Jeremy FowlerFeb 12, 2026, 06:35 AM ETCloseJeremy Fowler is a senior national NFL writer for ESPN, covering the entire league including breaking news. Jeremy also contributes to SportsCenter both as a studio analyst and a sideline reporter covering for NFL games. He is an Orlando, Florida native who joined ESPN in 2014 after covering college football for CBSSports.com.Follow on XMultiple Authors
play0:51Stephen A.: Vikings not re-signing Sam Darnold is ‘unforgivable’Stephen A. Smith looks back at Minnesota’s decision to not re-sign Sam Darnold, who joined Seattle and led it to Super Bowl LX.
play1:54How good will the Giants be next season?The “Get Up” crew evaluates the current state of the Giants and debates what they are capable of achieving next season.
play2:21Field Yates: Fernando Mendoza can transform the RaidersThe “Get Up” crew weighs in on whether Fernando Mendoza is the right choice for the Raiders with the top pick.
How the Cowboys can learn from both Super Bowl teams (0:59)Todd Archer breaks down how the Cowboys can put together a Super Bowl-winning team. (0:59)
Stephen A.: Vikings not re-signing Sam Darnold is ‘unforgivable’Stephen A. Smith looks back at Minnesota’s decision to not re-sign Sam Darnold, who joined Seattle and led it to Super Bowl LX.
Stephen A. Smith looks back at Minnesota’s decision to not re-sign Sam Darnold, who joined Seattle and led it to Super Bowl LX.
How good will the Giants be next season?The “Get Up” crew evaluates the current state of the Giants and debates what they are capable of achieving next season.
The “Get Up” crew evaluates the current state of the Giants and debates what they are capable of achieving next season.
Field Yates: Fernando Mendoza can transform the RaidersThe “Get Up” crew weighs in on whether Fernando Mendoza is the right choice for the Raiders with the top pick.
The “Get Up” crew weighs in on whether Fernando Mendoza is the right choice for the Raiders with the top pick.
Now that the 2025 NFL season is over, we’re looking ahead at just how much work teams that were left out of the playoffs must do this offseason — and potentially beyond. Which teams need to tear down and regroup? Which should take a new approach to move toward contender status? Which can be in the mix after only a savvy move or two? And which are already trending in the right direction and could contend sooner rather than later?
We tiered the 18 teams that failed to make the playoffs based on their current trajectory, from no-doubt bounce-back squads to full rebuilds. And for each club, we took a closer look at the franchise’s current state — and what needs to be done in the coming months.
We start with three teams that were the toast of the NFL not long ago. Note: Teams are organized alphabetically within each tier, cap space is via Roster Management System, and projected draft picks do not include potential compensatory picks.
Jump to a team: ARI | ATL | BAL | CIN | CLE | DAL DET | IND | KC | LV | MIA | MIN NO | NYG | NYJ | TB | TEN | WSH
The hope for a quick turnaround: The Ravens have a chance in every game with quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry leading their offense. New head coach Jesse Minter should instantly improve a much-maligned defense. Up to four more draft selections are on the way because of the compensatory pick formula.
Why it might take longer than hoped: The offensive line regressed in 2025 and needs retooling. Baltimore needs a classic outside receiver in his prime instead of the older veterans it has signed at the position. The team also lacks an elite pass rusher.
2026 cap space: minus-$23.1 million Top free agent: Al-Quadin Muhammad Projected 2026 draft picks: 8
The hope for a quick turnaround: Detroit still has one of the league’s most talented rosters and should jump right back into contention. The hiring of offensive coordinator Drew Petzing isn’t splashy but will prove vital.
Why it might take longer than hoped: Detroit has committed nearly $1 billion to star players on extensions, and running back Jahmyr Gibbs is the next to be paid. Will that affect roster depth? GM Brad Holmes faces a balancing act, as the Lions need to improve their run defense and add talent to the secondary.
2026 cap space: minus-$61.7 million Top free agents: Jaylen Watson, Bryan Cook Projected 2026 draft picks: 5
Why it might take longer than hoped: A small talent drain is inevitable, especially on defense. Three defensive free agents — Watson, Cook and Leo Chenal — will be tough to re-sign, given Kansas City’s cap situation. Chris Jones turns 32 in July. Travis Kelce turns 37 in October. The offense needs a true field-stretching boundary receiver and running back help.
The hope for a quick turnaround: The offense was humming in 2025, and the core players will return, with the team expected to franchise-tag receiver Pickens. Quarterback Dak Prescott is squarely in his prime under coach Brian Schottenheimer. The defensive line is stocked with talent, and Dallas has two first-round picks with which to address its defense because of the Micah Parsons trade.
Why it might take longer than hoped: Last season’s defensive back seven underperformed, forcing a look in the mirror this offseason. The addition of defensive coordinator Christian Parker will help, but reinforcements are sorely needed. Bringing back Pickens and running back Javonte Williams would be prudent.
The hope for a quick turnaround: The Colts were 8-2 when fully healthy. QB Daniel Jones’ injury devastated the team. Coach Shane Steichen has a track record as an offensive head coach. Indy is stout at the skill positions and offensive line. DeForest Buckner and Sauce Gardner should be healthier this season and boost the defense.
Why it might take longer than hoped: Indy is going on 12 years without a division crown. There’s no guarantee that changes, especially in a much-improved AFC South. The Colts lack a first-round pick because of the Gardner trade, and the defense could lose Nick Cross and Kwity Paye. It seems like the right time to take a swing on a free agent pass rusher. Alec Pierce would be a big loss if he signs elsewhere.
The hope for a quick turnaround: Kevin O’Connell’s 43-27 record through four seasons suggests the Vikings will be in the thick of the NFC North race yet again. The defense is among the league’s most physical and opportunistic. The offense is still full of playmakers, and the offensive line should be healthier.
Why it might take longer than hoped: The quarterback position remaining a huge question entering the fifth season of this regime is concerning. It looks like Minnesota will add a veteran to compete with J.J. McCarthy. Several benched starters have resurrected their careers recently — including Sam Darnold with this franchise — and Minnesota offers a stable environment. But this is the one area holding the team back from major progress. That and an offensive line that couldn’t stay healthy.
Stephen A.: Vikings not re-signing Sam Darnold is ‘unforgivable’
The hope for a quick turnaround: Tampa Bay can score with anybody when healthy. Its receivers room is among the league’s deepest, and the offensive line has a clear identity. Baker Mayfield, 30, has shown he’s a quality NFL starter with whom Tampa Bay can win.
Why it might take longer than hoped: Tampa Bay falls somewhere between contention and the need for a mini rebuild. The Bucs need to address their defense this offseason. The group needs talent improvements at all three levels, most notably pass rusher This would be as good an offseason as any to take some chances to acquire quality defensive players.
The hope for a quick turnaround: Kevin Stefanski’s wide-zone running scheme with Bijan Robinson and a capable offensive line should be dangerous. Atlanta was considered one of the top jobs available this cycle because of its skill-position talent. The defense has continuity under coordinator Jeff Ulbrich and major talent on the back end.
Why it might take longer than hoped: The team doesn’t have a first-round pick because it traded for the right to select James Pearce Jr. in last year’s draft. Pearce’s future with the team is murky after last week’s arrest in Florida on battery charges. The team must prioritize paying star receiver Drake London — and finding him additional playmaking help on the outside. The team also needs at least one more cornerback and more size on the interior defensive line.
The hope for a quick turnaround: Quarterback Tyler Shough showed promise as a starter, providing hope for the future. Wide receiver Chris Olave and left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. are among the young pillars on offense. And the defense overachieved, ranking in the top 10 in several defensive categories. Young players in the secondary are trending well. And, look at that, the team’s cap deficit isn’t pushing $80 million. Progress!
Why it might take longer than hoped: The Saints’ roster has been among the league’s oldest for years. It’s time to get younger. That’s a lengthy process. Moving on from free agent veterans such as Cam Jordan and Davis seems timely, even though they have held up well. The front seven needs at least one more quality player. On offense, the backfield needs fresh legs, as Alvin Kamara turns 31 this summer.
The hope for a quick turnaround: Several head coaches experienced fast success in 2025, and John Harbaugh will try to do the same with a Year 1 turnaround in 2026. The Giants’ roster is reaching respectable levels of talent after a few down years. Quarterback Jaxson Dart is a selling point. The defensive line is among the league’s most talented. And receiver Malik Nabers will return from ACL and meniscus tears.
Why it might take longer than hoped: The Giants must shake their losing culture. New York has won more than six games just once in the past nine seasons. The shift might not happen overnight. The supporting casts on both sides of the ball haven’t been good enough in recent years. That has to change.
The hope for a quick turnaround: Washington is a year removed from competing in the NFC title game. When healthy, Jayden Daniels is a top-10 quarterback who will move the offense into a more respectable range in 2026. GM Adam Peters has cap space to replenish the roster. Injuries plagued Washington more than most teams last season.