As the NFL offseason progresses, teams have been active in shaping their rosters through trades, signings, and coaching changes, setting the stage for the 2026 season. While the free-agent class lacked headline-grabbing names and the draft did not promise major surprises, several strategic moves have captured attention across the league.
At the top of the offseason transaction list is the Los Angeles Rams’ acquisition of defensive end Myles Garrett in a blockbuster trade. Garrett, a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, joins a Rams team that addressed multiple needs and now presents one of the league’s deepest rosters. This move signals the Rams’ intention to contend immediately and forms a defensive front that many analysts view as formidable.
In the coaching sphere, the New York Giants have appointed John Harbaugh as their new head coach, aiming to reverse years of underperformance. Harbaugh brings a track record of success from his tenure in Baltimore and is expected to instill stability in a franchise that has recorded only two winning seasons in the last decade. The Raiders also made a significant coaching hire, bringing in Klint Kubiak, the offensive coordinator who helped lead the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory. Kubiak’s offensive expertise is seen as a key component in revitalizing a Raiders team still undergoing rebuilding.
Among notable player acquisitions, the Las Vegas Raiders signed center Tyler Linderbaum to bolster their offensive line, addressing a critical area for a team keen to improve after finishing last in the league. The signing was expensive but deemed essential for protecting the quarterback and improving overall offensive efficiency.
The Patriots made a significant move by trading for wide receiver A.J. Brown, providing a clear No. 1 target for quarterback Drake Maye and aiming to elevate their passing attack. Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos traded to acquire Jaylen Waddle, seeking to add explosiveness and versatility to their receiving corps under new offensive coordinator Sean Payton.
Other notable roster moves include the Rams trading for cornerback Trent McDuffie to strengthen their secondary and the Philadelphia Eagles acquiring pass rusher Jonathan Greenard, who is expected to bounce back from an injury-shortened 2025 campaign. The Vikings signed quarterback Kyler Murray to address instability at the position, while the Chiefs bolstered their offense by signing Super Bowl MVP running back Kenneth Walker III.
Defensive improvements were also evident for the Cincinnati Bengals, who traded for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to shore up a defensive unit that allowed the second-most yards per game last season. The Dallas Cowboys traded up in the draft for safety Caleb Downs, continuing their focus on rebuilding the defense without overspending.
Additionally, the Los Angeles Chargers’ hiring of Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator has been highlighted as a transformative decision likely to maximize the talents of quarterback Justin Herbert through a more dynamic offensive scheme.
As teams finalize these offseason moves, the NFL landscape for 2026 is taking shape with a mix of established veterans, promising drafts, and fresh coaching philosophies. While the games will not begin until September, this period of roster and staff changes is likely to play a significant role in determining the season’s contenders.
