2026 NFL offseason: Top impact signings, trades, draft picks - ESPN

Training camps have started around the NFL, which means the bulk of the offseason is over. We've spent a lot of time grading and evaluating big roster additions — signings, trades and draft picks — over the past few months as we get ready for games to kick off. But what if we strip out value, trade terms, contract numbers and draft capital to look solely at on-field impact? How would the offseason's most notable moves stack up?

What were the most impactful trades, including blockbuster deals for Myles Garrett and A.J. Brown? Which free agent signings will make an instant difference for their new teams? And which rookies have a clear-cut path to significant playing time?

Let's get into my annual ranking of Year 1 impact for players joining new teams in 2026, which includes moves from 27 teams. For the second straight year, a Rams acquisition tops the list.

Jump to the most impactful ...
Signing | Draft pick | Trade acquisition

The Rams went all-in this offseason to upgrade the defensive side of the ball for coordinator Chris Shula, and the move to land Garrett tops our list. He was the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year last season while setting the single-season sack record (23).

As the league's ultimate closer, Garrett has elite physical tools to set edges and hit the quarterback. He'll continue to be a game wrecker for the Rams, which will also boost the overall play of Shula's secondary.

The Patriots acquired Brown to give quarterback Drake Maye a true No. 1 target at every level of the route tree. More specifically, Brown gives New England the chance to scheme more one-on-one throws on the perimeter.

Brown can play through contact at a consistent rate while also stretching the field vertically. He topped the