One reason for each NFL non-playoff team to be optimistic: Draft, young stars, more

For more than half of the league's top teams, the season came to an end, ushering in a season of hope. A year ago Patriots were one of the worst teams in the league and Saints I didn’t know who would become the defender of the future. A lot can change in a year, but it all depends on how the team executes its plan.

Every team has reason to be optimistic about the future and hope that next year will be different. Here's the reason for every team that didn't make it to the playoffs:

Atlanta has a rookie defenseman. There is an opportunity to build around Michael Penix Jr.. They need to hire a head coach the right way, and that could bring renewed energy to the building. They have two of the best players at their positions: wide receiver Drake London and run back Sesame Robinson.

Pass rush finally improved thanks to rookies Jalon Walker And James Pierce Jr.. both promise.

Arizona has prepared and developed the secondary well, but there is also reason to be excited about the front seven. Defensive tackle Walter Nolen has been a disruptive player when available this season. If he is like Darius Robinsonmay continue to evolve, possibly leading to turnover opportunities for companies such as Will Johnson younger, Garrett Williams, Max Melton and others in the background.

If Joe Burrow healthy throughout the season, then Cincinnati will be competitive. They have two of the best receivers in the game and one of the most explosive offenses in the league. The leading voices in this operation are returning, and that may be a good thing, depending on how you look at it.

If they can find a few defensive players who can make an impact, the rebound could be higher than expected.

Cleveland has a lot of talent on defense: fast player Myles Garrettmidfielder Carson Schwesingersafety Grant Delpitdefensive tackle Mason Grahametc. If they get some pieces on offense, including a position that has eluded them for over two decades, there is an opportunity to move up quickly.

Additionally, the team has ample draft capital, including two first-round picks in the 2026 draft, to make those upgrades or move to the quarterback position. There's little room for error here and the wrong move could set them back in the long run when you consider the ages of key players like Denzel Ward, Malik Collins and Garrett.

Much of the offensive infrastructure is already in place. Defender Dak Prescott The ceiling may fluctuate, but he plays competently at the most important position in the game. They could potentially bring back talented pass catchers. CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens And Jake Ferguson. running back Javonte Williams was an impressive free agent signing. The offensive line should be in relatively good shape considering the sheer number of early draft picks it consists of.

The defense needs a lot of work, but defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and compelling highlights from a rookie pass rusher. Donovan Ezeiruacu make sure the depth chart isn't completely sterile.

Hope that Daniel Jones returns to form and can pick up where he left off this season. If he can, Indianapolis will get a starting quarterback at a discount. The offensive line's development has been good and the roster has quality pass catchers: tight end Tyler Warrenwide receiver Josh Downes and wide receiver Michael Pittman younger

For effective defense there are elements such as full back. Gardner saucedefensive tackle DeForest Buckner and edge rusher Layato Latu. The outlook for the overall roster is more promising than last year.

The reasons for optimism should be fairly simple. If Patrick Mahomes plans to return next season, Kansas City will once again be in contention for the AFC. The offensive line has a year's worth of experience working together, and the hope is that the rookie has left tackle Josh Simmons able to stay on the field.

The team would benefit from identifying a deep ball threat that the opponent will have to account for. Theoretically, this would allow Rashi Rice freedom to continue working below. Key pieces such as tight end Travis Kelsey and protective gear Chris Jonesmay be nearing the end of their tenure with the franchise, and it's important to determine the core elements of the next title. Luckily, they are constrained by premium project capital, which they haven't seen in quite some time.

Las Vegas made all the wrong moves last offseason. They aggressively invested in a roster that was not built to fight. However, a by-product of these decisions is the opportunity to find the quarterback of the future.

If Indiana's Fernando Mendoza is selected, it is interesting to think about the collection of young, experienced players, including running backs. Ashton Ginty and tight end Brock Bowers. Of course, there are big needs to fill out the offensive and defensive lines, but teams like Washington and Houston have shown in recent years that finding a quarterback can rejuvenate a team overnight.

Miami won four games in a row despite looking like one of the league's worst teams, but then finished the season losing three of its last four. At this point, it looks like Mike McDaniel will be back, so continuity could be a positive. Running back Devon Achane and wide receiver Jaylen Waddle – two of the most explosive players in the country with the ball in their hands.

New Orleans Saints

Tyler Shaw Success at the end of the season has already begun to change the threads of the franchise. They expect to compete, if not win, every week. It can't be overstated how beneficial it is to have a competent quarterback this offseason, and the Saints have found theirs.

New Orleans needs to find one or two more weapons, but it needs to do so as early as 2026. NFL Draft to meet these needs. The defense also continues to work with veterans such as Cam Jordan and Demario Davis presumably nearing the end of their careers.

New York's roster as a whole may need some work, but the fundamentals are there. With a full offseason to solidify the starting lineup, the team will be able to properly evaluate Jackson Dart as a viable starting quarterback. He enjoyed some success after first joining the starting line-up, but injuries and a change in management brought the operation back down to earth.

Malik Nabers and Kam-Skattebo should be fully restored in 2026. Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, Kayvon Thibodeau And Dexter Lawrence on paper they form one of the best defensive lines in the league. They also have a top 5 overall selection that can be offered to the highest bidder and will bring in even more profit or at the very least lead to the addition of another top talent.

The Jets are better equipped than any other team to attract effective players. Over the next two years, New York will receive five first-round picks in the Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner trades. The offensive line is in good shape thanks to investments in the lineup and wide receiver. Garrett Wilson should return healthy in 2026.

Execution is paramount, but the Jets could be an interesting offense with at least improved quarterback play.

Titans fans should take comfort in the fact that they won't have to wander into the quarterback wilderness this offseason. While the Browns, Jets and other teams are looking for a player who can revitalize the game's most important position, Tennessee has its guy. Cam Ward He's had some really impressive moments this season, which is why he was selected as the quarterback on the All-Rookie team.

The franchise made a mistake by spending money on surrounding the defender Will Lewis with top talent the year before, and the idea never materialized. At least Tennessee was realistic in achieving its goals in 2025. For this reason, they can continue to build from scratch rather than waste time correcting past mistakes.

Washington needs to be realistic about where it is in the rebuilding process this offseason. Last year they followed Houston's model, trying to speed up the rebuilding process by acquiring players like Deebo Samuel And Laremy Tunsil. Commanders have legitimate question marks on defense.

With a top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and a projected return for a healthy player. Jayden DanielsWashington might look more like the team that was in the NFC Championship less than a year ago.