LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (Week 4)
Improved their run game. The Chargers made several moves this offseason to improve their run game, which makes sense given the style of football Jim Harbaugh likes to play. They signed veteran running back Najee Harris at the start of free agency, and six weeks later, they used the No. 22 overall pick on North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton. The Chargers also re-signed center Bradley Bozeman while adding more depth up front with the addition of Andre James.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (Week 5)
Lost Derek Carr to retirement. The Saints received some unexpected news just last week as veteran quarterback Derek Carr surprised the NFL world by announcing his sudden retirement. The move leaves New Orleans rather thin at the quarterback position, at least in terms of experienced signal-callers. Former fourth-round pick Jake Haener and 2024 fifth-round pick Spencer Rattler have a combined 0-7 record in their starts since being drafted by the Saints. They will now be joined in the room by rookie second-round pick Tyler Shough (40th overall pick), who enters the NFL older than Rattler and only a few months younger than Haener.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (Week 6 and Week 8)
Re-signed several of their own. The reigning Super Bowl champions went into the offseason with an obviously talented roster already in place. The Eagles didn’t make any big additions in free agency, instead shoring up their depth at several positions. Philadelphia’s big moves came in the form of extending several key contributors to last year’s team. Running back Saquon Barkley, linebacker Zack Baun, tackle Lane Johnson and center Cam Jurgens were all signed to extensions that will keep them under contract through at least the 2027 season.
DENVER BRONCOS (Week 7)
Provided Nix with more weapons. After Bo Nix put together a solid rookie season last year, the Broncos wanted to surround their young quarterback with more playmakers. They signed tight end Evan Engram to a multi-year deal at the start of free agency, and then added running back R.J. Harvey (60th overall) and wide receiver Pat Bryant (74th overall) in the draft. The selection of Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron with the 20th overall pick also deserves some recognition, as he now joins Pat Surtain II, Riley Moss, and free agent signing Talanoa Hufanga in the secondary.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (Week 9)
Put an emphasis back on the defense. The 49ers will have a familiar face running their defense this year as former Jets head coach Robert Saleh is back with the team in his old role as defensive coordinator. The front office gave Saleh plenty of help in this year’s draft as the team’s first five picks were spent on defensive players, led by Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams (11th overall pick), Texas defensive tackle Alfred Collins (43rd overall) and Oklahoma State linebacker Nick Martin (75th overall). The 49ers’ offense will also look a bit different this season following the trade of wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Commanders.
CHICAGO BEARS (Week 10)
Revamped their offense. The Bears added numerous pieces to their offense, starting with new head coach Ben Johnson. The former Lions offensive coordinator put his stamp on the offseason with the trades for guards Joe Thuney (from the Chiefs) and Jonah Jackson (from the Rams). Then in the draft, Chicago used its first three picks on the offensive side of the ball, first giving Caleb Williams two new targets in Michigan tight end Colston Loveland (10th pick) and Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III (39th pick). They also provided their young QB with additional protection with the selection of Boston College offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo (56th pick).
