Some NFL teams are rebuilding. Some are contending. And then there are the teams caught in that awkward middle zone—too talented to blow it all up, but too flawed to compete.
These teams are spinning their wheels, chasing mediocrity, or refusing to admit their actions aren’t working. Here are the 13 most stuck NFL teams, ranked from mildly confusing to full-on football purgatory.
13. New Orleans Saints
The Saints keep trying to convince themselves they’re still contenders, but their aging core and messy cap situation suggest otherwise.
12. Los Angeles Chargers
They have a franchise quarterback and somehow still manage to underachieve. It’s like they’re allergic to momentum.
11. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings are good enough to stay relevant but never quite dangerous. They refuse to pick a direction—rebuild or go all in—so they remain stuck in the middle.
10. New York Giants
The Giants keep flipping between optimism and panic. They paid Daniel Jones like a star, then built the roster like they weren’t sure he was one, and then they let him go.
9. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are constantly tearing things down and starting over without building anything. There’s talent, but also a whole lot of chaos.
8. Tennessee Titans
The Titans are clinging to an old-school formula in a league that’s moved on. They’re stuck between past success and a future they haven’t quite figured out.
7. Seattle Seahawks
Seattle has some intriguing pieces but no real long-term plan at quarterback (no offense, Sam Darnold). They’re hovering in that wildcard bubble with no clear path forward.
6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The post-Brady era has been precisely what you’d expect: inconsistent and underwhelming. They’re trying to stay relevant instead of accepting a rebuild.
5. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons are assembling a fun, young roster, but will Michael Penix Jr. be the guy for the future?! They’ve been “almost ready” for what feels like five seasons straight.
4. New England Patriots
The dynasty is long gone, but they still act like they can out-scheme everyone. Without a clear offensive identity, it’s just not working. Maybe Mike Vrabel can turn things around.
3. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers traded the farm for Bryce Young, then forgot to give him any help. The front office is scrambling, and the team looks completely lost.
Read More: 15 NFL Franchises Stuck in an Endless Rebuild
2. Chicago Bears
The Bears keep rebuilding the rebuild. They’ve had high picks, cap space, and coaching changes—and still haven’t found answers.
Read More: The 30 Worst Draft Picks in NFL History
1. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals are caught between tanking and pretending not to be. Their roster is thin, their quarterback situation is murky, and their timeline feels nonexistent.
Read More: 10 NFL Teams That Have Been Stuck in Mediocrity for Way Too Long
