NFL Offseason Review: AFC South Teams Take Center Stage

As the NFL offseason transitions into a quieter period, teams are reflecting on their activities while looking ahead to the upcoming season. With free agency and the draft now completed, the focus is shifting towards coaching, training, and roster building for the 2025 campaign. The AFC South has been particularly active, making notable moves to reshape their rosters. This article examines how each team in the division fared during this offseason.

Houston Texans: Grade B-

• Players Retained: Danielle Hunter (EDGE), Derek Stingley Jr. (CB), Jalen Pitre (CB), Jake Hansen (LB), Mario Edwards Jr. (IDL).
• Notable Additions: Christian Kirk (WR), Cam Robinson (LT), Chauncey Gardner-Johnson Jr. (S).
• Notable Losses: Laremy Tunsil (LT), Stefon Diggs (WR), Kenyon Green (OG).
• Notable Draftees: Jayden Higgins (WR), Aireontae Ersery (OT), Jaylin Noel (WR), Jaylin Smith (CB).

The Texans’ offseason has elicited mixed reactions. While they made significant strides in bolstering their receiving corps with Kirk and the Iowa State duo of Higgins and Noel, trading away left tackle Laremy Tunsil raises questions about their offensive line improvement. Extending key players like Hunter and Stingley was a strategic move that solidifies their defensive capabilities. However, the lingering concern about C.J. Stroud’s protection remains pivotal for the team’s success.

Indianapolis Colts: Grade B

• Players Retained: Braden Smith (OT), Mo Alie-Cox (TE).
• Notable Additions: Charvarius Ward (CB), Camryn Bynum (S), Daniel Jones (QB).
• Notable Losses: Will Fries (OL), Dayo Odeyingbo (EDGE), Ryan Kelly (C), Joe Flacco (QB).
• Notable Draftees: Tyler Warren (TE), JT Tuimoloau (EDGE), Justin Walley (CB), Jordan Travis (OT).

The Colts focused heavily on revamping their secondary, signing Ward and Bynum to address significant weaknesses from the last season. However, concerns linger regarding the offensive line, with crucial losses that were not adequately addressed in the draft until late rounds. The introduction of Daniel Jones complicates the quarterback situation, presenting a potential conflict regarding Anthony Richardson’s future with the franchise.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Grade B

• Players Retained: Cole Van Lanen (OT).
• Notable Additions: Robert Hainsey (C), Dyami Brown (WR), Eric Murray (S), Jourdan Lewis (CB), Patrick Mekari (OL).
• Notable Losses: Christian Kirk (WR), Evan Engram (TE), Andre Cisco (S), Mac Jones (QB).
• Notable Draftees: Travis Hunter (WR/CB), Caleb Ransaw (CB), Wyatt Milum (OT), Bhayshul Tuten (RB).

James Gladstone’s first offseason at the Jaguars came with strategic risk-taking, notably trading up in the draft to secure Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter. Hunter’s potential to contribute on both sides of the ball adds excitement for Jacksonville’s offense and defense. The addition of key positions in free agency, alongside Hunter’s acquisitions, could enhance the Jaguars’ verticality, solidifying their competitiveness next season.

Tennessee Titans: Grade C+

• Players Retained: Sebastian Joseph-Day (IDL).
• Notable Additions: Dan Moore Jr. (OT), Cody Barton (LB), Kevin Zeitler (OL), Dre’Mont Jones (IDL), Tyler Lockett (WR).
• Notable Losses: Harold Landry (EDGE), Kenneth Murray (LB), Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (WR).
• Notable Draftees: Cam Ward (QB), Oluwafemi Oladejo (EDGE), Kevin Winston Jr. (S), Chimere Dike (WR).

The Titans made a splash with the selection of Cam Ward as the first overall pick, yet the excitement is tempered by the overshadowing move made by the Jaguars. They’ve added depth on both sides of the ball, but the pressure is squarely on Ward to perform. The Titans face an uphill battle in a competitive division; if Ward can rise to the challenge, there may be hope for a turnaround.

Conclusion

The AFC South teams have each taken varied approaches to their offseason strategies, showcasing a blend of aggressive recruitment and cautious rebuilding. As preparations for the 2025 NFL season commence, the results of these decisions will unfold on the field. While the Texans and Colts focus on restructuring their core, the Jaguars are aiming for improvements through bold moves. The Titans are betting on the potential of their draft picks to alter their trajectory. This offseason reflects not just a transformation of rosters but also a critical period that could dictate the path for each franchise in the competitive landscape of the NFL.