Biggest 2026 NFL Offseason Winners and Losers: Trades & Signings

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2026 NFL offseason winners losers

The 2026 NFL offseason has been one of the most active in recent memory, featuring blockbuster trades, major contract extensions, and strategic roster overhauls. With the June 1 designations now complete, it’s time to evaluate which teams emerged as clear winners and which ones may need to reassess their approach 2026 NFL offseason winners losers.

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the biggest winners and losers from the 2026 offseason.

Biggest Winners

Los Angeles Rams
The Rams made the biggest splash by acquiring superstar edge rusher Myles Garrett from the Browns. The move instantly upgrades their pass rush and elevates their Super Bowl odds. Pairing Garrett with their existing defensive talent gives Sean McVay’s squad one of the most fearsome fronts in the NFC. This was a clear “win-now” move that positions Los Angeles as a legitimate contender.

New England Patriots
New England landed star wide receiver A.J. Brown in a blockbuster trade with the Eagles. The addition gives quarterback Drake Maye a proven alpha target and dramatically improves the Patriots’ offensive ceiling. Combined with smart post-June 1 cap management, the Patriots have transformed from rebuilders into legitimate AFC East threats.

Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta locked up Drake London with a massive four-year extension and added edge rusher James Pearce Jr. in the draft. These moves create long-term stability on offense and defense while keeping the team competitive in the NFC South. The Falcons now have a strong foundation for sustained success.

Pittsburgh Steelers & Seattle Seahawks
Both teams secured their rising young edge rushers (Nick Herbig and Derick Hall) with smart extensions. These deals maintain defensive continuity and avoid future free-agency losses while keeping cap space manageable.

Biggest Losers

Cleveland Browns
The Browns lost their best player in Myles Garrett and received draft picks in return. While the capital helps with a rebuild, the immediate loss of elite production on defense hurts their competitiveness in the short term. Cleveland now enters a full rebuild phase.

Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia traded away A.J. Brown and gained draft capital, but lost a proven offensive weapon. The move signals a youth movement, yet it weakens their immediate Super Bowl window unless the new picks produce quickly.

New York Jets
The Jets added a talented wide receiver in the draft but failed to address their offensive line or defensive needs adequately. Their offseason feels incomplete compared to other AFC East teams.

Denver Broncos
The Broncos managed significant cap savings through post-June 1 moves but lost veteran leadership at quarterback (Russell Wilson’s retirement). Their transition to a younger roster carries risk and uncertainty heading into 2026.

Overall Offseason Impact

  • Super Bowl Odds Shifts: Rams jumped to +650; Patriots rose to +900; Falcons improved to +750.
  • Fantasy Football Implications: Garrett, Brown, and London all see value boosts in their new or extended situations.
  • Division Balance: The AFC West and East became more competitive, while the NFC South gained a stronger Atlanta squad.

Final Takeaways

The 2026 NFL offseason rewarded teams that made bold, targeted moves (Rams, Patriots, Falcons) while punishing those forced into rebuilds or incomplete roster fixes (Browns, Eagles). With training camp approaching, the landscape is set for an exciting 2026 season.

Stay tuned for updated power rankings and fantasy football sleepers as rosters finalize.

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