Ranking the NFL’s three worst offseason decisions

NFL teams rarely admit they are gambling during the offseason. Every questionable contract is presented as a calculated investment, and every aging veteran supposedly has plenty left in the tank. Optimism is cheap in July.

Some of these decisions may eventually work. For now, though, these three stand out as the NFL’s worst offseason decisions.

3. Dolphins guarantee Malik Willis $45 million

Miami needed a quarterback after moving on from Tua Tagovailoa, but it paid Malik Willis like a proven starter.

The Dolphins signed Willis to a three-year, $67.5 million contract containing $45 million fully guaranteed. He earned the opportunity after rebuilding his reputation behind Jordan Love in Green Bay. Still, there is a canyon between looking promising in limited appearances and becoming the face of an offense for 17 games.

Willis has started only a handful of NFL contests. Miami essentially handed him two guaranteed seasons based on potential that has appeared in short bursts. Perhaps the Dolphins unearthed a late-blooming franchise quarterback. They are paying as though the mystery has already been solved.

2. Colts hand Daniel Jones an $88 million contract

Daniel Jones helped Indianapolis become one of the NFL’s biggest surprises in 2025. Then he tore his Achilles in December, and the Colts’ season promptly fell apart.

Their response was to give him a two-year, $88 million contract.

Jones will receive $50 million in 2026 while attempting to return from one of the most serious injuries a quarterback can suffer. Indianapolis was understandably reluctant to lose him after finally finding some stability, but $44 million per season is an enormous reward for one productive campaign.

The Colts paid to preserve what worked before the injury. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee they will get the same quarterback back.

1. Steelers delay their future for Aaron Rodgers

Pittsburgh won the AFC North with Aaron Rodgers last season. That accomplishment deserves credit. But we also can't ignore the ugly ending.

Rodgers threw for 146 yards in Pittsburgh’s 30-6 playoff loss to Houston. He also committed two turnovers that were returned for touchdowns. The Steelers responded by bringing the 42-year-old quarterback back on a one-year contract worth up to $25 million.

Rodgers has already confirmed this will be his final season. That makes Pittsburgh’s decision Super Bowl or bust, whether the organization uses those words or not.

Will Howard is still waiting for a legitimate opportunity after missing valuable time during his rookie season. The Steelers then used the 76th overall pick on Drew Allar, adding another possible successor who now sits behind Rodgers.

Giving a franchise legend one final ride can be understandable. Rodgers is not that in Pittsburgh. He spent nearly two decades building his legacy with Green Bay and has played only one season for the Steelers. Pittsburgh does not owe him a ceremonial farewell.

If Rodgers carries the Steelers deep into the playoffs, the gamble will be justified. If Pittsburgh suffers another early exit, it will have sacrificed a full season of evaluating Howard and developing Allar for a goodbye tour that never belonged to the franchise in the first place.