Top positional makeovers of the 2024 NFL offseason: Bears, Falcons and Jets raised their offensive ceilings

All 32 NFL teams underwent changes this offseason. But some clubs have been especially active at specific positions, investing premium resources into what they hope will be major upgrades for the 2024 season.

Which teams worked the hardest to elevate each position? Taking into account the quantity and quality of changes, here is our pick for the best team overhaul at each position, from quarterback to special teams:

In: Kirk Cousins, Michael Penix Jr. Outside: Desmond Knight

Cousins ​​is aging (35) and coming off a serious injury, but he is a proven, steady passer who should quickly allow Atlanta to return to the playoffs. Penix, meanwhile, offers long-term intrigue as a quick left-arm succession plan, finally giving the Falcons multiple reasons for hope below the center.

Other candidates: Patriots, Steelers, Vikings

In: Saquon Barkley, Will Shipley | Outside: D’André Swift

Swift was explosive when called up in 2023, but Barkley is one of the best dual-threat ball carriers in the game when healthy, adding even more big-play potential to the Eagles’ full lineup. Rookie Shipley can also make a quick impact as a pass-catching addition.

Other candidates: Packers, Ravens, Titans

In: Keenan Allen, Roma Odunze | Outside: Darnell Mooney

For the first time in a long time, Chicago may actually have one of the NFL main receiving body. Allen is no chicken at 32 with a recent history of injuries, but when active, he’s as safe as they come. Odunze’s route running should also complement DJ Moore’s speed.

Other candidates: Panthers, Texans, Titans

In: Brock Bowers | Outside: Austin Hooper

In a quiet and tight market, Bowers has the chance to immediately become a differentiator in Las Vegas by entering the NFL as a vaunted pass-catching prospect in the mold of San Francisco 49ers star George Kittle. He and Davante Adams could be a great 1-2 punch.

Other candidates: Bengals, Commanders, Dolphins

In: Tyron Smith, Morgan Moses, John Simpson, Olu Fashanu | Outside: Mekhi Becton, Laken Tomlinson

There are legitimate questions about the durability of Smith and Moses, New York’s new veteran props, but Gang Green has certainly done its part to bolster Aaron Rodgers’ front office. Fashanu could be the left tackle of the future, and Simpson is also an underrated find for the Baltimore Ravens.

Other candidates: Bengals, Chargers, Titans

DL: Las Vegas Raiders

In: Christian Wilkins | Outside: Bilal Nichols

Wilkins went from solid to special as the Miami Dolphins’ front office anchor, so his arrival could do wonders for coach Antonio Pierce, giving Las Vegas a gap-filling companion for the ever-persistent Maxx Crosby off the edge. Wilkins was also a great pocket pusher in 2023.

Other candidates: Bengals, 49ers, Lions

EDGE: Houston Texans

In: Danielle Caçador | Outside: Jonathan Greenard

Hunter (29) is older than Greenard (27), who also had double-digit sacks in 2023, but has been better for longer, joining DeMeco Ryans’ rotation after racking up 87.5 sacks in eight seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. Physically imposing, he should also benefit from playing alongside Will Anderson Jr.

Other candidates: Giants, 49ers, Jets

Libra: Pittsburgh Steelers

In: Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson | Outside: Kwon Alexander, Myles Jack

Always committed to a tough, traditional defense, Pittsburgh purged a lanky playmaker from one of its main rivals, Queen, who stood out as Roquan Smith’s teammate in 2023. But Wilson is just as intriguing, despite injury concerns, coming out of Wisconsin as a tenacious and instinctive defender.

Other candidates: Commanders, Eagles, Texans

CB: Tennessee Titans

In: L’Jarius Sneed, Chidobe Awuzie | Outside: Sean Murphy-Bunting

Awuzie has been more useful than special as a cover for the Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys, but Sneed is a potential game-changer for one of the NFL’s most upgraded rosters. His physicality was crucial in the Kansas City Chiefs’ last two games Super Bowl run.

Other candidates: Eagles, lions, rams

S: Green Bay Packers

In: Xavier McKinney, Javon Bullard | Outside: Darnell Savage, Jonathan Owens

McKinney has missed a lot of time in two of his four NFL seasons, but his do-it-all hawking gives Green Bay its most talented safety in years. Bullard, a second-round rookie, also has the potential to be a defensive utility of sorts, bolstering multiple positions.

Other candidates: Buccaneers, Eagles, Rams

ST: Pittsburgh Steelers

In: P Cameron Johnston, KR Cordarrelle Patterson | Outside: P Pressley Harvin III

Johnston landed a big free agent contract after ranking in the top five in inside-20 punting percentage in 2023, his third year with the Houston Texans. Patterson, meanwhile, is older at 33, but offers a ton of explosive returner experience as the NFL encourages kickoff returns.

Other candidates: Packers, Texans