As the NFL offseason unfolds, teams are reshuffling their rosters, coaching staffs, and draft strategies in pursuit of that elusive Super Bowl window. While star quarterbacks, flashy receivers, and shutdown cornerbacks dominate headlines, the heartbeat of any contender quietly resides in the trenches. Offensive lines are often the unsung heroes of championship teams, and this offseason, a number of NFL franchises took major steps to fortify their front five. Whether through free agency, trades, the draft, or player development, several teams have engineered dramatic improvements along the offensive line — a shift that could define their 2025 campaigns.
One of the most notable transformations belongs to the New York Jets. Last season, the Jets’ offensive line was a liability, marred by injuries, inconsistency, and ineffective run blocking. That lack of stability up front derailed their hopes of competing in the AFC East, especially after Aaron Rodgers’ season-ending injury just four snaps into Week 1. The front office responded this offseason with aggression and urgency. The trade for veteran left tackle Tyron Smith may be one of the savviest moves of the spring. Smith, when healthy, is still among the best blindside protectors in the league and brings Hall-of-Fame-level experience to a group that sorely needed leadership. Alongside Smith, the Jets signed guard John Simpson, who started 17 games for the Ravens and excelled as both a pass protector and a run blocker. Then, in the draft, the Jets landed Olu Fashanu with their first-round pick. The Penn State product gives them a long-term answer at left tackle or right tackle, depending on how they want to deploy Smith. With Alijah Vera-Tucker returning from injury and Joe Tippmann growing into a dependable center, the Jets’ line suddenly looks deep, balanced, and physically imposing — a massive leap from where they ended 2024.
Not far behind in terms of improvement is the Pittsburgh Steelers. Offensive line woes have plagued the Steelers for years, limiting both their run game and the development of young quarterbacks. General manager Omar Khan made it a mission to fix that, and he delivered. The Steelers shocked the draft by trading up to land Washington offensive tackle Troy Fautanu in the first round, giving them a plug-and-play athlete who can line up on either side. They followed that with the selection of center Zach Frazier in the second round — a rugged, technically-sound anchor who started 46 games for West Virginia. Frazier’s intelligence and nastiness will make him a natural leader in the locker room, and he fits the Steelers’ smashmouth identity. Combined with the emergence of Broderick Jones in Year 2 and a retooled interior led by Isaac Seumalo, Pittsburgh’s offensive line is no longer a liability — it might be a strength. In an AFC North division defined by physicality, that’s a game-changer.
The Carolina Panthers are another team that desperately needed help up front, particularly after watching No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young take a beating behind one of the NFL’s worst offensive lines in 2024. Carolina took the challenge seriously, starting by signing veteran guard Robert Hunt away from the Miami Dolphins. Hunt’s combination of strength and mobility makes him a force in both zone and power blocking schemes. Shortly after, they added guard Damien Lewis, a former Seahawks starter with 61 games of experience under his belt. Both Hunt and Lewis bring toughness, reliability, and versatility to a unit that struggled mightily with communication and protection assignments last season. Then came the cherry on top: first-round pick Ikem Ekwonu finally has some help. With a restructured offensive philosophy and new head coach Dave Canales installing a more quarterback-friendly system, Carolina’s line has the potential to go from worst to middle-of-the-pack — which would feel like a seismic improvement for Young, who often had less than two seconds to operate in 2024.
The Tennessee Titans were also aggressive in their efforts to revamp a porous offensive line. After giving up 64 sacks last season — second-most in the league — and watching Derrick Henry run into brick walls behind the line of scrimmage, the Titans brought in new blood. First came Lloyd Cushenberry, the former Denver Broncos center who signed a four-year deal worth $50 million. Cushenberry brings intelligence, durability, and better-than-advertised movement skills to the pivot spot. Then, Tennessee signed former Patriots left guard Michael Onwenu, a versatile lineman who has played guard and right tackle with high-end results. Onwenu’s power in the run game is ideal for a team looking to maintain its ground-and-pound identity, even as it transitions into a new era without Henry. The Titans weren’t done, either. In the first round of the draft, they selected Alabama’s JC Latham — a mauling tackle prospect with elite size and potential. Latham’s arrival gives the Titans a new franchise right tackle to pair with second-year left tackle Peter Skoronski, who is expected to move back outside. If this group gels quickly, Tennessee could go from allowing 60+ sacks to protecting Will Levis with a legitimate wall.
Another AFC team turning heads this offseason is the New England Patriots. With Jerod Mayo taking over for Bill Belichick, the Patriots’ rebuild began in the trenches — and rightfully so. The offensive line was a revolving door in 2024, especially on the edges. The Patriots responded by selecting Georgia tackle Amarius Mims in the first round. Though raw, Mims has the length, power, and athleticism to develop into a Pro Bowl-caliber protector. More importantly, New England signed former Steelers right tackle Chukwuma Okorafor and brought back veteran Trent Brown on a short-term deal. With Cole Strange and David Andrews anchoring the interior, and a renewed emphasis on offensive cohesion, the Patriots might finally have a group that can provide time for Drake Maye, the new face of the franchise, to develop without fear of being blindsided.
The Arizona Cardinals quietly built one of the most improved offensive lines this offseason, positioning themselves for a major step forward in 2025. Kyler Murray returned to form late in the 2024 season, but the Cardinals knew they had to do more to protect their dual-threat star and open lanes for James Conner. They started by re-signing Jonah Williams, who can slide between tackle and guard with ease. Arizona also brought in Evan Brown, a solid and experienced interior lineman who can play center or guard depending on team needs. But the big move came in the first round of the draft, when they selected Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson, a nasty, intelligent leader who excels at sealing defenders and communicating protections. The addition of Powers-Johnson gives the Cardinals a long-term answer at center — a crucial piece for a team that wants to keep its quarterback upright and engaged.
Even the Washington Commanders deserve credit for their offensive line overhaul. With a new regime in place under head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters, the Commanders knew they had to protect No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels. That began with the signing of center Tyler Biadasz, a reliable and physical veteran who was part of one of the league’s best lines in Dallas. They also added tackle Cornelius Lucas, restructured the contract of Charles Leno Jr., and used a third-round pick on Kansas State’s Cooper Beebe, one of the most technically sound guards in the class. These additions may not be as flashy as other teams’ upgrades, but they bring stability and competence to a unit that was flat-out bad last season.
Lastly, the Chicago Bears deserve a nod for their smart, calculated moves. They already had a solid foundation with left tackle Braxton Jones, right tackle Darnell Wright, and guard Teven Jenkins. But the addition of center Coleman Shelton and guard Ryan Bates via free agency shores up the interior. Justin Fields was often under duress due to breakdowns in the middle, and whether Fields remains the starter or Caleb Williams takes over, improved interior protection is critical. With added depth, coaching continuity, and a healthy offseason for their key pieces, the Bears’ offensive line could quietly turn the corner.
Overall, the 2025 NFL offseason has been defined by a renewed focus on the offensive line — a sign that teams are recognizing how foundational the unit is to any offensive success. From the Jets and Steelers to the Titans and Panthers, franchises have not only spent money and draft capital but also exhibited clear long-term planning in building around their quarterbacks. It’s no coincidence that the most aggressive moves came from teams with either young signal-callers or aging stars in need of protection. As the season approaches, these improved offensive lines won’t make headlines like a Hail Mary touchdown or a pick-six. But make no mistake — they will be the difference between playoff contention and irrelevance. The teams that made the right moves up front may find themselves celebrating in January, while those that didn’t could be left scrambling once again.