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With the NFL free agency tampering period starting on March 10, there have already been some big splashes, both through free agent signings and trades. Teams have been attacking weaknesses early, especially the teams with plenty of cap space.
However, after one day of free agency moves, five teams stand out as not improving, but getting even worse.
None of these teams were Super Bowl contenders last year, but all were middle of the pack with aspirations for the playoffs, so their lack of moves could vault them toward the bottom of the league if they aren't careful.
1. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers defense has been decimated so far this offseason, and after paying Brandon Aiyuk last offseason and likely paying Brock Purdy and/or George Kittle soon, it doesn't seem like good enough replacements are in store.
The 49ers traded away Deebo Samuel on offense, along with losing cornerback Charvarius Ward, linebacker Dre Greenlaw, safety Talanoa Hufanga, and some other minor offensive pieces. The 49ers have easily lost the most players so far.
With the number of free agents they had coming into the offseason, it isn't shocking they lost some, but the 49ers have basically lost all of their major free agents already.
They are a far cry from their Super Bowl appearance in 2023 and are much closer to being their underperforming 11th worst team in the NFL last season.
2. Houston Texans
The Texans are on this list despite making five additions and one subtraction, and that is because the subtraction they made was significant.
They traded away star left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders. An interesting pattern for this list so far is both teams traded away a top player to the Commanders.
More news: What's Next For 49ers Following Massive Free Agency Losses
The Texans already struggled with protecting C.J. Stroud last season, so trading away their starting left tackle is a head-scratching move.
They did add Christian Kirk, Sheldon Rankins, Darrell Taylor, Tremon Smith, and Braxton Berrios, but none of those signings amount anywhere near to the importance Tunsil had for the Texans.
The AFC South seems to be wide open for next season.
3. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons are on this list because they lost two players to the Bears and haven't added anyone yet.
The Bears poached both center Drew Dalman and defensive lineman Grady Jarrett.
Dalman seems like the more significant loss as a great starting o-lineman for the team last season, which is especially significant with second-year quarterback Michael Penix starting his first full season.
They may have more moves in store, but helping Penix out should be more of an urgent priority if the Falcons want to compete for the NFC South.
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4. Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers have added Donte Jackson and Najee Harris but released Joey Bosa and lost Josh Palmer, Donna Ford, and guard Jordan McFadden.
For a team in need of receiver and d-line help, losing one of each is not ideal. The Chargers still have time, but so far at least they are going backward.
Things look extra bleak for the Chargers as of now with the Chiefs, Broncos, and Raiders all making improvements.
Unless their fortunes change soon, the Chargers may fall behind in the AFC West.
5. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings lost their starting quarterback and starting safety, and beyond resigning 31-year-old running back Aaron Jones and starting corner Byron Murphy, they haven't made many other moves.
It seems the Vikings are moving to start last year's first-rounder J.J. McCarthy at quarterback, but so far this offseason, they haven't done him any favors.
Like the Falcons, it seems weird that the team hasn't been more aggressive in helping out their young quarterback in his first full season.
The Vikings have the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, and Green Bay Packers in their division, so they too could fall behind if they aren't careful.
More NFL news:
Why Trey Hendrickson Would Complete Packers' Offseason Build
Colts to Sign Former Giants Quarterback Daniel Jones in Massive Free Agency Move
Vikings Retain Breakout Corner Byron Murphy on Massive $66 Million Deal
For more NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
About the writer
Seth Quinn is a contributing sports writer based in Massachusetts. His focus is on sports, primarily the NFL and NBA. He has in depth ... Read more