While it may not have all of the exciting on-the-field action, the offseason is where rosters get built, jobs are won, and destinies are written. Unfortunately for the fans, not every move that their favorite NFL team makes pans out. In fact, some end up becoming a complete disaster.
Let’s see if we can take a look forward and project out what every NFL team’s biggest mistake of the 2024 offseason was!
What are the biggest mistakes for each NFL team this offseason? Arizona Cardinals: Signing RT Jonah Williams 
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 24: A detail view of an Arizona Cardinals helmet before the game between the Chicago Bears and the Arizona Cardinals at Soldier Field on December 24, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Arizona Cardinals hoped to solidify their offensive line by signing Jonah Williams, but they might have driven off with a lemon.
Williams had his ups and downs in Cincinnati—and with Kyler Murray’s durability concerns, that is… erhm, well, concerning.
The Cards needed a more reliable presence on the line. Unfortunately, Williams doesn’t inspire confidence in that regard.
Atlanta Falcons: Letting Jeff Okudah Walk 
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 17: Isaiah Prince #75 of the Atlanta Falcons helmet on the sides lines during the third quarter in the game against the Green Bay Packers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 17, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Letting Jeff Okudah walk will likely prove to be a misstep for the Falcons.
Sure, Okudah was inconsistent at times for this NFL team last year, but that was tightly tied to injury. When he was healthy, he showed flashes of being high impact—and he fit nicely alongside A.J. Terrell.
The Falcons are now banking on a group of corners who have either been inconsistent or unproven. Kevin King and Antonio Hamilton don’t exactly scream stability, and the Falcons might find themselves regretting not giving Okudah another shot—especially if their secondary struggles.
Baltimore Ravens: Losing Edge Jadeveon Clowney 
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 31: A detailed view of a Baltimore Ravens helmet is seen prior to a game against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
Letting Jadeveon Clowney walk might be a decision that haunts the Ravens in 2024. Clowney was a game-changer for Baltimore last season, tying his career-high with 9.5 sacks and playing a key role in making the Ravens’ defense one of the league’s best.
His ability to generate pressure was invaluable, and losing him could create a void that’s hard to fill. The Ravens might find themselves missing his presence, especially when they face off against the AFC’s top offenses, like Kansas City, where they will need to get after the QB.
Buffalo Bills: Trading Stefon Diggs 
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 24: A detailed view of a Buffalo Bills helmet prior to a game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on November 24, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
Diggs wasn’t just another receiver—he was the heartbeat of Buffalo’s passing game and Josh Allen’s most trusted weapon. I mean, he was instrumental in Allen’s development…
Without Diggs, Allen might have never turned into the quarterback we know him to be today.
Replacing a player of Diggs’ caliber with the likes of Curtis Samuel and Marquez Valdes-Scantling isn’t exactly a recipe for improvement. In fact, it wouldn’t be a shock if this trade marks the beginning of a downward spiral for Buffalo.
Carolina Panthers: Signing G Damien Lewis 
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 05: A detail view of a Carolina Panthers helmet before the game between the Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)
The Panthers spent big to bolster their offensive line with the acquisition of Robert Hunt, which made sense, but signing Damien Lewis to a four-year, $53 million deal could be a costly mistake.
While Lewis has shown flashes of potential, they have been too few and far between… and frankly, the Panthers might have overpaid for his services.
If he doesn’t live up to the price tag, this move could set the Panthers back in their quest to build a reliable offense.
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Chicago Bears: Overpaying Kevin Byard 
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 25: A detail of a Chicago Bears helmet prior to the game against the Houston Texans at Soldier Field on September 25, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Bears got a lot of press for an impressive offseason, but the decision to overpay for Kevin Byard might come back to bite them. Byard, who is now 31, struggled last season and showed signs that his best days might be behind him.
Despite his All-Pro pedigree, the Bears are taking a big gamble by investing $15 million in an NFL player who could be on the decline for a young team trying to turn the corner.
Cincinnati Bengals: Letting DJ Reader Walk 
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 13: A Cincinnati Bengals helmet sits on the field before Super Bowl LVI against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on February 13, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Letting DJ Reader walk could be a decision the Bengals regret for a long time. Reader was a cornerstone of Cincinnati’s defense, anchoring the middle and shutting down opposing running games. Without him, the Bengals could see a significant drop in their ability to stop the run—an area that’s crucial in a division as physical as the AFC North. Replacing a player like Reader is no easy task, and his absence will likely be felt more than the Bengals thought.
Cleveland Browns: Trading for Jerry Jeudy 
CLEVELAND, OHIO – NOVEMBER 05: A detail view of a Cleveland Browns helmet before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Cleveland Browns Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
The Browns’ trade for Jerry Jeudy might look flashy on paper, buying low on a former first-round talent, but it could end up being a major error.
Simply put, Jeudy is more of a gamble than a guaranteed upgrade. With Amari Cooper already in the fold and younger receivers like Elijah Moore and David Bell showing promise, the Browns didn’t need to take a flier on Jeudy.
Especially considering the turbulent nature of the Browns offense with Deshaun Watson under center… The Jerry Jeudy reclamation project definitely needs more stability around it to be a success.
Dallas Cowboys: Signing Ezekiel Elliott Back 
ARLINGTON, TX – OCTOBER 14: A Dallas Cowboys helmet at AT&T Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Cowboys re-signing Ezekiel Elliott feels like a move more driven by nostalgia than strategy.
While Zeke was once the heart and soul of Dallas’ offense, his production has been on a steady decline over the past few seasons—and, really, he looked like a shell of himself in New England last year.
The Cowboys should be focusing on developing younger, more dynamic players, but instead, they’ve tied themselves to an NFL running back whose best days are likely behind him with this team.
Denver Broncos: Drafting Bo Nix 
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 19: A detailed view of a Denver Broncos helmet during the game between the Denver Broncos and the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on September 19, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Drafting Bo Nix with the 12th overall pick was a bold but highly questionable move for the Broncos.
Nix wasn’t projected to go this high, and his college career was synonymous with inconsistency.
With so many other needs on the roster, using such a high pick on a quarterback who may require significant development feels like a terrible move. But I guess Sean Payton doesn’t care about the long-term risks because he knows he’ll be out of town if they miss on this one!
Detroit Lions: Signing EDGE Marcus Davenport 
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 12: A detailed view of a Detroit Lions helmet on the field before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
While Detroit needed to add more pass-rushing help alongside Aidan Hutchinson, I don’t know that Marcus Davenport is the guy. He may have a lot of the prerequisite physical tools, but the former Saints first-round pick has never quite put it all together.
If he can’t produce at a high level in Detroit, this move could leave the Lions back in the market for pass-rushing talent.
Green Bay Packers: Acquiring Josh Jacobs 
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 04: A detail of a Green Bay Packers helmet during the first half against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 04, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Green Bay’s choice to bring in Josh Jacobs to replace Aaron Jones seems liable to backfire.
Jacobs may be a former rushing champion, but he comes with significant wear and tear from his time in Las Vegas. The Packers had an opportunity to develop younger, fresher talent in the backfield, but instead, they chose to invest in a player who might be closer to the back nine of his career than his prime. If Jacobs doesn’t hold up under the workload and really elevate the offense, Green Bay could find themselves regretting this decision, especially as they look to build around a new era with Jordan Love at the helm.
Houston Texans: Signing Joe Mixon 
HOUSTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 11: A detail of a Uvalde Strong decal on a Houston Texans helmet prior to the game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on September 11, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
The Texans’ decision to bring in Joe Mixon is, to put it bluntly, a head-scratcher. While Mixon has had moments of brilliance, his time in Cincinnati was plagued by injuries and subpar performances.
Houston’s offense is ready to win now and just needs reliability and steady production—not a player who’s just as likely to disappear as he is to dominate.
Indianapolis Colts: Signing DT Raekwon Davis 
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 24: A Indianapolis Colts helmet sits on the bench before the start of the Colts and Baltimore Ravens game at M&T Bank Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Raekwon Davis, coming over from the Dolphins, wasn’t the splash Colts fans were hoping for.
He has been serviceable but far from a game-changer. Indianapolis might find that Davis doesn’t quite bring the impact they were hoping for, making this a potentially forgettable addition.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Signing Mitch Morse 
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JANUARY 21: A Jacksonville Jaguars helmet rests on a heater prior to the AFC Divisional Playoff game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on January 21, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jason Hanna/Getty Images)
While there was a time that Mitch Morse was a force to be reckoned with in Western New York, he had arguably his worst year as a pro in 2023, allowing 28 hurries and 31 pressures, both of which were season highs in his nine-year career.
Jacksonville was in the market for an upgrade at center, but Morse’s recent performance for his previous NFL team suggests this could be a big swing-and-a-miss.
Kansas City Chiefs: Trading L’Jarius Sneed 
MIAMI, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 02: Details of Kansas City Chiefs helmet before Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium on February 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
L’Jarius Sneed was a key piece of Kansas City’s secondary—and bigger picture, its top-notch defense in 2023, providing versatility and playmaking ability. With him gone, Kansas City will be relying on unproven players to step up in a secondary that will need to perform at an elite level to key pace in a competitive AFC.
Las Vegas Raiders: Ignoring Quarterback Purgatory 
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 22: A detail of a Las Vegas Raiders helmet prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 22, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Raiders’ decision to roll the dice with their current quarterback situation is baffling.
Obviously, they made the right choice parting ways with Jimmy Garoppolo, but bringing in Gardner Minshew to complement Aidan O’Connell’s is a suspect approach and will likely lead to another season of quarterback instability, which, as we’ve seen in the past, rarely bodes well for the Silver and Black.
Los Angeles Chargers: Replacing Gerald Everett with Will Dissly 
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – AUGUST 08: Los Angeles Chargers helmets on the bench prior to the start of the NFL preseason game the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on August 08, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
Replacing Gerald Everett with Will Dissly will definitely limit the Chargers’ offensive potential. Dissly is a solid blocker, but he doesn’t offer the same versatility or receiving threat that Everett brought to the table.
This move might end up being a step back for an offense that’s looking to stay explosive under its new head coach, Jim Harbaugh.
Los Angeles Rams: Signing Darious Williams 
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – DECEMBER 19: A detailed view of a Los Angeles Rams helmet prior to a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 19, 2022 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Rams 24-12. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
At his size and age, it is rather surprising to see how much the Los Angeles Rams invested in Darious Williams to play the opposite of Tre’Davious White. Three years for $22.5 million is quite a sum!
Especially considering Williams’s schematic fit… or lack thereof!
Miami Dolphins: Signing Jordyn Brooks 
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: A detailed view of a Miami Dolphins helmet before a game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 18, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Jordyn Brooks is a solid run defender, but in today’s pass-happy NFL, you need linebackers who can do it all—especially in coverage.
Unfortunately, Brooks has been exposed repeatedly when asked to cover, giving up over 1,000 yards in coverage just a couple of seasons ago. With NFL teams like the Jets, Bills, and Chiefs in the AFC, who should have elite passing games, Brooks could become a glaring liability.
Minnesota Vikings: Letting Kirk Cousins Walk 
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 15: A detail of a Minnesota Vikings helmet prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 15, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Cousins may not have been flashy, but he’s been remarkably consistent, providing the Vikings with solid quarterback play year in and year out—and bringing them to the brink of serious Super Bowl contention.
Without him, Minnesota is venturing into the unknown—actually… It is worse than the unknown… It is Sam Darnold, who has a roster that was extremely competitive last year.
That should mix like oil and water.
New England Patriots: Drafting Drake Maye 
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 25: A view of New England Patriots helmets on the bench before the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on September 25, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Drake Maye has the physical tools and upside to become a franchise quarterback, but, frankly, so do a lot of signal callers.
The big concern is that he’s also raw and could require significant development—and the Patriots have an abysmal offense—that isn’t exactly conducive to growth.
New Orleans Saints: Signing Cedrick Wilson Jr. 
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 19: A New Orleans Saints helmet on the bench before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on September 19, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Cedrick Wilson is a capable player, but he doesn’t bring anything particularly new or game-changing to the table. With $5.75 million committed to him over the next two years, it isn’t a huge risk, but the Saints could have better allocated that cap space.
New York Giants: Failing to Resign Saquon Barkley 
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 19: A New York Giants helmet sits on the bench before the start of the Giants and Washington Commanders game at FedExField on November 19, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Barkley has been the engine of the Giants’ offense since they drafted him and his ability to create explosive plays is something that can’t be easily replaced.
Without him, the Giants are betting on a committee approach, which isn’t likely going to result in the same 50-yard tears that Barkley was known for.
New York Jets: Trading for Haasan Reddick 
ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 15: A New York Jets helmet sits on an equipment case during the second half of an NFL preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 15, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Well, this one backfired in a fashion that can only be described as pure Jets…
The two-time Pro Bowl defensive end was acquired from the Eagles in April, and a trade was formally requested halfway through August in the midst of a contentious holdout.
Even if New York does manage to retain Reddick, it’s not exactly how you wanted to kick off the season if you are the Jets!
Philadelphia Eagles: Retaining Nick Sirianni 
TEMPE, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 09: A detailed view of a Philadelphia Eagles helmet lays on the field in a practice session prior to Super Bowl LVII at Arizona Cardinals Training Center on February 09, 2023 in Tempe, Arizona. The Kansas City Chiefs play the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII on February 12, 2023 at State Farm Stadium. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
The Eagles chose continuity with the decision to keep Nick Sirianni in the City of Brotherly Love, but there’s reason to wonder if that was the right call.
Despite his early success, there have been rumblings about disconnects within this NFL team, particularly between Sirianni and quarterback Jalen Hurts. In a city like Philadelphia, where the margin for error with fans and the media is razor-thin, any signs of internal strife could lead to a season unraveling quickly.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Trading Diontae Johnson 
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 16: A Pittsburgh Steelers helmet sits on the field prior to a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 16, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Sure, the Steelers received cornerback Donte Jackson and a pick swap in the trade, which helps bolster their secondary, but losing Johnson could leave a significant void. The Steelers’ passing game was already in flux and might suffer even more without Johnson’s route-running precision and ability to make tough catches in critical moments.
San Francisco 49ers: Drafting WR Ricky Pearsall 
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 21: A San Francisco 49ers helmet on the bench during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on November 21, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
This was a head-scratcher for many… Pearsall has some interesting attributes, but it felt like there were better overall talents still on the board—both at wide receiver—and on the defensive side of the ball, which many would argue was a bigger need for the Niners.
Seattle Seahawks: Releasing Quandre Diggs 
RENTON, WASHINGTON – FEBRUARY 01: A general view of the press conference stage, microphone, backdrop and Seattle Seahawks helmet after Mike Macdonald spoke to media after he was announced as the new Seattle Seahawks head coach at Virginia Mason Athletic Center on February 01, 2024 in Renton, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
The Seahawks made a tough decision to release Quandre Diggs for cap purposes, and it’s one that will have ripple effects throughout their secondary.
Diggs has been a steady, reliable presence in Seattle’s defensive backfield, and his ability to play multiple roles will be sorely missed.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Over-Investing in Baker Mayfield 
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 25: Detail of Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmets during the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on December 25, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. The Buccaneers defeated the Cardinals 19-16 in overtime. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Bucs are betting big that Mayfield can be the guy—and as much as I’d like to see him succeed, well, it feels like we’ve seen this story before. He’s had more highs and lows than most could stomach—and it will be interesting to see how long Tampa Bay can stay patient on that rollercoaster.
Tennessee Titans: Firing Mike Vrabel 
CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 22: A player rests on a Tennessee Titans helmet before the game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
I don’t know what the Titans were doing with this one… Vrabel was the heart and soul of Tennessee’s tough, physical identity, and his leadership was a big reason for this NFL team’s recent turnaround. Replacing him is no small task, and there is a high risk that the new regime will falter early and often be in his shadow.
Washington Commanders: Hiring Dan Quinn as Head Coach 
ASHBURN, VA – MARCH 17: A view of a Washington Commanders helmet on display during a press conference to introduce quarterback Carson Wentz at Inova Sports Performance Center on March 17, 2022 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Quinn has had success as a defensive coordinator before, but his track record as a head coach is far less impressive.
He is inheriting a Commanders roster that still has plenty of holes and a fanbase desperate for a turnaround, which will result in immense pressure to deliver results quickly. If Washington stumbles out of the gate or fails to show significant improvement, Quinn’s hiring could quickly come under fire.
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