Running an NFL franchise is no easy task, but some teams just seem to make bad decisions over and over again. Whether it’s years of losing seasons, terrible draft picks, or ownership that can’t get out of its own way, certain teams have earned a reputation for dysfunction.
From front office disasters to head-scratching coaching hires, these are the 15 worst-run franchises in NFL history.
15. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals have had their moments of success, but they have spent far more time being irrelevant. Between constant coaching changes and a history of bad roster management, this franchise always seems to be rebuilding.
14. New York Jets
The Jets have been chasing greatness for decades, but they usually find new ways to disappoint their fans. From draft busts like Zach Wilson and Sam Darnold to legendary front-office blunders, this team always seems to be a quarterback away from competence.
13. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals finally found success with Joe Burrow, but before that, they were the definition of mediocrity. For years, they were known for early playoff exits, questionable coaching decisions, and an owner who refused to spend big on building a contender.
12. Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta has had some great players and even made a Super Bowl, but they will forever be remembered for blowing a 28-3 lead. Their inability to sustain success and a long history of poor defensive play keeps them from being a truly well-run franchise.
11. Washington Commanders
This team has a storied past, but the last few decades have been a complete disaster. Between off-field scandals, constant coaching changes, and years of underwhelming quarterback play, Washington has struggled to escape its own dysfunction. At least they’re trending upward with Jayden Daniels.
10. Detroit Lions
The Lions have been the kings of disappointment for decades, wasting the careers of Barry Sanders and Calvin Johnson. They are finally trending in the right direction, but for most of their history, they have been known for losing and front-office mismanagement.
9. Houston Texans
The Texans are still a relatively young franchise, but they have already put together a Hall of Fame-worthy history of bad decisions. From trading away DeAndre Hopkins for practically nothing to hiring and firing coaches at an alarming rate, they have struggled to build anything resembling a stable organization.
8. New Orleans Saints (Pre-2000s)
The Saints have been a well-run team in the Sean Payton and Drew Brees era, but before that, they were one of the biggest jokes in the NFL. Known as the “Aints” for years, their fans literally wore paper bags over their heads to protest decades of futility.
7. Chicago Bears
The Bears have one of the richest histories in football, but they also have one of the worst records when it comes to developing quarterbacks. Despite playing in a major market, they have consistently failed to build an offense that can keep up with the modern game.
6. Buffalo Bills (Pre-Josh Allen)
The Bills are now a legitimate contender, but before Josh Allen arrived, they spent nearly two decades in football purgatory. From missing the playoffs for 17 straight years to painful Super Bowl losses in the 90s, their history is filled with heartbreak.
5. Miami Dolphins (Post-Marino Era)
The Dolphins had a golden era with Dan Marino, but since then, they have been a revolving door of mediocrity. They have cycled through countless quarterbacks and head coaches, struggling to find their identity for over two decades.
4. Cleveland Browns
The Browns have been the punchline of NFL jokes for years, thanks to their never-ending quarterback carousel and frequent coaching changes. Even when they seem to turn a corner, they find a way to fall back into chaos.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Pre-Brady)
Tampa Bay has won two Super Bowls, but outside of those seasons, they have mostly been an afterthought in the league. Before Tom Brady arrived, they were known for years of poor draft picks, coaching turnover, and general dysfunction.
Read More: The 13 Most Overrated Franchises in All of Sports
2. New York Giants (Post-Eli Manning)
The Giants were once one of the best-run franchises in football, but the last decade has been brutal. From missing badly on head coaches to a series of awful free agency moves and draft picks, they have quickly fallen from grace.
Read More: The 10 Worst NFL Franchises of the 2000s
1. Las Vegas Raiders
No team has combined bad draft picks, questionable coaching hires, and front-office drama quite like the Raiders. Whether in Oakland, Los Angeles, or Las Vegas, they have remained a franchise that can’t seem to get out of its own way.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Worst NFL Franchises of All Time
