There’s Always Next Year: Fixing 8 NFL Non-Contenders for 2026

As the contenders have been separated from the non-contenders, some teams are already turning the page on 2025 to plot out an extensive rebuild next season. The transformation could start with a coaching change or a front office makeover, but the roster will also undergo a thorough review to see if a few player additions could produce better results in 2026. 

Given half a season to survey the current NFL landscape, here are eight teams that need to make significant moves to bounce back next season. 

Las Vegas Raiders

Despite Pete Carroll’s experience as a turnaround specialist, the Silver and Black stumbled out of the gate under his direction. The offense does not resemble the ground-and-pound attack he prefers due to Chip Kelly’s inconsistent play calls and the offensive line’s struggles. While the offensive coordinator has vowed to find more balance with star rookie running back Ashton Jeanty shouldering a heavier workload, the Raiders will continue to struggle without a dominant frontline in front of the former first-rounder. 

Position fix:Great offenses feature blue-chip players on the edges of the frontline. The Raiders have signed left tackle Kolton Miller to a three-year, $66 million deal to keep him in place as the blind side protector, but the team must find an elite right tackle to balance the offensive line. Whether the team invests in a top pick or pays top dollar for a marquee free agent (Alijah Vera-Tucker and Colton McKivitz), Carroll must find a top-notch offensive tackle to repair an underperforming offense in 2026. 

Pete Carroll's first season in Las Vegas hasn't gone to plan so far.

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals are a much better team than their record indicates, based on their five losses by a