In professional football, the offseason serves as an important time for all teams to bolster their rosters, address weaknesses, and position themselves for success in the upcoming season. As the dust settles on the flurry of free agency signings and trades, it becomes apparent which franchises have made the correct moves to try and enhance their competitiveness and which may have missed the mark.
AFC Beast
Beginning with the AFC East, the Miami Dolphins emerge as clear winners, having gathered a group of significant acquisitions to fortify their ranks. Notable additions such as defensive players like Shaq Barrett and standout safety Jordan Poyer address crucial deficiencies, particularly in bolstering their defensive backend. Conversely, the New England Patriots' decision to part ways with their starting quarterback, coupled with a lack of impactful replacements, leaves them languishing as the division's biggest loser of free agency in hoping they hit big in the draft.
Yinzer Nation Reinforcements
In the AFC North, the Pittsburgh Steelers stand out for their crazy maneuvers, securing not one but two quality quarterbacks and the prized acquisition of linebacker Patrick Queen. These moves signal a proactive approach to fortifying key positions and strengthening the team's competitive edge. The Cincinnati Bengals' offseason fails to inspire my confidence, meanwhile, with a lack of significant upgrades leaving unresolved issues, particularly along an offensive line that's been holding them back the past few years and getting rid of incredible running back Joe Mixon, who was able to give them a good run game as well helped by making play action much more effective.
Texans Super Bowl Window is Now
On the flip side of that trade, we have the AFC South, with the Houston Texans emerging victorious with their trades for Joe Mixon and key signings such as edge rusher Danielle Hunter and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. These additions bolster an already formidable roster, positioning the Texans as contenders in the division. Conversely, the Tennessee Titans' decision to part ways with star running back Derrick Henry raises questions about their ability to replicate past successes, earning them the distinction of the division's and possibly the league's biggest loser of this free-agent market.
Building for a Three-Peat
Lastly, in the AFC West, the Kansas City Chiefs reign supreme with the ability to keep all important and impactful players in their quest for a third consecutive world championship. Retaining talents like Chris Jones and L’Jarius Sneed, along with the addition of wide receiver Marquise Brown, shows me the Chiefs' unwavering commitment to sustained excellence. On the other end of the spectrum, the Denver Broncos' lackluster offseason, marked by a dearth of impactful signings and the departure of their starting quarterback, suggests a team in transition that seems to be destined for the team and fan base to have a challenging season ahead.
Main Image via
Comments