The NFL's Offseason: A Re-Evaluation of Major Moves
As the NFL offseason winds down, it's time to take a closer look at the biggest trades and free-agent signings. With training camp just around the corner, we can re-examine the most notable veteran roster additions and question whether the initial headlines were accurate. Here's a re-grade of the 10 most significant roster acquisitions, focusing on the resources used and the potential impact on each team.
Bears Trade WR DJ Moore to the Bills
Original Grade: B+
Re-Grade: C
The Bears traded WR DJ Moore to the Bills for a 2nd-round pick and a 5th-round pick. While the Bills needed a wide receiver, Moore's declining receiving yard totals and the presence of younger pass-catchers like Rome Odunze and Colston Loveland make this a risky move. The Bills' need for an offensive spark is real, but Moore's role in the offense is uncertain. The Bears, on the other hand, received a valuable draft pick, which could be used to address other needs.
Broncos Acquire WR Jaylen Waddle from the Dolphins
Original Grade: B+
Re-Grade: B
The Broncos traded a 1st-round pick, a 3rd-round pick, and a 4th-round pick for WR Jaylen Waddle. Waddle, who played second fiddle to Tyreek Hill in Miami, can now be the lead pass-catcher in Denver. However, he'll face competition for targets from Courtland Sutton and others. The Dolphins, in the midst of a rebuild, acquired valuable draft capital to select young talent, including cornerback Trey Moore.
Browns and Rams Swap Edge Myles Garrett and Edge Jared Verse
Original Grade: C for the Browns, A for the Rams
Re-Grade: C for the Browns, A for the Rams
The Rams traded for Myles Garrett, the NFL's top pass-rusher, giving up Jared Verse and early-round picks. The Browns, despite having a timeline for playoff contention that didn't align with Garrett's desires, received a proven talent in Verse. The Rams' pass defense, ranked 19th the previous season, should improve significantly with Garrett. The Browns, however, may have been able to get more from the Rams with Garrett coming off a historic season.
Chiefs Trade CB Trent McDuffie to the Rams
Original Grade: A for the Chiefs, B- for the Rams
Re-Grade: A for the Chiefs, B for the Rams
The Rams traded for CB Trent McDuffie, an All-Pro in 2023 and 2024, to overhaul their cornerback group. McDuffie, an inside-outside cornerback, will line up in different spots, which may be best for him. The Chiefs, in return, received a favorable package, including a 3rd-round pick and a 1st-round pick, which they used to add two immediate impact rookie starters.
Giants Trade DT Dexter Lawrence II to the Bengals
Original Grade: B+
Re-Grade: A
The Bengals traded a top-10 pick for DT Dexter Lawrence II, an established three-time Pro Bowl veteran. The Giants, in return, received a valuable 1st-round pick. The Bengals, looking to maximize their winning opportunities with quarterback Joe Burrow, should be more resistant against the run with Lawrence on the interior. The Giants, meanwhile, used the Bengals' pick to select offensive lineman Mauigoa, who can help establish their identity on the offensive line.
Panthers Sign Edge Jaelan Phillips
Original Grade: B
Re-Grade: B
The Panthers signed edge Jaelan Phillips to a long-term deal, despite his injury history. Phillips, who missed nine or more games in two out of five seasons, has yet to log a double-digit sack campaign. The Panthers, with cap space, took a risk on a position of need, but Phillips' track record suggests his pass-rushing numbers may be closer to average than exceptional.
Patriots Acquire WR A.J. Brown from the Eagles
Original Grade: B-
Re-Grade: A
The Eagles traded WR A.J. Brown to the Patriots for a 5th-round pick and a 1st-round pick. The Patriots, in return, acquired a No. 1 receiver without giving up a first-round pick. Brown, who has built an 'immediate' connection with quarterback Drake Maye, should help the Patriots' aerial attack make strides. The Eagles, in the meantime, added Hollywood Brown and Dontayvion Wicks, foreshadowing Brown's departure.
Raiders Sign C Tyler Linderbaum
Original Grade: A
Re-Grade: A
The Raiders signed C Tyler Linderbaum to a three-year, $81 million deal. Linderbaum, a three-time Pro Bowler, chose to sign with the Raiders, a franchise in a perpetual rebuild, which says a lot about general manager John Spytek's ability to close big deals. Linderbaum's impact on the Raiders offense could be similar to that of former NFL center Rodney Hudson.
Ravens Sign Edge Trey Hendrickson
Original Grade: B-
Re-Grade: B
The Ravens signed edge Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million deal. Hendrickson, coming off an injury-shortened campaign, is a premium for an edge-rusher. The Ravens, however, felt more comfortable with Hendrickson's physical than with Maxx Crosby, who was nixed from a potential trade. Hendrickson's short-term durability remains a question mark in his age-32 campaign.
Vikings Sign QB Kyler Murray
Original Grade: A
Re-Grade: A
The Vikings signed QB Kyler Murray to a one-year, $1.3 million deal. Murray, a two-time Pro Bowler and former No. 1 overall pick, could be a Comeback Player of the Year candidate. The Vikings, with Murray's passing attack, should be far better than last year's 29th-ranked unit. Murray's low-risk, high-reward signing gives the Vikings a chance to re-evaluate their plan for J.J. McCarthy.
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