NFL power rankings: 2021 free agency, pre-draft trades boost Rams, 49ers, Cowboys

NFL power rankings, 2021 offseason's post-free agency edition (previous rank in parentheses):

1. Buccaneers (1): "We’re keeping the band together," per QB Tom Brady. "We're going for two," per head coach Bruce Arians, who kindly advises you not to use the Chiefs' (failed) "run it back" motto. Whether or not the Bucs do become the first team to repeat in 17 years, TB12 did his part financially to keep this roster intact – OLB Shaq Barrett, WR Chris Godwin and TE Rob Gronkowski among those returning – and Arians, 68, is certainly energized to make some history in the twilight of his uniquely signature career.

In pursuit of 8…LFG @Buccaneers we’re keeping the band together pic.twitter.com/49zUwS5l3D

2. Chiefs (3): They've made very nice pickups on both sides of the line scrimmage – notably OL Joe Thuney and Kyle Long and DT Jarran Reed – and should get G Laurent Duvernay-Tardif back from his opt-out year, though still not clear who QB Patrick Mahomes' tackles will be in 2021.

3. Packers (2): They managed to retain RB Aaron Jones, otherwise … Remains to be seen what kind of help GM Brian Gutekunst obtains for MVP Aaron Rodgers and Co. with the 29th pick of the draft, but this is shaping as another year when the Pack are treading water at best.

4. Rams (5): Their top-ranked defense took a few hits in free agency. But can't wait to see what the Matthew Stafford-Sean McVay marriage – not to mention the dimension speedy WR DeSean Jackson adds – means for an offense that ranked 22nd in points scored.

5. Bills (4): They're pretty much keeping the band together, too – even adding WR Emmanuel Sanders on keyboards and QB Mitchell Trubisky on backing vocals – though it remains to be seen if this is act is good enough, as constructed, to win a Grammy.

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6. Ravens (6): They added nice pieces (WR Sammy Watkins, G Kevin Zeitler) to an offense that projects even faster, but edge rush looks like a problem given the departures of Matt Judon and Yannick Ngakoue.

7. Browns (7): Second-year GM Andrew Berry continues to beautifully build this roster – largely without fanfare – fortifying Cleveland's defense with underrated signings like S John Johnson, CB Troy Hill and DT Malik Jackson.

8. Titans (9): They sacrificed some offense (WR Corey Davis, TE Jonnu Smith) to bring in needed defensive reinforcements – and OLB Bud Dupree, DL Denico Autry and CB Janoris Jenkins should plug gaping holes.

9. 49ers (19): They get TE George Kittle, WR Deebo Samuel, RB Raheem Mostert, DEs Nick Bosa and Dee Ford (among others) back from injury, not to mention QB Jimmy Garoppolo … or whomever the Niners replace him with using their newly acquired No. 3 draft pick. Put this group right back in the Super Bowl discussion.

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10. Seahawks (8): While the division is improving around them, they're dealing with a damage-control offseason in the winter of Russell Wilson's discontent.

11. Saints (10): Friendly reminder that they're 8-1 over the past two seasons with now-retired Drew Brees out of the lineup. Case to be made this offense might even expand given QB Jameis Winston's ability to strike further reaches of the field.

12. Colts (14): Aside from the need to replace retired LT Anthony Castonzo, everything hinges on Frank Reich's ability to restore new QB Carson Wentz to his pre-injury, 2017 MVP-level form. Accomplish that, and this team can legitimately challenge Kansas City for AFC supremacy.

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