2025 NFL Free Agency Guide, Top Needs for Every Team Before Tampering Window Opens

Get ready to be glued to your phone. NFL free agency is here.

Players won't officially be able to put pen to paper until 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, but the legal tampering window will open at noon ET on Monday.

In other words, we can expect to see a massive flood of contracts that will be agreed upon over the next few days.

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 examined potential cap casualties, trade assets and targets and initial team needs heading into the offseason. Going into free agency, B/R's Kristopher Knox put together a big board of the top 100 available free agents.

Here, we'll give a general overview for every team heading into free agency. We'll give a rundown of each team's cap situation, top pending free agents, trade assets and biggest needs before suggesting three potential signings for each franchise.

All salary-cap space and contract information via Over The Cap unless otherwise noted.

Arizona Cardinals

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Updated Salary-Cap Space: $78 million

Top Pending Free Agents: IOL Evan Brown, LB Kyzir White, OT Kelvin Beachum, DL L.J. Collier

Potential Trade Assets: QB Kyler Murray, OT Jonah Williams, LB Mack Wilson

Biggest Positions of Need: Edge-Rusher, Cornerback, Interior Defender

Overview

The Cardinals are in a really good spot to make a splash in free agency. They are coming off an 8-9 season and seem committed to the idea of building around Kyler Murray.

Money won't be an issue for the team right now. It's going to be among the leaders in cap space going into free agency.

General manager Monti Ossenfort seems to understand Arizona's position. He noted the team is "going to be active." The Cardinals have some key needs that happen to align with some of the better free agents who are available. It would be surprising to see them not make at least one major addition.

Potential Signing 1: Edge Azeez Ojulari

Jonathan Gannon is a defensive head coach trying to put a good unit on the field without a pass-rusher. That's the closest thing a defense can have to not having a quarterback.

The Eagles had one of the best pass rushes in the league when he was the defensive coordinator in Philadelphia, but they haven't been able to replicate that in the desert.

Azeez Ojulari is one of the most exciting free agents set to hit the market at this point. The 25-year-old was relegated to a rotational role with the Giants, but he finished the 2024 season with six sacks in 11 games.

Perhaps the Cardinals would be able to convince him to sign to join his brother—B.J. Ojulari—in the desert.

Potential Signing 2: Edge Josh Sweat

It isn't likely the Cardinals can or will sign both Josh Sweat and Ojulari. They have a ton of cap space, but going all-in on two of the best pass-rushers in the free-agency class isn't something that really happens.

Sweat is the other realistic option. The veteran will turn 28 by the end of the month, so he's in that sweet spot where he can get one more big contract before turning 30.

His time with Gannon when they were both in Philadelphia could play a role in his recruitment. Sweat had his only Pro Bowl season with the Eagles when Gannon was the defensive coordinator.

Potential Signing 3: IOL Aaron Banks

Both Evan Brown and Will Hernandez are set to become free agents. The Cardinals could look to re-sign them, but they also have a shot to upgrade the position.

Arizona has the cap space to push its chips to the middle of the table and getting aggressive to sign a free agent would make sense.

That's why it comes as no surprise that ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported the Cardinals are among the teams who will be "lurking" in the guard market.

Aaron Banks will be one of the top interior blockers on the market. The Cardinals should have a lot of familiarity with him as they have seen him up close in the NFC West.

Atlanta Falcons

David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Updated Salary-Cap Space: -$5.3 million

Top Pending Free Agents: C Drew Dalman, S Justin Simmons, CB Dee Alford, CB Mike Hughes, Edge Matt Judon

Potential Trade Assets: DL Grady Jarrett, DL David Onyemata, QB Kirk Cousins

Biggest Positions of Need: Edge-Rusher, Cornerback, Linebacker

Overview

The Falcons aren't likely to be in on the biggest names this cycle. They'll enter the legal tampering period with a tight cap situation. Their situation with Kirk Cousins isn't likely to help matters, either.

Atlanta will have to balance re-signing a few key free agents while looking to strategically spend what little money it has to address key needs.

Potential Signing 1: DL Javon Kinlaw

It's fair to suspect the Falcons front seven is going to look very different by Week 1 of the 2025 season. Their need for edge-rusher help is well documented, and the duo of Grady Jarrett and David Onyemata are both older potential cap casualties.

Javon Kinlaw is no longer a young player at 27, but he isn't old, either. His experience with new Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich with the Jets could put him toward the top of the Falcons' wishlist.

Kinlaw isn't going to cost them a lot of money and signing him would enable them to potentially clear up more space by releasing or trading Jarrett or Onyemata.

Potential Signing 2: Edge Derek Barnett

The Falcons' cap situation isn't great, and the club probably needs to focus on re-signing Drew Dalman. However, it will still need to patch some holes in the roster, and focusing on a few veteran contributors who could be a value on the market is a way to do that.

Derek Barnett is a fit on paper. He has spent the last two seasons in Houston where he came into contact with new Falcons defensive line coach Nate Ollie.

The idea of following Ollie to Atlanta might be good enough to land the team a well-rounded defensive end to add to its rotation.

Potential Signing 3: CB Eric Stokes

Being short on cap space is going to force the Falcons to take some risks if they want to win the free-agency game this offseason. That means potentially taking a one-year flier on a player trying to prove himself.

One interesting name who fits that criteria could be Eric Stokes. The 2021 first-round pick had a solid rookie season with the Packers before injuries derailed his momentum. He played all 17 games last season, but he didn't look like the same player.

The Falcons need to find a starting corner to play across from A.J. Terrell. Bringing in the Georgia product might be a risk worth taking.

Baltimore Ravens

Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Updated Salary-Cap Space: $10.5 million

Top Pending Free Agents: CB Brandon Stephens, OL Patrick Mekari, S Ar'Darius Washington, FB Patrick Ricard

Potential Trade Assets: CB Marlon Humphrey, TE Mark Andrews, Edge David Ojabo

Biggest Positions of Need: Edge-Rusher, Cornerback, Interior Offensive Line

Overview

The Ravens aren't usually one to get too involved in making splashy free-agent signings. They tend to wait out the process and take advantage of the compensatory pick formula by initially losing more free agents than they gain and making a few key additions during or just before training camp.

That being said, they have a few key needs that could push them to get a little aggressive with the small budget they have.

Potential Signing 1: Edge Chase Young

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported there's a belief Ronnie Stanley and the Ravens will agree to an extension soon. If that's the case, it will allow Baltimore to pivot its attention to other needs. It will also eat into what little cap space it has available right now.

That's going to force the Ravens to be bargain-shoppers on the market. Targeting a younger player with an inconsistent history of production might be the best they can do.

That's where Chase Young comes in. The pass-rusher has never lived up to his billing as a 2020 second overall pick and Defensive Rookie of the Year. However, Baltimore could provide the right environment and system to get the 25-year-old on the right track.

Potential Signing 2: CB Kristian Fulton

Going from one Harbaugh to the other would make sense for Kristian Fulton. He had a good year with the Chargers and could be playing in a similar system if they don't want to bring him back.

Baltimore is relying a lot on Nate Wiggins staying healthy and figuring things out next season. He's slated to be the starter across from Marlon Humphrey.

However, allowing Humphrey to play slot snaps with either Fulton or Wiggins as the third corner would give them a lot more flexibility and injury resilience.

Potential Signing 3: WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine

Wide receiver isn't at the top of the priority list for the Ravens. The tight end tandem of Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely takes some of the burden off the receivers and the duo of Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman does most of the heavy lifting.

However, Nelson Agholor, Diontae Johnson and Tylan Wallace are all set to become free agents. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine isn't going to command a huge contract, and he would be an interesting piece as a 6'2", 211-pound ball-winner who caught nine touchdowns this season.

Buffalo Bills

Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Updated Salary-Cap Space: -$1.1 million

Top Pending Free Agents: WR Amari Cooper, CB Rasul Douglas, S Damar Hamlin, WR Mack Hollins

Potential Trade Assets: 2025 second-round pick, LB Matt Milano (post-June 1)

Biggest Positions of Need: Cornerback, Edge-Rusher, Linebacker

Overview

The Bills weren't big players in free agency and don't profile as a team who is going to make a ton of splashy moves now. They are one of the teams closest to toppling the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC, but they barely have any cap space right now.

However, they have a few moves that will create space. Von Miller has been cut, but that's not enough to create a massive budget, and they could make a few frugal additions.

Potential Signing 1: Edge Matthew Judon

The Bills would be wise to call up older free agents who might be prioritizing playing for a winner over getting a payday. Matthew Judon is a great example.

The 32-year-old played for some strong teams during his career and his stints with the Patriots and Falcons over the last few seasons could have him looking to rejoin a contender.

Buffalo is looking to replace Miller as part of its pass-rusher rotation. Everything the Bills do right now has to be pointed toward keeping up with the Chiefs and Ravens in the postseason. Signing Judon to a team-friendly deal would aid in that goal.

Potential Signing 2: WR Darius Slayton

Darius Slayton has been the best receiver on a few bad New York Giants teams. Maybe it's time he actually gets to be a role player on a good offense.

The 28-year-old has great deep speed and that's something Josh Allen can highlight. The Bills just extended Khalil Shakir and will look to get more out of Keon Coleman in his second year.

Targeting Slayton would give them more affordable depth at receiver as he could be a cheaper version of what they had in Amari Cooper after the trade deadline last season.

Slayton isn't as decorated as Cooper, but he could surprise in a good offense with a good quarterback.

Potential Signing 3: LB Lavonte David (re-signed with TB)

Unfortunately, Matt Milano's play and availability no longer match up with his cap hit. Injuries have slowed the veteran 'backer, and he's a decent candidate to be a post-June 1 cut. The Bills couldn't access the $9.6 million in cap savings until June 1.

If David takes a patient approach to free agency, then he could be targeted as a potential Milano replacement. He's 35 years old, but he's shown he still has enough juice to be a valuable starter on a one-year deal.

Carolina Panthers

Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

Updated Salary-Cap Space: $27.1 million

Top Pending Free Agents: S Xavier Woods, CB Michael Jackson Sr., TE Tommy Tremble, IOL Austin Corbett, IOL Brady Christensen

Potential Trade Assets: Edge Jadeveon Clowney, DL A'Shawn Robinson, WR Adam Thielen

Biggest Positions of Need: Center, Wide Receiver, Edge-Rusher

Overview

The Panthers come into free agency with a decent budget. They aren't flush with cap space, but they aren't strapped for cash, either.

The good news for fans is that both Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano of ESPN reported they expect Carolina to get aggressive in free agency.

That makes sense for where the Panthers are as a franchise. Dave Canales did some good things in his first year as head coach, and Bryce Young showed enough growth to be the starter this season, but they need to show even more improvement in 2025.

Potential Signing 1: S Jevon Holland

One of the first players Graziano mentioned in connection with the Panthers was the Miami Dolphins' Jevon Holland.

The ESPN writer expects Carolina to be in on the top safeties in the draft before specifically mentioning Holland and the Minnesota Vikings' Camryn Bynum.

We're going with Holland here based on the fact that he's ranked higher in our latest free-agent rankings at No. 4. That would allow the Panthers to get a young centerpiece to their secondary.

The 25-year-old is an excellent box safety who hits hard and will set the tone for the Panthers defense moving forward.

Potential Signing 2: DL Milton Williams

Graziano also mentioned Milton Williams as a potential target for Carolina.

There's a benefit to getting a good player from a Super Bowl-winning team, but there's also the tantalizing idea of pairing Williams with Derrick Brown. The Panthers defensive line is one of their biggest needs. An edge-rusher would be nice, but seeing them pair Williams with Brown would be the next-best thing.

Targeting the 25-year-old would give Carolina one of the best interior duos in the league while also adding a proven winner to help build its culture.

Potential Signing 3: C Drew Dalman

General manager Dan Morgan has already acknowledged the defense will be the primary priority for Carolina this offseason.

However, he also understands that success comes from building both offensive and defensive lines. The Panthers were aggressive in building the O-line and have solutions at just about every position.

Center is the lone exception. Austin Corbett is set to be a free agent, and Carolina could see it as a time to upgrade.

Drew Dalman is probably the best center on the market. The 26-year-old has built himself into a solid NFL starter in Atlanta and poaching a homegrown talent from their NFC South rival would be a double win for the Panthers.

Chicago Bears

Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Updated Salary-Cap Space: $45.7 million

Top Pending Free Agents: WR Keenan Allen, IOL Teven Jenkins, IOL Coleman Shelton, IOL Matt Pryor, TE Gerald Everett

Potential Trade Assets: S Kevin Byard, IOL Ryan Bates, TE Cole Kmet

Biggest Positions of Need: Edge, Cornerback, Offensive Tackle

Overview

The Bears have already made it clear they will be parting with some of their key free agents.

Trading for both Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney before the tampering period shows Chicago is comfortable with the oft-injured Teven Jenkins leaving. The same could be said for Coleman Shelton and Matt Pryor.

An overhaul of the receiving corps could be afoot as well. It feels like Keenan Allen is likely gone and Gerald Everett has been informed he'll be released. A youth movement around DJ Moore and Rome Odunze could be supplemented by a free-agent addition.

Potential Signing 1: OT Jedrick Wills Jr.

The Bears already made aggressive trades to land both Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney, but they might not be done making offensive-line moves.

The unit was a sore disappointment last season, and Braxton Jones' position as the starting left tackle should be in question. The Bears might not want to spend the money to bring in a veteran starter, but the Browns' 2020 first-round pick might be on the lookout for a one-year prove-it deal that appeals to Chicago.

Injuries and disappointing performance have sunk Wills' stock heading into free agency, but he has started 57 games and showed flashes of promise amid inconsistency.

The 25-year-old could come in and compete with Jones for the starting left tackle position.

Potential Signing 2: Edge Khalil Mack

Call it a comeback. The Chicago Bears need help on the edge, and Khalil Mack is a 34-year-old free agent who might be looking for a home after a successful season with the Los Angeles Chargers.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler mentioned Chicago as a team with "potential connections" to Mack. The most obvious connection is that he's already been a Bear once.

Mack was traded to the Chargers after an injury-marred 2021 season, but he has since gone on to earn Pro Bowl honors in each of the last three seasons. Teams will be concerned about his age, but he would be well worth a short-term contract.

Potential Signing 3: C Drew Dalman

You're likely to see Drew Dalman's name pop up a few times in this guide. There's good reason for that. He's one of the best offensive linemen available in this class, and his age (26) makes him an easy target to like for any team that has a need at the position.

After the Bears acquired Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney, center is one of the only remaining questions on the offensive line. Coleman Shelton is a free agent.

If the Bears want to continue their complete remodel of the offensive line, then it would stand to reason that they throw their hat in the ring for Dalman.

Cincinnati Bengals

Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Updated Salary-Cap Space: $51.7 million

Top Pending Free Agents: DL B.J. Hill, CB Mike Hilton, S Vonn Bell, IOL Cody Ford, Edge Joseph Ossai

Potential Trade Assets: WR Tee Higgins (tag and trade), Edge Trey Hendrickson, IOL Alex Cappa

Biggest Positions of Need: Edge-Rusher, Cornerback, Interior Defensive Line

Overview

There are two central questions to the Bengals offseason. The first is what is going to happen with Tee Higgins. The team has used the franchise tag on the receiver and reportedly wants to sign him to an extension. The other is how the Bengals go about remodeling a defense that tanked the team's stock last season.

Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo is out and Al Golden is in. Cincinnati has to upgrade each level of the defense, and some of those upgrades should come through free agency.

Potential Signing 1: Edge Dayo Odeyingbo

The Bengals have a lot of needs on defense, but edge-rusher vaulted to the top of the list with Sam Hubbard announcing his retirement ahead of free agency. He wasn't an electric pass-rusher, but he was a solid starter for seven years. Hendrickson has been great, but the team needs a sidekick.

Dayo Odeyingbo would be an underrated home run signing. The 25-year-old led the Colts with 50 quarterback pressures, per Next Gen Stats. Signing him would give them a young pass-rusher to usher in a new era of the defensive line as Hubbard retires and Hendrickson continues to age into his 30s.

Potential Signing 2: IOL Teven Jenkins

Most of the Bengals' focus should be on the defensive side of the ball, but the left guard position could be worth monitoring. Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reported that "fixing guard will be another point of emphasis" and "the free-agent guard class is being parsed through for a starting answer."

The Bears have unofficially moved on from Teven Jenkins by trading for both Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney. That's likely based on his injury history as he missed at least a few games in each season of his career. However, the 27-year-old is a starting caliber player the Bengals might be willing to take a shot on.

Potential Signing 3: DL Bobby Brown III

There's no question the interior defensive line needs some new blood in Cincinnati. Even if B.J. Hill wasn't a free agent, the Bengals weren't good enough against the run to just roll out the same players next season.

Bobby Brown III isn't going to be a headline-generating signing. He's a solid, 24-year-old nose tackle who does a good job of defending the run. That's something the Bengals could use moving forward.

Cleveland Browns

Nick Cammett/Getty Images

Updated Salary-Cap Space: $12.6 million

Top Pending Free Agents: OT Jedrick Wills Jr., WR Elijah Moore, RB Nick Chubb, S Rodney McLeod

Potential Trade Assets: OT Jack Conklin, CB Greg Newsome II, CB Martin Emerson

Biggest Positions of Need: Quarterback, Left Tackle, Wide Receiver

Overview

The Browns are still paying the price for the Deshaun Watson trade. The quarterback reinjured his Achilles and has an ambiguous timeline for return. Cleveland restructured his contract to create $36 million in cap space, but its aggressive handling of the salary cap leaves it with limited flexibility.

That could make things tricky as the Browns have some important gaps to fill. The franchise could seek a veteran quarterback to at least compete with a rookie, and there's the question of who will play at left tackle to consider.

Potential Signing 1: QB Russell Wilson

Kirk Cousins would be the most likely veteran quarterback signing for the Browns if he was in the free-agent pool. He isn't yet. The Falcons may ultimately release him, but right now they look prepared to make him the league's highest-paid backup.

Wilson is an overlooked match for the Browns, though. Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported that the Steelers are leaning toward re-signing Justin Fields over bringing back Wilson. That makes sense given Fields' age.

However, the Browns need a quarterback who's going to be good enough for Kevin Stefanski to save his job and go into the draft with flexibility at No. 2 overall.

Placing Wilson in a play-action heavy offense like the one Stefanski will look to employ could give him another year or two of being a productive NFL starter.

Potential Signing 2: WR Tyler Lockett

The Browns should be taking a look at their wide receiver corps regardless of who is playing quarterback. Improvements in the passing game are largely going to be on the quarterback, but Elijah Moore's pending free agency could open up an important role in the receiver room.

Tyler Lockett isn't going to be a long-term fix. The 32-year-old was a cut candidate for the Seahawks based on his age and compensation. However, adding a veteran who could team up with Jerry Jeudy to help bring along some younger receivers like Cedric Tillman could go a long way toward developing the Browns' passing game.

Potential Signing 3: LB Tyrel Dodson

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah's status for the 2025 season is up in the air. A serious neck injury last season leaves uncertainty as to when, or if, if the Browns will get him back and what he'll look like when he returns. Even if he is at full speed and returns in the middle of the season, the Browns would still need help at linebacker.

That's where a free agent like Tyrel Dodson could help. He isn't the most consistent run defender. He's prone to run around blocks and give up the occasional explosive run, but he's a good enough defender to run with receivers in secondary and that's where he could be valuable on a one-year deal.

Dallas Cowboys

Ron Jenkins/Getty Images

Updated Salary-Cap Space: $54.1 million

Top Pending Free Agents: LB Eric Kendricks, WR Brandin Cooks, CB Jourdan Lewis, DL Chauncey Golston, RB Rico Dowdle

Potential Trade Assets: S Donovan Wilson, DL Mazi Smith, Edge Micah Parsons

Biggest Positions of Need: Defensive Line, Wide Receiver, Left Tackle

Overview

The Cowboys created a ton of cap space by restructuring Dak Prescott's contract, but are they actually going to use it? They essentially sat out free agency last season behind the idea that they needed to reserve cash to re-sign or extend their homegrown stars.

Now all that's left to do is extend Micah Parsons. There's plenty of short-term cash available to extend the 25-year-old and add an impact player or two in free agency. It just depends on whether Jerry Jones is actually willing to open up the checkbook.

Potential Signing 1: WR Darius Slayton

The Cowboys could weaken a division rival and add a valuable role player in one fell swoop with this move. CeeDee Lamb is obviously the do-it-all No. 1 receiver, but Dallas desperately needs a vertical threat who can take the top off of the defense.

Slayton has been pigeonholed as the best receiver on a bad offense for a few seasons with the New York Giants. He would benefit from being dropped into an offense with a good quarterback and No. 1 wide receiver, and the Cowboys would benefit from his deep speed.

Potential Signing 2: OT Tyron Smith

There have been plenty of examples of a free agent leaving his team only to return a year later. A reunion between Tyron Smith and the Cowboys could be mutually beneficial for both parties.

The Jets are probably ready to start Olu Fashanu at left tackle, but Dallas might not feel the same about Tyler Guyton.

Bringing Smith back would not only be a feel-good story about the veteran returning home, but it would also give the Cowboys a higher floor at the left tackle position going into next year.

Smith is still playing at a high level. It's just the injuries that have been an issue. Signing the 34-year-old would give the Cowboys a year to see if Guyton can work out as the left tackle moving forward.

Potential Signing 3: DT B.J. Hill

The Cowboys are putting a lot of stock in Mazi Smith taking a leap in 2025 as it stands. They don't have a lot depth at defensive tackle, especially as it relates to run-stuffing tackles who can play nose.

B.J. Hill has lost a step, but his ability to take on double teams eat up space in the middle remains good enough that he could be part of the solution in Dallas. His age (29) should make him a relatively cheap option.

Denver Broncos

RJ Sangosti/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images

Updated Salary-Cap Space: $40.5 million

Top Pending Free Agents: DL D.J. Jones, LB Cody Barton, RB Javonte Williams, CB Ja'Quan McMillian, WR Lil'Jordan Humphrey

Potential Trade Assets: Edge John Franklin-Myers, WR Courtland Sutton, DL Malcolm Roach

Biggest Positions of Need: Running Back, Wide Receiver, Tight End

Overview

The Broncos should enter free agency with a pretty clear goal in mind: Improve the offense surrounding quarterback Bo Nix. Denver did a lot to upgrade its defense last offseason and ended up building a really good unit.

Nix showed he can be the quarterback of the future in his rookie season. Now the Broncos have to put better weapons around him to get the most out of his development over the next few seasons. That doesn't mean they'll completely ignore the defense, but the weaponry needs to be the focus.

Potential Signing 1: WR Chris Godwin

The Broncos might not be the first team that comes to mind when thinking of Chris Godwin fits, but they would be a sneaky good fit. Nix already has a more vertical ball-winner in Courtland Sutton.

Adding Godwin would give Sean Payton a dynamic slot threat to the mix. Throw in the vertical speed of Marvin Mims Jr. and Devaughn Vele, and you suddenly have a fairly versatile group of receivers with natural roles.

Godwin is coming off an ankle dislocation, but there aren't many receivers on the market without at least one health or age-related question. Signing the 29-year-old would be a coup that shows a commitment to helping Nix thrive.

Potential Signing 2: TE Juwan Johnson

This is one of the most logical free agent-team pairings in the cycle this season. There might not be a team in the league that needs to upgrade its tight end room more than the Broncos. There's a nice collection of TE prospects in this year's draft, but there would be enough room to add two tight ends.

Johnson would be the ideal free-agent target. He's not going to command a massive contract, but a two-year pact with a reasonable price tag should do the trick.

The 28-year-old is a big, reliable red-zone target who has experience with Payton. Add in another prospect from the draft, and the Broncos could have a solid tight end room for the next two seasons.

Potential Signing 3: LB Ernest Jones IV (re-signed with SEA)

There aren't a ton of holes that need to be addressed on defense. The unit was good in 2024 and isn't losing a ton. However, linebacker is one of the few exceptions.

Vance Joseph's defense isn't the easiest to pick up. A veteran off-ball linebacker in the middle of the unit. With Justin Strnad set to hit free agency, the Broncos could take this time to find another solid starter in the middle of their defense.

Ernest Jones IV is a bit of a thumper, but he's adapted well to playing for three different teams last year, so he should pick up on the system relatively quick.

Detroit Lions

Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Updated Salary-Cap Space: $51.2 million

Top Pending Free Agents: IOL Kevin Zeitler, CB Carlton Davis, DL Levi Onwuzurike, WR Tim Patrick, Edge Marcus Davenport

Potential Trade Assets: DL D.J. Reader, CB Amik Robertson, OT Taylor Decker

Biggest Positions of Need: Edge-Rusher, Wide Receiver, Cornerback

Overview

The Lions are in a great position heading into the 2025 offseason. They might have fallen short of their Super Bowl aspirations this season, but they are in a great financial spot to make some aggressive moves.

They have one of the best overall rosters in the league and enough resources to keep the good times going.

They are one of a handful of teams that are going to be able to provide players on the move with a contender who can pay them well.

Potential Signing 1: CB Rasul Douglas

The Lions made a large investment to overhaul the cornerback room last offseason. It allowed them to play more man coverage, but the work isn't quite complete.

Detroit could be on the lookout for a veteran to team up with Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw with Carlton Davis set to hit the open market.

Rasul Douglas is going to be one of the best cover corners on the market. He's had success in multiple stops highlighting his ability to adapt to different system.

The 30-year-old would be a great addition to ensure the Lions aren't thin at the position again.

Potential Signing 2: Edge Josh Sweat

There are a number of older edge-rushers the Lions could target to pair with Aidan Hutchinson. That was the idea behind signing Marcus Davenport last season, but it just didn't work out. They traded for Za'Darius Smith in the middle of the year, but they still could use a high-profile rusher to team up with Hutchinson.

Josh Sweat took the No. 1 spot in our free-agency rankings. He's not necessarily cut out to be a team's true No. 1 pass-rusher, but he can be a really impactful secondary rusher.

In other words, he could take advantage of all the one-on-one blocking he would see if he's playing with Hutchinson.

Potential Signing 3: DL Sebastian Joseph-Day

The Lions should return defensive tackle tandem DJ Reader and Alim McNeill, but Levi Onwuzurike and Kyle Peko are free agents. That's going to leave them a little thin on the interior.

Sebastian Joseph-Day seems like the kind of player Dan Campbell would love to have as a rotational piece on the inside. He doesn't offer much as a pass-rusher, but he had the eighth-highest run defense grade among the 219 interior defenders PFF graded last season.

Green Bay Packers

Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Updated Salary-Cap Space: $42.8 million

Top Pending Free Agents: IOL Josh Myers, CB Eric Stokes, LB Eric Wilson, DL TJ Slaton, CB Corey Ballentine

Potential Trade Assets: CB Jaire Alexander, QB Malik Willis, LB Quay Walker

Biggest Positions of Need: Cornerback, Center, Edge-Rusher

Overview

The Packers aren't usually ones to get super-invested in free agency. They are one of the most draft-and-develop reliant teams in the league. That might change after going 11-6 in the regular season before losing in the Wild Card Round.

ESPN's Rob Demovsky reported the Packers have "expressed everything from patience in the early going of free agency to aggressiveness right out of the gate," according to multiple agents.

We'll believe it when we see it. Even if they do decide to get aggressive, it could come in the form of a trade.

Potential Signing 1: Edge Haason Reddick

The Packers didn't get enough out of their edge-rushers last season. Rashan Gary hasn't taken the next step they hoped for when they handed him his second contract, Lukas Van Ness hasn't manifested into a notable pass-rusher yet, and no one has emerged as a real No. 2 rusher.

The solution might be dipping into the free-agent pool to buy some more time. The Packers always prefer to draft-and-develop, but they need a difference-maker now.

Haason Reddick's 2024 season with the Jets was a bit of a bust, but he could bounce back with an offseason that doesn't include a holdout.

Potential Signing 2: CB D.J. Reed

One of the most pivotal decision the Packers have to make this season is what to do with Jaire Alexander. Eric Stokes is hitting free agency and Alexander makes sense as a trade or cut candidate. His injury history is concerning, and the 28-year-old is not getting any younger.

If the Packers release or trade him they will need to find a veteran replacement. It would still be a good idea to target a potential starter on the outside even if they keep him. Either way, D.J. Reed would make sense as an outside corner who could shine in Jeff Hafley's system.

Potential Signing 3: C Ryan Kelly

The Packers watched Davante Adams and DK Metcalf wind up with new homes that aren't Green Bay, so it's hard to see them going after any of the other receivers on the market. They need a true No. 1 and there really isn't another candidate.

It feels like the Packers are much more likely to use free agency to address their need for interior offensive linemen if anything. Josh Myers if a free agent and they don't seem keen on bringing him back. Zach Tom can play center, but he's established himself as a really good starting right tackle. They could ask Elgton Jenkins to move inside, but it would be worth exploring a veteran center like Ryan Kelly to fill out the offensive lineman with the veteran.

Houston Texans

Brooke Sutton/Getty Images

Updated Salary-Cap Space: $5.3 million

Top Pending Free Agents: WR Stefon Diggs, S Eric Murray, DL Mario Edwards, EDGE Derek Barnett, WR Robert Woods

Potential Trade Assets: DL Denico Autry, IOL Kenyon Green, TE Dalton Schultz

Biggest Positions of Need: Interior Offensive Line, Interior Defensive Line, Cornerback

Overview

The Houston Texans have already started the work of trying to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 season.

Injuries revealed a lack of depth at wide receiver last season and they took a swing on Christian Kirk, bringing in the former Jaguar for a seventh-round pick. It's not a slam dunk move, but it's worth bringing him in at such a cheap price.

Considering the Texans' financial situation, they will need to get creative to find a few contributors who can help Houston be a post-hype sleeper team in 2025.

Potential Signing 1: IOL Brandon Scherff

Again, the Texans are going to have to find help on the cheap in the market. The offensive line was dreadful at times last season and the interior needs reinforcements, especially after the team released Shaq Mason.

Brandon Scherff isn't the perennial Pro Bowler he once was, but he's still a solid pass protector at 33 years old. His age will scare a lot of teams off on the open market, but the Texans don't have the money to be picky and he would elevate the floor of their left guard spot.

Potential Signing 2: DL Jarran Reed (re-signed with SEA)

The Athletic's Mike Jones noted the Texans are likely to use early picks in the draft to "fortify the interior of their offensive line while also trying to acquire a weapon or two for C.J. Stroud."

Ideally, the Texans will be able to add multiple contributors on the offensive and defensive lines. The offensive line needs a few starters and the defensive line is thin beyond the obvious contributors.

A veteran like Jarran Reed would go a long way toward fixing that and the Texans could shift their focus to the offense in the draft.

Potential Signing 3: S Ifeatu Melifonwu

The Texans are going to have to take some risks on players with a depressed market based on injury or age. Ifeatu Melifonwu would qualify. Injuries have hampered the 25-year-old's development, but there could be more than meets the eye with him.

The Texans have Eric Murray and M.J. Stewart headed toward free agency, so Melifonwu might be seen as a higher-upside replacement for either of those veterans.

Indianapolis Colts

Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images

Updated Salary-Cap Space: $40.4 million

Top Pending Free Agents: IOL Will Fries, S Julian Blackmon, Edge Dayo Odeyingbo, IOL Ryan Kelly, LB E.J. Speed

Potential Trade Assets: OT Braden Smith, DL DeForest Buckner, DL Grover Stewart

Biggest Positions of Need: Cornerback, Safety, Tight End

Overview

The Colts feel like a team with an ultimatum in 2025.

Head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard both retained their jobs, but you can feel the pressure starting to mount to take the next step. Taking that next step is going to depend on how they manage their resources.

Will Fries is a good, young guard. Allowing him to hit the open market could be a painful development, especially with Ryan Kelly also potentially on the way out. The priority has to be making sure Anthony Richardson has everything he needs to succeed.

Potential Signing 1: Carlton Davis

The Colts cornerback room is among the youngest in the league. They are still depending on JuJu Brents and Jaylon Jones to continue their development, with Kenny Moore II as the only veteran in the slot.

Carlton Davis matches the physical profile that Ballard has targeted at the position. He's a big, long and physical cornerback who could bring that room together and upgrade the position.

Potential Signing 2: DL B.J. Hill

New defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo will take over a Colts defense that struggled last season. It wouldn't hurt for him to bring in at least a player or two who is familiar with his system and terminology.

B.J. Hill might not be as explosive as he once was, but he is still a serviceable run defender. Both Grover Stewart and DeForest Buckner are getting older and more expensive.

The Colts could sign Hill to a reasonable contract to get deeper on the interior of the defensive line.

Potential Signing 3: QB Daniel Jones

Daniel Jones has already done a lot to damage to his reputation as a top-10 pick who was a bust in New York. But this is a league that has seen Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield and Geno Smith all put together great seasons after being deemed busts.

The Colts should be looking to help Richardson, but signing Jones would give them a backup plan with some upside.

CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones reported the quarterback has "quietly had a strong market... with interest from Indianapolis." Jones has always been a decent runner and could be a sensible backup for what the Colts will look to do with Richardson.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Updated Salary-Cap Space: $60.1 million

Top Pending Free Agents: IOL Brandon Scherff, S Andre Cisco, QB Mac Jones, TE Luke Farrell, DL Jeremiah Ledbetter

Potential Trade Assets: RB Travis Etienne Jr., LB Chad Muma, Draft Picks

Biggest Positions of Need: Cornerback, Safety, Tight End

Overview

The Jaguars have already started deconstructing their roster after a disastrous 2024 season. They traded away Christian Kirk for a seventh-round pick and released Evan Engram, paving the way for a remodel of Trevor Lawrence's weaponry.

Not much of that comes as a surprise with Liam Coen coming in to replace Doug Pederson as head coach.

A change at the top of the coaching staff often leads to a busy free-agent cycle. Coen should be looking to get aggressive to build an offense around Lawrence that he likes while addressing a defense that was one of the league's worst.

Potential Signing 1: S Jevon Holland

It's no secret that the Jaguars have to improve their secondary. It was one of the worst units in the league last season. New defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile is going to have to rebuild it on the fly and Holland would be a good centerpiece.

John Shipley of Sports Illustrated reported that one AFC scout at the combine told him: "A lot of us have them (the Jaguars) pegged as the Jevon Holland team."

Buzz is easy to come by this time of year, but the fit makes sense. The 25-year-old is a versatile safety and this is a secondary that will need to be built from the ground up.

Potential Signing 2: WR Chris Godwin

Chris Godwin only got to play seven games in Coen's offense with the Buccaneers last season, but he posted the most catches per game in his career (7.1) and averaged more yards per game (82.3) than he has since 2019. Unfortunately, a dislocated ankle brought that all to a sudden halt.

It's hard not to believe the 29-year-old wouldn't want to work with Coen again. With Brian Thomas Jr. playing the Mike Evans role on the outside, it would make a lot of sense for the Jaguars to replace Christian Kirk with Godwin and let Coen get to work building his offense around that receiving tandem.

Potential Signing 3: CB Charvarius Ward

Did we mention the Jaguars secondary was objectively terrible last season? It gave up a passer rating of 103.4 to opposing quarterbacks last year. It might be a good thing if Tyson Campbell is the only returning starter next season.

The Jags will definitely need to find a new starting outside cornerback after releasing Ronald Darby. Charvarius Ward is one of the best corners in the free-agent class and should be an instant starter wherever he signs.

The 28-year-old's physicality and talent would take pressure off Campbell and give Campanile something to work with.

Kansas City Chiefs

Brooke Sutton/Getty Images

Updated Salary-Cap Space: -$3 million

Top Pending Free Agents: S Justin Reid, DL Tershawn Wharton, WR DeAndre Hopkins, RB Kareem Hunt

Potential Trade Assets: LB Drue Tranquill, WR Skyy Moore, OT Wanya Morris

Biggest Positions of Need: Left Tackle, Wide Receiver, Cornerback

Overview

The Chiefs are a good example of how the salary cap and free agency ultimately do matter when it comes to roster construction. The flexibility of Patrick Mahomes' contract has helped, but they still have to balance the budget and that has meant walking a financial tightrope each offseason for the last few years.

This year is no exception. They were able to franchise-tag Trey Smith, but they had to trade away Joe Thuney to do it. Now they go into free agency with little cash to throw around and some needs on the offensive line and elsewhere.

Potential Signing 1: OT Cam Robinson

The Chiefs have attempted to draft a left tackle of the future in back-to-back drafts. Unfortunately, neither Wanya Morris or Kingsley Suamataia were up to the task of taking over as the team's blindside protector. It would be hard for Kansas City to go back to the well and draft yet another rookie.

Instead, it would make sense for the Chiefs to make a run at a veteran they can afford. In this case, it could be Cam Robinson.

The 29-year-old isn't elite by any stretch, but he was graded 56th out of 141 tackles by PFF last season and that would be an upgrade for the Chiefs at this point. He could at least buy them more time to develop Morris and Suamataia.

Potential Signing 2: Edge Chase Young

Contenders can never have too many players who can rush the passer.

The Chiefs put a lot of eggs in the Chris Jones basket, and the Eagles were a perfect example of how a deep rotation of quarterback hunters goes a long way. With that in mind, it wouldn't be surprising to see Kansas City beef up its arsenal a bit.

Chase Young hasn't really lived up to his billing as a top-five pick, but the possibility of playing on a real contender could change that. Winning can go a long way and there's still talent there for a breakout season in the right circumstances.

Potential Signing 3: DL Daniel Ekuale

Signing a little-known defensive lineman from the New England Patriots isn't going to be the kind of splashy signing that dominates the news cycle. Ekuale is a 31-year-old one-hit wonder who has just one year of starting experience.

That being said, the Chiefs need depth on the interior. Tershawn Wharton is a different kind of defensive tackle at just 280 pounds, but they aren't likely to find a direct replacement for him on the market.

Signing Ekuale would be the kind of under-the-radar move that could have an underrated effect.

Las Vegas Raiders

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Updated Salary-Cap Space: $50.9 million

Top Pending Free Agents: Edge Malcolm Koonce, S Tre'Von Moehrig, LB Robert Spillane, DL Adam Butler, CB Nate Hobbs

Potential Trade Assets: CB Jack Jones, No. 6 overall pick, TE Michael Mayer

Biggest Positions of Need: Offensive Tackle, Cornerback, Wide Receiver

Overview

The Raiders didn't even wait for the legal tampering window to open before making moves. They were the first team to sign a free agent when they agreed to terms with veteran guard Alex Cappa. He was eligible to sign since the Bengals cut him from their roster.

Then they went and put together the first major quarterback trade of the offseason. Pete Carroll was reunited with Geno Smith for a third-round pick just a few days before free agency.

It answers the team's biggest need and shifts the focus for the rest of the offseason to giving Carroll the tools to win now.

Potential Signing 1: RB Najee Harris

No one should confuse Najee Harris with Saquon Barkley.

There's no free-agent running back who is going to elevate a team's ceiling as Barkley did for the Philadelphia Eagles this season. However, the Raiders are a team that should be looking at the market.

We know Carroll loves a good power back and Harris is the best one on the market. Last year's attempt to let Zamir White take over the backfield completely backfired and the Raiders will need someone to jolt the running game.

Potential Signing 2: S Talanoa Hufanga

The Raiders are in the early stages of a rebuild, but their decision to get Smith would indicate they'll be aggressive in turning things around. That's why targeting a younger free agent like Talanoa Hufanga, who has spent time with a winning organization, would be a wise strategy.

Safeties Marcus Epps and Tre'Von Moehrig are both pending free agents. Even if they bring one of them back, it would make sense to bring in the 25-year-old safety to be a leader who can grow with the secondary.

Potential Signing 3: CB D.J. Reed

Both Patrick Graham and Carroll have a history of leaning into Cover 3 concepts on defense. The Raiders secondary was limited, in part, by an underwhelming group of cornerbacks.

Jack Jones didn't quite live up to the hype he created in the back half of 2023, and a second outside option never really emerged.

Nate Hobbs was probably the best of the bunch and he's a pending free agent.

Signing D.J. Reed would give them a veteran with a lot of experience in zone-heavy defenses. The 28-year-old has been a solid veteran starter for both the Jets and the Seahawks, so he could fit right in with this new-look Raiders team.

Los Angeles Chargers

Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Updated Salary-Cap Space: $90.7 million

Top Pending Free Agents: Edge Khalil Mack, CB Kristian Fulton, CB Asante Samuel Jr., WR Josh Palmer, RB J.K. Dobbins

Potential Trade Assets: OL Trey Pipkins III, S Derwin James, WR Quentin Johnston

Biggest Positions of Need: Wide Receiver, Cornerback, Tight End

Overview

Last season, Joe Hortiz inherited a really tough cap situation from former general manager Tom Telesco. He still managed to carve out a small free-agent budget and ended up putting together a roster that Jim Harbaugh turned into a playoff team.

This time around, Hortiz has the money to really put his stamp on the roster.

The Chargers are going to be a fun team to track as free agency starts. The Hortiz-Harbaugh pairing got off to a great start, and they have the resources to really take the next step this offseason.

Potential Signing 1: WR DeAndre Hopkins

The Chargers could really use a dynamic outside receiver to pair with Ladd McConkey. The latter was a breakout star for the Chargers offense last season, but he does his best work in the slot.

Giving quarterback Justin Herbert an Adams-McConkey pairing would be dangerous.

Davante Adams would have been an ideal fit here, but the other Los Angeles team signed him to a two-year deal before free agency even started.

DeAndre Hopkins, 32, doesn't have as much left in the tank as Adams, but he's still a strong possession receiver on the outside who could allow McConkey to be an elite slot specialist.

Potential Signing 2: C Ryan Kelly

From the outset, the Chargers brass has shown it is committed to having an excellent offensive line. L.A. drafted Joe Alt last season and will continue to invest up front. This year, it has a chance to upgrade at center with Bradley Bozeman headed to free agency.

The Athletic's Daniel Popper reported the Chargers tinkering with the idea of moving Zion Johnson from guard to center, but he also mentioned Ryan Kelly as the other option.

The Chargers coaching staff are likely to love the 31-year-old's work in the run game with the Colts. It's a really good fit that would fill a need and keep Johnson at guard.

Potential Signing 3: IOL Mekhi Becton

Again, if there's a spot the Chargers might be willing to spend on, it's the offensive line. Mekhi Becton is another fun projection to Harbaugh's team.

Greg Roman loves gap scheme football, and the 25-year-old transformed into a reliable run-blocking guard with the Philadelphia Eagles this season.

Offensive-line expert Brandon Thorn noted the Chargers would be his favorite landing spot for Becton in free agency. It's a fit that makes sense and would address their biggest need on the offensive line.

The combination of Trey Pipkins III and Jamaree Salyer didn't work out, and Becton would be an upgrade.

Los Angeles Rams

Ric Tapia/Getty Images

Updated Salary-Cap Space: $45.6 million

Top Pending Free Agents: Edge Michael Hoecht, LB Christian Rozeboom, CB Ahkello Witherspoon, DL Bobby Brown III

Potential Trade Assets: QB Matthew Stafford, WR Cooper Kupp, TE Tyler Higbee

Biggest Positions of Need: Cornerback, Wide Receiver

Overview

The Rams' 2025 offseason will continue to be a slow goodbye to the previous era of the franchise. Aaron Donald retired last season and Cooper Kupp is on his way out. There are few remaining remnants from the roster that went to the Super Bowl in 2021.

Thus far, general manager Les Snead has shown a knack for keeping the Rams in contention. Part of continuing that trend will require them to at least retain a few of their pending free agents and potentially add a prudent signing or two with the considerable cap space they have.

Potential Signing 1: CB Charvarius Ward

Charvarius Ward's agent is about to be busy. He's one of the top cornerbacks about to hit the market and there are always teams in the market for a corner of his caliber. The Rams are one of the teams that should seriously consider making a sizable offer for him.

Los Angeles has a few young corners worth developing, but it still wound up starting Darious Williams and Ahkello Witherspoon last season. It needs a veteran who is capable of being its No. 1 corner and Ward fits that bill.

Potential Signing 2: WR Chris Godwin

The Rams' decision to part ways with Cooper Kupp isn't out of a strength at the wide receiver position. They're bringing back Tutu Atwell, but he's not going to replace what Kupp gave them when he was healthy. Instead, the Rams might look to bring Chris Godwin out to the West Coast.

Much like Kupp, Godwin does his best work from the slot. There are certainly risks to signing a 29-year-old coming off an ankle injury, but he is the closest thing to Kupp on the market and the Rams need a reliable No. 2 to pair with Puka Nacua.

Potential Signing 3: OL Patrick Mekari

The Rams were proactive in addressing one of their biggest potential needs when they inked Alaric Jackson to an extension ahead of free agency. The offensive line doesn't quite feel solidified, though.

An heir apparent to Rob Havenstein at right tackle and a utility lineman to provide critical depth would make it easier to like this offensive line heading into the season.

Mekari, 27, could take on both of those roles as he was a do-it-all reserve for the Ravens before finally becoming a full-time starter in 2024.

Miami Dolphins

Joel Auerbach/Getty Images

Updated Salary-Cap Space: $25.1 million

Top Pending Free Agents: S Jevon Holland, IOL Robert Jones, LB Tyrel Dodson, DL Calais Campbell, CB Kendall Fuller

Potential Trade Assets: WR Tyreek Hill, OT Terron Armstead, IOL Aaron Brewer

Biggest Positions of Need: Interior Offensive Line, Interior Defensive Line, Linebacker

Overview

The Dolphins have one of the highest-ranked players on our free-agency big board in Jevon Holland (No. 2), but it might be hard to retain him while also filling some other important needs.

The safety has been an asset for the secondary, but Miami has holes on both the offensive and defensive lines with limited resources to fill them.

The pressure should be on for Mike McDaniel and Tua Tagovailoa to conduct a playoff run in 2025. It will take some shrewd spending and roster moves to get there with little cap space, though.

Potential Signing 1: IOL Teven Jenkins

The Dolphins have long needed help on the interior of the offensive line. Their draft picks and waiver-wire pickups have either not worked out or left for greener pastures. Case-in-point, Robert Jones could follow in the steps of Robert Hunt last offseason and bolt in free agency.

Inking Teven Jenkins to a multi-year arrangement could give them a long-term boost at the position.

The 27-year-old struggled at tackle early in his career, but he has turned himself into an effective guard. There are injury concerns, but the Dolphins were willing to take on Terron Armstead, so it's hard to believe that would keep them from signing Jenkins.

Potential Signing 2: DL Poona Ford

The Dolphins need more depth on the interior of the defensive line. Zach Sieler had a career year, but this is still a team that was relying on Calais Campbell to play a lot of snaps. Campbell is a pending free agent and will be 39 years old next season.

Poona Ford, 29, has a unique frame for a defensive tackle at 5'11", 310 pounds, but he's a well-rounded player. His ability to hold up against the run with a bit of pass-rush juice would make him the ideal value add.

Potential Signing 3: QB Marcus Mariota

The backup quarterback position is a little more important in Miami than some other franchises. Tua Tagovailoa's long injury history makes it likely that the backup will be called into action at some point during the season. Tagovailoa has started all 17 games just once in his five-year career thus far.

Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald noted Jimmy Garoppolo and Marcus Mariota are two options for the Fins to consider. He believes both are good fits for the system so it wouldn't be surprising to see either get the call for the job.

Minnesota Vikings

Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images

Updated Salary-Cap Space: $62.9 million

Top Pending Free Agents: QB Sam Darnold, CB Byron Murphy Jr., OT Cam Robinson, S Cam Bynum, RB Aaron Jones (re-signed)

Potential Trade Assets: QB J.J. McCarthy, IOL Ed Ingram, No. 24 overall pick

Biggest Positions of Need: Cornerback, Interior Defensive Line, Guard

Overview

The Vikings' biggest decision as it relates to free agency appears to be made. NFL Media's group of insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo reported on Saturday that they are not expected to bring back Sam Darnold.

The trio went on to add that the Vikings are still going to look to add a veteran, but J.J. McCarthy could be getting his shot in 2025. It also means the team has a ton of cap space to spend.

Alec Lewis of The Athletic noted that fans should "expect a flurry of activity" for the Vikings.

Potential Signing 1: DL Jonathan Allen

The Vikings became a defense to be reckoned with under Brian Flores last season. His ability to dial up pressures made life difficult for opposing offenses. Still, it would be nice if they had more players who could generate pressures without quite as much blitzing.

The Commanders released Jonathan Allen after a disappointing 2024 campaign, but he still has a good track record of being a disruptor on the interior.

JP Finlay of NBC Sports called the Vikings a "team to keep an eye on" for the 30-year-old. He could be big in making sure the defense is even better next season.

Potential Signing 2: IOL Will Fries

Lewis noted that the Vikings would be spenders, and he specifically mentioned Will Fries as a potential fit. They relied on Dalton Risner to make up for Ed Ingram's shortcomings as their starting right guard.

Fries is a legitimate long-term answer as a right guard. The 26-year-old's stock took a bit of a hit when he broke his leg in October, but that's not the kind of injury that typically hurts a player long-term. The Vikings should be comfortable offering him a multi-year deal.

Potential Signing 3: CB Paulson Adebo

Paulson Adebo could be one of the biggest steals in free agency this year. The 25-year-old was putting together a strong 2024 season when a broken femur ended his year after seven games. Meanwhile, the Vikings system helped Byron Murphy Jr. completely rehab his value as he heads towards free agency.

In reality, the Vikings would be wise to target Adebo, even if they re-sign Murphy. Minnesota had to lean on Murphy and Stephon Gilmore to play on the outside and the latter is also a free agent.

Signing Adebo, 25, to a three-year contract with some flexibility would be an ideal scenario for Minnesota.

New England Patriots

Justin Casterline/Getty Images

Updated Salary-Cap Space: $125.1 million

Top Pending Free Agents: DL Daniel Ekuale, CB Jonathan Jones, S Jaylinn Hawkins, TE Austin Hooper, LB Christian Elliss

Potential Trade Assets: Draft Picks, WR Kendrick Bourne, TE Hunter Henry

Biggest Positions of Need: Offensive Tackle, Wide Receiver, Edge

Overview

Few teams need to pick up wins in free agency quite like the New England Patriots. They lead the league in cap space, but that's partially because they have one the league's worst rosters.

The Pats found their quarterback in Drake Maye, but they have a lot of work to do to put a solid team around him.

They are obviously looking to the draft for some of that, but they have to pick up multiple starters in free agency to start turning the tide in Mike Vrabel's first year.

Potential Signing 1: DL Milton Williams

The Patriots have needs all over the place, but Vrabel is going to want to address the defensive front.

The return of a fully healthy Christian Barmore should help. But pairing him with Milton Williams, who posted a 12.7 percent pressure rate last season, could give them a strength to build on.

Considering WIlliams' age (25) and skill set, he's one of the most valuable free agents on the market. The Patriots have the kind of money needed to pay him and start giving Vrabel the kind of defensive front he needs to start building a good defense.

Potential Signing 2: Edge Azeez Ojulari

The Patriots have a big need at wide receiver, but they might not use free agency to fill it. Chris Godwin is the top option, but they might have a hard time convincing a 29-year-old who has played on some solid Buccaneers teams to sign with a team that is rebuilding.

Chad Graff of The Athletic noted the Patriots are going to be "all about the trenches" this offseason. That could include adding another edge-rusher. Ojulari is another free agent who is the right age (24) to be part of a rebuild with some potentially uncovered upside.

Potential Signing 3: OT Cam Robinson

Cam Robinson is the top-rated tackle on our free-agency big board with Ronnie Stanley heading back to the Baltimore Ravens on a new contract. That should make him a free agent the Patriots are willing to pursue aggressively.

Robinson isn't the best left tackle in the game, but he's competent. That means a lot as a blindside protector. Maye has to have better protection next season and the Patriots don't have answers on the roster. There will be other suitors for Robinson, but the Pats can outbid everyone.

New Orleans Saints

Derick E. Hingle/Getty Images

Updated Salary-Cap Space: -$8.5 million

Top Pending Free Agents: Edge Chase Young, TE Juwan Johnson, IOL Lucas Patrick, CB Paulson Adebo, S Will Harris

Potential Trade Assets: No. 9 pick overall, S Tyrann Mathieu, TE Foster Moreau

Biggest Positions of Need: Quarterback, Edge-Rusher, Wide Receiver

Overview

The Saints' annual cap clean up is here and it will again leave them with little operating room in free agency. Last season, they were able to sign Chase Young, but that was about it in terms of notable players.

This year, they might be able to add another impact player or two. They did clear up a considerable amount of space by restructuring Derek Carr, but it means they are committed to the quarterback. They will again be hunting for bargains on the market.

Potential Signing 1: Edge Malcolm Koonce

If there's going to be any kind of discount on Malcolm Koonce, then the Saints should be an interested party.

The 26-year-old hits the market after suffering a season-ending knee injury that kept him out of the 2024 season entirely. It's unfortunate timing for the pass-rusher because he had closed out the 2023 campaign on a run that made it look like he was going to really breakout this year across from Maxx Crosby.

There are some questions regarding Koonce. He's only had one season of real production and is coming off injury. But the Saints aren't going to be able to compete financially for guys without question marks.

Koonce could be the unique opportunity they need.

Potential Signing 2: WR Brandin Cooks

The Saints are going to be ballin' on a budget this offseason, so they'll need to target potential buy-low candidates. Brandin Cooks easily fits in that category.

He's going to be 32 this season and is coming off a year in which he only played 10 games due to injury, catching 26 passes for 259 yards and three touchdowns.

Cooks has indicated he'd be interested in returning to the Cowboys "if they plan to use him right." If that doesn't work out, he might have a depressed market given his age and recent production.

However, a return to the team that originally drafted him could give him an opportunity to carve out a real role. The Saints need another receiver to go with Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed.

Potential Signing 3: TE Gerald Everett

Juwan Johnson is a free agent and it wouldn't be surprising to see him reunite with Sean Payton in Denver. If that's the case, the Saints would be wise to give Gerald Everett a call.

Kellen Moore would be going after his own veteran tight end with experience in his system. Everett was with the Chargers during Moore's time in Los Angeles.

Everett's 2023 season with the Chargers saw him rack up 51 receptions for 411 yards and three touchdowns. He would be a nice complementary weapon in Moore's offense.

New York Giants

Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images

Updated Salary-Cap Space: $45.6 million

Top Pending Free Agents: Edge Azeez Ojulari, S Jason Pinnock, WR Darius Slayton, QB Drew Lock, CB Adoree' Jackson

Potential Trade Assets: OT Evan Neal, No. 3 Draft Pick, OT Jermaine Eluemunor

Biggest Positions of Need: Quarterback, Interior Offensive Line, Cornerback

Overview

Who is going to play quarterback for the New York Giants? It's one of the biggest questions heading into free agency.

Dan Duggan of The Athletic reported that they "aggressively pursued" a trade for Matthew Stafford before he signed an extension with the Rams. A trade up in the draft is possible, but they have the cash to chase a veteran in free agency.

There's plenty to address outside of the quarterback position as well. The offensive line and secondary stand out as needs that should be addressed in free agency as well as the draft.

Potential Signing 1: QB Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers isn't a free agent just yet. However, the team announced that it would part ways with him last month, so it's just a formality at this point.

Despite the way things ended with the Jets, it's not hard to see that teams would be interested in the 41-year-old.

The Giants might be interested in making sure Rodgers doesn't even have to move this offseason. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler laid out their interest in the quarterback in a recent appearance on SportsCenter.

"It feels very possible," he said of Rodgers signing with the Giants. "Aaron Rodgers is on the Giants' radar. I'm told they're going to go into Monday's tampering period with several quarterbacks in mind. They are scouring the Earth for quarterback help. They are not really discriminating here. They know they have to get a capable passer, so Rodgers is on the list."

Potential Signing 2: CB Isaiah Rodgers

Isaiah Rodgers isn't a well-known commodity among fans. The former sixth-round pick was most notably suspended for the 2023 season for violating the league's gambling policy.

He bounced back to potentially earn a decent payday in free agency, though. The Eagles picked him up after his release from the Colts and he ended up playing 36 percent of their defensive snaps. Now Pat Leonard of New York Daily News is reporting the Giants "may take a run at Rodgers."

Potential Signing 3: WR Mack Hollins

The Giants receiving corps outside of Malik Nabers could use some new blood. They have an interesting collection of young talents, but Wan'Dale Robinson and Jalin Hyatt are both in the mold of young, athletic receivers with a nebulous role.

Mack Hollins is a great glue guy for a receiver room. He's not going to command a lot of targets, but he is a good blocker and occasional red-zone threat. He's going to do all the dirty work that other receivers on the Giants roster might not be suited for.

The 31-year-old would be a sneaky good pickup for an offense that must be better in 2025.

New York Jets

Ed Mulholland/Getty Images

Updated Salary-Cap Space: $51.4 million

Top Pending Free Agents: CB D.J. Reed, OT Morgan Moses, OT Tyron Smith, TE Tyler Conklin

Potential Trade Assets: QB Aaron Rodgers, WR Allen Lazard, RB Breece Hall

Biggest Positions of Need: Quarterback, Edge-Rusher, Wide Receiver

Overview

The Jets are turning over a new page in the franchise's history. The release of Davante Adams and the imminent release or trade of Aaron Rodgers, combined with a new head coach (Aaron Glenn) and general manager (Darren Mougey), have the Jets on a completely different path for the 2025 season.

Mouget will have to get right to work on turning over the Jets roster in a way that makes them better in 2025. That starts with the question of who will be playing quarterback for Gang Green but also extends to other positions.

Potential Signing 1: QB Justin Fields

This is not a year when teams who need a quarterback want to go into the draft with a dire need. Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders are the only QBs who seem like surefire first-rounders, and it would be a good idea to have a veteran bridge option with either of them.

The Jets might not even be in a position to draft either of them and can't afford to hope they can trade up.

Fox Sports insider Jordan Schultz reported the Jets are "most interested" in Justin Fields. It's an interesting fit, but Fields showed some flashes of being a decent starter with the Steelers this season.

Potential Signing 2: DL Levi Onwuzurike

Aaron Glenn got the job because of the success that he had in improving Detroit's defense over the years. It would probably help the new coach to bring over some of the talent he had with the Lions.

Levi Onwuzurike is one of the best talents the Lions have hitting the market and pairing him with Quinnen Williams might be too tempting to pass up.

Onwuzurike is an athletic 3-tech who quietly racked up 34 total pressures this season. Forcing the defense to either single-block Williams or Onwuzurike would help Glenn kickstart the rejuvenation of the Jets defensive front.

Potential Signing 3: S Andre Cisco

There's no real connection here with Andre Cisco other than the fact that the Jets could use a young safety and he seems like a good fit for how Glenn wants to play.

Cisco is a risk-taking safety with the ability to play in the box if the rotation calls for it.

Glenn likes aggressive defensive backs and Cisco could still have some untapped potential as he'll only be 25 this season.

Philadelphia Eagles

Kara Durrette/Getty Images

Updated Salary-Cap Space: $22.7 million

Top Pending Free Agents: Edge Josh Sweat, DL Milton Williams, IOL Mekhi Becton, CB Avonte Maddox, Edge Brandon Graham

Potential Trade Assets: DT Jordan Davis, WR Jahan Dotson, QB Kenny Pickett

Biggest Positions of Need: Edge-Rusher, Guard, Interior Defensive Line

Overview

The Eagles used free agency to help push their roster to a championship last season. Saquon Barkley was a difference-maker for the offense while free-agent dice rolls like Zach Baun and Mekhi Becton ended up yielding important pieces to the puzzle.

Now they'll face the harsh reality of how hard it is to maintain a good roster in the league. Attrition will force the Eagles to once again find values on the market. Josh Sweat and Milton Williams are both in the top 10 of our free-agent big board and Mekhi Becton is in the top 20 at No. 17.

Potential Signing 1: Edge Khalil Mack

If Khalil Mack wants to play a big role while chasing a ring, then there might not be a better fit than the Eagles.

Bryce Huff did not live up to expectations and Josh Sweat is headed to free agency. That's going to leave a massive hole in the Eagles pass rush and Khalil Mack is still playing at a high enough level at 34 years old to be considered a solution.

Mack still holds a lot of value as a run defender and he put up six sacks with the Chargers last season. The Eagles could add to their rotation through the draft, but they'll need at least one veteran to replace their younger departures.

Potential Signing 2: CB Darius Slay

The Eagles released Darius Slay ahead of free agency in a move that saved them money against the cap this season and into 2026. However, that doesn't mean the 34-year-old cornerback won't be suiting up for the team in 2025. He could be brought back on a new, cheaper contract.

Slay said he wasn't hurt by the decision to relase him and noted that he'd "love to be back" and the Eagles know that. Releasing Slay to save money made sense. He's past his prime and was still being paid like an excellent starting corner.

Bringing him back at a lower cap number would be something that Howie Roseman has done before with the likes of Fletcher Cox.

Potential Signing 3: DL Javon Hargrave

Speaking of veterans the Eagles could bring back into the fold, Javon Hargrave is suddenly available with a potentially suppressed free-agent market.

The 32-year-old is entering the age where he might only be able to get a one-year contract. The torn triceps injury that limited him to three games with the Niners might make his market even smaller.

The Eagles could use a year of Hargrave to help make up for the potential loss of Milton Williams in this year's free agency cycle.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Updated Salary-Cap Space: $59.7 million

Top Pending Free Agents: OT Dan Moore Jr., QB Russell Wilson, RB Najee Harris, CB Donte Jackson, QB Justin Fields

Potential Trade Assets: WR George Pickens, S Minkah Fitzpatrick, LB Patrick Queen

Biggest Positions of Need: Quarterback, Wide Receiver, Cornerback

Editor's Note: The Steelers acquired WR D.K. Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport, in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft. ESPN's Adam Schefter added that the teams are "flipping picks in the sixth and seventh rounds."

Overview

The Steelers aren't exactly known for being aggressive buyers in free agency. However, this cycle feels like one where they might be a little more involved.

They'll have to sort out the quarterback position with both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields set to hit free agency. Outside of that, they have a few key needs that could require an external fix.

The secondary, receiving corps and defensive line are all positions to consider when looking at who the Steelers could sign.

Potential Signing 1: WR Amari Cooper

The Steelers have been connected to just about every receiver with trade rumors over the last two seasons. They desperately need a wide receiver who can pair with George Pickens to form a dynamic duo. Thus far, it just hasn't happened.

This year's class offers a range of options for the role. However, Amari Cooper might be the most cost efficient. His numbers don't look spectacular from last season, but he was traded from the Browns in he middle of the season.

His ability to play on the outside and nuanced route-running make him an ideal running mate for George Pickens.

Potential Signing 2: CB Nate Hobbs

Nick Farabaugh of PennLive reported that "there is an urgency" from the Steelers to fix cornerback once and for all. He also told readers to expect the team to target a cornerback early in free agency.

He went on to throw out all of the usual suspect names. D.J. Reed, Carlton Davis and Charvarius Ward were mentioned, and they remain obvious fits across from Joey Porter Jr. moving forward.

However, Nate Hobbs was the other name to look out for as he has experience with new defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander in Vegas.

Potential Signing 3: DL Tershawn Wharton

One of the other intersting names Farabaugh dropped in his intel was Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton. He noted the Steelers will be in the defensive-line market and specifically mentioned Wharton and veteran Javon Hargrave.

Wharton would be an interesting fit because he would give them a different type of player up front than what they have right now. The 26-year-old is undersized at 6'1", 280 pounds, but he would give Pittsburgh a disruptive penetrator that it doesn't currently have.

San Francisco 49ers

Brooke Sutton/Getty Images

Updated Salary-Cap Space: $34.4 million

Top Pending Free Agents: CB Charvarius Ward, LB Dre Greenlaw, LB De'Vondre Campbell, IOL Aaron Banks

Potential Trade Assets: Edge Leonard Floyd, QB Brock Purdy, Edge Yetur Gross-Matos

Biggest Positions of Need: Interior Offensive Line, Cornerback, Defensive Tackle

Overview

The 49ers already cleared the way to have some cap space when they traded Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders. That budget could come in hand in retaining their own players, as Charvarius Ward and Dre Greenlaw are both set to hit free agency.

Injuries crushed the Niners' 2024 season, so they aren't as far off as they looked last season. They'll need to strategically fill a few holes in free agency to set themselves up to take the best players available in the draft.

Potential Signing 1: Edge Joey Bosa

The NFL version of the Bash Brothers could be coming to San Francisco this offseason. The Chargers released Joey Bosa just before free agency, which opens the window for Joey to be united with his brother, Nick, to form a pass-rushing duo in San Francisco.

The Niners could cut either Leonard Floyd or Yetur Gross-Matos after June 1, but they won't have access to that money before then.

49ers insider Tim Kawakami reported that they are already "having good conversations" with Joey Bosa.

According to Kawakami, the Bosa brothers want to play together and the older brother might be willing to take a cheaper contract to make the family reunion happen.

Potential Signing 2: DL Jonathan Allen

The 49ers defense has relied on the front four getting home under a variety of defensive coordinators. It shoudn't be surprising that they could be aggressive in re-stocking their defensive front with pass-rushers.

Eric Branch of The San Francisco Chronicle reported the 49ers are expected to target Jonathan Allen after the Commanders released him a few days ago. He is coming off a disappointing season, but he has a reputation as a disruptive interior defender. According to Branch, there were conversations about including Allen in the trade, but they ultimately decided against it.

The Commanders released him two days later and the Niners' interest could be reignited.

Potential Signing 3: CB Asante Samuels Jr.

Charvarius Ward is one of the most talented players available in free agency. He rounds out the top five in our free-agent big board. That might mean he's too expensive to bring back.

That could ultimately be a blessing in disguise. If the Niners let another team pay for Ward, then they could get younger at the position by signing Asante Samuels Jr. away from the Chargers.

He's had some injury issues, but he allowed an opposing passer rating of 87.4 last season and won't turn 26 until October.

Seattle Seahawks

Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Updated Salary-Cap Space: $62.5 million

Top Pending Free Agents: LB Ernest Jones IV (re-signed), IOL Laken Tomlinson, DL Jarran Reed (re-signed), DL Johnathan Hankins, OT Stone Forsythe

Potential Trade Assets: TE Noah Fant, No. 18 pick

Biggest Positions of Need: Quarterback, Interior Offensive Line, Cornerback

Overview

The Seahawks dropped the first bombshell of the offseason before the tampering period even began, sending Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders for a third-round pick. That's a move that is sure to set plenty of dominoes in motion. It also marks the beginning of a new era in the Pacific Northwest.

Seattle has cleared some serious cap space with the Smith trade in conjunction with releasing Tyler Lockett. The whole thing has made Seattle one of the most interesting teams to watch in the coming days.

Potential Signing 1: QB Sam Darnold

The legal tampering period hasn't started, but it really feels like the Seahawks wouldn't have traded away Geno Smith if they didn't have a pretty good feeling about their plan at quarterback.

On that note, Dianna Russini or The Athletic reported that decision makers around the league expect Sam Darnold to wind up with the Seahawks. Darnold made himself a lot of money with his successful season under Kevin O'Connell in Minnesota. Now, he'll get the opportunity to prove he can repeat that success under difference circumstances.

Potential Signing 2: IOL Mekhi Becton

Mekhi Becton should be on a lot of team's wishlists in the coming days, but the Seahawks are among the team's with the biggest need for the big man. Becton flipped the narrative of his career with Philadelphia this season. Now he's set to receive a nice contract.

The Seahawks could look to upgrade both gaurd positions and they might be in the market for a center too. Unfortunately Abraham Lucas's injury history even leaves the right tackle spot in question. The Seahawks could sign Becton knowing that he instantly makes them better at guard but he also has the potential to go back out to right tackle in a pinch.

Potential Signing 3: C Drew Dalman

Bringing in both Becton and Drew Dalman would be a major investement in the offensive line, but it makes sense in the context of the Seahawks struggles last season. The offense was disappointing last season and a dreadful offensive line was at the heart of those struggles.

The Seahawks have already shuffled the deck by hiring Klint Kubiak to replace Ryan Grubb as offensive coordinator and trading away Geno Smith. Mike Macdonald is going to elevate the floor of the defense. Investing in the interior of the offensive line would do the same for the offense.

Dalman is the top center in the market and would give the Seahawks a formidable tandem in the middle.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Updated Salary-Cap Space: $5.3 million

Top Pending Free Agents: WR Chris Godwin, IOL Ben Bredeson, LB K.J. Britt, Edge Anthony Nelson, Edge Joe Tryon-Shoyinka

Potential Trade Assets: CB Jamel Dean, S Jordan Whitehead, RB Rachaad White

Biggest Positions of Need: Edge-Rusher, Linebacker, Cornerback

Overview

The Buccaneers go into free agency with one big question on offense and several smaller questions on defense.

Offensively, it will be about whether they can retain Chris Godwin. Matthew Berry of NBC Sports reported that the Bucs, "desperately" want him back, but there will be a "competitive market" for his services. That's not great news for a team that is limited on cap space.

They also have a considerable amount of needs on defense. They have little depth coming back and will need to find some ways to carve out some cap space and bring in some depth.

Potential Signing 1: Edge Haason Reddick

If the Bucs are going to roll the dice on one position in free agency, it should be an edge-rusher. Anthony Nelson, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Shaq Barrett are all set to hit free agency and the Bucs already needed more juice on the edges.

Todd Bowles is excellent at manufacturing pressures with his defensive scheme, but it still helps to have electric pass-rushers coming off the edge.

Haason Reddick is not far removed from being one of the most productive rushers in the league. His 2024 campaign with the Jets was a disaster, but he had 11 sacks with the Eagles in 2023.

Potential Signing 2: WR Tyler Lockett

Given the Bucs' cap constraints and the anticipated market for Chris Godwin, it's entirely possible the receiver is on his way out in Tampa Bay. If that's the case, then Lockett could be a potential value option to replace some of his production.

Lockett is definitely on the downside of his career, but that's likely to be baked into his price on the open market. His ability to run a diverse route tree in the slot and get open would allow him to do some of the things that Godwin could do in the offense.

He would also serve as a nice mentor for some of the Bucs' youngers receivers.

Potential Signing 3: CB Jonathan Jones

The Bucs don't have a lot of depth at cornerback and doing something with Jamel Dean's contract is one of the few ways they could create some breathing room against the cap. In other words, they should be on the lookout for cheaper cornerbacks on the market who could help on a one-year contract.

Jonathan Jones excels in zone coverage and could be worth a shot. At 32 years old, he's not likely to come away with a huge contract, but he has a lot of experience that could help bring along the younger corners.

Tennessee Titans

Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images

Updated Salary-Cap Space: $60.4 million

Top Pending Free Agents: DL Sebastian Joseph-Day, LB Jerome Baker, WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, WR Tyler Boyd, IOL Daniel Brunskill

Potential Trade Assets: QB Will Levis, No. 1 pick, WR Calvin Ridley

Biggest Positions of Need: Quarterback, Right Tackle, Edge-Rusher

Overview

The Titans are already at the epicenter of the NFL draft with the No. 1 pick. They also happen to be one of the most intriguing teams in free agency. How aggressively they pursue a quarterback could give us insight into how they feel about their options at the top of the draft. They'll have more than enough money to make a run at impactful players at positions of need.

Whether they make a big signing at the game's most important position or not, it would be surprising to see them pass on offensive line help and pass-rushers on defense.

Potential Signing 1: QB Sam Darnold

In reality, this one doesn't seem likely, but it might be the only logical quarterback fit for the team in free agency. Terry McCormick of Main Street Media recently put together some detailed reporting on the Titans' approach at quarterback this offseason and the bottom line is that they "have interest but probably don't want to go too far above market value if they make a run."

That doesn't sound like enough interest to get a Darnold deal across the finish line, but stranger things have happened in free agency.

Potential Signing 2: Edge Josh Sweat

Is Josh Sweat a true No. 1 pass-rushing threat? His body of work says no, his run at the end of the 2024 season says maybe. The answer doesn't really matter for the Titans. They were 31st in pressure percentage last season and just released Harold Landry. It's beyond time for a makeover at the position and Sweat is one of the best pass-rushers available who isn't over 30.

He just won a Super Bowl with the Eagles. Now it might be time to get paid. He could team up with Abdul Carter if the Titans go that route and they would all of a sudden have a scary tandem of pass-rushers to work with.

Potential Signing 3: OT Morgan Moses

The Titans have had serious struggles at the right tackle position in each of the last two seasons. Nicholas Petit-Frere just hasn't been the answer, and the team moved J.C. Latham over to the left side.

Expecting a rookie to start next season could be asking too much. The Titans aren't likely to take one until Day 2 and would be wise to bring in a veteran at that point. Morgan Moses isn't a dominant perimeter blocker at this point in his career, but he's good enough that Brian Callahan won't lose sleep at night.

That's more than you could say for the Titans' answers at the position last year.

Washington Commanders

Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Updated Salary-Cap Space: $79.7 million

Top Pending Free Agents: S Jeremy Chinn, CB Benjamin St-Juste, WR Dyami Brown, Edge Dante Fowler Jr.

Potential Trade Assets: CB Marshon Lattimore, RB Austin Ekeler, DL Daron Payne

Biggest Positions of Need: Right Tackle, Edge-Rusher, Tight End

Overview

The Commanders are the envy of just about every team that isn't a legitimate Super Bowl contender right now.

Teams pay general managers good money to try to get their teams to the position Washington is in headed into free agency. They have a superstar rookie quarterback on his first contract and the cap space to outbid just about anyone else on the market.

The Commanders don't want to overcommit in free agency. Managing the cap is a multi-year process, but they have the ability to keep making aggressive moves like the one they made when they traded for Deebo Samuel.

Potential Signing 1: LB Dre Greenlaw

Linebacker isn't the biggest need on the Commanders defense right now, but the idea of pairing Dre Greenlaw with Bobby Wagner for a year might be too good to pass up. Wagner can still turn on the jets if he needs to, but he's not as fast as he used to be from down to down.

Even coming off an Achilles injury Dre Greenlaw has the athleticism to cover a lot of ground defensively. Bringing him in on a multi-year contract would give them a great duo in the middle for a year and Greenlaw could take over as the team's Green Dot linebacker in 2026.

Potential Signing 2: DL Milton Williams

The Commanders' No. 1 goal this season is to topple the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East and become a Super Bowl contender. Why not start by taking a productive player from the Eagles roster?

Milton Williams was a breakout star for the Eagles last season and ranked second in pressure rate among all defensive tackles, per Next Gen Stats.

The team just cut Jonathan Allen so defensive tackle isn't the biggest need, but it would allow them to keep a great trio with Daron Payne and Jer'Zhan Newton. They'd also be getting younger at the position, which could be key as the Commanders look to win over the next few seasons.

Potential Signing 3: Edge DeMarcus Lawrence

Dan Quinn is familiar with DeMarcus Lawrence's game. Tank doesn't always get his due as a reliable edge-rusher who balances being a good run defender with some pass-rush juice from time to time. He put together some good seasons while Quinn was in Dallas.

Now that Quinn is trying to build on his successful debut as the Commanders coach, he could look to add Lawrence to their ranks and fill out an edge-rusher rotation that's going to need more bodies.