Baltimore, January 5, 2026
As the NFL regular season ends, 13 teams have been eliminated from playoff contention and are now focusing on rebuilding for the upcoming season. This includes coaching changes and strategic plans for free agency and drafts to enhance their rosters. Teams like the Atlanta Falcons and Las Vegas Raiders are making significant leadership adjustments, while others like the Miami Dolphins consider their quarterback situation. The offseason promises to be a critical period for these teams as they aim to improve their prospects for future success.
2026 NFL Offseason: Teams Focus on Rebuilding After Playoff Eliminations
Baltimore, MD – As the 2025 NFL regular season concludes, 13 teams have been eliminated from playoff contention, prompting a strategic focus on rebuilding for the 2026 season. These teams are now prioritizing key free-agent acquisitions, draft strategies, and organizational changes to enhance their future prospects.
Coaching and Management Changes
Several teams have initiated leadership changes to steer their franchises toward success:
- Atlanta Falcons: Fired head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot after two seasons without playoff appearances. Interim leadership is yet to be announced.
- Las Vegas Raiders: Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly was dismissed on November 23 following a 2-9 start. The team is considering further organizational changes, with head coach Pete Carroll’s future uncertain.
- Tennessee Titans: Head coach Brian Callahan was fired on October 13 after a 1-5 start. Senior offensive assistant Kevin McCoy served as interim coach for the remainder of the season.
- Indianapolis Colts: Despite a seven-game losing streak to end the season, the Colts have decided to retain head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard for the 2026 season.
- New York Jets: Head coach Aaron Glenn is expected to return for the 2026 season, with no changes anticipated in the coaching staff.
Free Agency and Draft Outlooks
Teams are assessing their rosters and planning for the upcoming free agency period and NFL Draft to address critical needs:
- Arizona Cardinals: Prioritizing offensive line improvements to support quarterback play, regardless of whether Jacoby Brissett or Kyler Murray is under center in 2026.
- Atlanta Falcons: Seeking additional pass-catching weapons to complement wide receiver Drake London, aiming to enhance the passing game for quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
- New Orleans Saints: Projected to receive a fourth-round compensatory pick due to the loss of cornerback Paulson Adebo, which could bolster their draft capital.
- Las Vegas Raiders: Considering trading up in the draft to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza, aiming to secure a long-term solution at the position.
- Miami Dolphins: Evaluating the future of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, with potential trade scenarios under consideration to address the team’s quarterback situation.
Organizational Strategies
Teams are implementing various strategies to position themselves for success in the 2026 season:
- Los Angeles Rams: Designated as the home team for the 2026 NFL Melbourne Game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, marking the first regular-season NFL game in Australia.
- New Orleans Saints: Projected to receive a fourth-round compensatory pick due to the loss of cornerback Paulson Adebo, which could bolster their draft capital.
- Las Vegas Raiders: Considering trading up in the draft to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza, aiming to secure a long-term solution at the position.
- Miami Dolphins: Evaluating the future of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, with potential trade scenarios under consideration to address the team’s quarterback situation.
As the NFL offseason progresses, these teams are actively working to rebuild and strengthen their rosters, focusing on strategic acquisitions and organizational changes to improve their performance in the upcoming season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which NFL teams have been eliminated from playoff contention for the 2026 season?
As of January 5, 2026, 13 NFL teams have been eliminated from playoff contention for the 2026 season. These teams are now focusing on rebuilding strategies for the upcoming season.
What coaching changes have occurred in the NFL as of January 5, 2026?
Several NFL teams have made coaching changes as of January 5, 2026. Notably, the Atlanta Falcons fired head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot after two seasons without playoff appearances. The Las Vegas Raiders dismissed offensive coordinator Chip Kelly on November 23 following a 2-9 start. The Tennessee Titans fired head coach Brian Callahan on October 13 after a 1-5 start. The Indianapolis Colts have decided to retain head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard for the 2026 season. The New York Jets are expected to keep head coach Aaron Glenn for the 2026 season.
Which NFL teams are projected to receive compensatory picks in the 2026 NFL Draft?
As of January 5, 2026, the New Orleans Saints are projected to receive a fourth-round compensatory pick in the 2026 NFL Draft due to the loss of cornerback Paulson Adebo. The Chicago Bears are projected to receive a seventh-round compensatory pick for the loss of offensive lineman Teven Jenkins. The Cincinnati Bengals are projected to receive a seventh-round compensatory pick for the loss of linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither. Other teams, such as the Los Angeles Rams, are in line for either a sixth- or seventh-round pick, depending on the usage of cornerback Jalen Ramsey by the San Francisco 49ers.
What are the key free-agent acquisitions and draft strategies for NFL teams in the 2026 offseason?
As of January 5, 2026, NFL teams are focusing on various strategies to rebuild their rosters for the 2026 season. The Arizona Cardinals are prioritizing offensive line improvements to support quarterback play. The Atlanta Falcons are seeking additional pass-catching weapons to complement wide receiver Drake London. The Las Vegas Raiders are considering trading up in the draft to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza, aiming to secure a long-term solution at the position. The Miami Dolphins are evaluating the future of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, with potential trade scenarios under consideration to address the team’s quarterback situation. Additionally, the Los Angeles Rams have been designated as the home team for the 2026 NFL Melbourne Game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, marking the first regular-season NFL game in Australia.
Key Features of the 2026 NFL Offseason for Eliminated Teams
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Coaching Changes | Teams like the Atlanta Falcons and Las Vegas Raiders have made significant coaching changes to improve performance. |
| Free Agency and Draft Outlooks | Teams are focusing on key free-agent acquisitions and draft strategies to address critical roster needs. |
| Organizational Strategies | Teams are implementing various strategies, including international games and evaluating player futures, to position themselves for success in the 2026 season. |
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