The NFL offseason is behind us with training camps in full swing, so we now have a nearly full picture of what each team's roster and starting lineup will look like in 2024. As is the norm in the high-turnover NFL, many impactful players joined the league or changed teams during the offseason. So that leaves the question: Which of those players will make the biggest immediate impact on their new teams during the upcoming season?
I did my best to sort through that below, ranking the top 50 acquisitions -- free agent signings, trade additions and draft picks -- based on expected impact. By that I mean we are removing the context of what teams spent to land the players or when they were drafted -- this isn't about value, it's about contributions to the roster. Note that these rankings apply only to the 2024 season, which is why some upside rookies aren't as high on the list as they would be if this exercise related to career impact.
Jump to most impactful ...
Signing | Draft pick | Trade acquisition
1. Kirk Cousins, QB: Signed by Atlanta Falcons
The implications of Cousins to Atlanta can't be overstated. The Falcons immediately became the NFC South favorites after the deal, and we should now see the true potential of recent top-10 draft picks Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts. Cousins led the NFL with 18 passing touchdowns prior to suffering a torn Achilles last season, and he will help an Atlanta team that was 25th in QBR last season (41.2).
2. Caleb Williams, QB: Drafted by Chicago Bears
The top pick in April's draft, Williams replaces Justin Fields as Chicago's franchise quarterback. It generally takes rookie quarterbacks time to make a positive impact, but Williams has the unique benefit of a terrific supporting cast led by DJ Moore and additional newcomers Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze.
Pat McAfee explains his unhappiness about the Houston Texans trading for Stefon Diggs.
3. Jayden Daniels, QB: Drafted by Washington Commanders
Daniels may need some time to develop as a passer, but he is sure to make a major impact right out of the gate for two primary reasons: his elite rushing ability and new Washington playcaller Kliff Kingsbury, who operates the fastest-moving offense in the league. The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner led all FBS quarterbacks with 1,134 rushing yards.
4. Marvin Harrison Jr., WR: Drafted by Arizona Cardinals
Wide receivers selected in the top 10 generally see massive target shares right out of the gate. No. 4 pick Harrison won't be an exception in Arizona's Kyler Murray-led offense. In his final two seasons at Ohio State, Harrison recorded 2,474 receiving yards and an FBS-best 28 touchdowns. Harrison is the best bet among non-quarterbacks to win Offensive Rookie of the Year.
5. Tyron Smith, OT: Signed by New York Jets
Offensive tackle was a major concern area for the 2023 Jets -- they were 30th in pass block win rate at 50%. That's not the case this time around after Smith's arrival. The former Dallas superstar is 33 years old and has had his share of injuries, but he played at a high level on 882 snaps last season. He'll now anchor what should be one of the league's better offensive lines.
6. Danielle Hunter, Edge: Signed by Houston Texans
The Texans had money to spend this offseason, and perhaps their biggest move was signing one of the league's best defenders. Hunter, who is averaging 14.5 sacks during his past four "full" seasons, joins 2023 first-round pick and reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr. to form one of the league's best edge rushing duos.
7. Christian Wilkins, DT: Signed by Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders might not yet be a serious contender, but signing Wilkins (fifth among DTs with 9.0 sacks in 2023) is a good start. Defensive tackle has been a problem area for this team for years, and now it has one of the best in the business. A line featuring Wilkins and Maxx Crosby will be fun to watch.
8. Bobby Wagner, LB: Signed by Washington Commanders
Here's another high-impact move by Washington, as Dan Quinn's new-look defense will be anchored by a future Hall of Famer in Wagner. The 34-year-old hasn't lost a step, having led the NFL in tackles (183) last season. He and fellow newcomer Frankie Luvu (foreshadow alert) will combine forces to make up one the league's best off-ball-linebacker pairings.
9. Malik Nabers, WR: Drafted by New York Giants
The Giants have been looking for a No. 1 wide receiver for years, and they should finally have one after using the No. 6 pick of April's draft on Nabers. He's coming off a big season for LSU in which he had 1,569 receiving yards on 89 receptions. History says Nabers will push for nearly one-fourth of New York's targets in his first season based on his draft slot. Expect a big showing in the box score.
10. Brian Burns, Edge: Traded to New York Giants
The Giants' roster has many concern areas, but the defensive line is not one of them after the trade for Burns. The former Panther has 46 sacks in five seasons and joins Dexter Lawrence II and Kayvon Thibodeaux on what could be a dominant line.
11. L'Jarius Sneed, CB: Traded to Tennessee Titans
No cornerback shadowed opposing No. 1 wide receivers more than Sneed last season. The strong campaign (two interceptions and nine pass breakups) made him too expensive for Kansas City to keep, but he managed to land a long-term extension after a trade to Tennessee. Sneed figures to be tasked with slowing the likes of DJ Moore, Garrett Wilson, Michael Pittman Jr., Justin Jefferson, Terry McLaurin and Ja'Marr Chase this season.
12. Derrick Henry, RB: Signed by Baltimore Ravens
Running backs might not be valued by teams as much as they were in the past, but the Ravens didn't sign Henry for him to chill on the sidelines. Despite playing in a committee alongside Tyjae Spears in Tennessee last season, Henry managed to lead the NFL in carries (280) for the fourth time in five seasons. The 30-year-old has a good chance at his seventh consecutive season with double-digit touchdowns.
13. Saquon Barkley, RB: Signed by Philadelphia Eagles
Speaking of running backs, the Eagles did their best to copycat the success of the 49ers with Christian McCaffrey by signing Barkley. The former Penn State star didn't quite reach his potential in a struggling New York offense in recent seasons, but he now has a terrific supporting cast and will be heavily utilized as both a rusher and a receiver. Barkley was 12th in scrimmage yards per game last season, averaging 88.7.
Bills GM Brandon Beane discusses with Pat McAfee what goes into making trades during the NFL draft.
14. Carlton Davis III, CB: Traded to Detroit Lions
Detroit's offense gets all the attention, but don't be surprised if the Lions' defense is also pretty good this season. It starts with a trade for 27-year-old Davis, who gives them a certified No. 1 corner with the ability to shadow opposing top receivers. Davis had two interceptions and six pass breakups for the Buccaneers last season; he will help Detroit, which allowed 7.8 yards per pass attempt last season (31st).
15. Drake Maye, QB: Drafted by New England Patriots
Maye is further down this list than the other quarterbacks picked in the top three of April's draft, but that's only because it's possible he loses some early-season starts to solid veteran Jacoby Brissett. Of course, first-round quarterbacks don't ride the bench for long, so the No. 3 pick will almost certainly make an impact this season.
16. J.J. McCarthy, QB: Drafted by Minnesota Vikings
McCarthy -- the 10th pick in April's draft -- has plenty of upside in a Kevin O'Connell pass-first offense that features star receiver Justin Jefferson. However, there's a real possibility we see plenty of Sam Darnold early in the season as McCarthy, 21, develops.
17. Kendall Fuller, CB: Signed by Miami Dolphins
Fuller might be the most underrated cornerback in the NFL, and yet Washington has let him leave town twice. The Commanders' loss is Miami's gain this time around, as Fuller (483 tackles and 16 INTs in eight seasons) replaces Xavien Howard opposite Jalen Ramsey. That might even be the league's best cornerback duo.
18. Joe Alt, OT: Drafted by Los Angeles Chargers
The No. 5 pick in April's draft, Alt will immediately step in as the starting right tackle for a Chargers offense that is expected to rely heavily on the run under new coach Jim Harbaugh. Alt's presence will be very important as the Chargers are strong at tackle but less settled in the interior. Alt started 33 games and only surrendered six sacks in three seasons at Notre Dame.
19. Bo Nix, QB: Drafted by Denver Broncos
Russell Wilson is out and Nix is in as Denver's franchise quarterback. The 12th pick of April's draft isn't a sure thing to be a Week 1 starter, but with Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson as his primary competition, it won't take long for him to see the field regardless of what happens with the preseason QB1 battle. His supporting cast is a work in progress, however, so it might be a minute before he makes a major impact.
20. JC Latham, OT: Drafted by Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee offensive line has gone from a massive problem area to a potential strength following several offseason additions. The headliner is Latham -- the No. 7 pick in April's draft -- who will immediately step in as the Titans' starting left tackle. Latham surrendered one sack in 848 snaps played last season for Alabama.
21. Russell Wilson, QB: Signed by Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers will have a new starting quarterback this season, and Wilson is the favorite to start in Week 1. Despite his falling out with Denver, Wilson played decent ball last season (29 total TDs in 15 games). However, he's not higher on this list simply because there's a good chance Justin Fields gets a substantial run this season. Pittsburgh tied for 30th in touchdown passes last season with 13, led by Kenny Pickett's six.
22. Calvin Ridley, WR: Signed by Tennessee Titans
The Titans were not messing around with their courtship of Ridley during free agency, signing the standout receiver to a deal that makes him one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL. Ridley led the NFL in end zone targets (25) and scored eight TDs with the Jaguars in 2023. He will give Will Levis another top target alongside DeAndre Hopkins.
23. Diontae Johnson, WR: Traded to Carolina Panthers
Looking to improve Bryce Young's supporting cast, the Panthers traded for Johnson in March. One of the league's best route runners, the former Steeler ranks 11th among wide receivers with 332 receptions over the past four seasons.
24. Patrick Queen, LB: Signed by Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers made Queen the league's fifth-highest-paid off-ball linebacker during free agency, stealing him away from the division-rival Ravens. Queen (a 2020 first-round pick) and Bobby Wagner are the only players with at least 250 tackles and eight sacks over the past two seasons.
25. Brock Bowers, TE: Drafted by Las Vegas Raiders
One of the top tight end prospects in recent memory, Bowers will immediately step into a substantial offensive role in Las Vegas. The upside here is massive, though he's only 21 years old and the learning curve is generally steep for tight ends. Add in the Raiders' suspect quarterback situation, and we shouldn't be shocked if his career gets off to a slow start -- but he has the talent to contribute in a big way.
26. Marquise Brown, WR: Signed by Kansas City Chiefs
The pass-heavy Chiefs needed help at wide receiver, and Brown was their key veteran addition at the position. The former Raven and Cardinal ranks top 25 among wideouts in targets (522), receptions (313) and touchdown catches (28) since entering the league in 2019. Expect the Chiefs to attack downfield more this season.
27. Xavier McKinney, S: Signed by Green Bay Packers
The Packers' safety revamp began when they made McKinney one of the league's highest-paid players at the position during free agency. The 2020 second-round pick registered at least 90 tackles and three interceptions during his two full healthy seasons with the Giants.
28. Jonathan Greenard, Edge: Signed by Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings said goodbye to superstar Danielle Hunter during the offseason, but they landed a more-than-capable replacement in Greenard. The former Texan broke out with 8.0 sacks in 12 games in 2021, and after an injury-shortened 2022, he registered 12.5 sacks (10th most) in 15 games in 2023.
29. Frankie Luvu, LB: Signed by Washington Commanders
Bobby Wagner might have the bigger name, but don't overlook the addition of Luvu to the linebacker room in Washington. The former Panther is one of only two players with 200-plus tackles and 12-plus sacks over the past two seasons (Demario Davis is the other).
30. Stefon Diggs, WR: Traded to Houston Texans
This might seem low for a big-name player like Diggs, but there's a good chance he'll play a reduced role at age 30 in a Texans' wide receiver room that might be deepest in the league. Of course, we're still talking about a player who finished top-seven among WRs in targets (160), receptions (107) and TDs (8) in Buffalo last season, so Diggs will surely make an impact.
31. Keenan Allen, WR: Signed by Chicago Bears
Allen has been one of the most productive wide receivers of the past decade, but he's now 32 and likely to play a lesser role in a crowded wide receiver room. Allen, who produced a career-high 108 receptions despite missing four games in 2023, will operate as a short-to-intermediate target for rookie QB Caleb Williams.
32. Tre'Davious White, CB: Signed by Los Angeles Rams
Major injuries have derailed White's career in recent seasons, but it wasn't that long ago that he was arguably the league's best cornerback. Now 30, the former Bill heads west and takes over as the Rams' top corner. He's a sneaky bet for Comeback Player of the Year.
33. Taliese Fuaga, OT: Drafted by New Orleans Saints
The No. 14 pick in April's draft, Fuaga will have a lot on his shoulders right out of the gate with Ryan Ramczyk (knee) set to miss this season and 2022 first-round pick Trevor Penning struggling to make an impact. Rookies are always wild cards, but Fuaga could be up to the task after allowing one sack during his college career at Oregon State.
34. Tyler Guyton, OT: Drafted by Dallas Cowboys
Guyton is interesting as he's a raw prospect (14 collegiate starts), but there's a good chance he's a Week 1 starter at left tackle as Tyron Smith's replacement in Dallas. It doesn't get more high impact than protecting QB Dak Prescott's blind side, and that will be the rookie's job.
35. Eric Kendricks, LB: Signed by Dallas Cowboys
Kendricks is one of three players with 90-plus tackles each of the past nine seasons (Demario Davis and Bobby Wagner), totaling 1,036 tackles and 18.5 sacks during his time with the Vikings and Chargers. He'll provide a big upgrade in the middle of the Dallas defense.
36. Haason Reddick, Edge: Traded to New York Jets
Reddick was traded to the Jets after emerging as one of the league's top edge rushers during his time in Arizona, Carolina and Philadelphia. Reddick, who had a career-high 16.0 sacks in 2022, is one of only two players with at least 11 in each of the past four seasons (Myles Garrett). However, Reddick is currently holding out while waiting for a new contract, so that's a situation to watch.
37. Laiatu Latu, Edge: Drafted by Indianapolis Colts
Latu was the first defensive player selected during April's draft. The No. 15 pick figures to start out in a rotation (new teammates Kwity Paye, Samson Ebukam and Dayo Odeyingbo all had 8.0-plus sacks in 2023), but he'll surely get plenty of run as a rookie. He compiled 23.5 sacks over the past two seasons at UCLA.
38. C.J. Gardner-Johnson, S: Signed by Philadelphia Eagles
Gardner-Johnson returns to Philadelphia after a one-year stop in Detroit. He has struggled with injuries (five-plus missed games each of the past three seasons) but hit career-high marks in snap share (92%), tackles (67) and INTs (6) with the Eagles in 2022.
39. Terrion Arnold, CB: Drafted by Detroit Lions
The trade for Carlton Davis III was only the beginning of Detroit's offseason cornerback revamp. Detroit also added Arnold with the 24th pick of April's draft, and while he's very young (21) and could require some development, he has a lot of upside and the talent to make an impact. Arnold had five interceptions at Alabama last season. Amik Robertson (free agent signing) and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (second-round rookie) were also added to the mix.
40. Quinyon Mitchell, CB: Drafted by Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles' secondary overhaul continued on draft day, as they spent the No. 22 pick on Mitchell (not to mention potential starting slot CB Cooper DeJean in Round 2). The speedy Mitchell will have a good shot to start opposite Darius Slay Jr. in Week 1 and could quickly overtake the 33-year-old as Philly's top corner. He broke up 32 passes over the past two seasons at Toledo.
41. Morgan Moses, OT: Signed by New York Jets
Tyron Smith was a big-name addition to the Jets' offensive line, but don't overlook the trade for Moses. The 33-year-old right tackle posted good-to-elite marks in pass block win rate and run block win rate each of the past two seasons. Along with Smith and first-round pick Olu Fashanu, Moses rounds out one of the league's best OT situations.
42. Keon Coleman, WR: Drafted by Buffalo Bills
Coleman is a tricky Year 1 evaluation as one of the league's youngest players (turned 21 in May). Of course, following the departures of both Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, Buffalo will need to lean on Coleman right out of the gate. If he's up to the task, Coleman could quickly emerge as Josh Allen's top target.
43. Xavier Worthy, WR: Drafted by Kansas City Chiefs
Worthy, the 28th pick of April's draft, made headlines at the combine by running a record 4.21 40-yard dash. The speedster joins a high-scoring Kansas City offense badly in need of downfield playmakers after QB Patrick Mahomes posted a career-low 6.2 average air yards per throw (31st of 32 qualified QBs) in 2023. Worthy also figures to make some noise as a returner.
44. Rome Odunze, WR: Drafted by Chicago Bears
Wide receivers selected early in the first round generally make a big Year 1 impact, but Odunze could be an exception. The No. 9 overall pick fills out perhaps the league's best WR trio, with target hogs DJ Moore and Keenan Allen in the mix. Odunze has elite upside, but don't be shocked if his usage is a bit limited early on, hence the lower ranking than other top-pick WRs.
45. Arik Armstead, DT: Signed by Jacksonville Jaguars
Armstead signed with Jacksonville after spending his first nine NFL seasons with the 49ers. The 30-year-old, who has 33.5 career sacks, will immediately slide in as the anchor of the team's defensive interior and help free up lanes for edge rushers Josh Hines-Allen and 2022 first overall pick Travon Walker.
46. Calais Campbell, DL: Signed by Miami Dolphins
Miami's defensive overhaul seeped into June when the Dolphins snagged Campbell from the open market. The versatile lineman somehow hasn't lost much despite entering his age-38 season. He registered 6.5 sacks and 56 tackles in Atlanta last season and will now team up with Zach Sieler in Miami.
47. Bryce Huff, Edge: Signed by Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles basically swapped edge rushers with the Jets, trading Haason Reddick after signing Huff in March. Huff has been a rotational player throughout his four-year career, but he has been extremely efficient; his 23.5% career pass rush win rate trails only Micah Parsons, Myles Garrett and Aaron Donald since he entered the league in 2020.
48. Jordan Hicks, LB: Signed by Cleveland Browns
Looking to fill out their elite defense with a reliable, every-down off-ball linebacker, the Browns signed a good one in Hicks. The 32-year-old has rarely been asked to leave the field during stops in Philadelphia, Arizona and Minnesota, having racked up 873 tackles, 14.5 sacks and 13 INTs in nine seasons.
49. Jordan Poyer, S: Signed by Miami Dolphins
Miami's defensive overhaul also included signing Poyer away from the division rival Bills. Poyer is now 33, but he played solid ball in 2023 and joins Jevon Holland and Marcus Maye to create perhaps the league's top safety room. Poyer is the only player in the league with at least 650 tackles, 20 INTs and 10 sacks over the past seven seasons.
50. DJ Reader, DT: Signed by Detroit Lions
Reader was yet another impact addition to a much-improved Lions defense. The 30-year-old doesn't fill up the box score, but he's a terrific run stuffer and interior pass rusher, having posted a good-to-great Pro Football Focus grade during all eight seasons in the league. That includes the 11th-best grade among interior linemen in 2023.
Other notable additions:
Jonah Jackson, Darious Williams, Kamren Curl and Jared Verse to the Rams
Brian Thomas Jr., Mitch Morse and Darnell Savage to the Jaguars
Ladd McConkey to the Chargers
Javon Bullard and Josh Jacobs to the Packers
Kevin Zeitler to the Lions
Jonathon Brooks and Jadeveon Clowney to the Panthers
Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner to the Vikings
Azeez Al-Shaair and Joe Mixon to the Texans
Isaac Seumalo and Justin Fields to the Steelers
Tyler Biadasz to the Commanders
Chase Young to the Saints
Devin White to the Eagles
Kenneth Murray Jr. to the Titans
Jordan Whitehead to the Buccaneers