NFL franchises execute strategic roster overhauls ahead of training camps
From the Cincinnati Bengals’ defensive reinforcements to the Houston Texans’ offensive line overhaul, several franchises have moved to address structural weaknesses before the season begins.
As NFL training camps approach, several franchises have executed significant roster changes to address perceived weaknesses. The Cincinnati Bengals bolstered their defence with additions such as Dexter Lawrence and Bryan Cook, drawing praise from quarterback Joe Burrow. Other notable moves include the Houston Texans signing running back David Montgomery and overhauling their offensive line, the Los Angeles Chargers hiring Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator, and the Washington Commanders adding pass rushers Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson. The Carolina Panthers signed edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd to improve a previously underperforming defence.
The Cincinnati Bengals responded to ranking 31st in total defence in two of the past three seasons by adding at least four new starters to the unit. Dexter Lawrence served as the team’s biggest acquisition, while safety Bryan Cook, edge rusher Boye Mafe, and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen were added to create immediate impact. Cook brings two Super Bowl victories from his time with the Chiefs, Mafe has recorded over 40 pressures for three consecutive seasons, and Allen has logged 125 career starts. Quarterback Joe Burrow compared the revamped squad to his 2019 LSU national championship team, stating on June 17 that there is "so much greatness that we're going to be able to achieve this year."
In Houston, the Texans addressed their league-worst run block win rate and 30th-ranked pass block win rate from the previous season. The franchise overhauled its offensive line by acquiring guard Wyatt Teller, tackle Braden Smith, and first-round pick Keylan Rutledge, who has taken first-team reps at both centre and guard. The backfield was also reworked with the addition of David Montgomery, who replaced Joe Mixon. Montgomery averaged over three yards after contact per attempt for three straight seasons. General manager Nick Caserio noted that quarterback C.J. Stroud has shown a "good approach and a good attitude" this offseason, which is expected to benefit from the improved protection and running game.
The Los Angeles Chargers identified the hiring of Mike McDaniel as their most impactful move, despite other additions such as centre Tyler Biadasz and guard Cole Strange. McDaniel has emphasised quick game plays and yards after catch opportunities, working closely with quarterback Justin Herbert on mechanics. San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh praised McDaniel’s football intelligence and defensive expertise, describing him as "awesome with a capital A." McDaniel has also installed a zone blocking scheme for the Chargers’ offensive line.
The Washington Commanders addressed a below-average pass rush win rate in 2025 by adding Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson, who combined for 15 sacks and 101 pressures on different teams last season. The team is also monitoring the status of wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, whose saga with the San Francisco 49ers could result in him landing in Washington. On the second level of the defence, rookie linebacker Sonny Styles has impressed head coach Dan Quinn, who stated that Styles has "hit all the marks" regarding knowledge and intensity.
The Carolina Panthers signed edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd to bolster a defence that ranked 24th in pass rush win rate and last in run stop win rate last season. Phillips recorded 73 pressures in 2025, while Lloyd has produced at least 113 tackles in three of the past four seasons. The Panthers also beefed up their offensive line with first-round pick Monroe Freeling and signed wide receiver Jalen Coker to a three-year extension. Despite these moves, BetMGM projects Carolina to finish behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints in their division.
Other notable roster changes include the Los Angeles Rams acquiring cornerback Trent McDuffie, the Cleveland Browns trading for offensive tackle Tytus Howard, and the Buffalo Bills acquiring wide receiver DJ Moore. The Tennessee Titans spent the most in free agency according to Over the Cap, while the Las Vegas Raiders drafted quarterback Fernando Mendoza. These moves occur as the offseason winds down and teams prepare for the opening of training camps in July.
