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ESPN NFL Tiers: Ranking 18 Teams Headed For An Offseason Overhaul

John Canady

Host · Writer

Ranking Each Team 1-18
1. Baltimore Ravens
2. Detroit Lions
3. Cincinnati Bengals
4. Indianapolis Colts
5. Washington Commanders
6. Dallas Cowboys
7. Kansas City Chiefs
8. Minnesota Vikings
9. New York Giants
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
11. Atlanta Falcons
12. New Orleans Saints
13. Las Vegas Raiders
14. Cleveland Browns
15. Arizona Cardinals
16. Miami Dolphins
17. Tennessee Titans
18. New York Jets
ESPN Reveals NFL Overhaul Tiers
With the NFL offseason officially here, the time for teams to improve is now. With several playoff-caliber squads missing the cut this past year, expect a busy offseason for teams looking to get back in the mix. Fortunately, ESPN offered a rundown of where each of the 18 non-playoff teams stands on its tiers list for the offseason ahead.

Tier I: No need to panic
Tier II: A few moves away
Tier III: Sneaky good trajectory
Tier IV: Somewhere between contention and reset
Tier V: In the middle of a rebuild
Tier VI: Full-blown overhaul
Tier I: Baltimore Ravens
2026 cap space: $7 million Top free agent: Tyler Linderbaum Projected 2026 draft picks: 7

ESPN Reason for Hope: "The Ravens have a chance in every game with quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry leading their offense."

Needs: Offensive line, outside WR, pass rusher

SportsGrid Take: Baltimore is typically a lock to be in the playoffs, but with head coach John Harbaugh out of the picture, the Ravens have plenty to prove with Jesse Minter leading the charge. Still, with the squad Harbaugh left behind, featuring a franchise QB in Jackson, on paper, the Ravens can easily get back in the playoff picture.
Tier I: Detroit Lions
2026 cap space: minus-$23.1 million Top free agent: Al-Quadin Muhammed Projected 2026 draft picks: 8

ESPN Reason for Hope: "Detroit still has one of the league's most talented rosters and should jump right back into contention. The hiring of offensive coordinator Drew Petzing isn't splashy but will prove vital."

Needs: Run defense, secondary help

SportsGrid Take: The falloff in Detroit stemmed from more than just the loss of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. The Lions have the pieces to be a powerhouse in the league, and they've proven that over the last few years. If anyone is capable of getting this team back on track, it's head coach Dan Campbell.
Tier I: Kansas City Chiefs
2026 cap space: minus-$61.7 million Top free agent: Jaylen Watson, Bryan Cook Projected 2026 draft picks: 5

ESPN Reason for Hope: "Health has been an issue for years, but the offensive line is still quality and the team's track record in the draft is better than most. R-E-L-A-X."

Needs: RB, Deep threat WR, DL

SportsGrid Take: Patrick Mahomes' return from a torn ACL will be vital to the Chiefs' chances of bouncing back, but if he's able to get back quickly, you should never rule out Andy Reid and his star QB.
Tier II: Cincinnati Bengals
2026 cap space: $59.5 million Top free agent: Trey Hendrickson Projected 2026 draft picks: 7

ESPN Reason for Hope: " The offense is good enough to keep Cincinnati in just about every game."

Needs: EDGE, CB, S

SportsGrid Take: The Bengals' biggest mistake still looks to be making long-time defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo the scapegoat for their defensive issues last offseason. The struggles persisted this season, and it only adds a magnifying glass to the level of talent the front office gave the team on the defensive side. Offensively, you can tell where Cincinnati's assets have been allocated because they're as dangerous as any team in the league. Still, if they hope to contend again soon, they have to revamp their defense.
Tier II: Dallas Cowboys
2026 cap space: minus-$66.8 Top free agent: George Pickens Projected 2026 draft picks: 8

ESPN Reason for Hope: "The offense was humming in 2025, and the core players will return, with the team expected to franchise-tag receiver Pickens."

Needs: CB, S

SportsGrid Take: The Cowboys should do everything in their power to keep their offense from last season together, considering that was the lone reason for any of their success this past year. Defensively, Dallas has to figure out a way to get back to the production that former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn was able to get out of the defense when he was there. Granted, Quinn had the likes of Micah Parsons, who Jerry Jones burnt a bridge with.
Tier II: Indianapolis Colts
2026 cap space: $36.3 Top free agent: Daniel Jones, Alec Pierce Projected 2026 draft picks: 5

ESPN Reason for Hope: "The Colts were 8-2 when fully healthy. QB Daniel Jones' injury devastated the team. Coach Shane Steichen has a track record as an offensive head coach. Indy is stout at the skill positions and offensive line."

Needs: LB, EDGE, S

SportsGrid Take: Daniel Jones proved to be the guy for the Colts last season after years of misery at quarterback. In fact, general manager Chris Ballard was so confident in what Jones offered that he auctioned their 2026 first-round pick away for star corner Sauce Gardner ahead of the trade deadline, a move that looks terrible right about now. Still, Indy has the pieces, and if they're able to retain Jones and Alec Pierce, while adding help defensively, another run could be in store.
Tier II: Minnesota Vikings
2026 cap space: minus-$59.1 million Top free agent: Jalen Nailor Projected 2026 draft picks: 10

ESPN Reason for Hope: "The defense is among the league's most physical and opportunistic. The offense is still full of playmakers, and the offensive line should be healthier."

Needs: QB

SportsGrid Take: The decision to let Sam Darnold walk last offseason looks worse by the day, especially following his recent Super Bowl win in Seattle. However, the Vikings have one of the best head coaches in the league in Kevin O'Connell, and if the team's new front office regime is able to add some QB competition, Minnesota has every other piece in store to get right back in the mix.
Tier II: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2026 cap space: $27.4 million Top free agent: Mike Evans Projected 2026 draft picks: 7

ESPN Reason for Hope: "Tampa Bay can score with anybody when healthy. Its receivers room is among the league's deepest, and the offensive line has a clear identity."

Needs: DL, LB, Secondary

SportsGrid Take: The Bucs were one of the hottest teams in the league to start the season, but the offensive injuries plagued the team from hiding the weaknesses of the defense. Despite that, it's clear the team has the pieces and perhaps just a few key moves will help them get back on track.
Tier III: Atlanta Falcons
2026 cap space: minus-$12.7 million Top free agent: Kyle Pitts Sr. Projected 2026 draft picks: 5

ESPN Reason for Hope: "Kevin Stefanski's wide-zone running scheme with Bijan Robinson and a capable offensive line should be dangerous. Atlanta was considered one of the top jobs available this cycle because of its skill-position talent. The defense has continuity under coordinator Jeff Ulbrich and major talent on the back end."

Needs: CB, EDGE, WR

SportsGrid Take: The Falcons landed who I would have considered one of the top head coaching candidates available in Kevin Stefanski. The former Coach of the Year winner is a proven winner, and he's the reason the Browns stayed in contention for many of the last few years despite their poor QB play. However, the team certainly has some holes to address, one of which still feels like the uncertainty at QB.
Tier III: New Orleans Saints
2026 cap space: minus-$26.5 million Top free agent: Demario Davis
Projected 2026 draft picks: 7

ESPN Reason for Hope: "Quarterback Tyler Shough showed promise as a starter, providing hope for the future. Wide receiver Chris Olave and left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. are among the young pillars on offense. And the defense overachieved, ranking in the top 10 in several defensive categories. Young players in the secondary are trending well. And, look at that, the team's cap deficit isn't pushing $80 million. Progress!"

Needs: DL, RB

SportsGrid Take: Tyler Shough was a pleasant surprise for the Saints down the stretch, and if he truly is the team's quarterback of the future, it takes immense pressure off head coach Kellen Moore. Getting younger should be a priority, but the bones are in place to get back into the playoff picture sooner than anyone thought, especially with their cap space situation.
Tier III: New York Giants
2026 cap space: $21.2 Top free agent: Wan'Dale Robinson Projected 2026 draft picks: 7

ESPN Reason for Hope: "Several head coaches experienced fast success in 2025, and John Harbaugh will try to do the same with a Year 1 turnaround in 2026. The Giants' roster is reaching respectable levels of talent after a few down years. Quarterback Jaxson Dart is a selling point. The defensive line is among the league's most talented. And receiver Malik Nabers will return from ACL and meniscus tears."

Needs: Secondary help, WR, RB

SportsGrid Take: John Harbaugh is exactly who the Giants needed to get things back on track, and his head coaching hires are already miles ahead of the coaching staff Brian Daboll left behind. New York has one of the best defensive lines in the league, a rising star at QB, and a premier WR when healthy. The tools are there for the G-Men to have a quick turnaround, especially with one of the winningest head coaches still in the league.
Tier IV: Washington Commanders
2026 cap space: $51.2 million Top free agent: Deebo Samuel Projected 2026 draft picks: 6

ESPN Reason for Hope: "When healthy, Jayden Daniels is a top-10 quarterback who will move the offense into a more respectable range in 2026. GM Adam Peters has cap space to replenish the roster. Injuries plagued Washington more than most teams last season."

Needs: EDGE, TE, RB

SportsGrid Take: One year removed from the NFC Championship game, it's safe to say the regression from the Commanders took everyone by surprise this season. However, considering the number of injuries to key players such as QB Jayden Daniels, it's easy to understand. Still, the team has some work to do if they hope to get back in the playoff picture, and step one is getting younger.
Tier V: Cleveland Browns
2026 cap space: minus-$66.2 million Top free agent: Joel Bitonio Projected 2026 draft picks: 10

ESPN Reason for Hope: "Cleveland has an impressive defense, led by Myles Garrett, but with pillars at all three levels. With four picks in the top 70 (two in the first round), the Browns can do serious work to improve an offense that already has intriguing young players such as running back Quinshon Judkins and tight end Harold Fannin Jr."

Needs: QB, OL, WR

SportsGrid Take: The Cleveland Browns make it hard for me to have any faith in them at all after the head coach saga this offseason. Hiring Todd Monken isn't the issue, but burning a bridge with one of the best defensive coordinators in the league in Jim Schwartz along the process is. The Browns have a lot of work to do, especially when it comes to finding a new coordinator who can get the same production out of the dominant defense. Beyond that, finding the QB of the future is still a major concern that Monken will be tasked to address.
Tier V: Tennessee Titans
2026 cap space: $78.7 million Top free agent: Chig Okonkwo Projected 2026 draft picks: 8

ESPN Reason for Hope: "Head coach Robert Saleh should improve the defense, and seasoned playcaller Brian Daboll should help [Cam] Ward."

Needs: OL, WR, Defense

SportsGrid Take: Robert Saleh was a solid hire for the Titans after missing out on Harbaugh, but there's still a lot of work for the front office to do in order to give the new coaching staff the personnel to succeed. Fortunately, with eight draft picks and an abundance of cap space, the team has the tools to do exactly that.
Tier VI: Arizona Cardinals
2026 cap space: $13.5 million Top free agent: Jalen Thompson Projected 2026 draft picks: 7

ESPN Reason for Hope: "The law of averages says Arizona will have better luck on the injury front. The team was playing third- and fourth-stringers at several spots last season. Better health will allow Arizona to run the ball more efficiently. The defense is not devoid of talent."

Needs: QB, WR, Defense

SportsGrid Take: The Cardinals are entering a vital stage of their rebuild, looking to officially hit the restart button to build the vision of new head coach Mike LaFleur. With Kyler Murray expected to be a domino to fall this offseason, Arizona will be tasked to find a new QB and playmakers to help them. Oh, and their defense needs some work, too.
Tier VI: Las Vegas Raiders
2026 cap space: $87.8 Top free agent: Eric Stokes Projected 2026 draft picks: 8

ESPN Reason for Hope: The team hired Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak as its head coach, and it is in position to select Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick in April's draft.

Needs: EDGE, WR, OL, Secondary

SportsGrid Take: The hiring of Klint Kubiak may be one of the most intriguing hires of the offseason, and pairing the offensive mind with expected No. 1 overall pick and Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza will be huge for the Raiders. Keeping Maxx Crosby in Las Vegas will be major, but if they're unable to, maximizing value will be vital to the rebuild. In addition to the expected selection of Mendoza, Las Vegas already has some exciting offensive players in tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty.
Tier VI: Miami Dolphins
2026 cap space: minus-$27.5 million Top free agent: Rasul Douglas Projected 2026 draft picks: 8

ESPN Reason for Hope: "De'Von Achane is a premier tailback, Aaron Brewer has emerged as a top center, and Patrick Paul is a rising star at left tackle. The team won't lose much in free agency, which will allow it to allocate resources elsewhere."

Needs: QB, Defense

SportsGrid Take: The Dolphins are entering a rebuilding stage that nobody related to the organization would admit. However, with the looming decision to figure out the nightmare quarterback situation that became the elephant in the room after Tua Tagovaiola's benching, it all starts there. Beyond that, the team has plenty of other issues to fix.
Tier VI: New York Jets
2026 cap space: $58.6 million
Top free agent: Breece Hall
Projected 2026 draft picks: 8

ESPN Reason for Hope: "The front seven has enough ability to improve last season's 29th-ranked defense. And the front office is well positioned in GM Darren Mougey's second year, thanks to ample cap space and two picks in each of the first two rounds."

Needs: QB, CB, S

SportsGrid Take: The New York Jets may seem like the worst situation in the league, but honestly, the talent on the roster offers some optimism. Obviously, finding a QB is the biggest need for head coach Aaron Glenn if he hopes to turn things around, but beyond that, it's clear the players in New York have bought into the vision the defensive-minded coach is selling.
Ranking Each Team 1-18
1. Baltimore Ravens
2. Detroit Lions
3. Cincinnati Bengals
4. Indianapolis Colts
5. Washington Commanders
6. Dallas Cowboys
7. Kansas City Chiefs
8. Minnesota Vikings
9. New York Giants
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
11. Atlanta Falcons
12. New Orleans Saints
13. Las Vegas Raiders
14. Cleveland Browns
15. Arizona Cardinals
16. Miami Dolphins
17. Tennessee Titans
18. New York Jets
ESPN Reveals NFL Overhaul Tiers
With the NFL offseason officially here, the time for teams to improve is now. With several playoff-caliber squads missing the cut this past year, expect a busy offseason for teams looking to get back in the mix. Fortunately, ESPN offered a rundown of where each of the 18 non-playoff teams stands on its tiers list for the offseason ahead.

Tier I: No need to panic
Tier II: A few moves away
Tier III: Sneaky good trajectory
Tier IV: Somewhere between contention and reset
Tier V: In the middle of a rebuild
Tier VI: Full-blown overhaul