The NFL offseason gives teams a prime opportunity to turn their fortunes around or take the next step to championship contender. Ahead of the rapid player movement at the start of the new league year next week, these are a few keys for some teams with deficiencies or clear things to enhance.
Dolphins beef up the offensive line
The No. 1 priority for the Dolphins this offseason is to improve the offensive line to make things easier on everyone—including allowing Tua Tagovailoa more comfort in the pocket to distribute the ball accurately and effectively to his weapons. Improving the o-line will help star running back De’Von Achane break more chunk runs like we saw from him as a rookie, and the entire unit and team would be better for it. Tyreek Hill props could suddenly become a value if Miami has a top-tier rushing attack that allows Tua to hit weapons like Hill and Jaylen Waddle on more deep balls off play-action.
Broncos find a “joker” on offense
The surprise team in the NFL last year was the Broncos, going from projected at five wins to winning 10 games while playing in some very entertaining primetime matchups late in the season. For Denver to have a repeat (or better) year in 2025, they’ll need to find that “joker” on offense that Sean Payton’s talked so much about. It’s ideally a running back (there are plenty of options in this draft class) or a tight end (prospect Tyler Warren comes to mind, but he might be gone by pick 20), but perhaps a veteran like free-agent receiver Chris Godwin is a fit for Bo Nix over the middle of the field.
Bears build the run game
New Bears head coach Ben Johnson had a ton of success with the ground game behind an elite offensive line and two stud running backs in Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery with Detroit. Chicago hasn’t put enough emphasis on building the offensive line, which put quarterback Caleb Williams in a difficult spot as a rookie. Johnson knows that must change—and adding a star running back could help, too. The Bears hold the No. 10 pick in the draft, and it wouldn’t be surprising if they target Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty while adding offensive line with later picks (they have two second-rounders) and through free agency.
Giants have a home run offseason
It’s almost unbelievable that the Giants regime is getting a fourth year after all that’s gone on there, including looking so bad on Hard Knocks during the offseason that no other franchise wants to be on the show in 2025—which might say a lot about the competency of many front offices around the league. New York’s schedule on paper next season looks incredibly challenging as things stand, and if they’re going to have any shot of being better and more competitive than last year, this offseason better be a total home run filled with game-changers for the roster.
Patriots let Mike Vrabel take control
In the same vein, the Patriots had what looked like a very poor offseason last spring, eventually leading to a one-and-done campaign for head coach Jerod Mayo. The people who were calling the shots in New England must take a step back and let new head coach Mike Vrabel run the show to get the proud organization back on track. Look for the former Titans head coach to add strength to the trenches and target players that are a great culture fit.