The 1 Move Every NFL Team Still Needs to Make in 2023 Offseason
Roster construction never really ends for NFL front offices. Scouts and executives are always scouring the free-agent market and 31 other squads in hopes of finding an upgrade.
No matter how many moves you make, though, it's nearly impossible to be truly satisfied.
And many franchises can't address every void, either.
Three-plus months of the 2023 offseason remain, so teams have plenty of time to look for improvements. But we've identified one particular issue or opportunity that NFL teams need to solve before training camp. Salary-cap implications are considered.
AFC East
1 of 8
Buffalo Bills: Bring in Another D-Tackle
On the bright side, the Bills have been active at the position. They re-signed Jordan Phillips, restructured Tim Settle's contract and added Poona Ford. All three have expiring deals, though, and neither Phillips nor Settle played extremely well in 2022. Buffalo did not draft a D-tackle, either. Depth up front is especially valuable as the Bills retool at linebacker.
Miami Dolphins: Upgrade at Tight End
Miami should be reasonably content with its roster, but tight end is a glaring void. Now, the Dolphins understandably let Mike Gesicki walk in free agency. The current group, however, is counting on Durham Smythe—whose career-best season is a modest 357 yards. Miami has a tremendous duo at receiver with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle but, on paper, lacks a threatening complementary option.
New England Patriots: Sign a Veteran Offensive Lineman
As a general rule, I am inclined to believe NFL coaches are smarter than me. Breaking news, I know. Yet the Patriots are heading toward the season with a whole lot of rookies and inexperienced backups on the offensive line. New England seems to lack a veteran blocker who provides cover at multiple spots and some leadership in the reserve unit.
New York Jets: Move on from Denzel Mims
Trade, release, whatever; it's clear the Jets aren't interesting in playing Denzel Mims. They have a potential star in Garrett Wilson, signed Allen Lazard, Mecole Hardman and Randall Cobb and return Corey Davis. If they're not releasing Davis for cap reasons—which they say is not happening—that's the receiving corps. It's time for another team to see whether it can unlock the fourth-year player's potential.
AFC North
2 of 8
Baltimore Ravens: Bolster the D-Line
Baltimore tends to figure these things out. Still, the current personnel up front is concerning. Calais Campbell went to the Atlanta Falcons, top pass-rusher Justin Houston is unsigned along with Jason Pierre-Paul, and the Ravens have not added any established players to replace them. Whether it's bringing back Houston or landing a new veteran, Baltimore has room for reinforcements.
Cincinnati Bengals: Extend Joe Burrow
This one is simple, right? Heading into his fourth year, Joe Burrow has reached the extension negotiation window. The conversations aren't as easy, but Cincinnati will undoubtedly keep him around. And the sooner these discussions are wrapped up, the better.
Cleveland Browns: Sign Another Linebacker
Shortly after the draft, the Browns padded the safety group with Rodney McLeod. Their attention should now shift to linebacker, which has decent depth but would benefit from more. Injuries stung the unit repeatedly in 2022, and Cleveland only added undrafted free agents. Maybe that works out—Mohamoud Diabate in particular—but the Browns have a small margin for error.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Add Depth at Running Back
Najee Harris is the undisputed starter, while Jaylen Warren emerged as a quality backup in his rookie year. Behind them, however, the Steelers have unproven options with Anthony McFarland Jr., Master Teague and Jason Huntley among them. Pittsburgh can find any number of veteran backs to supplement the position.
AFC South
3 of 8
Houston Texans: Release Christian Kirksey
Nobody on the team played more snaps than Christian Kirksey last season. However, the Texans added Denzel Perryman and recently drafted Henry To'oTo'o. If the Texans release Kirksey, they can save $5.25 million., and he can find a more favorable path to playing time elsewhere.
Indianapolis Colts: More Competition at Guard
Quenton Nelson will be the Colts' starter on the left side. But the right? Well, that's an open question—and Indianapolis should not be content with Will Fries, Danny Pinter and undrafted free agent Emil Ekiyor. Veterans such as A.J. Cann and Trai Turner are on the market.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Bolster the Pass Rush
When the postseason arrives, depth at edge-rusher is imperative. Jacksonville has a pair of quality starters in Josh Allen and Travon Walker, but Arden Key left in free agency and Dawuane Smoot is unsigned. While the Jags' first option should be Smoot—pending his recovery from an Achilles injury—they simply need to fortify the position.
Tennessee Titans: Find an Experienced Receiver
Tennessee cannot be satisfied with the unit, right? Treylon Burks is an exciting but unproven talent. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Chris Moore are the most productive players in the room, and neither has surpassed 548 yards in a season. Someone like Jarvis Landry can raise the floor of the receiving corps as the Titans develop their young wideouts.
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AFC West
4 of 8
Denver Broncos: Sign Ben Jones
Forget the subtle approach; the Broncos should be interested in Ben Jones specifically. The longtime Tennessee center is the best player available at the position, and Denver must not shy away from upgrading if possible before Sean Payton's debut as head coach.
Kansas City Chiefs: Land an Interior D-Lineman
Kansas City, meanwhile, has a clear position of need but many options. Depth is lacking behind Chris Jones and Derrick Nnadi—and even the latter had a pretty rough 2022. Mostly, the Chiefs need a backup plan if sixth-round pick Keondre Coburn isn't ready for a regular role immediately.
Las Vegas Raiders: Upgrade the Offensive Line
Skill-position players can only hit their max potential if the blocking unit is effective. Will that be a problem for the Raiders? Right now, it certainly feels that way. Thanks to Jermaine Eluemunor's versatility, Las Vegas can look for a veteran guard or tackle and shift Eluemumor accordingly.
Los Angeles Chargers: Extend Justin Herbert
Similar to Burrow and Cincinnati, this is a no-brainer. Los Angeles coach Brandon Staley has admitted as much, effectively calling an extension for Justin Herbert an inevitability. Get it done this summer, Chargers.
NFC East
5 of 8
Dallas Cowboys: Sign a Kicker
Tristan Vizcaino may ultimately win the job. If he does, great! However, he's currently a player with only 12 career field-goal attempts in the NFL; the Cowboys need to hold a legitimate competition for the spot.
New York Giants: Add Another Edge-Rusher
Can the Giants find a bargain at a high-value position? Perhaps their unexpected success in 2022 will persuade a key remaining free agent. Even if Leonard Floyd or Yannick Ngakoue are too expensive for New York, how about Justin Houston, Markus Golden or Carlos Dunlap?
Philadelphia Eagles: Bring in Another Linebacker
Philadelphia will likely start Nakobe Dean and Anthony Morrow at linebacker in 2023. But the Eagles probably are not content with Shaun Bradley and Christian Elliss—who've combined for 160 defensive snaps in five total NFL seasons—as the primary backups.
Washington Commanders: Extend Kamren Curl
In three seasons as Washington's starting safety, Kamren Curl has collected 270 tackles and become a cornerstone of the defense. One of the early priorities for the franchise's new ownership group should be locking the 24-year-old into a long-term contract. Curl's existing deal expires after the 2023 season.
NFC North
6 of 8
Chicago Bears: Add a Pass-Rusher
While the Giants may hope for a bargain, Chicago has cap to burn. And the Bears absolutely need a more threatening group at defensive end. Finding a proper fit is important, but Chicago has both the money and opportunity to add a splashy name on a short-term deal.
Detroit Lions: Sign Cameron Fleming
Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell are locked in as starting tackles for the Lions. The problem is that Detroit's only reserve tackle with NFL experience is Matt Nelson. Cameron Fleming may be most interested in pursuing a first-string job, but Detroit is a very logical spot if he's willing to provide cover for a backup group.
Green Bay Packers: Bring Back Adrian Amos
It would be surprising if the Packers aren't also eyeing a veteran receiver, but safety is a more pressing spot. Darnell Savage and Rudy Ford are Green Bay's projected starters, along with Tarvarius Moore as a top backup. While the Packers might be able to navigate 2023 with that trio, re-signing Adrian Amos for a fifth season would be sensible.
Minnesota Vikings: Extend Justin Jefferson
Justin Jefferson is the league's best receiver. Any questions? Seriously, it's a straightforward topic. No matter where you personally rank Jefferson, he's the kind of target an offense can build around. Minnesota should not enter the season without him on a long-term contract.
NFC South
7 of 8
Atlanta Falcons: Improve WR Depth
This offseason, Atlanta signed Mack Hollins and Scotty Miller to complement Drake London (and Kyle Pitts). But the Falcons should not be finished adding receivers, either. KhaDarel Hodge and Penny Hart are the main reserves right now, and they have 54 combined receptions in eight NFL seasons. Not exactly a deep position.
Carolina Panthers: Extend Brian Burns
When the franchise embraced a mini-teardown last season, Brian Burns stayed put. And he's headed for an extension. "Brian Burns is going to be here," general manager Scott Fitterer said after the draft, per Steve Reed of the Associated Press. It's simply a matter of the numbers now.
New Orleans Saints: Add a Linebacker (or Two)
Like the Eagles, New Orleans has an expected group of starters: Demario Davis, Pete Werner and Zack Baun. The problem is none of the Saints' reserves played a defensive snap in the NFL last season. Not signing at least one veteran linebacker seems like a risky choice.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sign a Swing Tackle
We know Tristan Wirfs is shifting to the left side. Luke Goedeke will get a crack at right tackle, but his struggles as a rookie mean Tampa Bay should have a backup plan. Brandon Walton and Justin Skule are on the roster but should need to fend off competition in camp. Yodny Cajuste and Dennis Kelly are among the free agents worth considering.
NFC West
8 of 8
Arizona Cardinals: Trade DeAndre Hopkins
The financial side of this discussion is an obstacle, given his $19.45 million salary for 2023. However, the Cardinals are entering a lost season with Kyler Murray recovering from a knee injury. Hopkins, who's entering his age-31 campaign, does not fit Arizona's timeline to compete. He's still a talented player, but the ideal outcome is clearing his salary and adding draft capital for the future.
Los Angeles Rams: Bolster Depth in the Secodary
Not a single defensive back on the Los Angeles roster entered the NFL before the 2020 season, and about half of the players are rookies. Hey, it might work out. What if the Rams uncovered a handful of gems and ultimately has a reserve group in place? But it's not unreasonable to call that scenario an unlikely one at best.
San Francisco 49ers: Extend Nick Bosa
While it would be awfully nice for the Niners to make a decision on Trey Lance's future, the quarterback saga may continue into the 2023 season (and beyond). On the other hand, Nick Bosa is a cornerstone defender. He's eligible for an extension, and it'll be a pricey one.
Seattle Seahawks: Sign a Swing Tackle
Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas give Seattle a couple of promising, young starting tackles. Still, the Seahawks should be focus on improving the reserve group. They may believe in Stone Forsythe and Jake Curhan, but that's an uncomfortable view from the outside.
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