POST-FREE AGENCY STATUS REPORTS FOR ALL 32 TEAMS
The free-agent flurry gave us a first glimpse of what the
NFL will look like in 2019, as big names such as Odell Beckham
Jr., Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell,
among others, have new homes.
With the offseason transaction carousel having finally
quieted down, we're offering a new batch of NFL Power Rankings. Here's how we
think the league will stack up when next season begins.
1. NEW ORLEANS
SAINTS
2018 record: 13-3
Three-words-or-less description: Replay last season. The
Saints did just about everything right in 2018 -- right up until the non-call
that helped to keep them out of the Super Bowl and led to groundbreaking replay
rule changes. It's a lot to ask them to do it all again and secure the NFC's
No. 1 seed, especially with Drew Brees now
40 years old, but they still have one of the NFL's most talented rosters.
2. LOS ANGELES
RAMS
2018 record: 13-3
Three-words-or-less description: Final destination. For
a third consecutive season, the Rams have attracted playmakers in the twilight
of their careers. Safety Eric Weddle and
linebacker Clay Matthews signed
with the Rams for three reasons: Sean McVay's coaching ability, the city of Los
Angeles, but perhaps more than anything, a solid chance to go out as Super Bowl
champions.
3. NEW ENGLAND
PATRIOTS
2018 record: 11-5
Three-words-or-less description: No soy fiesta. Rob
Gronkowski's retirement leaves a gaping void on the field and in the
locker room, where his upbeat approach resonated to all corners. Meanwhile,
DE Trey Flowers and OT Trent Brown were
big free-agent losses, and the Patriots couldn't close the deal on several of
their top free-agent pursuits, which included WR Adam
Humphries (Titans) and TE Jared Cook (Saints).
Coach Bill Belichick often points out that there are no games played in March,
which is a good thing, because the Patriots have absorbed more significant
personnel losses than gains.
4. KANSAS CITY
CHIEFS
2018 record: 12-4
Three-words-or-less description: Not about Mahomes. Defense
has claimed all of the offseason headlines so far. The Chiefs hired a new
defensive coaching staff, led by coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, and then
released, traded or lost through free agency several key defenders, including
Eric Berry, Justin
Houston and Dee Ford.
The Chiefs also signed four defensive starters, led by safety Tyrann
Mathieu, so if they're going to provide significant help for their
young QB, it will have to come in the draft.
5. LOS ANGELES
CHARGERS
2018 record: 12-4
Three-words-or-less description: Where's the beef? The
Chargers got pushed around up front on both sides of the ball in a
disheartening AFC divisional playoff loss on the road against the Patriots last
season. In order to improve this offseason, the Bolts still need to add
talented players up front at defensive tackle and on the offensive line in the
hopes of bettering their chances to make a Super Bowl run.
6. CHICAGO BEARS
2018 record: 12-4
Three-words-or-less description: Farewell, Vic Fangio. The
Bears have a championship-caliber defense, but venerable coordinator Vic Fangio
departed in the offseason to coach the Denver
Broncos. Chicago returns the majority of last season's defense --
notable newcomers include safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
and nickelback Buster Skrine --
but can the unit function as efficiently under new defensive boss Chuck Pagano?
Fangio's loss is likely more significant for the Bears than the decision to
trade running back Jordan Howard to
Philadelphia.
7. INDIANAPOLIS
COLTS
2018 record: 10-6
Three-words-or-less description: Selective and patient. Colts
general manager Chris Ballard didn't let last season's 10-6 record and playoff
appearance dictate how he would attack the offseason. He has been selective in
how he has used the NFL's most salary-cap space by signing just two outside
free agents -- defensive end Justin
Houston and receiver Devin
Funchess. He has remained patient and is committed to continuing to
build the roster through the draft. The Colts currently have nine picks later
this month.
8. PHILADELPHIA
EAGLES
2018 record: 9-7
Three-words-or-less description: Better with age. The
Eagles imported several players who are 30-plus years old, including DeSean
Jackson (32), Andrew
Sendejo (31) and Vinny Curry (30),
and re-signed Brandon
Graham(30) and Jason Peters (37).
The thought process is that it's better to get experienced, impact players at a
lower rate than to pay a premium for less-accomplished players because of their
youth. Their roster is more talented for it, but can this group make it to the
finish line?
9. CLEVELAND
BROWNS
2018 record: 7-8-1
Three-words-or-less description: Feeling dangerous. Excitement
and expectations for the Browns are at a level not seen in Cleveland in a long
time. The trade for Odell Beckham
Jr., combined with the emergence of Baker Mayfield and
other talented players have the team and fans ready for a playoff push in 2019.
For the first time in a long time, the hopes are justified by the talent on the
field.
10. DALLAS
COWBOYS
2018 record: 10-6
Three-words-or-less description: Smart, not sexy. The
Cowboys are always linked to high-profile free agents but rarely invest in the
deep end of the pool. Earl Thomas is
the latest example. The Cowboys weren't going to pay that kind of price. But
they have made smart decisions, such as adding Randall Cobb
and George Iloka, trading for Robert Quinn and
bringing back Jason Witten.
They can still be sexy, which would be keeping DeMarcus
Lawrence on a long-term deal and getting Amari Cooper and Dak Prescott under
contract, too.
11. HOUSTON
TEXANS
2018 record: 11-5
Three-words-or-less description: One-year deals. The
Texans' approach in free agency was not about giving long-term contracts -- the
only multiyear deal awarded to an incoming free agent was to safety Tashaun
Gipson -- but instead on fixes that will get them through the
season. Houston will hope to fill its holes through the draft, with three picks
in the first two rounds.
12. SEATTLE
SEAHAWKS
2018 record: 10-6
Three-words-or-less description: Goodbye, Earl. It
isn't just a morbid Dixie Chicks song; it's also what the Seahawks said to yet
another one of their longtime defensive pillars when they let Earl Thomas walk.
Even though it was expected, Thomas' departure was the most significant
Seahawks development in free agency, as they stayed true to form and went for
value moves over splash signings, none of which included adding a safety. Don't
assume it's a foregone conclusion the Seahawks will roll with Delano Hill next
to Bradley McDougald, even though Coach Pete Carroll has been
talking up the 2017 third-round pick. They've been linked to some of the
draft's top safety prospects.
13. BALTIMORE
RAVENS
2018 record: 10-6
Three-words-or-less description: Departures dent defense. The
Ravens parted ways with their leaders in tackles (C.J. Mosley),
sacks (Za'Darius Smith), snaps (Eric Weddle)
and games played in franchise history (Terrell Suggs).
Baltimore responded by signing playmaking safety Earl Thomas and
should address its needs at pass-rusher and inside linebacker in the draft.
While the Ravens will be hard-pressed to remain the NFL's top-ranked defense,
Baltimore has finished in the top 10 in four of the past five seasons.
14. GREEN BAY
PACKERS
2018 record: 6-9-1
Three-words-or-less description: Welcome, Matt LaFleur. Yes,
the Packers spent money -- big money -- in free agency for a change, but this
season will be all about the new coach. The youthful LaFleur replaced longtime
boss Mike McCarthy and inherited the responsibility of getting Aaron Rodgers back
to being, well, Aaron Rodgers. The Packers are banking on him -- and his Sean
McVay-Kyle Shanahan-influenced offense -- to do the trick.
15. MINNESOTA
VIKINGS
2018 record: 8-7-1
Three-words-or-less description: Strapped for cash. Financial
restrictions pertaining to the salary cap made things difficult for the Vikings
in free agency. Minnesota wasn't nearly as active as it wanted to be,
especially in replacing all the parts that departed along the offensive line,
and was forced to make either/or decisions with the personnel it retained and
let go. Defense was prioritized, with the Vikings ponying up the funds to
retain linebacker Anthony Barr and
defensive end Everson
Griffen, which means adding pieces around quarterback Kirk Cousins will
have to come via the draft.
16. PITTSBURGH
STEELERS
2018 record: 9-6-1
Three-words-or-less description: Bye Killer B's. One
of the league's most feared offensive trios disbands without a Super Bowl
appearance to show for all those yards. Le'Veon Bell turned
his yearlong holdout into a new contract with the New York Jets, Antonio Brown forced
his way to the Oakland
Raiders via trade, and Ben
Roethlisberger is the last one stinging in Pittsburgh. The
Steelers will gladly welcome less drama and can quietly replenish the roster
via free agency and the draft. The Bell and Brown sagas were exhausting for the
entire locker room.
17. ATLANTA
FALCONS
2018 record: 7-9
Three-words-or-less description: On the line. Those
words can be interpreted in different ways. First and foremost, it's an
important fifth season for head coach Dan Quinn, who put the burden on himself
by taking over as the defensive playcaller. Consecutive playoff less seasons
wouldn't bode well for Quinn or general manager Thomas Dimitroff. And any hope
of being in contention starts with improving talent up front on both the
offensive and defensive lines, something the Falcons addressed a bit in free
agency but need to revisit via the draft.
18. CAROLINA
PANTHERS
2018 record: 7-9
Three-words-or-less description: Buddy Ryan reincarnated? Ron
Rivera has spent much of the offseason building a defense that can play
multiple fronts. As he said when asked whether he sees Bruce Irvin as
an end or linebacker, "That's the point." He wants to keep teams off
balance in the game plan, similar to the way former Philadelphia defensive
coordinator Jim Johnson did with a mixture of 4-3 and 3-4 schemes. Perhaps he's
morphing back to his days as a linebacker with the Bears executing Buddy Ryan's
famous 46 defense.
19. TENNESSEE
TITANS
2018 record: 9-7
Three-words-or-less description: Focus on physicality. The
Titans want toughness to be their calling card. Retaining hard-hitting
safety Kenny Vaccaro allows them to keep a sheriff in the
secondary who ensures every game will be a fight. Offensively, slot
receiver Adam
Humphries is a tough player who isn't afraid to take a big hit
and is more than willing to block a linebacker on running plays. Guard Rodger
Saffold instantly upgrades an offensive line that will be
heavily relied upon in the running game. Cameron Wake's
physical presence chasing quarterbacks will be another gain.
20. JACKSONVILLE
JAGUARS
2018 record: 5-11
Three-words-or-less description: Bye-bye Blake. Signing
QB Nick Foles closed the door on the Blake Bortles era,
which was largely disappointing, inconsistent and mocked -- but did include a
run to the AFC title game after the 2017 season. Adding Foles was one of the
most important free-agency moves in the NFL because pairing him with a top-10
defense from the past two seasons instantly makes the Jaguars a contender in
the AFC South again -- and they should be a playoff team again if RB Leonard Fournette responds to Tom Coughlin's challenge and
the offensive line stays healthy.
21. DENVER
BRONCOS
2018 record: 6-10
Three-words-or-less description: Fill glaring needs. That's
how John Elway frames what he wants out of free agency because he wants to use
the draft for the best available players -- which is why he used the open
market to trade for a quarterback (Joe Flacco)
and sign a right tackle (Ja'Wuan James)
and two defensive backs (Kareem
Jackson and Bryce
Callahan). Those were the most glaring needs in his mind. It's also
a good time to remember the Broncos have a top-10 pick for the third time in
Elway's tenure -- the previous two times he bypassed quarterbacks to select the
top defensive player on their board (Von Miller at
No. 2 in 2011 and Bradley Chubbat
No. 5 last year). That doesn't mean the Broncos won't consider a quarterback at
No. 10 overall this year -- they'll meet with Kyler Murray, Dwayne
Haskins, Drew Lock and Daniel Jones --
but they won't tip their board to do it.
22. SAN FRANCISCO
49ERS
2018 record: 4-12
Three-words-or-less description: Revamp and rehab. Much
of the blame for the 49ers' lost 2018 season centered on the team's injury
issues, most notably losing quarterback Jimmy
Garoppolo to a torn ACL. Rather than attributing those injuries
to the nature of football, the Niners are attempting to do something about it.
They revamped their entire medical and training staffs, replacing their
strength and conditioning coach and head athletic trainer and hired Ben
Peterson to the newly created position of head of player health &
performance. With Garoppolo and running back Jerick
McKinnon rehabbing knee injuries and free-agent additions such
as linebacker Kwon
Alexander(knee) and cornerback Jason Verrett (Achilles)
also in the process of getting healthy, Peterson will be busy. For the Niners
to take a big step forward in 2019, they're going to need their new approach to
provide better injury luck.
23. DETROIT LIONS
2018 record: 6-10
Three-words-or-less description: Patriots, Midwest style. Bob
Quinn and Matt Patricia might not like the constant comparisons to their old
employer, the New England Patriots,
but so much of what they've done -- both this year and in years prior -- has
been in the mold of the current NFL dynasty. That includes the two big moves of
signing Trey Flowers and Justin
Coleman, who both played under Patricia in New England. With the
head coach and general manager often talking about fit and finding the right
guys for their program, it has become pretty clear that having a familiarity
with how the Patriots operated and the schemes they ran is something the
current Lions regime is taking into account with its decisions
24. BUFFALO BILLS
2018 record: 6-10
Three-words-or-less description: Help Josh Allen. The
Bills were encouraged with how Allen finished last season, scoring five
touchdowns (three passing and two rushing) in a victory over the Dolphins.
However, Allen's overall rookie season can't be repeated in 2019 if Buffalo
wants to get to the playoffs. The offensive line has been rebuilt and help has
been added at wide receiver (John Brown, Cole Beasley)
and tight end (Tyler Kroft) to aid Allen in taking a step forward
25. OAKLAND
RAIDERS
2018 record: 4-12
Three-words-or-less description: Busy. Manic. Exhausting. Or
did you miss the Raiders trading for Antonio Brown,
giving Trent Brown the biggest contract for an offensive lineman
in NFL history, and signing the likes of Vontaze
Burfict, Lamarcus
Joyner, Tyrell
Williams, Brandon
Marshall and Isaiah
Crowell in free agency? In all, the Raiders have added 15
players ... thus far. Indeed, the reimaging of the Raiders in Year 2 of Jon
Gruden's return has been as manic as Gruden's personality. "Coach Gruden
is a freaking genius and it's really fun working with him because ... his
energy level just drives me to different energy levels," new Raiders
general manager Mike Mayock said. "And he's exhausting because he's so smart,
and he's always ahead of you and you've got to kind of try to catch up. I come
home every night just mentally exhausted, and it's a good thing
26. NEW YORK JETS
2018 record: 4-12
Three-words-or-less description: Cold hard cash. To
augment a roster bereft of talent, the Jets went on an unprecedented spending
spree, doling out more than $120 million in guarantees at signing. It was the
biggest splurge under the current collective bargaining agreement (since 2011),
according to ESPN Stats & Information research. The additions of RB Le'Veon Bell and
LB C.J. Mosley, among others, will definitely help, but the Jets
won't be a playoff team unless QB Sam Darnold makes
a big jump in Year 2.
27. WASHINGTON
REDSKINS
2018 record: 7-9
Three-words-or-less description: Need more help. The
Redskins did sign safety Landon
Collins and traded for quarterback Case Keenum.
The first move excited the fan base; the second one produced yawns. But they've
been mostly silent otherwise and still have a lot of holes to repair after
letting players such as receiver Jamison
Crowder and linebacker Preston Smith leave
via free agency. They have some players who, if they develop, could help -- but
they don't have enough. They have too many key pieces who get hurt all the
time, but will nevertheless have to rely on them once more. They lack
playmakers on offense. In a season coach Jay Gruden will enter on a major hot
seat, the Redskins have a long way to go. They have nine draft picks, but that
will provide only so much immediate help
28. CINCINNATI
BENGALS
2018 record: 6-10
Three-words-or-less description: No surprises here. The
Bengals might have changed their coaching staff, but their approach to free
agency wasn't much different than in the past. The team elected to re-sign most
of its free agents instead of looking elsewhere, including much-maligned right
tackle Bobby Hart,
who isn't a fan favorite. That means the draft will be important for the
Bengals' offensive line, and for the linebacker hole they now have after
releasing Vontaze
Burfict.
29. TAMPA BAY
BUCCANEERS
2018 record: 5-11
Three-words-or-less description: Going all-in. That's
what new head coach Bruce Arians said at NFL owners meetings last week,
encouraging fans who are on the fence to "dive into the pool" despite
the team coming off back-to-back 5-11 seasons and not reaching the playoffs
since 2007. He's done the same with his quarterback, making no secret
that Jameis Winston is the guy and everything the Bucs do from
here on out is about building him back up. "I just want him to be
Jameis," Arians said. "Jameis is good enough."
30. NEW YORK
GIANTS
2018 record: 5-11
Three-words-or-less description: Odell-less rebuild. The
Giants traded perhaps their best player in Odell Beckham
Jr. They might not want to use the term "rebuild,"
but that's what they're trying to do on the fly after also trading their best
pass-rusher in Olivier Vernon and
allowing their top defensive playmaker in Landon
Collins to walk. They remain a work in progress, with 12 picks
in the draft available to help the cause.
31. MIAMI
DOLPHINS
2018 record: 7-9
Three-words-or-less description: Enter the purge. This
is not a test. The Dolphins have spent the offseason dumping veteran players
with bigger contracts via trade or release -- most notably Ryan
Tannehill, Danny Amendola
and Robert Quinn.
Others such as Cameron Wake and Ja'Wuan James left
Miami in free agency, creating huge holes at key positions. But this is all
part of the Dolphins' rebuilding plan to collect future draft picks, build
salary-cap space for 2020 (projected at over $100 million) and build a
foundation of young players
32. ARIZONA
CARDINALS
2018 record: 3-13
Three-words-or-less description: Good luck, Kliff. Every
move the Cardinals made this offseason has been to try to improve on their 3-13
record of last season, but the splashiest signings have been on defense -- even
though it was the offense that struggled mightily in 2018, which is why Kliff
Kingsbury was hired. Regardless of whom the Cardinals draft No. 1 overall -- if
they keep the top pick -- they need more help on offense, especially at skill
positions. So it might not matter whom the Cards draft or how great of an
offensive mind Kingsbury is; he might not have the personnel to turn this team
around in one year. -- Josh Weinfuss
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