The NFL's annual spending spree in March always brings a fresh wave of optimism, or dread, depending on your team's checkbook. We're two years out from the 2026 season, but the seeds of contention, or another rebuild, are often sown right now. Some GMs played it smart, others… well, let's just say they'll be explaining some contracts for years.
Look, you can't win the Super Bowl in March, but you can certainly lose a shot at it. The Kansas City Chiefs, for instance, didn't make a ton of splashy moves, but they retained key pieces like defensive tackle Chris Jones on a five-year, $158.75 million deal. That's a huge win. Keeping your core together, especially one that's hoisted the Lombardi Trophy twice in a row, is often more impactful than chasing shiny new toys. The Chiefs understood that; their biggest "addition" was simply avoiding a massive subtraction.
The Buffalo Bills had a tough cap situation heading into the offseason, forcing them to shed significant talent. Releasing All-Pro safety Jordan Poyer and veteran center Mitch Morse stings, even if necessary. Their biggest move was signing wide receiver Curtis Samuel to a three-year, $24 million deal. Samuel is a solid player, but he's not the game-breaker they needed after trading Stefon Diggs to the Texans for a 2025 second-round pick. Thing is, the AFC East got tougher. The Miami Dolphins, despite their own cap issues, re-signed defensive tackle Christian Wilkins for four years, $110 million and brought in linebacker Shaquille Leonard. That's a significant upgrade for their front seven. The New York Jets, meanwhile, finally got some help for Aaron Rodgers, landing left tackle Tyron Smith on a one-year, $20 million pact and signing wide receiver Mike Williams to a one-year deal worth up to $15 million. Those are high-upside, high-risk moves, but they address critical needs. If Smith stays healthy, the Jets' offensive line instantly looks competent, a far cry from the unit that gave up 64 sacks in 2023.
The NFC North saw some serious action. The Detroit Lions, fresh off an NFC Championship game appearance, were shrewd. They locked up Pro Bowl offensive tackle Penei Sewell with a four-year, $80 million extension, a smart long-term investment. Then they went out and grabbed defensive end Marcus Davenport and cornerback Carlton Davis via trade. Davis, in particular, fills a gaping hole in their secondary that was exposed repeatedly in the 2023 playoffs. The Green Bay Packers, after exceeding expectations last year, were also active. They landed safety Xavier McKinney on a four-year, $68 million deal, instantly upgrading a position of weakness. However, the Chicago Bears are the real winners of the division. They traded for six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen, giving presumptive No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams an elite target. They also signed running back D'Andre Swift and tight end Gerald Everett. Their defense also got stronger with safety Kevin Byard. The Bears, who finished 7-10 last season, finally look like a complete team.
Real talk: The Atlanta Falcons absolutely overpaid for Kirk Cousins, handing him a four-year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed. Cousins is a solid quarterback, but he's 35 years old and coming off an Achilles tear. That deal will haunt them by 2026. The real dark horse for most improved roster? Give me the Houston Texans. They kept their defensive core, traded for Diggs, and added pass rusher Danielle Hunter on a two-year, $49 million deal. They went from 3-13-1 in 2022 to division champs in 2023, and they’re only getting better.
Bold prediction for 2026: The Chicago Bears, fueled by their aggressive March moves and a franchise quarterback, will finish atop the NFC North.