The NFL is all about evolution—new schemes, new stars, and adapting to a league that changes faster than you can say “wild card weekend.” But not every franchise has gotten the memo.
Some teams still lean on outdated strategies, celebrate trophies from the ’70s a little too hard, or just can’t seem to modernize their front office thinking. Here are 10 NFL teams that are stuck in the past, whether they admit it or not.
10. Chicago Bears
The Bears are still trying to win games with defense and a mediocre passing game. It’s like they’re chasing the ghost of 1985 every time they take the field.
9. Las Vegas Raiders
Despite the flashy move to Vegas, the football decisions still scream “Al Davis-era nostalgia.” They’ve been chasing that old-school swagger without the results to back it up.
8. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are loyal to a fault—especially when it comes to coaches and quarterbacks. Sometimes it feels like they’d rather lose their way than change their identity.
7. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings love to hover in that comfortable middle ground—never rebuilding, never truly contending. It’s like they’re still stuck in the “just good enough” mode from the early 2000s.
6. Denver Broncos
Denver chased the Peyton Manning magic with a revolving door of short-term fixes. While it hasn’t been sunshine and rainbows since 2015, things look to be up and up with Bo Nix.
5. New York Jets
The Jets love drafting quarterbacks high and giving them nothing to work with. It’s a playbook from a past era that keeps delivering the same disappointing ending.
4. Tennessee Titans
The Titans seem determined to run the ball 40 times a game like it’s still 1999. Eventually, you have to throw it downfield in today’s NFL.
3. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts keep cycling through veteran quarterbacks like it’s 2005. Instead of finding a long-term answer, they’re stuck on the quarterback rental treadmill.
Read More: 10 NFL Teams That Have Been Stuck in Mediocrity for Way Too Long
2. New England Patriots
Bill Belichick is a legend, but the league has passed his offense by. The “defense-first and hope the quarterback doesn’t lose it” formula isn’t scaring anyone anymore.
Read More: Ranking the 13 Most Stuck NFL Teams Right Now
1. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys still act like it’s the 1990s dynasty era—even though they haven’t sniffed a Super Bowl in decades. Every year brings hype, history, and heartbreak in equal measure.
Read More: The 10 Greatest NFL Front Offices Right Now
