The NFL offseason is a time of hope, and for teams at every stage of development, success may feel more attainable than ever before.
The New England Patriots just appeared in Super Bowl LX a year after posting a four-win record. The Seattle Seahawks won the big one after missing the playoffs in 2024 and adding a few key pieces during the 2025 offseason.
Heading into 2026, every team can believe that, with the right additions and ideal developments, it can set up a deep playoff run. Of course, if a team doesn’t put the proper pieces in place, it may crash and burn as franchises like the Cleveland Browns, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Jets did this past season.
Every team’s situation is different, but let’s dive into the worst-case scenario that each should avoid at all costs.