The 2026 NFL offseason is already delivering major storylines as teams prepare for the start of free agency and the new league year. Several big trades, franchise-tag decisions, and roster moves are shaping the early landscape, with clear winners and losers emerging before free agency officially begins.
Winners and Losers from the First Week of the 2026 NFL Offseason
With blockbuster deals and major roster decisions already happening, the early stages of the offseason are giving insight into which teams and players are positioned to benefit—and who could face challenges moving forward.
Winner: Baltimore Ravens Head Coach Jesse Minter
The Baltimore Ravens made one of the most aggressive moves of the offseason by acquiring star pass rusher Maxx Crosby.
While the trade reportedly came at a significant cost, it provides new head coach Jesse Minter with the type of defensive weapon his scheme requires.
Last season, Baltimore struggled to generate pressure, ranking near the bottom of the league in pass-rush win rate and pressure rate. Crosby instantly upgrades the front seven and gives Minter a dominant edge defender capable of disrupting offenses.
With Crosby rushing the quarterback, linebacker Roquan Smith controlling the middle, and safety Kyle Hamilton anchoring the secondary, Baltimore now has impact players at every level of its defense.
Loser: The 2026 NFL Draft Running Back Class
Outside of Jeremiyah Love, the 2026 NFL Draft running back class is not receiving much enthusiasm from NFL teams.
Love is widely viewed as one of the top prospects in the entire draft, but many of the other running backs expected to declare are not drawing the same level of interest.
Teams are instead focusing on veteran running backs available through free agency or potential contract extensions.
Projected deals for players like Kenneth Walker and Travis Etienne—along with interest in Rachaad White, Tyler Allgeier, Kenneth Gainwell, and Rico Dowdle—suggest that teams may prefer experienced backs rather than drafting from this year’s class.
Because of this, analysts believe only a handful of running backs may be selected in the early rounds of the draft.
Winner: Fernando Mendoza and the Las Vegas Raiders
Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza appears to be in a strong position as the Las Vegas Raiders build their roster around him.
Although the Raiders did not select Mendoza with the first overall pick, recent developments suggest the team is working to strengthen the roster around their young quarterback.
One key opportunity could involve pursuing Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum if he becomes available in free agency. Several potential competitors for Linderbaum have already filled their center positions, potentially giving Las Vegas an advantage.
The Raiders also have roughly $120 million in salary cap space, giving them significant financial flexibility to pursue additional talent, including wide receiver Rashid Shaheed.
The team is also expected to sign a veteran quarterback to compete with or mentor Mendoza during training camp.
Loser: Cincinnati Bengals Quarterback Joe Burrow
The Cincinnati Bengals’ offseason decisions could make life more difficult for quarterback Joe Burrow.
The team declined to place the franchise tag on defensive star Trey Hendrickson, allowing him to enter free agency.
If Hendrickson departs, Cincinnati may struggle to replace his production on defense.
At the same time, Burrow faces one of the toughest defensive divisions in the NFL. With Maxx Crosby now potentially appearing on the Bengals’ schedule along with pass rushers Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt, Burrow could face relentless pressure throughout the season.
Analysts believe the situation could lead to Burrow taking a large number of sacks unless Cincinnati significantly upgrades its offensive line.
Winner: Indianapolis Colts Receiver Alec Pierce
Wide receiver Alec Pierce has seen his value rise significantly during the early days of the offseason.
After several wide receivers were franchise-tagged, Pierce suddenly became one of the most attractive offensive weapons available in free agency.
Multiple teams—including the Tennessee Titans, San Francisco 49ers, New England Patriots, and Las Vegas Raiders—are reportedly interested in signing him.
Earlier projections suggested Pierce could command around $20–25 million per year, but with strong demand and a limited free-agent market, he may now reach $30 million annually.
Such a deal would dramatically increase his career earnings after four seasons in the NFL.
Loser: Daniel Jones
Quarterback Daniel Jones may face a more limited market than expected.
Although Jones is recovering from a torn Achilles and still has guaranteed money, he did not receive a long-term deal from the Indianapolis Colts.
The team also declined to place the franchise tag on him, which would have guaranteed a higher salary.
While Jones technically remains a free agent, there are several quarterbacks available this offseason and relatively few teams willing to make major financial commitments.
Because of this, Jones may ultimately sign a one-year deal to prove he is fully recovered before pursuing a longer contract.
Winner: Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings entered the offseason facing significant salary cap challenges and uncertainty at quarterback.
However, a surprising development may solve one of those problems.
The Arizona Cardinals recently announced they would release quarterback Kyler Murray, leaving Arizona responsible for much of his 2026 salary.
This creates an opportunity for the Vikings to potentially sign Murray at a very low cost.
If Minnesota adds Murray, head coach Kevin O’Connell could have an experienced starting quarterback competing with young signal-caller J.J. McCarthy.
Landing a proven quarterback on a low-cost contract would be a major win for the Vikings as they attempt to stay competitive while managing salary cap limitations.
