Running an NFL team isn’t just about signing big-name players or making flashy trades. The best front offices build sustained success through smart drafting, savvy free-agent moves, and solid cap management.
Some teams have this down to a science, while others (cough Commanders cough) still struggle to figure it out. So, which teams have the best front offices in the NFL right now? Let’s rank them from 10 to 1!
10. Detroit Lions
Yes, you read that right—the Lions are making a front-office ranking. Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have completely flipped the script in Detroit, drafting key pieces like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Penei Sewell, and Aidan Hutchinson. They’ve built a tough, well-coached roster that actually looks like a contender. That’s a sentence no one thought they’d read five years ago.
9. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals used to be a front-office disaster, but recent years have changed everything. Drafting Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase was a masterclass in rebuilding, and they’ve made solid free-agency moves to improve their O-line. If they can keep the momentum going and secure long-term deals for their stars, they’ll move even higher on this list.
8. Miami Dolphins
Chris Grier has been cooking in Miami. The Dolphins built an explosive roster by trading for Tyreek Hill, making smart free-agent pickups, and drafting well. The team still has some cap gymnastics to figure out, but Miami’s aggressive, forward-thinking approach deserves a top-10 spot.
7. Buffalo Bills
Brandon Beane turned the Bills from a meh team into a legit powerhouse. Drafting Josh Allen was obviously the big move, but they’ve also built one of the deepest rosters in the league. Now, they just need to get over that Mahomes-sized hump in the playoffs.
6. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens don’t do drama (well, outside of the whole Lamar Jackson contract saga). They just quietly draft well, develop talent, and remain competitive every single year. Their ability to find value in later rounds and keep a strong culture makes them one of the most well-run teams in the league.
5. Philadelphia Eagles
Howie Roseman is that guy when it comes to roster building. The Eagles somehow keep reloading with young talent while staying in Super Bowl contention. They draft well, crush free agency, and somehow always have extra first-round picks stashed away. It’s almost unfair.
4. San Francisco 49ers
John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan have built a juggernaut. The 49ers draft well, trade aggressively, and develop talent at an elite level. The only reason they’re not even higher? That whole “constantly cycling through quarterbacks” thing.
3. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have Patrick Mahomes, so their job is easier than most. But give Brett Veach credit—he keeps surrounding Mahomes with talent while managing the salary cap like a wizard. The defense is young and improving, and somehow, this team always finds ways to stay on top.
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2. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers just don’t have bad seasons. Seriously, when was the last time Pittsburgh was terrible? Omar Khan has seamlessly continued the Steelers’ tradition of elite drafting and smart signings. The culture in Pittsburgh is unmatched, and they always seem to nail their big decisions.
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1. Green Bay Packers
The Packers quietly run one of the best front offices in the NFL. Even when they move on from a franchise QB (bye, Aaron Rodgers!), they already have a plan in place. They draft well, avoid massive free-agent mistakes, and stay competitive no matter the situation. Love them or hate them, Green Bay knows how to build a football team.
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