NFC Offseason Review: Giants and Rams Lead Conference While North Struggles
New York and Los Angeles receive positive grades for roster construction, while Chicago, Green Bay, Minnesota, and Detroit face criticism for lack of significant improvement.
CBS Sports has published its comprehensive grading of National Football Conference teams following the 2026 NFL offseason, revealing a sharp divide in strategic execution across the league. The New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams secured positive assessments for their proactive roster construction and high-impact coaching appointments, standing in contrast to the stagnation observed in several other divisions.
The Giants’ grade was bolstered by the historic appointment of John Harbaugh, marking the first time the franchise has hired a head coach with a Super Bowl victory to his name. Harbaugh’s arrival coincided with significant personnel shifts, including the trade of defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals for the 10th overall pick, which was subsequently used to select offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa. The front office also added depth with the selection of linebacker Arvell Reese at fifth overall, aiming to protect young quarterback Jaxson Dart.
In Los Angeles, the Rams addressed their most critical vulnerability by significantly strengthening their secondary. The team traded a first-round pick for cornerback Trent McDuffie and signed Jaylen Watson to a $51 million contract. General manager Les Snead also utilized the 13th overall pick to select Ty Simpson, a move described as a long-term investment in a potential franchise cornerstone as veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford enters his late thirties.
Conversely, the NFC North received widespread criticism for failing to materially improve their rosters. The Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and Detroit Lions were noted for merely replacing departures rather than elevating their overall talent level. Chicago traded DJ Moore to Buffalo and lost key defensive figures, while Green Bay saw the departures of linebackers Quay Walker and Rashan Gary, alongside defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. Minnesota’s outlook remains heavily dependent on the health and performance of new quarterback Kyler Murray, while Detroit’s moves were viewed as incremental rather than transformative.
Other conference teams faced mixed reviews based on their strategic priorities. The Philadelphia Eagles were graded on their successful rebuilding of the receiving corps following the trade of A.J. Brown, while the Dallas Commanders focused heavily on defensive upgrades and securing receiver George Pickens with a franchise tag. Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks face significant challenges after losing Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker III to the Kansas City Chiefs, forcing a rebuild of their backfield.
