Top Offseason Priorities for Each NFL Team After Super Bowl LIX
The Philadelphia Eagles turned Super Bowl LIX into a coronation in a dominant 40-22 thrashing of the Kansas City Chiefs.
That means the road to Super Bowl LX begins now. Teams have already been working toward getting ready for the draft, evaluating their own roster and coaching staffs and preparing a plan for the offseason. But now that the Super Bowl is over and a champion has been crowned, everything gets a little more real.
We spent all season breaking down each team's biggest weaknesses each week. This offseason, B/R's Alex Ballentine will provide updated analysis of all of the ways each team can improve going into the 2025 season.
We've already taken a final look at each team's biggest weaknesses, a comprehensive look at the trade landscape around the league and B/R's Kris Knox put together a free-agency big board.
Here, we'll take a look at each team's top priorities as they look to address team needs and forge a contender for 2025. Consider it a checklist of the most important things each team needs for a successful offseason based on their needs, assets and cap situation.
Arizona Cardinals
1 of 32
2024 Record: 8-9
1. Find a Premier Pass-Rusher
The Cards were on the brink of becoming a playoff team this season. Their 8-9 record is their best in three years, but it's going to be hard to take that next step without a better pass rush.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon's defenses in Philadelphia were flush with scary pass-rushers, and the Cardinals just don't have that kind of arsenal right now.
Finding a star-level pass-rusher through free agency, trade or the draft has to be the top priority this offseason.
B/R's Kris Knox recently named Azeez Ojulari as the top edge-rusher in free agency this season. There are other options who could fill the need with more name recognition such as Josh Sweat and Khalil Mack. And Based on Matt Holder's grades, Marshall's Mike Green and Texas A&M's Nic Scourton stand out as possible draft fits.
2. Solidify the Interior Offensive Line
An above-average line is critical for the Cardinals. The offensive line is important for any team, but Kyler Murray's penchant for holding on to the ball makes it all the more crucial for the Cards. Drafting Paris Johnson Jr. in 2023 was a good start, and Hjalte Froholdt has ended up being a good option at center.
However, the Cards have some growing to do at the guard spots. Will Hernandez and Evan Brown are both set to become free agents. If they don't retain at least one of them, then guard becomes a massive need.
They added Isaiah Adams in last season's draft, but this year's class is chock full of interior linemen who could help in Day 2.
North Dakota State's Gray Zabel, Georgia's Tate Ratledge and Ohio State's Donovan Jackson are all Round 2 prospects who could help solidify the position for years to come. Trey Smith would be the big-money move. If the Chiefs let him get to free agency, he'll be the top target for every team that needs a guard.
3. Figure Out How to Better Utilize Marvin Harrison Jr.
Marvin Harrison Jr.'s rookie stats weren't bad. He brought in 62 passes for 885 yards and eight touchdowns. Those numbers are even in line with his Hall of Fame father's rookie season (64 receptions, 836 yards and eight touchdowns).
However, Harrison was viewed as a generational receiver prospect and ranked fifth among all rookie pass-catchers in receptions and yards.
Even Harrison Jr. acknowledged that he wouldn't call his rookie season "a success." The sky certainly isn't falling, but the expectations remain sky-high for Harrison.
Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing will be in his third season with the Cards next year. It's imperative he helps Harrison become the kind of elite receiver he is expected to be. The impact that could have on the offense will be just as important as any other development this offseason.
Atlanta Falcons
2 of 32
2024 Record: 8-9
1. Land a Premier Pass-Rusher
This could be an evergreen priority for the Falcons. The franchise has not ranked in the top half of the league in sacks since 2017 and hasn't had a player with double-digit sacks since Vic Beasley in 2016. That's an incredible dearth of pass-rush power for one franchise in a pass-happy league.
The Falcons traded for Matthew Judon and drafted Arnold Ebikitie. They combined for 11.5 sacks. Now Judon and Lorenzo Carter are both slated for free agency. Each would work as a secondary pass-rush threat, but the Falcons really have to find a star who can anchor the pass rush if they want to take the next step as a franchise.
2. Find a Trade Partner for Kirk Cousins
Technically, the Falcons don't have to get rid of Kirk Cousins. They could stand pat, keep him on the roster and make him the most expensive backup in the league after naming Michael Penix Jr. the starter to close out the season.
That's probably not the best move for the locker room or Penix, though.
In reality, Cousins has probably played his last game for the Falcons. They can cut him, but that means they get no compensation in return.
The veteran quarterback has a no-trade clause so the Falcons have to find a team that not only has interest in the veteran but is also appealing to Cousins.
3. Extend WR Drake London
The Falcons really need the first full season with Michael Penix Jr. to be a success.
There will be an expectation for the Washington product to prove he is worthy of the selection. If he can take that step, then that is likely to mean even more opportunity for Drake London to build off of his productive 2024 campaign.
The 23-year-old put together his first 1,000-yard season with ease and his stock only figures to go up. The best organizations are proactive when it comes to inking their homegrown talents to long-term extensions.
London is the kind of receiver you can build around. Even if it means eventually trading or letting Kyle Pitts walk, the Falcons need to prioritize re-signing the 23-year-old rather than letting the situation build into a story.
Baltimore Ravens
3 of 32
2024 Record:Â 12-5
1. Figure out Left Tackle
Ronnie Stanley's impending free agency looms large for the Ravens. Baltimore had to replace three starters on the offensive line this season. While Lamar Jackson being Lamar Jackson makes it easier for the Ravens to replace linemen than some other teams, it's a lot of turnover to deal with in a two-year span.
The problem comes down to the fact that Baltimore is looking at about $9 million in cap space headed toward the offseason and Stanley carries a market value of $20.7 million in annual average salary, per Spotrac. If the Ravens can't re-sign him, then it almost locks them in to having to find a solution in the draft.
Players such as Josh Simmons and Armand Membou could be options, but it's wagering a lot on one draft pick to perform right away.
2. Add Another Trustworthy Cornerback
The Ravens used their first-round pick on a cornerback this season, and it wouldn't be shocking to see them double up on the position in 2025.
The bottom line is that Marlon Humphrey is among the team's best players right now, but he's headed toward 30 and the best teams plan ahead. Nate Wiggins flashed the potential to be a long-term solution on the outside. However, his injuries along with some other injuries, exposed a lack of depth at the position.
The pairing of Lamar Jackson and offensive coordinator Todd Monken is going to guarantee the Ravens a relatively high floor on offense. Whether general manager Eric DeCosta can build the defense will determine whether they can break through in the playoffs. First-round cornerbacks like Jahdae Barron, Benjamin Morrison and Shavon Revel Jr. should be in play.
3. Free Up Kyle Hamilton By Building Safety Depth
Kyle Hamilton is one of the most unique defensive forces in the league.
His ability to play all over the place in the defensive secondary is a weapon that most defenses don't enjoy. The Ravens' lack of defensive depth forced them to play him as a deep safety over the back half of the season. It's a good for for him, but he would ideally be able to play multiple alignments depending on situation and opponent.
The Ravens have work to find defensive backs who can help build the depth. Marcus Williams didn't work out last season, and Ar'Darius Washington had to fill his role. The team won't have a ton of money so targeting a later-wave free agent like Vonn Bell or Damar Hamlin would be an option. A deep safety prospect like Andrew Mukuba could also help later in the draft.
Buffalo Bills
4 of 32
2024 Record: 13-4
1. Maintain 2026 Cap Flexibility
There could be a temptation for the Buffalo Bills to get really aggressive this offseason. After getting booted from the playoffs by the Chiefs again, they could see this as the offseason to push all the chips to the middle of the table.
According to Over the Cap, the Bills could create $58.9 million through simple restructures. But they need to resist that urge and be selective about how they restructure this offseason.
As it stands, Buffalo will bring back the vast majority of its starters from a roster that just went to the AFC Championship game. That won't be the case in 2026 when James Cook, Gregory Rousseau, Khalil Shakir, Christian Benford and Terrel Bernard highlight their free agency class. The Bills are positioned to be a contender for a long time. They can't let frustration push them toward limiting their flexibility in 2026.
2. Draft a Cornerback Early
The Bills have largely done a great job of getting good return on their draft picks in the Josh Allen era. One notable exception is the first-round pick they spent on Kaiir Elam in 2022.
They have needed another cornerback to step up alongside Christian Benfort (a sixth-round pick in 2021), but Elam has not been the player to do it.
This year, they should be looking to take another swing at the position. They haven't selected a cornerback before Day 3 in any draft since. With Benford set to become a free agent next season, it would benefit them to add a cornerback in the first round or early on Day 2. Trey Amos and Shavon Revel Jr. could be names to watch.
3. Replace Von Miller
There's little to no chance Von Miller is coming back on his current contract. The Bills are tight against the cap, and he's set to cost $23.8 million and releasing him would create $8.4 million in cap savings. It might be in the interest of both parties to renegotiate a pay cut. However, there's a case to be made for simply getting out of the contract and going younger.
Miller was still an important cog in the defensive front. He only played 25 percent of the snaps, but he was third on the team in sacks with six. If the Bills believe they can replace that production for cheaper than the cap savings they get by cutting Miller then that makes sense. A free agent like Josh Uche might make sense. They could also look to address the position in the draft with a project like Princely Umanmielen. Either way, they need a succession plan.
Carolina Panthers
5 of 32
2024 Record: 5-12
1. Find a Real No. 1 Option for Bryce Young
The 2025 season has to be considered make-or-break for Bryce Young. He showed just enough growth and promise in Dave Canales' first season that it's worth seeing if he can really blossom into a franchise quarterback. However, the Panthers have to do what it takes to make sure he has a real No. 1 receiver. Taking Tetairoa McMillan in the first round of the draft would be nice, but it's a big burden to put on a rookie receiver and there's no guarantee he'll be available when they are on the clock.
Really, the priority needs to be acquiring a veteran. That could be an all-in free agency bid for Tee Higgins. It could be a tempting trade offer for Tyreek Hill or Davante Adams, both of which were featured in our most recent trade block big board. Whatever they do, they can't expect Young to show what he can really do with what's left of Adam Thielen leading the team in receiving.
2. Reinforce the Front Seven
The quarterback question is going to loom in Carolina until Young proves himself, but the run defense comes in a close second.
The Panthers gave up the highest success rate (50.9) by more than five percent. Getting Derrick Brown back next season should help. However, head coach Dave Canales acknowledged that defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero is going to have to make some changes.
Some of that work is going to have to involve developing the personnel they have. But they are going to have to bring some new players in as well. The Panthers didn't do enough to recoup the loss of Brian Burns, and it might be better to just trade away Jadeveon Clowney and start over on the edge.
Expect some moves to add defensive linemen and linebackers through free agency and the draft.
3. Invest in the Secondary
Unfortunately, the Panthers won't be able to divert all resources to the defensive line. The secondary is a bit of a sore spot, too. Xavier Woods, Nick Scott and Jordan Fuller are all set to hit free agency, and they anchored a secondary that gave up the most passing touchdowns in the league.
This is a need that should be addressed through both free agency and the draft. There's a good chance the position room looks completely different in 2025.
Chicago Bears
6 of 32
2024 Record: 5-12
1. Bolster the Offensive Line
Caleb Williams rookie season did not go according to plan. Some of that might be on the quarterback, but there's plenty of blame to go around. One source of struggle was an offensive line that surrendered a league-high 68 sacks. Getting head coach Ben Johnson in the fold should help with that, but there's no doubt that the Bears also need better personnel up front.
The draft is an obvious source of help. We projected the Bears to go with Alabama guard Tyler Booker at No. 10 in our latest mock draft. Chicago can help itself by utilizing its first-rounder to add a good prospect and free agency could also provide a boost. If the Ravens fail to re-sign Ronnie Stanley then the Bears should be first in line to come up with an offer.
2. Extend Teven Jenkins
Simply put, failing to extend Teven Jenkins would be failing Caleb Williams. We've established that the Bears completely failed to protect their young quarterback, but Jenkins was not part of the problem. He earned the 15th-highest pass-blocking grade among all guards graded by PFF. If the 26-year-old hits the open market he will have no problem finding a lucrative offer.
The Bears have multiple needs along the offensive line. However Darnell Wright and Jenkins should be considered long-term answers. Extending Jenkins would allow the Bears to focus their energy and resources toward other gaps in the roster that need to be filled.
3. Add a Difference-Making Edge-Rusher
It's hard to win games in the NFL if you don't win the pass rush battle. The ability to protect the quarterback and get after he passer is often the difference between winning and losing. The Bears were rarely the winner of that battle last season. While the offense was busy taking sacks at a near-historic rate, the Bears didn't have a single player register more than 5.5 sacks.
That was how many Montez Sweat put up. If he were the team's secondary pass rush, those numbers would be alright. The Bears need to do what they can to make sure they have a top-tier pass-rusher. Packaging some draft picks to convince the Browns to trade Myles Garrett or making a push for the Bengals' Trey Hendrickson are aggressive moves that would be warranted.
Cincinnati Bengals
7 of 32
2024 Record: 9-8
1. Retool the Secondary
Lou Anarumo became the fall guy for a Bengals defense that truly let down the offense in 2024.
Cincinnati was the most unbalanced team in the league last season with an offense that ranked seventh in EPA per play and a defense that was ranked 23rd. It might have been time to refresh the scheme and go a different route, but new defensive coordinator Al Golden will need new talent to make his own scheme work.
This is especially evident in the secondary. The Bengals gave up the fourth-most passing touchdowns in the league, and quarterbacks combined to throw for 3,799 yards.
The Bengals are still relatively young in the defensive backfield so adding another veteran corner and/or safety might be enough, but it has to be a focus.
2. Bolster the Pass Rush
The Bengals have a dilemma on their hands with their pass rush. They ranked 26th in sacks and 11th in quarterback hits, so it's clearly an area of need. The problem is that Trey Hendrickson is a clear trade candidate with potential cap savings for a team that has to figure out how to pay Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. He's also responsible for nearly half of the team's sacks and had twice as many quarterback hits as anyone else on the roster.
If the Bengals do trade him, they'll need to have a plan for how they're going to replace his production. If they don't, they still have to make moves to find a legitimate wingman and cast of supporting rushers.
3. Don't let Tee Higgins Walk Away for Nothing
The Tee Higgins contract situation has essentially been looming for two years. It should come to some kind of resolution this offseason.
Using the franchise tag on the 26-year-old again would cost the Bengals $26.2 million and likely frustrate the receiver. However, letting him walk away and hoping the compensatory formula awards Cincinnati with a third-round pick next year isn't maximizing him, either.
If the Bengals can't find a way to fit Higgins into their books while also planning for a Chase extension, they really need to look into tag-and-trade. That would at least bring a turn to the franchise now.
Cleveland Browns
8 of 32
2024 Record: 3-14
1. Acquire a Starting Quarterback
It's a sad proposition to think how the Browns' last two seasons might have gone with consistent quarterback play. The defense has been good enough to win games, but the offense has been a mess in the wake of the Deshaun Watson trade. This is a team that went 11-6 with Joe Flacco as the leading passer in 2023.
The quarterback's status for 2025 is up in the air after he reinjured his Achilles for the second time in 12 weeks. The Browns shouldn't wait around for him to come back, they need to make a move to have a new direction at the position. That could mean using the second overall pick to draft Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders. It could even be a trade or a free-agent pursuit of Kirk Cousins. Either way, there has to be a new direction.
2. Trade Myles Garrett
This might be an unpopular take, but a Myles Garrett trade makes sense for the franchise at this juncture.
The Browns have spent like they are contenders over the last few seasons and find themselves overextended on the cap. Restructuring big contracts and kicking the financial can down the line can be worth it for a team that is in position to contend with an owner that doesn't mind spending. At this point, it's hard to argue the Browns are in that position.
The quarterback situation is a mess. The Browns are getting to the point where they will lose good players every year like the Saints. It's well-known that Garrett has submitted a trade request, and Eric Edholm of NFL.com reported Cleveland isn't planning on honoring that request. But it should.
An All-Pro edge-rusher with a few prime seasons left would bring back a bounty of picks and the Browns should be listening to offers to kick-start a rebuild.
3. Reload at Running Back
Running back is rarely one of a team's top priorities. Outside of a few special talents it's just not that hard to find replacement-level production at the position.
There are some exceptions, though. The Browns' best days under Kevin Stefanski were with a prime Nick Chubb running defenses over and setting up the play-action passing game.
With the head coach taking back over play-calling, it's time Cleveland looked for another special running back talent. Jerome Ford is a good athlete, but he doesn't necessarily have the same vision and explosiveness of Chubb.
This is widely regarded as a strong running back class with eight prospects in our latest top 100. The Browns should get aggressive to draft at least one of them.
Dallas Cowboys
9 of 32
2024 Record: 7-10
1. Figure out the Best Offensive-Line Configuration
Offensive line is one of the Cowboys' biggest needs this offseason, but it's hard to even pinpoint which positions they will need to find right now.
Tyler Guyton struggled at left tackle as a rookie, and Asim Richards was decent while filling in for him due to injury. The question of whether Zach Martin will retire looms large over the unit. Terence Steele was fine at right tackle, but it wouldn't be surprising if the Cowboys jumped at the opportunity to add competition to the position.
Tyler Smith is capable of kicking outside so that could be an option, but Martin's retirement would then open up both guard spots.
Finding guards can be easier than filling up the tackle spots, but the Cowboys have to figure out what spots they want to upgrade and aggressively work to fill those needs.
2. Fully Implement Brian Schottenheimer's Offense
Hiring Brian Schottenheimer as head coach is an underwhelming decision from the outside looking in.
With rumors of Deion Sanders, Pete Carroll and Kellen Moore in the news, it was surprising to see the Cowboys go with the internal candidate, especially when he coached the same side of the ball as Mike McCarthy.
One of the most important things they can do this offseason is be sure that there will be noticeable shifts on the field. Schottenheimer was open about utilizing more shifts, motions and tempo to differentiate his offense from the one he ran under McCarthy.
Everything the Cowboys do this offseason needs to point toward building an offense that is going to look more like Schottenheimer's. Drafting a running back they can build their rushing attack around would be a good start.
3. Add New Blood to the Pass Rush
There's going to be a lot of buzz about Micah Parsons this offseason. The Cowboys have handed out massive extensions to Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, but they have yet to strike a new deal with the 25-year-old.
The dominant pass-rusher is one of the best players in the league and deserves a contract that reflects that. So, either the Cowboys will need to sign him to a new deal ahead of this season or they run the risk of alienating their best player.
Either way, investing in the pass rush with younger players through the draft or free agency should be a priority. Chauncey Golston, Carl Lawson and DeMarcus Lawrence are all free agents, but the latter two are on the wrong side of 30. The Cowboys need more out of Marshawn Kneeland and Sam Williams, but it would be wise to add to that group.
Shemar Stewart, JT Tuimoloau and Landon Jackson are Day 2 prospects who would be nice additions to their collection of pass-rushers.
Denver Broncos
10 of 32
2024 Record: 10-7
1. Extend Nik Bonitto and Zach Allen
Sean Payton and Bo Nix get a lot of credit for the Broncos' success this season, but the defense was the elite unit.
Denver had the Defensive Player of the Year in Patrick Surtain II, but it was also the top defense in EPA per play and pressure percentage. He was aided by a defensive front that was living in opponent's backfields.
Nik Bonitto's breakout season was a large reason for that. He posted 13.5 sacks and 48 pressures, and he's now extension-eligible. There's a case to be made that he should show he's worth an extension with his play in 2025, but with Micah Parsons potentially resetting the market this offseason, it would be wise to get the deal done now. Allen posted a career-high 69 pressures and has enough resume to be worth another extension.
2. Give Bo Nix a Dynamic Tight End
Some of Payton's best offenses in New Orleans came when the team had a dynamic tight end in Jimmy Graham. We all know how much he loved utilizing Taysom Hill, too.
Having a chess piece who could play multiple alignments and execute multiple assignments has unleashed the coach's creativity throughout his career. So, while Payton did a great job of supporting Nix in his rookie season, the next step needs to involve upgrading over Adam Trautman and Lucas Krull.
The good news is they have a few options. As noted in our trade guide, there are a few tight ends who could be available via trade. Evan Engram feels like the most likely of that bunch.
The free-agent class is a little light with Tyler Conklin, Zach Ertz and Juwan Johnson among the options who played the most snaps this season. Coming away from the draft with Colston Loveland, Tyler Warren or Harold Fannin Jr. would be a great development.
3. Replace Javonte Williams
Javonte Williams is set to hit free agency in March. It might be in the Broncos' best interests to let him test the market.
The 24-year-old hasn't looked the same since suffering injuries after his dynamic rookie season in 2021. The Broncos drafted Audric Estime, but the fact that he didn't seize a bigger role this year while Williams was averaging 3.7 yards per carry is telling.
Fortunately, this is a strong running back class. The Broncos could target Ashton Jeanty or Omarion Hampton in the first round. There are also strong options who would pair well with Estime such as TreVeyon Henderson or Cam Skattebo.
Detroit Lions
11 of 32
2024 Record: 15-2
1. Re-Sign or Replace Carlton Davis
The Lions showed what they can do this season when they have a good baseline of cornerback talent. Aaron Glenn was able to play much more man defense because of the work they put into retooling the cornerback room, and the defense was much better for it. Unfortunately, their depth was tested when Carlton Davis ended the season on injured reserve along with Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
The Lions will now have to move forward without Glenn. Dan Campbell elevated linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard to the role of defensive coordinator. It's going to make his job a whole lot easier if they still have the talent to play man-to-man and run with opposing receivers. That means they either need to bring back Davis or find his replacement.
Terrion Arnold was able to help right away, but depending on another rookie to do it again could get tricky. Targeting Charvarius Ward or Byron Murphy Jr. in free agency would make sense.
2. Continue to Add Defensive-Line Depth
The Lions have some tough decisions to make when it comes to their defensive line.
Marcus Davenport, who was out for most of the season with a triceps injury, and Levi Onwuzurike highlight their impending free agents along the defensive line. When Aidan Hutchinson is healthy, the Lions have the building blocks for one of the best defensive lines in the league.
However, it's unclear who is going to be Hutchinson's top sidekick at this point. Za'Darius Smith's contract makes it questionable whether they will keep him in 2025. He's due a large bonus if he is on the roster next season, so there's an out in his deal for next season.
These questions highlight how important it will be for the Lions to build depth up front. We know they will have an offense that can light up the scoreboard. Continuing to invest in the pass rush and interior defensive line will be key for their continued relevance in the NFC.
3. Fortify the Interior of the Offensive Line
The confidence in the Lions offense all starts with the offensive line. They have consistently had one of the best offensive lines in the league. Combined with a dynamic group of skill players, it's the reason they can build an elite offense with Jared Goff at quarterback. Keeping up with their needs on the offensive line will be crucial.
Drafting Christian Mahogany last year was a perfect example. He was able to develop throughout the season and could be ready to step into the lineup. That will be important because Graham Glasgow is 32 years old and Kevin Zeitler is set to be a 35-year-old free agent.
It's likely Mahogany will take one of those spots soon, but the Lions need to have a plan for whether they are keeping or replacing Zeitler.
Green Bay Packers
12 of 32
2024 Record: 11-6
1. Fix the Cornerback Room
The Packers have some things to address on offense this season, but if they don't get their defense right, it won't matter much. Matt LaFleur is going to ensure they have a decent offense, so getting the defense right is critical.
The top need for the defense is cornerbacks. Jaire Alexander is the best on the roster, but he's missed 20 games over the last two seasons and the team could clear $17.5 million by releasing or trading Alexander.
Carrington Valentine and Keisean Nixon are fine role players, but neither is No. 1 corner material. The Packers need to get aggressive in finding some more depth at the position. Calling up the Browns to inquire about a trade for Martin Emerson Jr., Greg Newsome or Denzel Ward would be an interesting solution. A player like Benjamin Morrison or Shavon Revel Jr. would be an ideal first-round pick.
2. Add an Elite Pass-Rusher
Rashan Gary made it to the Pro Bowl this season, but we're still waiting on his first 10-sack season. He came up short of double digits again with 7.5 this season and a pressure rate that dropped to his lowest since 2020.
In truth, he is an elite No. 2 pass-rusher on a team that doesn't have a truly elite option. Finding a great pass-rusher isn't an easy task, but the Packers could take a chance on someone like Bradley Chubb via trade or sign Khalil Mack in free agency. Each one comes with more risk than the Packers are usually alright with taking, but with a need at cornerback, they'll need to get aggressive in filling some needs to take the next step.
3. Continue Looking for a No. 1 Receiver
It's going to be difficult for the Packers to check all three of these items in one offseason, but it bears mentioning that they still need a No. 1 receiver. Green Bay has taken a strict draft-and-develop strategy when it comes to its receiver position. It has led to a relatively deep group that includes Dontayvion Wicks, Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson.
They all have various uses within the offense, but none are true go-to receivers Jordan Love can count on week-after-week. The Packers need to continue to look for that kind of player and take a shot at adding them when the opportunity arises.
Houston Texans
13 of 32
2024 Record: 10-7
1. Fix the Offensive Line
The Texans struggled on the offensive line throughout 2024. They had to try a few combinations to figure out what worked best, and even then they were ranked 31st in the league in Pro Football Network's offensive line rankings.
Their performance is a bit surprising because veterans such as Tytus Howard, Laremy Tunsil and Shaq Mason are known as consistent performers. If a changing of coaching staff was needed then that could help. The Texans replaced offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik with former Rams assistant Nick Caley.
However, some personnel changes are likely needed as well. Mason could wind up being a cap casualty and the team will show how much faith they have in Blake Fisher by how aggressively they look for a new right tackle. At minimum, the Texans have to draft and sign some competition at multiple spots.
2. Add Interior Defensive Line Talent
The Texans got a masterclass in how important it is to win the battle up front last season. They had all the pieces on paper to become a contender, but the interior offensive and defensive lines were a problem. That gives them a concentrated weakness to fill this offseason.
Foley Fatukasi and Mario Edwards are both set to become free agents. Tim Settle is a solid piece, but Denico Autry could be a cut candidate based on the cap savings he would bring. Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter provide foundational edge-rushers, but the Texans could use an interior rusher who would be a force multiplier. A first-round defensive tackle like Walter Nolen or Derrick Harmon would be good, but they also need rotational free agents too.
3. Build Secondary Depth
The Texans aren't losing a starter in their secondary, but they have an extensive list of reserve defensive backs who are set to hit free agency. That list is highlighted by Jeff Okuda, Eric Murray and M.J. Stewart. Some of them could be brought back, but this should probably be used as an opportunity to upgrade when and where they can.
Cornerbacks and safeties should be top-of-mind when Houston is looking to add talent throughout the draft and in free agency.
Indianapolis Colts
14 of 32
2024 Record: 8-9
1. Land at Least One Difference-Maker in the Secondary
The Colts gave up the fourth-highest net yards per pass attempt in the league. So while they were fifth in the league in interceptions, they needed at least one more veteran defensive back who could bring stability to the unit last year.
Indianapolis should be better because it will bring back a lot of young players with more experience such as Jaylon Jones, Nick Cross and JuJu Brents.
But if those players are just handed starting jobs after some of the shaky coverage they provided last year, then general manager Chris Ballard isn't doing a good job. Ideally, the Colts would either re-sign or replace Julian Blackmon and look to add another veteran or two in the defensive backfield through free agency or trade.
2. Extend Will Fries
You don't see good teams allow homegrown offensive linemen to leave in free agency often. The Colts' best path to competitiveness next season is to build one of the most dominant run teams in the league and hope quarterback Anthony Richardson grows enough to make the offense even better.
Extending Will Fries before he hits free agency would help them hit all of those goals. He just finished the fourth year of his rookie contract. Even though he injured his leg he's proved himself worthy of a new deal.
The 26-year-old earned the fourth-highest grade among all guards graded by PFF this year. It would make a lot of sense to get him locked up on a long-term deal ASAP.
3. Add a Dynamic Tight End
The Colts have to walk away from the 2025 season with a better sense of what Richardson can do. He was always going to be a project that was going to take multiple years to develop, but they can't continue to invest in the quarterback if he doesn't show proper progress.
There's only so much they can do to get Richardson to develop. However, they need to make sure they do those things. One thing would include adding a dynamic tight end to the roster. Shane Steichen's RPO-heavy offense would benefit from a tight end who can act like a true seam threat or a run-after-catch weapon.
Trading for someone like Kyle Pitts or landing one of the top tight ends in this class could unlock a new level for the offense.
Jacksonville Jaguars
15 of 32
2024 Record: 4-13
1. Fix the Secondary
Many of the Jaguars' offensive woes can be chalked up to Trevor Lawrence's play and health throughout the season. The defense was just a mess that started with the secondary. The Jags gave up the second-highest passer rating to opposing quarterbacks in the league and it came down to a mixture of scheme and lack of talent.
The Jags already addressed the first part of that. Anthony Campile will be coming on as new head coach Liam Coen's defensive coordinator. The talent acquisition part can start in March when they should be targeting at least one veteran cornerback and their top draft targets should be Will Johnson and Travis Hunter.
2. Move on from Some Veterans to Refresh Some Positions
The Jaguars aren't in dire straits or anything, but they can definitely take a look at releasing or trading a few players to get their books in order. Christian Kirk is the most notable example.
Now that the Jaguars have fired Trent Baalke and Doug Pederson, the roster has little to no connection to the new coaching staff and front office. The new GM will have the opportunity to move on from Kirk to create $10.4 million in cap space. Others who could be on the chopping block are Evan Engram and Travis Etienne Jr.
Getting rid of some of those underperfoming or aging players would allow the new general manager to target new blood and generate some optimism for 2025.
3. Draft Some Interior Offensive Line Help
The Jaguars had a lot of issues on offense last season, but they were 19th in run block win rate and 25th in pass block win rate, per ESPN. It's hard to have a good offense with the offensive line performing at that level.
The Jags have a pair of young tackles in Walker Little and Anton Harrison who should get better, but the interior is aging with Mitch Morse (32) at center and Brandon Scherff (33) at right guard.
If the Jaguars are rolling with Morse and Scherff for one more season, then their replacements should be on the roster this season. Grey Zabel would be a good prospect to target for his versatility on Day 2. Donovan Jackson and Wyatt Milum wouldn't be bad choices, either.
Kansas City Chiefs
16 of 32
2024 Record: 15-2
1. Figure Out the Left Tackle Position
Either Wanya Morris or Kingsley Suamataia were supposed to take over the left tackle job this season. Instead, Joe Thuney had to kick out to tackle for the final stretch of the season. The Chiefs tried to sign D.J. Humphries as a veteran replacement for their two young tackles.
Tackles can take a while to develop and Suamataia just turned 22 in January. It's far too early to declare him a bust, but the Chiefs coaching staff really needs to figure out if he'll be ready to assume the mantle next season. If not, they have to get aggressive to find a reliable solution at left tackle.
2. Re-Sign Trey Smith
The Chiefs learned early in Patrick Mahomes' tenure that putting a good offensive line in front of their quarterback is crucial. Since then, they've paid up and used high draft picks to build up their offensive line.
One of the more challenging parts of building the offensive line will be retaining talent as they age out of their rookie contracts. The Chiefs were proactive in making sure Creed Humphrey was signed to an extension. They've let Smith's contract situation get to the point where it's a real possibility he gets to the market.
That would be a mistake, though. Smith will be 26 next season and is coming off his first Pro Bowl campaign. While Kansas City has a lot of expensive players on the payroll, it would be worth it for the team to carve out space to sign Smith.
Joe Thuney could be released or traded to create $16 million in space. That could be the move to make to ensure they get to keep Smith.
3. Continue Investing in the Receiver Room
The Chiefs essentially made the bet that Mahomes and Andy Reid were good enough at their jobs to make up for a lack of weapons when they traded away Tyreek Hill in the 2021 season. It's a bet that has clearly paid off, but it hasn't been easy. The Chiefs offense has regressed in back-to-back seasons as more has been put on the quarterback's plate.
The return of a healthy Rashee Rice and the development of Xavier Worthy should help, but DeAndre Hopkins is set to become a free agent and the Chiefs need to continue to add receivers to the roster to maximize the ceiling of the offense.
Las Vegas Raiders
17 of 32
2024 Record: 4-13
1. Find a Starting Quarterback
The Raiders made this a bit harder on themselves by winning two out of their final three games, but the Silver and Black will still need to find a quarterback. Gardner Minshew II and Aidan O'Connell both showed they can't be considered the starter going into the 2025 season, even if Las Vegas isn't ready to contend.
New general manager John Spytek will have multiple avenues to pursue. If there's enough belief in Shedeur Sanders, they might have the ammo to make a team like the Cleveland Browns listen to a trade offer ahead of the draft.
If they aren't convinced about Sanders or Cam Ward, then a trade for a veteran might make sense. They'll want to keep a close eye on the Sam Darnold situation in Minnesota. Matthew Stafford and Geno Smith could be trade targets.
2. Add a No. 1 Receiver
The Raiders need to upgrade the receiving corps regardless of who is going to be throwing the ball.
Trading away Davante Adams was a smart move based on the team's status, but he left a glaring need in the receiving corps. Brock Bowers has a chance to be a special tight end and Jakobi Meyers is great No. 2 option. Adding one more dynamic receiver could really round out this group for Pete Carroll.
The Raiders have plenty of cap space to take on a big contract, so they should be looking at anyone who is struggling to get a big deal from their team. That would obviously include Tee Higgins, but Chris Godwin would be another player to watch and even Stefon Diggs could be a difference-maker in an offense that needs one.
3. Add a Leader for the Secondary
Of the five defensive backs who led the Raiders in defensive snaps this season, Jack Jones (27) was the oldest. He was also in his first full season as an NFL starter. The secondary was incredibly young, and it showed. The Raiders gave up 29 passing touchdowns and were in the bottom 10 of just about every passing statistic.
Carroll bringing back Patrick Graham as defensive coordinator should help those players progress. However, it would be wise for the Raiders to bring in at least one veteran who can provide some stability to the unit. Charvarius Ward would be an ideal target at corner while Kansas City's Justin Reid might be a good choice at safety.
Los Angeles Chargers
18 of 32
2024 Record: 11-6
1. Find a Running Mate for Ladd McConkey
Wide receiver was the biggest question on the Chargers roster going into the season. Fortunately, Ladd McConkey was ready for a huge role as a rookie and ended up leading the way with 82 receptions for 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns. Quentin Johnston showed some growth in his second season, but it wasn't enough for L.A. to move on from its need at receiver.
Ideally, the Chargers will be able to add a second receiver to complement McConkey. They would be an attractive landing spot for Tee Higgins, Chris Godwin or Amari Cooper. Those are the three top receivers in our latest free-agent rankings and any of them would give L.A. an element in the passing game it doesn't have right now.
2. Figure Out the Edge-Rusher Room
The duo of Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa has been one of the most expensive pass-rushing tandems in the league the last few years. This might be the offseason where it becomes too difficult to justify the cost. Mack is set to hit free agency at 33 years old and Bosa is scheduled to cost $36.4 million, but the team can clear $25.4 million by trading or releasing him.
The Chargers started the process of rebuilding the room already by drafting Tuli Tuipulotu in the second round of the 2022 draft. However, this is a new regime and they'll likely want to bring in players that fit their vision for the defense.
3. Upgrade the Tight End Position
General manager Joe Hortiz and head coach Jim Harbaugh made it clear they were going to value the tight end position in their first offseason. They used the little free-agent budget they had to sign Will Dissly, but now they have the resources to get even better at the position. There's a strong group of TEs in this year's draft, and Harbaugh should be especially familiar with Michigan tight end  Colston Loveland.
The free-agent class is a little light at the position, but the Chargers could also explore the trade market. Kyle Pitts, Evan Engram and Tyler Higbee would all be interesting trade targets. Either way, a pass-catching tight end could help Greg Roman and Jim Harbaugh take the offense to the next level.
Los Angeles Rams
19 of 32
2024 Record: 10-7
1. Extend Mathew Stafford
Matthew Stafford is the great wild card who will determine what the Rams' offseason looks like. He has two years left on his contract and they both carry massive dead cap charges if he retires, gets traded or even released.
The Rams should be going to the bargaining table and seeing if they can get the two-time Pro Bowler to agree to a deal that carries some void years to spread out his massive cap hits into the future.Â
If they can't come to an agreement, then finding a succession plan for Stafford becomes a top priority. Stafford is 37 years old, but he didn't see too big of a dip in his production this season. Getting him to commit to an extension would ensure he retires as a Ram and the franchise has more flexibility with his contract moving forward.Â
2. Re-Sign OT Alaric Jackson
Life in the NFL is hard when your biggest need is left tackle. The Rams are going to find that out if they don't come to an agreement to re-sign Alaric Jackson. He enjoyed a breakout season this season and was ranked 18th among all tackles graded by PFF this year.Â
Spotrac projects that the 26-year-old's market value is a three-year, $47.9 million contract that averages $16 million annually. If that's close to what he will accept, the Rams should have done it as soon as possible. The amount of teams that would love to have a young left tackle with Jackson's production over the last two seasons would surely inflate his value on the open market.Â
3. Acquire a Prime Cornerback
The Rams have leaned heavily into their ability to draft and develop on defense. They've rebuilt the unit on the fly with a ton of draft picks who have mostly panned out. However, their luck at corner has kind of run out. They relied on Darious Williams and Ahkello Witherspoon to hold down large roles, and it led to a pass defense that was in the bottom 10 in passer rating allowed.Â
The Rams could turn to the draft. Jahdae Barron and Benjamin Morrison are among the prospects who might be available when they are on the clock with the 26th pick. But that would be depending on a rookie to come in and fix an entire position group right away. That move would still need to be paired with targeting a corner in free agency or through the trade market. D.J. Reed is the top corner on Kris Knox's latest free-agent big board. However, Paulson Adebo could be another name to watch as he's only going to be 26 next season.Â
Miami Dolphins
20 of 32
2024 Record: 8-9
1. Fix the Interior of the Offensive Line
Mike McDaniel's offense is predicated on being able to run the ball. For all the talk of Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, the Dolphins have typically had an electric ground game as the basis of the offense. This year, that ground game was impacted by a less-than-ideal pair of guards. Liam Eichenberg was ranked 106th among all the guards graded by PFF, while Robert Jones ranked 94th.
The Dolphins have to protect Tagovailoa and reignite their run game if they are going to break through in 2025. That means looking for a pair of starting guards on a budget. Hitting on one in the draft would be huge and finding a value on the free-agent market could help them go 2-for-2.
2. Add Some Youth on the Defensive Line
The Dolphins were fortunate that Zach Sieler was able to pick up some of the slack created by Christian Wilkins' departure. He had a breakout season with 10 sacks, but he's also already 29 years old and the Dolphins had to lean on 38-year-old Calais Campbell to play a lot of reps on the inside.
Miami needs a youth movement along the defensive line. Moving on from Bradley Chubb on the outside to give Chop Robinson and Jaelan Phillips a chance to carry the unit while utilizing the draft to add interior defensive lineman would be a good development for the future of the defense.
3. Upgrade the Backup Quarterback Position
It's an unfortunate reality that the Dolphins will see their backup quarterback start a few games every year. Tagovailoa has played all 17 games just once in his five-year career. His injury history at Alabama was a concern, and those worries have played out in the NFL.
This year, the Dolphins went 2-4 in the games Tagovailoa didn't start. Tyler Huntley went 2-3 while Skylar Thompson lost his only start of the season. The Dolphins have enough weapons that they should be able to win games if they have a high-level backup. Whether that's signing an established veteran like Jimmy Garoppolo or trading for a younger option looking for a fresh start like Will Levis, Miami needs a second QB who can win a few games.
Minnesota Vikings
21 of 32
2024 Record: 14-3
1. Maintain Flexibility with Sam Darnold
The Vikings have a lot of options with Sam Darnold heading into the offseason. They need to keep it that way. He obviously put together a good season after signing a one-year deal with the Vikings last offseason. The worst thing they could do is sign him to a long-term deal with a ton of guaranteed money that will be hard to offload if he's unable to replicate his success.
At the same time, letting the 27-year-old simply walk would be a massive risk. They would only get a third-rounder in the compensatory formula, and it wouldn't happen until 2026.
The Vikings need to try to hammer out a 2-3 year extension with the flexibility to move on from it. If Darnold isn't willing to do that, then the franchise tag might be the best option. That would allow them to either use him as a bridge for one more season or trade him for picks in this year's draft.
2. Retain Byron Murphy Jr. and Add At Least One More Corner
The Vikings are in a scary spot with their secondary. They just put together a great season with Brian Flores as the defensive coordinator, but Byron Murphy Jr., Stephon Gilmore and Shaq Griffin are all set to become free agents.
Murphy is the most valuable of the trio. The 27-year-old just had his first Pro Bowl season and is a perfect fit in Flores' defense.
They can probably let Gilmore and Griffin walk, though. That would open up a roster spot for at least one more corner like Carlton Davis or Paulson Adebo to fit into the roster. That would allow the Vikings to have some continuity while breaking in a younger cornerback group next season.
3. Bring in Competition for the Interior Offensive Line
The Vikings have the tackle positions figured out on the offensive line. Unfortunately, they can't have the same confidence with the interior. Ed Ingram was benched in favor of Dalton Risner this season, and the competition between Walter Rouse and Blake Brandel on the left side isn't all that inspiring. Risner is a free agent, so the Vikes will have make a decision on whether he's coming back.
The bottom line is that both guard spots could be up for grabs this summer and center Garrett Bradbury shouldn't have much job security, either. This draft class has 11 interior offensive line prospects who have a grade of 7.0 or higher from B/R scout Brandon Thorn. A 7.0 is the threshold for a potential starter in our grading scale.
New England Patriots
22 of 32
2024 Record: 4-13
1. Add a Defensive Star in the Draft
The Patriots' priorities will be on full display on draft night when we see what they do with the fourth overall pick. There's a case to be made that they should be looking to trade down given the dearth of talent on the roster, but that might not be the case once they are able to spend their massive cap space on free agents.
Either way, New England could have its option of the top receiver, interior defensive lineman, edge-rusher or cornerback in the draft when it is on the clock.
Receiver and offensive line are real needs. But finding a defensive star should be the top priority this offseason. Drake Maye is the building block for the offense. Outside of Christian Barmore, it's hard to nail down who that player is on defense. Mike Vrabel knows the importance of a championship defense. The Pats need to come away with a foundation this offseason.
2. Find Drake Maye's No. 1 Target
The Patriots haven't had the right answer at quarterback since Tom Brady left New England. They do now. Maye did more than enough in his rookie season to build hype and hope that he's the long-term answer at the position. The only problem is the Patriots don't have other answers.
One of the biggest things they need is a go-to receiver. Surrounding a rookie quarterback with playmakers is one of the most important things a team can do and 30-year-old Hunter Henry was Maye's most productive receiver last season. Landing Tee Higgins would be the ideal situation, but utilizing their $123.8 million in cap space to land a pricey vet should be in play if they miss out on him.
3. Retool the Offensive Line
Putting Maye against NFL defenses behind the Patriots offense was borderline negligence in 2024. They were 31st in pass-block win rate and 32nd in run-block win rate, per ESPN. The rookie QB was sacked 34 times in 13 games.
The tackle spots were the most glaring issues. Demontrey Jacobs had more blown blocks than anyone in the league, per Sports Info Solutions. Vederian Lowe actually carried a respectable pass-block grade from PFF, but he had one of the worst run block grades in the league.
Older veterans like Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses could be useful additions, but the Pats should also be looking to draft another tackle. Armand Membou and Josh Simmons are the top two on our board, but there are a lot of intriguing options in this year's class.
New Orleans Saints
23 of 32
2024 Record: 5-12
1. Get the Books in Order
For years, the Saints have been one of the most aggressive managers of the cap. They make it an annual exercise to restructure and extend contracts just to get back in the black and create a giant cap space bill to tackle the next offseason.
It's a good strategy for team's with owners who don't mind shelling out huge bonus checks to gain short-term cap space.
The problem is that there is inevitably homegrown talent that gets out the door. The Saints have lost plenty of talented players because they couldn't afford to keep them while paying out massive dead cap charges to players who aren't even on the roster. For instance, Michael Thomas counted for $11.2 million against the cap this season. It's time for the Saints to eat their vegetables and do what they can to create cap flexibility in the future.
2. Move on from Derek Carr
How the Saints handle Derek Carr this offseason is a more tangible way to look at their cap issues. He's set to cost the team $51.5 million against the cap. Restructuring his contract could free up $31 million in cap space, but it gets pushed into future years of his deal.
Trading the 33-year-old before June 1 would give them $11.3 million while waiting until June 1 would give $40 million while diving up the dead money between 2025 and 2026.
Simply releasing him would be the most painful move. He would create a $50.1 million dead cap charge, but then he would be completely off the books in 2026.
Either way, New Orleans has to give itself a real chance at rebuilding and Carr will be 34 next season. The Saints should be OK with taking their lumps this season as they rebuild with Kellen Moore likely serving as head coach.
3. Continue Youth Movement on the Defensive Line
We'll stick with the theme of getting younger and cheaper here. The Saints seem to have found an interior disruptor in Bryan Bresee. They'll need to continue hitting on front seven draft picks if they are to rebuild the defense. Cameron Jordan's production continued to crater in 2024 and Carl Granderson isn't a dominant edge-rusher. It's unlikely the Saints will be able to re-sign Chase Young and he probably isn't the answer, either.
New Orleans should be looking to add a pass-rusher early in the draft. It's probably drafting too late for Abdul Carter, but Mike Green, Nic Scourton and James Pearce Jr. are all intriguing options who might make sense in a trade-back scenario.
New York Giants
24 of 32
2024 Record: 3-14
1. Get a Quarterback Who Can Win Now
It was a bit surprising to see both head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen survive the end of the season. They will get at least one more year to show they are the right men to get the Giants headed in the right direction, but it feels like 2025 is a make-or-break year. That doesn't necessarily bode well for a team that is in contention to land either Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders.
The reality is that neither of the rookies are guaranteed to hit the ground running. As we saw with Caleb Williams, it can be difficult for a quarterback to come in and flip a franchise around like Jayden Daniels did this season. That means the Giants' quarterback search needs to be multi-pronged.
Even if they land one of the top rookies in the draft, they should be taking a look at potential free-agent quarterbacks such as Sam Darnold or possible trade targets like Derek Carr.
2. Overhaul the Cornerback Room
The Giants had one of the worst pass defenses in the league last season, giving up a passer rating of 103.1. The fact that the group only generated five interceptions all season didn't make things any easier.
New York had a really young group of corners this season with Adoree' Jackson being the lone exception. He is now set to be a free agent, and the Giants really just need new blood.
The free-agent class could provide some help. Rasul Douglas is a veteran with a good track record who could make sense. They could also spring for a more expensive option like Byron Murphy Jr. who is coming off a strong season with the Vikings. There's also the prospect of drafting Travis Hunter as a cornerback if the Giants aren't going to land either of the quarterbacks.
3. Add to the Interior of the Defensive Line
Working with the idea that this could be a make-or-break season for both Daboll and Schoen, it might be in their best interest to take one of the team's biggest strengths to an elite level.
The Giants have a lot of needs, but the defensive line is the closest thing they have to an elite position group. Kayvon Thibodeaux could still take another step, but pairing him with Brian Burns and potentially re-signing Azeez Ojulari gives them a trio of talented of edge-rushers. Dexter Lawrence is still one of the most uniquely talented nose tackles in the league.
Unforunately, the Giants traded away Leonard Williams, leaving them with a bit of a hole in the middle of the defense. Utilizing a draft pick and some cap space to add at least two more dynamic defenders to rotate on the inside could give them the kind of defensive line that can wreck games.
New York Jets
25 of 32
2024 Record: 5-12
1. Figure out the Best Way to Part Ways with Aaron Rodgers
Dianna Russini, Zack Rosenblatt and Jenna West of The Athletic dropped an important nugget on Super Bowl Sunday. The trio reported the Jets are expected to part ways with Aaron Rodgers after team owner Woody Johnson discussed with the new coaching staff what they should do with the veteran quarterback.
It makes sense. Glenn will look to establish his own culture and vision for the team and that's hard to do amid a forced marriage with a quarterback with as much gravitas as Rodgers. The question is how they plan on doing it.
Whether they find a trade, utilize a post-June 1 cut or just outright release him, things are about to get costly. It really comes down to whether the Jets just want to eat around a $49 million dead cap charge this season and get it over with or or spread out the damage over two seasons.
2. Make Garrett Wilson Happy
If you were to rank the most important players to the future of the New York Jets on the roster right now, it would be hard to argue Garrett Wilson isn't at or near the top of the list.
The 24-year-old is coming off his third consecutive 1,000-yard season and is the most promising offensive weapon they have. Rodgers and Davante Adams obviously have a lot of history, but the former doesn't have much longer in the league and the latter may not be interested in the Jets without Rodgers.
That being said, the Jets need to make sure that Wilson is happy. The receiver expressed some frustration with his involvement in the offense toward the end of the season. He also publicly stated he didn't have an issue with Rodgers despite rumors that he would request a trade if the 41-year-old is the quarterback next season.
The bottom line is that new head coach Aaron Glenn needs to establish a good relationship with Wilson from the jump and the front office should start working on an extension.
3. Replace D.J. Reed
Glenn got the head coaching gig for his track record of putting together good defenses. However, his 2023 Lions unit struggled because he didn't have the corners to play man-to-man. Detroit responded by completely overhauling its cornerback room, and the team was much better in 2024.
The Jets already have a great foundational piece for Glenn's secondary in Sauce Gardner, but D.J. Reed made it clear during the season that he was looking forward to not being a Jet. That leaves a critical opening New York has to get right.
The Jets have to find an athletic corner who can run with opposing receiver in man coverage so Glenn can hit the ground running.
Philadelphia Eagles
26 of 32
2024 Record: 14-3
1. Make the Right Offensive Coordinator Hire
The Eagles' run to the Super Bowl demonstrated just how important it can be to find the right coordinators. They went from one of the most miserable finishes of the 2023 season to making a championship run in 2024. Hiring Kellen Moore to run the offense and Vic Fangio to run the defense were among the most important decisions Philadelphia made last offseason.
Now it looks like the Eagles might have to find a new offensive coordinator. Kellen Moore is expected to become the new New Orleans Saints head coach. There has been buzz about the 36-year-old becoming a head coach for a few seasons now so it would make sense that a Super Bowl win would push him over the top.
However, it leaves a critical role open for the Eagles. Nick Sirianni has proved he's better as a CEO-type head coach who can give play-calling duties to the right coordinator.
2. Replace Josh Sweat in the Draft
It's hard to keep a championship roster together. It's part of what made the Chiefs even making it to three consecutive Super Bowls impressive.
The Eagles have experienced the attrition, too. They will undoubtedly feel it again as Zack Baun, Josh Sweat and Milton Williams are all set to be free agents after playing major roles on defense.
Sweat feels like the least likely to be brought back. He had 2.5 sacks in the Super Bowl and has played for the Eagles for seven seasons. However, he's also 28 years old and might be looking at his last time to cash in before hitting 30. The Eagles might have to let him go and hope they can find another pass-rusher to develop in the draft.
3. Add another Running Back
The Eagles' decision to add Saquon Barkley in the offseason paid off big-time. He just put together one of the best running back seasons of all time and played a huge role in getting them to the Super Bowl. However, the reality is that they are rolling the dice on his health next season.
The 28-year-old led the league in carries by 20 in the regular season and added 66 more attempts in the postseason. That's over 400 attempts between the regular season and playoffs.
Drafting a dynamic running back might not seem like it should be a big priority for Philly, but it would actually be a cost-efficient way to take some of the workload off Barkley in 2025. That could be critical as the Eagles begin the hard work of repeating as champs.
Pittsburgh Steelers
27 of 32
2024 Record: 10-7
1. Show Long-Term Vision for the Quarterback Position
The latest reporting indicates the Steelers have yet to make up their mind about Russell Wilson and Justin Fields moving into 2025. They got both quarterbacks at incredible discounts last season, but they will be significantly more expensive to keep around. There's a case to be made for either of them returning to the roster next season.
Fields presents a higher chance of finding their quarterback of the future. The 25-year-old was 4-2 as the starter and scored 10 total touchdowns to just one interception. However, Wilson could be the better starter in 2025. If the Steelers go that route, they should also be taking a shot on a young quarterback who could be developed for starting responsibilities in 2026.
2. Find a Joey Porter Jr. Running Mate
The Steelers obviously have a big decision at quarterback, but there are a lot of options that could work. The team has no choice but to upgrade the starting cornerback spot opposite Joey Porter Jr. Pittsburgh has been a tough out every year regardless of quarterback play because of its defense.
The Steelers will need to find an answer at cornerback to maximize their defense next season. Porter continued to grow into his role as a shutdown corner this season, but Donte Jackson is set to become a free agent.
Jackson played well in the role so bringing him back would be a good option, but there are others who could be in free agency as well. Rasul Douglas and D.J. Reed are among those names.
3. Find a Legitimate WR2
George Pickens is going to make life easier for whoever is playing quarterback for the Steelers. He has already shown he's one of the league's premier deep threats. If the team could find another dynamic playmaker, it could go a long way toward helping the 23-year-old produce even more.
Roman Wilson could conceivably develop into the kind of player the Steelers need. But it's too big of a need to simply rely on a massive Year 2 jump from him.
Instead, Pittsburgh might want to start working the phones for a Deebo Samuel trade or gear up for the pursuit of a receiver like Chris Godwin in free agency. A receiver who can win as a YAC specialist and intermediate areas of the field would pair well with Pickens.
San Francisco 49ers
28 of 32
2024 Record: 6-11
1. Don't Overcommit to Brock Purdy
Brock Purdy's contract situation is one of the most unique in the league right now. On one hand, he has shown he can win in San Francisco. He went 17-4 as the starter in his first two seasons with another four wins coming in the postseason.
However, there's a lot to be said for the infrastructure of the franchise. Kyle Shanahan is one of the league's best play-callers, Purdy is surrounded with high-caliber weapons and Trent Williams protects his blindside.
Now Purdy is up for a contract extension. Generally getting your quarterback under contract as soon as possible is the move, but the Niners shouldn't necessarily be in a hurry. The 25-year-old's numbers plummeted this season and the team would be justified in holding off on handing him an extension. At the very least, they need to be wary of giving him too much guaranteed money and making it difficult to get out of his contract after two years.
2. Retain or Replace Charvarius Ward
Charvarius Ward had easily the worst year of his tenure with the Niners. The corner gave up a passer rating of 116.6 when targeted and five touchdowns through the air. Whether that's a product of him approaching 29 years old or the general breakdown of the defense under Nick Sorensen's watch is best determined by the 49ers.
The organization's answer to that question will determine its direction at cornerback. The former Chief is set to hit free agency, and the Niners will have to decide if they want to re-sign him at a discounted rate after his struggles or go in a completely different direction. Perhaps D.J. Reed would be interested in a reunion with new defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.
3. Build their Defensive Line Depth Through the Draft
Robert Saleh is back as the defensive coordinator and a commitment to getting after the quarterback with the front four should follow. The 49ers have used just one Day 1 or 2 pick in the last four drafts. That needs to change this offseason.
Drake Jackson only has six sacks since being drafted in 2022. Joey Bosa isn't getting any younger and the Niners could be betting too much on Yetur Gross-Matos really upping his game.
Our latest mock draft has the 49ers targeting Walter Nolen in the first round. He would make a lot of sense, but going with an edge-rusher like Shemar Stewart or Nic Scourton would be logical, too.
Seattle Seahawks
29 of 32
2024 Record: 10-7
1. Refresh the Interior Offensive Line
The Seahawks have a young, exciting pair of tackles in Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas. If the latter can stay healthy, they should be set on the edge for a while. The interior trio is where some changes need to be made.
If the Atlanta Falcons let Drew Dalman hit the market, then the Seahawks should be among the first teams putting together an offer. The center would give Seattle a mauler in the run game who can hold up in pass protection.
The Seahawks could also stand to look at options at both guard spots. Will Fries would be a logical free agent target while Kelvin Banks Jr. is the draft target in our latest mock draft. Better blocking on the inside is the key that could unlock the Seattle offense next season.
2. Extend D.K. Metcalf
D.K. Metcalf is going to be a popular name in trade speculation throughout the offseason. That is, unless the Seahawks make the proactive move of signing the star receiver to a contract extension.
The 27-year-old is set to account for a $31.9 million cap hit and they have Jaxon Smith-Njigba as an emerging star at receiver. That doesn't mean moving on from Metcalf is the move, though.
Instead, the Seahawks could shave up to $13.5 million off of his 2025 cap hit with an extension. As questions arise about how long Geno Smith will be with the team, it would make sense to build the passing game around the duo of Smith-Njigba and Metcalf. An extension guarantees they have that option and helps them get under the salary cap.
3. Maintain Flexibility with Geno Smith
The Seahawks will also be at the center of speculation when it comes to Smith. Right now, they could cut or trade the quarterback to create $31 million in cap space. That's not ideal because it is unclear how they would replace him at this point, but the fact that they have options is nice.
The Seahawks need to do what they can to make sure they have similar flexibility in 2026. Smith is 34 years old and threw 15 interceptions last season. A contract extension would allow Seattle to reduce the cap hit this season, but it would need to be structured in a way where it would still have an out if it wants to move on in 2026.
If Smith isn't agreeable to that idea, then a smaller restructure to create some breathing room could be the right decision.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
30 of 32
2024 Record: 10-7
1. Get Aggressive to Find an Edge-Rusher
Todd Bowles' defense is going to blitz and bring pressure from everywhere. But it's still concerning that YaYa Diaby led all Bucs edge-rushers with 4.5 sacks last season.
Calijah Kancey led the team with 7.5 and Vita Vea chipped in another seven, but it would still be nice for Tampa to have at least one edge-rusher who can consistently win one-on-one matchups.
Fortunately for the Bucs, there should be a few good ones available in free agency or trade. Azeez Ojulari is ranked sixth overall on Kris Knox's free-agency big board. Josh Sweat (13th) and Khalil Mack (14th) aren't far behind. Finding a legitimate matchup-winner on the outside could elevate Bowles' defense.
2. Add to the Cornerback Room
There's a reason Knox identified the Bucs as a potential suitor for Charvarius Ward in his free-agency rankings. He struggled last season, but he is an excellent press corner at his best.
The Buccaneers should be looking to add depth and competition to the room. Jamel Dean has been a good starter, but Zyon McCollum was often picked on in coverage.
McCollum is only 25 so he could improve next season, but the Bucs are still likely to be looking for competition. The overall depth of the secondary was a problem, and Tampa was in the bottom 10 of just about every pass defense metric last season. This is a position to watch in the draft as well.
3. Re-Sign or Replace Chris Godwin
Tampa has a tough decision to make regarding Chris Godwin. On one hand, he was putting up big numbers before a dislocated ankle ended his season. On the other, he's now a 29-year-old receiver looking for his third contract coming off a major injury.
Jalen McMillan did some good things in his rookie season, but it's asking a lot for him to take over Godwin's role in a full-time capacity.
Baker Mayfield has played well in Tampa, but he's also benefitted from the duo of Mike Evans and Godwin for much of his tenure. It's important Tampa continues to give him a few notable playmakers.
If the Buccaneers aren't sure about Godwin returning to a high level, then another free agent such as Amari Cooper needs to be in play.
Tennessee Titans
31 of 32
2024 Record: 3-14
1. Get the No. 1 Pick Right
The Tennessee Titans ended up with the No. 1 pick in a year when there was plenty of competition for the distinction. They sit in the driver's seat with a few real options in the months leading up to the big day.
Our latest mock projects the Titans taking Cam Ward. He's our top-rated quarterback and it would make sense. However, Shedeur Sanders will have his supporters and the potential haul of trading back should be considered as well.
There are a lot of avenues the Titans could make and their decision will be the most important of the offseason. General managers' jobs can hang in the balance and new Tampa GM Mike Borgonzi will certainly be judged by what he does in this spot.
2. Find a Starting Right Tackle
Improving the right tackle position will be really important for the Titans regardless of who is at quarterback. They have tried a few different solutions, but it was Nicholas Petit-Frere who played their the most. He surrendered 10 sacks and carried a dreadful PFF grade of 46.5.
Jaelyn Duncan could be an option, but the Titans really need to target someone else to compete for a spot. Either one of the Texas tackles, Kelvin Banks Jr. or Cameron Williams, along with Boston College's Ozzy Trapilo could be Day 2 picks who would make sense. An older free agent like Morgan Moses would give them a safe floor at the position too.
3. Upgrade the Pass Rush
Harold Landry III and Arden Key have been at the forefront of the Titans' pass rush over the last few seasons. However, the results were abysmal in 2024. They were 31st in pressure percentage and only posted 32 sacks.
Fortunately, Tennessee is well-positioned to change its pass rush. It has a ton of cap space to pursue the likes of Josh Sweat, Haason Reddick or Malcolm Koonce.
Washington Commanders
32 of 32
2024 Record: 12-5
1. Get a Premier Edge-Rusher
The Commanders' 2024 turnaround was remarkable.
While Jayden Daniels and Kliff Kingsbury get a lot of the credit on offense, the defensive transformation was a testament to Dan Quinn's ability to get the most out of his personnel. He could make his life a lot easier by upgrading his group of edge-rushers this offseason.
Dante Fowler Jr. and Frankie Luvu led the way this year, but the former is going to be 31 next season and the latter is a part-time edge-rusher who also plays off the ball. The Commanders are going to be among the teams with the biggest cap-space budget. They have the resources and motivation to take a big swing at the position.
2. Find an Elite No. 2 Receiver
Again, the Commanders will have one of the biggest cap-space budgets this offseason and plenty reason to get aggressive. They have a wide-open window to compete with Daniels on his rookie contract. He lit up the league as a rookie with Terry McLaurin as his only truly elite receiver. A 34-year-old Zach Ertz was the team's second-leading receiver.
Washington should be in on every big-play receiver who could be available this season. That includes free agents like Tee Higgins and Chris Godwin, but it also includes potential trade targets such as D.K. Metcalf or Deebo Samuel.
The Commanders are now a very attractive landing spot for receivers and they need to take advantage.
3. Balance Continuity with Roster Development
The Commanders have a ton of cap space, but they will still find it challenging to bring back all of the important pieces from last year's playoff team. General manager Adam Peters signed a ton of players to one-year contracts to instantly improve the roster, and now they have 29 pending free agents.
Peters will have to walk a tightrope between bringing those players back and keeping the team in a healthy cap situation. Players like Bobby Wagner (35), Zach Ertz (35) and Dante Fowler Jr. (31) will pose especially difficult questions because Peters will have to weigh their age and production.
Ultimately, the Commanders have to identify who is necessary to keep around to maintain their culture while picking the right spots to look for new blood.
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.jpg?w=600 "Strength of Schedule for Every Team")
.jpg?w=600 "Old Teams Eyeing Clowney")
.jpg?w=600 "Walker Knew He'd Leave Seahawks")
