Every NFL Team’s Most Dangerous New Addition in 2024

Winning the NFL offseason doesn’t always equate to regular-season success. Some players join new teams with high expectations, only to fail due to a variety of circumstances.

On the other hand, some players are perfect fits on their new teams.

Here, we’ll examine each team’s most dangerous new player—one whom it acquired via the NFL draft, free agency or trade this offseason—and how he could impact his team’s ceiling.

After quarterbacks went off the board with each of the first three picks in the 2024 NFL draft, the Arizona Cardinals landed the B/R Scouting Department’s top-ranked prospect at No. 4.

The arrival of Marvin Harrison Jr. will expand the Cardinals’ offensive playbook in ways they haven’t seen since Larry Fitzgerald was in town. He’s fresh off back-to-back seasons with at least 1,200 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns at Ohio State.

The Cardinals lost former No. 1 receiver Marquise Brown in free agency and traded fellow wideout Rondale Moore to the Atlanta Falcons this offseason. That means Harrison should immediately become one of Kyler Murray’s favorite targets in Arizona.

The Atlanta Falcons spent big during free agency and the draft to address their hole at quarterback. They signed veteran Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract in free agency and then selected Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick in the draft.

The Penix selection was controversial, especially because the Falcons reportedly didn’t tell Cousins about the pick until they were on the clock. ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Cousins’ camp was unhappy that the Falcons didn’t spend the No. 8 pick on a player who could help them win now.

While Penix now projects as the Falcons’ potential long-term answer at quarterback, Cousins should provide an immediate boost under center. He’ll have plenty of weapons at his disposal, including a trio of top-10 picks in running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts.

With nearly 40,000 career passing yards under his belt, Cousins could be the final piece to the puzzle that elevates Atlanta to its first division title since 2016.

Fresh off his second MVP campaign, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was already a nightmare to defend. The addition of star running back Derrick Henry should now make the Ravens offense even more dangerous.

Henry has led the NFL in carries in four of the past five seasons, and he led the league in rushing yards both in 2019 and 2020. He’s had at least 10 rushing touchdowns in each of the past six seasons, too.

Henry isn’t much of a dual threat, and he turned 30 in January, which is typically when running backs begin to fall apart. But if he stays healthy, he and Jackson should form a historic QB-RB rushing tandem.

The Buffalo Bills overhauled their wide receiver room this offseason. They lost Gabriel Davis to the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency and traded Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans, leaving a gaping hole to fill leading up to the draft.

The Bills addressed that by selecting Keon Coleman with the No. 33 overall pick. His 6’4″ frame, explosiveness and ability to play above the rim should help him immediately become quarterback Josh Allen’s favorite perimeter weapon.

Second-year tight end Dalton Kincaid will threaten the seam, and the Bills also signed Curtis Samuel to round out the receiving core. But there’s no question heading into camp about who should become the focal point in Buffalo’s aerial attack.

After 2023 No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young had a rough rookie season, the Carolina Panthers clearly prioritized adding more playmakers around him this offseason.

Not only did the Panthers acquire veteran receiver Diontae Johnson in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but they also traded up to take Xavier Legette at No. 32 overall.

Legette looks the part of a starting NFL receiver at 6’3″ and 227 pounds, and he racked up more than 1,200 receiving yards at South Carolina last fall. He should contribute in a variety of ways early as a rookie.

The Chicago Bears have no shortage of exciting new additions on offense, including longtime Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen and rookie wideout Rome Odunze.

Their most dangerous offseason addition is the player who’ll be tasked with putting those weapons to good use.

After declining to use the No. 1 overall pick on a quarterback last year, the Bears took the plunge this year with Caleb Williams. The former USC signal-caller is expected to inject explosiveness into Chicago’s offense.

Williams is a sensational playmaker outside of structure, but his ability on schedule and inside the tackle box remains an underrated portion of his game. With Allen, Odunze and DJ Moore at his disposal, Williams is poised to make an immediate impact this fall.

The Cincinnati Bengals selected Alabama wide receiver Jermaine Burton in the third round of this year’s draft, perhaps in anticipation of eventually moving on from Tee Higgins. However, he doesn’t figure to make a huge impact as a rookie behind Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase.

Georgia offensive tackle Amarius Mims, whom the Bengals acquired with the 18th overall pick, could be a different story.

The 6’7″, 340-pound Mims is a massive man who moves like someone with a much smaller stature. He has the ability to expand Cincinnati’s playbook both in the run and pass game (kicking out corners on screens) due to his athleticism and movement skills.

The Bengals will continue to lean on quarterback Joe Burrow on offense, but they’ll need to keep him upright. Mims has the potential to evolve into one of the league’s premier tackles should he remain healthy.

The Cleveland Browns still have questions about their future at quarterback after back-to-back underwhelming seasons from Deshaun Watson. But the offseason addition of wide receiver Jerry Jeudy should make life easier for Watson or whomever takes over for him under center.

With Jeudy and Amari Cooper, the Browns have a legitimate 1-2 pairing on the perimeter. Wile Cooper has consistently faced double-teams and bracket coverages throughout his Cleveland tenure, the addition of Jeudy on the opposite side will force teams to account for both sides of the formation.

Jeudy’s burst and ability to rack up yards after the catch will add a unique element to the Browns offense.

The Dallas Cowboys landed a plug-and-play left tackle in Tyler Guyton, whom they drafted after trading down in the first round. Guyton was one of the most gifted athletes in the class.

Future Hall of Fame left tackle Tyron Smith left Dallas this offseason to sign with the New York Jets in free agency. That’ll force Guyton to work through the speed bumps of sliding from right to left tackle.

That transition is easier said than done, but Guyton’s movement skills at 6’7″ give him a fantastic foundation for quick success as Dak Prescott’s blindside protector.

The Denver Broncos hope they found their quarterback of the future with No. 12 overall pick Bo Nix. They also selected one of his former Oregon teammates, wide receiver Troy Franklin, to help ease Nix’s transition to the NFL.

Although Franklin’s hands and willingness to compete inside tightly confined spaces were a knock during the predraft process, his explosiveness and game-changing speed should fit well in Denver. He should quickly elevate the Broncos’ underwhelming group of pass-catchers, particularly after they traded Jerry Jeudy to the Cleveland Browns this offseason.

Franklin shouldn’t require an acclimation period to adjust to Nix’s tendencies, either, as the two enjoyed plenty of success together in Eugene.

After taking Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold in the first round of the draft, the Detroit Lions double-dipped with Missouri cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. in Round 2.

Rakestraw’s physicality, instincts and willingness to mix it up at the line of scrimmage should fit seamlessly into head coach Dan Campbell’s defense.

Whether Rakestraw initially competes for snaps at nickel or the outside, his ceiling is as lofty as Arnold’s.

Edgerrin Cooper and Quay Walker of the Green Bay Packers have the chance to evolve into one of the NFL’s most feared linebacker tandems.

Cooper was the first off-ball linebacker taken in this year’s draft. His length, eyes and coverage ability should help him immediately contribute to Green Bay’s defense.

To see what Cooper could offer the Packers, check out his tape against Alabama, especially his chase-down of potential 2024 Heisman candidate Jalen Milroe as a quarterback spy.

The Houston Texans pairing edge-rusher Danielle Hunter with Will Anderson Jr. should keep AFC quarterbacks up late into the night. Hunter led the Minnesota Vikings with a career-high 16.5 sacks last season, and he’s had five double-digit-sack campaigns in his eight NFL seasons.

The Texans also added running back Joe Mixon and wide receiver Stefon Diggs this offseason, which should help second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud build off a historic 2023 rookie campaign. But the addition of Hunter on the other side of the ball could help the Texans reach new heights as a franchise.

General manager Nick Caserio has set the stage for Houston to become a force in the AFC for years to come.

Indianapolis Colts fans should be eager to see first-round edge-rusher Laiatu Latu get to work this fall.

Latu’s skill set is a little bit of a throwback at the position. But his hand counters, bend and ability to win to either shoulder will give opposing tackles fits for years to come.

The presence of Kwity Paye and free-agent addition DeForest Buckner should allow Latu to face plenty of isolated opportunities as a rookie.

The Jacksonville Jaguars lost No. 1 wide receiver Calvin Ridley in free agency, but they rebounded by adding a pair of new weapons for quarterback Trevor Lawrence. After signing Gabe Davis in free agency, they spent their first-round pick on LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.

Thomas still needs to improve at working into space when faced with press coverage, but his blend of size and speed should complement Davis and fellow wideout Christian Kirk well.

It’s a big year in Jacksonville as head coach Doug Pederson looks to improve on two consecutive 9-8 finishes. Thomas could help the Jaguars get back into the playoffs this year.

After winning back-to-back Super Bowls, the Kansas City Chiefs added some much-needed receiving help this offseason. They signed Marquise Brown in free agency and then traded up for Xavier Worthy in the first round of the draft.

Worthy set an NFL combine record with a 4.21-second 40-yard dash. His explosiveness will force mismatches early in his career, but he’s much more than just speed.

Worthy’s ability to snap off routes, take it the distance on designated touches and outrun undisciplined angles will add a unique element to the already explosive Chiefs offense.

The Las Vegas Raiders signed Christian Wilkins to a four-year, $110 million contract this offseason, and for good reason.

Wilkins cemented himself as one of the NFL’s most dominant interior pass-rushers by racking up a career-high 9.0 sacks last season with the Miami Dolphins. He will now pair with Maxx Crosby to form one of the league’s most feared tandems along the defensive front.

Wilkins tallied 45 pressures over the last two seasons combined. He’ll force opponents to pick their poison between him and Crosby.

The Los Angeles Chargers parted ways with veteran wideouts Keenan Allen and Mike Williams and running back Austin Ekeler this offseason. That means there are plenty of snaps and targets up for grabs in L.A.

The Chargers looked to fill that void by spending a second-round pick on Georgia wideout Ladd McConkey. His ability to dominate in the intermediate areas should give quarterback Justin Herbert a dynamic set of hands to target early this fall.

If 2023 first-round wideout Quentin Johnston doesn’t take a step forward this season, McConkey and seventh-rounders Brenden Rice (USC) and Cornelius Johnson (Michigan) could each push for substantial roles.

Seeing how Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay has utilized running back Kyren Williams should get fans excited for the potential of rookie running back Blake Corum.

While Corum doesn’t have elite size or long speed, the reigning national champion is a fleet-footed ball-carrier with the contact balance and elite vision to challenge for carries in L.A.

Fellow rookie edge-rusher Jared Verse and 3-technique Braden Fiske should make an early impact with the Rams as well.

It was surprising to see Virgina wide receiver Malik Washington available late on Day 3. The Miami Dolphins, who selected him with a sixth-round pick, are likely thrilled that he was.

Washington is a versatile wideout with the get-up-and-go to run past opposing corners, which is a non-negotiable for Dolphins skill-position players. The rep only begins when the ball lands in his hands, though.

Washington’s quickness and elite hands give him a high floor as a projected depth wideout in Miami. While he showcased a heavy dose of timing and out-routes in college, the Dolphins’ scheme should allow him to attack different depths.

Washington will by no means steal targets away from Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, but the rest of the Dolphins’ wide receiver depth chart gives him a window of opportunity.

After star edge-rusher Danielle Hunter signed with the Houston Texans in free agency, Minnesota took Dallas Turner with the No. 17 overall pick to help replace him.

Turner was occasionally quiet at Alabama, but his explosiveness and bend should translate right away to the NFL. He’ll need to improve on early downs, but he has the athleticism to play the fringe areas and a skill set that could evolve into something special.

Veteran free-agent additions Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard should help lighten the load for him as well.

Running back Aaron Jones was another excellent offseason addition, but Turner working off Greenard (who had a career-high 12.5 sacks last season) is extremely intriguing.

It’s only a matter of time before the New England Patriots hand the keys of their offense to No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye. However, there’s no guarantee that he’ll be their Week 1 starter.

If Maye does start the season sitting behind veteran signal-caller Jacoby Brissett, attention may turn to another rookie in New England. Second-round receiver Ja’Lynn Polk has the skill set to become New England’s most electric perimeter threat.

Polk, a nuanced route-runner with sensational hands, has a clear path to a team-high target share thanks to the Patriots’ average-at-best receiving core.

The New Orleans Saints have quietly put together one of the NFL’s top secondaries. Despite already having Marshon Lattimore, Alontae Taylor and Paulson Adebo in place, they took took Kool-Aid McKinstry with a second-round pick to bolster a cornerback room that’s dripping with potential.

For a defense that is expected to fly around and make plays, slotting in McKinstry on the perimeter could be a match made in heaven for head coach Dennis Allen. Although the Alabama product wasn’t the biggest, longest or fastest cornerback in this year’s draft, his eyes, instincts and footwork give him a high floor.

The Saints allowed the ninth-fewest passing yards per game last fall. They should only be stingier with McKinstry now in the fold.

The New York Giants still have questions about their future at quarterback, as they elected not to spend the No. 6 overall pick to address that position.

Instead, they used it on LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers, who should be their most electric pass-catcher since Odell Beckham Jr.

It may be wishful thinking to expect Daniel Jones or Drew Lock to feed Nabers consistently at a variety of depths. However, expect offensive coordinator Mike Kafka to get the No. 6 overall pick involved in unique ways early in his rookie campaign.

The New York Jets added a number of headliners in the offseason, including offensive tackles Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses and veteran wide receiver Mike Williams.

Third-round pick Malachi Corley might be the most dangerous of them all, though. He should immediately draw eyes from opposing secondaries and expand the Jets’ playbook.

Williams and Garrett Wilson will gobble up targets on the perimeter, but Corley’s ability to align up and down the line of scrimmage will give quarterback Aaron Rodgers and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett a unique chess piece to utilize.

Saquon Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles are a dream player-to-team match.

Barkley is a two-time Pro Bowler and one of the NFL’s most explosive playmakers. Behind the Eagles’ front five, he should immediately thrive inside the new-look offense lead by offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.

The Eagles figure to lean on Barkley on the ground to open up play-action shots to A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. That pick-your-poison approach will likely force opposing defense to operate with a “bend but don’t break” mantra.

Barkley’s explosiveness and versatility will expand the Eagles offense in ways they haven’t seen during the Jalen Hurts era.

High-level linebacker play and the Pittsburgh Steelers have remained synonymous for years. This season, free-agent addition Patrick Queen will captain the front seven in Pittsburgh.

Queen made his first Pro Bowl last season after racking up a career-high 133 tackles with the Baltimore Ravens. He’ll now be tasked with leading a linebacking core that will also feature third-round pick Payton Wilson, an electric downhill defender out of NC State.

Pittsburgh also added immediate impact players in offensive linemen Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier and wide receiver Roman Wilson during the draft. But as the green dot on defense, Queen takes the cake as the Steelers’ most dangerous offseason addition.

San Francisco 49ers first-round pick Ricky Pearsall will add another element to one of the NFL’s premier offenses.

It remains to be seen whether fellow wideout Brandon Aiyuk is in the Niners’ long-term plans. But at minimum, Pearsall will give the Niners a powerful pass-catcher with the body control to dominate smaller, less experienced corners as a depth option.

If the Niners eventually trade Aiyuk, Pearsall would be thrust into an even larger role alongside Deebo Samuel and tight end George Kittle.

New Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald should have a field day deploying Byron Murphy II up and down his defensive front.

Macdonald spent the past two seasons working with Justin Madubuike as the Baltimore Ravens’ defensive coordinator. If he deploys Murphy in a similar way, the rookie should thrive.

The Texas product’s athleticism and pass-rush repertoire will take the pressure off a veteran like Leonard Williams. The same goes for young edge-rushers like Boye Mafe and Derick Hall as they try to work around potential chips and double-teams.

Rachaad White touts one of the more nuanced games in space among any NFL running back. However, fourth-round tailback Bucky Irving will add a completely new wrinkle to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offense.

Pony personnel (two RBs) could be a way for Tampa Bay to create mismatches within the front seven. The explosiveness of Irving against a less athletic linebacker or bigger safety could repeatedly create chunk plays.

The Tennessee Titans aggressively sought to improve their roster this offseason. They splurged on the likes of running back Tony Pollard, center Lloyd Cushenberry III and cornerback Chidobe Awuzie in free agency, traded for Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed and added offensive tackle JC Latham with the No. 7 overall pick.

Two years after trading wide receiver A.J. Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Titans also signed wide receiver Calvin Ridley to a four-year, $92 million deal. The explosive perimeter threat will now pair with DeAndre Hopkins, Treylon Burks and Tyler Boyd to make life easier on second-year quarterback Will Levis.

The Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars currently look to be the favorites in the AFC South. However, keep an eye on Tennessee if Levis makes a jump in his second season.

The Washington Commanders spent the No. 2 overall pick on reigning Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels, who should be their most talented signal-caller in over a decade.

Daniels is an electric playmaker who can dissect defenses in a variety of ways. His surroundings in Washington should help him succeed early in his rookie campaign.

The Commanders added help along the front five this offseason, signed running back Austin Ekeler as a complement to Brian Robinson Jr. and drafted wide receiver Luke McCaffrey to serve as their de facto WR3 behind Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson.

The Commanders will enter the fall as an unknown with so many new pieces. But with Daniels’ acumen under center, don’t be shocked if they’re in contention for a wild-card spot come late December.