Now that the 2022 NFL season is over, we're looking ahead at just how much work each franchise must do this offseason -- and potentially beyond. Which teams need to tear it all 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 arrive near the top of the league sooner rather than later?
To get a better sense of how the league stacks up right now, we tiered all 32 teams based on their current trajectory, from the no-doubt perennial contenders to the 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 get started with the five teams that are on cruise control atop the NFL. (Note: Teams are organized alphabetically within each tier, and cap space is via OverTheCap.)
Jump to tier:
Still major contenders
Need a postseason breakthrough
Headed on the right track
In a comfortable spot -- despite a losing season
Stuck in QB purgatory
Time to reassess the state of the franchise
New coach, new direction?
Major rebuild in the works
STILL MAJOR CONTENDERS
Buffalo Bills (13-3)
Average age of roster: 26.9
Salary-cap space: minus-$16,770,436
Total 2023 draft picks: 7
What's next: This will be a bit of a get-right year for Buffalo, which has spent big in the past few offseasons but now has a cap deficit. Expect general manager Brandon Beane to rely on the core roster in place for the most part, barring a few midtier reinforcement options who might interest the club. Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds is expected to score big elsewhere in free agency, but safety Jordan Poyer, who is 31 and a leader on defense, has a chance to return. Adding additional speed on defense and one more playmaker on offense could be on the agenda.
Cincinnati Bengals (12-4)
Average age of roster: 26.3
Salary-cap space: $35,673,058
Total 2023 draft picks: 7
What's next: Joe Burrow's contract takes precedence. It's tough to give any player more than $50 million per year on a new deal after three years in the league, but Burrow is one of the few exceptions, and the Bengals can try to get a few wins out of this -- a long-term deal that helps them prorate the salary-cap hits. That's not the only contract to address, though.
Wide receiver Tee Higgins, a 2024 free agent, is a name to watch. The Bengals aren't eager to trade ascending young talents in the absence of a new contract (see: Jessie Bates), but this one could get tricky because they have to pay Ja'Marr Chase eventually and know they have to pay Burrow. Is there enough room to compensate a player in Higgins who, despite No. 2 receiver status in Cincinnati, is a No. 1 talent? And don't forget about another 2024 free agent, Logan Wilson, a stellar linebacker. It will be fascinating to see how much owner Mike Brown is willing to spend to sustain a winning core.
Kansas City Chiefs (14-3)
Average age of roster: 26
Salary-cap space: $7,012,266
Total 2023 draft picks: 10
What's next: The Chiefs' roster is in a healthy place, perhaps more so than their past teams that made the Super Bowl with Patrick Mahomes at quarterback. They have draft picks contributing and have lessened the number of bloated contracts on the books. A repeat feels very much on the table.
On the agenda is addressing cap hits of pass-rusher Frank Clark ($28.7 million) and defensive tackle Chris Jones ($28.3 million). The latter could land a massive contract extension before 2024 free agency. The Chiefs also have interest in re-signing wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster. The expectation among many inside the league is that Kansas City will place the franchise tag on left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. for the second consecutive year.
Philadelphia Eagles (14-3)
Average age of roster: 27.2
Salary-cap space: $8,080,176
Total 2023 draft picks: 6
What's next: This will be a fascinating offseason for general manager Howie Roseman, who is tasked with gauging a proper market for a star quarterback a year away from free agency (Jalen Hurts). Roseman's decision on Hurts will echo through the locker room. The Eagles have eight starting-caliber free agents on defense, and this team might look far different, knowing it can't pay everyone.
Javon Hargrave could price himself out of Philadelphia, and Fletcher Cox is 32 years old, which means it might be Jordan Davis' time up front at defensive tackle. With many offensive staples still under contract, Roseman could look to use his two first-round picks on a corner and/or an edge rusher.
San Francisco 49ers (13-4)
Average age of roster: 27.2
Salary-cap space: $8,063,016
Total 2023 draft picks: 6
What's next: The offseason starts and ends with the quarterback question for San Francisco. Will it be Brock Purdy, Trey Lance or an outside option? Some league execs say San Francisco should hold a camp battle between Purdy and Lance, knowing their trade values could go up for contingencies. But the sense as of now is the 49ers don't want to give up on Lance just yet.
Meanwhile, the rest of the roster is fully stocked. The 49ers likely will need to replace free agent right tackle Mike McGlinchey. They could restructure the hefty contracts of Trent Williams ($27.2 million cap), Arik Armstead ($23.9 million) and others to create space to sign free agents, but this roster already is among the league's elite.
NEED A POSTSEASON BREAKTHROUGH
Dallas Cowboys (12-5)
Average age of roster: 26.7
Salary-cap space: minus-$7,008,743
Total 2023 draft picks: 6
What's next: The Cowboys need to solidify the No. 2 receiver spot, which is crucial for quarterback Dak Prescott to have a bounce-back season. CeeDee Lamb needs help, and Michael Gallup -- who was recovering from a torn ACL -- wasn't quite himself, so perhaps he'll return to form. Is Odell Beckham Jr. that complementary option?
A depleted Cowboys offensive line needs youthful reinforcements, even if just for depth. And in the short term, Dallas must decide whether to franchise-tag running back Tony Pollard, who rushed for 1,007 yards and scored 12 total touchdowns in 2022. I suspect it will; he's too valuable to its offense. It might be tough to retain tight end Dalton Schultz if that's the case, though. He'd have a strong market in free agency.
Minnesota Vikings (13-4)
Average age of roster: 26.4
Salary-cap space: minus-$23,295,007
Total 2023 draft picks: 4
What's next: Improving the secondary is a key task for Minnesota, which must replace cornerback Patrick Peterson and plan for life without 34-year-old safety Harrison Smith. Getting back injured rookies -- safety Lewis Cine and corner Andrew Booth Jr. -- will be crucial. The Vikings allowed 66.1% of passes to be completed, 24th in the NFL.
New defensive coordinator Brian Flores has plenty of firepower up front with Za'Darius Smith, Danielle Hunter and Dalvin Tomlinson. And the offense has its core in place but must shake out the future of running back Dalvin Cook, who has a $14.1 million cap hit vs. $6.2 million in dead money. He just rushed for more than 1,000 yards for a fourth straight season.
HEADED ON THE RIGHT TRACK
Baltimore Ravens (10-7)
Average age of roster: 27.2
Salary-cap space: $26,108,480
Total 2023 draft picks: 5
What's next: The passing game looms large in the Ravens' offseason. Baltimore has yet to hire an offensive coordinator, which could have a ripple effect on its plans for quarterback Lamar Jackson. It likely will place the franchise tag on Jackson. What happens after that builds intrigue. The Ravens are saying the right things about keeping him, but they must decide whether they will match his desire to earn record guaranteed money -- or attempt to trade him.
With receivers Rashod Bateman and Devin Duvernay recovering from injuries, the Ravens would be wise to comb free agency for a reliable downfield target for Jackson, too.
Detroit Lions (9-8)
Average age of roster: 25.8
Salary-cap space: $13,915,951
Total 2023 draft picks: 8
What's next: The Lions' offense is predicated on a stout offensive line, and decisions must be made there. Guard Evan Brown is a free agent they could try to re-sign, and 2024 free agent Jonah Jackson is ascending. Tailback Jamaal Williams, also a free agent, is a leader in this locker room and should be considered to re-sign.
This offseason, Detroit should also spend time getting wideout Jameson Williams up to speed with quarterback Jared Goff so he's more of a focal point in the offense. And the defense needs a marquee player or two to get over the top, perhaps an interior pass-rusher via free agency.
Jacksonville Jaguars (9-8)
Average age of roster: 26.3
Salary-cap space: minus-$22,893,686
Total 2023 draft picks: 9
What's next: Jacksonville is built for sustained success, with quarterback Trevor Lawrence in the middle of a rookie contract and plenty of key players under contract. The Jaguars must now decide whether they are comfortable paying free agent right tackle Jawaan Taylor, who should have a strong market.
They have cap issues that they can sort out through contract restructures. The Jaguars lost multiple defensive linemen to free agency and will replenish there, possibly through the draft. And re-signing tight end Evan Engram will be a priority. He has revived his career in Jacksonville, catching 73 passes in 2022.
Los Angeles Chargers (10-7)
Average age of roster: 26.4
Salary-cap space: minus-$20,511,524
Total 2023 draft picks: 7
What's next: The Chargers spent big last offseason and now must make some financial considerations. Pass-rushers Joey Bosa ($31 million) and Khalil Mack ($27.4 million) have massive cap hits that could be reworked. The future of wideout Keenan Allen ($21 million) appears to be one to watch, although it's hard to imagine Los Angeles wanting to part with him. And tight end Gerald Everett ($8.25 million) is in the final year of his deal.
Simply put, the Chargers need more space to operate, especially if they pursue a contract extension with quarterback Justin Herbert -- which makes sense for them.
Miami Dolphins (9-8)
Average age of roster: 27.4
Salary-cap space: minus-$16,377,201
Total 2023 draft picks: 5
What's next: If we're taking the Dolphins at their word, Tua Tagovailoa is the unquestioned starting quarterback in 2023. That makes the first objective of the offseason a simple yet relatively helpless one: Hope he stays healthy. Many league execs say they would not exercise Tagovailoa's fifth-year option because of the health concerns (not his play), but Miami has backed him at every step. Tagovailoa finished third in QBR last season (68.8) but was limited to 13 games and missed the Dolphins' playoff appearance.
Don't be surprised if the Dolphins move on from corner Byron Jones, who didn't play last season and has an $18.4 million cap hit. That accentuates the need for another good corner, a crucial component in the Vic Fangio defense.
New York Giants (9-7-1)
Average age of roster: 25.9
Salary-cap space: $47,863,739
Total 2023 draft picks: 9
What's next: Massive decisions face the Giants' front office over the next month. The team can use the franchise tag on quarterback Daniel Jones for $32.4 million for next season, serving as a placeholder to a long-term deal. Meanwhile, the team seems dedicated to re-signing Saquon Barkley. The low franchise tag for running backs ($10.1 million) could be insulting to Barkley, considering his top-tier status. A long-term deal in the range of $12 million to $14 million seems more plausible.
Then there's defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, a 2024 free agent ready for an extension, and safety Julian Love, who hits free agency in March. New York would like to keep its core intact but also won't spend overzealously, knowing it needs upgrades through the draft and a midpriced free agency.
Pittsburgh Steelers (9-8)
Average age of roster: 27.1
Salary-cap space: $1,032,747
Total 2023 draft picks: 6
What's next: The Steelers will look to make a major jump in Year 2 with quarterback Kenny Pickett, who showed promise late in the season and will have plenty of playmakers. Pittsburgh could look to add a corner in free agency or the draft. Cameron Sutton is an option to return but might have priced himself out. Free agent James Bradberry would be a good fit. Or the Steelers could get wild and target Ravens nemesis Marcus Peters.
Losing inside linebackers Devin Bush and Robert Spillane leaves a void up the middle, and we should watch for draft movement there. Lastly, the Steelers must decide on the future of quarterback Mitch Trubisky, who is due $8 million -- a little steep for their typical backup plans.
Seattle Seahawks (9-8)
Average age of roster: 27
Salary-cap space: $31,042,644
Total 2023 draft picks: 10
What's next: The Seahawks appear ready to extend quarterback Geno Smith's contract, so that's the first order of business. Don't be surprised if they bring back Drew Lock, too -- they were very pleased with him behind the scenes. With major draft capital, including two first-round picks, Seattle can replenish its front seven defensively. It wants to get stronger up front. Interior offensive line will be an area to upgrade, as well.
IN A COMFORTABLE SPOT -- DESPITE A LOSING SEASON
Cleveland Browns (7-10)
Average age of roster: 25.8
Salary-cap space: minus-$13,534,606
Total 2023 draft picks: 8
What's next: Without a first-round pick in April's draft, the Browns will have a few needs to address in free agency. The secondary had too many breakdowns early in the season, and free agent Jessie Bates, though likely to sign an expensive contract, would help shore up those issues. The Browns also need defensive line help and an additional receiver.
More important than any addition is improving quarterback Deshaun Watson, who played below his standards in 2022 after a near-two-year absence from the game. Cleveland is hoping a full, focused offseason with the franchise will help Watson recover his top-tier form. He must do so, considering his contract's cap hits of $55 million over the next four years.
Green Bay Packers (8-9)
Average age of roster: 26.2
Salary-cap space: minus-$16,481,743
Total 2023 draft picks: 10
What's next: If it's time for quarterback Jordan Love to take over, the Packers need to do everything possible to guide him. Replacing free agent wideout Allen Lazard and tight end Robert Tonyan with speedy targets to play alongside receivers Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs would go a long way. The Packers also have a tough decision with offensive tackle David Bakhtiari, who is 31. He has missed 22 games over the past two seasons and is due a $9.5 million roster bonus March 19.
On defense, Green Bay should consider re-signing safety Adrian Amos, the ultimate glue guy to the secondary.
STUCK IN QB PURGATORY
Atlanta Falcons (7-10)
Average age of roster: 26.5
Salary-cap space: $56,575,855
Total 2023 draft picks: 8
What's next: The Falcons need to determine whether they are confident in Desmond Ridder -- who threw two touchdown passes and completed 63.5% of his throws over four games -- as QB1. The rookie third-round pick showed promise last season, but with the resources and flexibility for the first time in the Terry Fontenot-Arthur Smith regime, is it time to swing big on a quarterback?
With plenty of cap space, re-signing guard Chris Lindstrom should happen, and the Falcons can bolster the front seven defensively, which will aid new coordinator Ryan Nielsen.
Las Vegas Raiders (6-11)
Average age of roster: 26.7
Salary-cap space: $19,139,838
Total 2023 draft picks: 11
What's next: Once Derek Carr is off the books, the Raiders can get to work on adding a new quarterback. They know they have free agent Jarrett Stidham as a fall-back option after he acquitted himself well late last season. But the Raiders will likely exhaust all options, from veteran acquisitions to using the No. 7 pick on a top passer in the draft.
There are rumblings that Las Vegas will reset parts of its roster in the mold of coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler. It wouldn't surprise if the Raiders trade or release a few veterans as a result.
New Orleans Saints (7-10)
Average age of roster: 27.7
Salary-cap space: minus-$59,868,319
Total 2023 draft picks: 8
What's next: Like nearly half the league, the Saints must crystallize their quarterback picture. They are pursuing Derek Carr, and if he signs in New Orleans, they likely will negotiate a release of quarterback Jameis Winston. Finding dynamic receiver Chris Olave -- who had 1,042 receiving yards in his rookie year -- a running mate would also be ideal.
On defense, New Orleans can start planning for life after highly productive but aging starters, such as edge rusher Cameron Jordan and linebacker Demario Davis. And it seems as if the team could let free agent pass-rusher Marcus Davenport walk.
New York Jets (7-10)
Average age of roster: 26.7
Salary-cap space: minus-$264,498
Total 2023 draft picks: 6
What's next: The path seems clear-cut. The Jets must acquire a veteran QB who can put an emerging roster over the top. That conversation starts with Aaron Rodgers, followed by Derek Carr and the rest of the field. The Jets also need to replenish the offensive line. Tackle is an issue with George Fant hitting free agency and Mekhi Becton recovering from injury. The Jets likely won't pick up Becton's fifth-year option but are hoping he can start for them in 2023.
They can save $15 million in cap space by releasing defensive end Carl Lawson, too. Perhaps the team can swing a reworked contract on a reduced salary.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9)
Average age of roster: 27.4
Salary-cap space: minus-$55,031,921
Total 2023 draft picks: 7
What's next: With the three-year Tom Brady window now closed, the Bucs could take calculated risks in efforts to remain a contender. Answers at quarterback are not clear-cut, but they could inquire about Derek Carr, Aaron Rodgers and others -- or roll with Kyle Trask, a second-round pick in 2021. The sense I get from Tampa Bay players is that Trask is the favorite as of now.
The team might not want to break up the nucleus, but cap hits for wideout Mike Evans ($23.7 million), pass-rusher Shaquil Barrett ($21.2 million) and offensive tackle Donovan Smith ($17.9 million) will need to be addressed somehow. A tough decision looms on linebacker Devin White, a supreme talent who had an uneven year and is a free agent in 2024. Do the Bucs want to extend his contract now?
Washington Commanders (8-8-1)
Average age of roster: 26.1
Salary-cap space: $8,352,246
Total 2023 draft picks: 8
What's next: In what feels like a must-win season for coach Ron Rivera, the Commanders need to support Sam Howell, who enters offseason workouts as their No. 1 quarterback. Look for Washington to identify offensive line upgrades in the draft or free agency. Right tackle Jawaan Taylor and guard Dalton Risner could be good fits.
The Commanders can't spend too aggressively because they have core defensive players to keep. Defensive tackle Daron Payne played well enough that the franchise tag is a viable option. Pass-rusher Montez Sweat is a year from free agency, and they must decide on Chase Young's fifth-year option ($17.5 million).
TIME TO REASSESS THE STATE OF THE FRANCHISE
Los Angeles Rams (5-12)
Average age of roster: 26.2
Salary-cap space: minus-$14,122,570
Total 2023 draft picks: 10
What's next: L.A. seems destined for a mini reset to recoup resources, and it must decide which marquee players it's comfortable letting go this offseason. Teams I've talked to wonder if the Rams will part with cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who has a $25.2 million cap hit. And rebuilding a sagging offensive line will go a long way to helping coach Sean McVay regain his mojo on offense.
The offense targets Cooper Kupp nearly 11 times per game, which is fairly common for a top receiver, but Los Angeles must decide whether it wants to expand the roles of other pass-catchers, such as Allen Robinson II, who is set to make a full recovery from foot surgery.
New England Patriots (8-9)
Average age of roster: 27.2
Salary-cap space: $33,958,947
Total 2023 draft picks: 11
What's next: The hiring of Bill O'Brien as offensive coordinator helps the Patriots get back to their roots with quarterback Mac Jones, who had success as a rookie but struggled at times without a true offensive coordinator. He finished No. 28 in QBR (36.1) and threw 14 touchdown passes to 11 interceptions.
Elsewhere, guard Michael Onwenu is a good young lineman who is a year from free agency, and the Patriots could try to keep him. And the secondary needs an update or two. Safety Devin McCourty is 35 years old and corner Jonathan Jones is a free agent.
Tennessee Titans (7-10)
Average age of roster: 26.7
Salary-cap space: minus-$21,353,634
Total 2023 draft picks: 6
What's next: After playoff runs that bordered on overachievement, the Titans cracked at the seams in 2022, leaving a roster with several holes. Acquiring offensive line help through free agency or the draft (or both) will be crucial. Tennessee will likely move on from tackle Taylor Lewan ($14.8 million cap hit), and guard Nate Davis will be a marquee free agent who's tough to keep.
The Titans could escape the contract of quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who has a $36.6 million cap hit vs. $18.8 million in dead money. But coach Mike Vrabel sounds like he wants to keep Tannehill based on recent public comments. Extending Jeffery Simmons, a premier defensive tackle, will likely be a priority. And pass-rusher Denico Autry, a 2024 free agent, is also a core player.
NEW COACH, NEW DIRECTION?
Arizona Cardinals (4-13)
Average age of roster: 26.3
Salary-cap space: $14,604,205
Total 2023 draft picks: 8
What's next: The Cardinals need to make defensive upgrades in a hurry. Arizona has $58 million in cap space dedicated to the defense, or about 25% of the overall cap. Talent deficiency must be addressed via free agency and the draft, and having the No. 3 overall pick to add a defender (Alabama's Will Anderson Jr.?) would be a big step forward. Arizona was 22nd in yards allowed per play last season (5.5).
In addition, the offensive line was uneven the entire season, so adding an interior presence is a priority.
Carolina Panthers (7-10)
Average age of roster: 26.5
Salary-cap space: minus-$7,743,950
Total 2023 draft picks: 7
What's next: If Carolina feels conviction about one of the top passers in April's draft, it should aggressively pursue one. Only Houston had a lower QBR in 2022 than Carolina (27.6), and Matt Corral and Jacob Eason are the only quarterbacks on the roster at the moment. That's the pressing issue for this offseason, save maybe tight end and a few offensive line adds.
On defense, extending edge rusher Brian Burns, a 2024 free agent, will be costly but worth it. The Panthers could use another starting-caliber defensive back and a linebacker, too. Free agent Alex Singleton, who was with new coordinator Ejiro Evero in Denver, would be a nice fit.
Denver Broncos (5-12)
Average age of roster: 26.6
Salary-cap space: $9,387,224
Total 2023 draft picks: 6
What's next: It's time to take Russell Wilson to the Sean Payton culinary football school, where he can relearn the basics of cooking. Wilson's career needs a reset after massive struggles in 2022; his 37.0 QBR ranked 27th in the NFL. Watch for Payton to use play-action and design manageable throws for Wilson to get his confidence back up. His receiving core should stay relatively intact, which helps with continuity.
On the other side, free agent defensive end Dre'Mont Jones might price himself out of Denver, leaving a massive hole up front. He's one of Denver's 23 free agents. This team will look a lot different next season.
Indianapolis Colts (4-12-1)
Average age of roster: 26.3
Salary-cap space: $12,440,976
Total 2023 draft picks: 7
What's next: It seems like general manager Chris Ballard, for the first time in his six-year tenure, could swing on a quarterback atop the draft. His Colts sit at No. 4 overall, so there is no better time. The Colts face tough decisions on wideout Michael Pittman and running back Jonathan Taylor, 2024 free agents who aren't coming off big years (though, to be fair, they got zero help from the offense). The maligned offensive line probably needs a new guard, too.
The defense is set up to be pretty good but needs linebacker Shaquille Leonard back healthy. And re-signing linebacker Bobby Okereke might be a prudent move.
MAJOR REBUILD IN THE WORKS
Chicago Bears (3-14)
Average age of roster: 26.3
Salary-cap space: $94,434,449
Total 2023 draft picks: 8
What's next: Addressing the front of the defense will be a major priority for general manager Ryan Pace. This free agency class is loaded with high-end options, such as Daron Payne and Javon Hargrave, and the Bears have plenty of money to spend on several players. Armed with the No. 1 overall pick in April's draft, Chicago has the chance to trade back and still get a blue-chip defensive talent, a move many evaluators believe Chicago will execute. Then, it's time to build around quarterback Justin Fields with more playmaking and protection help.
Houston Texans (3-13-1)
Average age of roster: 27.1
Salary-cap space: $37,612,053
Total 2023 draft picks: 12
What's next: Houston is the fifth team set to have a new coach, and it is set up for a nice rebuild under general manager Nick Caserio and coach DeMeco Ryans. It can use the No. 2 overall pick in April's draft on a top quarterback, but it also owns the No. 12 pick, which it could use on a playmaker for said quarterback. Houston must address the future of wideout Brandin Cooks, who wants out but comes with a $26.5 million cap hit and $18 million in guaranteed salary.
The Texans still need help in a lot of areas, so those draft picks will be put to good use. Last season, they were No. 31 in offensive EPA and No. 20 in defensive EPA.