Building a winning NFL roster is no small feat. With 53 active players to manage, the margin for error is slim, and the pressure to succeed is immense.
This makes the triumphs of the league's top teams all the more impressive. As we look across the NFL, it's clear that some General Managers (GMs) have mastered the art of roster construction, while others continue to find their footing.
With Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and minicamp in the rearview mirror, and training camp on the horizon, it's the perfect time to delve into the best GMs for the 2026 NFL season.
Let's dive into the top 10 GMs in the league, focusing on their ability to build successful rosters and their recent accomplishments.
10. Jason Licht, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jason Licht has proven himself as one of the premier drafting talents in the NFL. It's no coincidence that Tom Brady chose to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers; the roster was already a formidable force.
Under Licht's stewardship, the Bucs have maintained stability for over half a decade, with their 2020 Super Bowl victory standing as a testament to his skills. While the team hasn't surpassed 10 wins in a season recently, Licht's ability to keep the Buccaneers competitive is undeniable.
9. Brian Gutekunst, Green Bay Packers
Brian Gutekunst has consistently delivered quality rosters for the Green Bay Packers, even if a Super Bowl title has eluded him thus far. His record as GM, 82-49-2 with only two losing seasons, speaks volumes about his effectiveness.
Although the Packers have faced some playoff hurdles with a 3-6 record, Gutekunst's knack for keeping the team competitive is impressive. Breaking through that playoff ceiling remains a challenge, but his track record is commendable.
8. John Lynch, San Francisco 49ers
John Lynch's impact on the San Francisco 49ers is evident in their five double-digit winning seasons and two Super Bowl appearances over nine years. With a 9-5 playoff record, Lynch has been instrumental in crafting playoff-caliber rosters.
While Head Coach Kyle Shanahan plays a significant role in roster decisions, Lynch's contributions cannot be overlooked. Despite some draft struggles, the 49ers consistently field strong teams, often advancing deep into the playoffs.
Although they're 0-2 in the Super Bowl, reaching the big game is a feat many GMs never achieve.
These GMs have demonstrated an exceptional ability to construct competitive teams, and their track records reflect the hard work and strategic thinking required to succeed in the NFL. As training camps approach, these leaders will continue to shape the future of their franchises, setting the stage for another thrilling season.
In Other News...
Mike Evans Is Already Stirring Up Painful Questions For Bucs Fans
Mike Evans move out of Tampa Bay already has the kind of ripple effect that keeps Buccaneers fans looking backward instead of forward. After 12 seasons with the franchise, the veteran receiver has landed with the San Francisco 49ers and is quickly drawing notice in practice, where teammates and observers have been impressed by how seamlessly he has fit into the offense.
The early buzz has centered especially on his work in red zone drills, where Evans has made life difficult for defenders and given the 49ers another proven target near the goal line. For Bucs fans, it is the sort of offseason development that brings an uncomfortable reminder of what they just lost, and why every update from his new team is likely to feel a little more painful. [Read more 🡒]
Buccaneers Just Made A Familiar Bet On Their Biggest Weakness
The Buccaneers have circled back to a familiar face for the middle of their defensive line, bringing back Rakeem Nunez-Roches for the 2026 season after three years away. He originally spent 2018 to 2022 in Tampa Bay, then went on to New York before returning to give the Bucs another experienced option in the rotation.
For Tampa Bay, the appeal is pretty clear: more depth, more versatility, and another body built to handle the dirty work inside. Nunez-Roches is expected to fit as a rotational nose tackle, the sort of piece who can help spell Vita Vea and stabilize snaps in a spot where the Bucs have been looking for more reliability as training camp approaches on July 28. [Read more 🡒]