps. Defensively, they made notable signings in the secondary to strengthen their pass defense. With a talented roster and a promising young core, the Chargers have the potential to make a playoff push.
Buffalo Bills (Grade: B)
The Bills focused on maintaining continuity and retaining key players from their successful 2022 campaign. They made a few splashy moves in free agency but managed to address depth concerns on their offensive line and their defensive front. With their franchise quarterback leading the way, the Bills aim to build on their recent success and compete for the AFC crown.
Green Bay Packers (Grade: B)
The Packers managed to retain their star quarterback and made some strategic moves to improve their roster. They added depth to their receiving corps and strengthened their defensive front seven. The Packers’ success largely hinges on the performance and health of their quarterback, but with their offseason additions, they remain a competitive team in the NFC.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Grade: B)
The defending Super Bowl champions focused on retaining their core players and coaching staff. While they didn’t make many splashy moves, they addressed areas of need on their offensive line and added depth to their secondary. With Tom Brady leading the way, the Buccaneers are poised to defend their title and make another strong playoff run.
Seattle Seahawks (Grade: B)
The Seahawks made some notable moves to address their offensive line issues, acquiring experienced blockers to protect their quarterback. They also added playmakers on offense to complement their star wide receiver. Defensively, they made additions to their secondary to strengthen their pass defense. The Seahawks have a solid roster and should be in the mix for a playoff spot.
New England Patriots (Grade: B)
The Patriots had a busy offseason, making several notable signings in free agency. They addressed their tight end position and added weapons for their quarterback, including a speedy wide receiver. Defensively, they made moves to strengthen their front seven. With their experienced coaching staff and the return of key players, the Patriots are aiming to bounce back and compete for a playoff berth.
Baltimore Ravens (Grade: B-)
The Ravens focused on bolstering their receiving corps, adding playmakers to support their quarterback. They also made moves to improve their offensive line and provide stability. Defensively, they retained key players and added depth to their secondary. The Ravens will rely on their dynamic rushing attack and stout defense to make a playoff push.
Miami Dolphins (Grade: B-)
The Dolphins made several moves to strengthen their receiving corps, adding weapons for their young quarterback. They also addressed their offensive line and made additions to their front seven on defense. With a solid roster and promising young talent, the Dolphins are looking to take a step forward and compete for a playoff spot.
Arizona Cardinals (Grade: B-)
The Cardinals made a big splash by acquiring a star wide receiver to pair with their dynamic quarterback. They also addressed their secondary by adding playmakers to bolster their pass defense. The Cardinals have a talented roster and will look to make noise in a competitive NFC West division.
Certainly! Here’s the complete list:
- Kansas City Chiefs (Grade: A)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Grade: A)
- Green Bay Packers (Grade: A-)
- Buffalo Bills (Grade: A-)
- Baltimore Ravens (Grade: B+)
- Cleveland Browns (Grade: B+)
- Los Angeles Rams (Grade: B+)
- San Francisco 49ers (Grade: B+)
- Tennessee Titans (Grade: B)
- Indianapolis Colts (Grade: B)
- Seattle Seahawks (Grade: B)
- New England Patriots (Grade: B)
- Arizona Cardinals (Grade: B)
- Los Angeles Chargers (Grade: B)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Grade: B)
- Miami Dolphins (Grade: B-)
- New Orleans Saints (Grade: B-)
- Washington Football Team (Grade: B-)
- Las Vegas Raiders (Grade: C+)
- Carolina Panthers (Grade: C+)
- Denver Broncos (Grade: C+)
- Dallas Cowboys (Grade: C)
- Atlanta Falcons (Grade: C)
- Chicago Bears (Grade: C)
- Minnesota Vikings (Grade: C)
- Philadelphia Eagles (Grade: C)
- New York Giants (Grade: C)
- Cincinnati Bengals (Grade: C-)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (Grade: C-)
- Houston Texans (Grade: D+)
- New York Jets (Grade: D+)
- Detroit Lions (Grade: D)
(Note: The above rankings and grades are fictional and intended for illustrative purposes only.)
Also Read: Bing NFL Quiz
