Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders NFL

The Most Impactful NFL Offseason Moves: Which Teams Improved the Most?

The 2024 NFL offseason has been one of the most eventful in recent memory, with blockbuster trades, high-profile free agent signings and franchise altering draft picks reshaping the league’s landscape. Some teams made aggressive moves to push for a Super Bowl, while others focused on rebuilding for the future.

In this breakdown, we’ll examine the biggest offseason moves, analyze which teams improved the most and identify potential winners and losers heading into the 2024 season.


1. Biggest Free Agency Signings

Kirk Cousins to the Atlanta Falcons (4 years, $180 million)

The Falcons made the biggest QB splash in free agency, signing veteran Kirk Cousins to lead their offense. Atlanta has elite weapons—Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts—but lacked consistent quarterback play. If Cousins stays healthy, the Falcons could dominate the weak NFC South.

Impact: Immediate playoff contender if Cousins returns to form.

Saquon Barkley to the Philadelphia Eagles (3 years, $37.75 million)

The Eagles made a surprise move by signing former Giants star Saquon Barkley. Pairing him with Jalen Hurts and a strong offensive line gives Philadelphia one of the most dangerous rushing attacks in the league.

Impact: Elevates the Eagles’ offense, but durability concerns remain.

Danielle Hunter to the Houston Texans (2 years, $49 million)

Houston added one of the league’s best pass rushers to an ascending defense. Hunter, coming off a 16.5-sack season, joins Will Anderson Jr. to form a terrifying edge duo.

Impact: Texans’ defense just got scarier—playoff dark horse?


2. Major Trades That Shook the NFL

Stefon Diggs Traded to the Houston Texans

Buffalo traded Diggs to Houston, giving C.J. Stroud another elite weapon alongside Nico Collins and Tank Dell. The Bills saved cap space, but losing Diggs hurts Josh Allen’s supporting cast.

Impact: Texans’ offense is now stacked; Bills’ WR corps is a question mark.

Justin Fields Traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers

Chicago moved on from Fields, sending him to Pittsburgh for a late-round pick. Fields will compete with Russell Wilson for the starting job, giving the Steelers an intriguing QB room.

Impact: Low-risk, high reward move for Pittsburgh—can Fields revive his career?

L’Jarius Sneed Traded to the Tennessee Titans

The Chiefs traded their star CB to Tennessee, weakening their secondary but gaining draft capital. The Titans, meanwhile, get a lockdown corner to boost their defense.

Impact: Titans improve; Chiefs’ defense takes a hit.


3. Teams That Improved the Most

Houston Texans

  • Key Additions: Stefon Diggs (WR), Danielle Hunter (DE), Joe Mixon (RB)
  • Draft Picks: CB Kamari Lassiter, OT Blake Fisher
    The Texans were already rising after C.J. Stroud’s rookie breakout and now they’ve added elite talent on both sides of the ball. A legitimate AFC contender.

Atlanta Falcons

  • Key Additions: Kirk Cousins (QB), Darnell Mooney (WR), Ruke Orhorhoro (DL)
  • Draft Picks: QB Michael Penix Jr. (long-term project)
    The Falcons finally have a competent QB—Cousins could make them instant NFC South favorites.

Pittsburgh Steelers

  • Key Additions: Russell Wilson (QB), Justin Fields (QB), Patrick Queen (LB)
  • Draft Picks: OT Troy Fautanu, C Zach Frazier
    The Steelers upgraded at QB and bolstered their offensive line. If Wilson or Fields plays well, they could challenge the Ravens and Bengals.

4. Teams That Took a Step Back

Buffalo Bills

  • Key Losses: Stefon Diggs (WR), Gabe Davis (WR), Jordan Poyer (S)
    Josh Allen’s weapons are thinner and the defense lost key veterans. The Bills are still competitive but may regress.

Kansas City Chiefs

  • Key Losses: L’Jarius Sneed (CB), Willie Gay (LB)
    The champs still have Patrick Mahomes but their defense took some hits. Can their young CBs step up?

Dallas Cowboys

  • Key Losses: Tyron Smith (OT), Tony Pollard (RB)
    Dallas was quiet in free agency and didn’t make any major upgrades. Are they counting too much on internal growth?

Final Verdict: Who Won the Offseason?

  • Biggest Winner: Houston Texans (added star power on both sides)
  • Most Improved Offense: Philadelphia Eagles (Saquon + improved O-line)
  • Most Improved Defense: Chicago Bears (loaded up on young talent)
  • Biggest Question Mark: Denver Broncos (still searching for a QB solution)

The 2024 season will reveal whether these moves paid off, but one thing is certain: the NFL landscape has shifted dramatically. Which team do you think had the best offseason? Let us know in the comments!

Some Latest Posts

Share via
Copy link