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 WR DJ Moore to the Bills to the Broncos' acquisition of WR Jaylen Waddle, we'll be taking a critical look at each move and its implications. 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. While Moore hasn't eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards since 2023, he could be Buffalo's lead pass-catcher and bring much-needed speed to the team's aerial attack. However, his receiving yard totals have been on the decline over the last two years, and he ceded targets to younger pass-catchers last season. The Bills needed to bolster their wide receiver group, but they did so at a costly price. In my opinion, the Bears got a good deal, while the Bills took a risk. The Bills are looking for an offensive spark, and the Bears traded a player who had faded in their offense for premium draft capital.
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 for WR Jaylen Waddle. Waddle played second fiddle to Tyreek Hill for most of his time in Miami, but he can now be the lead pass-catcher in Denver. The Broncos took advantage of the Dolphins' rebuild process, and Waddle will have competition for targets. However, his big-play ability could lead to gaudy weekly numbers and career highs this year. The Dolphins used the Broncos' picks to select a cornerback, a wide receiver, and an edge-rusher, which is a smart move for a rebuilding team. In my view, the Broncos got a good deal, while the Dolphins made a smart move to add draft capital.
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, the NFL's top pass-rusher, will immediately elevate the Rams' 19th-ranked pass defense from the previous season. The Browns, on the other hand, gave up a two-time Pro Bowler in Verse and early-round picks for the next three years. In my opinion, the Rams made a smart move, while the Browns took a risk. The Browns general manager should have known that the team's timeline for playoff contention and Garrett's desire to play in the postseason didn't align in the short term.
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 for CB Trent McDuffie. McDuffie earned All-Pro honors in 2023 and 2024, and he's an inside-outside cornerback who had some inconsistencies in coverage. The Chiefs 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. In my view, the Chiefs made a smart move, while the Rams took a risk. The Rams overhauled their cornerback group, and McDuffie will line up in different spots, which may be best for him.
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. The Bengals should be more resistant against the run with Lawrence on the interior, and they gave up premium draft capital for a player coming off a down year. In my opinion, the Bengals made a smart move, while the Giants took a risk. The Giants used the Bengals' pick to select offensive lineman Mauigoa, who will help them establish an identity as a run-first team.
The Panthers Sign Edge Jaelan Phillips
Grade: B
The Panthers signed edge Jaelan Phillips to a four-year, $120 million deal. Phillips had a pressure rate of 16.5 percent and the third-fewest sacks in 2025, and no one on their defense recorded more than five sacks for the season. However, the Panthers had the cap space to invest in a position of need and inked a premier free agent on a long-term deal. In my view, the Panthers took a risk, but they made a smart move to add a premier free agent to their defense.
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 had issues with the Eagles offense, and the team hired Sean Mannion to replace offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo. The Patriots picked up a No. 1 receiver without having to give up a first-round pick in next year's draft, which may be an elite class in terms of blue-chip prospects. In my opinion, the Patriots made a smart move, while the Eagles took a risk. 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 deal. Linderbaum played for a perennial contender and chose to sign with a franchise that's been in a perpetual rebuild for over two decades. In my view, the Raiders made a smart move to add a premier free agent to their offense. Linderbaum's impact on the Raiders offense could be similar to that of former NFL center Rodney Hudson.
The Ravens Sign Edge Trey Hendrickson
Grade: B-
The Ravens signed edge Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million deal. Hendrickson left the Bengals for greener pastures within the division, and the Ravens paid a premium for an edge-rusher coming off an injury-shortened campaign. In my opinion, the Ravens took a risk, but they made a smart move to add an edge-rusher to their defense.
The Vikings Sign QB Kyler Murray
Grade: A
The Vikings signed QB Kyler Murray to a one-year, $1.3 million deal. Murray is a two-time Pro Bowler and former No. 1 overall pick with respectable passing numbers. The Vikings' low-risk, high-reward signing at quarterback gives them a chance to re-evaluate their plan for J.J. McCarthy after he struggled mightily last season. In my view, the Vikings made a smart move to add a premier free agent to their offense.
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