Every NFL Team's 2015 Offseason To-Do List

For each of the 32 teams in the National Football League, work is seemingly never done.

From the Super Bowl XLIX champion New England Patriots all the way to the disappointing Tampa Bay Buccaneers, possessors of the first pick in the 2015 draft, there are players to re-sign, contracts to terminate and new coaching staffs to break in.

The goal for all of these clubs is to be better in 2014. Yes, even the Patriots.

How does this happen? The game plan is different for all.

Hence here’s a look at every club and what it may be thinking about this offseason. You will notice that each club’s list not only focuses on the next few months but also what improvements must be made from this past season. In some instances, the same key issues have plagued certain squads for more than a year.

It all adds up to more football talk as the free-agency period draws closer. Keep an eye on all moves by the 32 NFL teams over the next month or so as the franchises prepare for the start of the next fiscal year on March 10.

Note: Team salary-cap figures change on a daily basis. The numbers in the text are as of Sunday, Feb. 8.

Arizona Cardinals: 11-5 in 2014 (Lost NFC Wild-Card Playoffs)

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Offseason To-Do List

Stabilize quarterback position (Carson Palmer)

Determine future of ILB Daryl Washington (suspended in 2014)

Re-sign DT Dan Williams (UFA)

Analysis

What can you say about head coach Bruce Arians, who was named NFL Coach of the Year for the second time in three seasons and with two different clubs (Indianapolis Colts and Arizona Cardinals) over that span?

Arizona’s sideline leader kept his team above water as plenty of players went down around him. It all caught up with the club eventually but not before the team tied a franchise record with 11 wins and wrapped up a playoff berth for the first time since 2009.

So can the Cardinals challenge for the NFC West title again in 2015? A healthy Palmer would be a big plus. And regardless of the reasons, the Cards must improve on the league’s 31st-ranked ground attack.

On defense, James Bettcher takes over for departed coordinator Todd Bowles. Meanwhile, free agency could claim veteran defenders such as defensive tackle Dan Williams, cornerback Antonio Cromartie and inside linebacker Larry Foote. Of course, a reinstated Daryl Washington would be a big plus.

Atlanta Falcons: 6-10 in 2014 (3rd Place, NFC South)

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To-Do List:

Revamp defense (32nd in NFL in total yards allowed)

Bolster pass rush (22 sacks in 2014)

Bolster offensive line and add proven depth

Analysis

What happened?

Yes, it was another disappointing season for the Atlanta Falcons, and it ended with a resounding 34-3 thud at home to the Carolina Panthers. It was the end of an era for Mike Smith, who led the club to five straight winning campaigns and four playoff appearances before managing a combined 10 victories the last two years.

Enter Dan Quinn, who led the Seattle Seahawks defense the last two seasons, each of which resulted in the unit allowing the fewest yards and fewest points in the NFL. Now he takes over a Falcons squad that was ranked dead last in total defense in 2014.

Offensively, this is a team that can score points, especially at home. But only five teams in the league allowed more points and only the Cincinnati Bengals (20) totaled fewer sacks.

All told, be it via free agency and/or the draft, the Falcons defense is in dire need of help once again.

Baltimore Ravens: 10-6 in 2014 (Lost AFC Divisional Playoffs)

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Offseason To-Do List

Re-sign RB Justin Forsett (UFA)

Add depth to secondary

Adjust to new offensive coordinator Marc Trestman

Analysis

The Baltimore Ravens appear to be back on track.

After following up a Super Bowl title with an 8-8 finish, the team outlasted a number of teams in the AFC and captured a playoff berth for the sixth time in seven years under head coach John Harbaugh.

Baltimore went to Pittsburgh and handled the Steelers in the wild-card playoffs before squandering a pair of 14-point leads in a loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion New England Patriots.

There was a lot to smile about after an offseason dominated by the off-field issues of Ray Rice, who was let go by the team.

Enter free-agent Justin Forsett, who ranked fifth in the NFL with 1,266 yards rushing but is also due to go back on the market in March. It would be a big surprise if he wasn’t back with the club for the 2015 season.

The Smith combination of Steve Sr. and Torrey went for 128 receptions and 17 touchdown catches, 11 by the younger speedster. But Torrey Smith is eligible for free agency later this year. The Ravens will also be adapting to a new offensive system per se as Trestman takes over for Gary Kubiak.

With the team close to the salary cap, it could be a busy few weeks for general manager Ozzie Newsome and his staff. Mike Preston of The Baltimore Sun has some thoughts on defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, who may be the target of a contract negotiation given his cap hit in 2015.

Buffalo Bills: 9-7 in 2014 (2nd Place, AFC East)

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Offseason To-Do List

Developing QB EJ Manuel

Re-sign DE Jerry Hughes at right price

Continue improvement within division

Analysis

The good news this past season was that the Buffalo Bills finished 9-7, the team’s first winning record since 2004, and did not end up in the AFC East basement for the first time since 2007.

Of course, the bad news is that the franchise is now on its eighth head coach since 1998. That would be Rex Ryan, late of the New York Jets and hoping to lead this club to its first playoff berth since 1999 and perhaps a division title for the first time since 1995.

The defensive personnel include Mario Williams, Marcell Dareus, Kyle Williams and perhaps Jerry Hughes, who must be re-signed. The return of a healthy Kiko Alonso (who missed all of 2014) would be a boost to the linebacking corps. This past year, the Bills forced 30 turnovers for the second straight season and led the NFL with 54 sacks.

Offensively, new coordinator Greg Roman has some work to do with young quarterback EJ Manuel or perhaps another signal-caller.

Just in case you thought  Ryan wasn’t getting ready to put his rough-and-tumble stamp on the team, think again. Jim Corbett of USA Today documents the team’s signing of controversial offensive lineman Richie Incognito. This will be interesting, to say the least.

Carolina Panthers: 7-8-1 in 2014 (Lost NFC Divisional Playoffs)

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Offseason To-Do List

DE Greg Hardy's future

Address left tackle position

Evaluate RB DeAngelo Williams role in 2015

Analysis

It was a less-than-conventional finish, but the Carolina Panthers last season became the first team to win back-to-back NFC South titles.

Of course, winning your final four games to finish a dismal 7-8-1 isn’t exactly the way any team draws it up. But in January, Cam Newton and Co. managed to win a playoff game, something they failed to do after finishing 12-4 the previous season.

A big reason for the late resurrection was a ground attack that totaled 120-plus yards rushing in the team’s last seven outings (including playoffs), much of that courtesy of running back Jonathan Stewart and quarterback Cam Newton. So what does that mean for veteran runner DeAngelo Williams going forward?

The offensive line settled down after a rough start last year, but will the team bring back left tackle Byron Bell?

And what of defensive end Greg Hardy’s NFL career? Is there indeed still one to be had and will it be with the Panthers? Early Monday morning (Feb. 9), Michael Gordon, Joe Person and Mark Washburn of the Charlotte Observer all reported that the domestic abuse case against Hardy had been dropped when his accuser was a no-show at the trial.

Chicago Bears: 5-11 in 2014 (4th Place, NFC North)

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Offseason To-Do List

Focus draft on defensive side of the ball

Turn QB Jay Cutler into team leader

Add depth to wide receiving corps

Analysis

Your starting quarterback throws 28 touchdown passes and commits 24 turnovers, your offensive coordinator throws the starting quarterback under the pass and a supposedly improved defense is in the throes of a two-year slump.

It is enough to make the fans of any team throw up…their hands in frustration.

That has been the case when it comes to the Chicago Bears as of late. Now there’s a whole new regime in the Windy City led by head coach John Fox and new coordinators in Adam Gase (offense) and Vic Fangio (defense).

Can Gase cure what ails Cutler? Can Fangio fix a team that has allowed well over 400 points each of the last two seasons? One thing is for sure: You can count on Fox restoring a little law and order to a club that has seemingly lost its way. Whether or not that makes a difference in the NFC North won’t be known for quite some time.

Cincinnati Bengals: 10-5-1 in 2014 (Lost AFC Wild-Card Playoffs)

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Offseason To-Do List

Address QB Andy Dalton’s inconsistency

Rediscover pass rush (NFL-low 20 sacks in 2014)

Solve postseason woes

Analysis

Marvin Lewis is the league’s second-longest tenured head coach with the same team, trailing only the New England Patriots’ Bill Belichick in that regard.

Belichick has led his current franchise to six Super Bowl appearances in the last 14 seasons. Lewis owns a lifetime playoff record of 0-6 as head coach, including failures in each of the last four postseasons.

In 2014, the Cincinnati Bengals managed to make it back to the playoffs, despite the offseason departure of both their offensive and defensive coordinators. Quarterback Andy Dalton had an up-and-down year and once again was less-than-effective in the playoffs.

Meanwhile, running back Jeremy Hill had a big rookie season, but the defense's performance didn’t look like its recent familiar stuff. Some of that was due to the sustained absence of linebacker Vontaze Burfict, who hopes to be healthy in 2015.

Meanwhile, will Lewis and the franchise bring back veterans such as tight end Jermaine Gresham and linebacker Rey Maualuga? In terms of Gresham, the writing may be on the wall (and not on a new contract) according to Paul Dehner Jr. of The Cincinnati Enquirer.

Cleveland Browns: 7-9 in 2014 (4th Place, AFC North)

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Offseason To-Do List

Settle quarterback position

Replace WR Josh Gordon (suspended for 2015)

Fortify defensive front seven

Analysis

Quarterback Johnny Manziel is currently in rehab trying to get his life in order.

For the third straight year, wide receiver Josh Gordon has had his season interrupted or ended by suspension. We won’t see him on the field in 2015.

Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan is out after one year, replaced by John DeFilippo. Shanahan found a home with the Atlanta Falcons.

General manager Ray Farmer has his own issues regarding text messages and allegedly violating the league policy on such matters.

Call it “Cleveland Rocked.”

We haven’t even gotten one week past the Super Bowl, and the Cleveland Browns keep making the wrong kind of headlines. And as Mary Kay Cabot of the Northeast Ohio Media Group points out, quarterback Brian Hoyer is watching.

“I think what happened at the end of the season speaks for itself with Kyle (Shanahan) and (quarterbacks coach) Dowell (Loggains),”' Hoyer said to Cabot recently. “I mean, you don't just leave a job to leave.”

Well said. Will Hoyer re-sign with the team? Would he be better-served elsewhere, especially if Manziel comes back sooner than later?

When it comes to the troubled Browns, we will just leave it at that for now.

Dallas Cowboys: 12-4 in 2014 (Lost NFC Divisional Playoffs)

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Offseason To-Do List

Re-sign both RB DeMarco Murray and WR Dez Bryant (UFAs)

Continue to add playmakers on defense

Build upon last season’s successes

Analysis

We know this league is all about what have you done for me lately. So we will point out that the Dallas Cowboys haven’t made the playoffs in back-to-back seasons since 2006 and 2007.

If they plan on getting back to the postseason in 2015, odds are they better find a way to retain the NFL’s leading rusher and Offensive Player of the Year. And they would also be wise to bring back the 2014 league leader in touchdown receptions.

Jerry Jones must find a way to re-sign running back DeMarco Murray and wide receiver Dez Bryant, be it by hook or by…franchise tag (preferably on Murray).

So what about a defensive unit that obviously still needs a lot of work? The team must hit pay dirt in the draft in April and May and don’t rule out that happening.

Dallas features one of the best offensive lines in the league and a quarterback in Tony Romo who doesn’t get enough credit for what he actually does. The Cowboys could be primed to win an NFL championship for the first time since 1995 (yes, it’s been that long).

But all the pieces have to be (and stay) in place. It won’t be easy, but it's far from unreasonable.

Denver Broncos: 12-4 in 2014 (Lost AFC Divisional Playoffs)

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Offseason To-Do List

Bolster running back position

Re-sign WR Demaryius Thomas and TE Julius Thomas (UFAs)

Add right pieces for Wade Phillips’ 3-4 defense

Analysis

The offseason in the Mile High City has looked more like a reunion than a revamping.

The new head coach of the Denver Broncos is Gary Kubiak. Rick Dennison and Wade Phillips are his offensive and defensive coordinators, respectively. All have past ties to the organization.

Of course, there’s probably only one return that most Denver fans are really interested in. Will quarterback Peyton Manning be back for a fourth season with the team?

Last week, Pro Bowl outside linebacker Von Miller plunked down his two cents and Troy E. Renck of The Denver Post collected those thoughts.

"

We can win a championship with Peyton. I think that's the only thing that matters. What else can I say? I think he's coming back. He said a long time ago that he would stop playing football when he felt like he was hurting a team more than helping a team. There's still so much he can do, so many wonderful things he can do for the Denver Broncos.

"

If Manning returns, he may have a few different pass-catchers at his disposal. Wide receivers Demaryius Thomas and Wes Welker and tight ends Julius Thomas and Jacob Tamme are all potential free agents.

Detroit Lions: 11-5 in 2014 (Lost Wild-Card Playoffs)

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Offseason To-Do List

Re-sign or franchise DT Ndamukong Suh (UFA)

Add talent and depth to cornerback position

Fortify kicking game via free agency or draft

Analysis

What’s the latest when it comes to four-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh?

Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press updates us all on the chances the four-time Pro Bowler returns to the Motor City.

With Suh’s help, along with the guidance of defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, only the Seattle Seahawks allowed fewer total yards and only Seattle and the Kansas City Chiefs gave up fewer points than the Detroit Lions this past season. And no team in the league was tougher to run against.

Along with Suh, defensive tackles Nick Fairley and C.J. Mosley could become free agents in March. The Lions are coming off their best season in terms of wins since 1991, and the defense was a major part of that success.

On offense, will we see the likes of running back Reggie Bush and Brandon Pettigrew in 2015? Injuries limited their availability and production this past season, and performers such as Joique Bell and rookie tight end Eric Ebron came through when called upon.

Green Bay Packers: 12-4 in 2014 (Lost NFC Championship Game)

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Offseason To-Do List

Remedy for run defense (23rd in NFL in 2014)

Re-sign key free agents on offense

Solve road issues (4-5 in 2014, including playoffs)

Analysis

Apparently the Green Bay Packers are still feeling the effects from that tough 28-22 overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game.

As summarized by Dan Hanzus of NFL.com (and first reported by Chris Havel of WDUZ-FM), head coach Mike McCarthy is on the verge of giving his play-calling duties to Tom Clements, who would be promoted to associate head coach, while Edgar Bennett would assume the title of offensive coordinator.

Got that?

In regard to that offense, the Packers have three starters on that unit slated for free agency in March. The team has over $24 million in cap room, and we’ll see how it handles trying to retain wide receiver Randall Cobb, fullback John Kuhn and left tackle Bryan Bulaga.

It’s safe to say this will be an interesting few weeks for the league’s highest-scoring team in 2014, as well as the home of the league’s MVP in quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Houston Texans: 9-7 in 2014 (2nd Place, AFC South)

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Offseason To-Do List

Address quarterback position

DE/OLB Jadeveon Clowney's health

WR Andre Johnson's future

Analysis

For the third consecutive year, a team that finished 2-14 posted a winning record one season later.

Unfortunately for the Houston Texans, they couldn’t come up with enough victories to grab playoff spots like the Indianapolis Colts (2012) and Kansas City Chiefs (2013) managed to do.

Still, a seven-win improvement is a credit to first-time head coach Bill O’Brien, who went through three different starting quarterbacks and utilized four altogether and still managed to keep his team in the playoff chase until Week 17.

While running back Arian Foster had another big year, it was the defense that improved, thanks to new coordinator Romeo Crennel and aided by NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt, who was a J.J. of all trades and master of all.

But what will this defense look like going forward? Free safety Kendrick Lewis (who led the Texans in tackles) outside linebacker Brooks Reed and cornerback Kareem Jackson are among those eligible for unrestricted free agency next month.

Indianapolis Colts: 11-5 in 2014 (Lost AFC Championship Game)

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Offseason To-Do List

Improve offensive balance

More help for erratic offensive line

Use draft to improve defense

Analysis

Despite a third straight playoff appearance and a berth in the AFC title game for the first time since 2009, all does not seem right when it comes to the Indianapolis Colts.

This past season, Andrew Luck and Co. finished 11-5 for the third consecutive year. For what it is worth, it marked the 18th straight season that the franchise had either won or lost at least 10 games.

For those who don’t think the Colts defense isn’t seriously flawed, keep in mind that the team has played in five playoff games the last two years and allowed 43-plus points in three of those contests.

Luck had his issues as well, especially when it came to ball security. While he led the league with 40 touchdown passes, he also turned over the ball 22 times; five of those were returned for scores. At times, he tried to do too much, but some of that came from an inconsistent running game once again.

So where exactly is this team headed? Will veteran Reggie Wayne return for another season? Will general manager Ryan Grigson strike gold defensively in the draft as he did on offense in 2012?

Jacksonville Jaguars: 3-13 in 2014 (3rd Place, AFC South)

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Offseason To-Do List

Surround QB Blake Bortles with more options

Improve pass blocking (allowed NFL-high 71 sacks in 2014)

More help needed on defensive front seven

Analysis

This fall has been far from graceful.

Dating back to 2008, the Jacksonville Jaguars have easily lost more than twice as many games (78) as they have won (34). The club is a combined 9-39 the last three seasons, hasn’t been to the playoffs since 2007 and hasn’t captured a division title since 1999, when the club owned a league-best 14-2 mark and won the AFC Central.

For the second straight season, the Jaguars ranked dead last in the NFL in scoring with 249 points, nearly duplicating their dismal 2013 performance (247 points).

Were there any positives worth noting? Let’s talk about sacks (no, this is not another Salt-n-Pepa song parody). Gus Bradley’s squad corralled opposing quarterbacks 45 times this past season (tied for the sixth-highest total in the NFL). Jacksonville had totaled 51 sacks the previous two seasons combined.

On the other hand, the team allowed a whopping 71 sacks, the most by a team since the Oakland Raiders gave up 72 sacks in 2006.

As of now, no team has more cap room at its disposal than the Jaguars. However, will general manager Dave Caldwell indeed open up the team’s wallet and give young quarterback Blake Bortles and the rest of the team some much-needed help? Stay tuned.

Kansas City Chiefs: 9-7 in 2014 (2nd Place, AFC West)

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Offseason To-Do List

Re-sign or franchise OLB Justin Houston (UFA)

Add talent to wide receiving corps

Learn to beat the Broncos (0-6 last three seasons)

Analysis

Let’s get the bad pun out of the way as soon as possible.

Will the Kansas City Chiefs have a problem re-signing All-Pro outside linebacker Justin Houston? The talented defender totaled a league-high 22 sacks in 2014, nearly half of the team’s impressive total of 46 sacks.

Will Andy Reid and the Kansas City hierarchy allow him to hit the open market? This is a team that already has some salary-cap issues, and veterans such as wide receiver Dwayne Bowe and outside linebacker Tamba Hali could be asked to restructure their current deals.

Elsewhere, the Chiefs did improve from 24th in total defense in 2013 to seventh in the NFL this past season. But it’s also worth noting that only four teams gave up more yards rushing than defensive coordinator Bob Sutton’s unit.

And there’s also that matter of no wide receiver catching a touchdown pass in 2014. Oh well, better luck this upcoming season.

Miami Dolphins: 8-8 in 2014 (3rd Place, AFC East)

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Offseason To-Do List

Continue to address offensive line (allowed 104 sacks since 2013)

WR Mike Wallace's future with team

Learn to close season strong

Analysis

The Miami Dolphins continue to find ways not to make the playoffs.

One year earlier, the team lost its last two games and missed the postseason for the fifth straight year. Make it six in a row after last season when Joe Philbin’s squad dropped three of its last four contests after opening 7-5.

The franchise hasn’t reached the playoffs or posted a winning record since winning the AFC East with an 11-5 mark in 2008.

Quarterback Ryan Tannehill made definitive strides in 2014, but the offensive line remained somewhat of an issue, especially when left tackle Branden Albert went down after nine games.

Could wide receiver Mike Wallace, who has yet to live up to that five-year, $60 million contract the team inked him to just two years ago, be on the move? Via Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the speedy performer met recently with general manager Dennis Hickey. It’s something that bears watching as we get closer to the free-agent period.

Meanwhile, it appears the team will get some salary-cap relief with veteran defensive tackle Randy Starks' expected release, as Adam H. Beasley of the Miami Herald anticipates.

Minnesota Vikings: 7-9 in 2014 (3rd Place, NFC North)

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Offseason To-Do List

Future of RB Adrian Peterson

Continue development of QB Teddy Bridgewater

Improve ability to stop the run (25th in NFL in 2014)

Analysis

For those looking for the latest on the NFL future of running back Adrian Peterson, Ben Goessling of ESPN.com has the update on his latest attempt for reinstatement.

As for the Minnesota Vikings, is the team ready to permanently move on from the perennial Pro Bowl runner?

General manager Rick Spielman has added a lot of young talent to this team in recent years, and the first round of the 2014 draft class brought quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and outside linebacker Anthony Barr.

The team has roughly $18 million of cap room to play with. Will Spielman go after some prominent names in free agency or use that money to wrap up some of the team's younger players to longer deals?

Under first-time head coach Mike Zimmer, the team made strides in 2014. Now the Vikings need to learn to beat the likes of the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions if they’re to challenge for the top spot in the NFC North.

New England Patriots: 12-4 in 2014 (Won Super Bowl XLIX)

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Offseason To-Do List

Keep secondary intact (CB Darrelle Revis and FS Devin McCourty are UFAs)

Add youth to defensive line

Draft a deep threat at wide receiver to develop

Analysis

It’s been one helluva run for the Super Bowl XLIX champion New England Patriots. It also doesn’t appear that this team is showing any signs of slowing down.

Dating back to 2001, the franchise has posted 14 consecutive winning seasons and made six Super Bowl appearances, with four victories. Bill Belichick, the league’s current longest-tenured active head coach with the same team, has led the Pats to six straight AFC East titles and double-digit victories in 12 consecutive seasons.

There is some work to do, especially since the potential free-agent list includes cornerback Darrelle Revis, running backs Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley, safety Devin McCourty and reliable place-kicker Stephen Gostkowski. And the Patriots have some work to do to get under the salary cap.

However, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com informs us that the organization is working on making sure Revis Island remains off the coast of Massachusetts.

New Orleans Saints: 7-9 in 2014 (2nd Place, NFC South)

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Offseason To-Do List

Reevaluate defense

Reestablish dominance at Superdome

Re-sign RB Mark Ingram (UFA)

Analysis

From defensive disaster to nice bounce-back season to step backward, it’s been quite a three-year stretch for the New Orleans Saints. And the team’s disappointing showing in 2014 can’t be blamed on not having its head coach in place.

Sean Payton’s club lost three of its first four games but rebounded and owned a 4-4 mark at the halfway point of the season. But that was followed by the inexplicable, as the team went 3-5 down the stretch, all five of those setbacks at home.

Two seasons after their defense allowed the most yards in a season in NFL history, the Saints were ranked 31st in total defense this past season. The team broke the bank to sign former Pro Bowl free safety Jairus Byrd last offseason, but injuries made him a non-factor.

Now Payton and the organization have to not only fix that aforementioned defense, but they must also do it being more than $23 million over the cap as of this writing.

New York Giants: 6-10 in 2014 (3rd Place, NFC East)

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Offseason To-Do List

Bolster defense in all aspects

Re-sign or franchise DE Jason Pierre-Paul (UFA)

More impact from the running game

Analysis

Were the New York Giants an improved football team this past season?

By the win-loss record, the answer is a resounding no. Tom Coughlin’s team finished 6-10 one year after going 7-9, the first time since the 2003 and ’04 campaigns that the club posted back-to-back losing seasons.

Still, quarterback Eli Manning and the club cut down significantly on the turnovers, New York ran the ball much better when running back Rashad Jennings was healthy, and the team found a budding star in wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

The team’s six wins were courtesy of two three-game winning streaks, and the supposed issues with Ben McAdoo’s offense were just a matter of getting acclimated to the system.

Of course, the other side of the ball is a much different story. Perry Fewell is out, and old friend Steve Spagnuolo is back as defensive coordinator. Don’t be shocked if there are wholesale changes on this unit.

New York Jets: 4-12 in 2014 (4th Place, AFC East)

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Offseason To-Do List

Surround quarterback with more weapons

More balance on offense (third in rushing, 32nd in NFL in passing in 2013)

Turn defense into more opportunistic unit

Analysis

We are all fairly confident the New York Jets can play defense. With the likes of defensive linemen such as Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson and veteran inside linebacker David Harris (slated for free agency in March), new head coach Todd Bowles has been left with a good foundation.

But what about the other side of the ball when it comes to this club? The Jets’ offensive unit totaled a mere 27 touchdowns in 2014. Over the last two seasons, this team has committed a whopping 53 turnovers in 32 games; 41 of those miscues were by young quarterback Geno Smith. It will be up to new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey to remedy that situation.

Meanwhile, back to the defense for just one second or two. One aspect that Bowles and his staff could improve on is the Jets’ lack of big plays from this unit. New York has forced a mere 28 turnovers the last two seasons combined. The Arizona Cardinals totaled 30 takeaways in 2013 and 25 takeaways this past year under Bowles’ guidance.

Oakland Raiders: 3-13 in 2014 (4th Place, AFC West)

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Offseason To-Do List

Post first winning season since 2002

Find a reliable young running back

Add more youth to defensive unit

Analysis

The futility of the Oakland Raiders continues. It is now 12 straight years and counting since the Silver and Black finished a season with a winning record. Dating back to 2003, the Silver and Black own a dismal 56-136 record.

How far behind has the franchise fallen in the AFC West alone? Since 2012, the Denver Broncos have finished 13-3, 13-3 and 12-4, respectively. Over those last three seasons, the Raiders have won a total of 11 games.

But hope is on the horizon. Enter new head coach Jack Del Rio, yet another former Denver Broncos coordinator to take over a team in the division.

Quarterback Derek Carr had a solid rookie season, and the team hopes offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave can make him better. Oakland recently hired Ken Norton Jr. He owns three Super Bowl rings as a player (Cowboys and 49ers) and one as an assistant coach (Seahawks) and brings a lot to the table.

Veteran safety Charles Woodson is back as well as the leader of a defense that must perform a lot better, especially when it comes to creating turnovers and sacking quarterbacks.

Meanwhile, will running back Darren McFadden return to the team for an eighth season?

Philadelphia Eagles: 10-6 in 2014 (2nd Place, NFC East)

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Offseason To-Do List

Reevaluate quarterback position

Re-sign WR Jeremy Maclin (UFA)

Fortify secondary via draft

Analysis

It’s a great game of connect the dots. But are the Philadelphia Eagles and recently empowered head Chip Kelly truly interested in finding a way to draft 2014 Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota?

There’s plenty of time to sit back and speculate before the night of April 30. The more pressing matter for these Birds is their ability to re-sign wide receiver Jeremy Maclin.

After missing all of 2013 with a knee injury, the one-time first-round pick led the team in catches (85), receiving yards (1,318) and touchdowns (10). It would be a surprise to see him hit the open market.

Then again, the Eagles are in need of defensive help as only four teams in the NFL gave up more total yards this past season. One year after finishing dead last in pass defense, Kelly’s team “improved” to 31st in the league in the same category. The Eagles allowed 30 touchdown passes, and contrary to perception, not all were given up by free-agent-to-be cornerback Bradley Fletcher.

Back-to-back 10-6 seasons mean Kelly is doing something right, though a year ago the team squandered a 9-3 start and missed the playoffs. There’s still work to be done if the Eagles are going to win a title for the first time since 1960.

Pittsburgh Steelers: 11-5 in 2014 (Lost AFC Wild-Card Playoffs)

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Offseason To-Do List

Address QB Ben Roethlisberger’s contract situation

Adjust to life without defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau

Revamp inconsistent secondary

Analysis

It shapes up as another year of change in Pittsburgh, although things won’t be that much different.

With the parting of ways with longtime defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau last month comes Keith Butler's promotion to LeBeau’s position. And with his elevated status comes the Steelers’ version of Mr. Inside and Mr. Outside in Jerry Olsavsky and Joe Porter, the team’s new linebackers coaches (via Chris Adamski of Trib Live Sports).

Could we see some other changes to the Pittsburgh defense as well? Veteran cornerback Ike Taylor will become a free agent in March and doesn’t figure to be back. Will strong safety Troy Polamalu return to the club given that the 12-year performer may have to restructure his contract?

Last but not least, can general manager Kevin Colbert and the organization re-sign quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to a new deal before his current contract expires in 2016?

There are plenty of questions to be answered regarding Mike Tomlin’s AFC North champions.

St. Louis Rams: 6-10 in 2014 (4th Place, NFC West)

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Offseason To-Do List

QB Sam Bradford's future with franchise

Expand role of second-year RB Tre Mason

Improve play within division (3-9 since 2013)

Analysis

Will he stay, or will he go?

The big question this offseason for the St. Louis Rams is quarterback Sam Bradford's status, who missed all of 2014 with a knee injury and has had problems staying on the field the majority of his five-year career.

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (via YardBarker) states that the team is hoping to renegotiate Bradford’s deal one way or another. It’s not out of the question that the Rams could part ways with the 2010 first overall pick.

Speaking of 10, that happens to be the number of the overall pick that the team has in this year’s draft. Will the franchise use it on another quarterback? Could St. Louis re-sign veteran Shaun Hill and draft a young signal-caller in the later rounds? As of now, general manager Les Snead and head coach Jeff Fisher have only five picks at their disposal.

Whoever lines up behind center, there will be a new offensive coordinator in the form of Frank Cignetti. The team’s quarterbacks coach the last three seasons takes over for Brian Schottenheimer, who left to run the University of Georgia's offense.

San Diego Chargers: 9-7 in 2014 (3rd Place, AFC West)

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Offseason To-Do List

Address muddled running back situation

Find playmakers on defense (35 takeaways last two seasons)

Eliminate inconsistency

Analysis

From 0-1 to five straight wins to three consecutive losses to three straight wins to a 1-3 finish.

Coney Island had nothing on the San Diego Chargers’ roller-coaster 2014 season.

Now head coach Mike McCoy hopes to get this team back on track after missing the playoffs with a 9-7 mark, the same record that was good enough to earn a postseason invite the previous year.

This team has some decisions to make, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Do the Chargers re-sign oft-injured running back Ryan Mathews, who went from a career year in 2013 to 330 yards rushing and three touchdowns in six games this past season? Will veteran wide receiver Eddie Royal, who totaled 62 catches and seven touchdowns in 2014, return as well?

This is certain: It will be another season without center Nick Hardwick, who missed all but one game this past year and has now opted for retirement.

On defense, cornerback Brandon Flowers and veteran pass-rusher Dwight Freeney are potential free agents. The Bolts have some retooling to do on a unit that struggled against the run this past season. Meanwhile, McCoy’s team has forced only 35 turnovers in its last 32 regular-season games.

San Francisco 49ers: 8-8 in 2014 (3rd Place, NFC West)

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Offseason To-Do List

Develop QB Colin Kaepernick as a passer

Decision on OLB Aldon Smith's future

Re-sign WR Michael Crabtree (UFA)

Analysis

It’s been an offseason of shuffling for general manager Trent Baalke and the San Francisco 49ers.

Obviously, Jim Harbaugh has returned to his alma mater, the University of Michigan, as head coach of the Wolverines.

Now follow as we connect the leg bone to the knee bone, the knee bone to the thigh bone and so on.

Former defensive line coach Jim Tomsula takes over for Harbaugh, while quarterbacks coach Geep Chryst has been elevated to offensive coordinator. Meanwhile, former tight ends coach Eric Mangini will now be running the Niners’ still-talented defense.

But what is the deal with the San Francisco offense? Could free agency claim wide receiver Michael Crabtree, veteran running back Frank Gore and Pro Bowl guard Mike Iupati? The Niners are over the cap as we go to press.

More important, we will soon find out if Tomsula has the backbone to return this team to the playoffs following a disappointing 8-8 showing.

Seattle Seahawks: 12-4 in 2014 (Lost Super Bowl XLIX)

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Offseason To-Do List

Re-sign CB Byron Maxwell (UFA)

Continue to add depth to both lines

Put Super Bowl XLIX loss in rear view mirror

Analysis

It is safe to say that the phrase “Congratulations to the defending NFC champions” just does not have quite the same ring to it.

Still, that’s the reality when it comes to the Seattle Seahawks, who appeared to be on the verge of a second straight Super Bowl win before the Malcolm Butler interception did it for the New England Patriots.

So what’s next for this talented squad? First, the team’s heralded secondary looks more like the “Legion of Boo Boos” as cornerbacks Richard Sherman and Jeremy Lane, as well as safeties Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas are all on the mend.

Elsewhere, via Nick Eaton of SeattlePi.com, Kris Richard takes over at defensive coordinator for Dan Quinn, now running the show for the Atlanta Falcons. And speaking of the Seattle secondary, the team figures to get cornerback Byron Maxwell signed to a new contract sooner than later.

Finally, as far as Marshawn Lynch’s future with the club, let’s hope that both sides don’t take this decision down to the proverbial 1-yard line.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 2-14 in 2014 (4th Place, NFC South)

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Offseason To-Do List

Find a reliable quarterback

Establish a home-field advantage (0-8 in 2014)

Put end to longtime pass-rushing issues

Analysis

Well, so much for all that money spent by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last offseason.

Perhaps some of it will pay off with another year of seasoning. But when it was all said and done, Lovie Smith led his club to just two wins while the franchise now owns the top pick in the 2015 draft.

Where to start? Quarterback Josh McCown threw for 11 scores and committed more than half (18) of the club’s 33 turnovers. One year after finishing dead last in the league in total offense, the Bucs improved to…30th in yards gained.

The defense remains an issue, especially since the team can’t consistently rush the passer. Over the last seven seasons, the Bucs have totaled 204 sacks and allowed 192 touchdown passes. That averages out to 29 sacks and 27 scores through the air per year. In 2014, Buccaneers defenders totaled 36 sacks, gave up 28 touchdown passes and ranked 28th in the NFL in yards in pass defense.

It sounds like a cliche, but there is nowhere to go but up for a team that has dropped 31 of its last 38 games after opening 6-4 in 2012.

Tennessee Titans: 2-14 in 2014 (4th Place, AFC South)

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Offseason To-Do List

Determine if Zach Mettenberger is the team’s quarterback going forward

Add talent to Dick LeBeau/Ray Horton defensive unit

Learn how to win within division again (4-14 since 2012)

Analysis

What a mess.

So much for the Tennessee Titans turning things around last season under new head coach Ken Whisenhunt.

High hopes turned into the worst season by this franchise since the Houston Oilers made the Astrodome home and the club also finished 2-14.

This is a club that has now gone 6-22 since starting 3-1 in 2012. This is a squad that closed this past season with 10 consecutive losses.

This is a franchise that hasn’t been to the playoffs since 2008.

So what can we expect from the team that owns the second overall pick in this spring’s draft? The Jake Locker Era appears to be over in Nashville, and the Titans are certainly hoping Mettenberger develops as some expected he might.

And while youth hopes to be served behind center, defensive guru Dick LeBeau's arrival brings a glimmer of hope to a unit that gave up the second-most rushing yards in the league in 2014. Tennessee also ranked 27th in total defense, while only two teams in the NFL surrendered more points.

Washington Redskins: 4-12 in 2014 (4th Place, NFC East)

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Offseason To-Do List

QB Robert Griffin III's future with team

Ball security (34 turnovers in 2013; 31 turnovers in 2014)

Decision to retain OLB Brian Orakpo (UFA)

Analysis

The Washington Redskins are a combined 7-25 the last two seasons since winning the NFC East with a 10-6 mark in 2012. With the exception of that division title, the club has finished in last place in the NFC East in each of the other six seasons, dating back to 2008.

While Robert Griffin III's status seems to be all anyone wants to talk about, there are other issues as well. The team will have a new defensive coordinator as Joe Barry takes over for Jim Haslett.

A year ago, the Redskins slapped the franchise tag on three-time Pro Bowl outside linebacker Brian Orakpo. It’s hard to believe they would do that again, and it remains to be seen if they will attempt to re-sign him before March 10. Injuries have been a factor when it comes to the talented defender in recent seasons.

And if Griffin isn’t in the team’s future plans, would the Redskins entertain the thought of bringing back Colt McCoy to battle Kirk Cousins for the starting job?

All free-agent information, 2015 transactions and salary-cap information comes courtesy of Spotrac.