In a competitive division like the NFC East, roster upgrades are essential. This offseason, all four teams took steps to strengthen their rosters through trades and free agency. Some made headline-grabbing additions, while others focused on filling gaps with value signings. While every team improved on paper, none addressed every issue, and the decisions made over the last few months could prove just as important as anything that happens on the field this fall. Here’s a closer look at the most impactful new additions for each NFC East team and what they might mean for the season ahead.
Dallas Cowboys
Key Additions:
WR George Pickens (Acquired via trade, 3.65 million dollars left on rookie deal)
A shocking trade brought George Pickens to Dallas, pairing him with CeeDee Lamb in one of the league’s most talented receiving duos. Both are capable WR1s, but Pickens adds a different element with his deep speed and elite contested catch ability. His presence forces defenses to play honestly, drawing coverage away from Lamb and giving Dak Prescott more options in the passing game. Still on his rookie deal, Pickens brings huge upside and big-play potential to a Cowboys offense that needed another perimeter threat last season. If used properly, he could be one of the steals of the offseason.
RB Javonte Williams (1 year, 3.5 million dollars)
The Cowboys made a simple but necessary move by signing Javonte Williams to help fix a rushing attack that fell flat last season. Williams brings explosiveness and power, with the ability to slip off tackles and burst through lanes once he hits the second level. At 220 pounds, he adds a physical presence that Dallas lacked in 2024. The Cowboys also signed Miles Sanders to share the workload, giving them a more complete backfield. If Williams stays healthy and returns to his pre-injury form, he could give the Cowboys the balance they have been missing on offense.
LB Kenneth Murray Jr. (1 year, 15.5 million dollars)
The Cowboys signed Kenneth Murray Jr. after a bounce-back season with the Titans, where he showed improved discipline and range as a starting linebacker. A former first-round pick by the Chargers, Murray always had elite athletic traits but struggled with consistency early in his career. In Tennessee, he finished with 112 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks while posting a career-best 81.4 run defense grade, according to PFF. Dallas is hoping he can bring that same energy and production to the middle of their defense. It is a pricey one-year deal, but if Murray builds on last year, he could be a tone-setter in the front seven.
CB Kaiir Elam (Acquired via trade, 2.6 million dollars left on rookie deal)
Dallas traded for Kaiir Elam to bolster a cornerback room that lacked depth late last season. A first-round pick in 2022 by Buffalo, Elam has struggled with injuries and inconsistency, but he is still only 23 and brings good size and man coverage skills. In Dallas’s press-heavy scheme, he will have a chance to earn meaningful reps as a rotational outside corner or nickel option. Last season, Elam appeared in 10 games, recording 26 tackles, 1 interception, and 6 passes defended. He showed flashes that suggest his potential when fully healthy. For a low trade cost, this was a worthwhile pickup.
Summary
The Cowboys did not make a ton of moves, but the ones they did were smart and potentially high-impact. George Pickens gives Dak Prescott a true high-caliber threat opposite CeeDee Lamb, and his ability to stretch the field adds a new layer to the offense. Javonte Williams brings a physical presence to the backfield, and if healthy, could be a major upgrade. Kenneth Murray Jr. adds speed and range to the second level, while Kaiir Elam is a low-risk bet on upside. However, the team did not address needs on the offensive line or at safety, leaving some holes open. If the defense’s new additions click, Dallas could take a step forward, but that remains to be seen.
Grade: C +
New York Giants
Key Additions:
QB Russell Wilson (1 year, 10.5 million dollars)
The Giants added veteran Russell Wilson on a one-year deal, giving them a proven starter who can win games. After a strange stint in Denver, Wilson looked sharper last season in a late run with the Steelers. He threw for 2,482 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions in 11 games while completing 63.7 percent of his passes. Although his mobility has declined, he still protects the football and can extend plays when needed. Brian Daboll’s offense emphasizes quick reads and smart decision-making, which could be a great fit for Wilson. He may not be the long-term answer, but he provides the Giants with needed stability and veteran leadership under center.
CB Paulson Adebo (3 years, 54 million dollars)
The Giants made a significant investment in Adebo, who brings press-man coverage skills and sharp ball instincts to a defense that gave up too many chunk plays last year. In 2024 with New Orleans, Adebo recorded 52 tackles, 10 pass deflections, and 3 interceptions over seven games before suffering a season-ending femur injury. His performance demonstrated starting-caliber capability, and the Giants are banking on his recovery to bolster the secondary. He consistently stays in phase with receivers and uses his length to disrupt timing and passing lanes. If he returns to form, he could be their most impactful signing.
S Jevon Holland (3 years, 45.3 million dollars)
Jevon Holland arrives as a versatile safety capable of impacting all three levels of the defense. He posted 62 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and 4 passes defended last season with Miami while playing 91 percent of the defensive snaps. He played a major role in the Dolphins’ secondary and will do the same in New York. Holland’s ability to rotate between deep coverage, box support, and slot alignment gives the Giants flexibility. His range and ability to disguise looks make him ideal for a defense that wants to send pressure without giving up big plays over the top.
QB Jameis Winston (1 year, 4.65 million dollars)
Jameis Winston adds more veteran presence to the quarterback room and might be the most entertaining QB2 in football. In 2024, he played 9 games with Cleveland, throwing for 2,121 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He also broke a Browns franchise record with 497 passing yards in a single game. Winston still has one of the strongest arms in the league and can get hot in stretches, but his turnover habits remain a concern. In New York, he will serve as a fallback option in case of injury or underperformance. He is unlikely to start unless needed, but he can keep an offense afloat in a pinch.
Summary
The Giants approached free agency with a focus on patching the defense and stabilizing the quarterback room. The additions of Paulson Adebo and Jevon Holland could reshape their secondary. Adebo brings the size, physicality, and ball skills that New York’s defense needs, while Holland adds leadership and versatility. On offense, the quarterback plan was more about trying to find answers. Russell Wilson may not be a long-term fix, but he gives the team a reliable option, and Jameis Winston is a solid depth move. What is missing is offensive line help and a secondary weapon behind Malik Nabers. The defense is stronger and more stable, but offensive ceiling questions remain.
Grade: B
Philadelphia Eagles
Key Additions:
RB AJ Dillon (1 year, 1.3 million dollars)
The Eagles added AJ Dillon to give their backfield a bruising presence. In Green Bay, Dillon was often used in short-yardage situations, and while his overall numbers dipped in 2024, his physicality remained a strength. He averaged 4.3 yards per carry on limited touches and converted eight of ten third-and-short opportunities. With Kenneth Gainwell as the main backup option, Dillon is expected to handle red zone carries and help close out games. He is not a home-run hitter like Saquon Barkley, but his ability to grind out tough yards and wear down defenses gives the Eagles more balance and toughness.
EDGE Azeez Ojulari (1 year, 3 million dollars)
Azeez Ojulari arrives in Philadelphia looking to rediscover the early-career form that made him a breakout rookie with the Giants. In 2024, he registered six sacks and 12 pressures over 13 games, showing flashes of the bend and quickness that once made him one of New York’s most promising young defenders. Injuries have been a hurdle, but he now lands in one of the best pass-rush rotations in football. With other linemen and edge rushers drawing attention, Ojulari should see favorable matchups in a rotational role. If he stays healthy, he could quietly become one of the best value signings in the division.
OG Kenyon Green (Acquired via trade, 1.3 million dollars left on rookie deal)
The Eagles traded for Kenyon Green, hoping to unlock the potential that made him a first-round pick in 2022. Green started nine games for the Texans last year after missing all of 2023. While his play was inconsistent, he showed improved footwork in the run game. In Philadelphia, he will develop under Jeff Stoutland, one of the league’s best offensive line coaches. The trade did cost them safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, but with depth still strong on the back end, the move made sense. Green is expected to compete for a backup role at guard, with the potential to start if his pass protection improves and he stays healthy.
EDGE Josh Uche (1 year, 1.25 million dollars)
Josh Uche joins the Eagles after a disappointing 2024 season split between New England and Kansas City. He recorded only two sacks, but his pressure rate on limited snaps remained solid. Just two years ago, he posted 11.5 sacks in a breakout year. Uche wins with quickness and a tight inside spin move that gives slower tackles trouble. In Philadelphia’s deep and aggressive front, he will likely be used as a third-down specialist. This is a low-risk signing, but if he catches fire in the right matchups, Uche could produce well above his price tag.
Summary
The Eagles did not make a huge splash, but they made smart and targeted additions. AJ Dillon brings physicality to the backfield, and Ojulari and Uche offer pass-rushing depth in a system built around rotation and pressure. Kenyon Green is a worthwhile project, especially under Stoutland’s guidance. While losing Gardner-Johnson could hurt, Philadelphia still has a strong secondary led by Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Kelee Ringo, Sydney Brown, and Eli Ricks. The Eagles stayed patient, trusted their internal development, and filled holes with upside bets. It was not flashy, but it was efficient.
Grade: B –
Washington Commanders
Key Additions:
WR Deebo Samuel (Acquired via trade, 1 year, 18 million dollars)
The Commanders made one of the boldest moves in the league by trading for Deebo Samuel, a versatile weapon who brings toughness, experience, and creativity to the offense. Though his 2024 numbers were down, he remains one of the best after-the-catch threats in football. Last season, he recorded 51 receptions for 670 yards and 3 touchdowns over 15 games. He fits perfectly in Kliff Kingsbury’s spread system, which emphasizes motion, screens, and quick throws. For rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, Samuel provides a reliable target who can turn short gains into big plays. His leadership is also a major asset for a young locker room.
OT Laremy Tunsil (Acquired via trade, 21.35 million dollars left on current contract)
Washington addressed one of its biggest weaknesses by acquiring Laremy Tunsil, one of the league’s top blindside protectors. Tunsil started all 17 regular-season games and both playoff games for Houston and earned his fifth Pro Bowl selection. He allowed only two sacks over 659 pass-blocking snaps but led the league with 19 penalties, including six in a single game against Minnesota. Even with those flags, his elite pass protection gives Jayden Daniels the type of stability Washington desperately needed. The trade was costly in terms of draft capital and cap space, but it shows real commitment to building around their new quarterback.
DL Javon Kinlaw (3 years, 45 million dollars)
Javon Kinlaw finally delivered on his first-round potential in 2024, putting together a full and productive season with the New York Jets. After several injury-plagued years in San Francisco, he started all 17 games and finished with 40 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. Kinlaw looked more explosive and confident, thriving as an interior disruptor. In Dan Quinn’s aggressive front, he will be tasked with penetrating gaps and creating negative plays. Washington is betting that his improved health and production will continue, turning him into a long-term piece of the defensive core.
S Will Harris (2 years, 8 million dollars)
Will Harris brings experience and versatility to a young secondary. In 2024, he played 13 games with the Saints, posting 74 tackles, including 54 solo, with five pass breakups and one interception. He split time between safety and nickel and showed solid zone awareness and dependable tackling. Harris also brings a physical edge that fits well in Quinn’s scheme. He may not be a star, but he adds leadership, flexibility, and a dependable presence to a group looking to take a step forward.
Summary
Washington had one of the clearest offseason strategies in the league. The priority was to protect and support rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, and they delivered. Trading for Deebo Samuel gives the offense a dynamic playmaker, and Laremy Tunsil provides elite pass protection. Javon Kinlaw adds disruption to the defensive front, and Will Harris gives the secondary needed experience. The only areas that remain thin are cornerback and linebacker, where depth and high-end talent are still questionable. Even so, this is a much more stable and functional roster than a year ago, and Washington looks poised to be far more competitive.
Grade: B +
Overall Division Outlook
The NFC East continues to be the NFL’s most unpredictable battleground, where no team stays on top for long. Remarkably, the division has not had a repeat champion in 20 straight seasons, the longest streak of its kind in league history. The last team to go back-to-back was the Eagles in 2004.
That level of turnover speaks to the razor-thin margins and constant pressure to improve, which every team in the division worked to address this offseason. Washington made bold moves to support Jayden Daniels and stabilize the trenches. The Eagles focused on depth, rotation, and internal development. The Giants invested heavily in their secondary and added experienced quarterbacks. Dallas made a handful of smart, high-upside additions that could quietly reshape both sides of the ball.
Every roster looks stronger than it did in January, but key questions remain. In a division where no one stays on top for long, expect another wild and competitive race to the finish.
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