1 Move Each NFL Team Should Make Before the Regular Season Begins
NFL training camps are almost upon us, and teams are working at a frenzied pace to prepare for the regular season.
Much of the groundwork has already been laid, as franchises made front office changes and added new faces through free agency and the draft. This, however, doesn't mean teams are close to being done making moves.
Over the next month-and-a-half, clubs will continue making big choices regarding their makeup as front offices work to trim their rosters to 53. Other significant decisions will be internal as starting jobs are won, lost and placed in proverbial limbo.
With all of this in mind, we'll look at one move each franchise should make before the start of the 2016 regular season. Our options include player transactions, contract negotiations, roster decisions and coaching choices. We make our picks with the idea of improving the on-field product or roster foundation only, so disciplinary actions will not be considered.
Teams are listed in alphabetical order.
Arizona Cardinals
1 of 32
Bring Back Dwight Freeney
Perhaps the only weakness on the Arizona Cardinals defense last season was its lack of a pass rush. Arizona produced 36 sacks in the regular season and finished the year rated 29th in pass rush by Pro Football Focus.
Last year's subpar unit is one of the reasons the Cardinals traded for edge-rusher Chandler Jones this offseason. It's also why the Cardinals would be silly not to bring back last year's most surprising defender.
Dwight Freeney joined the Cardinals in October 2015. Despite being 35 years old and sitting out offseason activities, Freeney had a significant impact as a situational rusher. He finished with eight sacks in his 11 appearances.
Freeney, who is now 36 and again unemployed, would like to return for another year.
“I’m still having fun,” Freeney told Peter King of The MMQB. “Why stop? I still have the fire to play. My body feels great. I still have more to give.”
If Freeney wants to play, the Cardinals should give him the chance. Jones should help improve the team's sack total, but he shouldn't prevent Arizona from adding a quality situational sack-machine to the mix.
We've never heard an NFL coach complain about having too many good pass-rushers, after all.
Atlanta Falcons
2 of 32
Part Ways with Matt Bryant
The Atlanta Falcons have employed veteran kicker Matt Bryant since 2009. While he has traditionally been a solid piece, his 2015 campaign was a disappointment.
Injuries limited Bryant to 10 games, and he wasn't reliable when healthy. Bryant missed four of his 18 field-goal attempts and finished the season rated just 54th overall among kickers, per Pro Football Focus.
Bryant is 41 years old and is due to earn $2.75 million in base salary alone over the next two seasons. Releasing him now would save the Falcons quite a bit of cash. The team signed undrafted free agent Nick Rose to a three-year, $1.62 million contract this offseason.
Rose wasn't the most accurate kicker during his time at Texas—he missed four of 17 field-goal attempts last season. However, Rose's accuracy wasn't that far behind Bryant's, and he possesses a powerful leg.
At one point last offseason, Rose nailed an 80-yard field goal in practice.
If Rose can show enough progress and potential in camp, he should have a chance to take the kicking gig. If Atlanta turns to Rose, it can save cap space and set itself up for the future. Even better, the team would then have the option to trade Bryant to a kicker-needy team for a player or draft capital.
Baltimore Ravens
3 of 32
Bring in a Veteran Cornerback
Everyone knows the Baltimore Ravens struggled with injuries in 2015. What might not be as obvious is the team had some issues in the secondary. Pro Football Focus rated Baltimore 23rd in pass coverage for the season after a mere six interceptions.
The Ravens brought in former Pro Bowl safety Eric Weddle to help address those issues. However, Baltimore could use more depth and talent at cornerback.
No Ravens corner rated among the top 50 corners at Pro Football Focus in 2015. Lardarius Webb was the highest-rated corner on the team at 56th overall. Pro Football Focus rated fellow Ravens starter Jimmy Smith 182nd.
Bringing in some veteran depth would be beneficial for the Baltimore defense. The team drafted Temple product Tavon Young in the fourth round of this year's draft, but he could take some time to develop. Trading for a veteran or signing a free agent like Tarell Brown, Leon Hall or Antonio Cromartie could help strengthen the group now.
Plus, the Ravens might want to consider how to replace Smith if he has another down year. His base salary is scheduled to be $8.5 million in 2017 and $9 million in 2018.
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Buffalo Bills
4 of 32
Acquire an Edge-Rusher
A year after a dominant unit led the team to the brink of the postseason, the Buffalo Bills took a major step back defensively in 2015. The team's pass rush was a particular issue—sometimes it didn't seem to exist.
Buffalo registered a paltry 21 sacks in 2015 and ended the season rated last in pass rush by Pro Football Focus. The team also parted ways with defensive end Mario Williams in the offseason. Though his play was inconsistent, Williams provided five of those 21 sacks.
To help bolster the pass rush, the Bills spent a first-round draft pick on Clemson product Shaq Lawson. Unfortunately, Lawson underwent shoulder surgery shortly after the draft and could miss an early portion of the regular season. Mike Rodak of ESPN.com believes Lawson could start the campaign on the physically unable to perform list, which would force him to sit out the first six weeks.
With Williams gone and Lawson likely to miss playing time, the Bills would be wise to add a pass-rusher to their roster via trade or free agency. There are not a lot of quality sack artists still available on the open market (there rarely are), but a couple of interesting options are there.
If the Bills are willing to take a chance on Greg Hardy and his character issues, the team could get a bargain. Buffalo could also consider Dwight Freeney, who produced eight sacks last season. If Buffalo doesn't like either, a trade may be the only recourse.
Carolina Panthers
5 of 32
Acquire a Veteran Cornerback
The Carolina Panthers parted ways with star cornerback Josh Norman this offseason and are counting on a trio of rookie draft picks to help fill out their secondary. If Carolina wants to ensure it has adequate cornerback depth, though, it should consider bringing in veteran talent.
Charles Tillman, who played for the Panthers last year, would have been an ideal option. However, he announced his retirement Monday.
With Norman out of the building and Tillman off the table, the Panthers should consider other options. Trading with a team stocked with cornerback talent—like the Cincinnati Bengals—would be one course. Another option would be to sign an available free agent like Antonio Cromartie, Leon Hall or Tarell Brown.
Bringing back Cortland Finnegan—a guy the Panthers coaxed out of retirement late last season—could be another possibility.
We're not suggesting the young corners on Carolina's roster cannot help fill Norman's void. However, it would be beneficial to have another veteran presence with some postseason experience on the roster, even in a depth capacity.
After all, a team with Super Bowl aspirations can never have too many good pass defenders.
Chicago Bears
6 of 32
Make Jordan Howard the Starting Running Back
Second-year running back Jeremy Langford could be the heir to Matt Forte's spot as the lead running back of the Chicago Bears. Langford showed promise as a rookie in 2015, and Forte is now a member of the New York Jets. However, there are reasons to believe the Bears would be better off with Langford playing a limited role.
Though the Michigan State product was productive as a pass-catcher last season—he averaged 12.7 yards per reception—he often struggled as a runner. Langford averaged just 3.6 yards per carry, and Pro Football Focus rated him 153rd overall among running backs.
Unless Langford shows a tremendous amount of progress as a runner in camp, Chicago should give the bulk of the early-down work to rookie Jordan Howard.
Howard is a bigger back at 6'1" and 222 pounds (Langford is 6'0", 211 pounds) and was an explosive rusher in college. Last season at Indiana, he rushed for 1,213 yards and 6.2 yards per carry.
We're not suggesting the Bears should dump Langford from their game plan. He deserves to be a significant piece of the offense. However, Howard seems better suited for running downs and goal-line situations. Making him the first back on the field in a committee situation would be a smart approach.
Cincinnati Bengals
7 of 32
Re-Sign Leon Hall
The Cincinnati Bengals didn't bring back veteran cornerback Leon Hall early this offseason. Cincinnati may have been concerned about his age (he'll turn 32 in December) or the fact he had back surgery after last season. However, not re-signing him could be a mistake.
Though he only started four games in 2015, he was still valuable to the Cincinnati defense. He finished the year with 55 tackles, nine passes defended and two interceptions. Pro Football Focus rated him 27th overall among all cornerbacks and second among Cincinnati corners for the season.
The Bengals are clearly interested in turning to their young cornerbacks, three of whom are former first-round picks. However, there is no guarantee that even former first-rounders like Dre Kirkpatrick, Darqueze Dennard or rookie William Jackson III will become reliable options.
Kirkpatrick, for example, earned his starting opportunity in 2015 and flopped. Pro Football Focus graded him as the third-worst cornerback in the NFL.
In addition to strengthening the cornerback group, Hall might spend some time at safety. The Bengals also parted ways with Pro Bowl safety Reggie Nelson this offseason and could use a veteran presence at the back end of the defense.
Cleveland Browns
8 of 32
Acquire a Veteran Defensive End
The Cleveland Browns found themselves in need of a starting-caliber defensive end when Desmond Bryant suffered a torn pectoral muscle earlier this month. According to ESPN's Adam Caplan, Bryant isn't expected to return this season.
This leaves Cleveland light on experience at defensive end. Second-year man Xavier Cooper could man one starting end spot while rookie Carl Nassib holds the other. Fifth-year player John Hughes is another option, and Jamie Meder played some end last season, though Cleveland might be better off acquiring another veteran via trade or free agency.
Cleveland possesses extra first- and second-round picks in next year's draft, so a high-profile move isn't out of the question. However, the team's new analytics-driven, draft-oriented business model would suggest a value pickup off the free-agent pile instead.
One interesting unsigned option is Randy Starks, whom Cleveland released earlier this offseason. Starks was the second-highest-rated end on Cleveland's roster last season, according to Pro Football Focus.
If the Browns aren't interested in bringing back Starks and are willing to deal with some character concerns, Greg Hardy is another possibility. His pass-rush talent would be beneficial with Bryant (six sacks in 2015) out and Armonty Bryant (5.5 sacks last season) suspended for the first four games of 2016 after a performance-enhancing drug violation.
Dallas Cowboys
9 of 32
Bring in a Pass-Rushing Defensive End
The Dallas Cowboys find themselves in a bind. The team has two pass-rushing defensive ends—Demarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory—who will each miss the first four games due to suspension.
The NFL suspended Lawrence for a violation of the league's PED policy. Gregory will be suspended for violation of the substance-abuse policy.
This is a big issue for Dallas because the team didn't bring back Greg Hardy in the offseason and will now be even thinner in the pass-rushing department to start the year. The Cowboys—rated 17th in pass rush by Pro Football Focus in 2015—weren't a sack-happy team to begin with.
Dallas will have to find other defensive ends to man the team's 4-3 front for the first four games. It only makes sense for the Cowboys to try to acquire a defensive end with some pass-rushing capability, both to perform in that early span and to provide depth later in the season.
A trade is one option. The team could also look to one of the remaining free agents like Dwight Freeney or perhaps even Hardy if the right deal can be done.
Denver Broncos
10 of 32
Acquire a Receiving Tight End
The Denver Broncos watched a number of key Super Bowl contributors leave this offseason via free agency or retirement. The team released a couple of them, though, one of them being tight end Owen Daniels.
Daniels' leaves a sizable hole in the Broncos offense. He was their top receiving tight end last season—he caught 46 passes for 517 yards and three scores—and he knows Gary Kubiak's offense better than anyone. Daniels has played for Kubiak's employer in every one of the tight end's pro seasons.
The starting tight end job now falls to the relatively inexperienced Virgil Green, which is risky. The Broncos are picking between journeyman Mark Sanchez, rookie Paxton Lynch and second-year pro Trevor Siemian for the starting quarterback job. Any of the three would benefit from having an experienced pass-catching tight end on the roster.
But the team may have to make a trade to acquire a legitimate weapon at tight end. Aside from Daniels, there isn't much remaining on the open market. Coaxing Daniels back could prove difficult because the Broncos are the ones who made the offseason split. It's not impossible, though. Before Daniels received his release, he made it clear that retirement was a possibility, but that he'd prefer to continue playing.
"That’s definitely an option,” Daniels said, per Lindsay Jones of USA Today. “But I’m a man of my word, I signed a three-year deal, so I’d like to keep playing. I feel good enough as long as I can get some work done on my 33-year-old knees.”
Regardless of which route the Broncos take, the team needs to strengthen the tight end position.
Detroit Lions
11 of 32
Acquire a Quality Interior Lineman
The Detroit Lions averaged 83.4 yards per game on the ground last season, worst in the NFL. Yet, it's difficult to place too much blame on the team's running backs. The blocking up front was a liability.
Pro Football Focus rated Detroit 27th in run blocking for the season.
The interior of the offensive line in particular was a regular weakness. First-round pick Laken Tomlinson struggled to adapt to the pro game, while fellow guard Larry Warford also had issues. Pro Football Focus rated Warford 80th overall among guards for the season. Tomlinson rated 116th among guards.
Center Travis Swanson—rated 59th out of 65 centers in 2015—might have been even more inconsistent.
The Lions brought in veteran guard Geoff Schwartz and drafted center Graham Glasgow, but adding more depth on the interior should be a priority. The team wants Ameer Abdullah to be its future at running back, but the Nebraska product will have a difficult time shining if the blocking in front of him doesn't improve.
Guards on the market include Jahri Evans and Louis Vasquez. Free-agent centers include Ryan Wendell and Doug Legursky.
Green Bay Packers
12 of 32
Trade Davante Adams
The Green Bay Packers were without top wideout Jordy Nelson for the entire 2015 season because of a torn ACL. His absence meant opportunities for other wideouts, but some players couldn't take advantage.
Former second-round pick Davante Adams, for example, received 12 starts but had a minimal impact. He had 50 receptions but produced just 483 yards and a single score. He also dropped 10 passes.
Pro Football Focus rated him as the second-worst wide receiver in the NFL, among 224.
With a healthy Nelson and Randall Cobb on the roster, two of the top receiver spots are a given for 2016. The Packers also have young pass-catchers like Jared Abbrederis, Jeff Janis, Ty Montgomery and rookie Trevor Davis. Given Adams' inefficiency, it's time to consider parting ways.
However, the Packers shouldn't cut the Fresno State product if they can get something via trade—and there's a strong possibility they could. Though he hasn't lived up to expectations, Adams is still a 6'1", 215-pound receiver and just 23 years old. He could be a nice addition to a receiver-needy team or an intriguing reclamation project for another franchise.
Green Bay probably wouldn't get a lot in return for Adams. However, this is a franchise that typically builds through the draft, and a future late-round pick would be more beneficial than the big bag of nothing Adams' release would yield.
Houston Texans
13 of 32
Add a Veteran Guard
The Houston Texans took some big steps to overhaul their offense this offseason. The team signed quarterback Brock Osweiler, added running back Lamar Miller and drafted wide receiver Will Fuller.
The team's next move should be to bring in a quality guard to help enhance the running game.
The Texans brought Jeff Allen over from the Kansas City Chiefs to help replace the departed Brandon Brooks. However, the team could use an upgrade at the other guard spot, where Xavier Su'a-Filo saw time last year but disappointed.
Pro Football Focus rated Su'a-Filo 127th among guards for the season. He seems confident he can improve, though.
"I'm trying to take a short-term approach and improve on one or two things every day and build on them," Su'a-Filo said, per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. "I just wanted to make sure I was sharp on the details, the little things and build on them and make sure if I made a mistake that it was a little one where I could fix it."
Even if the Texans are confident Su'a-Filo can turn things around, they'd be wise to snag a veteran guard for insurance. Houston is defending its AFC South crown and needs to continue taking positive steps to repeat as a playoff team.
Free-agent guards who are still available include Louis Vasquez, Jahri Evans and Amini Silatolu.
Indianapolis Colts
14 of 32
Acquire a Running Back
The Indianapolis Colts probably didn't get the value out of running back Frank Gore last season they thought they would. He finished the year with 967 yards but averaged just 3.7 yards per carry.
The Colts, though, seem content to enter training camp with Gore as their presumed starter. The problem is the team has little in the way of depth behind him. Indy has the likes of Tyler Varga, Robert Turbin and Jordan Todman.
If the Colts are relying on Gore to carry the ground game by himself, the team could be in serious trouble—especially if he suffers a significant injury. This is why Indianapolis should work on adding to its backfield.
The Colts' best option may be to trade for a quality rusher. For example, if Denver's Ronnie Hillman gets pushed down the depth chart by rookie Devontae Booker, the Colts should try to snag him on the cheap. Waiting for other teams' roster-cut fodder would be another possibility, but there are a couple of free-agent backs the Colts could examine now.
Arian Foster recently signed a free-agent deal with the Miami Dolphins, per ESPN.com, so he's off the table. However, backs like Joique Bell, Toby Gerhart and Fred Jackson remain available.
Jacksonville Jaguars
15 of 32
Find a New Role for Luke Joeckel
The Jacksonville Jaguars made former Texas A&M tackle Luke Joeckel the second overall pick back in the 2013 draft. Unfortunately, Joeckel hasn't played anywhere near a high level in the three seasons since.
Pro Football Focus rated Joeckel 118th overall among offensive tackles for the 2015 season and credited him with allowing seven sacks and 39 quarterback hurries. This is not an ideal level of play for a guy protecting the blind side of 24-year-old quarterback Blake Bortles.
Joeckel is a liability on an otherwise talented young offense.
The Jaguars brought in former Pittsburgh Steelers starter Kelvin Beachum this offseason. He is coming off a torn ACL but was an impactful left tackle when healthy. Pro Football Focus rated him fifth among offensive tackles when he was healthy in 2014.
Assuming Beachum is close to pre-injury form by training camp, the Jaguars need to get him into the starting lineup. As Jacksonville offensive coordinator Greg Olson recently explained, issues along the left side of the line are a problem.
“We have a couple of issues we have to get solved,” Olson said, per Ryan O'Halloran of the Florida Times-Union. “I think we have a pretty good feel about the right side and the center position now. The left side of the line will have some competition. We’ll try and make a decision early in training camp.”
It's time for Jacksonville to give up on Joeckel as a starting left tackle. Whether the team tries him at guard or makes him a rotational backup tackle, it needs to find a new role for him.
If that doesn't work, Joeckel could benefit the Jaguars as a trade chip.
Kansas City Chiefs
16 of 32
Add to Safety Position
It might sound weird to hear that the Kansas City Chiefs need to strengthen the safety position. After all, the team has one of the best safeties, Eric Berry, on its roster, right? Well, Berry has yet to sign his franchise tender, and the position isn't as strong as one might think.
Adam Teicher of ESPN.com recently pointed out just how different the group is from last season:
"If Berry doesn't play, the Chiefs would be without three of their top four safeties from last season, with only Ron Parker available from that group. That might not be such a bad thing if the Chiefs had prepared for this contingency, but they obviously didn't -- their only significant addition at safety is a veteran who didn't play last season in Stevie Brown. They also are converting Jamell Fleming and Marcus Cooper from cornerback to safety.
"
The only way Berry won't play in 2016 is if he holds out and misses the season. This doesn't seem likely, but that doesn't mean the Chiefs shouldn't prepare for the possibility. Even if Berry signs before camp, Kansas City would be wise to add to the safety group.
If the Chiefs don't want to trade for a quality safety, or don't feel the right deal is available, there are some solid players on the open market.
Donte Whitner is the most talented option sitting in the unemployment line. Though he wouldn't provide insurance for Berry, he could upgrade the strong safety spot. Pro Football Focus rated him 32nd overall among safeties in 2015.
Other free-agent safeties include Sergio Brown, Jaiquawn Jarrett and Louis Delmas.
Los Angeles Rams
17 of 32
Part Ways with Tre Mason
The Los Angeles Rams gave up a number of draft picks to move up and secure former California quarterback Jared Goff in the 2016 draft. Many of those selections came from this year's draft, but the Rams will be out a first- and third-round pick in 2017.
Getting those selections back might prove difficult, but the Rams may be able to get a future late-round pick by trading away former Auburn standout Tre Mason to a running back-needy team.
Mason is just 22 years old and has a ton of athletic potential. He made nine starts as a rookie in 2014 and rushed for 765 yards and 4.3 yards per carry. He took a back seat to then-rookie Todd Gurley last season, which is why he's expendable for the Rams.
Making Mason even more expendable is the fact he was charged with resisting arrest and possession of marijuana earlier this offseason. Mason is almost certainly facing some sort of suspension from the league as a result.
Vincent Bonsignore of the Los Angeles Daily News reported Mason remains on the Rams' roster, but his status for training camp is unclear.
If the Rams can find a trade partner and move Mason, they should. Otherwise, it may still behoove the team to cut ties with their backup before the start of the regular season.
Miami Dolphins
18 of 32
Try to Move Kenny Stills
The Miami Dolphins acquired wide receiver Kenny Stills last offseason in a trade with the New Orleans Saints. While he was a solid contributor in 2015, one could argue he wasn't worth the third-round pick Miami surrendered.
Stills finished the season with 27 receptions, 440 yards and three touchdowns. Pro Football Focus rated him 178th among wide receivers.
The Dolphins may now consider Stills expendable for a couple of reasons. The team has two emerging young wideouts in Jarvis Landry and DeVante Parker. The Dolphins also seem to like what they have in rookie receiver Leonte Carroo.
"Carroo didn’t just impress his new coaches, his teammates also liked what they saw with one comparing him to Anquan Boldin," Anthony Chiang of the Palm Beach Post recently wrote. "Team leader Jarvis Landry even invited Carroo to train with him this offseason in preparation for training camp."
If Carroo can grab the No. 3 receiver spot, Miami should explore the possibility of trading Stills. He has just one year left on his contract and is due to earn nearly $1.7 million in base salary.
Stills could be a No. 2 receiver on a team with fewer weapons. Therefore, the Dolphins could get decent compensation in return. There's no guarantee he'll have a significant role this season, or that he'll be around after it, so moving him now would make a lot of sense.
Minnesota Vikings
19 of 32
Try to Move Cordarrelle Patterson
The Minnesota Vikings drafted wide receiver Laquon Treadwell in the first round of this year's draft to provide the offense with a legitimate No. 1 receiver. The last wideout the team drafted in the first round, Cordarrelle Patterson, has developed into anything but a top option.
Patterson still has value as a kick returner—he racked up 1,019 return yards and two touchdowns last season—but he is an afterthought as a pass-catcher. He finished last season with two receptions and 10 receiving yards.
Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Patterson knows his opportunities as a receiver are running out. He recently told Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press:
"People say, ‘It’s your make or break year.' I’ve just got to go out and do what I’m supposed to. It’s a big year for me. We all know what I can do, and I’ve just got to show the coaches I can be there when I need to be, and be on time, be in the right place, the right depth on routes catching the ball. If I do all those things, I feel like things will work out well.
"
If Patterson can't prove he has improved as a pass-catcher by the end of camp, the Vikings should consider trading him. He may be a top-flight returner, but he hasn't performed like a former first-round pick should and may not be around after this season. A contending team that values special teams and overall potential may be willing to part with a second-day pick for him.
New England Patriots
20 of 32
Acquire a Veteran Guard
Offensive line depth was an issue for the New England Patriots last season. Injuries caused the unit to continually shuffle lineups and hurt its efficiency in a big way.
Pro Football Focus rated New England 31st in pass blocking.
Left tackle Nate Solder (torn biceps) should be healthy and back in the starting lineup, which will boost the overall lay of the Patriots line. However, there are still some weaknesses, specifically at guard.
Josh Kline, arguably New England's best lineman last year, underwent offseason shoulder surgery. According to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald, his timetable for return is unclear. Fellow guards Shaq Mason and Tre Jackson were serviceable, but barely.
Pro Football Focus rated Jackson 101st and Mason 129th among guards for the year.
The Patriots added former N.C. State guard Joe Thuney in the third round of this year's draft, and he may push for a starting spot. The team also acquired Jonathan Cooper from the Cardinals in the trade that shipped out Chandler Jones. Cooper, though, has been a disappointment so far in his career. With Kline's future a bit foggy, the team would be well-served to acquire a quality guard before the start of the season.
If injuries hit the current group again, it will have a hard time improving on its 2015 performance. Veteran depth could be critical. Guards who remain on the free-agent market include Louis Vasquez, Jahri Evans and Amini Silatolu.
New Orleans Saints
21 of 32
Sign Anquan Boldin
The New Orleans Saints parted ways with longtime receiver Marques Colston this offseason. Though the team has some talented young wideouts on the roster—like Brandin Cooks, Willie Snead and rookie Michael Thomas—there is room for a savvy veteran presence to replace Colston.
Enter free-agent wideout Anquan Boldin.
The Saints have already looked into signing the 35-year-old pass-catcher. However, Katherine Terrell of NOLA.com reports New Orleans hasn't made Boldin an offer.
The Saints should make Boldin an offer because he still has a lot in the proverbial tank.
Boldin produced 69 receptions, 789 yards and four touchdowns last season in a putrid San Francisco 49ers offense. That unit ranked last in scoring (14.9 points per game) and 31st in total yardage (303.8 yards per game). Still, Boldin played well enough to be rated 33rd among all wide receivers by Pro Football Focus.
There's no guarantee that playing for the Saints would allow Boldin to get back to winning football, but playing with Drew Brees could jump-start a new late stage in his career. Boldin, in return, would give the Saints a reliable, capable veteran weapon.
New York Giants
22 of 32
Add a Veteran Offensive Tackle
The New York Giants did a solid job of addressing their defense this offseason. The team brought in Olivier Vernon, Janoris Jenkins and Damon Harrison while drafting a potential nickel corner in Eli Apple in the first round. This should all help dramatically improve a defense that ranked last in yards allowed (420.3 per game) last season.
However, last year's other weakness, the offensive line, could still use some strengthening.
As a unit, the Giants line wasn't a complete disaster. Opponents only sacked quarterback Eli Manning 27 times, and Pro Football Focus rated the line 22nd overall in pass blocking. The two tackle spots, though, were not good.
Rookie left tackle Ereck Flowers allowed 47 quarterback pressures last season and rated as the worst offensive tackle in the league at Pro Football Focus. Right tackle Marshall Newhouse allowed 39 quarterback hurries and rated 134th among tackles.
The Giants would be wise to either replace Newhouse or move Flowers to the right side and replace him on the left. Adding a free agent like Eugene Monroe or Mike Adams might allow the Giants the freedom to make one of these moves. Trading to acquire a tackle would be another option.
New York Jets
23 of 32
Sign Ryan Fitzpatrick
You probably already know this story, and you probably saw this coming. However, this doesn't mean the New York Jets don't need to get the thing done.
The Jets are quickly approaching training camp and don't have 2015 starter Ryan Fitzpatrick under contract. This isn't because Fitzpatrick played poorly last season—he passed for 3,905 yards with 31 touchdowns and won 10 games. The issue is the Jets aren't willing to give Fitzpatrick legitimate starting-quarterback money, even on a short-term deal.
The relationship has become so strained that Fitzpatrick isn't even talking to former Jets teammates like Brandon Marshall.
"I don't know what's going on," Marshall said on Michael Rapaport's I Am Rapoport podcast. "To be honest, me and Fitz talk everyday, all the time, but I texted him the last two weeks three times and there's no response."
The Jets seem confident they can either push Fitzpatrick into signing a deal on their terms or rely on Geno Smith as the starter.
Smith was New York's starter in 2014, and he finished that season rated just 68th among quarterbacks at Pro Football Focus. There's a possibility Smith has grown dramatically in the past year, but do the Jets need to take the chance?
Getting Fitzpatrick into camp has to be done soon.
Oakland Raiders
24 of 32
Part Ways with Mychal Rivera
This time last offseason, tight end Mychal Rivera looked like he was on the verge of being a true weapon in the Oakland Raiders offense. He was coming off a 534-yard, four-touchdown season and was about to see quarterback Derek Carr enter his all-important second season.
But Rivera struggled in 2015, while then-rookie Clive Walford pushed his was into an increasingly significant role. Rivera finished the season with just 32 receptions, 280 yards and a touchdown. Pro Football Focus rated him a disappointing 131st among all tight ends.
It's looking like Rivera will be stuck behind Walford and blocking tight end Lee Smith entering training camp. The Raiders can probably find a better and cheaper alternative to fill their third tight end role this season, and they should realistically consider that option.
Rivera is scheduled to make $1.67 million in base salary this year.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported in March that the Raiders were open to trading Rivera before the draft. This is a route the team should explore again during camp and the preseason—especially if another franchise suffers a significant injury at the tight end position.
Even if a trade cannot be completed, Oakland should still consider parting ways with Rivera in order to save cap space.
Philadelphia Eagles
25 of 32
Acquire a Starting-Caliber Receiver
Perhaps it's a good thing the Philadelphia Eagles aren't planning on starting rookie quarterback Carson Wentz this season. The current crop of wide receivers leaves a lot to be desired and might even hinder a rookie signal-caller's development.
On paper, it might seem like the Eagles should have a decent receiving corps. Jordan Matthews has the makings of a future star, and Nelson Agholor was a first-round pick in last year's draft. The reality, however, is Matthews was the only bright spot in the group last season.
Philadelphia's top four pass-catchers after Matthews were all either running backs or tight ends. Josh Huff, with 27 receptions, was the next-most-productive receiver. Pro Football Focus rated the team last in the NFL in receiving.
The Eagles strengthened their depth chart this offseason by adding former Rams and Ravens receiver Chris Givens and bringing in former Giants wideout Rueben Randle. However, Philadelphia shouldn't be close to content with what it has.
Trading for a quality pass-catcher or signing a free agent like Anquan Boldin, Brian Hartline or James Jones could help this group improve. That would likely, in turn, allow quarterback Sam Bradford to perform better and increase his potential trade value.
At the least, the Eagles need to identify a quality starter to play opposite Matthews. Agholor didn't cut it as a rookie. Pro Football Focus graded him as the worst receiver in the entire league.
Pittsburgh Steelers
26 of 32
Sign Donte Whitner
The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into training camp with some legitimate questions about the strong safety position. Former fourth-round pick Shamarko Thomas has been a disappointment and saw just 21 defensive snaps in 2015, per Pro Football Focus. Last year's starter, Will Allen, is still sitting on the free-agent market.
The Steelers, though, could easily solidify their strong safety spot by adding former Pro Bowler Donte Whitner. He is an aggressive, physical safety who has also spent the past two seasons playing in the AFC North with the Browns.
Pro Football Focus rated Whitner 32nd among safeties last season.
According to Alex Marvez of SiriusXM NFL Radio, linebacker Karlos Dansby has been trying to recruit Whitner to the AFC North rival Cincinnati Bengals. Signing Whitner would prevent any chance of the Steelers having to face him twice a year.
More importantly, though, adding Whitner would place a high-level player at one of the more questionable positions on the Pittsburgh defense.
San Diego Chargers
27 of 32
Add a Veteran Pass-Rusher
The San Diego Chargers struggled to get after opposing quarterbacks in 2015. The Chargers produced just 32 sacks on the season and rated 28th in pass rush at Pro Football Focus.
That's why the Chargers took former Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa with the third overall pick in this year's draft. Bosa is expected to anchor San Diego's defensive front and increase the efficiency of the pass rush.
The problem is the Chargers still don't have Bosa under contract.
As Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune recently pointed out, Bosa's holdout isn't a major issue yet, but it could become one:
"The Chargers will hold their first practice of training camp on July 30. To miss that day would be a detriment to both parties.
Until then, the situation isn't ugly yet.
The No. 3 overall pick and starting left defensive end has missed just three days of actual on-field work. One was the Chargers' 10th and final organized team activity (OTA) on June 9. That practice was voluntary. The other two came during a mandatory minicamp on June 14 and 15. None of the three practices were in pads.
"
The Chargers should look into adding a veteran pass-rusher either by trade or free agency. The team might not have to worry about Bosa holding out through camp, but it might want to prepare for the possibility that he has a slow transition to the NFL. Besides, it's not as if adding to the pass rush is going to hurt.
Bosa and linebacker Melvin Ingram (10.5 sacks in 2015) should form a capable pass-rush duo in the near future, but adding another experienced sack artist to the mix would be ideal.
San Francisco 49ers
28 of 32
Acquire a Wide Receiver
The San Francisco 49ers struggled to move the ball through the air last season. As a team, the 49ers averaged just 207.2 passing yards per game, 29th in the NFL. Part of the problem was poor quarterback play, but part of the issue was a lack of talent at receiver.
Anquan Boldin was San Francisco's only standout at receiver in 2015. He and Torrey Smith were the only wideouts to top the 500-yard mark, and Boldin doubled Smith's receptions number (69 to 33). No player aside from Smith or Boldin caught more than 30 passes.
Boldin, of course, is now a free agent and isn't likely to return to San Francisco. This means the receiving corps that Pro Football Focus rated 29th for the 2015 season is now even weaker.
Curiously, the 49ers didn't add a wide receiver in the draft until Round 6 (Aaron Burbridge). Either new head coach Chip Kelly is confident in the unproven wideouts already on the roster, or he still believes his system can succeed with average talent. Regardless, it would make a lot of sense for the 49ers to go out and grab a starting-caliber receiver before the season opens.
If the 49ers aren't interested in trading to acquire a legitimate starter, they should at least add a veteran free agent like James Jones, Miles Austin, Brian Hartline or Greg Jennings. Without Boldin, the 49ers' current group looks as bad as any in the league, possibly the worst.
Seattle Seahawks
29 of 32
Add a Starting-Caliber Lineman
The offensive line for the Seattle Seahawks was a disaster in 2015. The unit allowed quarterback Russell Wilson to be sacked 45 times. Pro Football Focus rated it 30th in pass blocking and 29th in run blocking for the season.
Seattle also lost two-fifths of its starting line in free agency this offseason. Starting left tackle Russell Okung signed with the Denver Broncos, while starting guard J.R. Sweezy landed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Seahawks added guard Germain Ifedi in the first round of this year's draft, but they are heading into training camp with a blocking unit that is questionable at best and laughable at worst. In addition to losing Sweezy and Okung, the Seahawks are moving Garry Gilliam from right tackle to left and Justin Britt from guard to center.
Seattle could be looking at new starters at all five line spots. Considering these starters still have a lot to prove—Gilliam, for example, rated 133rd overall among tackles at Pro Football Focus in 2015—the Seahawks might want to add some starting-caliber talent to the group.
Trading for a quality lineman could greatly benefit the Seahawks offense, but there are some intriguing options available on the open market, too. Former Baltimore Ravens starting tackle Eugene Monroe tops the list, and he would be an upgrade over Gilliam. Other available free agents include Will Beatty, Louis Vasquez and Ryan Wendell.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
30 of 32
Add a Wide Receiver
As a rookie in 2015, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston passed for 4,042 yards and made an appearance in the Pro Bowl. He accomplished this despite only having wide receiver Vincent Jackson on the field for 10 games.
With a presumably healthy Jackson and Mike Evans slotted as starters, wide receiver probably doesn't look like a major need for the Buccaneers. However, a quality third receiver could help open up the offense and aid in Winston's development.
Aside from Jackson and Evans, no wide receiver caught more than 27 passes or scored more than one touchdown in 2015. Jackson and Evans were the only Tampa Bay receivers rated among the top 78 wideouts by Pro Football Focus for the year.
The Buccaneers didn't get a wide receiver in the draft or free agency, so the group is virtually unchanged from a year ago. The team should add to the position either by trade or from another squad's cut pile. The Bucs should also consider adding a free-agent wideout like James Jones.
In addition to helping both Winston and the offense overall, a stronger receiver group would help provide insurance if a top guy like Jackson misses time again.
Tennessee Titans
31 of 32
Trade Bishop Sankey
The Tennessee Titans made Washington product Bishop Sankey the first running back selected in the 2014 draft. During his two seasons as a pro, however, Sankey has been a disappointing footnote.
Sankey appeared in all 16 games as a rookie, starting nine. However, he was pushed out of his role last year and only made three starts in 13 appearances. Sankey hasn't been an efficient runner when on the field, either. He has produced just 762 yards and a 3.8 yards-per-carry average in two seasons.
Pro Football Focus rated him 139th overall among running backs last season.
Sankey is now likely staring down his Tennessee exit. The Titans added former league rushing leader DeMarco Murray and reigning Heisman winner Derrick Henry this offseason. The team also brings back 2015 starter Antonio Andrews and 2015 fifth-round pick David Cobb. Utility back Dexter McCluster is still on the roster as well.
Moving Sankey could get the Titans something of value. While he has mostly been a disappointment with the Titans, Sankey is still a 23-year-old running back with physical potential and a relatively low professional snap count. Tennessee should target a running back-needy team, or a squad looking to gamble on a reclamation project.
Even if the Titans only get a late-round draft pick for Sankey, it would be more than they will end up with if they release him.
Washington Redskins
32 of 32
Strengthen the Defensive Line
Run defense was a big issue for the Washington Redskins last season. In fact, Pro Football Focus rated the team just 29th in that category. To make matters worse, the team lost defensive tackle Terrance Knighton to the Patriots in free agency this offseason.
Strengthening the defensive front could help Washington improve its run defense. Though the team employs a 3-4 base—which means the linebackers do much of the run stopping—the line is responsible for occupying blockers and slowing ball-carriers at the point of attack.
The Redskins added a potential contributor on the defensive line in rookie fifth-round pick Matt Ioannidis, but there is room to further improve the line.
Trading to acquire a starting-caliber lineman from a defensively deep team would be ideal. If Washington cannot work a trade to secure a top-level talent, however, it can turn to the remaining free-agent pool, where there are still some quality defensive linemen available.
One free-agent lineman who stands out is Randy Starks. Pro Football Focus rated him 24th among all 3-4 ends in run defense. Other free-agent defensive linemen include Kroy Biermann, Henry Melton and Billy Winn.
All contract and free-agent information courtesy of Spotrac.
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