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The 7 Offseason Moves That Could Actually Change the 2026 NFL Season

The NFL offseason is a little like the early episodes of a prestige drama. The big action hasn’t happened yet, but the decisions being made now quietly shape everything that follows. A trade here, a cap casualty there, a contract extension that keeps a star in town, these moves often end up defining the following season more than any single Sunday.


Here are seven offseason moves that could have ripple effects across the entire 2026 season.


1. Philadelphia Eagles Lock Up Jordan Davis

The Eagles' extension of Jordan Davis might not have the splash of a superstar quarterback deal, but it could be one of the most important contracts of the offseason.

Jordan Davis for the Eagles
Courtesy of LAPRESSE | The Eagles make Jordan Davis the highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL

Philadelphia’s defense is built from the inside out. Davis has become a dominant interior presence, clogging run lanes, collapsing pockets, and freeing edge rushers to do damage.


The extension signals two things:

  • The Eagles believe their defensive identity starts with him• They’re doubling down on controlling the line of scrimmage


In a conference full of elite quarterbacks, pressure up the middle remains one of the few equalizers.


2. Chicago Bears Trade for Garrett Bradbury

Offensive line moves rarely dominate headlines, but they often determine whether an offense functions smoothly or falls apart.

Garrett Bradbury is heading back to the NFC North
Courtesy of Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Garrett Bradbury is heading back to the NFC North

When the Bears acquired Bradbury after the retirement of Drew Dalman, they addressed one of the most important roles on the field: center.


The center:

  • Calls protections

  • Sets blocking assignments

  • Anchors the pocket


A steady veteran like Bradbury can stabilize an entire offense. If Chicago takes a step forward in 2026, this quiet trade could be one of the reasons why.


3. Kansas City Chiefs Preparing to Move On From Jawaan Taylor

Sometimes the biggest move is subtraction.

Chiefs release Jawaan Taylor, saving $20M under the salary cap
Courtesy of Rocky Mountain News | Chiefs release Jawaan Taylor, saving $20M under the salary cap

The Chiefs potentially releasing Jawaan Taylor would free major cap space, giving Kansas City flexibility to rebuild around franchise quarterback Patrick Mahomes.


This isn’t just about one player, it’s about financial reset.


Cap space allows teams to:

  • Attack free agency

  • Retain key veterans

  • Reshape the roster

And when Mahomes is involved, even small roster improvements can turn into massive results.


4. Green Bay Packers Acquire Zaire Franklin

Green Bay’s trade with the Indianapolis Colts for linebacker Zaire Franklin could quietly reshape their defense.

Linebacker Zaire Franklin
Courtesy of Michael Hickey/Getty Images | Linebacker Zaire Franklin

Franklin has been one of the league’s most productive linebackers, bringing leadership and consistency to the middle of the field.


The move suggests the Packers are emphasizing:

  • Defensive communication

  • Tackling efficiency

  • Leadership in the front seven


For a young team trying to contend again in the NFC, those things matter more than splashy stats.


5. Houston Texans Re-Sign E. J. Speed

Not every important offseason move involves a new player.

Texans agree to a agreed to a two-year, $13 million deal with $7.5 million guaranteed with linebacker E.J. Speed
Courtesy of Thomas Shea-Imagn Images | Texans agree to a agreed to a two-year, $13 million deal with $7.5 million guaranteed with linebacker E.J. Speed

The Texans bringing back E.J. Speed is about continuity. Houston has been steadily building a competitive roster, and retaining reliable defenders prevents unnecessary holes from opening.


Teams often underestimate how important depth and familiarity are.


When a team improves year over year, it’s often because they kept the right role players.


6. Defensive Line Investments Across the League

Beyond individual moves, one trend is emerging across the NFL: defensive lines are becoming the new arms race.


Teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, and the Dallas Cowboys continue investing heavily in pass rush and interior disruption.


Why? Because the league is full of elite quarterbacks. If you can’t cover them forever, the next best option is to make them uncomfortable immediately.


Expect the 2026 season to feature some of the most dominant defensive fronts we’ve seen in years.


7. The Teams Saving Cap Space for a Big Move

Some teams haven’t made their defining move yet, and that’s the point.


Franchises like the Chicago Bears, Las Vegas Raiders, and Atlanta Falcons

are carefully managing cap space and draft assets.


That flexibility allows them to:

  • chase major free agents

  • trade for veterans

  • move up in the draft


The offseason’s biggest move often comes from a team that waited the longest.


Why These Moves Matter

NFL seasons aren’t just shaped by star players; they’re shaped by the infrastructure around them.


The offensive line protects the quarterback. The defensive tackle collapses the pocket. The linebacker is organizing the defense.


These are the moves that don’t always dominate headlines in March but end up defining the standings in December.


Because in the NFL, the offseason isn’t a break.


It’s the first quarter of next season.


Edited by: Megan Livengood

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