The Dallas Cowboys and 6 more NFL teams that need to crush the 2026 offseason

The NFL offseason kicks into gear next week with free agency starting. The open market, trades and the draft will shape the 2026 NFL season.

The moves now will dictate what happens on the field in the fall and in the winter. Let’s look at some teams that have to nail this offseason my making some big moves, presented in alphabetical order:

The Ravens are entering a new era as they move from John Harbaugh after 18 seasons to first-time head coach Jesse Minter. The Ravens were a disappointing 8-9 last season and missed the playoffs after being expected to be a Super Bowl contender. This roster is still loaded and there’s no reason why they shouldn’t become an elite AFC team again. Quarterback Lamar Jackson is 29. The time is now. Adding a stud wide receiver and pass rusher could go a long way.

Unlike the Ravens, the Bills made a playoff run, but fell short. Again. That’s why Sean McDermott is out and Joe Brady is in at head coach. Quarterback Josh Allen is firmly in his prime, but he will be 30 this year. The Bills must get to thee Super Bowl during Allen’s prime window. Bolstering at pass rusher, wide receiver, the offensive line, and the secondary will bolster their chances.

The Bears were one of the most surprising teams in the NFL last year and appear they are setup to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender for the foreseeable future, led by the coach/quarterback combination of Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams. They are a couple of big moves from being a Super Bowl favorite. That’s why the Maxx Crosby trade talk won’t go away.

Jerry Jones got a lot of flak last year for not adding much and then he traded star pass rusher Micah Parsons. The Cowboys have a chance to be a playoff team and they have the resources. It’s time for a splash move or two in Dallas.

The Chargers are good. But they need to get better, a lot better. They are not elite, but they can be with quarterback Justin Hebert. The Chargers are projected to have the third most salary cap room in the league. If they can add a difference maker on both sides of the ball, it would go a long way to making this team a standout in the tough AFC West.

The Patriots arrived way earlier than expected and, frankly, they may have overachieved and benefitted from some schedule breaks all the way through the playoffs on their way to a Super Bowl loss. Still, Mike Vrabel’s team is positioned well to avoid a Super Bowl loss hangover. The have a solid amount of salary cap room and could use a boost at pass rusher, wide receiver and offensive line as they try to hold off Buffalo in the AFC East and to prove last season wasn’t a fluke.

The 49ers don’t get credit for their 2025 season. They went 12-5 and won a playoff game despite being absolutely ravaged by injuries. It was remarkable. Yet, the reality is the 49ers may be the third-best team in their own division at the moment. So, general manager John Lynch needs to swing for the fences and get better on the offensive line, wide receiver and at pass rusher. If the 49ers can add some studs and get some much-needed health luck, they can be a serious challenge to the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.