Ranking the five worst NFL offseasons: Patriots, Packers trending down - CBS Sports

CBS Sports ranks the five NFL offseasons it considers the worst, as teams move from offseason to preseason action. The article contrasts improvements elsewhere—such as the Los Angeles Rams reshaping their secondary and trading for pass rusher Myles Garrett, and the New York Jets creating a new defense with a fresh starting quarterback and three first-round picks—with clubs that lost key pieces. It says the Seattle Seahawks fell after losing running back Kenneth Walker III, safety Coby Bryant and offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, while the Philadelphia Eagles lost Jeff Stoutland and traded away star receiver A.J. Brown, leaving 2026 scrutiny on Jalen Hurts. The ranking begins with the Atlanta Falcons. It points to legal trouble for defensive rookie James Pearce Jr. after a domestic dispute, notes Matt Ryan’s role as football president, and criticizes coaching decisions including hiring Kevin Stefanski, whose last two seasons are described as 8-26 with Cleveland. The text also highlights quarterback concerns around Michael Penix Jr. and mentions the Dolphins’ $99 million dead-cap figure related to moving Tua Tagovailoa.