The 2023 NFL season has come to an end with the Kanas City Chiefs claiming their second Super Bowl in a row. Can anyone prevent Patrick Mahomes and Co. from completing a three-peat in 2024? Here’s a look at all 32 teams post-free agency.
32. Carolina Panthers
Carolina’s miserable season ended with two consecutive shutout losses — the first team to do so in more than 15 years. Dave Canales was hired to lead the Panthers after one season as the offensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and former linebacker Dan Morgan was promoted to president of football operations/general manager. The new regime was busy during free agency. Providing young QB Bryce Young with some help was a top priority. They signed two guards (one of them to a deal worth potentially nine figures) and one of the league’s best separators in WR Diontae Johnson. Recouping a second and a fifth-round pick for Brian Burns was a tough pill to swallow after previous management turned down multiple first-rounders for the pass rusher.
31. New England Patriots
Bill Belichick, arguably the greatest coach of all-time, is no longer leading the New England Patriots. The iconic boss parted ways with the franchise after Week 18, and New England opted to promote Jerod Mayo to HC. Mayo will have a pretty strong defense to work with in Year 1, but the offense remains a mess. We’re still unsure of the direction the Patriots will head in the draft. They failed to secure any of the top wideouts, and have an obvious hole at QB. New England secured one of the best bargain running backs, signing Antonio Gibson to a deal with only $5 million in guarantees.
30. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals only won four games last season, but they looked better than we expected them to. Kyler Murray returned late in the season and played decent football post-ACL injury. Arizona lost a handful of close games and also knocked off three teams that reached the playoffs — Dallas, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia. The wins over Pittsburgh and Philadelphia were on the road, as well. Arizona owns the No. 4 pick in the upcoming draft. Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. would be a home run if he is available, but we won’t be shocked if the Cardinals trade down for a haul of picks. Harrison Jr. would immediately step into a WR1 role now that Marquise Brown has agreed to join the Chiefs.
29. Washington Commanders
Like the Panthers, Washington entered the offseason with work to do. Ron Rivera was relieved of his duties as head coach shortly after the Commanders’ 13th loss of the year, and veteran coach Dan Quinn was hired as his replacement after the season. Unlike Carolina, however, Washington owns its first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. If there was any doubt over what the Commanders intended on doing with the No. 2 pick it was squashed after the team traded Sam Howell to the Seahawks. Washington will be drafting a QB in this first round this April. Adding Dorance Armstrong and Frankie Luvu in free agency should boost a defense that has lost a ton of talent over the last year.
28. New York Giants
New York’s season didn’t pan out the way it expected, but a blowout win over the Eagles in the finale was a positive ending. Though, there’s a chance Philadelphia gets the last laugh with Saquon Barkley set to wear an Eagles jersey next year. Quarterback Daniel Jones tore his ACL in November, but the high-paid passer is expected to be ready to start the 2024 season. However, the team is clearly not sold on that idea. Currently slated to pick No. 6 overall, the Giants could realistically target a QB in the draft. And, they signed Drew Lock to a deal with reported intentions of having him compete for the starting role. Defensively is where this team should sign. New York will have a chance to have one of the best defensive lines in the league starring Dexter Lawrence, Kayvon Thibodeau, and the recently acquired Brian Burns.
27. Denver Broncos
Sean Payton’s first year as Denver’s head coach was wild. The Broncos began the season 0-3 — with their third loss being a historic 70-20 thrashing in Miami. However, the team rallied to go 7-3 over its next 10 games. That stretch included wins over a handful of playoff teams (Green Bay, Kansas City, Buffalo, Cleveland). Russell Wilson was better than the previous year (26 TD, 8 INT), but it quickly became clear that Payton wasn’t enjoying his QB’s play. Wilson was released following the season and the team ate an enormous cap hit as a result. The Broncos chose not to sign a veteran QB, and have already begun moving pieces by cutting four-time All-Pro safety Justin Simmons and trading WR Jerry Jeudy. Expect Sean Payton to find his QB in April’s draft.
26. Tennessee Titans
2024 will look far different for the Titans than it has for quite some time. Star running back Derrick Henry signed with the Baltimore Ravens. Former starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill will suit up for a new team in ’24, as well. Head coach Mike Vrabel’s time with the franchise came to an unexpected end at the end of the season — former Cincinnati OC Brian Callahan was named the 20th HC in franchise history. The offense should look better — in theory. Calvin Ridley and Tony Pollard join the list of playmakers at Will Levis’s disposal. Getting Levis established weapons is a savvy move, as his development is crucial for the franchise.
25. Minnesota Vikings
After winning 13 games in 2022, Minnesota finished at the bottom of the NFC North (tied with Chicago) last season. Kirk Cousins tearing his Achilles stifled any true chance the team had. The franchise chose to move on from their long-time QB (and star edge rusher Danielle Hunter) in free agency, signing former No. 3 overall pick Sam Darnold to a one-year deal. It’s unlikely this move will keep Minnesota out of the quarterback discussions leading up to the draft. They added additional draft capital in a deal with the Texans, and now have two first-round picks to work with. Could the Vikings be looking to package both to move up the order and select a QB?
24. Chicago Bears
The Bears are the NFL’s most intriguing team entering April. As a result of last year’s trade with the Carolina Panthers that landed the No. 1 overall pick, Bryce Young, in Carolina, the Bears own Carolina’s first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft — the No. 1 pick. Additionally, Chicago finished with the No. 9 overall pick. With Chicago shipping Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers, it confirms the plan to select a quarterback with the 1st overall pick. Whichever quarterback ends up being selected will be happy with Chicago’s offseason, as the team added RB D’Andre Swift and longtime Charger wideout Keenan Allen into the fold.
23. Los Angeles Chargers
Welcome back to the NFL, Jim Harbaugh. Los Angeles was able to lure Harbaugh back to the NFL following his National Championship triumph at Michigan — and the fan base is very excited by his arrival. The Chargers are in a tough spot as they are saddled with a horrible cap situation, but we cannot count Harbaugh out just yet. Massive moves have already been made — Austin Ekeler is headed to the Commanders, Keenan Allen was traded to the Bears, Mike Williams is a free agent, and both Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa agreed to restructured deals. With Williams gone, it seems all but certain the Chargers will be snagging a pass catcher with the No. 6 pick in April’s draft. Getting QB Justin Herbert more weapons can’t hurt.
22. Las Vegas Raiders
Antonio Pierce showed enough during his time as interim head coach to convince the Raiders to make him the permanent HC. With Pierce in charge, the Raiders finished the year 5-4 and it was evident that the players supported his hiring. Tom Telesco was hired to be GM and has already made some major moves. The Raiders allowed RB Josh Jacobs to walk in free agency but made up for the loss in offensive firepower by signing one of the top available players on the board in DT Christian Wilkins. Additionally, Vegas inked QB Gardner Minshew to a short deal. Minshew is said to be competing with Aidan O’Connell for the starting job, but we wouldn’t put it past this team to look at potential QB options in the upcoming draft.
21. Seattle Seahawks
Pete Carroll is no longer the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. After enjoying more than a decade-plus of stability with Carroll at the helm, Seattle will enter a new era in 2024. Replacing Carroll is former Baltimore defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald. Macdonald, 36, will be the youngest head coach in the league — Carroll was the oldest at the time of his departure. The Seahawks have a solid roster, but it remains to be seen how they will look under this new regime. With Geno Smith entering this season at age 34, the team sought a younger option and traded for third-year QB Sam Howell.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The reigning NFC South champions look ready to defend their crown. Both Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans agreed to return on new deals. The same goes for veteran LB Lavonte David who is now set to end his career playing for only one team. The division will look a bit more competitive in ’24, but the Bucs are battle-tested and have enough star talent to contend each and every week.
19. New Orleans Saints
Derek Carr’s first year in New Orleans was rather frustrating. Through 12 games, the former Raider had a mere 11 touchdown passes and his team sported a 5-7 record. Over the final five weeks, however, Carr and Co. found a groove. En route to a 4-1 finish, the veteran threw 14 TD passes and completed 74.5-percent of his attempts. Unfortunately, New Orleans’ late surge wasn’t enough to reach the postseason — as it lost the tiebreak to Tampa Bay in the division. The Saints opted not to partake in much of the free-agent frenzy. Longtime WR Michael Thomas was released after a tumultuous few years. Additionally, the team will be looking for a new backup QB with Jameis Winston heading to Cleveland.
18. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville entered 2023 as the clear favorite to win the South and it looked the part through the first two-thirds of the season. Through 12 weeks, the Jags were 8-3. Then, everything fell apart — Jacksonville crumbled and finished the year 9-8. Some of the team’s decision-making has come into question. The Jaguars signed Gabe Davis to one of the first deals in free agency and let Calvin Ridley walk after trading for him just over a year ago. They now have one of the most expensive pass-catching groups in the league between Davis, Christian Kirk, Zay Jones, and Evan Engram. Is that enough firepower to get Trevor Lawrence back on track after a down year?
17. Pittsburgh Steelers
After initial reports indicated the Steelers were moving forward with its existing QB room, the team quickly made three drastic changes. The Steelers struck an agreement with free agent Russell Wilson, traded former first-round pick Kenny Pickett to the Eagles, and then traded for former first-round pick Justin Fields. While Wilson will enter 2024 as the starter, Pittsburgh has to be thrilled to be adding Fields into the mix as the long-term answer. Wilson may be past his best days as a player, but he’ll bring a certain level of competence the Steelers have lacked for years. The Steelers also added two new defenders in CB Donte Jackson and LB Patrick Queen. Seemingly out of nowhere, the Steelers could be challenging for AFC North supremacy next year.
16. Indianapolis Colts
Not many people expected Indianapolis to push for a playoff spot in 2023. However, Gardner Minshew led the Colts into Week 18 with an opportunity to reach the playoffs. Looking ahead, Indianapolis will excitedly welcome back quarterback Anthony Richardson following his recovery from season-ending shoulder surgery. The trio of Richardson, Jonathan Taylor, and the recently re-signed Michael Pittman Jr. has a ton of potential and the Colts appear to be a team on the rise.
15. Atlanta Falcons
Will Kirk Cousins be the savior in Atlanta? There’s a strong case that the Falcons would have been a playoff team last season had it gotten competent play from its QB. The team had no qualms moving off of Desmond Ridder, who was traded to the Cardinals for WR Rondale Moore. Cousins is more than competent and has no trouble getting the ball in the hands of his playmakers — and, the Falcons have plenty of those. Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts will benefit from a guy who was leading the league in passing yards per game (291.4) before he got hurt. This move may not deliver a Super Bowl to Atlanta, but it should make them the favorites to win the NFC South.
14. New York Jets
Year 1 of the Aaron Rodgers era in New York ended the same way as 2022 did — the Jets won seven games and missed the playoffs. Of course, Rodgers didn’t take the field for more than five snaps. It isn’t hard to see a few more wins on New York’s schedule with Rodgers on the field. Rodgers’ health will be the biggest storyline surrounding New York’s offseason. Of course, offensive line help was a major need. The team signed guard John Simpson in free agency and then traded for Ravens RT Morgan Moses. Those moves lead us to believe the Jets will address the WR2 spot during the first round of the NFL Draft.
13. Cleveland Browns
Cleveland’s unlikely journey to the playoffs ended with a blowout loss to the Texans, but they’re positioned well entering next season. The Browns feature one of the league’s best defensive groups and they will have their starting quarterback and starting running back return from injury in time for 2024. Of course, there is no guarantee that Deshaun Watson will be a difference-maker at QB (and the volatile Jameis Winston is his new backup). Additionally, Nick Chubb isn’t a sure bet to return to his previous level of play following his season-ending knee injury.
12. Los Angeles Rams
Before the 2023 season began, the Rams were largely projected to be one of the worst teams in football — and some experts, including New Arena‘s own, viewed the Rams as a bottom-3 team. Instead, the Rams reached the postseason after Sean McVay’s group went 7-1 down the stretch. Matthew Stafford still has it. Kyren Williams is a force on the ground. Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua are a lethal duo in the passing game. The offensive line was fortified by re-signing Kevin Dotson and inking Lions guard Jonah Jackson to a deal. However, will the defense be good enough to make them a contender? You cannot recover from losing Aaron Donald in just one offseason…
11. Green Bay Packers
In Year 1 post-Rodgers, the Packers returned to the playoffs. Quarterback Jordan Love struggled at times in his first year as the starter but turned it on late. In leading Green Bay to a 6-2 record down the stretch, Love threw 18 touchdowns and one interception. Then, Love and Co. embarrassed Dallas in the postseason before losing a nail-biter in San Francisco to the eventual NFC Champions. Love’s development was a sight to behold for Packer fans — and a nightmare for fans of the rest of the NFC North. In a shocking turn of events, the Packers were heavily active in free agency. Green Bay signed two of the top players at their respective positions — RB Josh Jacobs and S Xavier McKinney. Though, they did say goodbye to fan favorite Aaron Jones who joined the division rival Vikings.
10. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals finished 2023 with nine wins and the worst record in the AFC North. For a team that entered the year with Super Bowl aspirations, the season was a failure. Considering the team lost Joe Burrow in Week 11, however, nine wins was quite impressive. The Bengals played well with backup quarterback Jake Browning leading the offense. To end the year, Browning led Cincinnati to a 4-3 record. The franchise opted to tag WR Tee Higgins, though the gifted pass catcher is reportedly seeking a trade. Burrow could be returning to a new-look offense if Higgins is dealt. Longtime RB Joe Mixon was traded to Houston, as former Colt Zack Moss is set to lead Cincinnati’s backfield.
9. Houston Texans
Just like Indianapolis, the Houston Texans far surpassed expectations in 2023. Led by star rookie C.J. Stroud, Houston won the AFC South for the first time since 2019. Stroud and head coach DeMeco Ryans turned the tide sooner than anyone could have expected. Stroud played like a top-10 quarterback and Ryans has the look of a coach who will be successful for many years to come. It’s only going to get more exciting for Texans fans after adding star edge rusher Danielle Hunter and Pro Bowl RB Joe Mixon this offseason.
8. Miami Dolphins
Heading into Week 14 of the 2023 season, the Dolphins had a three-game lead on the Bills in the division with only five games remaining. Miami went 2-2 over its next four, while Buffalo won all four of its games. In the finale, the Bills narrowly edged out a win over a depleted Dolphins team to complete the season sweep and capture the AFC East for the fourth straight year. Miami’s once-promising season ended one week later at a frigid Arrowhead, as the Chiefs silenced the Dolphins’ offense in a 26-7 win. Now, the Dolphins are approaching dangerous territory. They allowed multiple players to walk in free agency with the idea that QB Tua Tagovailoa is due for a huge extension. Is signing Tagovailoa to a long-term deal the best move for the franchise?
7. Philadelphia Eagles
What happened in Philadelphia? After nearly winning the Super Bowl in 2022, the Eagles looked like they were on a mission to return to the big game last year. Entering their Week 13 showdown with the 49ers, the Eagles were 10-1 and had just won back-to-back games over Kansas City and Buffalo. Then, Philadelphia went 1-5 to end the year and was throttled by Tampa Bay, 32-9, in the Wild Card Round. Both coordinators were replaced, and Nick Siranni appears to be on the hot seat entering next season. In one of the more surprising moves of free agency, the Eagles signed RB Saquon Barkley to a multi-year deal. Barkley is coming off a bit of a down year, but he’s never played on an offense of this caliber.
6. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys won the NFC East in 2023 and looked like a true Super Bowl contender entering the postseason. Dak Prescott played at an MVP level for much of the year and Dallas’ defense fed off turnovers and created a ton of extra opportunities for Prescott and the offense. However, the year ended embarrassingly as the No. 7 seed Packers handed Dallas a 48-32 loss in the Wild Card Round. The Cowboys have a ton of talent, but they must find a way to get over the hump when it matters most. Losing their top three free agents — Dorance Armstrong, Tyler Biadasz, and Tony Pollard — certainly won’t help matters.
5. Detroit Lions
Through two quarters of the NFC Championship Game, the Detroit Lions appeared to be on their way to making a trip to Las Vegas for the Super Bowl. However, a dreadful second half resulted in a painful loss. Despite the setback, Detroit is in a good position entering next year. The offense is loaded and features young talent. The defense has a decent foundation but could use some work. Trading for CB Carlton Davis from the Buccaneers should bolster the secondary. While they mostly stood pat during free agency, the Lions’ big offseason announcement thus far came in the form of extensions for HC Dan Campbell and GM Brad Holmes. Both are set to be with the team through the 2027 season.
4. Buffalo Bills
Buffalo may have rallied to win the AFC East for the fourth time in a row, but its season ended with yet another disappointing loss. Josh Allen and Co. finally had an opportunity to play host to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round…but it didn’t matter — the Bills lost to Patrick Mahomes once again. It’s not clear what the missing ingredient is. With Gabe Davis bolting for Jacksonville, the Bills looked for receiver help and added versatile playmaker Curtis Samuel. The secondary will also be addressed after the team released two franchise stalwarts in CB Tre White and S Jordan Poyer.
3. Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson performed at a high level en route to winning his second MVP, Baltimore’s defense was the league’s best, the Ravens entered the postseason with the No. 1 overall seed…and yet the season ended without a trip to the Super Bowl. Baltimore’s loss to Kansas City in the AFC Championship Game was not pretty. Still, the Ravens must be considered one of the top contenders ahead of next season. Jackson will be joined in the backfield next year by four-time Pro Bowl RB Derrick Henry. Defenses will have their hands full trying to tackle either of Baltimore’s dynamic ball carriers.
2. San Francisco 49ers
The Niners have reached the NFC Championship four of the last five years, and have two Super Bowl appearances on their resume. Unfortunately, San Francisco is now 0-2 in the Super Bowl — and arguably should have defeated Kansas City in both games. The Niners have the best roster in football so there isn’t a ton of room for improvement this offseason. Leonard Floyd and Yetur Gross-Matos were brought in to replace Chase Young who appears to be on the move elsewhere. On the offensive side, WR Brandon Aiyuk has been brought up in trade rumors. Dealing him would be a massive blow to the best offense in the league from last year.
1. Kansas City Chiefs
Three Super Bowl victories in five years — was there ever a doubt who would be ranked No. 1? The Chiefs aren’t going away any time soon. Chris Jones is set to return after signing a massive deal. Marquise Brown will bring a much-needed element to the vertical passing game. As long as Patrick Mahomes is under center, the Chiefs should be considered the favorites. Kansas City is looking to become the first team to three-peat in NFL history.