Ranking top 10 NFL offseasons in 2024: Bears lead way with Caleb Williams, new weapons; Steelers upgrade at QB

2024 NFL the offseason is in full force as the league welcomes a gap between the talent acquisition portion of the calendar and the start of training camp. Determining who had the best off-season isn’t as simple as predicting which teams will compete for a Super Bowl at the end of next season. Teams have different goals, and for some, that implies a postseason appearance — even if it ends early.

It’s been a busy few months as talent evaluators and roster managers have done their best to build a roster capable of improving on last season’s results. Here are the 10 teams that had the best offseason:

General manager Ryan Poles has done a fantastic job of addressing the present without sacrificing the future. Caleb Williams is the face of the franchise and the organization has done everything in its power to surround him with the talent necessary for him to achieve success early in his career. A No. 1 overall selection may never have gotten into a situation as good as the one Williams has in the Windy City. His collection of pass catchers includes wide receivers DJ Moore, Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze, as well as tight end Cole Kmet. They also signed veteran D’Andre Swift as another playmaker on defense.

The defense showed a lot of growth in the second half of the season, but fans should be realistic with their expectations. It is a unit that still presents initial and deep concerns.

Arizona has done a good job of accumulating talent without compromising the future. The Cardinals were in position to draft No. 4 overall for a reason and it was time for them to add key pieces. Marvin Harrison Jr. is an effective outlet for quarterback Kyler Murray. They also addressed other positions of need, such as the defensive line and secondary, without spending too much in free agency and overly leveraging the franchise’s financial position. As they create a more stable environment, the Cardinals will be in a better position to spend big on the right players in the coming years.

First, moving on from offensive coordinator Matt Canada in favor of Arthur Smith is an upgrade. In signing Russell Wilson and trading Justin Fields, the organization built on its race-based identity. The offensive line draft selections give the Steelers the opportunity to take a big step forward in that department this season. Pittsburgh used its first two draft picks: left tackle Troy Fautanu and center Zach Frazier.

The defense was relatively intact, but that’s not a problem considering its strength when healthy. NC State’s selection of linebacker Payton Wilson in the third round represented good value.

Houston was fortunate to retain its coaching staff during the head coaching hiring process. Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik did a great job in his first season and now has the luxury of tweaking the operation with C.J. Stroud. The Texans were a surprise in the playoffs last season, which likely accelerated the playoff timeline. The moves they made this offseason to add verified difference-makers like running back Joe Mixon and wide receiver Stefon Diggs were smart to capitalize on their window.

On defense, they added veteran pass rusher Danielle Hunter to pair with Will Anderson Jr.

It could be argued that Philadelphia overpaid some of the offensive linemen who received extensions this offseason, but continuity is important along the offensive line. Signing a top running back would normally be criticized, but Saquon Barkley was a missing piece from the Super Bowl roster. The selections of Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean provide defensive insurance in case James Bradberry and/or Darius Slay falter.

There was also a clear emphasis on adding coaches with experience in coordinator roles. Vic Fangio and Kellen Moore check that box as Philadelphia hopes to return to postseason glory.

Los Angeles was not in the best financial shape entering the offseason and the retirement of future Pro Football Hall of Famer Aaron Donald will be felt this season. However, Donald’s decision was out of Los Angeles’ hands. General manager Les Snead’s response was admirable. It was smart to continue to strengthen the offensive line with the signing of trade acquisition Kevin Dotson and the signing of offensive guard Jonah Jackson. To compensate for Donald’s departure, the Rams selected defensive linemen with their first two selections: Florida State edge rusher Jared Verse and Florida State defensive tackle Braden Fiske.

It was a transitional offseason for the Patriots, with head coach Jerod Mayo replacing Bill Belichick. The organization did well to retain its impactful players such as Christian Barmore, Kyle Dugger, Mike Onwenu and Josh Uche at a reasonable cost. New England embraced the turning point with the selection of North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye. He prepared for this selection by signing veteran Jacoby Brissett.

It will be interesting to see how the hiring of offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt plays out, but the rest of the team’s moves make sense.

A lot depends on new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. If he can put Daniels in a position to succeed, then Washington could be on the verge of a quick turnaround. The hiring of head coach Dan Quinn wasn’t flashy, but it should at least bring a clear vision and stability to the organization. Free agency was spent filling gaps with experienced, relatively inexpensive players familiar with Quinn’s coaching style. By developing this depth, they have allowed themselves to be more flexible in the year 2024 NFL Draft.

Jayden Daniels was the crown jewel, but they made quality additions on the defensive side of the ball with tackle Johnny Newton, cornerback Mike Sainristil and others.

Tennessee’s plan for the offseason was clear: build around second-year quarterback Will Levis. The team signed center Lloyd Cushenberry and wide receiver Calvin Ridley, then drafted left tackle JC Latham. The cost to hire Ridley was a bit exorbitant, but the reasoning was understood. The L’Jarius Sneed trade and extension is risky because it is a volatile position year to year. Sneed was sensational a year ago, but will he be able to reproduce in a way that justifies his contract?

Hiring Bill Callahan as offensive line coach is as valuable as any assistant coaching change this offseason.

Detroit maintained the center of its offense with extensions for quarterback Jared Goff and wide receiver Amon-Ra. Brown and forward Penei Sewell. The organization identified defense as a point of emphasis early in the offseason and quickly addressed those needs with the additions of edge rusher Marcus Davenport, defensive tackle DJ Reader and the trade for veteran cornerback Carlton Davis. The Lions then doubled down on the secondary with draft picks Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr.

It was a huge victory in the name of continuity when offensive coordinator Ben Johnson turned down head coaching opportunities to stay in his current role.

The Browns, Bengals and Giants were also considered for the final spots.