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Starting from March 10th during the free agency negotiation window, we’ve seen several significant moves, encompassing both player signings and trades. Clubs have swiftly addressed their shortcomings, particularly those possessing ample salary cap room.
Following just one day of free agency activities, five teams have emerged as notably enhanced up until this point. These squads either struggled in the previous season and aim for greater competence or they are striving for higher playoff positioning—be it through clinching their division title or vying for a championship.
1. New England Patriots
The New England Patriots, who ended up with one of the four worst records in the league,
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In the previous season, they entered the offseason with numerous requirements. So far, they have significantly bolstered their defense, which isn’t unexpected considering their new head coach is former linebacker Mike Vrabel.
Up until now, the Patriots have apparently signed defensive tackle Milton Williams, cornerback Carlton Davis, outside linebacker Harold Landry, inside linebacker Robert Spillane, and offensive tackle Morgan Moses.
Despite having plenty left to accomplish, the Patriots possess an abundance of salary cap room, enabling them to keep investing funds into acquiring starters over the next few days.
Based solely on the number of new additions, they appear to be the team with the most improvement on paper up until this point. Nonetheless, considering how poorly they performed last year, this does not automatically make them a playoff contender now.
More news:
Chief Acquire Top Cornerback from Division Foe Chargers with Major Free Agency Signing
2. Chicago Bears
Similar to the Patriots, the Bears had a poor performance last season and aimed to address a particular deficiency when free agency began with an intention to get better.
The new head coach, Ben Johnson, previously worked with the Detroit Lions where the team’s offense flourished mainly because of a top-notch offensive line. Consequently, the Bears aim to develop a similarly dominant offensive line for themselves.
Specifically, the Bears focused on reinforcing their inside offensive line to provide better protection for the younger quarterback Caleb Williams.
They acquired guards Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney through trades, signed center Drew Dalman, and bolstered their defense by adding edge player Dayo Odeyingbo and defensive tackle Grady Jarret.
Although the Bears’ fortunes will hinge on Caleb Williams, they’ve improved his safety inside, potentially accelerating his growth significantly. Should the Bears ace their draft, they might emerge as an unexpected playoff contender in 2025.
3. Washington Commanders
A notable pattern emerges where the top three squads on this roster include those that selected a freshman quarterback last season. The Commanders, following their unexpected journey to the NFC Championship game, have already caused quite a stir in the trading arena thus far.
To bolster their offense, they added wide receiver Deebo Samuel as the secondary receiving option for quarterback Jayden Daniels. Additionally, they brought in left tackle Laremy Tunsil to enhance protection for Daniels.
The Commanders additionally signed defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw and re-signed veteran players Bobby Wagner and Zach Ertz.
All things considered, the Commanders appear even more formidable than they did last year and might contend for a Super Bowl position in the NFC this upcoming season provided that Daniels keeps up his outstanding performance.
4. Indianapolis Colts
Significantly bolstering their defense, the Indianapolis Colts have strengthened their secondary by acquiring cornerback Charvarius Ward from the San Francisco 49ers and safety Camryn Bynum. Additionally, they managed to retain right tackle Braden Smith, though they will be without center Ryan Kelly moving forward.
The Colts did not make numerous changes, yet they, similar to the other teams on this list, targeted a particular deficiency. By significantly strengthening their defensive backfield, they aim to enhance an irregular defense that struggled during the previous season.
Even though additional maneuvers are necessary, these key acquisitions have positioned the squad well to contend for the leading place within their division, making the AFC South likely to be an open and fiercely contested race.
More news:
What’s Ahead for the 49ers After Significant Free Agency Departures?
5. Denver Broncos
Last season, the Broncos boasted an elite defense, which they enhanced further by bringing aboard ex-49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga and linebacker Dre Greenlaw. Additionally, they retained defensive tackle D.J. Jones.
The Broncos struck pay dirt with the pairing of Sean Payton and Bo Nix, though the offense will likely require further enhancements moving ahead; meanwhile, the defense might vie for top spot in the league come next season.
Interestingly, the Broncos began their free agency focus on defense; however, the acquisitions they secured were both wise and beneficial.
Should the squad equip Nix with additional weaponry to facilitate further advancement in his second year, the Broncos have a good chance of returning to the playoffs and might even pose a significant challenge to the Chiefs at the summit of their division.
More NFL news:
Why Adding Trey Hendrickson Could Finalize the Packers’ Offseason Roster Construction
The Colts Are Set to Sign Ex-Giants QB Daniel Jones in Big Offseason Acquisition
Vikings Lock Emerging Star Byron Murphy with Impressive $66 Million Contract
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