Typically, the offseason is where teams build their rosters for the upcoming season by making trades and signing players in free agency. Some make brilliant moves which could end up making them title contenders while others are questionable and could set them back.
That being said, here’s my offseason grades and analysis for all 32 teams.
AFC East
Buffalo Bills: D
They didn’t add anything to an offense that ranked 28th in points scored, and lost two of their best defenders in Paul Posluszny and Donte Whitner. I guess you have to give them some credit by drafting Marcell Dareus to help stuff the run, but he’s not even a prototypical fit for their 3-4 defensive scheme
Miami Dolphins: C
I like how they revamped the rushing attack with 2nd round pick Daniel Thomas and the versatile Reggie Bush who should add some big play ability. But they desperately needed to close out that Kyle Orton trade.
New England Patriots: A-
Good draft, a couple high risk-high reward signings, and brought back their own players. All in all, a typical offseason for the New England Patriots. I would’ve liked them to add a veteran or two to their locker room though. But if there’s one thing that I’ve learned over the years, its not to doubt Bill Belichick.
New York Jets: B
The Jets made headlines that’s for sure; but did they really help their team? They re-signed Santonio Holmes and David Harris which was huge. But they also lost three wide receivers, while only adding a 34-year old Plaxico Burress who’s been in prison for the past two years. Plus they replaced two veterans along their three-man front with a pair of rookies. We’ll see how that plays out.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens: A-
They were one of the few teams capable of taking a chance on talented yet troubled cornerback Jimmy Smith, and did. It wouldn’t have hurt to make a big splash in free agency, but at least they shed some cap space and retained their own players.
Cincinnati Bengals: B
The Bengals underwent a huge makeover on offense by getting rid of wideouts Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens and drafting receiver A.J. Green and quarterback Andy Dalton. I just don’t understand why owner Mike Brown refuses to trade Carson Palmer.
Cleveland Browns: C
A questionable move to draft Phil Taylor since he doesn’t fit their scheme, and they didn’t make any big-name signings in free agency either. The only plus I see is getting so many picks in return for trading down.
Pittsburgh Steelers: B+
The Steelers didn’t need much heading in, but did a nice job by drafting Cameron Heyward and re-signing Ike Taylor. They should be right back in contention like they always are.
AFC South
Houston Texans: A
This may come as a bit of a surprise, but I loved the Texans offserason. They knew they were set on offense, so went ahead and began to build their newly implemented 3-4 base. They started in the draft with J.J. Watt and Brooks Reed, both of whom I’m very high on. Then, settling for Johnathon Joseph after realizing Nnamdi Asomugha was out of their reach was a wise move.
Indianapolis Colts: A
They had one of the best drafts of any team, re-signed Peyton Manning along with a few other key veterans, and made the best move of all by holding off to make a move on either Reggie Wayne or Robert Mathis.
Jacksonville Jaguars: C+
The Jaguars saw Blaine Gabbert fall and jumped on him with the hope that he can be their franchise quarterback of the future. However, I feel that they had to make a few more signings if they want to keep up in this division.
Tennessee Titans: C+
I love the move to bring in Matt Hasselbeck to teach Jake Locker, but I’m puzzled as to why they won’t get the Chris Johnson deal done. Do they not realize he’s the face of their organization?
AFC West
Denver Broncos: D
The Broncos are an absolute mess. They drafted Von Miller, a player who doesn’t fit their scheme, and then failed to address the defensive tackle position. And with a battle between Kyle Orton and Tim Tebow which is basically putting the team between the choice of pleasing their fans or doing what’s right, nobody is going to win.
Kansas City Chiefs: B-
Locking up Tamba Hali and adding a couple of dynamic receivers for Matt Cassel to throw to were great moves. I wouldn’t be surprised if they repeat as AFC West champions, but they’re not ready to compete in the playoffs yet.
Oakland Raiders: F
I don’t think you can have much worse of an offseason than the Raiders did. They lost three of their top five players in Nnamdi Asomugha, Zach Miller, and Robert Gallery while not adequately replacing any of them.
San Diego Chargers: C-
Sure, the Chargers didn’t suffer a ton of losses but there’s no way that Eric Weddle deserves to be the highest paid safety in the league. Frankly, they didn’t do enough to make up for their mediocre season last year and put them back in contention.
