Once again, the NFL off-season has flown by… And we are now gearing up for the best time of year—the start of weekly NFL football!
This past offseason was a busy one for the league’s movers and shakers—and we saw a couple of potential contenders make big moves.
The question is, though, whether they will pay off.
Let’s take a look back at some of the moves that were made in the draft, free agency, and on the trade market, and peg the five biggest winners and losers from the 2024 offseason.
Which NFL teams made the biggest splash in the upcoming 2024 season?
Winner – Atlanta Falcons
As much as it may come as a surprise to NFL fans that are used to the Atlanta Falcons being the butt of their jokes… Atlanta actually came out of the 2024 offseason as a clear winner! Even if they did end up getting trolled pretty aggressively for some of their moves online.
But in reality—the strategy should pay off!
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It all started with their bold move to bring in Kirk Cousins. Sorry, Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke… Y’all were definitively not the guy… and Cousins might be!
Yes, he’s 36 and coming off a torn Achilles, but the Falcons are trying to contend, and Cousins gives them a chance to do just that.
Atlanta’s offense is loaded with skill-position players like Drake London and Kyle Pitts, who have been itching for a legitimate QB to throw them the ball. They also added Darnell Mooney and Rondale Moore to boost their depth at wide receiver, giving Cousins even more weapons to work with.
The draft, however, was where things got interesting. Obviously, at this point, everyone knows—and likely made fun of Atlanta for using their No. 8 pick on quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
It’s clear the Falcons are thinking long-term. Penix is a raw talent with a lot of upside, and the plan seems to be for him to learn behind Cousins, much like how Jordan Love did in Green Bay.
There are still questions about the Falcons’ defensive line and secondary, especially after losing Bud Dupree and Jeff Okudah…
But with additions like Ruke Orhorhoro and Bralen Trice in the draft, the Falcons are betting on these young players to step up quickly. If they can, and if Cousins performs as expected, Atlanta is poised to make some serious noise in the NFC South.
Loser – New England Patriots
The Patriots’ decision to move on from Bill Belichick this offseason was a move that truly marks the end of an era in New England. After decades of dominance, capped by a recent stretch of mediocrity post-Tom Brady, the organization decided it was time for a fresh start.
Jerod Mayo seems like a popular guy in the organization, but he’s very unproven… And he’ll have a tough path as New England made another risky move, taking Drake Maye at the top of the draft. It was good to bid farewell, but there are serious questions if Maye can be the guy in New England.
They’ve wisely brought in Jacoby Brissett as a stopgap, but it is hard to say that Maye, at third overall, was a good pick. Free agency was another area where the Patriots fell short. Despite having plenty of cap space, they failed to make any splashy signings that could have immediately upgraded their talent-starved offense.
Overall, the Patriots’ offseason feels like a series of half-measures. They made some moves that could pay off down the line, but they are far from a sure thing… And in the short term, it’s hard to see how this team gets better.
Winner – Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears look like they may have finally flipped the script on their franchise. In fact, it’s hard to find an NFL team that made bigger strides this off-season. After years of wandering aimlessly in the wilderness, the Bears seem to have found their way, and it all starts with their decision to draft Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick. This move signaled a new era in Chicago—a commitment to building a winner and not just hoping one would materialize.
Especially because they learned from the Justin Fields experience and, well, their past mistakes and went all-in on surrounding Williams with the weapons and protection he needs to succeed right out of the gate.
Take the acquisition of Keenan Allen, for instance. Bringing in a veteran Pro Bowl receiver for just a fourth-round pick? That’s highway robbery in today’s NFL. Allen joins an already impressive receiving corps with D.J. Moore and rookie Rome Odunze, who has the potential to be a game-changer in his own right. This trio gives Williams the kind of talent that most rookie quarterbacks can only dream of.
Somewhere in North Carolina, Bryce Young shed a sad, lonely tear seeing the receivers at Williams’s disposal!
The Bears did some major retooling on the offensive line as well, which has been a sore spot for years. Trading for Ryan Bates and signing guys like Coleman Shelton and Matt Pryor added some much-needed depth shows that Chicago is serious about keeping their new franchise QB upright and giving him a chance to succeed.
Defensively, the Bears might not have made as many splashy moves, but retaining Jaylon Johnson was crucial. The defense showed signs of life last season, especially with the addition of Montez Sweat, and keeping Johnson ensures that the secondary remains solid for this NFL team.
If everything falls into place, Chicago isn’t just looking at a playoff berth—they’re looking at a new era of sustained success.
Loser – Denver Broncos
After a tumultuous two seasons with Wilson at the helm, culminating in an offseason decision to cut ties with the veteran quarterback, the Broncos were left with a massive $53 million dead cap hit.
Denver then decided to go rogue and draft Nix with the 12th overall pick… A move that shocked everyone.
But the hits didn’t stop there. The Broncos also lost some significant pieces on the defensive side of the ball, most notably Justin Simmons, who was a cornerstone of their secondary. Releasing Simmons, along with trading away Jerry Jeudy and parting with key players like Lloyd Cushenberry III and Josey Jewell, felt like the team was stripping down to the studs—meanwhile, they are trying to position it to the fans that they are building a new foundation…
I don’t know about you, but I’m certainly not buying what they are selling!
Winner – Houston Texans
The Houston Texans have transformed into one of the most intriguing teams in the NFL, and this offseason, they took full advantage of their rising star, C.J. Stroud, still being on his rookie deal.
With Stroud looking every bit like a future franchise NFL quarterback after a stellar rookie season, the Texans knew it was time to strike while the iron was hot—and boy, did they ever.
First off, let’s talk about the blockbuster move: bringing in Stefon Diggs. Adding a receiver of Diggs’ caliber to an already solid receiving corps is a game-changer. Diggs is a proven playmaker who can stretch the field, run crisp routes, and make contested catches.
But it wasn’t just about the flashy moves. The Texans went out and filled critical needs across the board with quality veterans. Danielle Hunter is a significant upgrade on the edge… Joe Mixon, brought in to replace Devin Singletary, adds a versatile and dynamic presence in the backfield… and smart signings like Azeez Al-Shaair, Denico Autry, and Jeff Okudah should bolster the D.
This offseason, the Texans didn’t just make moves—they made a statement. They’re here to compete, and they’re building something that could last.
Also Read: 5 Reasons An 18-Game NFL Season Would Be AWESOME…And 5 Why It Would Be TERRIBLE
Loser – Carolina Panthers
No surprises here—the Carolina Panthers have once again shown how not to run an NFL franchise—something that they have put on a master class during the David Tepper era.
Their 2024 offseason was just the latest chapter in a saga of missteps and questionable decisions that have left fans scratching their heads. It’s almost impressive how consistent they’ve been in their incompetence, and this offseason was no exception.
Let’s start with the big “splash” they made by signing Jadeveon Clowney. Now, Clowney is a name that carries weight, sure—but not for the right reasons these days. He’s a guy who’s known for showing up when he feels like it, and on a team that’s been a perennial bottom-dweller, that’s not exactly a recipe for success.
Carolina also watched—or in some cases pushed—key players walk out the door, including Brian Burns, Vonn Bell, and Bradley Bozeman.
Losing Burns, in particular, is a gut punch—he was one of the few bright spots on that defense and a leader in the locker room… and they got fleeced by New York in the deal for him.
Winner – Detroit Lions
Under the guidance of general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell, the Detroit Lions have been one of the most intriguing teams to watch over the past few years, and this offseason, they’ve continued their ascent with a series of moves that signal they’re all-in on making a deep playoff run.
The additions of Marcus Davenport and Carlton Davis were significant—both are impact players who will immediately elevate Detroit’s defensive unit. Throw in rookies Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr., and suddenly, the Lions’ secondary doesn’t just look solid—it looks formidable.
On the other side of the ball, re-signing Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Penei Sewell were critical moves that keep the core of this high-powered offense intact.
Detroit’s draft was equally impressive, with Holmes pulling in top talents like Arnold, Rakestraw, and Giovanni Manu. These rookies aren’t just depth pieces—they’re potential starters who could contribute immediately.
The Super Bowl window looks wide open in the Motor City.
Loser – Miami Dolphins
It seems Miami has taken more steps back than forward. They said goodbye to some of their cornerstone players like Robert Hunt and Christian Wilkins, two guys who’ve been critical to their defensive system, which definitely stings.
But to their credit, they tried to re-tool by bringing in veterans like Jordan Poyer, Jonnu Smith, and Kendall Fuller, but this feels more like a patchwork than an upgrade.
The late signing of Odell Beckham Jr. is a flashy move. But Beckham is no longer the game-changing receiver he once was, and while he adds depth, it’s hard to see him making the Dolphins’ offense significantly better.
This off-season feels like a missed opportunity for this NFL team—and it is hard to see how they are a serious AFC contender this year with the way their roster is currently constructed.
Winner – Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t exactly known for making splashy moves, but this offseason, they decided to swing for the fences—and I love the approach. After a failed foray into the Kenny Pickett business, the Steelers finally decided it was time to shake things up in a big way. Enter Russell Wilson and Justin Fields in the hopes that one of the two talented QBs can be a successful reclamation project.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Steelers made another big splash by poaching linebacker Patrick Queen from the rival Ravens. Queen is a tackling machine and will add speed and playmaking ability to a defense that’s already one of the better units in the league. In addition to the acquisition of cornerback Donte Jackson, the Steelers have significantly bolstered a defense that will look to dominate in the AFC North.
In short, the Steelers didn’t just tweak their roster—they retooled it, top to bottom, and they did it without breaking the bank.
Loser – Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills had a rough go of it this offseason, and if you’re a fan in Western New York, you’ve got every right to be concerned. This is a team that’s been knocking on the door of a Super Bowl run for a few years now, but with each passing NFL season, it feels like they’re slipping further behind the likes of the Kansas City Chiefs. And this offseason? It might just be the one that slams the window shut on their title hopes.
Let’s start with the glaring losses. The Bills parted ways with Stefon Diggs, Josh Allen’s top target and the guy who turned this offense from good to elite. Diggs’ departure, along with Gabe Davis, leaves a massive void in the receiving corps. Sure, they brought in Curtis Samuel, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Mack Hollins, but let’s be real—none of these guys are filling the shoes of a player like Diggs. Sure… rookie Keon Coleman has potential, but expecting him to step in and dominate right away is a foolish strategy.
Then there’s the defense, which took its own set of hits. Losing Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde dismantles one of the best safety tandems in the league. Throw in the departure of Tre’Davious White, who was a cornerstone of their secondary, and you’ve got a defense that’s going to look very different in 2024—and probably not in a good way. The Bills did retain some pieces, like A.J. Epenesa and DaQuan Jones, and brought in Mike Edwards, but it’s hard to argue they’re better off than they were last season.
Kansas City has done what Buffalo hasn’t—kept their core intact while continuing to add talent. The Bills, on the other hand, seem to be trimming the fat, but the problem is they’re cutting into muscle too—and it will be tough for them to compete in 2024 with the AFC’s elite.
