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 made a smart move by trading Moore for a 2nd-round pick, which they can use to draft a young, promising wide receiver. The Bills, on the other hand, took a risk by giving up a 5th-round pick for a player who hasn't been consistent in recent years.
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 picked up a talented wide receiver. However, Waddle will have competition for targets, and he'll need to quickly build a rapport with quarterback Bo Nix. The Dolphins, in turn, used the Broncos' picks to select young talent, including cornerback Trey Moore. In my view, the Broncos made a smart move by acquiring Waddle, who has the potential to be a game-changer in Denver. The Dolphins, meanwhile, made a strategic move by adding draft capital to their roster.
The Browns and Rams Swap Edge Myles Garrett and Edge Jared Verse
Grade: C for the Browns, A for the Rams
In the biggest blockbuster trade of the offseason, the Rams acquired edge Myles Garrett, who etched his name into the NFL history books as the all-time single-season sack leader. The Browns received edge Jared Verse, a 2027 1st-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2029 conditional third-round pick. The Rams made a win-now move, while the Browns traded a star edge-rusher one year after signing him to a new deal. In my opinion, the Rams made a smart move by acquiring Garrett, who will immediately elevate their pass defense. The Browns, on the other hand, could have gotten more from the Rams with Garrett coming off a historic season. The trade raises a deeper question about the Browns' timeline for playoff contention and Garrett's desire to play in the postseason.
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, but he 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 by acquiring McDuffie, who can make tackles closer to the line of scrimmage. The Rams, meanwhile, made a bold move by acquiring a versatile cover man who can line up in different spots. However, it remains to be seen which version of McDuffie will show up in Los Angeles.
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 Giants received a 2026 1st-round pick. The Bengals should be more resistant against the run with Lawrence on the interior, and the Giants used the Bengals' pick to select offensive lineman Ikem Mauigoa. In my opinion, the Bengals made a smart move by acquiring a proven veteran who can help them maximize their winning opportunities. The Giants, meanwhile, made a strategic move by addressing their offensive line with one of their first-round picks.
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, but he's a premier free agent with a long-term deal. However, his injury history is a concern, and he's yet to log a double-digit sack campaign. In my view, the Panthers took a risk by signing Phillips, but if he avoids significant injuries, he'll lead the team in sacks and pressures. The grade reflects the risk and potential reward of the signing.
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 quarterback Jalen Hurts, but the Patriots picked up a No. 1 receiver without giving up a first-round pick. In my opinion, the Patriots made a smart move by acquiring Brown, who has built an 'immediate' connection with quarterback Drake Maye. The Eagles, meanwhile, made a fiscally responsible move by spreading Brown's dead cap hit across two years. The grade reflects the value of the trade for both teams.
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 in a perpetual rebuild. In my view, the Raiders made a smart move by acquiring Linderbaum, who will set the foundation for the offense and help make pre-snap calls. The grade reflects the value of the signing and the potential impact on the team.
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. The Ravens paid a premium for an edge-rusher coming off an injury-shortened campaign, but they felt more comfortable with Hendrickson's physical than with Maxx Crosby's. In my opinion, the Ravens took a risk by signing Hendrickson, but if he stays healthy, he'll be a solid addition to their defense. The grade reflects the risk and potential reward of the signing.
The Vikings Sign QB Kyler Murray
Grade: A
The Vikings signed quarterback 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 barely missed the 2025 postseason, and Murray's signing gives them a chance to re-evaluate their plan for J.J. McCarthy. In my view, the Vikings made a smart move by acquiring Murray, who could revitalize his career in a new chapter with the team. The grade reflects the value of the signing and the potential impact on the team.
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