NFL power rankings: Chiefs, Saints lead way into 2020

2020 Key Additions: There’s been lots of news when it comes to this franchise. A team already bolstered by the addition of six-time Super Bowl champion quarterback Tom Brady wound up acquiring thought-to-be-retired tight end Rob Gronkowski from the New England Patriots. In terms of veteran additions, the Buccaneers also signed former Colts’ offensive lineman Joe Haeg. In the first round of the draft, GM Jason Licht dealt up one spot with the 49ers to make sure the Bucs secured the services of former University of Iowa tackle Tristan Wirfs. And the team used a second-round pick on safety Antoine Winfield (Minnesota).

Offseason Review: Only the Cleveland Browns (2002) have waited longer to get back to the playoffs than the Buccaneers (2007). Meanwhile, the last time Brady didn’t reach the postseason was in 2008, when he missed the final 15 games of the season with a knee injury. He brings a lot of savvy and more importantly, a penchant for taking care of the football. That bodes well for a team that has led the league in turnovers each of the past two seasons. It will be interesting to see the veteran signal-caller, head coach Bruce Arians and offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich work together. It adds up to a job well done by Licht.

2020 Key Additions: General manager Howie Roseman gave up a pair of Day 3 selections to obtain three-time Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay from the Lions. He also added another corner in Nickell Robery-Coleman (Rams) and some interior muscle in defensive tackle Javon Hargrave from the Steelers. The Eagles selected 10 players in this year’s draft, including three wide receivers in Jalen Reagor (1-TCU), John Hightower (5-Boise State) and Quez Watkins (6-So. Mississippi) and also acquired Marquise Goodwin via a trade with the 49ers. And Roseman also added Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts in the second round.

Offseason Review: The Birds are one of only four current franchises – the Patriots (11), Chiefs (5) and Saints (3) – that have reached the playoffs at least three consecutive years. But the club that won Super Bowl LII in 2017 has settled for 9-7 finished the past two seasons, although that was good enough to win the NFC East in ’19. Roseman always seems to push the right buttons when it counts the most. But he also seemed to throw a curveball this month with the selection of Hurts in the second round. Still, this was a roster in need of help at wide receiver and the Birds drafted three and added Goodwin in a trade.