Major sports outlets finalized their report cards for all 16 NFC teams following the conclusion of the 2026 NFL free agency period and draft. Front offices executed high-profile trades and contract extensions to restructure rosters ahead of the upcoming summer training camps. The moves reflect a league-wide scramble to manage tightening salary cap constraints while addressing critical roster vulnerabilities before the new season begins.
The Los Angeles Rams secured the highest evaluations across the conference after completely overhauling their defensive backfield. General Manager Les Snead traded four draft picks to the Kansas City Chiefs to acquire two-time All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie. The Rams followed the trade by signing cornerback Jaylen Watson to a three-year contract worth $51 million to complete their secondary rebuild.
The aggressive acquisitions came after the organization determined that secondary performance directly cost the team a Super Bowl appearance under head coach Sean McVay last season. Analysts reviewing the conference performance gave the Rams an A+ rating for their defensive upgrades. Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers earned an A grade after executing heavy defensive investments, including signing former Eagles edge rusher Jaelan Phillips to a four-year, $120 million contract with $80 million guaranteed, alongside linebacker Devin Lloyd on a three-year, $45 million deal. You can view the full list of grades for NFC teams to see how every front office managed their financial assets.
In contrast, the Green Bay Packers struggled with strict financial limits, receiving a C grade from evaluators. The Packers traded star edge rusher Rashan Gary to the Dallas Cowboys to create salary cap relief, subsequently losing key contributors Quay Walker and Romeo Doubs to free agency. While Green Bay managed to sign defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, the roster lost significant depth across multiple positions during the spring window.
The Detroit Lions focused on internal retention, successfully securing star linebacker Jack Campbell to a long-term extension that provides cap benefits through 2028. The Philadelphia Eagles adjusted to the departure of Phillips and Nakobe Dean by acquiring cornerbacks Riq Woolen and Jonathan Jones. Front offices across the division continue making minor roster tweaks to address the remaining free agency market and roster needs before training camps officially open.