The 2026 NFL offseason has come and gone, and with it, a host of significant trades and free-agent signings. As we look back on these moves, it's clear that some teams made bold, risky decisions, while others played it safe. In this article, I'll be re-grading the biggest trades and free-agent signings of the 2026 NFL offseason, focusing on the most notable veteran roster additions. From the Bears' trade of DJ Moore to the Bills to the Broncos' acquisition of Jaylen Waddle, we'll be re-evaluating these moves and analyzing their impact on the teams involved. So, let's dive in and see how these trades and signings stack up.
The Bears Trade WR DJ Moore to the Bills
Grade: B+
The Bears traded WR DJ Moore to the Bills for a 2026 2nd-round pick and a 2026 5th-round pick. The Bills, who had struggled to find a reliable pass-catcher, saw Moore as a potential solution. However, Moore's receiving yard totals have been on the decline over the last two years, and he played with an inaccurate quarterback in Caleb Williams. Despite this, Moore could be Buffalo's lead pass-catcher and bring much-needed speed to the team's aerial attack. The Bears, on the other hand, received a 2026 2nd-round pick, which could be used to address other needs.
The Broncos Acquire WR Jaylen Waddle from the Dolphins
Grade: B+
The Broncos traded a 2026 1st-round pick, a 2026 3rd-round pick, and a 2026 4th-round pick to the Dolphins for WR Jaylen Waddle. Waddle, who had played second fiddle to Tyreek Hill in Miami, can now be the lead pass-catcher in Denver. However, he'll have competition for targets, and his big-play ability could lead to gaudy weekly numbers. The Dolphins, in turn, used the Broncos' picks to select a cornerback, a wide receiver, and an edge-rusher, which could help them in the long term.
The Browns and Rams Swap Edge Myles Garrett and Edge Jared Verse
Grade: C for the Browns, A for the Rams
The Rams traded edge Myles Garrett to the Browns for edge Jared Verse, a 2027 1st-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2029 conditional third-round pick. Garrett, who had etched his name into the NFL history books as the all-time single-season sack leader, will immediately elevate the Rams' 19th-ranked pass defense. The Browns, on the other hand, gave up a two-time Pro Bowler in Verse and early-round picks for the next three years. This move raises questions about the Browns' timeline for playoff contention and Garrett's desire to play in the postseason.
The Chiefs Trade CB Trent McDuffie to the Rams
Grade: A for the Chiefs, B- for the Rams
The Rams traded a 2026 1st-round pick, a 2026 5th-round pick, a 2026 sixth-round pick, and a 2027 3rd-round pick to the Chiefs for CB Trent McDuffie. McDuffie, who had earned All-Pro honors in 2023 and 2024, will line up in different spots for the Rams, which may be best for him. The Chiefs, in turn, used their draft capital wisely, bundling a third-rounder with Los Angeles' fifth-round pick in a trade up for top cornerback prospect Peter Woods. This move could help the Chiefs add two immediate impact rookie starters.
The Giants Trade DT Dexter Lawrence II to the Bengals
Grade: B+ for the Bengals, A for the Giants
The Bengals traded a top-10 pick for DT Dexter Lawrence II, an established three-time Pro Bowl veteran. This move could help Cincinnati improve from worst to top 10 in run defense with the addition of Lawrence and Jonathan Allen. The Giants, in turn, used the Bengals' pick to select offensive lineman Ikem Mauigoa, who can help establish an identity on the offensive line.
The Panthers Sign Edge Jaelan Phillips
Grade: B
The Panthers signed edge Jaelan Phillips to a four-year, $120 million contract. Phillips, who had missed nine or more games in two out of five seasons, could lead the Panthers in sacks and pressures if he avoids significant injuries. However, his track record suggests his pass-rushing numbers may be closer to average than exceptional.
The Patriots Acquire WR A.J. Brown from the Eagles
Grade: A for the Patriots, B- for the Eagles
The Eagles traded WR A.J. Brown to the Patriots for a 2027 5th-round pick and a 2028 1st-round pick. Brown, who had publicly clashed with the Eagles offense, could be an elite addition for the Patriots. According to ESPN, Brown has built an 'immediate' connection with quarterback Drake Maye, and the Patriots' aerial attack should make strides with its new lead quarterback-receiver duo.
The Raiders Sign C Tyler Linderbaum
Grade: A
The Raiders signed center Tyler Linderbaum to a three-year, $81 million contract. Linderbaum, who played for a perennial contender, chose to sign with a franchise that's been in a perpetual rebuild. This move could help set the foundation for the Raiders offense and provide help for quarterback Kirk Cousins when No. 1 overall pick is inserted into the lineup.
The Ravens Sign Edge Trey Hendrickson
Grade: B-
The Ravens signed edge Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million contract. Hendrickson, who left the Bengals for greener pastures within the division, could be a premium addition for the Ravens. However, his short-term durability remains a question mark in his age-32 campaign.
The Vikings Sign QB Kyler Murray
Grade: A
The 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, could be a Comeback Player of the Year candidate. This move gives the Vikings a chance to re-evaluate their plan for J.J. McCarthy after he struggled mightily last season. Murray could revitalize his career in a new chapter with the Vikings.
.jpg?w=3800&h=2000)
