Sometimes all it takes is one missing piece to push a team over the top. But other times, a team thinks they’re adding the final ingredient, when really, they’re just rearranging deck chairs on a very doomed ship.
These are the NFL teams who convinced themselves they were on the brink of greatness, only to find out they were still stuck in mediocrity—or worse. Whether it was a splashy trade, a free agent signing, or a new quarterback savior, the gamble didn’t pay off.
17. 2022 Denver Broncos
They thought Russell Wilson was the missing piece, but they forgot about the whole “blocking” and “coaching” thing. Instead of a Super Bowl run, they got a meme-worthy disaster.
16. 2015 Philadelphia Eagles
Chip Kelly went full mad scientist, trying to build a contender in his image. Turns out, trading away all your stars isn’t a shortcut to a championship.
15. 2011 New York Jets
After two straight AFC title game appearances, they thought adding Plaxico Burress would get them over the hump. Instead, the window slammed shut, and they haven’t sniffed relevance since.
14. 2018 Minnesota Vikings
They gave Kirk Cousins a fully guaranteed bag, thinking he’d take them one step further than Case Keenum. What they got was a trip to 8-7-1 and a quick reality check.
13. 2014 Chicago Bears
Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, and Matt Forte looked great on paper. Unfortunately, the defense was made of paper, too.
12. 2020 Houston Texans
After years of playoff contention, they thought they just needed a little tweak. Instead, they traded away DeAndre Hopkins and unraveled in record time.
11. 2016 Indianapolis Colts
The narrative was that Andrew Luck just needed some help. Instead, they surrounded him with duct tape and dashed dreams.
10. 2021 Cleveland Browns
Fresh off a playoff win, they loaded up and thought they were Super Bowl-bound. But the locker room imploded, and Baker’s regression brought them crashing down.
9. 2017 Oakland Raiders
They paid Derek Carr, added Marshawn Lynch, and believed they were contenders. But the magic from 2016 vanished faster than you can say “delusional expectations.”
8. 2008 Dallas Cowboys
They had Pro Bowlers at nearly every position and added Pacman Jones like it was the final infinity stone. Instead, they went 9-7 and missed the playoffs.
7. 2013 Atlanta Falcons
One play from a Super Bowl in 2012, they doubled down with Steven Jackson and ran it back. What followed was a 4-12 faceplant.
6. 2022 Las Vegas Raiders
Trading for Davante Adams was supposed to unlock the offense. What it actually did was expose the rest of the roster’s many cracks.
5. 2019 Los Angeles Rams
After reaching the Super Bowl, they spent big, thinking they were on the brink. But the hangover hit hard, and they missed the playoffs entirely.
4. 2001 Washington Football Team
They loaded up on aging free agents like Deion Sanders and Bruce Smith, hoping to buy a championship. Instead, they bought an 8-8 finish and a pile of regret.
Read More: 10 NFL Teams That Are Always “A Quarterback Away”
3. 2010 Cincinnati Bengals
Adding Terrell Owens to pair with Chad Johnson seemed like a fun idea. It wasn’t.
Read More: 20 Times a Superstar NFL Signing Backfired
2. 2017 New York Giants
Coming off a playoff berth, they thought adding Brandon Marshall would put them over the top. Instead, the season fell apart, and everyone got fired.
Read More: 10 Free Agents Who Totally Revitalized Their NFL Team
1. 2011 “Dream Team” Philadelphia Eagles
They signed everyone with a pulse and declared themselves unstoppable. The NFL responded with an 8-8 record and a heap of humble pie.
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