Seth Walder’s 2026 NFL Offseason Grades: A Team-by-Team Review

After free agency, the 2026 draft and the June 1 trade deadline, ESPN NFL insider Seth Walder graded each of the 32 franchises based on signings, trades, contracts, payroll and coaching moves. The Eagles earned an A, the Bills a C, the Falcons a B-, the Colts a C+, and the Cowboys were highlighted as a top offseason success despite no explicit grade.

USA Today

The Eagles traded A.J. Brown for future picks, signed Riq Woolen and added Dontayvion Wicks; the Bills fired Sean McDermott, hired Joe Brady, promoted Brandon Beane, re-signed Connor McGovern and added DJ Moore; the Falcons extended Drake London and Kyle Pitts, signed Tua Tagovailoa, drafted Avieon Terrell and replaced Kaleb McGary with Jawaan Taylor and Wanya Morris; the Colts signed Arden Key, transition-tagged Daniel Jones and gave Alec Pierce a $60 M guarantee; the Cowboys fired Matt Eberflus, hired Christian Parker, acquired Rashan Gary, signed Cobie Durant, Jalen Thompson and P.J. Locke, drafted Caleb Downs, Malachi Lawrence and Jaishawn Barham, and kept George Pickens on the franchise tag.

USA Today

Walder praised the Eagles’ Brown trade as a forward-looking move that adds draft capital and removes a locker-room issue. He noted the Cowboys’ defensive overhaul addresses a league-high points-allowed total. ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell called the Woolen signing the NFL’s “Best Offseason Move,” and Sports Illustrated’s Mike Moraitis said the Cowboys’ acquisitions blend youth with veteran help.

Heavy

Walder warned that replacing defensive-oriented coach Sean McDermott with offensive-focused Joe Brady carries significant risk for Buffalo. He also questioned the Falcons’ extension of Kyle Pitts, noting his modest route-run yards and thin receiving depth. Additionally, he criticized Indianapolis for giving Alec Pierce a fully guaranteed $60 M contract instead of a franchise tag, a move that could have saved cap space.

Heavy

• “I’m wary of all these moves,” — Seth Walder, ESPN NFL insider

Heavy

• “The best argument for replacing McDermott with Brady was ensuring offensive continuity for former MVP quarterback Josh Allen. … But the move comes with significant risk,” — Seth Walder

Heavy

• “As is often the case, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman was busy in the trade market this offseason. That meant the long-awaited and finally consummated Brown deal to the Patriots, netting Philadelphia a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick,” — Seth Walder

Heavy

• “Bringing in Woolen upgrades the Eagles at two spots,” — Bill Barnwell, ESPN analyst

Heavy

Walder’s grades rely on his proprietary weighting of contracts versus on-field impact; the sources provide no alternative grading framework. The Cowboys’ exact letter grade is not disclosed, leaving their ranking inferred from commentary.

Sports Illustrated

Training camps open July 29, giving each franchise a chance to test its offseason decisions. Buffalo must integrate a new coaching staff, Philadelphia seeks to replace A.J. Brown’s production, Atlanta looks for depth at receiver, Indianapolis hopes Daniel Jones stays healthy, and Dallas aims for a lower points-allowed total.

Sports Illustrated