The NFL's off-season is over. Rookies have been drafted, new players have been traded for and free agents have been brought onboard by teams.
The pre-season rosters are now complete and the clubs are currently working out the kinks in summer camp to get an idea of how well all the pieces fit.
On paper at least, a number of ballclubs appear to have improved their chances for success in the 2024 season.
Other teams look like they might take a step back in the win-loss column.
The rest seem to be spinning their wheels, treading water -- as in staying in place record-wise.
Here's a look at those ballclubs who have digressed.
Philadelphia Eagles
Philly made a big splash in signing running back Saquon Barkely, an addition Wiggins' World does not agree with.
Barkley is an all or nothing dancer -- a 60-yard TD run or one-yard gain kind of rusher. He is not a one-cut slasher who will pick up five or six yards on each touch.
The Birds would have been better served signing a run-stuffing linebacker who can also blitz -- something the Eagles did not do nearly enough of last season.
New Orleans Saints
N'awlins did not draft or sign anyone who will significantly improve their lacklustre offence.
Incumbent quarterback Derek Carr is not enough to build an offence around. He was merely an adequate signal caller when they inked him last off-season and has even slipped a little since then.
Las Vegas Raiders
Lost steady, hard-nosed running back Josh Jacobs to free agency. Failed to fill that void with a proven ball carrier.
Signed Gardner Minshew at QB, hoping he will develop from a dependable back-up to top calibre NFL starter. Big gamble.
Dallas Cowboys
Lost speedy RB Tony Pollard to Tennessee. Went back to the future, signing ex-Boy Ezekiel Elliott, still a hard-nosed runner but clearly one who has lost a step.
Lack free agency funds because of allotments set aside for future signings of super expensive QB Dak Prescott and blitzing linebacker deluxe Micah Parsons.
New York Giants
Strengthened their defence greatly with some impressive signings, including pass rusher extraordinaire Brian Burns. But offensively G-men were left with QB Daniel Jones, who had an unimpressive 2023 season after inking a new long term deal.
Seattle Seahawks
Still offensively challenged with Geno Smith, respectable but not extraordinary at quarterback.
Now for those clubs that improved their lots with astute additions.
Pittsburgh Steelers
After three years of trying to develop a quarterback following retirement of Ben Roethlisberger, they went out and signed proven Russell Wilson and traded for Justin Fields.
Whoever wins the QB battle offers much more promise than their list of previous blah signal callers.
With the right personnel around him, Wilson can still get the job done. Fields, meanwhile, may live up to hype away from the Chicago Bears.
Kansas City Chiefs
The rich get richer. Have won three of last four Super Bowls, the last two without a game-breaking speed merchant at wide receiver. Fixed that by drafting the fastest player at off-season NFL Combine -- wideout Xavier Worthy, out of Texas. who ran a blistering 4.2 40-yard dash.
Los Angeles Chargers
Yes, a new head coach, in this case Jim Harbaugh, can make a difference right away and turn the soft Chargers into hard-nosed winners. A programme turner at every level, look for Harbaugh to quickly do the same in LA with Chargers, Only question is: will his club be more run-oriented and not take full advantage of QB Justin Herbert's passing ability.
Baltimore Ravens
Added hard-running Derrick Henry to give tacklers headaches and provide QB Lamar Jackson with the offensive balance Ravens need to get back to the Super Bowl.
New York Jets
Will finally have healthy Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. That addition alone is enough to put the Jets into play as challengers to receiver-challenged Buffalo Bills in the AFC East.
The exhibition season, now underway, will not give us all the results of these projections.
Pre-season games feature mostly substitutes and will merely determine who fills up the last 10 spots on each club's roster.
Fans -- and WW -- will have to wait for the regular campaign to find out if these off-season moves by NFL teams will pay off.
Contact Wiggins' World at davewigg4350@gmail.com