AFC South Offseason Grades: Free Agency and Trade Moves Reviewed

The AFC South has struggled in recent years, with most teams finishing below .500 and making little postseason noise. Quarterback instability, frequent coaching turnover, and underwhelming rosters have held the division back. This offseason, however, brought a renewed sense of urgency and progress. Each team made meaningful free agency additions aimed at stabilizing key areas and pushing toward contention. There is more talent across the board and more teams expecting to compete. Here is a team-by-team breakdown of the major offseason moves and what they could mean for 2025.

Houston Texans

Key Additions

S C.J. Gardner-Johnson (Trade, 2 years, $17 million remaining)
Gardner-Johnson comes over from the Eagles after posting 59 tackles, 6 interceptions, and 12 pass deflections in 2024. He brings versatility, energy, and ball-hawking instincts to a defense looking to generate more turnovers. His ability to cover the slot and play downhill makes him an ideal fit for DeMeco Ryans’ aggressive coverage schemes.

WR Christian Kirk (Trade, 1 year, $16.5 million remaining)
Limited to just eight games last season due to injury, Kirk remains one of the league’s most reliable slot receivers. He recorded over 1,100 yards in 2022 and brings veteran polish and route precision. He steps in as a key option alongside Nico Collins and Tank Dell, giving C.J. Stroud another dependable target.

G Ed Ingram (Trade, 1 year, $1.5 million remaining)
Ingram started 16 games at right guard for the Vikings last season. While his pass protection remains a work in progress, he has flashed as a powerful run blocker and fits well in a zone-heavy run scheme. He will compete for a starting job after the Texans moved on from Kenyon Green.

LB E.J. Speed (1 year, $5 million)
Speed ranked third in the NFL with 93 solo tackles last season while also adding 5 tackles for loss and 2 forced fumbles. He is rangy, fast, and disruptive. He projects as a weak-side linebacker and brings much-needed athleticism and tackling reliability to the second level.

Summary
Houston added experience and toughness in key areas. Gardner-Johnson and Speed give their defense more juice and leadership. Kirk adds consistency and explosiveness to the passing game. Ingram brings value and competition to the offensive line. While they could have added another running back behind Joe Mixon, the Texans remain well-positioned entering year three of the C.J. Stroud era.
Grade: B

Indianapolis Colts

Key Additions

S Camryn Bynum (4 years, $60 million)
Bynum started all 17 games for the Vikings in 2024, recording 81 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 6 pass breakups. He is a smart, rangy safety who can line up deep or in the box. His versatility and closing speed make him a natural fit in Gus Bradley’s defense and give the Colts more flexibility in disguise coverages.

CB Charvarius Ward (3 years, $60 million)
Ward played at a high level for the 49ers last season with 67 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 15 pass breakups. He brings length, press-man ability, and poise against top receivers. The Colts needed a true number one corner and now have one. His presence allows the defense to play more aggressively.

QB Daniel Jones (1 year, $14 million)
Jones was waived by the Giants midseason and finished the year on Minnesota’s roster. He made five starts for New York in 2024, throwing for 802 yards with 3 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. He offers mobility and toughness and steps in as a high-upside backup behind Anthony Richardson. He also provides some needed veteran perspective in a young quarterback room.

CB Corey Ballentine (1 year, $1.33 million)
Ballentine started six games for Green Bay in 2024 and recorded 34 tackles with 4 pass deflections. He adds experienced depth and can contribute in both base packages and on special teams. His ability to play inside and outside gives Indianapolis flexibility in matchups and formations.

Summary
The Colts focused their efforts on rebuilding the back end of their defense and securing reliable depth at premium positions. Ward and Bynum significantly upgrade a secondary that lacked playmakers. Ballentine adds depth and versatility. Daniel Jones gives the quarterback room more stability in case Richardson misses time. The one big miss is that they did little to strengthen an offensive line that struggled in pass protection.
Grade: B+

Jacksonville Jaguars

Key Additions

CB Jourdan Lewis (3 years, $30 million)
Lewis started 12 games for the Cowboys in 2024, tallying 45 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 8 pass breakups. He is a smart and fluid slot corner who fits Jacksonville’s need for improved nickel coverage. He replaces Tre Herndon and brings experience and steady play against quicker slot receivers.

S Eric Murray (3 years, $22.5 million)
Murray recorded 52 tackles, 1 interception, and a forced fumble in 16 games for Houston last season. He brings physicality, range, and special teams value. He enters a safety group that lacked consistency and gives the Jaguars a reliable rotational piece who can step in when needed.

OT Robert Hainsey (3 years, $21 million)
Hainsey started all 17 games for Tampa Bay and posted a career-best PFF grade of 73.3. He is a technically sound interior lineman who brings communication and consistency to the offensive front. Jacksonville adds him to stabilize the center position and improve protection for Trevor Lawrence.

WR Dyami Brown (1 year, $10 million)
Brown caught 35 passes for 512 yards and 4 touchdowns for the Commanders last season. He stretches the field vertically and gives Jacksonville a needed deep threat to complement its core of Christian Kirk, Brian Thomas Jr., and Zay Jones.

Summary
Jacksonville focused on improving its depth and toughness in the secondary while also adding offensive speed and trench stability. Hainsey is a strong fit at center and should improve communication and consistency up front. Lewis upgrades the nickel corner spot and Murray brings quality depth and experience. Brown adds vertical juice to a receiving corps that lacked a true deep option. These are practical, no-frills moves that address core weaknesses.
Grade: C+

Tennessee Titans

Key Additions

OT Dan Moore Jr. (4 years, $82 million)
Moore started all 17 games at left tackle for the Steelers in 2024 and allowed only four sacks. He brings size, toughness, and technique to a line that has lacked stability. He locks down the left side and allows 2024 first-round pick JC Latham to move to right tackle, creating a promising bookend tandem.

LB Cody Barton (3 years, $21 million)
Barton totaled 106 tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 interceptions with Denver last season. He adds range, coverage skills, and leadership to the middle of the defense. He will start at inside linebacker and help upgrade a unit that struggled to finish plays and stay disciplined in coverage.

WR Tyler Lockett (1 year, $4 million)
Lockett caught 56 passes for 594 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2024. He is a veteran presence who brings precise route running and reliable hands. He will be a key target for rookie quarterback Cam Ward and adds balance to a young and evolving receiving corps.

OG Kevin Zeitler (1 year, $9 million)
Zeitler started 16 games at right guard for the Lions and earned a 70.2 PFF grade. He is a steady, tough interior lineman who provides leadership and reliable pass protection. He gives Tennessee a short-term solution and veteran mentor for the younger offensive linemen.

Summary
The Titans invested in experience and reliability as they continue their offensive rebuild. Moore and Zeitler strengthen the line and give rookie Cam Ward a better chance to succeed. Lockett brings polish and consistency to the receiver room. Barton upgrades a linebacker unit that lacked athleticism. However, they did not make any meaningful additions in the secondary, which remains one of their weakest spots. That gap could hold them back in an increasingly pass-heavy AFC.
Grade: C-

AFC South Outlook for 2025

The AFC South looks more competitive entering the 2025 season. Houston remains the most complete team on paper, with a rising quarterback and smart additions on both sides of the ball. Indianapolis improved its defense with top-tier secondary talent but still has questions up front. Jacksonville addressed trench play and defensive depth with functional upgrades but lacked major impact moves. Tennessee brought in reliable veterans to help support a rookie quarterback, though holes in the secondary remain a concern. While the division still has work to do, it should be deeper, more competitive, and more entertaining than in recent years.