This is the time of year when we use fun NFL buzzwords such as culture and cohesion and structure. The truth is some teams simply have bad players and coaches.
Luckily for them, this offseason promises to serve the underwhelming while the teams with quality rosters wait for them to catch up. At least seven free-agent quarterbacks have extensive starting experience. At least four new head coaches will be learning on the job. Plus, a draft with serious depth at several positions, including running back and wide receiver, can bolster teams saddled with capital.
It's time to get better. Here's a deeper look at the teams that need an overhaul and the list of tweaks needed by teams that don't need massive rebuilds.
Jump ahead:
Tear it down | New coach taking control
Defense needs help | More offense, please
New QB, not much else | Minimal change needed
Tear it down
Cincinnati Bengals
2019 record: 2-14
Average age of starters in 2019: 26.7 (sixth youngest)
Projected 2020 cap space: $57,144,748 (No. 12)
Big-ticket free agent: A.J. Green
Low-key important free agent: Andrew Billings
Priorities this offseason: Get the quarterback. Let Andy Dalton walk and use the No. 1 pick on the guy -- either LSU's Joe Burrow at the top or moving back a few spots to select Tua Tagovailoa or Justin Herbert. Execs agree the offensive line needs major work and the defense has looked a step slow thanks to multiple aging vets. And make efforts to re-sign Green at a reasonable cost, which seems possible coming off a lost year due to injury. Coach Zac Taylor will probably get at least another one to two years to fix this.