NFL Power Rankings: Where teams stand after free agency's 1st wave

New Orleans remains in a state of evaluation, as the front office makes big-money decisions that could define their upcoming years. The contracts handed out to Travis Etienne and David Edwards are significant, signaling the organization’s trust in their core offensive philosophy. The success of this team rests heavily on the shoulders of Tyler Shough, who enters his first full season as the definitive starter. While the roster has some talent, it lacks the depth of the true conference elites. The Saints must prove that their high-priced acquisitions can truly move the needle.

The Buccaneers find themselves in a precarious position after losing a cornerstone of their franchise in Mike Evans. The recent roster additions, while useful for building depth, do not seem to possess the elite talent necessary to vault the team back into contention. Tampa Bay seems caught in a transition period where they are neither rebuilding nor truly competing at the highest level. For the coaching staff, this creates a difficult season ahead, as they struggle to find the playmakers necessary to remain relevant in a highly competitive and evolving conference landscape.