By Ed Smith @edsmith7133
The football world looks forward to the end of February for the NFL Combine in Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium, featuring the evaluations of incoming rookies. But now, for existing players who are looking for a new team in the midst of free agency, particularly players who are part of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), there is a new reason to look forward to this time.
In 2023, the NFLPA created a so-called “Free Agency Guide” to help players looking for a good situation the following season make an informed decision. Players now have the ability to grade teams and organizations on elements of their operations that have nothing to do with wins, losses, or team success. Such categories include everything from “Treatment of Families” to “Ownership.” The Guide is designed to compare NFL teams based on the priorities players consider when looking for their next contract. With the help of this new resource, players will now know what to expect from the teams they do end up signing with.
Which NFL Team Topped the Charts?
The Miami Dolphins were the winners in this second year of grading, coming in with an A-. They rank first in six of the eleven categories, including Ownership (Steven Ross). Head Coach (Mike McDaniel) earned their worst ranking at number eight. Many of those who have analyzed the rankings are quick to say this is a reflection of how willing ownership is to spend money on the players outside of their contracts, such as providing proper nutrition, locker rooms, workout facilities, and travel that is convenient and comfortable. The lowest-ranked NFL team was the Washington Commanders, likely due in part to the fact that they are currently rebuilding from the top down under new leadership that took over with the resignation of Dan Snyder.
Back-to-back defending Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs ranked number 30 overall with only one category (Head Coach – Andy Reid) that scored an ‘A+’ (first overall). Four of their results ranked either 31st or 32nd in the league. These included Ownership (Clark Hunt), Training Staff/Room, and Nutrition. Based on this report, much of the success of this NFL franchise can be attributed to having the right personnel, as the organization has drafted well over the last five years, with one of the top defensive coordinators and the aforementioned Andy Reid.
Objective Metrics
The NFLPA’s goal in putting this resource together was to compile objective metrics. They made significant progress toward that goal this year as more than 1,700 players (77%) filled out the survey compared to 1,300 players (68%) in the first year. Additionally, in response to the inaugural results in 2023, more categories were added to avoid the possibility of ties in any particular category. The Guide has also been designed to highlight teams that are treating players well and engaging in best practices.
While this survey is not meant to reflect on-field success, it is impossible to overlook the fact that the most recent Super Bowl Champions in the top thirteen are the New York Giants at number eight, who last won the title in 2012. Additionally, the most valuable franchise in sports, the Dallas Cowboys, is ranked in the middle of the pack at number twelve (with Owner Jerry Jones ranking 19th). The Minnesota Vikings came in as the highest-rated family-friendly organization, beating out Miami and the San Francisco 49ers.
While this report card does not determine all factors players face in free agency, it is a step forward in improving relations between the NFL and its players, guiding each organization as to the best decisions to take care of their players and for the players in offering their best efforts to the organizations. Now that the studies are in, we can sit back, relax, and watch the NFL Combine.