The Browns Lost Myles Garrett and Still Won the Offseason, and The League Is Still Scratching Its Head

Alright, 12s, even with teams on summer break until late July training camp, the hot takes are still flying! Josh Edwards just dropped his rankings for the top NFL offseasons, and trust me, some of these picks are gonna make you do a double-take. Sitting at the very top of his list, after losing one of the game's biggest stars? The Cleveland Browns. Wild, right?

How the Browns Rebuilt on the Fly

You probably spit out your coffee when you heard that, I know I did. The Browns, number one? After seeing Joel Bitonio, Wyatt Teller, and none other than Myles Garrett walk away? It felt like a gut punch, losing huge name-brand talent. But General Manager Andrew Berry clearly had a master plan, totally overhauling their offensive line. He picked up Tytus Howard in a trade, then signed Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins, plus drafted Spencer Fano, Parker Brailsford, and Austin Barber.

Trade on Every Game with Kalshi

Click Here to sign up to Kalshi — Free $10 when you sign up using our link or use code: ONTAPSEA. The only federally regulated prediction market in the US. Trade on real sports outcomes. Available in all 50 states.

But the real kicker is how they leveraged that Garrett trade. Yeah, it hurt. But getting Jared Verse, one of the game's best young pass rushers, back in return, plus a haul of draft resources? That's smart business. Edwards also highlighted their 2026 NFL Draft class, where they scooped up four of his personal top 25 prospects: wide receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston, safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, and Fano again. They’re thinking long-term about landing that elusive franchise quarterback. It’s a bold strategy, letting go of a proven superstar for future assets, and it’s got the whole league buzzing about what it means for their season ahead.

The Raiders Made Big Moves for Their Rookie QB

Then we got the Las Vegas Raiders coming in strong. You gotta hand it to them, they went all in on the future, securing what Edwards calls the best quarterback prospect available this offseason, Indiana's Fernando Mendoza. They didn't draft him and throw him to the wolves. They surrounded that kid with a serious support system, hiring an offensive-minded head coach in Klint Kubiak, which is huge for a young signal-caller.

And check this out: they shelled out big bucks, giving free agent center Tyler Linderbaum a top-of-the-market contract. That’s a clear message: protect the quarterback. They even brought in veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, giving Mendoza a seasoned mentor. With running back Ashton Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers already there, this rookie is gonna hit the ground running. The Raiders also raised the floor of their defense by signing cornerback Eric Stokes and edge rusher Kwity Paye. These moves show they mean business, and frankly, every team in the AFC needs to take notice of the foundation they’re laying for the season.

What This Offseason Shake-Up Means for the League

So, what does this all mean for us, the fans who live and breathe football? As teams enjoy their vacation before the grind of training camp in late July, these offseason rankings are giving us a serious sneak peek. The Browns' fearless retooling and the Raiders' aggressive commitment to their future signal-caller are two of the biggest stories out there. These foundational shifts could define their upcoming seasons. It makes you wonder who else made moves that will surprise us when the whistle blows. We’ll be watching closely to see if these gambles pay off, because the competitive landscape is already looking wild.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.