The NFC Free Agency Winners and Losers (So Far)

Jan 4, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive end Desjuan Johnson (94) sacks Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Free Agency 2026 proved to be a bang with big trades, huge signings, and difficult departures.

Christmas Morning, a.k.a. the NFL Draft, will shake things up for each conference, but before rookie selections, a few teams look primed for a Super Bowl push while others have gotten worse.

Here are the Biggest NFC winners and losers from the offseason moves so far:

Winners

Los Angeles Rams

The Rams went all-in to fix their secondary, trading for two-time All-Pro CB Trent McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs.

Not stopping there, they added S Kamren Curl and CB Jaylen Watson for even more depth. For a defense that was exposed big time in late 2025, this is a dramatic upgrade.

With Matthew Stafford still under center, it’s hard not to view them as the top NFC contender.

Carolina Panthers

Taking a huge swing, the Panthers landed EDGE Jaelen Phillips on a four-year, $120 million deal and added LB Devin Lloyd. Also picking up LT Rasheed Walker for a cool one-year, $4 million contract.

These moves instantly improve the front seven that was a definitive weakness in their surprise playoff appearance.

Carolina gave up the second most yards out of the first-round exit teams with 411. This positions them as a rising force in the NFC South.

San Francisco 49ers

The main receiving target in the Bay Area in 2025 was RB Christian McCaffery at 129 targets. Jauan Jennings came in second, with nearly 40 fewer targets than CMC.

Now, QB Brock Purdy will have a future Hall of Famer in Mike Evans and needed depth with Christian Kirk.

Don’t forget, the 49ers also traded for DT Osa Odighizuwa from Dallas. They were not quiet at all.

These additions help Purdy and maintain their physical style in an always tough NFC West, keeping them in the mix despite some injury questions from 2025.

New York Giants

One name: John Harbaugh.

An established head coach with a record of 180-113. The head coach line of Brian Daboll, Joe Judge, Pat Shurmur, and Ben McAdoo (Steve Spagnuolo & Mike Kafka in interim) went 55-109. A head coach with a winning record is what Giants fans were dreaming of.

From a player standpoint, the Giants traded NT Dexter Lawrence, and now own the No. 10 pick to pair with No. 5. This will give them immense flexibility to rebuild faster and add excitement around the fresh start.

Losers

Seattle Seahawks

The hits just kept coming for the defending Champs.

Losing Super Bowl MVP RB Kenneth Walker III, EDGE Boye Mafe, CB Tariq Woolen, and S Coby Bryant. Sure, they retained Rashid Shaheed and Josh Jobe, but the proof is actually in the value of those they lost.

The sum of contract money of those mentioned stars signed for is almost $155 million. Do not be surprised is Seattle regresses in the NFC West, especially as the divisional rivals are taking gigantic steps.

Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles came up short on several key defensive targets and saw depth departures from Nakobe Dean and Jaelan Phillips. Questions surround their secondary and pass-rush, but one thing remains perplexing.

Perhaps moving on from A.J. Brown is the right decision financially? But Philly has a franchise QB who is now going to have to establish a connection with a brand new WR1. That’s just not how to treat your QB1.

Arizona Cardinals

Determined well before the 2025 regular season began, the Cardinals knew they were in for a tough offseason with QB Kyler Murray dramatics.

Murray is now with the Minnesota Vikings, and the Cardinals will go into 2026 most likely starting either Jacoby Brissett or Gardner Minshew II at QB.

The team is thin across the board and they have some of the lowest win projections in the league. Even if they grab Ty Simpson at pick No. 3, it’s going to take many years to rebuild this team.

Arizona’s O/U for wins being 4.5 makes a ton of sense.

The NFC Race Has Taken Form

No doubt, the Rams appear to have gained the most ground with aggressive moves. While the Seahawks have one of the toughest paths to a repeat in recent memory.

Teams like the Panthers could be a surprise story if their big investments pay off.

Draft weekend has the ability to alter this list, but many players will need to take steps forward throughout their rookie contracts to have a chance at completely changing the order.

Roster construction made in March and April likely determine which teams reach late-January ball.

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