NFL · 1 month ago

ESPN Ranks the Top 10 Most Improved NFL Rosters Based on Free Agency

John Canady

Host · Writer

10) Minnesota Vikings
Key Acquisitions and Returning Players: QB Kyler Murray, LB Eric Wilson, CB James Pierre, QB Carson Wentz, OT Ryan Van Demark

ESPN's Take: "The Murray deal is the best signing of the cycle. He gives the Vikings a legitimate starting quarterback at a minimal cost and dramatically improves the position. I didn't love the Wilson extension, though, as betting on continued production from a 30-plus linebacker comes with risk." - Ben Solak

SportsGrid's Take: Landing Murray at that price completely changes the outlook of the Vikings moving forward, giving them stability and upside at the most important position. The rest of the moves are more complementary, but they don’t need to be headline-grabbing. If Murray plays to his potential, the Vikings go from a question mark to a legitimate contender overnight. There's plenty to love about this offseason approach for Minnesota, and we could be looking back on these moves, specifically Murray, wondering how the league let Kevin O'Connell get away with this.

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1) Pittsburgh Steelers
Key Acquisitions and Returning Players: WR Michael Pittman Jr., RB Rico Dowdle, CB Jamel Dean, S Jaquan Brisker, DT Sebastian Joseph-Day, CB Asante Samuel Jr.

ESPN's Take: "I didn't love: Nothing. It was a ton of doubles for Omar Khan and the Steelers' brass. Dowdle has consistently proved he can moonlight as an RB1 if needed, and he has receiving chops in a committee. Dean is coming off a career year, but the Steelers didn't pay him like he's a CB1, so they might get a nice bargain there. Joseph-Day is a perennially valuable rotational defensive tackle, and Samuel looked healthy in the limited time he played last season. Brisker is a low-risk gamble on another health question mark in a secondary that needs depth to maximize Jalen Ramsey's versatility. Great work this year." - Ben Solak

SportsGrid's Take: The Steelers did a great job making minor moves that could make a major difference. Pittman Jr. is a gritty receiver with an impressive catch radius and the willingness to do the dirty work, which alone will make him a great complement to DK Metcalf. Adding Dowdle to a backfield that could use a physical runner with great vision is a huge boost for the team's offense. Defensively, retaining Samuel Jr., while adding the likes of Dean and Joseph-Day, is a flurry of moves that beef up an already stout defense.

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2) San Francisco 49ers
Key Acquisitions and Returning Players: WR Mike Evans, DT Osa Odigizuwa, WR Christian Kirk, LB Dre Greenlaw, CB Nate Hobbs, K Eddy Piñeiro

ESPN's Take: "I had WR depth questions, too, but in comes Kirk. If the 49ers can just keep Trent Williams in the building for one more year and get full recoveries from Mykel Williams (knee) and Nick Bosa (knee), I'll be a full believer." - Ben Solak

SportsGrid's Take: The Niners arguably made the biggest splashes of any team this offseason, and it's not just because they added several notable names. General manager John Lynch perfectly executed the offseason, finding players who complement the way the team wants to play on both sides of the ball and landing them on very solid deals. San Francisco is reloading for an NFC push, and with a strong draft class, I may be joining Solak on the full believer train.
4) New Orleans Saints
ESPN's Take: "The Saints didn't have much cap space, but they used what they had well. Edwards was the most talented guard on the market, Etienne is an excellent 1A back in a committee, and Elliss gives defensive coordinator Brandon Staley a unique blitzing weapon. I didn't love the wide receiver depth, though, as the Saints still lack a reliable secondary option behind Chris Olave." - Ben Solak

SportsGrid's Take: The Saints didn’t make splashy moves, but they didn’t need to. This was about maximizing limited resources, and they did just that. Etienne brings balance to the backfield as a versatile weapon, while Edwards shores up the offensive line with a steady veteran presence. Defensively, Elliss adds a layer of unpredictability as a pass-rushing linebacker. That said, the lack of wide receiver depth is glaring, and it’s something New Orleans will need to address if they want to stay competitive in a loaded NFC.
5) Denver Broncos
Key Acquisitions and Returning Players: WR Jaylen Waddle, RB J.K. Dobbins, LB Alex Singleton, TE Adam Trautman, LB Justin Strnad

ESPN's Take: "The Waddle trade is exactly the sort of move a team with a quarterback on a rookie contract should make. He gives Denver a dynamic playmaker with deep speed and YAC ability, and he's under team control for multiple years. I didn't love running it back at linebacker, though, as that group struggled in coverage and could still be a weakness." - Ben Solak

SportsGrid's Take: This entire offseason swings on one move, and it’s a massive one. Waddle gives Bo Nix the kind of explosive weapon every young quarterback needs, instantly elevating the ceiling of Denver’s offense. Pairing that with a healthy Dobbins could give the Broncos a much more dynamic attack. Defensively, continuity isn’t always a bad thing, but the linebacker concerns are real. Still, if the offense takes the leap it’s capable of, this team looks significantly more dangerous.
6) New England Patriots
Key Acquisitions and Returning Players: OL Alijah Vera-Tucker, WR Romeo Doubs, FB Reggie Gilliam, DL Dre'Mont Jones, S Kevin Byard III, TE Julian Hill

ESPN's Take: "The Patriots focused on value, taking high-upside swings without massive financial commitments. Doubs could have WR1 upside outside of Green Bay, and Vera-Tucker has All-Pro talent when healthy. I didn't love the defensive turnover, though, as replacing key contributors with older veterans like Byard comes with risk." - Ben Solak

SportsGrid's Take: This offseason approach has Mike Vrabel written all over it. The Patriots didn’t chase headlines or major names; they targeted fit and upside. Doubs could thrive in a larger role, while Vera-Tucker has the talent to anchor the offensive line if he stays healthy. Defensively, there’s some risk in reshuffling pieces, but New England is betting on experience and scheme fit. It may not be flashy, but it’s a calculated approach that could pay off in a big way.
7) Las Vegas Raiders
Key Acquisitions and Returning Players: C Tyler Linderbaum, LB Quay Walker, LB Nakobe Dean, WR Jalen Nailor, CB Eric Stokes, EDGE Kwity Paye, CB Taron Johnson

ESPN's Take: "The Raiders completely overhauled their linebacker room with Walker and Dean, which was badly needed. I didn't love the Linderbaum deal, though, as paying him significantly more than the top of the market is a massive investment, even if the context makes sense." - Ben Solak

SportsGrid's Take: The Raiders knew exactly what their biggest weakness was, and they attacked it aggressively. Walker and Dean immediately transform a linebacker unit that struggled mightily, while adding pieces like Paye and Johnson gives the defense more versatility across the board. The Linderbaum deal is steep, but securing stability for a young quarterback has real value. If the defense takes even a moderate step forward, this roster looks much more complete. While the moves may be extremely aggressive for a rebuilding team, I respect the approach.
8) Washington Commanders
Key Acquisitions and Returning Players: EDGE Odafe Oweh, RB Rachaad White, LB Leo Chenal, CB Amik Robertson, EDGE K'Lavon Chaisson, TE Chig Okonkwo, DT Tim Settle Jr.

ESPN's Take: "The Commanders did a great job filling out the roster with mid-tier additions who can contribute immediately. Robertson and Chenal stand out as potential starters. I didn't love the Oweh signing, though, as it's a big financial commitment for a player who hasn't consistently produced at a high level." - Ben Solak

SportsGrid's Take: Washington took the depth-over-splash approach, and it works when you have multiple holes to fill. Robertson and Chenal bring much-needed toughness and reliability, while players like Okonkwo and Settle can contribute in key rotational roles. The Oweh deal is a gamble, no doubt, but if he hits, it changes the entire complexion of their pass rush. There’s risk here, but also real upside.
9) Jacksonville Jaguars
Key Acquisitions and Returning Players: RB Chris Rodriguez Jr., CB Montaric Brown, LB Dennis Gardeck

ESPN's Take: "The Jaguars took a compensatory pick approach, avoiding signings that would cancel out future picks. I didn't love the lack of additions, but the strategy is clear, and it could pay off down the line." - Ben Solak

SportsGrid's Take: This was less about improving the roster now and more about setting up future flexibility. Jacksonville is betting on internal development while stockpiling draft capital, and while that may not move the needle immediately, it could pay dividends in the long term. The risk, of course, is standing still while others improve, but there’s a clear plan in place. Still, I wouldn't put myself in the same place as Solak ranking the Jaguars this high.
10) Minnesota Vikings
Key Acquisitions and Returning Players: QB Kyler Murray, LB Eric Wilson, CB James Pierre, QB Carson Wentz, OT Ryan Van Demark

ESPN's Take: "The Murray deal is the best signing of the cycle. He gives the Vikings a legitimate starting quarterback at a minimal cost and dramatically improves the position. I didn't love the Wilson extension, though, as betting on continued production from a 30-plus linebacker comes with risk." - Ben Solak

SportsGrid's Take: Landing Murray at that price completely changes the outlook of the Vikings moving forward, giving them stability and upside at the most important position. The rest of the moves are more complementary, but they don’t need to be headline-grabbing. If Murray plays to his potential, the Vikings go from a question mark to a legitimate contender overnight. There's plenty to love about this offseason approach for Minnesota, and we could be looking back on these moves, specifically Murray, wondering how the league let Kevin O'Connell get away with this.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
1) Pittsburgh Steelers
Key Acquisitions and Returning Players: WR Michael Pittman Jr., RB Rico Dowdle, CB Jamel Dean, S Jaquan Brisker, DT Sebastian Joseph-Day, CB Asante Samuel Jr.

ESPN's Take: "I didn't love: Nothing. It was a ton of doubles for Omar Khan and the Steelers' brass. Dowdle has consistently proved he can moonlight as an RB1 if needed, and he has receiving chops in a committee. Dean is coming off a career year, but the Steelers didn't pay him like he's a CB1, so they might get a nice bargain there. Joseph-Day is a perennially valuable rotational defensive tackle, and Samuel looked healthy in the limited time he played last season. Brisker is a low-risk gamble on another health question mark in a secondary that needs depth to maximize Jalen Ramsey's versatility. Great work this year." - Ben Solak

SportsGrid's Take: The Steelers did a great job making minor moves that could make a major difference. Pittman Jr. is a gritty receiver with an impressive catch radius and the willingness to do the dirty work, which alone will make him a great complement to DK Metcalf. Adding Dowdle to a backfield that could use a physical runner with great vision is a huge boost for the team's offense. Defensively, retaining Samuel Jr., while adding the likes of Dean and Joseph-Day, is a flurry of moves that beef up an already stout defense.

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ESPN Ranks the Top 10 Most Improved NFL Rosters Based on Free Agency

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