There is a ton of parity in the NFL, but only a few truly great teams. Which teams are genuinely set up to succeed in the future? There is a pretty good indicator that tells us which NFL teams are best set up for the future.
Do then have a young quarterback on their roster? If they do, then they’ll likely remain competitive in the league. For teams that are able to find a truly great quarterback, they’ll usually continually build around them and hand them a massive contract extension.
Being that it’s so difficult to find a franchise quarterback, teams who are able to find one usually take good care of them. There are several teams in the NFL that I think are best set up for the future.
The future also doesn’t necessarily mean next year or the year after, but perhaps three, five, or seven years in the future. Which teams have been able to do this?
NFL teams best set up for the future
1. Kansas City Chiefs
I think until further notice, the Chiefs are the NFL that is best set up for the future. Patrick Mahomes is arguably the best QB in the NFL, and he’s held that title or close to it since his MVP 2018 season.
Andy Reid is also one of the winningest coaches in NFL history. Sure, he isn’t 45 anymore, so he likely isn’t coaching much longer, but even if he does retire in the near future, the Chiefs are set up well to continue competing.
GM Brett Veach has proven to be very effective and Patrick Mahomes just turned 27 earlier this season.
2. Buffalo Bills
The Bills are right behind the Chiefs, simply because they haven’t really done anything yet with Josh Allen. Mahomes is a better quarterback, but I’d take the Bills’ GM and overall roster over the Chiefs.
Brandon Beane hasn’t been afraid to make huge trades, insane free agency signings and solid draft picks. He’s a complete GM and will likely always have his roster locked and loaded. They just need to get over the hump and win a Super Bowl.
3. Philadelphia Eagles
With the third year emergence of Jalen Hurts and the absurd roster that Howie Roseman put together, how could you not put the Eagles high on this list? Roseman has had his fair share of criticisms, but he can wheel and deal when he needs to.
The Eagles are an exceptional team with an insane roster and should he able to win the #1 seed in the NFC this year. They look like the team representing the NFC in the Super Bowl this year.
4. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals drafting Joe Burrow turned into one of the best things to happen to their franchise. They went 10-7 last year and made a run to the Super Bowl. They are 5-4 now and actually sit as the first team out of the AFC playoffs.
However, their offense is one of the best in the NFL and their defense is solid. I think the biggest question mark is their head coach, Zac Taylor. He seems to hold the team back at times but I think the Bengals are set up nicely for the future.
5. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens get the nod for this last spot. The Lamar Jackson contract situation is interesting as they apparently tried to come to an agreement but the two sides could not agree on a number. The Ravens could apply the franchise tag on Jackson this coming offseason.
He is a free agent at the end of the year, but the Ravens are still set up for the future. They are well run, well coached and have made both stellar draft picks and stellar free agents signings. They will continue being relevant and being able to develop Lamar Jackson is a huge help for their future prospects.