The 2026 NFL offseason delivered blockbuster trades, major free-agent signings and several aggressive attempts to reshape the championship race.
Some teams focused on surrounding young quarterbacks with better support. Others acquired proven stars who could immediately change the identity of an entire roster. The biggest moves were not necessarily the most expensive—they were the transactions with the strongest combination of talent, fit and potential impact.
Here is our ranking of the 10 best moves of the 2026 NFL offseason.
10. Buffalo Bills Trade for DJ Moore
Buffalo acquired wide receiver DJ Moore from the Chicago Bears, along with a fifth-round pick, in exchange for a second-round selection.
The Bills needed another proven playmaker who could create separation, gain yards after the catch and reduce the pressure on their other receivers.
Moore gives Buffalo a versatile target who can line up outside, move into the slot and turn short completions into significant gains. His presence should make the offence less predictable and provide the quarterback with a dependable option in important situations.
The acquisition cost was meaningful, but Buffalo avoided surrendering a first-round pick for an established receiver capable of immediately strengthening the passing game.
Why it ranks tenth: Moore fills a clear need at a reasonable price and gives Buffalo another weapon for its championship push.
9. Philadelphia Eagles Trade for Jonathan Greenard
Philadelphia acquired edge rusher Jonathan Greenard from Minnesota and later signed him to a four-year, $100 million extension that included $50 million fully guaranteed.
The Eagles have consistently invested in their defensive front, and Greenard gives them another experienced pass rusher with proven production.
He recorded at least 12 sacks in both 2023 and 2024 before injuries affected his 2025 season. If he returns to full strength, he could become Philadelphia’s leading edge threat.
The contract and trade compensation create risk, but the Eagles understand the value of generating pressure without relying heavily on blitzes.
Why it ranks ninth: Greenard strengthens one of Philadelphia’s most important position groups and could become a major factor in the NFC playoff race.
8. Kansas City Chiefs Sign Kenneth Walker III
Kansas City added running back Kenneth Walker III in an effort to give its offence a more explosive rushing threat. NFL.com ranked the signing among the best moves of the early offseason, noting that the Chiefs finished last in explosive runs during the 2025 season.
Walker brings speed, vision and the ability to turn a small opening into a long gain. He also gives Kansas City an option capable of punishing defences that devote extra attention to the passing game.
The Chiefs do not need Walker to carry the ball 25 times every week. They need him to make the running game dangerous enough that opponents cannot focus entirely on stopping the quarterback.
His addition could also help the offence become more balanced and less dependent on difficult third-down conversions.
Why it ranks eighth: Walker addresses a major weakness and gives Kansas City an explosive element it lacked last season.
7. Baltimore Ravens Sign Trey Hendrickson
Baltimore signed edge rusher Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million contract after a proposed trade for Maxx Crosby failed to materialize.
Hendrickson recorded at least 14 sacks in three of his five seasons with Cincinnati. His 2025 campaign was limited by an injury that required core-muscle surgery, but he remains one of the league’s most dangerous pass rushers when healthy.
Baltimore needed more consistent pressure from the edge. The Ravens could have surrendered significant draft capital for another star defender, but signing Hendrickson allowed them to retain those picks.
He may not provide elite run defence, but Baltimore has enough strength elsewhere to use him primarily as a quarterback hunter.
Why it ranks seventh: The Ravens filled an important need with a proven pass rusher without sacrificing premium draft selections.
6. Las Vegas Raiders Sign Tyler Linderbaum
The Raiders signed centre Tyler Linderbaum to a three-year, $81 million contract, securing one of the league’s best interior offensive linemen.
An elite centre can influence every part of an offence. Linderbaum can improve pass protection, organize blocking assignments and create movement in the running game.
The signing is especially important for a team preparing to develop a young quarterback. Strong protection through the middle can help prevent immediate pressure and make the entire offence easier to operate.
Las Vegas paid a premium price, but high-level offensive linemen rarely reach free agency. The Raiders used that opportunity to add a foundational player rather than a short-term solution.
Why it ranks sixth: Linderbaum gives Las Vegas stability at one of the most important positions for developing a young offence.
5. Minnesota Vikings Sign Kyler Murray
Minnesota made one of the offseason’s most fascinating moves by adding quarterback Kyler Murray.
The Vikings are expected to shift from J.J. McCarthy toward Murray, a two-time Pro Bowl selection whose athleticism and arm talent could thrive under head coach Kevin O’Connell.
Murray’s ability to create outside the pocket adds a new dimension to Minnesota’s offence. He can extend plays, threaten defences with his legs and deliver deep throws when coverage breaks down.
The concerns involve durability and consistency. Murray has dealt with injuries in recent seasons, and Minnesota must determine whether he can remain available throughout a complete playoff run.
The potential reward is enormous. A healthy Murray could immediately raise the Vikings’ offensive ceiling and make them one of the NFC’s most dangerous teams.
Why it ranks fifth: Quarterback upgrades can change a franchise faster than any other move, and Murray gives Minnesota genuine star-level upside.
4. New England Patriots Trade for A.J. Brown
New England acquired A.J. Brown from Philadelphia in exchange for a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round selection.
Brown gives the Patriots the dominant No. 1 receiver they needed.
He has produced four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and forces defences to account for his size, strength and ability to win after the catch.
His arrival should make life considerably easier for quarterback Drake Maye. Brown can win isolated matchups, provide a reliable target on third down and create opportunities for New England’s other receivers.
The Patriots surrendered a future first-round pick, so the move carries a major cost. However, acquiring an established elite receiver is often more valuable than hoping a future selection develops into one.
Why it ranks fourth: Brown gives New England a proven offensive centrepiece and could accelerate Maye’s development.
3. Los Angeles Rams Trade for Trent McDuffie
The Rams acquired cornerback Trent McDuffie from Kansas City for a package that included a 2026 first-round pick, then signed him to a four-year extension worth approximately $124 million.
McDuffie is a two-time All-Pro capable of covering from the slot or the outside. His versatility allows the Rams to adjust their defensive approach based on the opponent.
Los Angeles badly needed help in the secondary after its defensive backs struggled late in the previous season. McDuffie gives the team someone who can match up against elite receivers and handle difficult assignments in playoff games.
The Rams also added Jaylen Watson, further strengthening a position group that had become a weakness.
The price was substantial, but the Rams are clearly operating as a team that believes it can win immediately.
Why it ranks third: McDuffie solves a major defensive problem and gives Los Angeles one of the league’s most versatile defensive backs.
2. Los Angeles Rams Trade for Myles Garrett
The Rams continued their aggressive offseason by acquiring Myles Garrett from Cleveland.
Los Angeles sent Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick and a conditional 2029 third-round selection to the Browns.
Garrett is one of the most disruptive defensive players in football. His ability to defeat blockers without additional help can change protection schemes and create opportunities for every other defender.
The Rams already had a championship-calibre offence. Adding an elite edge rusher gives them the type of defensive star who can take over high-pressure playoff moments.
The cost was enormous. Verse is a talented young player, and the future draft selections reduce Los Angeles’ long-term flexibility.
However, teams rarely have an opportunity to acquire a game-changing defender in his prime. The Rams decided that the chance to win another championship was worth the risk.
Why it ranks second: Garrett can transform the Rams’ defence and may be the final piece needed for another Super Bowl run.
1. Los Angeles Rams Build a Superteam-Level Defence
The best move of the offseason is not simply one transaction—it is the Rams’ combined decision to acquire both Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie.
Los Angeles added an elite pass rusher and an All-Pro defensive back to a roster that already possessed one of the league’s strongest offences. The Rams also strengthened the secondary further by signing Jaylen Watson.
Garrett can force quarterbacks to release the ball quickly. McDuffie can eliminate primary receiving options. Those two abilities complement each other perfectly.
The Rams surrendered substantial draft capital and committed enormous financial resources, but their strategy is clear: maximize the current championship window.
Most teams spend an offseason attempting to fix one major weakness. Los Angeles acquired elite players at two premium defensive positions.
Why it ranks first: No team changed its championship outlook more dramatically than the Rams, and their defensive overhaul could shift the balance of power across the NFL.
Final Rankings
- Rams acquire Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie
- Rams trade for Myles Garrett
- Rams trade for Trent McDuffie
- Patriots trade for A.J. Brown
- Vikings sign Kyler Murray
- Raiders sign Tyler Linderbaum
- Ravens sign Trey Hendrickson
- Chiefs sign Kenneth Walker III
- Eagles trade for Jonathan Greenard
- Bills trade for DJ Moore
Final Thoughts
The 2026 NFL offseason was defined by aggression.
The Rams made the loudest statement by loading their defence with established stars. New England acquired the dominant receiver its young quarterback needed. Minnesota made a major bet at quarterback, while Baltimore, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Buffalo and Las Vegas addressed specific weaknesses with proven talent.
Not every move will succeed. Injuries, coaching, chemistry and contract value will ultimately determine which teams truly won the offseason.
For now, the Rams stand above everyone else. They did not simply improve their roster—they built a team designed to compete for the Super Bowl immediately