Top-25 Moves of the NFL Off-Season

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25434181-ranking-25-best-moves-2026-nfl-offseason

#1: Rams Acquire Edge Myles Garrett

The Los Angeles Rams pulled off the biggest blockbuster trade of the offseason so far. They swapped edge-rusher Jared Verse, a 2027 first-rounder, a 2028 second-rounder and a conditional 2029 third-rounder for Myles Garrett. The Rams have reigning league MVP Matthew Stafford leading the No. 1 scoring and total offense from 2025. Now, they have the all-time single-season sack leader in his prime. This move is so good that Aaron Donald is thinking about coming out of retirement.

#2: Raiders Sign C Tyler Linderbaum 

You can make the case that the Las Vegas Raiders had the best offensive signing of the offseason, locking three-time Pro Bowler Tyler Linderbaum into a three-year, $81 million deal. In 2015, the Raiders signed center Rodney Hudson, who played a big role in solidifying a top offensive line group dubbed (Derek) Carr Insurance. Linderbaum can do the same for a unit that will eventually protect No. 1 pick, Fernando Mendoza.

#3: Vikings Sign QB Kyler Murray 

Nothing changes the trajectory of a football team like an upgrade at quarterback. The Minnesota Vikings will likely pivot from third-year signal-caller J.J. McCarthy to two-time Pro Bowler Kyler Murray. In recent years, Murray has battled injuries. If healthy, he could rediscover his Pro Bowl form under head coach Kevin O'Connell, who helped Sam Darnold's career resurgence.

#4: Giants Hire HC John Harbaugh 

John Harbaugh established a winning culture with the Baltimore Ravens for nearly two decades and won a Super Bowl in the 2012 campaign. Sure, his teams had disappointing playoff losses with two-time league MVP Lamar Jackson, but he'll immediately raise the New York Giants' standards. Big Blue has two playoff appearances (one postseason win) since its successful 2011 Super Bowl run.

#5: Raiders Hire HC Klint Kubiak 

The Las Vegas Raiders' hiring of Klint Kubiak could be somewhat comparable to the Chicago Bears' hiring of Ben Johnson last offseason. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza doesn't have a year of experience as Caleb Williams did, but Las Vegas has an innovative play-calling head coach who's coming off a Super Bowl victory with the third-ranked scoring offense. Kubiak can optimize the talent of All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers and 2025 first-round running back Ashton Jeanty right away. 

6: Titans Hire OC Brian Daboll 

Brian Daboll has a history of getting the most out of athletic quarterbacks and his No. 1 receivers. In his offense, Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs made their first Pro Bowls. He helped Malik Nabers become a rookie Pro Bowler and led the New York Giants to the playoffs with Daniel Jones as his quarterback. He's the reason to buy the Tennessee Titans as a surprise playoff team this year.

#7: Chargers Hire OC Mike McDaniel

Mike McDaniel will improve the Los Angeles Chargers' ground attack. He'll also bring creativity and fully utilize the personnel's speed. Under his tutelage, the Miami Dolphins ranked sixth in rushing, and Tua Tagovailoa led the league with 4,624 passing yards for the 2023 term. In a balanced offense, quarterback Justin Herbert and running back Omarion Hampton could be in line for a big year.

#8: Patriots Trade for WR A.J. Brown 

We all saw this move coming, though it's still impactful. With an average receiver group, quarterback Drake Maye finished second in 2025 MVP voting, throwing for 4,394 yards, 31 touchdowns and eight interceptions with a league-leading 72 percent completion rate. Expect him to top those numbers with A.J. Brown, his new No. 1 wideout, who averages 15.3 yards per catch.

#9: Broncos Acquire WR Jaylen Waddle

The Denver Broncos traded a first-rounder, a third-rounder and a fourth-rounder in this year's draft for Jaylen Waddle and a 2026 fourth-round pick. With Courtland Sutton entering his age-31 season, the Broncos added a receiver who can lead their aerial attack over the next five seasons and grow alongside third-year quarterback Bo Nix. Under offensive-minded head coach Sean Payton, Waddle's best years may be ahead of him.

#10: Saints Sign RB Travis Etienne Jr.

The New Orleans Saints can change the complexion of their ascending offense with Travis Etienne Jr. After sitting out his 2021 rookie campaign with a Lisfranc injury, he racked up 1,300-plus scrimmage yards and rushed for over 1,000 yards in three of the following four seasons. Etienne should be the focal point of head coach Kellen Moore's offense. Moore has fielded a top-nine rushing attack in three of the last five years.