Every NFL Team's Missing Piece on Offense and Defense

Patching every hole on an NFL roster can be a daunting task. There are certain realities that make a general manager's job a little more tricky than meets the eye.

However, each team comes in to the offseason hoping they can at least find a player who fixes the team's biggest flaws.

Whether it be through a trade, free agency or the draft, every team will get the opportunity to address the biggest need. Here's a rundown of the missing piece for each franchise that could elevate the offense and defense.

We'll identify the need and throw out a possible acquisition that could be the missing piece.

AFC East

AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman

Buccaneers WR Mike Evans

Buffalo Bills

Offense: A receiver who can make life easier for Josh Allen. They should be putting in a competitive offer for Mike Evans and/or Alec Pierce. Denzel Boston is a first-round option that could help.

Defense: An outside linebacker to help transition to Jim Leonhard's 3-4 defense. K'Lavon Chaisson could be a good value for the need in free agency.

Miami Dolphins

Offense: A quarterback to get them out of the Tua Tagovailoa era. The Malik Willis buzz isn't going away, but Ty Simpson would be a cheaper alternative if they can trade back into the first round for him.

Defense: The Dolphins gave up a 105.3 passer rating last season. Losing Bradley Chubb isn't going to help the pass rush, but finding an outside cornerback who can anchor the unit is even more important for them. Targeting Jermod McCoy or Mansoor Delane at No. 11 could do the trick.

New England Patriots

Offense: An heir apparent to Morgan Moses. The veteran tackle is going to be a 35-year-old free agent.  Caleb Lomu at the end of the first or Caleb Tiernan on Day 2 could be a reasonable choice. They could also seek another veteran option like Braden Smith or Trent Brown in free agency.

Defense: A premier pass-rusher is the biggest premium position the Patriots don't have right now. A push for Trey Hendrickson, Odafe Oweh or Jaelan Phillips would make a ton of sense.

New York Jets

Offense: A quarterback who can win games in 2026. Aaron Glenn doesn't have the luxury to wait around and develop a passer. With Dante Moore choosing to stay in college, the Jets are going to have to make a move for a viable starting option like Kyler Murray or Malik Willis.

Defense: Sauce Gardner is gone and the Jets gave up a league-worst 110.9 passer rating last season. Utilizing some of their cap space to go after Jaylen Watson or trade for Trent McDuffie could be an immediate fix.

AFC North

AP Photo/Julio Cortez

Chargers Edge Odafe Oweh

Baltimore Ravens

Offense: Tyler Linderbaum's departure could leave a massive hole in the middle of the offensive line, but we'll go with guard for now. Daniel Faalele is also a pending free agent and the Ravens need maulers up front to maximize Lamar Jackson. Olaivavega Ioane should garner first-round consideration from them in the draft.

Defense: The Ravens had just 30 sacks this season and Nnamdi Madubuike's future is unclear after a season-ending neck injury. That's going to add even more pressure to bulk up the pass rush. A reunion with Odafe Oweh, who had success with Jesse Minter in Los Angeles, or signing Boye Mafe would be an ideal move.

Cincinnati Bengals

Offense: As usual, Joe Burrow has all the weaponry he needs. Upgrading at guard and/or center will be the key. They've already retained Dalton Risner so a center like Cade Mays or Connor McGovern could be upgrades.

Defense: Trey Hendrickson, Joseph Ossai and Cam Sample are all slated to hit free agency. Even with Shemar Stewart and Myles Murphy waiting in the wings, this is a roster that needs more pass-rush power. A stopgap veteran like Khalil Mack or Joey Bosa would make a big difference.

Cleveland Browns

Offense: "One missing piece" might not be applicable here, but the most valuable thing that might be available to them is a true No. 1 receiver. Either Jordyn Tyson or Carnell Tate could serve as the top target to build the passing game around with their first pick in the draft.

Defense: The Browns defense was burdened with carrying a poor offense and has few holes. Losing Devin Bush in free agency could create a hole beside Carson Schwesinger, though. Deontae Lawson and  Anthony Hill Jr. could fit the athletic profile they typically look for.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Offense: If we assume Aaron Rodgers has one more season left in him, then the missing piece is a receiver. Mike McCarthy's offenses have always been at their best when there are multiple legitimate weapons. Right now, the Steelers could use a sidekick for DK Metcalf. Romeo Doubs would be ideal, but Rashid Shaheed's speed could also make a difference.

Defense: Jalen Ramsey was supposed to finally fill the cornerback spot across from Joey Porter Jr. He ended the season by transitioning to safety. Avieon Terrell and Malik Muhammad are among possible draft solutions.

AFC South

AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman

Colts WR Alec Pierce

Houston Texans

Offense: A quality center would do a lot to bring the offensive line together. Tyler Linderbaum is the main attraction, but Cade Mays or Connor McGovern would also be potential upgrades.

Defense: It's a pretty complete unit, but a disruptive interior defender could take the defensive line to an even higher level. They add dynamic nose tackle Lee Hunter in our post-Super Bowl mock draft.

Indianapolis Colts

Offense: Assuming Daniel Jones can figure out a contract extension and get healthy for the season opener, he's the answer at quarterback. What they need more than that is a contingency plan at right tackle with Braden Smith set to hit free agency. Without a first-round pick they might have to turn to Jermaine Eluemunor or Trent Brown.

Defense: Laiatu Latu showed a lot of improvement in 2025. But he needs a sidekick quickly. With Kwity Paye, Samson Ebukam and Tyquan Lewis all set to hit free agency, the Colts might want to start working the phones for a trade or a free-agent signing such as Trey Hendrickson.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Offense: This ascending group could just use more starting-quality guard play. That would allow them to make Patrick Mekari a utility blocker as he was in Baltimore. Joel Bitonio could be an underrated target.

Defense: Arik Armstead and DaVon Hamilton are a strong starting interior duo. Adding more depth would give the Jaguars front the boost it needs after posting only 32 sacks in 2025. Sebastian Joseph-Day could be an affordable vet to do the job.

Tennessee Titans

Offense: Cam Ward needs a go-to receiver. They'll have the money for Alec Pierce and that would make the second-year quarterback's life much easier.

Defense: They need an exciting player to build around on defense. Cam Ward is that player on offense. Arvell Reese,  Rueben Bain Jr. or Mansoor Delane could all be available at No. 4 and would set the table for their multi-year rebuild plan.

AFC West

AP Photo/Chris Szagola

Eagles Edge Jaelan Phillips

Denver Broncos

Offense: A top tight end who can do more of the dirty work than Evan Engram is able to do. Landing Kenyon Sadiq would be the dream scenario, but Dallas Goedert, Noah Fant or David Njoku would be logical free agent targets.

Defense: This was the league's best defense last season, but they were middle of the road in creating turnovers. A ball-hawking safety like Kevin Byard, who had seven picks in 2025, would take this defense to an even higher level.

Kansas City Chiefs

Offense: A dynamic running back to take the pressure off Patrick Mahomes when he returns from a torn ACL and LCL. They might be the reason Jeremiyah Love doesn't make it out of the first round.

Defense: The pass rush outside of Chris Jones and George Karlaftis was nearly non-existent last season. Edge-rusher David Bailey and defensive tackle Peter Woods could also be first-round considerations. Zion Young would make a lot of sense early on Day 2.

Las Vegas Raiders

Offense: Quarterback, but that help seems to be on the way in Fernando Mendoza. He'll need a No. 1 wideout and that's why they could be backing up the Brinks truck for Alec Pierce in free agency.

Defense: Maxx Crosby is the only real asset on the defensive line and it doesn't feel like he's guaranteed to be around. They should make a run at Jaelan Phillips in free agency with an eye on second-round edge prospects like Gabe Jacas and Derrick Moore.

Los Angeles Chargers

Offense: Mike McDaniel is coming to town to supercharge the offense, but he won't be able to do it without a good offensive line. The Chargers have needs on the interior and a proven option like Tyler Linderbaum or even Isaac Seumalo would do wonders.

Defense: There's a reason that Jesse Minter got a head coaching job. The defense was pretty good last year. However, new defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary will have to figure out how to either replace or retain free agents Khalil Mack and Odafe Oweh. Re-signing the former and drafting a prospect in the second round could work.

NFC East

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Giants WR Wan'Dale Robinson

Dallas Cowboys

Offense: Reliable tackles. Terence Steele was third in the league with 52 blown blocks and Tyler Guyton has had his struggles over his first two seasons. Cap constraints and a bad defense might force Dallas to settle for a Day 3 pick or veteran flier like Jonah Williams to compete.

Defense: There are needs at all three levels of the defense, but a lockdown corner would go a long way toward solidifying things. Jamel Dean and Alontae Taylor are interesting free agents, while Mansoor Delane or Jermod McCoy will require consideration in the first round of the draft.

New York Giants

Offense: The Giants have a lot of fun building blocks, but they still need the offensive line to bring it all together. Finding successors for Jermaine Eluemunor and Greg Van Roten on the right side of the line would be huge. They snag Francis Mauigoa in our latest mock draft.

Defense: The defensive line is nasty, but the secondary leaves a lot to be desired. A reunion with Marlon Humphrey through a trade could help fortify the unit. Then again, a younger free agent like Nahshon Wright could be a more long-term solution.

Philadelphia Eagles

Offense: A passing weapons overhaul. The A.J. Brown era could be coming to an end and maybe it should. For now, a veteran tight end like David Njoku or Chig Okonkwo could help diversify their passing game while a younger receiver works to take on a bigger role.

Defense: Jaelan Phillips showed up at the trade deadline last year and saved the pass rush. Now he's a free agent. Retaining him would help complete the puzzle, but he might have priced himself out of Philly so Akheem Mesidor or Cashius Howell shouldn't be ruled out in the first round.

Washington Commanders

Offense: Deebo Samuel is a free agent and Terry McLaurin only played 10 games last season. A healthy Jayden Daniels could need improved weaponry to return to 2024 levels. Wan'Dale Robinson could be an interesting Samuel replacement after a 1,000-yard season with the Giants.

Defense: Dan Quinn still needs a star pass-rusher to anchor the defensive front. The Commanders should be in on any Maxx Crosby trade sweepstakes, the Trey Hendrickson bidding war and/or targeting David Bailey with the seventh pick in the draft.

NFC North

AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez

Chiefs CB Jaylen Watson

Chicago Bears

Offense: Unfortunately, the Bears will again be searching for an answer at left tackle. Ozzy Trapilo's promising rookie season ended on a disappointing note with a patellar tear that could see him miss all of 2026. Bringing back Braxton Jones or drafting another Day 2 project like Markel Bell could be an option.

Defense: It's a pass rusher. Pairing Maxx Crosby or Trey Hendrickson with Montez Sweat would be scary come January and February.

Detroit Lions

Offense: It's going to take more than Juice Scruggs to fortify the offensive line. Trading for the young Texans interior lineman was nice, but drafting competition in Day 2 with a player like Sam Hecht or Brian Parker II would help keep the unit going.

Defense: A pass-rush partner for Aidan Hutchinson. An edge-rusher would be nice but they could go the interior route too. Edge Keldric Faulk was the pick in our post-combine mock, but they also feel like the floor for Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods.

Green Bay Packers

Offense: A center who can bring a shifting offensive line together. Elgton Jenkins did not work at the pivot. Rasheed Walker and Sean Rhyan are both free agents. This is an offensive line in transition. Just like the Lions, they should be taking a close look at prospects like Sam Hecht or Brian Parker II or lining up an offer for Tyler Linderbaum.

Defense: This is undoubtedly CB1. The Jaire Alexander era is officially over. Without a first-round pick, they might have to look at landing Jaylen Watson or Greg Newsome in free agency.

Minnesota Vikings

Offense: Every veteran quarterback's favorite landing spot also doubles as a team that desperately needs a quarterback. Whether it's Kyler Murray, Geno Smith or Kirk Cousins, they need to add competition for J.J. McCarthy.

Defense: The Vikings were third in pressure rate, but 11th in takeaways. More playmakers in the secondary would take the defense to an even higher level. Cornerback Avieon Terrell was the pick in our post-Super Bowl mock, but it's worth noting that safety  Emmanuel McNeil-Warren had nine forced fumbles and five interceptions at Toledo.

NFC South

AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps

Packers WR Romeo Doubs

Atlanta Falcons

Offense: Kevin Stefanski has put together some strong offenses when he has a good run game to work with. But he needs at least competent quarterback play. Michael Penix's injury history and inconsistency makes a bridge quarterback, like Geno Smith or Marcus Mariota, an important acquisition.

Defense: The Falcons were 27th in EPA allowed per rush last season. David Onyemata is a free agent so that's not going to help. A run-stuffing nose tackle would take this front to the next level. DJ Reader would be a great one-year pickup.

Carolina Panthers

Offense: A consistent tight end can be a quarterback's best friend and Bryce Young needs one. A trade for Cole Kmet would be nice, but veteran free agents David Njoku or Dallas Goedert would bring credibility.

Defense: Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen might be long-term answers for the pass rush. But a veteran like Bradley Chubb, Boye Mafe or Odafe Oweh would make a lot of sense to lead the room.

New Orleans Saints

Offense: Chris Olave's injury history and the general dearth of weapons dictate an addition to the pass-catching corps. Romeo Doubs would be a dream addition, but Jordyn Tyson or Carnell Tate are intriguing draft options.

Defense: Demario Davis is a 37-year-old free agent. The Saints should be looking to add a succession plan in a deep linebacker draft. Jake Golday or Deontae Lawson would be strong second-round options.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Offense: The Bucs have the firepower to succeed on offense, even if Mike Evans leaves. The interior of the offensive line is the low-hanging fruit. Isaac Seumalo or David Edwards would elevate the interior.

Defense: Surprise, surprise, the Buccaneers need a premier edge-rusher. Todd Bowles will scheme up some pressure, but Tampa could use Odafe Oweh or another top-tier free agent to anchor the pass rush.

NFC West

AP Photo/Ella Hall

Saints CB Alontae Taylor

Arizona Cardinals

Offense: A concrete plan at quarterback. Kyler appears to be on the way out. Options are limited this offseason. Rolling with Jacoby Brissett is fine, but they need to pair him with a prospect worth developing. Garrett Nussmeier or Carson Beck could be interesting Day 2 targets.

Defense: A cornerstone to build around. Our scouting department has them taking Arvell Reese with the third overall pick. He's the kind of prospect they could build around.

Los Angeles Rams

Offense: There aren't many holes on a unit that scored over 500 points last season, but a third receiver who could function as the heir apparent to Davante Adams role would be nice. It wouldn't be shocking to see them spend an early pick on a receiver like KC Concepcion or Malachi Fields as surprise picks with their second first-rounder.

Defense: After years of taking the cheap route to fill their need at corner, it might be time to open up the checkbook or spend real draft capital. Jamel Dean or Jaylen Watson headline the free agent corners.

San Francisco 49ers

Offense: Assuming they can patch things up with Trent Williams, the obvious hole is at wide receiver. Losing Brandon Aiyuk hurts and George Kittle's Achilles injury could complicate things. Throw in Jauan Jennings and Kendrick Bourne heading to free agency and there are a lot of questions. Mike Evans would provide answers.

Defense: A league-worst 20 sacks tells you everything you need to know. A one-year mercenary like Khalil Mack could help, but drafting a long-term answer in Akheem Mesidor or Zion Young could be better.

Seattle Seahawks

Offense: The Seahawks seemed to have found a foundational offensive lineman in Grey Zabel. Landing Chase Bisontis in the second round of the draft would give them a formidable young duo for a long time.

Defense: This is a defense that led the charge for a Super Bowl, but they could upgrade from Riq Woolen at the cornerback spot through free agency. Alontae Taylor could be a fun fit.