A lot can happen between now and the start of the 2024 NFL season: injuries, training camp battles, last-minute roster changes. But now that the first wave of free agency is in the books, it’s a little easier to project which teams are closer to contending than others. Keeping in mind that April’s draft will further shape the short- and long-term futures of every franchise, we decided to take stock of the league as it stands, “seeding” teams in the spirit of March Madness.
Here, we’re tackling the NFC specifically, ranking every team from No. 16 to No. 1 after a week of frenetic activity:
- Key additions: WR Diontae Johnson (PIT), OG Robert Hunt (MIA), OG Damien Lewis (SEA), DE A’Shawn Robinson (NYG), OLB D.J. Wonnum (MIN), LB Josey Jewell (DEN), S Jordan Fuller (LAR)
- Key departures: WR D.J. Chark, TE Hayden Hurst (LAC), C Bradley Bozeman (LAC), OLB Brian Burns (NYG), OLB Yetur Gross-Matos (SF), LB Frankie Luvu (WAS), CB C.J. Henderson, CB Donte Jackson (PIT), S Vonn Bell (CIN), S Jeremy Chinn (WAS)
Bryce Young’s offensive line is thankfully a bit stronger on the interior, and Johnson actually gives the receiving corps some sizzle. But this still feels like a preseason-level outfit. A lot will fall on new coach Dave Canales.
The investment in both sides of the trenches is commendable. But where is the skill talent? Kyler Murray still has some dual-threat dynamism, but the perimeters remain sorely devoid of playmakers.
The front seven should be formidable with Burns joining Kayvon Thibodeaux, but the offense still lacks any legitimate punch. Is another signal-caller on the way to challenge Lock and/or Daniel Jones for the starting job? Even so, the line and pass catchers remain iffy.
- Key additions: QB Marcus Mariota (PHI), RB Austin Ekeler (LAC), TE Zach Ertz, OG Nick Allegretti (KC), C Tyler Biadasz (DAL), DE Dorance Armstrong Jr. (DAL), LB Frankie Luvu (CAR), LB Bobby Wagner (SEA), CB Michael Davis (LAC), S Jeremy Chinn (CAR)
- Key departures: QB Jacoby Brissett (NE), RB Antonio Gibson (NE), WR Curtis Samuel (BUF), TE Logan Thomas, CB Kendall Fuller (MIA), S Kamren Curl (LAR)
New coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters have reshuffled the whole deck. The middle of the defense should be more physical. But until a real answer arrives under center, the offensive tweaks feel like mild upgrades.
The endless salary-cap manipulations have kept them from making a major splash,…
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