Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
With the NFL free agency tampering period starting on March 10, there have already been some big splashes, both through free agent signings and trades. Teams have been attacking weaknesses early, especially the teams with plenty of cap space.
After one day of free agency moves, five teams stand out as being the most improved so far. Some of these teams were not good last year and are seeking more competency, while others are pushing for increased playoff standing, whether winning their division or competing for a championship.
1. New England Patriots
The New England Patriots, who finished fourth-worst in the NFL last season, had a laundry list of needs entering this offseason. They have addressed their defense in a big way so far, which isn’t surprising given their new head coach is former linebacker Mike Vrabel.
So far, the Patriots have reportedly signed defensive tackle Milton Williams, cornerback Carlton Davis, edge linebacker Harold Landry, middle linebacker Robert Spillane, and offensive tackle Morgan Moses.
The Patriots still have a lot of work to do but as the team with easily the most cap space, they can continue to spend money on starting-caliber players in the coming days.
Just by the number of signings alone, they seem like the most improved team on paper so far. However, given how bad they were last year, that doesn’t necessarily mean they are a playoff team now.
More news: Chiefs Snag Star CB From Divisional Rival Chargers in Big Free Agency Move
2. Chicago Bears
Like the Patriots, the Bears weren’t very good last year and set out to improve a specific weakness at the start of free agency.
New head coach Ben Johnson comes from the Detroit Lions, whose offense thrived largely due to an elite offensive line, so naturally, the Bears set out to build an elite o-line of their own.
Specifically, the Bears addressed their interior offensive line to better protect young quarterback Caleb Williams.
They traded for guards Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney, signed center Drew Dalman, and also added to their defense by signing edge Dayo Odeyingbo and defensive tackle Grady Jarret.
While the Bears will live and die by Caleb Williams, they at least now have better protection for him on the interior, which should help his development dramatically. If the Bears have a good draft, they could be a sneaky playoff team in 2025.
3. Washington Commanders
An interesting trend exists here with the top three teams on this list being the three teams that drafted a rookie quarterback last year. The Commanders, coming off a surprise trip to the NFC Championship game, have made some big splashes in the trade market so far.
They acquired wide receiver Deebo Samuel to be the WR2 for Jayden Daniels, and they also acquired left tackle Laremy Tunsil to better protect Daniels.
The Commanders also added defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw and resigned veterans Bobby Wagner and Zach Ertz.
Overall, the Commanders already seem even better than last year and could challenge for a Super Bowl spot in the NFC this coming season as long as Daniels continues his stellar play.
Deebo Samuel Sr. #1 of the San Francisco 49ers in action against the Detroit Lions at Levi’s Stadium on December 30, 2024. Deebo Samuel Sr. #1 of the San Francisco 49ers in action against the Detroit Lions at Levi’s Stadium on December 30, 2024. Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
4. Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts have addressed their defense significantly by adding to their secondary with cornerback Charvarius Ward from the San Francisco 49ers and safety Camryn Bynum. They also resigned right tackle Braden Smith but lost center Ryan Kelly.
The Colts didn’t necessarily make a lot of moves, but like the other teams on this list, addressed a specific weakness. They greatly improved their secondary with this move, which should help improve their inconsistent defense from last season.
While there are more moves that need to be made, these significant moves put the team in a position to challenge for the top spot in their division in what should be a wide-open and competitive AFC South.
More news: What’s Next For 49ers Following Massive Free Agency Losses
5. Denver Broncos
The Broncos already had a top defense last season, but made it even better by adding two former 49ers in safety Talanoa Hufanga, and linebacker Dre Greenlaw. They also resigned defensive tackle D.J. Jones.
The Broncos hit gold with the combination of Sean Payton and Bo Nix, and while the offense could use more improvements going forward, the defense may challenge for best in the league next season.
Surprisingly, the Broncos started with defense in free agency, but the moves they made were smart and should only help.
If the team adds some weapons to help Nix take another big step in year two, the Broncos should make the playoffs yet again and could even give the Chiefs some trouble for the top of the division.
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