NFL Offseason Review: Which Teams Made the Best and Worst Moves After 7 Weeks
With nearly two months of NFL football completed, we can now evaluate which teams made the smartest offseason moves and which ones fell short. The Indianapolis Colts' acquisition of quarterback Daniel Jones stands out as one of the best signings in recent memory, while the Houston Texans' offensive line rebuild has been disastrous. This analysis examines all 32 teams' offseason decisions through the lens of early-season performance, separating franchises into tiers based on how their signings, trades, hirings, and draft picks have panned out so far.
The NFL offseason is filled with optimism and speculation, but by Week 8 of the regular season, we finally have enough evidence to judge which teams made smart moves and which ones missed the mark. Bill Barnwell's comprehensive analysis of all 32 teams reveals surprising successes and disappointing failures that have shaped the early part of the 2025 season.
The Standout Success Stories
Several teams have seen their offseason investments pay immediate dividends. The Indianapolis Colts emerge as the clear winners, with their one-year, $14 million deal for quarterback Daniel Jones looking like one of the best value signings in NFL history. Jones leads the league in QBR (80.2) while posting the highest success rate and lowest sack rate among all quarterbacks. His performance has exceeded all expectations and made him a legitimate MVP candidate.
The Colts also hit on their hiring of defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, who has transformed a struggling defense with exotic pressures and varied defensive looks. Safety Cam Bynum, signed to a four-year, $60 million deal, has locked down the secondary, while first-round tight end Tyler Warren has been impressive in his unique offensive role.
Teams Exceeding Expectations
The New England Patriots made the most significant changes of any team this offseason, and their investments are paying off. Defensive tackle Milton Williams (four years, $104 million) has been a force, ranking fifth among all tackles in pass rush win rate. Edge rushers Harold Landry III and K'Lavon Chaisson have provided excellent value on their contracts, with Chaisson's $3 million deal looking particularly savvy given his production.
The New York Giants have seen their young talent shine, with first-round edge rusher Abdul Carter emerging as a Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate and quarterback Jaxson Dart showing exciting improvisational skills. However, their veteran signings haven't worked out as well, with Russell Wilson already benched after three starts.
Mixed Results Across the League
Many teams find themselves in the middle ground, with some moves working out while others disappoint. The Dallas Cowboys exemplify this split personality - their offense has been excellent under new coach Brian Schottenheimer, with the trade for wide receiver George Pickens proving to be a bargain. However, trading away Micah Parsons has led to a defensive collapse that ranks among the worst in the league.
The Philadelphia Eagles had a quiet offseason but can be excited about their defensive rookies, linebacker Jihaad Campbell and safety Andrew Mukuba. However, extending running back Saquon Barkley for two years and $41.2 million looks questionable given his early-season struggles.
Disappointing Offseasons
Several teams have seen their offseason plans fall flat. The Houston Texans stand out as having the worst offseason, with their offensive line rebuild proving disastrous. They spent $21.5 million on players who were off the roster by the end of September, including Cam Robinson ($9.2 million for one game) and C.J. Gardner-Johnson ($8.3 million for three games).
The Cincinnati Bengals made a series of defensive bets that haven't paid off, particularly firing defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, who has excelled in Indianapolis. Their defense ranks 29th in EPA per play, while first-round edge rusher Shemar Stewart has played just 88 snaps.
Key Takeaways
The early returns on NFL offseason moves reveal several important patterns. Value signings often provide the best returns, as seen with Daniel Jones in Indianapolis and K'Lavon Chaisson in New England. Rookie contributions can significantly impact team success, with several first-year players making immediate impacts across the league.
Perhaps most importantly, teams that recognize mistakes early and cut their losses, like Houston did with several expensive signings, can minimize long-term damage even if it means admitting short-term failures. As the season progresses, these early evaluations will continue to evolve, but the foundation for 2025 success or failure was largely built during the offseason.
