On the surface, rebuilding sounds like a straightforward strategy for a down-and-out N.F.L. franchise: hire new management, trim the payroll, draft some youngsters and re-emerge in a year or two as a contender.
Any Jets or Giants fan knows that it’s rarely that easy. There’s much more to rebuilding a football team than following the directions on the side of the box. N.F.L. rebuilding projects come in seven distinct phases, each with its own rules, rituals and potential pitfalls. One false move can trap a franchise for decades.
Phase 1: Denial
The first step is admitting that it’s necessary.