NFL Free Agency is one of the most exciting and chaotic periods in the football calendar. Every year, teams scramble to improve their rosters, making high-profile signings, restructuring deals, and navigating the fine balance between cap space and talent acquisition. But while the big names dominate the headlines — think blockbuster trades, jaw-dropping contracts, and surprise moves — it’s the overall strategy of each team that determines whether they come out as winners or losers.

This year’s NFL Free Agency period saw its fair share of shocking moves, savvy deals, and downright head-scratching decisions. Let’s take a closer look at the REAL winners and losers — the teams that made moves that will pay off in the long run and those whose decisions may come back to haunt them.

The REAL Winners of NFL Free Agency

Chicago Bears: A New Era Begins

Let’s start with the most obvious winners: the Chicago Bears. After a disastrous 2022 season, the Bears knew that free agency would be crucial to revamping their roster, especially with Justin Fields at quarterback. And boy, did they deliver.

DJ Moore Trade: The Bears’ biggest move was trading for DJ Moore from the Carolina Panthers, adding a true WR1 to Fields’ arsenal. This not only gives Fields a top-tier target but also opens up the offense in ways we haven’t seen in Chicago for a while. Moore brings speed, route-running precision, and playmaking ability — exactly what Fields needs to thrive.

Rebuilding the Offensive Line: The Bears also made key signings to bolster their offensive line, bringing in Nate Davis and Darnell Wright through the draft. A solid O-line is essential for Fields’ development, and Chicago knows it. These moves show they’re committed to making Fields a success.

Defensive Upgrades: On the other side of the ball, the Bears added a few notable pieces to improve their defense, including linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and safety TJ Edwards. These additions solidify a defensive unit that had been lacking playmakers.

The Bears may not be championship contenders just yet, but they have certainly set themselves up for future success. This year’s free agency could mark the beginning of a new era in Chicago, with a revamped roster and more support for their young QB.

New York Jets: All In for Aaron Rodgers

The New York Jets are in win-now mode, and their aggressive moves this offseason make it clear that they’re fully committed to contending for a Super Bowl.

Aaron Rodgers: The Jets’ trade for Aaron Rodgers from Green Bay was the most talked-about move of the offseason. While Rodgers is nearing the end of his career, he’s still one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league, and his presence elevates the entire team. The Jets’ already-stellar defense, combined with Rodgers’ experience and skill, could make them a legitimate playoff contender.

Playmaker Additions: The Jets also added depth to their offensive weapons, with the signing of Allen Lazard (Rodgers’ former receiver) and Mecole Hardman to give Rodgers some familiar faces. The young, explosive Garrett Wilson will also be a top target for Rodgers, and with a solid running game, the Jets’ offense is looking much more potent.

For a franchise that has struggled for years, this is the move that might put them back in contention. The Jets have a solid foundation — but it’s the addition of Rodgers that could be the game-changer.

Miami Dolphins: Adding Speed and Stability

The Miami Dolphins had a big offseason, and while many were focused on the potential for Tua Tagovailoa’s health, Miami was quietly making moves to ensure they had everything they needed to make a serious run.

Jalen Ramsey Trade: Trading for Jalen Ramsey is one of the most underrated moves of the offseason. Miami’s defense was already good, but adding Ramsey — one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL — makes them one of the most complete units in the league. The ability to lock down opposing wideouts with Xavien Howard and Ramsey gives the Dolphins a deadly secondary.

Offensive Weapons: The Dolphins continued to invest in their offense, signing running back David Montgomery to give Tua more balance in the backfield and solidifying their offensive line. Their speed on offense, led by Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, remains one of the most electrifying units in the NFL.

If Tua stays healthy, the Dolphins could be a force to be reckoned with in the AFC, and their moves this offseason have only increased their chances of making a deep playoff run.

The REAL Losers of NFL Free Agency

Baltimore Ravens: A Missed Opportunity

The Baltimore Ravens are a team in limbo. While they have a franchise quarterback in Lamar Jackson, they’ve failed to surround him with the type of offensive talent that could elevate the team to championship levels. And unfortunately, the Ravens’ moves this offseason didn’t do much to change that.

Lamar Jackson Drama: The ongoing saga surrounding Lamar’s contract situation has overshadowed the Ravens’ offseason. Instead of focusing on building the team around Lamar, they were caught in a protracted contract negotiation that has left uncertainty hanging over the franchise. As of now, they haven’t done enough to keep Jackson happy or give him the weapons he needs to succeed.

Wide Receiver Woes: The Ravens signed Odell Beckham Jr., which was seen as a high-risk, high-reward move. While Beckham could provide some help, he’s coming off a major injury, and it’s unclear how much he can contribute. Aside from that, the Ravens failed to make a significant upgrade at wide receiver, which has been one of their biggest needs for years.

No Big Moves to Address Defense: While the Ravens always have a solid defense, they didn’t make any major moves to improve the unit this offseason. This might not be a glaring issue right now, but it could catch up to them when facing more explosive offenses in the playoffs.

For a team with a Super Bowl-caliber quarterback in Lamar Jackson, the Ravens’ lack of bold moves this offseason is a serious misstep. The pressure is mounting for the Ravens to make the right moves and take advantage of Lamar’s talents before his prime is over.

Dallas Cowboys: Missed Opportunities

The Dallas Cowboys had a solid offseason on paper, but it’s the moves they didn’t make that have left many questioning their strategy.

Lack of WR Help for Dak Prescott: While the Cowboys signed Brandin Cooks to help bolster the receiving corps, it’s hard to ignore that they passed on multiple opportunities to land a true WR1. While Cooks is a solid receiver, he’s not the game-changer the Cowboys need to make a deep playoff run. The Cowboys’ offense remains reliant on CeeDee Lamb as their primary weapon, which makes them a bit one-dimensional.

Tony Pollard and the Running Game: After Ezekiel Elliott’s departure, Tony Pollard is now the focal point of the running game. However, the Cowboys didn’t add any significant depth behind him, leaving them vulnerable if Pollard gets injured or struggles.

Defensive Inconsistencies: The Cowboys defense is still strong, but their free-agent signings didn’t do much to address the few weaknesses that remain. The loss of veteran DeMarcus Lawrence to injury also raises concerns about their pass rush depth.

While the Cowboys are always competitive, they seem to be missing that extra push to truly contend. The lack of bold moves and upgrades, particularly on offense, leaves questions about whether they can take that next step.

Los Angeles Rams: A Fading Dynasty

The Los Angeles Rams won the Super Bowl just a couple of years ago, but now it seems like they’re in full-blown rebuild mode. After trading away draft picks and making big-money deals for high-profile stars, the Rams are now facing the consequences.

Salary Cap Struggles: The Rams’ salary cap is a mess, and they’ve been forced to let go of key players, including Bobby Wagner and Jalen Ramsey. These losses severely weaken an already aging roster, and it’s unclear how they’ll remain competitive without the same firepower they had during their Super Bowl run.

Limited Impact in Free Agency: The Rams didn’t make any major splashes in free agency, leaving the roster looking thin in certain areas. Their focus on rebuilding through the draft is a smart long-term strategy, but it leaves them vulnerable in the short term.

Matt Stafford’s Uncertainty: With Matt Stafford aging and recovering from injuries, the Rams are left in an uncertain position at quarterback. If Stafford’s health continues to be an issue, the Rams could quickly find themselves out of the playoff picture for the foreseeable future.

The Rams’ Super Bowl window appears to have closed, and their moves this offseason only confirmed that they’re in a rebuilding phase. It’s a stark contrast to where they were just a couple of years ago.

Conclusion: Winners and Losers

NFL Free Agency is a time for teams to reshape their futures, and this year’s moves have revealed a lot about which organizations are truly committed to building long-term success. The Chicago Bears, New York Jets, and Miami Dolphins stand out as clear winners, making bold, strategic moves that should pay off in the near future. On the other hand, the Baltimore Ravens, Dallas Cowboys, and *Los Angeles Rams