While the Kansas City Chiefs continue to hold a “full Nelson” on the rest of the AFC West, the other three teams are making offseason moves to improve. How should we grade their free-agency efforts?
Entering his third offseason with the Broncos, head coach Sean Payton has seen his team improve each year. After getting a pleasant surprise from quarterback Bo Nix’s strong play, Denver now needs to address a few gaps as it continues to build.
One of the team’s most underrated signings was with former Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram, who signed a two-year, $23 million contract with the Broncos. While he spent much of last season sidelined with an injury, he was coming off a breakout 2023 campaign where he caught 114 passes, becoming one of quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s go-to targets. In Payton’s offensive scheme, a connection between Nix and Engram could be a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Other notable signings
OL Matt Peart to a two-year contract.
S Talanoa Hufanga to a three-year contract.
LB Dre Greenlaw to a three-year contract.
WR Trent Sherfield to a two-year contract.
It finally seems like the Raiders have turned the page by hiring a competent head coach: former Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll. His first major move was to lock up pass rusher Maxx Crosby — the heart and soul of the defense — with a three-year, $106.5 million extension that secures him through 2029.
Then the Seahawks traded quarterback Geno Smith to the Raiders in exchange for the 92nd overall pick in April’s NFL Draft. This was a smart move for Las Vegas. Already familiar with Carroll’s offense and coaching style, the 34-year-old quarterback was a two-time Pro Bowl selection in Seattle, throwing for 12,961 yards (and 76 touchdowns) during his five seasons there.
Other notable signings
S Jeremy Chinn to a two-year contract.
S Lonnie Johnson Jr. to a one-year contract.
LB Elandon Roberts to a one-year contract.
CB Eric Stokes to a one-year contract.
RB Raheem Mostert to a one-year contract.
DE Malcolm Koonce to a one-year contract.
G Alex Cappa to a two-year contract.
CB Darnay Holmes to a one-year contract.
Heading into his second offseason, Jim Harbaugh’s two major signings have been guard Mekhi Becton and running back Najee Harris.
Originally drafted as a tackle by the New York Jets, Becton struggled in that role. But he found his true calling as a dominant run-blocking guard for running back Saquon Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles. With his massive frame, Becton will be a key asset in protecting Justin Herbert and creating crucial running lanes for Harris.
Through four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Harris surpassed 1,000 rushing yards every year while recording 28 touchdowns. While he has faced criticism from the fantasy football community — which many players and teams tend to ignore — Harris has proven to be a durable, reliable performer, starting every one of Pittsburgh’s games.
Other notable signings
LB Troy Dye to a two-year contract.
WR Jalen Reagor to a one-year contract.
CB Donte Jackson to a two-year contract.
LB Denzel Perryman to a one-year contract.
CB Benjamin St. Juste to a one-year contract.
WR Mike Williams to a one-year contract.
DT Da’Shawn Hand to a one-year contract.
DL Naquan Jones to a contract.
QB Taylor Heinicke to a one-year contract.
LB Del’Shawn Phillips to a one-year contract.
DE Da’Shawn Hand to a one-year contract.
Conclusion
The AFC West might be one of the NFL’s toughest divisions. Still, flashy moves haven’t tended to work out for the division’s other teams. In 2025 — and the seasons to come — it will take a lot to halt Kansas City’s dominance.