The 2026 NFL offseason has come and gone, leaving behind a trail of blockbuster trades and free-agent signings. As we take a step back and re-evaluate the biggest moves, it's clear that some deals have aged better than others. From the Bears' trade of DJ Moore to the Bills to the Broncos' acquisition of Jaylen Waddle, each transaction has its own story to tell. In this article, I'll be taking a deep dive into the 10 most significant roster acquisitions of the year, analyzing each deal and grading them based on resources used and potential impact. So, let's get started!
The Bears and the Bills: A Trade of Speed and Draft Capital
The Chicago Bears traded wide receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick and a 2026 fifth-round pick. The Bills, looking to bolster their wide receiver group, paid a hefty price for a player who hasn't eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards since 2023. Moore's receiving yard totals have been on the decline over the last two years, and his time with the Bears was marked by a fading role in the offense. Despite this, the Bills saw value in Moore's speed and potential to be their lead pass-catcher. However, with quarterback Josh Allen playing at an MVP-Pro Bowl level, the Bills' passing attack has been lacking in consistency. The question remains: will Moore be able to step up and fill the void?
In my opinion, the Bears' grade for this trade is a solid B+. They received a solid draft pick in return, and the move allowed them to clear cap space and focus on other areas of the roster. The Bills, on the other hand, earned a C. While they addressed a need, the cost was high for a player who hasn't been consistent in recent years. The Bills' passing attack has been a point of concern, and Moore's decline in production may not be enough to spark a turnaround.
The Broncos and the Dolphins: A Trade of Speed and Draft Capital
The Denver Broncos traded a 2026 first-round pick, a 2026 third-round pick, and a 2026 fourth-round pick to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. Waddle, who played second fiddle to Tyreek Hill in Miami, was seen as a potential lead pass-catcher in Denver. However, with Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin, Marvin Mims Jr., and Pat Bryant already on the roster, Waddle will face competition for targets. The Broncos' move was a calculated risk, as they took advantage of the Dolphins' rebuild process and added a player with big-play ability. The Dolphins, in turn, used the draft capital to select cornerback Trey Moore, wide receiver, and edge-rusher.
From my perspective, the Broncos earned a B+ for this trade. They added a player with speed and big-play ability, and the draft capital acquired will be valuable in future years. The Dolphins, with a grade of B, made a smart move in rebuilding their roster. They added young talent through the draft, and the trade for Waddle was a calculated risk that could pay off.
The Browns and the Rams: A Trade of Edge Rushers
In the biggest blockbuster trade of the offseason, the Los Angeles Rams acquired edge rusher Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for edge rusher Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2029 conditional third-round pick. Garrett, the NFL's top pass-rusher, will immediately elevate the Rams' 19th-ranked pass defense from the previous season. The Browns, on the other hand, received a player who won 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year and early-round picks for the next three years. The move was a win-now strategy for the Rams, who favor proven talent over draft capital.
Personally, I think the Browns earned a C for this trade. They received a player who has shown promise, but the cost was high for a player who may not fit their long-term plans. The Rams, with a grade of A, made a bold move to add a player who will immediately impact their defense. The move was a calculated risk, but the potential payoff is significant.
The Chiefs and the Rams: A Trade of Cornerbacks
The Los Angeles Rams traded cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick, a 2026 fifth-round pick, a 2026 sixth-round pick, and a 2027 third-round pick. McDuffie, an All-Pro in 2023 and 2024, was seen as a versatile cover man who could play inside and outside. The Chiefs, looking to strengthen their secondary, used their draft capital wisely to add a top cornerback prospect and an immediate impact rookie starter. The Rams, with a grade of B-, made a smart move in overhauling their cornerback group.
In my opinion, the Chiefs earned an A for this trade. They added a player who will immediately impact their defense and received valuable draft capital in return. The Rams, with a grade of B-, made a smart move in addressing a need, but the cost was high for a player who may not be a surefire starter.
The Giants and the Bengals: A Trade of Defensive Tackles
The Cincinnati Bengals traded a top-10 pick for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II, an established three-time Pro Bowl veteran, in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick. The move was seen as a way to keep quarterback Joe Burrow happy ahead of a critical season. The Bengals, looking to improve their run defense, added a player who will line up alongside fellow Bengals newcomer Jonathan Allen. The New York Giants, with a grade of A, used the Bengals' pick to select offensive lineman, addressing a need on their roster.
From my perspective, the Bengals earned a B+ for this trade. They added a player who will immediately impact their defense and received a valuable draft pick in return. The Giants, with a grade of A, made a smart move in addressing a need and adding a player who will help establish their identity on offense.
The Panthers and the Patriots: A Signing of a Premier Free Agent
The Carolina Panthers signed edge rusher Jaelan Phillips to a four-year, $120 million contract. Phillips, who has missed nine or more games in two out of five seasons, was seen as a premier free agent who could lead the Panthers in sacks and pressures. However, his injury history and track record suggest that his pass-rushing numbers may be closer to average than exceptional. The Panthers, with a grade of B, took a risk on a player who could be a game-changer if he stays healthy.
In my opinion, the Patriots earned an A for this signing. They added a premier free agent 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. The signing of A.J. Brown was a smart move, and the connection between Brown and quarterback Drake Maye could lead to significant improvements in the Patriots' passing attack.
The Raiders and the Ravens: A Signing of a Pro Bowl Center
The Las Vegas Raiders signed center Tyler Linderbaum to a three-year, $81 million contract. Linderbaum, a three-time Pro Bowler, was seen as a player who could set the foundation for the Raiders' offense. The move was a calculated risk, as the Raiders are in a perpetual rebuild, but the potential payoff is significant. The Ravens, who signed edge rusher Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million contract, backed out of a deal to acquire edge-rusher Maxx Crosby due to concerns about a degenerative issue in his knee.
From my perspective, the Raiders earned an A for this signing. They added a player who will immediately impact their offense and received a valuable contract in return. The Ravens, with a grade of B-, made a smart move in adding a player who will help solidify their defense, but the cost was high for a player who may not be a surefire starter.
The Vikings and the Cardinals: A Signing of a Veteran Quarterback
The Minnesota Vikings signed quarterback Kyler Murray to a one-year, $1.3 million contract. Murray, a two-time Pro Bowler and former No. 1 overall pick, was seen as a low-risk, high-reward signing. The move was a calculated risk, as the Vikings are looking to re-evaluate their plan for J.J. McCarthy after he struggled mightily last season. The Cardinals, who signed Murray, are looking to add a veteran quarterback to their roster.
In my opinion, the Vikings earned an A for this signing. They added a player who will immediately impact their offense and received a valuable contract in return. The Cardinals, with a grade of B, made a smart move in addressing a need and adding a player who will help solidify their roster.
Conclusion
As we take a step back and re-evaluate the biggest moves of the 2026 NFL offseason, it's clear that some deals have aged better than others. The Bears and Bills trade, the Broncos and Dolphins trade, and the Vikings and Cardinals signing were all smart moves that could pay off in the long run. The Browns and Rams trade, the Chiefs and Rams trade, and the Panthers and Patriots signing were calculated risks that could lead to significant improvements. The Giants and Bengals trade, the Raiders and Ravens signing, and the Ravens and Cardinals signing were all smart moves that addressed immediate needs. As we look ahead to the 2027 season, the impact of these moves will be felt across the league, and the NFL landscape will continue to evolve.
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