In the world of the NFL, where parity is supposed to reign supreme, it’s actually the teams with the most stability that come out on top. It all starts at the top – a stable owner and a reliable front office are crucial components for a team’s success on the field. The best front offices not only have an eye for talent, but also share a vision with every department within the organization, ensuring that office politics never interfere with the ultimate goal of winning games.
According to insiders in the league, the Baltimore Ravens are a prime example of a team that has thrived on stability. In fact, eight of the top 10 teams in the league all have general managers who have been in place for at least five years. The top two teams in particular, including the Ravens, have promoted their GMs from within their own organizations.
One high-ranking executive emphasized the importance of having a solid process in place for draft picks, free agency, and contract structuring. It’s not just about results on the field, but also about how the team operates day to day.
The scoring system used to determine the top front offices in the league was based on a scale where first-place votes were worth 10 points, second-place seven, third-place five, fourth-place three, and fifth-place one. The Baltimore Ravens came out on top with a total of 259 points, including 15 first-place votes and appearing on 36 ballots. They are led by owner Steve Bisciotti, GM Eric DeCosta, and head coach John Harbaugh.
Another team that stands out for their front office prowess is the Kansas City Chiefs. GM Eric DeCosta made headlines with his handling of quarterback Lamar Jackson’s contract situation, ultimately securing a five-year, $260 million extension for the QB. DeCosta also made a savvy move by trading receiver Hollywood Brown to the Arizona Cardinals for a first-round pick that landed them center Tyler Linderbaum.
When asked about the Ravens’ front office, an NFC executive summed it up simply – “Consistency. They know what a Raven is and understand how to win with those guys.”
In a league where stability is key to success, teams like the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs are setting the tone with their strong front office leadership and consistent decision-making. This kind of stability is what separates the good teams from the great teams in the NFL.
