Post-Free Agency NFL Team Grades: Kansas City Chiefs Get a B+ After Kenneth Walker Signing
Matt LaMarca hands out NFL team grades to all 32 organizations after their performance in free agency.
With the first few weeks of free agency officially in the books, it’s a good time to take a look at who has changed the most heading into next season. There has already been a lot of money handed out, and certain teams are going to look significantly different in 2026 than they did last year. That’s going to have a significant impact, both for fantasy purposes and in the betting markets.
Let’s hand out some grades for each team’s offseason.
Post-NFL Free Agency Team Grades, Prior to the NFL Draft
Arizona Cardinals: C+
Notable Additions
- RB Tyler Allgeier (2 years, $12M)
- G Isaac Seumalo (3 years, $31.5M)
- WR Kendrick Bourne (2 years, $11.5M)
The big changing of the guard is at quarterback, with Kyler Murray out and Jacoby Brissett already named the team’s starter for next year. Allgeier looks like a big winner for fantasy purposes. After serving as one of the league’s premier backups behind Bijan Robinson in Atlanta, he’ll have a chance to be a lead back in Arizona. Of course, that could change if the team drafts Jeremiyah Love with the third pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
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Atlanta Falcons: C
Notable Additions
- QB Tua Tagovailoa (1 year, $1.3M)
It’s been a quiet offseason for the Falcons, with their only real move being the acquisition of Tagovailoa. That said, getting a backup QB for basically the league minimum is a nice upside play. At a minimum, he’ll be a solid insurance policy for Michael Penix Jr.
Baltimore Ravens: B
Notable Additions
- G John Simpson (3 years, $30M)
- EDGE Trey Hendrickson (4 years, $112M)
From a karma standpoint, the Ravens get an “F” for the way they handled the Maxx Crosby situation. Still, it’s hard to argue with the results. They arguably got a better player in Hendrickson, and it didn’t cost them two first-round picks. The big question is how the offense will rebound after struggling down the stretch last season, especially after losing stud center Tyler Linderbaum.
Buffalo Bills: A-
Notable Additions
- WR DJ Moore (trade w/ Bears)
- EDGE Bradley Chubb (3 years, $43.5M)
- S C.J. Gardner-Johnson (1 year, $6M)
The Bills have been a perennial playoff disappointment, but they at least addressed one of their biggest needs in a trade with the Bears. It may have been a slight overpay, but Moore is a proven commodity who is still theoretically in the prime of his career. He could have a huge year as Josh Allen’s No. 1 option.
Carolina Panthers: B+
Notable Additions
- EDGE Jaelan Phillips (4 years, $120M)
- LB Devin Lloyd (3 years, $48M)
The Panthers’ big additions came on the defensive side, with Phillips and Lloyd bolstering a unit that improved in 2025-26. Chuba Hubbard gets a boost with Rico Dowdle leaving in free agency, while 2024 second-rounder Jonathon Brooks could also potentially get in the mix after a second torn ACL in 2024, making him an intriguing dark horse in fantasy.
Chicago Bears: C+
Notable Additions:
- S Coby Bryant (3 years, $40M)
- LB Devin Bush (3 years, $30M)
The Bears’ offseason has been a bit underwhelming. They have a legit young QB on a rookie contract, but it feels like they’re not 100% going for it. Maybe they still have a big trade for Crosby up their sleeve.
Cincinnati Bengals: B
Notable Additions
- S Bryan Cook (3 years, $40.25M)
- EDGE Boye Mafe (3 years, $60M)
- DT Jonathan Allen (2 years, $26M)
The good news is that the Bengals looked to improve a defense that has ranked near the bottom of the league for the past few seasons. The bad news is that Joe Burrow still looks like he’s going to be running for his life behind a subpar offensive line. Good luck, Joey.
Cleveland Browns: C
Notable Additions
- G Zion Johnson (3 years, $49.5M)
- LB Quincy Williams (2 years, $17M)
- OT Elgton Jenkins (2 years, $24M)
The Browns are sort of in a limbo: not good enough to compete, not bad enough to tank. Their offseason has been fine, but unless they get markedly better QB play from either Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders next season, not much figures to change.
Dallas Cowboys: C+
Notable Additions
- EDGE Rashan Gary (trade w/ Packers)
- S Jalen Thompson (3 years, $33M)
- CB Cobie Durant (1 year, $5.5M)
The Cowboys opened up a bunch of cap space by restructuring some deals this offseason, but most of that space went toward franchising George Pickens. A long-term deal between those two feels like the most likely outcome, but expect some drama during the preseason. The offense was good enough to compete last year, so if the defense improves with their new acquisitions, they could get back into the playoff mix.
Denver Broncos: C
Notable Additions
- Jaylen Waddle (trade w/ Dolphins)
The Broncos have spent most of their focus on bringing back some of their own free agents, including J.K. Dobbins, Jaleel McLaughlin, Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad. However, they made a splash by acquiring Waddle from the Dolphins in a trade. The cost was expensive, but he should immediately become their No. 1 pass catcher.
Detroit Lions: C
Notable Additions
- C Cade Maye (3 years, $25M)
- RB Isiah Pacheco (1 year, $1.8M)
The Lions have been pretty quiet, but they did swap out David Montgomery for Pacheco. It opens the door for a bell cow workload for Jahmyr Gibbs, which gives him No. 1 overall upside for fantasy.
Green Bay Packers: C
- LB Zaire Franklin (trade w/ Colts)
- CB Benjamin St-Juste (2 years, $10M)
- DT Javon Hargrave (2 years, $23M)
Nothing that the Packers have done has been particularly exciting, and they’ve had some key losses on both sides of the ball. Still, this organization always seems to make the right moves in the long term.
Houston Texans: B-
Notable Additions
- S Reed Blankenship (3 years, $21M)
- OT Braden Smith (2 years, $20M)
- DT Logan Hall (2 years, $13.75M)
The Texans continued to build on their already-impressive defense, bringing in Blankenship at safety. He’s coming off a down year from a coverage standpoint, but he was significantly better in his previous two years as a starter. The big question will be if Smith can help bolster an offensive line that has been pretty dreadful the past two seasons. His 65.3 PFF grade in 2025 doesn’t offer much optimism in that regard.
Indianapolis Colts: B-
Notable Additions:
- DT Colby Wooden (trade w/ Packers)
- EDGE Arden Key (2 years, $20M)
- EDGE Michael Clemons (3 years, $17.5M)
The Colts handed out a ton of money in free agency, but most of that was to re-sign Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce. It’s hard to knock that decision, even if the numbers for both players were a bit eye-popping. The Colts were an elite offensive team before Jones went down last season, so hopefully they can pick up right where they left off.
Jacksonville Jaguars: C
Notable Additions
- RB Chris Rodriguez (2 years, $10M)
The big news for Jacksonville is in the backfield, with Travis Etienne departing for the Big Easy. Now, the competition between incumbent Bhayshul Tuten and the newly acquired Rodriguez will heat up. Both guys will have plenty of supporters in the fantasy space, but a committee is probably the most likely outcome.
Kansas City Chiefs: B+
Notable Additions
- RB Kenneth Walker III (3 years, $43M)
- DT Khyiris Tonga (3 years, $21M)
- S Alohi Gilman (3 years, $24.75M)
The Chiefs’ offense needed a turbo charge after a few down seasons, so bringing in Walker was not a huge shock. They got some of the worst RB production in the league last year, and Walker was PFF’s No. 1-rated running back. Giving him a full-time role should lead to a career year for fantasy purposes, and it has the potential to rejuvenate Patrick Mahomes as well.
Las Vegas Raiders: A
Notable Additions
- C Tyler Linderbaum (3 years, $81M)
- CB Taron Johnson (trade w/ Bills)
- EDGE Kwity Paye (3 years, $48M)
- LB Quay Walker (3 years, $40.5M)
- LB Nakobe Dean (3 years, $36M)
- WR Jalen Nailor (3 years, $35M)
No team was busier in free agency than the Raiders, who have handed out money like it grows on trees. The team will presumably add Fernando Mendoza with the first pick in the draft, so they’re positioned for some success in the future. How quickly that comes will depend on how fast Mendoza develops.
Los Angeles Chargers: C+
Notable Additions
- G Cole Strange (2 years, $13M)
- TE Charlie Kolar (3 years, $24.3M)
- RB Keaton Mitchell (2 years, $9.25M)
The Chargers haven’t made any huge moves yet, but Mitchell has my attention. He’ll be behind Omarion Hampton on the depth chart, but if he gets on the field, he has the athleticism to pop.
Los Angeles Rams: A-
Notable Additions
- CB Trent McDuffie (trade w/ Chiefs)
- CB Jaylen Watson (3 years, $51M)
The Rams have only gotten stronger after last season, adding two potential studs to their secondary. McDuffie cost them their first-round pick, but the Rams have had great success using that strategy in the past. As long as they continue to nail their later picks, it shouldn’t hurt them too much.
Miami Dolphins: F
Notable Additions
- QB Malik Willis (3 years, $67.5M)
The Dolphins got Willis for less than anticipated, which is nice. However, the team is paying a record $182M in dead contracts next season, with seven different players getting at least $10M not to play for them. If that’s not an “F” grade, I’m not sure what is.
Minnesota Vikings: B+
Notable Additions
- QB Kyler Murray (1 year, $1.3M)
The Vikings needed to address the QB position, and they’ve done that with an extremely affordable deal for Murray. Kevin O’Connell has had tremendous success with far less talented passers, so it’s an intriguing combination.
New England Patriots: A-
Notable Additions
- WR Romeo Doubs (4 years, $68M)
- OL Alijah Vera-Tucker (3 years, $42M)
- EDGE Dre’Mont Jones (3 years, $39M)
- S Kevin Byard (1 year, $9M)
The Patriots have made solid moves since the start of last offseason. The Doubs contract felt like a bit of an overpay, but they’re taking advantage of the discount that having Drake Maye provides at quarterback.
New Orleans Saints: B
Notable Additions
- RB Travis Etienne (4 years, $52M)
- G David Edwards (4 years, $61M)
- LB Kaden Elliss (3 years, $33M)
- TE Noah Fant (2 years, $8.75M)
The Saints needed to do something to change up their rushing attack, which was 29th in EPA per play last season. Enter Etienne, who is coming off a career year. The Saints’ season will come down to whether or not Tyler Shough can build on the solid foundation he laid as a rookie.
New York Giants: C+
Notable Additions
- TE Isaiah Likely (3 years, $40M)
- CB Greg Newsome II (1 year, $8M)
- WR Calvin Austin III (1 year, $4.5M)
$40M feels like a lot of money for Likely, but getting Austin for just $4.5M feels solid. Would it shock anyone if he did a reasonable facsimile of Wan’Dale Robinson at a fraction of the cost?
New York Jets: B+
Notable Additions
- QB Geno Smith (trade w/ Raiders)
- S Minkah Fitzpatrick (trade w/ Dolphins)
- EDGE Joseph Ossai (3 years, $36M)
- EDGE Kinglsey Enagbare (1 year, $10M)
- LB Demario Davis (2 years, $22M)
- DT David Onyemata (1 year, $10.5M)
- G Dylan Parham (2 years, $20M)
It’s easy to scoff at the Jets, and they will probably be bad once again in 2026. Such is life in the NFL when you don’t have a long-term quarterback. However, the team has improved around that position, and they should be poised to add a young passer either this draft or in 2027.
Philadelphia Eagles: B-
Notable Additions
- CB Riq Woolen (1 year, $15M)
- EDGE Arnold Ebiketie (1 year, $7.3M)
Woolen is a solid get for the Eagles, and they should once again be one of the best defensive teams in football. That said, their struggles last year were almost all on offense. They need a much better season from Jalen Hurts and company if they want to reassert themselves as one of the best teams in the league.
Pittsburgh Steelers: B+
Notable Additions
- WR Michael Pittman Jr. (trade w/ Colts)
- RB Rico Dowdle (2 years, $12.25M)
- CB Jamel Dean (3 years, $36.75M)
The Steelers brought in three players who should help them next year in Pittman, Dowdle, and Dean, but it remains to be seen what will happen at QB. Aaron Rodgers will likely come back for another season, but this team no longer has the uber-reliable Mike Tomlin to get them to 9+ wins. I’m bearish on this team overall.
San Francisco 49ers: B+
Notable Additions
- WR Mike Evans (3 years, $60.4M)
- DT Osa Odighizuwa (trade w/ Cowboys)
- LB Dre Greenlaw (1 year, $7.5M)
The 49ers really just need a year where they stay healthy. They were decimated defensively by the time they got to the playoffs last season, and they still managed to get past the Eagles on the road. Evans should give the team a legit No. 1 option at receiver after getting nothing from Brandon Aiyuk this past season and a large chunk of 2024 due to his torn ACL.
Seattle Seahawks: C-
Notable Additions
- RB Emanuel Wilson (1 year, $2.1M)
The Seahawks brought back Rashid Shaheed and Josh Jobe from last year’s Super Bowl-winning squad, but that came at the expense of Walker. That’s the cost of winning in the NFL. Wilson never really got a chance to shine in Green Bay, but he’s currently one of the only healthy running backs in Seattle.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: B
Notable Additions
- RB Kenneth Gainwell (2 years, $14M)
- LB Alex Anzalone (2 years, $17M)
- DT A’Shawn Robinson (1 year, $10M)
Gainwell is coming off an excellent season last year for the Steelers, and the Bucs are hoping he can do the same for them. It’s not great news for Bucky Irving, who might not be looking at a bell cow workload for fantasy purposes.
Tennessee Titans: B
Notable Additions
- WR Wan'Dale Robinson (4 years, $70M)
- TE Daniel Bellinger (3 years, $24M)
- DT John Franklin-Myers (3 years, $63M)
- CB Cor’Dale Flott (3 years, $45M)
- CB Alontae Taylor (3 years, $60M)
The Titans have handed out plenty of money, but the players they’ve signed don’t exactly move the needle. Specifically, the team hasn’t done much to make life easier for QB Cam Ward. Perhaps that will change during the draft.
Washington Commanders: B+
Notable Additions
- EDGE Odafe Oweh (4 years, $100M)
- DT Tim Settle (3 years, $25.5M)
- LB Leo Chenal (3 years, $24.75M)
- EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson (1 year, $12M)
- S Nick Cross (2 years, $14M)
- TE Chig Okonkwo (3 years, $30M)
- RB Rachaad White (1 year, $2M)
The Commanders had a big regression after a breakout season in 2024-25, which was partly to be expected. They had to play a much tougher schedule, and the injuries to Jayden Daniels certainly didn’t help. Hopefully, some of their new additions will have them back in the mix next year.
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