The 2026 NFL offseason has been a whirlwind since the start of free agency. The Draft is less than four weeks away, and all 32 teams are prepping for the big weekend. Here are the five best moves of the offseason, so far.
The Steelers picked up wide receiver D.K. Metcalf in the 2025 offseason. They followed that up by trading away George Pickens before the duo took a snap together. The need for a WR2 was terribly evident all season.
Pittsburgh understood the assignment and traded for Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michel Pittman Jr. Indy included a 2026 seventh-round pick, and in exchange, received the Steelers’ 2026 sixth-round pick.
Pittman will immediately make an impact in Pittsburgh, and Indy saved cap space by trading him. It’s a smart move by the Colts, and a necessary move for the Steelers.
The saga of the Baltimore Ravens’ 2026 offseason has been eventful. They agreed to trade two first-round picks to the Las Vegas Raiders for superstar defensive end Maxx Crosby. After the five-time Pro Bowler failed a physical, the team backed out.
Baltimore held onto its draft picks following an exodus of players in free agency. With significant cap space, they signed former Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher, Trey Hendrickson, to a four-year, $112 million contract.
Hendrickson is three years older than Crosby, but he’s not necessarily a downgrade. In 117 appearances, he’s logged 81 sacks, 236 total tackles, and 74 tackles for loss. He bolsters a struggling Baltimore pass-rush, and the team doesn’t lose its much-needed draft capital.
The Broncos started the offseason extremely quietly. They finally made a move in a blockbuster trade for Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. Denver sends 2026 first, third, and fourth-round picks in exchange for the Waddle and a 2026 fourth-rounder.
The Dolphins are in full rebuild mode. They hired a new general manager, Jon Eric-Sullivan, and a new head coach, Jeff Hafley. They let go of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, wide receiver Tyreek Hill, and linebacker Bradley Chubb. Waddle was just another in a significant list of casualties.
The Broncos have a top-three defense in the NFL. Their biggest issue in 2025 was on offense. Courtland Sutton is a great number one receiver, but similar to the Steelers, a number two was needed.
In 78 starts, Waddle has recorded 373 receptions for 5,039 yards and 26 touchdowns. He’s a “win-now” weapon for a team that made it to the AFC Championship last season.
The Chiefs’ biggest acquisition came at a much-needed position. They signed former Seattle Seahawks running back and Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker III to a three-year, $43 million contract.
Kansas City was set to lose running back Isiah Pacheco to free agency, who went on to sign with the Detroit Lions. With the duo of Pacheco and Kareem Hunt, they ranked 25th in the NFL in rush yards per game (106.6) in 2025.
Signing Walker is a smart move for a team that desperately needs a run-game upgrade. He’ll be a massive help to Mahomes when he returns from a torn ACL. Addressing a bottom-10 ranked running offense could help revive the Chiefs’ dynasty.
One of the earliest moves this offseason saw the Chiefs trade star cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams, setting the tone for an active market. The Chiefs received LA’s 2026 first, fifth, and sixth-round picks, along with a 2027 third-round pick.
The Rams wasted no time in signing McDuffie to a four-year, $124 million deal, making him the highest-paid CB in NFL history. Their Super Bowl window is still wide open with quarterback Matthew Stafford returning. This move could put them over the hump and lead to another Lombardi Trophy.
LA’s pass defense ranked 19th in the NFL last season, allowing 216.7 yards per game through the air. McDuffie, a former two-time All-Pro corner, will aid in rising that ranking.
Kansas City faces a season of transition. They may start the 2026 season without Patrick Mahomes under center, while Travis Kelce is in the final stretch of his career. With a potential minor rebuild looming, the haul of draft picks from the Rams could be especially valuable.
The offseason is far from over. There are still valuable free agents available, and the Draft is sure to shake things up. The 2025 season was wildly unpredictable, and the offseason has yet to disappoint.
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