2015 NFL Free Agency: Needs and Targets for Every Team

Seasons are over for most teams and their fans, but hope springs eternal in the NFL during the salary-cap era. 'Tis the season to be praying for reinforcements, like the Kansas City Chiefs' Justin Houston.

There isn't a team in the NFL that couldn't use a 22-sack monster. Now, if only the Chiefs would actually allow him to hit the free-agent market.

Bleacher Report has already provided a primer for the 2015 free-agent crop, and now we give a monster 32-team slideshow outlining every team's needs and potential targets. So, sit down with us and peruse a detailed road map for the upcoming NFL offseason. The answers to your winter prayers might be within.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Rick Bowmer/Associated Press

Needs

1. Franchise quarterback
2. Edge rusher
3. Secondary help

The Bucs found what they have—err, don't—with Josh McCown and Mike Glennon, so finding the franchise quarterback has to be a No. 1 priority. They have the running backs and wide receivers around the position at least. Defensively, the Bucs were awful against the pass (fifth worst), so expect them to bolster the secondary and pass rush.

Potential Targets

1. QB Marcus Mariota, Oregon/QB Jameis Winston, Florida State
2. DE Jason Pierre Paul, New York Giants
3. CB Byron Maxwell, Seattle Seahawks

You have to figure the Bucs will consider a quarterback with their well-earned No. 1 draft pick. Otherwise, adding a dominant edge-rusher and starting corner opposite Alterraun Verner can be priorities to improve the pass defense. The problem is the Bucs have some cap work to do after their spending spree last year.

Tennessee Titans

Mark Zaleski/Associated Press

Needs

1. Franchise quarterback
2. Run-stuffing defensive linemen
3. Linebackers

The Titans could not keep Jake Locker on the field, but they do have some weapons for the quarterback, especially if the offensive line can improve and stay healthy. Bishop Sankey should be better in his second year, but the jury has to be out on Zach Mettenberger. Defensively, the Titans were a mess against the run, ranking 31st. They need to bolster their front seven in that regard.

Potential Targets

1. QB Marcus Mariota, Oregon/QB Jameis Winston, Florida State
2. DT Nick Fairley, Detroit Lions
3. OLB Jabaal Sheard, Cleveland Browns

The Titans head into the offseason with the sixth-most cap space, per OvertheCap.com, so they could be significant players in free agency. There are no real long-term answers at quarterback in free agency, but they could consider bringing in Mark Sanchez to bridge the gap to Mettenberger or the potential No. 2 overall pick.

Jacksonville Jaguars

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

Needs

1. Pass protecting right tackle
2. Run-game mauling guard
3. Just about everything but pass rush defensively

The Jags might have their long-term quarterback in Blake Bortles—at least they hope—but they gave up a league-worst 71 sacks, per FFToday.com, and made up for it with the 27th-ranked running game...um, hardly. They have to support the quarterback—not to mention the NFL's seventh-worst defense.

Potential Targets

1. OT Cedric Ogbuehi, Texas A&M/OT Ronnie Stanley, Notre Dame
   
2. OG Mike Iupati, Sam Francisco 49ers
3. OLB Justin Houston, Kansas City Chiefs

The Jags clearly will focus on the offensive line, where Luke Joeckel is the only big name. Defensively, Justin Houston would be a game-changer, but it is hard to see the Kansas City Chiefs declining to make him their franchise player. The Jags might also consider wideout Amari Cooper, especially after watching so many dominant rookie receivers be instant hits in 2014.

Oakland Raiders

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Needs

1. Wide receivers
2. Run-game mauling interior offensive linemen
3. Run-stuffing interior defenders

Derek Carr's rookie season went about as good as you could have hoped for. Now, he needs some outside threats to get the ball downfield to. Otherwise, the Raiders were a failure at the old components of running the football (dead last) and stopping the run (11th worst). 

Potential Targets

1. WR Amari Cooper, Alabama
2. WR Jeremy Maclin, Philadelphia Eagles
3. OG Mike Iupati, San Francisco 49ers

It is hard to imagine Cooper making it past the Raiders at No. 4, but they could also bolster the position in free agency. As for the interior offensive linemen, they could do themselves a favor by convincing the 49ers' Iupati to switch teams across the Bay.

Washington Redskins

Richard Lipski/Associated Press

Needs

1. Franchise (dropback) quarterback
2. Pass protecting right tackle
3. Back-end defenders

The Redskins thought they were set at quarterback, but Robert Griffin III proved to be a challenge for head coach Jay Gruden and his dropback passing system. The Redskins will not find more potential at quarterback, so they have to come to Jesus on that one. It is tough to blame the offensive line for RG3's sacks, but a pass-protecting right tackle might help. Defensively, the Redskins need to improve against the pass (bottom 10). 

Potential Targets

1. QB Mark Sanchez, Philadelphia Eagles
2. RT Bryan Bulaga, Green Bay Packers
3. FS Devin McCourty, New England Patriots

The Redskins are not as far off offensively as you might think. They have nice weapons and a power running back, Alfred Morris, who  was underutilized this season. The Redskins need more help on the back end of their pass defense...and RG3 to merely buy into Gruden's system. Resorting to another quarterback will make this a longer process.

New York Jets

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Needs

1. Franchise quarterback
2. Cornerbacks
3. Right tackle

Geno Smith's strong finish might have bought him another year, but the Jets could do better to protect him up front with some pass protectors. The Jets had a very good running game (third to just the Seattle Seahawks and the Dallas Cowboys), but their awful defense kept them from sticking to it. The Jets need cover guys.

Potential Targets

1. QB Marcus Mariota, Oregon/QB Jameis Winston, Florida State
2. CB Brandon Flowers, San Diego Chargers
3. RT Bryan Bulaga, Green Bay Packers

There are no quick fixes out there, but the Jets do have the second-most cap space, according to OvertheCap.com, and an incoming regime likely willing to make a splash. Expect the Jets to be an aggressive team in free agency once again.

Chicago Bears

Nam Y. Huh/Associated Press

Needs

1. Secondary
2. Run-stuffing interior defenders
3. Pass-protecting offensive linemen

The Bears are tied to Jay Cutler, which is why the head coach who didn't get the most out of him was served his walking papers. Cutler is not a quick decision-maker, so getting him more pass protection should be a priority. Defensively, the Bears were a mess. They need a strong safety and a cornerback, in addition to some interior run-stuffers.

Potential Targets

1. LT King Dunlap, San Diego Chargers/LT Michael Roos, Tennessee Titans
2. DT Terrance Knighton, Denver Broncos
3. SS Patrick Chung, New England Patriots

The Bears have a lot of needs and only a modicum of salary-cap space. It will make them bargain hunters, perhaps, this winter. The defense is a bigger problem, because there are offensive weapons, but the team's direction will be determined by the new hires in the front office and on the coaching staff.

Atlanta Falcons

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Needs

1. Secondary
2. Pass-rushers
3. Offensive line

The Falcons have to fix the worst pass defense in football by improving their pressure on the quarterback and the coverage on the back end. It might be the only reason they didn't truly contend this year. The running game also needs a boost, but it might get that help merely by turning to Devonta Freeman over aged veteran Steven Jackson.

Potential Targets

1. CB Darrelle Revis, New England Patriots
2. DE Jason Pierre Paul, New York Giants
3. OG Mike Iupati, San Francisco 49ers

The Falcons are estimated to be more than $25 million under the cap going into the offseason, according to OvertheCap.com. It could make them a serious player for Revis or other premium pass-rushers or cover men. This is another team whose future will be decided by the new head coach.

New York Giants

Julio Cortez/Associated Press

Needs

1. Edge pass-rusher
2. Offensive line
3. Inside run-stuffing defenders

The Giants have some intriguing players, but they have glaring weaknesses defensively and along the offensive line. They tried to shore those up in a busy free-agent period last winter, but it didn't help at all. Now, they have to do it all over again. It will be particularly tough if they lose Jason Pierre Paul, too.

Potential Targets

1. DT Ndamukong Suh, Detroit Lions
2. MLB Brandon Spikes, Buffalo Bills
3. LT King Dunlap, San Diego Chargers

It is hard to imagine the Giants being as aggressive in free agency after the failures this past season, but they have to feel some urgency with Eli Manning's career winding down. It might keep them aggressive. They do have a top-10 pick, but they have too many various needs on the defensive side to fix them in the draft. They will need to be shoppers again, perhaps for a linebacker or three finally. 

St. Louis Rams

Bob Leverone/Associated Press

Needs

1. Franchise quarterback
2. Secondary
3. Wide receivers

The Rams sorely need Sam Bradford to play a full, healthy season and become their answer at quarterback. It is a long shot, but finding an alternative is equally daunting. They need to add weapons downfield or hope Tavon Austin will eventually prove to be less bust and more breakout. Defensively, the Rams need some premium cover people, but who doesn't?

Potential Targets

1. WR Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers
2. FS Devin McCourty, New England Patriots
3. CB Byron Maxwell, Seattle Seahawks

Crabtree and Maxwell would be intriguing additions because they would weaken their division opponents and improve the Rams, who are not that far behind the pack in a rugged NFC West division. McCourty is unlikely to leave the Patriots, but the Rams need some back-end cover guys, as evidenced by the thrashing their secondary received down the stretch.

Minnesota Vikings

Jim Mone/Associated Press

Needs

1. Wide receivers
2. Offensive tackle
3. Linebacker

Teddy Bridgewater held his own, and he would be a lot better if Adrian Peterson returns in 2015, but the Vikings need some more weapons. Cordarrelle Patterson was a disaster. They can also help Bridgewater get the ball downfield by protecting him a bit better, which is where a tackle comes in. Defensively, the Vikings were much improved, but they could use help at linebacker.

Potential Targets

1. WR Amari Cooper, Alabama
2. LT King Dunlap, San Diego Chargers
3. MLB Rey Maualuga, Cincinnati Bengals

The Vikings are not likely to be lucky enough for Cooper to make it to them in the draft, so they will either have to trade up or focus on some of the free-agent targets like Jeremy Maclin and others. It is not shaping up to be a great market for left tackles, so consider the draft a better way to find a solution there, too.

Cleveland Browns

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Needs

1. Franchise quarterback
2. Wide receiver
3. Interior run-stuffing defenders

Johnny Manziel has been a disaster, and whether Josh Gordon returns or not, the Browns still need more help on the outside for whomever the quarterback will be. Defensively, this was the worst run defense in football, so they need help in the middle of the defense at defensive tackle and linebacker. The Browns play in the wrong division to be suspect against the run.

Potential Targets

1. OLB Pernell McPhee, Baltimore Ravens 
2. DT Ndamukong Suh, Detroit Lions
3. WR Randall Cobb, Green Bay Packers

There are a lot of holes to fill, but the lack of a franchise quarterback will make free agency a tough sell for the premium guys. The good news is the Browns have the fourth-most salary-cap space, according to OvertheCap.com—which is something you can say for them every year. The Browns need to find their quarterback to truly change their misfortune.

New Orleans Saints

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Needs

1. Cornerbacks
2. Edge-rushers
3. Interior run-stuffing defenders

Drew Brees still gives the Saints a chance to compete offensively, especially if Brandin Cooks and Kenny Stills continue to mature and improve. The Saints' issues are far more pressing on the defensive side of the ball, where they couldn't stop the run (fourth worst) or the pass (eighth worst). The Saints need everything imaginable on defense.

Potential Targets

1. DE Adrian Clayborn, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2. DT Nick Fairley, Detroit Lions
3. CB Brandon Flowers, San Diego Chargers 

The Saints somehow were able to sign Jairus Byrd a year ago. A return to health for him will help the back end significantly. We would expect the Saints to be bargain hunters this year, but the Byrd move was orchestrated, so perhaps they will have some tricks up their sleeve to try to get some answers in the fold defensively.

Miami Dolphins

Lynne Sladky/Associated Press

Needs

1. Offensive line
2. Interior run-stuffing defenders
3. Safeties 
4. Wide receiver

The Dolphins spent last offseason overhauling their offensive line and have more work to do in that regard, especially if 30-year-old left tackle Branden Albert struggles to return from a major knee reconstruction. Defensively, the Dolphins held up well against the pass, but they need some interior run-stuffing defenders to make a truly contending unit.

Potential Targets

1. LG Orlando Franklin, Denver Broncos
2. MLB Brandon Spikes, Buffalo Bills
3. SS Patrick Chung, New England Patriots

The Dolphins are not in great shape with the cap after spending so much last winter, so they will have to be bargain hunters to fill their needs. The good news is there is some continuity with the quarterback and head coach that other rebuilding teams don't have right now.

San Francisco 49ers

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Needs

1. Wide receivers
2. Pass protection
3. Defensive linemen 

This shouldn't have been a complex rebuild, but the departure of Jim Harbaugh to Michigan and the lack of downfield maturation for Colin Kaepernick make us believe otherwise. The 49ers need to surround their quarterback with even more talent than they already have, especially in the way of pass protectors. The 49ers QBs were sacked 52 times, according to FFToday.com.

Potential Targets

1. WR Hakeem Nicks, Indianapolis Colts
2. DE Adrian Clayborn, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
3. OT Michael Roos, Tennessee Titans

The 49ers have some cap issues, which might be why they decided to wipe the slate and start over at head coach. These names are more in the bargain, injury-risk sleeper category than true free-agent targets. The 49ers are going to have to get lucky with some castoffs.

Houston Texans

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Needs

1. Franchise quarterback
2. Offensive tackle
3. Playmakers 

The Texans rebounded nicely defensively, but their postseason hopes were hamstrung by the thing that has plagued them since the franchise's inception: a franchise quarterback. Once they get that in place, everything should come together—even if it will be too late for faces of the franchise Arian Foster and Andre Johnson.

Potential Targets

1. RT Doug Free, Dallas Cowboys
2. TE Jordan Cameron, Cleveland Browns
3. WR Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers

There really won't be a good answer at quarterback, unless you consider Ryan Mallett, Mark Sanchez or Tom Savage to be it for Houston. We don't know how you could. Instead, expect the Texans to use their resources on making the quarterback better with complementary pieces, including a tight end and offensive line help.

Kansas City Chiefs

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Needs

1. Wide receivers
2. Offensive tackle
3. Cornerback/safety

The Chiefs might have the No. 1 playmaker in football in Jamaal Charles, but they need someone to stretch the field vertically. Dwayne Bowe and Co. just don't cut it, especially with a limited game-manager in Alex Smith at quarterback. They can continue to revamp their offensive line and need some secondary help to contend with the teams in the AFC West.

Potential Targets

1. WR Jeremy Maclin, Philadelphia Eagles
2. RT Doug Free, Dallas Cowboys
3. CB Chris Culliver, San Francisco 49ers/SS Antrel Rolle, New York Giants

The Chiefs are still in a rebuilding mode with their salary-cap situation, which is going to make retaining outside linebacker Justin Houston challenging. Add linebacker and pass-rusher to the list of needs if Houston is not brought back on a franchise tag.

San Diego Chargers

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Needs

1. Offensive line
2. Cornerback
3. Running back 

The Chargers need help for Philip Rivers, who is getting beaten up and likely deserves better at this point in his career. Whether it is at running back, offensive line or wide receiver, the Chargers stand to improve for Rivers this winter.

Potential Targets

1. LG Mike Iupati, San Francisco 49ers
2. RT Bryan Bulaga, Green Bay Packers
3. CB Chris Culliver, San Francisco 49ers

The Chargers need help, in addition to re-signing offensive tackle King Dunlap and cornerback Brandon Flowers. This could wind up being a costly offseason if the front office makes the wrong decisions. San Diego scored on Flowers on a prove-it deal last year, so perhaps the team tries its luck at that again with someone else.

Buffalo Bills

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Needs

1. Franchise quarterback
2. Running back
3. Safety

The Bills have to go back to the well on EJ Manuel and might regret the fact they didn't spend an ultimately fruitless 2014 on finding out what they truly have there. We suppose the decision to go with Kyle Orton might be a judgment against Manuel, though. The Bills need to get younger at running back and perhaps replace another departing safety.

Potential Targets

1. QB Mark Sanchez, Philadelphia Eagles/QB Ryan Mallett, Houston Texans
2. RB Mark Ingram, New Orleans Saints
3. SS Antrel Rolle, New York Giants

The Bills have plenty of cap space, so they stand to get a significant upgrade this winter. This might be one of the most interesting teams to watch, especially with their decisions on the offensive side of the ball. Assuming they can keep their defense together, they are ready to win there, at least. 

Philadelphia Eagles

Matt Ludtke/Associated Press

Needs

1. Quarterback
2. Wide receivers
3. Secondary 

Chip Kelly is real confident in his system, but can he have the same confidence in quarterback Nick Foles and whatever wideouts who line up with Jordan Matthews? That will be the tale of the offseason for the Eagles. They have little choice but to stick with Foles as their starter going into 2015, though. 

Potential Targets

1. WR Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers
2. WR Randall Cobb, Green Bay Packers
3. CB Kareem Jackson, Houston Texans

Can you imagine Cobb in Kelly's offense? We cannot...yet...but only because of the frugal ways of the franchise and the confidence in the system over the players in it. Still, Kelly can do his dicey quarterback situation a service by surrounding the signal-caller with talent and speed.

Baltimore Ravens

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Needs

1. Pass-rusher
2. Wide receiver
3. Offensive line 

The Ravens found a gem in Justin Forsett, but now they have to weigh just how much the 29-year-old has left in the tank. After all, they do have Lorenzo Taliaferro and had success finding a viable back off the scrap heap before. More offensive line help can improve a mediocre offense, too. Regardless, expect the Ravens to start the winter's dealings with the defensive side of the ball, as usual.

Potential Targets

1. DE Jerry Hughes, Buffalo Bills
2. RT Joseph Barksdale, St. Louis Rams
3. WR Cecil Shorts, Jacksonville Jaguars

The Ravens are pretty tight on the cap, according to OvertheCap.com, so expect their strategy to be more in line with that of a bargain hunter than a name-brand shopper. Things will be a lot more difficult if they cannot retain Forsett, wideout Torrey Smith and linebacker Pernell McPhee.

Detroit Lions

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Needs

1. Defensive line
2. Cornerback
3. Wide receiver

The Lions have become a defensive team, reining in Matthew Stafford and playing more conservative football. This structure will be tough to replicate if they don't keep Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley around. Their losses will have a ripple effect on the linebackers and secondary, too.

Potential Targets

1. DT Jared Odrick, Miami Dolphins
2. CB Chris Culliver, San Francisco 49ers
3. WR Cecil Shorts, Jacksonville Jaguars

The Lions have a far better cap situation, but that is discounting the fact Suh is a potential goner. Retaining him would take a deal the Lions likely cannot and would not afford, especially after what he did to almost get suspended for the Wild Card Game this weekend. Expect the Lions to pick through the leftovers at defensive tackle and cornerback in free agency.

Pittsburgh Steelers

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Needs

1. Pass-rusher
2. Interior run-stuffing defender
3. Cornerbacks 

The Steelers' once-proud defense has gotten old, and now they are being carried more by the offense, namely Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell—arguably the three best weapons in the history of the franchise. You can assume the Steelers would want to prop up their best players with some additions, but this is a defensive franchise that will always put the most attention on that side of the ball. It is needed.

Potential Targets

1. DT Terrance Knighton, Denver Broncos
2. CB Brandon Flowers, San Diego Chargers
3. S Da'Norris Searcy, Buffalo Bills

Whether it is free agency or the draft, you can bet the Steelers are going to get better on defense. Assuming Big Ben, Bell, Brown, Martavis Bryant and Markus Wheaton stay healthy, they have plenty of offensive firepower. The Steelers have a leg up on most teams, because this franchise knows good defensive players that others might not be getting the most out of.

Arizona Cardinals

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Needs

1. Franchise quarterback
2. Offensive line
3. Playmakers 

The Cardinals are one of a number of teams to be a starting quarterback away from real championship hopes this season. Carson Palmer clearly doesn't cut it at this stage of his career, if only because he cannot be counted on to stay healthy. The Cardinals need offensive help all around, and it still starts with the play along the offensive line.

Potential Targets

1. QB Ryan Mallet, Houston Texans
2. RT Joseph Barksdale, St. Louis Rams
3. RB C.J. Spiller, Buffalo Bills

There are dozens of options available on the free-agent market, but few are available to the Cardinals, who are the second-highest team over the cap, according to OvertheCap.com. Cutting veteran wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald can help, but that will also leave a void at one of the premium receiver positions. The Cards need more weapons, not less.

Carolina Panthers

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Needs

1. Wide receiver
2. Pass-rusher
3. Interior run-stuffing defenders

It is no secret the Panthers need to find more weapons for Cam Newton. Kelvin Benjamin cannot do it all, and Greg Olsen is getting closer to the old side of things. Also, no one should expect Greg Hardy to be brought back amid his domestic abuse charges. The Panthers were gashed on the ground at times, so consider some run-stuffers to be a priority next to at least one premium wideout.

Potential Targets

1. WR Jeremy Maclin, Philadelphia Eagles
2. WR Randall Cobb, Green Bay Packers
3. DT Nick Fairley, Detroit Lions

The Panthers were shut out of the premium receiver free agents a year ago, but they scored a big get with Kelvin Benjamin. It makes it more likely they address that position in the draft. They might address their run defense and pass rush via free agency with some bargain-type guys, especially if Hardy leaves via free agency as expected.

Indianapolis Colts

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Needs

1. Running back
2. Wide receiver
3. Interior run-stuffing defenders

As potent as the Andrew Luck-led offense is, he is still playing with scraps at running back and wide receiver. This future Hall of Fame quarterback deserves some better weapons to pair with T.Y. Hilton, particularly with Reggie Wayne headed for retirement. Defensively, the Colts need to improve at stopping the run on the interior defensive line and at linebacker.

Potential Targets

1. RB Ryan Mathews, San Diego Chargers/RB C.J. Spiller, Buffalo Bills
2. DT Dan Williams, Arizona Cardinals/OLB Jabaal Sheard, Cleveland Browns
3. WR Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers

The Colts have shown they are not shy to make big moves, so we really like any of the above to be serious considerations in free agency. You would think the Colts should think defense, because they are so capable offensively with Luck, but they still need to prop up their best player for the long term.

Cincinnati Bengals

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Needs

1. Pass-rushing defensive end
2. Pass-rushing linebackers
3. Wide receiver

This has been one of the most frugal franchises, but they keep making the playoffs every year. The Bengals had just 20 sacks this season, per FFToday.com, which is two less than Justin Houston had by himself. Remarkable. They have to get after the quarterback better and improve their downfield threats to complement A.J. Green. Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu are not enough.

Potential Targets

1. OLB Justin Houston, Kansas City Chiefs
2. DE Greg Hardy, Carolina Panthers
3. WR Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers

Houston would be a great fit for any team in football, but he would elevate this Bengals team into a legit Super Bowl contender defensively. They sorely need a pass-rusher, and he would fix that hole with one move—one the Bengals don't have the fiscal stones to make. Hardy could do it, too, but they would have to take on the public relations nightmare of someone accused of domestic abuse. As for Crabtree, we would much rather see him with an elite passing offense, but he at least knows how to exist in a run-first offense.

Dallas Cowboys

LM Otero/Associated Press

Needs

1. Edge-rusher
2. Cornerback
3. Safety

The Cowboys were supposed to have a pitiful defense, but they made it work this season. They have to improve the seventh-worst pass defense, and it starts with getting after the passer better. Only four teams registered fewer sacks, per FFToday.com. The Cowboys are always tight on the cap, though, and they have DeMarco Murray and Dez Bryant to try to retain first and foremost.

Potential Targets

1. RB DeMarco Murray, Dallas Cowboys
2. WR Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys
3. DE Adrian Clayborn, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Cowboys cannot get involved in free agency, unless they decide to let Murray and Bryant slip away. They won't. The Cowboys will have to continue to be bargain shoppers, which is where Clayborn might be a nice buy-low candidate to improve the pass rush.

Green Bay Packers

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

Needs

1. Run-stuffing interior defenders
2. Tight end
3. Offensive line

If there is a place where the Packers are not championship-level right now, it has to be against the run. They could use some defensive linemen and interior linebacking help. They were 10th worst against the run. Offensively, they could use another target for Aaron Rodgers, especially if they don't pay the freight for Randall Cobb. It could stand to be at tight end, perhaps.

Potential Targets

1. TE Jordan Cameron, Cleveland Browns
2. DT Nick Fairley, Detroit Lions
3. MLB Brandon Spikes, Buffalo Bills

The Packers tend to be a team that builds within, but if they decide to dip into free agency, they would find a lot of players willing to play for them, because Rodgers makes them an annual contender. The Packers don't need a premium guy, necessarily, but another run-stuffing defender or two would really help take their defense to a championship level.

Denver Broncos

Jack Dempsey/Associated Press

Needs

1. Offensive line
2. Defensive line
3. Linebacker

The Broncos don't have glaring needs, other than the need to get younger and retaining Demaryius Thomas and Julius Thomas. They could improve along both lines, particularly in protecting an immobile veteran quarterback and rushing the passer.

Potential Targets

1. MLB Brandon Spikes, Buffalo Bills
2. DE Jerry Hughes, Buffalo Bills
3. RT Doug Free, Dallas Cowboys

The Broncos are a tough team to gauge at this point, particularly since they have premium talent on their current playoff roster that should be prioritized to retain. Any potential targets above are mere shots in the dark at this point. 

New England Patriots

Charles Krupa/Associated Press

Needs

1. Running back
2. Interior offensive line
3. Secondary

The New England Patriots are a perennial contender, but they will have a lot of holes to fill if they are unable to retain their premium free agents, including three starters in the secondary. The Pats need to improve their running game and get younger on the offensive line, too.

Potential Targets

1. RB Mark Ingram, New Orleans Saints
2. LG Orlando Franklin, Denver Broncos
3. SS Antrel Rolle, New York Giants

The Pats are not quite in salary-cap hell, especially after Tom Brady restructured his contract, per ESPN's Adam Schefter, but they have a lot of premium players to try to retain. It will make them far less of a player in free agency than they were a year ago.

Seattle Seahawks

Scott Eklund/Associated Press

Needs

1. Wide receivers
2. Tight end
3. Pass protectors

If there is a weakness for the defending champions and NFC No. 1 seed, it clearly is the passing game. It isn't on the quarterback either, because Russell Wilson is a capable downfield playmaker. He needs weapons and some pass protection, especially if Marshawn Lynch decides he doesn't want to play after this season.

Potential Targets

1. TE Jordan Cameron, Cleveland Browns
2. WR Randall Cobb, Green Bay Packers
3. RT Doug Free, Dallas Cowboys

Playmakers are potentially available this winter, and a contender like the Seahawks should have the pick of the litter. Who doesn't want to play for a contender with a top, young quarterback? The Seahawks have more than $21 million available to spend, per OvertheCap.com, even if much of it might be used to extend Wilson.