The 2026 NFL offseason has been a whirlwind of trades, free-agent signings, and draft picks, all vying for the title of the best move. But what truly constitutes a 'best' move? It's not just about the immediate impact, but also the long-term value and the potential to alter a franchise's trajectory. In my opinion, the most intriguing aspect of this offseason is the interplay between bold, high-risk moves and calculated, value-driven acquisitions. Let's dive into the top 25 moves, with a heavy dose of personal commentary and analysis.
The Value-Driven Acquisitions
No. 25-No. 21: Best Value Acquisitions
Browns Pick Up Another 2027 1st-Round Pick: The trade of Myles Garrett for Jared Verse and three draft picks is a bold move. The 2027 class could be elite, and if the Browns play their cards right, they'll add two rookies who could be cornerstone players. Personally, I think this is a steal, especially considering the potential for long-term success. The Browns are betting on a bright future, and if it pays off, they could be a force to be reckoned with.
Commanders Sign Edge K'Lavon Chaisson: Signing K'Lavon Chaisson for a one-year, $11 million contract is a prove-it deal that could pay off handsomely. Chaisson's comparable pass-rushing numbers to Odafe Oweh, who signed a four-year, $96 million contract, make this a smart move. In my opinion, Chaisson is a free-agent steal who will shine on a prove-it deal.
Giants Sign TE Isaiah Likely: With the uncertainty surrounding Malik Nabers' recovery from a torn ACL, the Giants are relying on Isaiah Likely to be their lead pass-catcher. This move could pay off if Likely steps up, but it also highlights the risk of relying on a single player in the face of injury.
Titans Sign DE John Franklin-Myers: John Franklin-Myers is a versatile defensive lineman who can play in even and odd-man fronts. His reunion with defensive-minded head coach Robert Saleh could be a game-changer. Franklin-Myers and Jeffery Simmons will be a game-wrecking interior duo, and I think this is a smart move for the Titans.
Steelers Acquire WR Michael Pittman Jr.: Trading a 2026 sixth-round pick for Michael Pittman Jr. and a 2026 seventh-rounder is a smart move for the Steelers. Pittman Jr. has eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards twice in six seasons, and this move significantly upgrades their No. 2 receiver spot, which will help Aaron Rodgers in his final NFL season.
The Battle-Tested Veterans
No. 20-No. 16: Battle-Tested Veterans Going to Playoff Contenders
Eagles Trade for Edge Jonathan Greenard: The Eagles' move to strengthen their line of scrimmage is a smart one. Jonathan Greenard, who logged 12-plus sacks in 2023 and 2024, could lead the Eagles in sacks this year if he bounces back from an injury-riddled 2025 campaign. In my opinion, this is a calculated move that could pay off handsomely.
49ers Sign WR Mike Evans: The 49ers are betting on Mike Evans to be their new No. 1 wide receiver. The 32-year-old missed nine games due to injuries last year, but if that was a blip rather than a trend, he could be back over 1,000 receiving yards for a 12th season. This move could be a game-changer for the 49ers.
Chiefs Sign RB Kenneth Walker III: The Chiefs are allotting 15-16 carries per game to Kenneth Walker III to take pressure off Patrick Mahomes. Walker III's potential to be the focal point of the offense could be a smart move, especially with the Chiefs' shaky wide receiver group and tight end Travis Kelce entering his age-37 term.
Bears Sign S Coby Bryant: The Bears are upgrading at safety by signing Coby Bryant, a 27-year-old ascending ball hawk. Bryant played a key role in the Seahawks' Super Bowl-winning defense, and I think this move could pay off for the Bears.
Rams Trade for CB Trent McDuffie: The Rams addressed their secondary weakness by acquiring Trent McDuffie, an All-Pro cornerback who can line up on the boundary and in the slot. This move could bolster their pass defense, which ranked 19th in yards allowed last season.
The Rookies Who Will Make a Significant Immediate Impact
No. 15-No. 11: Rookies Who Will Make a Significant Immediate Impact
Eagles Trade Up for WR Makai Lemon: The Eagles' move to trade up for Makai Lemon is a bold one. With the timing of the trade, it's clear that general manager Howie Roseman knew he would make the move once the 2026 dropped from $43.3 million to $16.4 million to trade him post-June 1. This move could pay off if Lemon steps up.
Titans Draft WR Carnell Tate: The Titans are counting on Carnell Tate to help quarterback Cam Ward make Year 2 strides. Ward praised Tate's reliable hands and his ability to consistently beat man coverage. The Ohio State product is an Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate, and I think this move could be a game-changer for the Titans.
Jets Draft David Bailey Over Arvell Reese: The Jets made the right move to fill a void in their pass rush rather than figure out where Reese would fit in the defense. David Bailey, a top pass-rushing prospect, could be a game-changer for the Jets.
Cowboys Trade Up for S Caleb Downs: The Cowboys moved up one spot for Caleb Downs, a two-time unanimous All-American. Dallas had to revamp its defense, which gave up the most points and second-most yards last year. Downs has the intangibles and versatility to reform one of the league's worst defensive units.
Buccaneers Draft Edge Rueben Bain Jr.: The Buccaneers drafted Rueben Bain Jr., a top edge-rushing prospect who heard all the naysayers doubt him. At No. 15, Bain Jr. could be the biggest steal of the 2026 draft, and I think this move could be a game-changer for the Buccaneers.
The Coaches and Skill Players Who Will Elevate Offenses
No. 10-No. 6: Coaches and Skill Players Who Will Elevate Offenses
Saints Sign RB Travis Etienne Jr.: The Saints can change the complexion of their ascending offense with Travis Etienne Jr. Etienne should be the focal point of head coach Kellen Moore's offense, and I think this move could be a game-changer for the Saints.
Broncos Acquire WR Jaylen Waddle: The Broncos traded a first-rounder, a third-rounder, and a fourth-rounder for Jaylen Waddle. With Courtland Sutton entering his age-31 season, Waddle could be the receiver who leads their aerial attack over the next five seasons. Under offensive-minded head coach Sean Payton, Waddle's best years may be ahead of him.
Patriots Trade for WR A.J. Brown: The Patriots are counting on A.J. Brown to help quarterback Drake Maye top his numbers from 2025. With an average receiver group, Maye could have a breakout year with Brown as his new No. 1 wideout.
Chargers Hire OC Mike McDaniel: Mike McDaniel will improve the Chargers' ground attack and bring creativity to the offense. Under his tutelage, the Dolphins ranked sixth in rushing, and Tua Tagovailoa led the league with 4,624 passing yards for the 2023 term. I think this move could be a game-changer for the Chargers.
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. I think this move could be a game-changer for the Titans.
The Franchise and Season-Altering Moves
No. 5-No. 1: Franchise and Season-Altering Moves
Raiders Hire HC Klint Kubiak: The Raiders' hiring of Klint Kubiak could be comparable to the Bears' hiring of Ben Johnson last offseason. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza doesn't have a year of experience, but Las Vegas has an innovative play-calling head coach who's coming off a Super Bowl victory. I think this move could be a game-changer for the Raiders.
Giants Hire HC John Harbaugh: John Harbaugh established a winning culture with the Ravens for nearly two decades and won a Super Bowl in 2012. I think this move could be a game-changer for the Giants, who have struggled to establish a winning culture in recent years.
Vikings Sign QB Kyler Murray: Nothing changes the trajectory of a football team like an upgrade at quarterback. The Vikings will likely pivot from J.J. McCarthy to Kyler Murray, who could rediscover his Pro Bowl form under head coach Kevin O'Connell. I think this move could be a game-changer for the Vikings.
Raiders Sign C Tyler Linderbaum: The Raiders signed Tyler Linderbaum to a three-year, $81 million deal, which could be the best offensive signing of the offseason. Linderbaum can solidify a top offensive line group, and I think this move could be a game-changer for the Raiders.
Rams Acquire Edge Myles Garrett: The Rams pulled off the biggest blockbuster trade of the offseason by acquiring Myles Garrett for Jared Verse and three draft picks. The Rams have Matthew Stafford leading the No. 1 scoring and total offense from 2025, and I think this move could be a game-changer for the Rams.
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