Five most improved teams from the NFL's free-agency period

The NFL free-agency period opened this week, and there was no shortage of drama or intrigue. While several notable names are still available, most of the top free agents are already off the market, giving us an opportunity to assess which teams have progressed or regressed.

With that in mind, here are five teams that have improved the most through free agency thus far.

Houston Texans

Key signings: Edge-rusher Danielle Hunter, LB Azeez Al-Shaair, DL Denico Autry

Texans GM Nick Caserio is taking full advantage of star quarterback C.J. Stroud's rookie-scale contract, making a few splashy acquisitions to put the team in a position to contend for a Super Bowl. 

Despite losing some key defensive contributors, including its 2023 sack leader Jonathan Greenard, Houston revamped the unit, most notably signing Hunter, who collected a career-high 16.5 sacks last season.

Houston was a feel-good story in 2023 due to its unexpected success, and it now faces considerable pressure to surpass that performance this season. Even so, as long as Stroud's sensational rookie year wasn't an anomaly, the team is well-equipped to advance further in the playoffs this time around.

Washington Commanders 

Key signings: LBs Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner, RB Austin Ekeler, center Tyler Biadasz

In all likelihood, Washington won't be a playoff team this season. However, it's impossible to dismiss the improvements made to what was one of the NFL's worst rosters, especially on defense. The Commanders acquired an excellent blend of veteran presence, depth, and versatility to upgrade their 32nd-ranked defense and help change the team's culture without giving up long-term financial flexibility.

Offensively, there's still plenty of work to be done, though Washington is making strides to overhaul an offensive line that allowed the second-most sacks among teams in 2023. 

If things go according to plan, Biadasz and guard Nick Allegretti could be Washington's most impactful additions, as they'll be responsible for protecting the rookie signal-caller the team is expected to draft.

Green Bay Packers 

Key signings: RB Josh Jacobs, safety Xavier McKinney 

Green Bay, the NFL's youngest team last season, was surprisingly a big spender to kick off free agency, filling holes and adding luxuries. The Packers needed to bolster their secondary, and they did so by signing McKinney, the top safety on the market who should only improve, considering he's 24 years old.

Running back wasn't a top priority for the Packers, but Jacobs, the 2022 NFL rushing leader, is an upgrade and a better investment over an aging Aaron Jones. 

Although Detroit remains the team to beat in the NFC North, with the moves the Packers have made, Jordan Love and Co. are steadily inching closer to closing the gap. 

Tennessee Titans

Key signings: WR Calvin Ridley, RB Tony Pollard, center Lloyd Cushenberry III, CB Chidobe Awuzie 

Even though it added to the unit, Tennessee's defense took a hit in free agency with Al-Shaair and Autry's departures. Nonetheless, GM Ran Carthon is doing an exceptional job of correcting the previous Titans regime's mistakes and bringing in talent to put QB Will Levis in the best situation to succeed. 

The Titans offense will look drastically different from years past and should be more pass-heavy after the surprising addition of Ridley, providing the team with another wideout who can post a 1,000-yard season. 

Pollard is a step back from Derrick Henry, but he could have a resurgent season in 2024 since he’ll be another year removed from the leg injury he suffered during the 2022 playoffs. 

Don't overlook the Cushenberry signing either — the 26-year-old was the top center available this offseason.

Atlanta Falcons 

Key signings: QB Kirk Cousins, WR Darnell Mooney

The Falcons could ultimately regret investing so much money into a 35-year-old quarterback coming off an Achilles tear, but Cousins' addition undoubtedly makes them a threat to win the division title this season. 

After all, Atlanta finished 7-10 last season, losing six one-possession games thanks to lackluster quarterback play, and has the majority of its starters on both sides of the ball returning in 2024. 

If Cousins is fully healthy, Atlanta's talented trio of Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts could all be in for breakout seasons, which might excite fantasy football managers even more than Falcons fans.