The NFL offseason is when all 32 teams address weaknesses and upgrade their rosters. Through free agency and the draft, each team aims to make a significant move that will enhance their chances for the upcoming season.
While all teams strive to improve through various means—free agency, the draft, or trades—some succeed more than others.
Here’s a look at the standout acquisitions across the league.
MORE NFL: Who will improve the most in 2024? | Who will disappoint the most in 2024?
Every team’s best move of the 2024 NFL offseason
Arizona Cardinals: Drafting WR Marvin Harrison Jr.
The Cardinals needed a dominant No. 1 wideout for Kyler Murray. Drafting “Maserati Marv” provides the ideal size, speed, quickness, and strength, reminiscent of Larry Fitzgerald.
Atlanta Falcons: Signing QB Kirk Cousins
Despite also drafting Michael Penix Jr. in the first round, the Falcons secured a veteran upgrade at quarterback. Cousins joins an offense similar to the one he thrived in with the Vikings, potentially transforming the Falcons’ attack.
Biggest offseason upgrades: Offenses | Defenses | Coaching staffs
Baltimore Ravens: Signing RB Derrick Henry
The Ravens added a durable, veteran running back to complement Lamar Jackson’s dynamic play. Henry aims for a ring while providing the power needed in Baltimore’s run-heavy offense.
Buffalo Bills: Drafting WR Keon Coleman
The Bills reshuffled their receiving corps, and Coleman fits well as a new No. 1 for Josh Allen, bringing size, hands, and speed to replace Stefon Diggs.
Carolina Panthers: Trading for WR Diontae Johnson
The Panthers boosted QB Bryce Young’s support with offensive-minded coach Dave Canales and a stronger O-line. Johnson’s reliable route-running pairs well with Adam Thielen, laying the groundwork for acquiring speedy deep threat Xavier Legette.
MORE: Year 2 QB projections
Chicago Bears: Drafting QB Caleb Williams
The Bears hope to have solved their quarterback woes by drafting Caleb Williams, a transcendent talent, with the No. 1 overall pick.
Cincinnati Bengals: Signing S Geno Stone
After missing Jessie Bates III’s playmaking, the Bengals added Stone, who can reinvigorate their secondary after a strong season with the Ravens.
Cleveland Browns: Signing LB Jordan Hicks
Hicks, coming off a productive season, enhances the Browns’ defense with his range and playmaking abilities in both tackling and coverage.
Dallas Cowboys: Drafting C/G Cooper Beebe
With limited free agency spending and draft capital, the Cowboys prioritized their offensive line, selecting the ready-to-contribute Beebe over other prospects.
Denver Broncos: Drafting QB Bo Nix
Sean Payton sought a new quarterback for his offense, and Nix’s attributes fit well in Payton’s system, marking a fresh start for Denver.
Biggest offseason upgrades: Offenses | Defenses | Coaching staffs
Detroit Lions: Drafting CB Terrion Arnold
The Lions addressed defensive weaknesses by trading for Carlton Davis and drafting Arnold, a strong candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.
Green Bay Packers: Signing S Xavier McKinney
The Packers’ key signing was RB Josh Jacobs, but McKinney’s addition at safety provides a crucial upgrade for their defense.
Houston Texans: Signing EDGE Danielle Hunter
After losing Jonathan Greenard, the Texans added the productive Hunter to maintain high sack production alongside Will Anderson Jr.
Indianapolis Colts: Drafting WR Adonai Mitchell
The Colts bolstered Anthony Richardson’s downfield passing game by drafting Mitchell, adding a key weapon for Year 2.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Drafting WR Brian Thomas Jr.
The Jaguars compensated for not retaining Calvin Ridley by drafting the versatile Thomas, who can soon become Trevor Lawrence’s No. 1 target.
Kansas City Chiefs: Signing WR Marquise Brown
The Chiefs added veteran deep threat Brown to pair with Patrick Mahomes, complementing their first-round draft pick, Xavier Worthy.
Las Vegas Raiders: Signing DT Christian Wilkins
While the Raiders focused on defense, signing Wilkins provides a disruptive inside presence to complement Maxx Crosby’s edge dominance.
Los Angeles Chargers: Drafting WR Ladd McConkey
The Chargers revamped their receiving corps with McConkey, a well-rounded target for Justin Herbert in Greg Roman’s offense.
Los Angeles Rams: Drafting EDGE Jared Verse
Following Aaron Donald’s retirement, the Rams drafted Verse, aiming to boost their outside pass rush.
Miami Dolphins: Signing WR Odell Beckham Jr.
The Dolphins had a quiet offseason but added OBJ as a cost-effective, big-play No. 3 receiver to support Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
Minnesota Vikings: Drafting QB J.J. McCarthy
The Vikings moved on from Kirk Cousins, drafting McCarthy as a cost-effective quarterback with immediate potential.
New England Patriots: Drafting QB Drake Maye
The Patriots transitioned from Mac Jones to a higher-upside quarterback in Maye, starting fresh with a new offensive leader.
New Orleans Saints: Drafting LT Taliese Fuaga
The Saints prioritized solidifying the left tackle position, drafting Fuaga to address injury and effectiveness issues.
New York Giants: Trading for EDGE Brian Burns
The Giants needed a pass-rushing counterpart for Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Burns fits well in their defensive scheme.
New York Jets: Signing LT Tyron Smith
The Jets focused on protecting Aaron Rodgers, adding Smith, Morgan Moses, and drafting Oli Fashanu to shore up the offensive line.
Philadelphia Eagles: Signing EDGE Bryce Huff
Replacing Haason Reddick, the Eagles signed Huff, expecting big pass-rush returns under new coordinator Vic Fangio.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Trading for QB Russell Wilson
The Steelers moved on from Kenny Pickett, acquiring Wilson, who fits well with Mike Tomlin’s philosophy, aiming to maintain their winning ways.
San Francisco 49ers: Drafting CB Renardo Green
The 49ers reset their defense by drafting Green, who is poised for a key role in coverage.
Seattle Seahawks: Signing LB Tyrel Dodson
The Seahawks added Dodson, an underrated free agent, to bolster their defense under new coach Mike Macdonald.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Drafting C Graham Barton
The Buccaneers drafted Barton to succeed Ryan Jensen, aiming for him to anchor the offensive line alongside Tristan Wirfs.
Tennessee Titans: Drafting LT J.C. Latham
To protect second-year QB Will Levis, the Titans added Latham, along with receivers Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd, and center Lloyd Cushenberry.
Washington Commanders: Drafting QB Jayden Daniels
Drafting Daniels as the No. 2 overall pick, the Commanders paired him with OC Kliff Kingsbury, hoping for immediate results from the Heisman winner.
