NFL Power Rankings post-free agency: The Texans are going for it, the Cowboys are … not

The NFL’s free-agent frenzy is over, which doesn’t imply free company is over. Gamers will proceed to be added to rosters, however the headline makers are all off the market now.

That makes it a superb time for the Energy Rankings to re-evaluate the place everybody stands. We’ve listed the notable additions and notable losses for every workforce, together with not solely free-agency signings however gamers acquired or misplaced by way of commerce and/or launch, to assist us get a clearer image. For some groups, these strikes haven’t modified a lot. For others, they’ve warranted some motion up or down the rankings.

For the Chiefs, it’s enterprise as typical, and that’s the place this record begins once more.

1. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs

Put up-Tremendous Bowl rank: 1

Notable addition: WR Marquise Brown

Notable losses: WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling, OL Nick Allegretti, P Tommy Townsend

The reigning Tremendous Bowl champions have made just one vital addition, signing the speedy however inconsistent Brown, however truthfully, Kansas Metropolis may have signed solely celeb chef Alton Brown and it might nonetheless be No. 1 on this record. The Chiefs signaled their seriousness about going for a three-peat after they locked up defensive deal with Chris Jones. Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed additionally continues to be on the roster on the franchise tag, although he could possibly be traded quickly.

Put up-Tremendous Bowl rank: 2

Notable additions: Edge Leonard Floyd, Edge Yetur Gross-Matos, DT Jordan Elliott

Notable losses: DT Arik Armstead, Edge Chase Younger, DT Javon Kinlaw, TE Charlie Woerner, QB Sam Darnold

Out go inside defensive linemen, in come edge rushers. That’s principally a wash for a workforce that returns everybody from an offense that led the NFL in EPA (anticipated factors added) per recreation (8.81) and the NFC in factors scored (491) final season, in keeping with TruMedia. Commerce speak round star huge receiver Brandon Aiyuk is price listening for, although.

Put up-Tremendous Bowl rank: 3

Notable additions: DT D.J. Reader, Edge Marcus Davenport, CB Amik Robertson, CB Carlton Davis III

Notable losses: OG Jonah Jackson

Lions common supervisor Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell did their main work the earlier two offseasons. Now, it’s about bettering on the margins in an effort to catch the 49ers. A protection that was twenty fourth within the league in yards per play allowed (5.5) final season has gotten all of the assist in free company.

Put up-Tremendous Bowl rank: 5

Notable additions: Edge Danielle Hunter, Edge Denico Autry, RB Joe Mixon, LB Azeez Al-Shaair, CB Jeff Okudah

Notable losses: Edge Jonathan Greenard, DT Sheldon Rankins, LB Blake Cashman, RB Devin Singletary

The Texans don’t need to waste any of the years by which quarterback C.J. Stroud is on a rookie contract. They gave Hunter a deal price nearly $25 million per yr and retained most of their very own free brokers. Houston now not has a first-round choose, due to a take care of Minnesota, however don’t be stunned if the Texans add to the huge receiver room within the second spherical.

“I feel the Houston Texans are attempting to be the 2021 Cincinnati Bengals.”

.@danorlovsky7 thinks the Texans are gearing up for a Tremendous Bowl run 👀 pic.twitter.com/U7xx0fPee8

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 13, 2024

Put up-Tremendous Bowl rank: 6

Notable additions: S Xavier McKinney, RB Josh Jacobs

Notable losses: OG Jon Runyan, LB De’Vondre Campbell, RB Aaron Jones

The Packers basically swapped out 29-year-old operating again Aaron Jones for 26-year-old operating again Josh Jacobs, who signed a four-year deal that could possibly be price $48 million (or could possibly be terminated fairly cheaply after one yr). In addition they spent huge on McKinney to assist new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. Inexperienced Bay launched David Bahktiari, however that doesn’t depend as a notable loss as a result of the left deal with has performed solely 13 video games within the final three seasons.

Put up-Tremendous Bowl rank: 4

Notable addition: RB Derrick Henry

Notable losses: LB Patrick Queen, S Geno Stone, CB Ronald Darby, WR Devin Duvernay, RB Gus Edwards, Edge Tyus Bowser, WR Odell Beckham Jr.

The Ravens misplaced a number of good gamers in free company, however they prolonged star defensive deal with Justin Madubuike and added Henry, which makes it laborious to be too down on Baltimore. Henry is 30 and since he entered the league in 2016, he’s the one participant within the NFL with greater than 10,000 yards. If he can maintain up bodily, the Ravens’ run recreation with Henry and quarterback Lamar Jackson goes to be formidable.

Put up-Tremendous Bowl rank: 8

Notable additions: WR Jerry Jeudy

Notable losses: DT Jordan Elliott, LB Sione Takitaki

How we bear in mind Cleveland’s March will rely totally on Jeudy, the No. 15 choose in 2020 who has but to high 1,000 yards in 4 NFL seasons. The Browns didn’t danger a lot, sending a fifth- and a sixth-round choose to Denver for Jeudy, however the reward could possibly be excessive if Deshaun Watson and Jeudy develop a connection.

Put up-Tremendous Bowl rank: 10

Notable additions: DT Sheldon Rankins, S Geno Stone, RB Zack Moss, S Vonn Bell

Notable losses: CB Chidobe Awuzie, OT Jonah Williams

Cincinnati used its franchise tag on huge receiver Tee Higgins, who now desires a commerce. The Bengals, although, are fairly cussed negotiators, so Higgins shall be again alongside Ja’Marr Chase with a wholesome Joe Burrow at quarterback. That’s why the big-money free-agent offers centered on the protection.

Put up-Tremendous Bowl rank: 11

Notable additions: None

Notable losses: OT Tyron Smith, Edge Dorance Armstrong, C Tyler Biadasz, RB Tony Pollard

Persons are going to cease believing Cowboys proprietor Jerry Jones when he says he’s “all in” after Dallas added no gamers of consequence and watched three good linemen stroll out the door. Sure, the Cowboys have to hold on to cash for brand spanking new offers with Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons, however there’s a distinction between being prudent and taking part in lifeless.

Put up-Tremendous Bowl rank: 7

Notable addition: WR Curtis Samuel

Notable losses: WR Gabe Davis, S Jordan Poyer, CB Tre’Davious White, C Mitch Morse, RB Nyheim Hines, CB Dane Jackson

Quarterback Josh Allen’s contract begins getting costly this season (from an $18 million cap hit to $30 million), which is one motive why the Payments needed to minimize so many contracts throughout free company. They spent the cash that they had on retaining key free brokers, together with defensive deal with DaQuan Jones, and lengthening left deal with Dion Dawkins. Within the subsequent two seasons, Allen’s cap hit goes up one other $33 million, so Buffalo’s window is closing.

Put up-Tremendous Bowl rank: 12

Notable additions: OG Jonah Jackson, TE Colby Parkinson, CB Darious Williams, S Kamren Curl

Notable losses: DT Aaron Donald

Aaron Donald, the No. 13 choose within the 2014 draft, was the Defensive Rookie of the 12 months in his first season. After that, he completed within the high 5 of Defensive Participant of the 12 months voting for seven straight seasons, profitable the award 3 times. In a 10-year profession, he totaled 111 sacks and 260 quarterback hits. Donald’s retirement stands as the one vital loss for the Rams, however it’s an enormous one.

Put up-Tremendous Bowl rank: 13

Notable additions: S Jordan Whitehead, CB Bryce Corridor

Notable losses: Edge Shaquil Barrett, LB Devin White

Tampa Bay didn’t add anyone of actual consequence. Nonetheless, Buccaneers common supervisor Jason Licht referred to as it “one of many best free-agency hauls ever” after his workforce re-signed huge receiver Mike Evans, linebacker Lavonte David and quarterback Baker Mayfield and used the franchise tag on security Antoine Winfield Jr. Will that be sufficient for a fourth straight NFC South title?

Put up-Tremendous Bowl rank: 9

Notable additions: LB Jordyn Brooks, CB Kendall Fuller, S Jordan Poyer, TE Jonnu Smith, Edge Shaquil Barrett, C Aaron Brewer

Notable losses: DT Christian Wilkins, OG Robert Hunt, LB Andrew Van Ginkel, S Brandon Jones, DT Raekwon Davis, Edge Emmanuel Ogbah, CB Xavien Howard

Wage-cap payments got here on account of South Florida this offseason. The Dolphins misplaced good to nice gamers in any respect three ranges of their protection and a mauling offensive lineman in Hunt. The offense already has been carrying a lot of the weight in Miami (second in NFL in scoring final yr, 29.18 factors per recreation), however the highlight goes to be even hotter on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who’s aiming to show he’s price a brand new deal within the last yr of his contract.

Put up-Tremendous Bowl rank: 14

Notable additions: DT Raekwon Davis, QB Joe Flacco

Notable losses: QB Gardner Minshew, RB Zack Moss

Externally, it was a quiet free company for the Colts, however they dedicated $170 million to hold on to their inside expertise — re-upping with huge receiver Michael Pittman Jr., linebacker Zaire Franklin, defensive lineman Grover Stewart and security Kenny Moore II. Now, Indianapolis will get to see if younger quarterback Anthony Richardson is the true deal. Richardson, whose rookie season was minimize brief by shoulder surgical procedure, began throwing once more in February.

Put up-Tremendous Bowl rank: 17

Notable additions: OT Tyron Smith, OG John Simpson, DT Javon Kinlaw, QB Tyrod Taylor

Notable losses: Edge Bryce Huff, S Jordan Whitehead, OG Laken Tomlinson, TE C.J. Uzomah

Every little thing is about Aaron Rodgers, as typical. With the veteran quarterback set to return from his Achilles damage, the Jets signed two offensive linemen to guard him and a greater backup quarterback in case that’s not sufficient. The Jets’ protection had the second-best success price within the NFL final yr (63.6 %) and added defensive deal with depth with Kinlaw.

Put up-Tremendous Bowl rank: 15

Notable additions: RB Saquon Barkley, Edge Bryce Huff, S C.J. Gardner-Johnson, WR DeVante Parker, LB Devin White

Notable losses: C Jason Kelce, DT Fletcher Cox, S Kevin Byard, CB Avonte Maddox, RB D’Andre Swift

When the NFL schedule is launched in Could, prepare for everybody to circle the Eagles’ journey to MetLife Stadium in crimson. After six years in New York, Barkley jumped ship to a division rival after failing to get a long-term dedication from the Giants. Philly gave Barkley, the No. 2 choose within the 2018 draft, a three-year, $37.75 million deal hoping it might assist offset the lack of organizational stalwarts Kelce and Cox, each of whom retired.

Put up-Tremendous Bowl rank: 29

Notable additions: QB Kirk Cousins, WR Darnell Mooney

Notable losses: TE Jonnu Smith, RB Cordarrelle Patterson

No person moved up extra in these rankings than the Falcons. They may at the very least get that from the $100 million they assured Cousins. The previous Vikings quarterback may earn as a lot as $180 million in Atlanta, making it the biggest total-value free-agency deal in NFL historical past. The Falcons imagine the signing will pull collectively the remainder of their offensive expertise and permit them to snap a six-year postseason drought. Final yr’s beginning defensive ends — Bud Dupree and Calais Campbell — stay on the free-agent market.

.@Unexpected_Pts Enchancment Index up to date by this morning.

– Falcons nonetheless out in entrance with the massive QB improve
– Jets shifting up after a much-needed solidifying of their offensive linehttps://t.co/48SeBGcsIt pic.twitter.com/UnXuZL7PII

— Kevin Cole (@KevinCole___) March 17, 2024

Put up-Tremendous Bowl rank: 18

Notable additions: OT George Fant, C Nick Harris, QB Sam Howell

Notable losses: OG Damien Lewis, LB Jordyn Brooks, TE Colby Parkinson, TE Will Dissly, S Quandre Diggs, S Jamal Adams, LB Bobby Wagner, QB Drew Lock

The Seahawks saved defensive deal with Leonard Williams and tight finish Noah Fant, however a number of gamers who’ve felt synonymous with Seattle are gone, together with Wagner, Brooks and Diggs. First-year head coach Mike Macdonald didn’t get an inflow of expertise both, so this season goes to be a problem contemplating Seattle has just one choose within the first 80 picks of the draft.

19. Minnesota Vikings

Put up-Tremendous Bowl rank: 16

Notable additions: Edge Jonathan Greenard, Edge Andrew Van Ginkel, QB Sam Darnold, LB Blake Cashman, RB Aaron Jones

Notable losses: QB Kirk Cousins, DE Danielle Hunter, DE D.J. Wonnum, RB Alexander Mattison, LB Jordan Hicks

Whereas the Falcons made an enormous guess by signing Kirk Cousins, the Vikings made an enormous guess by letting him depart. Now they’ve bought to seek out his substitute. Minnesota has the Nos. 11 and 23 picks within the first spherical and is broadly anticipated to attempt to bundle them with extra draft capital to maneuver up even additional. The query is whether or not or not the Vikings can get as excessive as No. 3 or should accept the fourth-best rookie quarterback prospect. Minnesota signed Darnold in case it might probably’t come out of the draft with a brand new starter.

Put up-Tremendous Bowl rank: 21

Notable additions: WR Gabe Davis, C Mitch Morse, DT Arik Armstead, WR Devin Duvernay, QB Mac Jones

Notable losses: WR Calvin Ridley, DT Foley Fatukasi, CB Darious Williams, S Rayshawn Jenkins

The Jaguars saved edge rusher Josh Allen with the franchise tag and added Armstead to the line of defense. That ought to assist offset different defensive losses for a gaggle that confirmed some promise final yr however completed seventeenth within the league in factors allowed (21.8 per recreation). On the opposite aspect of the ball, it seems Jacksonville botched its try to retain Ridley, however it did add measurement (Davis) and velocity (Duvernay) to its huge receiver room.

Put up-Tremendous Bowl rank: 22

Notable additions: DT Christian Wilkins, QB Gardner Minshew

Notable losses: RB Josh Jacobs, DE Bilal Nichols, CB Amik Robertson, QB Jimmy Garoppolo, WR Hunter Renfrow, DT Jerry Tillery

The Raiders gave Minshew a two-year deal price as much as $25 million, which makes it look like they’re resigned to going into 2024 with Minshew as their starter. Nonetheless, don’t rule out the Raiders making an attempt to get into the trade-up dialog in April to get a quarterback. After dropping Jacobs, huge receiver Davante Adams goes to start out feeling lonely in Las Vegas if the Raiders don’t get a promising quarterback.

Put up-Tremendous Bowl rank: 19

Notable additions: QB Russell Wilson, QB Justin Fields, LB Patrick Queen, CB Donte Jackson, S DeShon Elliott

Notable losses: QB Kenny Pickett, WR Diontae Johnson, QB Mason Rudolph, QB Mitch Trubisky, S Keanu Neal, CB Patrick Peterson, WR Allen Robinson II, P Pressley Harvin III

No person has had a extra attention-grabbing offseason than the Steelers, who moved out quarterbacks Pickett and Trubisky (and let Rudolph depart in free company) and introduced in Wilson and Fields. What it’s going to appear to be, nobody is aware of. New offensive coordinator Arthur Smith tried laborious when he was head coach in Atlanta to make former Florida quarterback turned tight finish Feleipe Franks right into a multi-threat offensive weapon. Fields may play that position and is a greater passer and athlete than Franks.

Put up-Tremendous Bowl rank: 24

Notable additions: WR Keenan Allen, RB D’Andre Swift, S Kevin Byard, TE Gerald Everett

Notable losses: WR Darnell Mooney, DT Justin Jones, OL Cody Whitehair, S Eddie Jackson

The Bears have been busy. They re-signed cornerback Jaylon Johnson, upgraded at operating again with Swift and at huge receiver with Allen and traded quarterback Fields to Pittsburgh for a 2025 sixth-round choose that might develop into a fourth if Fields performs sufficient this yr. Nonetheless, they hope essentially the most impactful transfer continues to be a month away. The Bears have the No. 1 choose within the draft and are broadly anticipated to take USC quarterback Caleb Williams, which can bump them up this record. Chicago additionally has the No. 9 choose and $31.7 million in cap house.

Put up-Tremendous Bowl rank: 25

Notable additions: WR Calvin Ridley, RB Tony Pollard, C Lloyd Cushenberry III, CB Chidobe Awuzie, LB Kenneth Murray, QB Mason Rudolph

Notable losses: RB Derrick Henry, LB Azeez Al-Shaair, CB Sean Murphy-Bunting, DE Denico Autry

Making quarterback Will Levis comfy was the purpose of free company, which is why Tennessee gave Ridley a four-year deal that could possibly be price $92 million and signed Pollard and Cushenberry. New head coach Brian Callahan ought to know by the tip of the yr whether or not Levis, the thirty third choose of the 2023 draft, is the longer term there or not. It will likely be odd not seeing Henry after eight seasons in Tennessee by which he carried the ball a Herculean 2,186 instances.

25. Denver Broncos

Put up-Tremendous Bowl rank: 23

Notable additions: S Brandon Jones, DT Malcolm Roach

Notable losses: C Lloyd Cushenberry, LB Josey Jewell, QB Russell Wilson, S Justin Simmons

Head coach Sean Payton bought Wilson out of city, however Jarrett Stidham is the one quarterback on the roster now. The Broncos made Stidham the starter to complete out final season, however throughout a four-year NFL profession by which he’s 1-3 as a starter, he hasn’t proved that he is usually a long-term reply. The Broncos nonetheless have $22 million in cap house, however they didn’t see match to make use of any of it on Cushenberry or Simmons as Payton continues to remake the group.

Put up-Tremendous Bowl rank: 20

Notable additions: RB Gus Edwards, TE Will Dissly

Notable losses: WR Keenan Allen, LB Kenneth Murray, TE Gerald Everett, RB Austin Ekeler, WR Mike Williams, LB Eric Kendricks

Jim Harbaugh’s first offseason with the Chargers concerned reducing a number of wage, which is why Allen and Williams are gone and Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack restructured their contracts. Edwards is an attention-grabbing addition and performs the ability again position Harbaugh prefers higher than Ekeler, however the exits outweigh the entrances on the roster thus far, and Harbaugh’s first yr won’t be stellar.

27. New York Giants

Put up-Tremendous Bowl rank: 30

Notable additions: DE Brian Burns, OG Jon Runyan, RB Devin Singletary, QB Drew Lock

Notable losses: RB Saquon Barkley, S Xavier McKinney, DT A’Shawn Robinson

Essentially the most impactful transfer of free company won’t be a free company deal in any respect. The Giants acquired the highest free agent accessible, defensive finish Brian Burns, after Carolina had franchise-tagged him after which moved him for a second-round choose, a fifth-round choose and a fifth-round choose swap. Burns had 46 sacks in 5 seasons with the Panthers, and now he shall be becoming a member of Dexter Lawrence and Kayvon Thibodeaux on the line of defense.

Put up-Tremendous Bowl rank: 26

Notable additions: Edge Dorance Armstrong, C Tyler Biadasz, LB Frankie Luvu, RB Austin Ekeler, S Jeremy Chinn, LB Bobby Wagner, QB Marcus Mariota

Notable losses: WR Curtis Samuel, QB Sam Howell, CB Kendall Fuller, RB Antonio Gibson, S Kamren Curl

The Commanders shipped out former beginning quarterback Howell in a commerce of late-round draft picks to clear the way in which for whichever quarterback they take with the second choose subsequent month. Washington signed free-agent quarterback Marcus Mariota to again up the brand new man and likewise added a number of gamers who’ve a background with new head coach Dan Quinn, together with Armstrong and Wagner.

Put up-Tremendous Bowl rank: 27

Notable additions: RB Antonio Gibson, QB Jacoby Brissett, LB Sione Takitaki

Notable losses: LB Mack Wilson, DT Lawrence Man, CB J.C. Jackson, WR DeVante Parker, QB Mac Jones

The Patriots choose third within the draft, however they didn’t give any useful hints about their intentions throughout free company. Brissett signed a one-year deal price at the very least $8 million and as much as $12 million. That could possibly be good backup cash if New England takes a quarterback within the first spherical, or Brissett, who’s 18-30 as a beginning quarterback in eight seasons, may deal with the beginning job if the Patriots need to commerce the No. 3 choose and get extra draft property. Jones, the previous starter, was traded to Jacksonville.

Put up-Tremendous Bowl rank: 28

Notable addition: Edge Chase Younger

Notable losses: DE Malcolm Roach, S Marcus Maye, WR Michael Thomas, QB Jameis Winston

One of many drawbacks to New Orleans’ technique of regularly pushing the salary-cap possibility is the dearth of choices throughout free company. Cedrick Wilson Jr., who has 101 catches in 5 professional seasons, and journeyman cornerback Lonnie Johnson have been the one additions earlier than Younger joined on a one-year deal Monday. This isn’t quarterback Derek Carr’s fault, although. There are 5 veteran Saints whose salary-cap hits are increased than Carr’s. That may change in 2025 as Carr’s quantity goes means up, so this could possibly be his final likelihood with the Saints.

Put up-Tremendous Bowl rank: 31

Notable additions: DT Bilal Nichols, OT Jonah Williams, DT Justin Jones, CB Sean-Murphy Bunting, LB Mack Wilson

Notable losses: WR Marquise Brown, OT D.J. Humphries

The Cardinals appear to be ready for the draft to make their offseason noise, which is smart contemplating they’ve six picks within the high 90. The addition of the previous Bengal Williams will enable Arizona to make Paris Johnson Jr. its fixture at left deal with if it prefers. Jones and Nichols bolster a line of defense for a workforce that was thirty first within the NFL in scoring protection final yr (26.8).

32. Carolina Panthers

Put up-Tremendous Bowl rank: 32

Notable additions: WR Diontae Johnson, OG Robert Hunt, OG Damien Lewis, DT A’Shawn Robinson, DE D.J. Wonnum

Notable losses: DE Brian Burns, LB Frankie Luvu, C Bradley Bozeman, S Vonn Bell, S Jeremy Chinn, CB Donte Jackson

Dropping Burns for second- and a fifth-round picks looks like a loss for the Panthers, however there are some potential vibrant spots. Carolina dedicated to the inside of the offensive line with offers that might whole $153 million and bought a large receiver with the expertise to be its high cross catcher by buying and selling with the Steelers for Johnson. New head coach Dave Canales hopes these strikes assist him get 2023 No. 1 choose Bryce Younger on monitor.

(Prime photograph of Danielle Hunter: Ryan Kang / Getty Pictures)