NFL Offseason: Lingering Needs After the Free Agency Frenzy

The initial flurry of NFL free agency has subsided, leaving a landscape reshaped by blockbuster deals and strategic signings. As expected, teams acted swiftly, filling immediate needs and setting the stage for the upcoming 2025 season. The 52-hour "tampering period" preceding the new league year witnessed a frenzy of activity, with premier free agents quickly finding new homes. While most of the top-tier talent is now off the market, significant opportunities remain for teams to bolster their rosters through the second wave of free agency and the highly anticipated NFL Draft. Several notable veteran offensive players remain unsigned, including Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson and Amari Cooper which could still significantly impact team dynamics.

As the offseason progresses, each of the NFL’s 32 teams faces specific challenges and opportunities. Let’s examine the most pressing needs for each franchise as they navigate the remaining avenues for roster improvement:

AFC East

• Buffalo Bills: The Bills urgently need to address their cornerback situation. With Kaiir Elam traded and Rasul Douglas still a free agent, finding a reliable No. 2 cornerback to complement Taron Johnson and Christian Benford is paramount. While Johnson excels in the slot, the Bills require an outside starter to solidify their secondary.
• Miami Dolphins: Protecting Tua Tagovailoa remains a top priority. Uncertainty surrounds Terron Armstead’s future, and Liam Eichenberg struggled at left guard last season. Finding a dependable replacement for Eichenberg is crucial to ensure Tagovailoa’s safety and offensive stability.
• New England Patriots: The Patriots must prioritize protecting their presumed rookie quarterback, Drake Maye. With Vederian Lowe better suited as a backup, finding a long-term starting offensive tackle is essential. Securing a successor for veteran Morgan Moses is also a pressing need.
• New York Jets: Despite Garrett Wilson’s impressive start to his career, the Jets desperately need to find a legitimate No. 2 receiver. Allen Lazard is not the answer, making it likely that the Jets will target pass-catchers early in the upcoming draft.

AFC North

• Baltimore Ravens: Following the departure of Brandon Stephens, the Ravens need to reinforce their cornerback corps. While they may consider giving T.J. Tampa a larger role, adding a proven No. 2 cornerback to pair with Nate Wiggins and Marlon Humphrey is crucial for defensive success.
• Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals’ need for a high-end pass rusher has been amplified by Trey Hendrickson’s trade request. Finding a dominant edge rusher is now an urgent priority to bolster their defense.
• Cleveland Browns: The Browns face a quarterback quandary due to Deshaun Watson’s injury situation. With his 2025 availability in doubt, finding a long-term replacement is essential. The acquisition of Kenny Pickett provides some competition, but adding another quarterback is a wise move.
• Pittsburgh Steelers: With the potential acquisition of Aaron Rodgers on the horizon, the Steelers must also consider their long-term quarterback future. While the 2025 draft class may not be strong at the position, finding a developmental prospect to groom behind Rodgers is a prudent strategy.

AFC South

• Houston Texans: After aggressively reshaping their offensive line, the Texans need to ensure its cohesion. Adding another quality blocker, regardless of position, will further protect C.J. Stroud and enhance the offense.
• Indianapolis Colts: The Colts’ tight end situation is underwhelming. With limited production from their current group, adding a standout player at the position would significantly improve their offensive capabilities. Selecting Tyler Warren in the first round of the 2025 draft could be a viable option.
• Jacksonville Jaguars: While the Jaguars have invested in defensive tackles through recent drafts, none have emerged as a dominant playmaker. Considering a player like Michigan’s Mason Graham with the fifth overall pick in the 2025 draft could address this need.
• Tennessee Titans: With only Will Levis and Brandon Allen on the roster, quarterback is a clear position of need. Even with other roster holes, the Titans are likely to consider drafting Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick.

AFC West

• Denver Broncos: Similar to the Cowboys, the Broncos would benefit from acquiring a three-down running back. Sean Payton’s offenses thrive with a dynamic pass-catching back, and the Broncos should explore adding one in the draft.
• Kansas City Chiefs: While the Chiefs signed Jaylon Moore to play left tackle, relying on a player with limited experience to protect Patrick Mahomes’ blind side is risky. Adding youth and upside to their tackle room is a necessity.
• Las Vegas Raiders: Outside of Jakobi Meyers, the Raiders lack established receiving threats. Investing in another pass-catching weapon to complement Meyers and tight end Brock Bowers is crucial for offensive improvement.
• Los Angeles Chargers: The Chargers lost Poona Ford and, while adding Naquan Jones and DaShawn Hand, should look to upgrade to a higher-caliber three-down lineman to bolster their run defense in 2025.

NFC East

• Dallas Cowboys: Despite signing Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, the Cowboys need to find a young, three-down back to pair with Dak Prescott. Adding a starting-caliber running back should be a higher priority than finding a No. 2 receiver.
• New York Giants: With only Tommy DeVito currently on the roster, the Giants’ quarterback situation is dire. Even if they acquire Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson, adding depth to the quarterback room is essential.
• Philadelphia Eagles: Replenishing their edge rush depth is a priority for the Eagles. With Josh Sweat’s departure and Brandon Graham’s retirement, Howie Roseman knows the importance of having depth in the trenches.
• Washington Commanders: After acquiring Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel, the Commanders must focus on improving their defense. Finding a replacement for Dante Fowler is a key objective for the 2025 NFL draft.

NFC North

• Chicago Bears: Having addressed their offensive line needs, the Bears should now focus on the running back position. Adding legitimate competition for D’Andre Swift is crucial, even if he improves with better blocking.
• Detroit Lions: The Lions have a star edge rusher in Aidan Hutchinson, but need to find a proven sidekick. Adding an edge rusher prospect who can generate pressure opposite Hutchinson is vital.
• Green Bay Packers: Despite strengthening their cornerback group, the Packers should add another high-quality starting option, given Jaire Alexander’s injury history.
• Minnesota Vikings: With questions surrounding J.J. McCarthy’s health and lack of NFL experience, the Vikings’ biggest need is a veteran backup quarterback to replace Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones.

NFC South

• Atlanta Falcons: Adding Leonard Floyd addresses a need, but isn’t a cure for the Falcons’ pass rush woes. They need a young, talented prospect who can start across from Floyd and be a long-term partner for Arnold Ebiketie.
• Carolina Panthers: Despite signing Patrick Jones II, the Panthers should continue searching for high-end talent and depth at edge rusher.
• New Orleans Saints: The Saints need a tertiary target to open up their offense and provide depth at the receiver position given the injuries Olave and Shaheed have had.
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers: With no glaring needs, prioritizing a successor for the aging Lavonte David would be a smart long-term move.

NFC West

• Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals need to add an upgrade at receiver behind Marvin Harrison Jr. Landing a potential-packed No. 2 receiver to compete with Michael Wilson would be a smart move.
• Los Angeles Rams: No Rams cornerback graded among the top 50 players at the position in 2024. Adding a No. 1 cornerback would improve the defense.
• San Francisco 49ers: After losing several key defensive players, the 49ers need to add depth at defensive tackle and another piece to their pass-rushing rotation.
• Seattle Seahawks: After signing Sam Darnold, the Seahawks need to improve his blocking, especially as he held the ball longer than most last season.

The NFL offseason remains dynamic, with teams actively seeking to address their weaknesses and capitalize on opportunities. The second wave of free agency and the upcoming draft will be crucial in shaping the rosters for the 2025 season.