While the NFL world is currently gearing up for the 2024 season, we can’t help but wonder what the league will look like over the next three years.
With that in mind, Pro Football Network is debuting its NFL future rankings for all 32 teams.
PFN took a top-down approach to this exercise, assigning values to each club’s quarterback, roster, coaching, and front office/ownership situation before weighting each input: QB (31%), coaching (26%), non-QB roster (24%), front office/ownership (19%).
Our future rankings will attempt to capture how each team will perform over the next three seasons — not necessarily how they will look when the 2027 campaign begins.
Ages and contracts will play a critical role here. For example, the Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets won’t rank nearly as high in PFN’s future roster rankings as in our 2024 post-schedule release power rankings, simply because their quarterback situations are uncertain beyond this year. Meanwhile, franchises with signal-callers on rookie contracts — an asset worth their weight in gold — will receive a substantial boost in our predictive rankings.
Which NFL organizations are primed to compete over the next three years? Let’s take a look at all 32 teams throughout the league.
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32) Las Vegas Raiders
Key assets: WR Davante Adams, OT Kolton Miller, TE Brock Bowers, TE Michael Mayer, EDGE Maxx Crosby, DT Christian Wilkins, DL Tyree Wilson
The Raiders don’t have a long-term answer at quarterback, where Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell will face off in the NFL’s most depressing QB competition.
Antonio Pierce had the interim head coach tag removed over the offseason but remains a relative unknown, while first-year GM Tom Telesco’s track record with the Chargers was uninspiring.
31) New Orleans Saints
Key assets: QB Derek Carr, WR Chris Olave, WR Rashid Shaheed, OT Taliese Fuaga, C Erik McCoy, EDGE Carl Granderson, CB Marshon Lattimore
While the Saints have a few interesting pieces, head coach Dennis Allen — and maybe even longtime GM Mickey Loomis — is on thin ice entering the 2024 campaign. Unsurprisingly, New Orleans projects to be a staggering $88 million over the 2025 salary cap, giving the team few avenues for improvement beyond the NFL Draft.
At some point, the Saints will have to undergo a total cap reset while likely bottoming out on the field.
30) New York Giants
Key assets: WR Malik Nabers, OT Andrew Thomas, EDGE Brian Burns, EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux, DT Dexter Lawrence, LB Bobby Okereke, CB Deonte Banks
The Giants’ brain trust hasn’t come off all that well in HBO’s offseason “Hard Knocks” docuseries, and GM Joe Schoen and HC Brian Daboll are in precarious positions heading into next season.
Daniel Jones’ extension already looks like an obvious misfire, while New York failed to acquire a quarterback solution in April’s draft. The Giants have room for defensive improvement, but there’s not much to like here.
29) Carolina Panthers
Key assets: QB Bryce Young, RB Jonathon Brooks, WR Diontae Johnson, WR Xavier Legette, OT Ikem Ekwonu, OT Taylor Moton, G Robert Hunt, DT Derrick Brown, CB Jaycee Horn, extra 2025 second-round pick (from LAR)
Carolina did all it could to supply Young with an upgraded set of weapons, offensive line, and coaching staff over the offseason. Now, the onus is on 2023’s No. 1 overall pick to deliver in his second NFL campaign.
First-year head coach and play-caller Dave Canales worked wonders with Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield — can he do the same with Young?
28) Tennessee Titans
Key assets: QB Will Levis, WR Calvin Ridley, OT JC Latham, G Peter Skoronski, C Lloyd Cushenberry, EDGE Harold Landry, DT Jeffery Simmons, CB L’Jarius Sneed
Levis is in a similar situation as Young. The second-year Titans QB has better receivers, a refreshed OL, and new HC Brian Callahan calling plays. Tennesee went on a spending spree in free agency, and while those improvements will help in the near term, Levis’ development will matter more than the club’s offseason additions over the long haul.
27) Washington Commanders
Key assets: QB Jayden Daniels, WR Terry McLaurin, C Tyler Biadasz, DT Jonathan Allen, DT Daron Payne
Placing the Commanders at 27th in our NFL future rankings could look silly in a few years, or perhaps even sooner if Daniels — the 2023 Heisman winner — emerges as a high-end talent in Year 1.
Washington earned the NFC’s highest grade in PFN’s offseason rankings, but even worthwhile additions like Biadasz and LB Frankie Luvu might drop off a few years into our window.
26) Denver Broncos
Key assets: HC Sean Payton, QB Bo Nix, WR Courtland Sutton, G Quinn Meinerz, G Ben Powers, DT Zach Allen, CB Patrick Surtain
While Nix may have been overdrafted at No. 12, he’ll have the chance to work under Payton while playing behind a solid Denver offensive line — not a bad combination. Still, the Broncos have too many holes, and Nix’s ceiling remains too limited, to rank any higher than 26th.
25) Arizona Cardinals
Key assets: QB Kyler Murray, WR Marvin Harrison Jr., TE Trey McBride, OT Paris Johnson Jr., DL Darius Robinson, S Jalen Thompson
Arizona’s offense is poised to take a significant leap in 2024. Murray, another year removed from his ACL injury, looked comfortable inside OC Drew Petzing’s scheme in 2023 and now has Harrison as his WR1.
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But the Cardinals might be involved in quite a few shootouts, as their defensive depth chart is still taking shape. If Arizona adds a few defensive playmakers over the next 12 months, Jonathan Gannon’s club will quickly become contenders.
24) New England Patriots
Key assets: QB Drake Maye, RB Rhamondre Stevenson, OT Michael Onwenu, DT Christian Barmore, CB Christian Gonzalez, S Kyle Dugger
The Patriots’ defense finished eighth in efficiency in 2023 despite losing Gonzalez and EDGE Matt Judon for most of the season. Bill Belichick is gone, but Jerod Mayo’s defense still profiles as one of the league’s top units, giving New England some level of floor.
However, the NFL is an offensive-driven league — and the Pats simply have too many questions on that side of the ball. Maye, play-caller Alex Van Pelt, and New England’s pass catchers and offensive line are essentially mysteries heading into 2024.
23) Pittsburgh Steelers
Key assets: HC Mike Tomlin, WR George Pickens, OT Broderick Jones, OT Troy Fautanu, EDGE T.J. Watt, S Minkah Fitzpatrick, CB Joey Porter Jr.
Tomlin and the Steelers’ stability as a franchise makes bottoming out an unlikely possibility, but it’s hard to be excited about Pittsburgh’s ceiling. Neither Russell Wilson nor Justin Fields are signed beyond 2024, while the Steelers lack a reliable No. 2 pass-catching option behind Pickens.
While offensive line additions and an always-elite defense give the Steelers hope, a long-term answer under center remains a priority after 2022 first-round pick Kenny Pickett’s flameout.
22) Seattle Seahawks
Key assets: GM John Schneider, QB Geno Smith, WR DK Metcalf, WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, OT Charles Cross, DT Byron Murphy, CB Devon Witherspoon, CB Riq Woolen
Mike Macdonald was the most inspired coaching hire of the 2024 cycle. We can’t wait to see how he utilizes Seattle’s defensive pieces after crafting the NFL’s best unit in Baltimore last season.
Smith’s age (34 in October) is a concern, especially if you don’t believe in QB2 Sam Howell. But first-year OC Ryan Grubb — whose high-flying Washington Huskies offense was the envy of college football — should make life easy on whoever is under center for the Seahawks.
21) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Key assets: GM Jason Licht, QB Baker Mayfield, WR Mike Evans, WR Chris Godwin, OT Tristan Wirfs, OT Luke Goedeke, C Graham Barton, DT Vita Vea, DT Calijah Kancey, CB Jamel Dean, S Antoine Winfield Jr.
The Buccaneers have won the NFC South three years running and agreed to new contracts with Mayfield and Evans over the offseason.
Tampa Bay will compete again in 2024, although it’s fair to be wary of how Mayfield will look now that Canales is coaching the division-rival Panthers.
20) Dallas Cowboys
Key assets: QB Dak Prescott, WR CeeDee Lamb, G Zack Martin, OT Tyler Guyton, G Tyler Smith, EDGE Micah Parsons, CB Trevon Diggs, CB DaRon Bland
The Cowboys’ No. 20 slot is almost wholly dependent on contract situations. Prescott is heading into the final year of his contract with a massive $55 million cap hit, while Lamb is holding out of training camp while pressing for an extension.
Dallas has high-end talent to work with, but uncertainty abounds. While Jerry Jones won’t fire himself, head coach Mike McCarthy faces a make-or-break campaign.
19) New York Jets
Key assets: QB Aaron Rodgers, RB Breece Hall, WR Garrett Wilson, OT Olu Fashanu, DT Quinnen Williams, LB Quincy Williams, CB Sauce Gardner
The Jets and Cowboys share many similarities. Unlike Prescott, Rodgers is under contract beyond 2024, but his advanced age makes retirement an annual possibility. Meanwhile, general manager Joe Douglas and head coach Robert Saleh will almost surely be replaced if Gang Green fails to make the playoffs this season.
New York faces as many potential paths forward as any team in the league.
18) Cleveland Browns
Key assets: GM Andrew Berry, HC Kevin Stefanski, TE David Njoku, EDGE Myles Garrett, LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, CB Denzel Ward, CB Martin Emerson
The Browns have one of the NFL’s best rosters. Berry crafted the team’s depth chart and is a forward-thinking, analytics-friendly GM. Stefanski is coming off his second Coach of the Year award in four years.
But Deshaun Watson — and his fully guaranteed $230 million contract — has become a complete albatross weighing down the rest of Cleveland’s talented depth chart. Barring a 2024 turnaround, the Browns may have to consider other QB options.
17) Jacksonville Jaguars
Key assets: QB Trevor Lawrence, WR Brian Thomas Jr., TE Evan Engram, EDGE Josh Hines-Allen, EDGE Travon Walker, CB Tyson Campbell
Lawrence is only 24 years old, giving the former No. 1 overall pick plenty of time to improve after three up-and-down seasons. After signing a summer extension, he’s tied with Joe Burrow as the NFL’s highest-paid quarterback ($55 million AAV). Once that deal kicks in, Jacksonville will have to start cutting roster corners elsewhere.
Hines-Allen is a star, while the Jaguars just locked up Campbell this week. Walker, the top pick in the 2022 draft, has to step up in his third NFL campaign.
16) Atlanta Falcons
Key assets: QB Kirk Cousins, QB Michael Penix Jr., RB Bijan Robinson, WR Drake London, TE Kyle Pitts, G Chris Lindstrom, S Jessie Bates
The Falcons planned for every future QB contingency by signing Cousins and drafting Penix this offseason. The prudence of those moves aside, adding two starting-calibers quarterbacks certainly sets Atlanta up for the future at the sport’s most critical position.
While we know who Cousins is by now, Penix’s upside — combined with star-studded offensive weaponry — might determine where the Falcons rank by 2027.
15) Minnesota Vikings
Key assets: HC Kevin O’Connell, QB J.J. McCarthy, WR Justin Jefferson, WR Jordan Addison, TE T.J. Hockenson, OT Christian Darrisaw, EDGE Jonathan Greenard, EDGE Dallas Turner
Jefferson is the NFL’s best wide receiver, and the rest of Minnesota’s offensive depth chart was going to provide an enviable situation for whichever quarterback the Vikings landed in April’s draft.
But this is primarily a bet on O’Connell and his ability to develop McCarthy into an above-average starter. Through two seasons in Minnesota, O’Connell has aced just about every test — from play-calling and hiring to locker room and media management.
The Vikings are our lowest-ranked NFC North organization, but that speaks more to the division’s strength than a lack of faith in O’Connell and Co.’s plan.
14) Indianapolis Colts
Key assets: HC Shane Steichen, QB Anthony Richardson, RB Jonathan Taylor, WR Michael Pittman Jr., G Quenton Nelson, EDGE Laiatu Latu, DT DeForest Buckner
If you’re trying to identify one NFL team that could take a gargantuan leap in our rankings, look no further than Indianapolis.
Every fantasy football player is trying to get their hands on Richardson’s tantalizing upside, while Steichen has proved himself as a play-calling whiz at every stop. The Colts’ defense has question marks, but Latu could be the missing piece for Gus Bradley’s front seven.
13) Los Angeles Chargers
Key assets: HC Jim Harbaugh, QB Justin Herbert, OT Rashawn Slater, OT Joe Alt, EDGE Joey Bosa, CB Asante Samuel Jr., S Derwin James
Quarterback and head coach are the most important positions on an NFL team’s hierarchy, and the Chargers have both spots figured out. Harbaugh and Herbert — despite the former’s extended NFL absence and the latter’s hefty contract — give the Bolts a substantial leg up in our future rankings.
However, the rest of the roster clearly needs work. With former Ravens staffer Joe Hortiz running Los Angeles’ personnel department (in tandem with Harbaugh), we have faith the Chargers can overhaul their depth chart over the next few seasons — and maybe even sneak into the playoffs in 2024.
12) Miami Dolphins
Key assets: HC Mike McDaniel, QB Tua Tagovailoa, RB De’Von Achane, WR Tyreek Hill, WR Jaylen Waddle, EDGE Bradley Chubb, EDGE Jaelan Phillips, EDGE Chop Robinson, CB Jalen Ramsey
McDaniel has been Kyle Shanahan Lite over the past two seasons in Miami, crafting one of the league’s most terrifying offenses with Tua Tagovailoa under center. Achane, Hill, and Waddle are electric and testaments to GM Chris Grier’s ability to find players with skill sets that fit McDaniel’s scheme.
11) Chicago Bears
Key assets: GM Ryan Poles, QB Caleb Williams, WR DJ Moore, WR Rome Odunze, OT Darnell Wright, EDGE Montez Sweat, CB Jaylon Johnson, extra 2025 second-round pick (from CAR)
Poles has done an incredible job since taking over the Bears’ front office in 2022. Through a series of shrewd transactions, Poles will allow Williams to fall into the best environment for a quarterback drafted first overall in NFL history.
Williams will make $9.8 million annually over the next four seasons. If he’s even league-average, he’s a tremendous bargain. If the former Heisman winner becomes the player nearly everyone believes he can, Williams will be the best bargain in the NFL.
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Coaching remains a question. Defensive-minded coaches typically get less benefit of the doubt than their offensive brethren, while the Bears probably could have fired Eberflus this past offseason without causing waves. A potential lack of staff stability is the only metric dragging Chicago down.
10) Los Angeles Rams
Key assets: GM Les Snead, HC Sean McVay, QB Matthew Stafford, WR Puka Nacua, WR Cooper Kupp, G Kevin Dotson, G Jonah Jackson, EDGE Jared Verse, DT Kobie Turner
Stafford is 36 years old and has dealt with myriad injuries, but he’s under contract with the Rams through 2026. He doesn’t rely on mobility and should be able to age gracefully, especially after Los Angeles bolstered its OL over the offseason.
Even if you believe Stafford is on his last NFL legs, McVay is the real selling point for the Rams. Somehow still the league’s third-youngest head coach seven years after taking the L.A. job, the 37-year-old McVay seems to have moved past the retirement rumors that surrounded him after his team’s Super Bowl victory.
9) Buffalo Bills
Key assets: GM Brandon Beane, HC Sean McDermott, QB Josh Allen, TE Dalton Kincaid, OT Dion Dawkins, DT Ed Oliver, LB Matt Milano, extra 2025 second-round pick (from MIN)
Any team with Allen under center can only drop so far. He’s the NFL’s second-best quarterback, enabling the Bills to remain competitive regardless of the rest of their roster.
While Buffalo cut ties with several high-profile players this offseason, most of those veterans had been injured or ineffective in recent years. There’s a chance the Bills actually improve despite all the turnover.
From a roster-building perspective, Beane and McDermott may have learned a valuable lesson from the Von Miller disaster: Never mortgage the future when your All-Pro quarterback can keep your competitive window open indefinitely.
8) Cincinnati Bengals
Key assets: GM Duke Tobin, HC Zac Taylor, QB Joe Burrow, WR Ja’Marr Chase, OT Orlando Brown Jr., OT Amarius Mims, EDGE Trey Hendrickson, CB Cam Taylor-Britt
Speaking of competitive timelines, Burrow infamously said in Jan. 2023 that the Bengals’ “window is (his) whole career … Our window is always open.”
Burrow’s quote holds true for any elite NFL quarterback, but his $55 million AAV will force Cincinnati to make hard decisions.
The Bengals are already playing hardball with franchise-tagged WR Tee Higgins and may have to cut corners elsewhere moving forward. Getting more production out of recent first-round picks Dax Hill and Myles Murphy is a must.
7) Houston Texans
Key assets: GM Nick Caserio, HC DeMeco Ryans, QB C.J. Stroud, WR Nico Collins, WR Tank Dell, OT Laremy Tunsil, EDGE Will Anderson Jr., CB Derek Stingley Jr.
Stroud topped 4,000 yards, posted an absurd 1% interception rate, and won Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2023, while Anderson took home the defensive trophy after racking up seven sacks and 22 QB hits. Neither standout’s cap charge will eclipse $12 million in any of the next three seasons.
As if that weren’t enough, the Texans have premier talent at every premium position, with Collins, Tunsil, and Stingley lining up at critical spots. Veteran additions like WR Stefon Diggs and EDGE Danielle Hunter might not be around for the entire three-year window we’re looking at, but they’ll help Houston compete for a Super Bowl title in 2024.
6) Green Bay Packers
Key assets: GM Brian Gutekunst, HC Matt LaFleur, QB Jordan Love, EDGE Rashan Gary, OT Rasheed Walker, OT Jorgan Morgan, G Elgton Jenkins, DT Kenny Clark, CB Jaire Alexander, S Xavier McKinney
Jordan Love is a valuable commodity at any price. Meanwhile, the Packers continue to exceed at drafting and developing prospects, giving the club an intriguing set of WRs in Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, and Dontayvion Wicks, plus plenty of options along the offensive line.
Although Green Bay and Houston finished incredibly close in our ranking criteria, the Packers have two distinct advantages.
The Packers were the NFL’s youngest team by snap-weighted age last season, while the Texans were the fourth-oldest. And while Houston OC Bobby Slowik could depart for a head-coaching position as early as 2025, LaFleur isn’t leaving Green Bay any time soon.
5) Philadelphia Eagles
Key assets: GM Howie Roseman, QB Jalen Hurts, WR A.J. Brown, WR DeVonta Smith, OT Jordan Mailata, DT Jalen Carter, CB Quinyon Mitchell
Roseman is the NFL’s most creative general manager, while owner Jeffery Lurie’s willingness to spend is a tremendous advantage for the Eagles. Philadelphia is locked and loaded at nearly every offensive position and spent the offseason addressing weaknesses on the defensive side of the ball.
The Eagles’ most pressing concern is coaching. While new OC Kellen Moore and DC Vic Fangio should be upgrades over last year’s play-callers, Philadelphia can’t boast staff continuity. Plus, head coach Nick Sirianni was nearly fired at the end of last season and might need a playoff win to keep his job.
4) Detroit Lions
Key assets: GM Brad Holmes, HC Dan Campbell, QB Jared Goff, RB Jahmyr Gibbs, WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, TE Sam LaPorta, OT Penei Sewell, EDGE Aidan Hutchinson, LB Jack Campbell, CB Terrion Arnold
This is how you rebuild a roster.
Nearly everything Holmes and Campbell have touched over the past three years has turned to gold. The Goff-Matthew Stafford trade was a masterstroke, while the Lions filled in their roster through superb drafting and smart free agent signings.
Detroit had four players — St. Brown, La Porta, Sewell, and Hutchinson — featured on PFN’s Top 25 Under 25, the most of any NFL team.
Goff’s new $52.5 million contract raises expectations, and OC Ben Johnson will likely leave for a head coaching job at some point. But the Lions are set up to compete now and in the future.
3) Baltimore Ravens
Key assets: GM Eric DeCosta, HC John Harbaugh, QB Lamar Jackson, WR Zay Flowers, TE Mark Andrews, C Tyler Linderbaum, DT Justin Madubuike, LB Roquan Smith, CB Marlon Humphrey, CB Nate Wiggins, S Kyle Hamilton
While Baltimore lost several critical pieces during the 2024 offseason, DeCosta and Harbaugh have solidified the Ravens’ roster with Tier 1 talent at numerous positions. They’re built through the spine more than most NFL teams, but players like Linderbaum, Madubuike, Smith, and Hamilton are among the league’s best at their respective spots.
Of course, Baltimore also happens to have a two-time NFL MVP under center. Jackson has taken strides as a passer and remains the league’s most dangerous QB rushing threat. With another year of work with Flowers and play-caller Todd Monken under his belt, Lamar could be even better next year.
2) San Francisco 49ers
Key assets: GM John Lynch, HC Kyle Shanahan, QB Brock Purdy, RB Christian McCaffrey, WR Brandon Aiyuk, WR Deebo Samuel, WR Ricky Pearsall, OT Trent Williams, TE George Kittle, EDGE Nick Bosa, LB Fred Warner
Shanahan’s dynamic scheme and the 49ers’ uber-talented weapons have turned the club’s offense into a behemoth. While San Francisco faces contract questions with Aiyuk and Williams, there’s no reason to think the Niners’ train will stop rolling.
Debate Purdy’s place in quarterback rankings all you want — the former Mr. Irrevelant will make roughly $2 million over the next two seasons and just led the NFL in QBR. He’s a tremendously valuable asset. Despite any turnover San Francisco might experience, Shanahan’s wizardry and Purdy’s artificially reduced contract will keep the 49ers near the top of our future rankings.
1) Kansas City Chiefs
Key assets: GM Brett Veach, HC Andy Reid, QB Patrick Mahomes, WR Xavier Worthy, TE Travis Kelce, G Joe Thuney, C Creed Humphrey, DT Chris Jones, EDGE George Karlaftis, CB Trent McDuffie
Mahomes, by himself, might’ve been enough to give the Chiefs the No. 1 slot in PFN’s NFL Future Rankings. He’s already in the conversation for the greatest quarterback of all time and could secure that title by the time his career is complete.
But, of course, Mahomes is far from Kansas City’s only valuable commodity. Reid is the league’s best head coach and offensive play-caller and doesn’t seem close to retirement at age 66. PFN ranked Veach as the NFL’s No. 2 general manager behind Roseman, while Steve Spagnuolo was first on our defensive coordinator list.
Kelce should be around for at least two more years, Worthy adds another dimension to the Chiefs’ offense, and K.C. should be able to extend at least one of Humphrey or Smith. Jones is the NFL’s top DT now that Aaron Donald retired and is signed through 2028, while McDuffie headlines an intriguing crop of young Chiefs defensive backs.
No NFL team has ever won three straight Super Bowl titles, and only the 1970s Steelers earned four Lombardis in six years. The Chiefs are on the verge of a dynasty — if they aren’t already there.