NFL
Which teams have improved their roster the most for the 24/25 season?
As NFL teams prepare for the 2024 season, the ultimate goal remains the same for all 32 franchises: to hoist the Lombardi Trophy on Super Bowl Sunday.
The paths all the NFL teams take vary greatly, with some teams positioned as perennial contenders while others embark on the challenging journey of rebuilding. The offseason is a critical period for every team, with hopes of making roster moves that will edge them closer to glory.
While not every team is a Super Bowl contender, several have made considerable moves to become more competitive. Look at some of the most improved teams heading into the 2024 NFL season.
Arizona Cardinals: Building a Foundation for the Future
The Arizona Cardinals had a disappointing 4-13 record in the 2023 season, but their future looks promising despite this. The absence of their starting quarterback, Kyler Murray, for the first nine games contributed to a rough 1-8 start, but the team showed strength by ending the season with a 3-5 record in their final eight games. They nearly managed to even their record with Murray as the starter, but a couple of missed field goals in their last game prevented that.
In preparation for a strong 2024 class, General Manager Monti Ossenfort strategically approached the 2023 draft. Arizona made two significant trades, acquiring extra picks, including a first-rounder from the Houston Texans. With these assets, the Cardinals selected Marvin Harrison Jr. from Ohio State, widely regarded as the best player in the draft. Harrison is expected to have an immediate impact, and anything less than 1,100 receiving yards as a rookie would likely be considered disappointing.
The Cardinals didn’t stop there. They addressed their porous run defense, which allowed the most rushing yards in the NFL in 2023, by drafting Missouri’s Darius Robinson and signing defensive tackles Justin Jones and Bilal Nichols. While these additions may not make Arizona’s defense elite, they should lead to noticeable improvements. Additionally, the Cardinals bolstered their offense by drafting Florida State’s Trey Benson to pair with James Conner in the backfield and signed cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting to strengthen their secondary. Though they’re unlikely to dominate, Arizona is poised to be a tough competitor in the NFC West.
Tennessee Titans: Reinventing for a Fresh Start
The Tennessee Titans have also made drastic improvements following a frustrating 2023 season in which they finished 6-11 and missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year. During the offseason, the team shifted its focus to providing quarterback Will Levis with the necessary tools to succeed after a challenging rookie year.
The Titans have made important changes to their roster by adding veteran wide receivers DeAndre Hopkins and Tyler Boyd. Although there are still concerns about the long-term strength of the receiving corps, these acquisitions will give the quarterback, Levis, reliable targets. Tennessee also bolstered their offensive line by signing Lloyd Cushenberry and drafting Alabama’s JC Latham with the seventh overall pick.
Defensively, the Titans strengthened their line by drafting Texas’ T’Vondre Sweat and trading for cornerback L’Jarius Sneed from the Kansas City Chiefs. Sweat, a massive 360-pound defensive tackle, is expected to complement Jeffrey Simmons, while Sneed brings a playmaking presence to the secondary. While the Titans might not be prepared for a deep playoff run, their offseason moves have positioned them as a seriously improved team.
Chicago Bears: A New Era with Caleb Williams
The Chicago Bears already caused a stir by selecting quarterback Caleb Williams, a highly anticipated prospect. Following a 7-10 season, the Bears demonstrated improvement in 2023, especially on defense, which only allowed 93 points over the final six games. The addition of Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze has significantly raised expectations.
Chicago’s offseason was not limited to the draft. The team also acquired veteran running back DeAndre Swift and safety Kevin Byard, further strengthening their roster. With a promising young quarterback and a strong supporting cast, the Bears are ready to compete for a playoff spot in 2024.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Reloading for Another Run
The Pittsburgh Steelers finished the 2023 season with a 10-7 record, securing a wildcard playoff spot. However, the team faced challenges, especially with quarterback Kenny Pickett, who was traded during the offseason. To address this, Pittsburgh signed veteran Russell Wilson to a one-year deal, aiming to benefit from his experience and leadership.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have undergone considerable improvements in both offense and defense.
They have strategically drafted three promising players to bolster their offensive line, acquired linebacker Patrick Queen, and enlisted the services of versatile playmaker Cordarrelle Patterson.
While the long-term implications of these moves may raise some uncertainties, the Steelers have unmistakably reinforced their position and appear poised to be a more formidable force, like we are used to seeing from the “Steel City” team in 2024.