BY: SEAN WALLACE; SPORTS ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
More than a week into the National Football League’s new year, teams have started to reshape their rosters by signing free agents. The following is a list of teams that improved and took a step back.
Winner: Los Angeles Rams – The Rams entered the offseason with a clear goal after a disappointing end to last year. Their secondary proved to be a liability, surrendering 350 passing yards, three touchdowns and 31 points to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship. The unit finished 19th in passing defense and lacked consistency at cornerback. General manager Les Snead prioritized addressing the issue, acquiring All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs for four draft picks, including the 29th pick in this year’s draft. They also signed cornerback Jaylen Watson and re-signed safety Kam Curl. They had the best offense in league last season and kept their core playmakers. If the Rams stay healthy next season, they will be my favorite to win the Super Bowl.
Winner: Las Vegas Raiders – The Raiders addressed multiple needs in free agency this offseason. They signed one of the league’s top centers in Tyler Linderbaum to anchor the line for quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the presumed No. 1 overall pick. They signed inside linebackers Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean, while bolstering the pass rush with Kwity Paye. Maxx Crosby will also return. Additionally, Vegas swapped sixth and seventh round picks with the Buffalo Bills in exchange for nickel cornerback Taron Johnson, and they re-signed starting cornerback Eric Stokes. Wide receiver Jalen Nailor joins on a team-friendly deal, giving Mendoza another option in the passing game. The Raiders may not contend in the AFC West immediately, but the roster reflects a clear long-term vision. All of the additions are age 27 or younger, and the team still has approximately $28 million in remaining salary cap space.
Winner: Tennessee Titans – The Titans entered the offseason looking to fix one of the league’s weakest secondaries. To help this, they signed cornerbacks Alonte Taylor and Cor’Dale Flott. They swapped defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat for edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II, and signed edge rusher John Franklin-Myers. Both players should strengthen the pass rush and ease pressure on defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. On the other side of the ball, they added wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson, who will be a nice weapon in the slot for second-year quarterback Cam Ward. The Titans look poised to improve under new head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll.
Loser: Indianapolis Colts – The Colts made costly moves in free agency, signing quarterback Daniel Jones to a two-year, $88 million contract despite his recovery from a torn achilles. Jones had a 3.9% turnover-worthy play rate and a 3.1% big-time throw rate, which ranked 31st among NFL quarterbacks in 2025 according to PFF. They also re-signed wide receiver Alec Pierce to a four-year, $116 million contract to serve as the team’s No. 1 option for the first time. Following the transaction, the Colts traded wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers, swapping sixth and seventh round picks in this year’s draft to clear cap space. Pittman dropped just 5% of catchable targets over his six-year career. Given the financial commitment and limited additions beyond those two players, it is difficult to see how the Colts improved.
Loser: Jacksonville Jaguars – The Jaguars lost two key contributors in linebacker Devin Lloyd and running back Travis Etienne Jr. These departures will be difficult to overcome after last season’s turnaround. Outside of signing running back Chris Rodriguez Jr., the Jaguars have not added any other free agents. Replacing Etienne’s production will be difficult. He rushed for 1,107 yards and added 292 yards receiving. Lloyd, the voice of the defense and a second-team All-Pro, played a key role in the league’s top-ranked run defense. Second-year general manager James Gladstone fell victim to the competitive market and the team’s limited cap space, ultimately failing to keep both players.
