The 1 Move Every NFL Team Still Needs to Make in 2026 Offseason

The 2026 NFL draft is nearly a month into the rear view. However, that doesn't mean that time for roster-building has ended. As offseason programs get underway around the league, teams will still look for ways to improve their current and/or future rosters.

Organized team activities (OTAs), minicamps, training camps—and the position battles held within—will help teams reach their 53-player rosters for 2026, though that's only part of the equation.

Here, we'll take a division-by-division look at each NFL team and one move that each should make before the fall. The list encompasses free-agent signings, trade offers, personnel moves, and contract extensions.

Factors such as past performances, player potential, roster construction, salary cap situations, and franchise trajectories were all considered.

AFC East

AP Photo/David Dermer

Joel Bitonio

Buffalo Bills: Sign Joel Bitonio

The Buffalo Bills face uncertainty at left guard after David Edwards departed for the New Orleans Saints in free agency. They may look to replace Edwards through a camp competition involving Alec Anderson and Austin Corbett. However, scooping up free agent Joel Bitonio might make such a competition moot.

While Bitonio will turn 35 in October, he's a seven-time Pro Bowler who started all 17 games for the Cleveland Browns this past season. He wouldn't give Buffalo a long-term option at left guard, but he'd provide a quality starter for 2026.

Miami Dolphins: Add a Veteran Receiver

The Miami Dolphins largely spent the offseason tearing down the roster in order to lay the foundation for a rebuild. Among the list of veterans who were jettisoned were wideouts Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. While Miami did add Caleb Douglas and Chris Bell in Round 3, its receiver room lacks veteran talent.

If the Dolphins want to get an accurate read on what kind of quarterback Malik Willis can be for the franchise, it would behoove them to add a free-agent receiver like Stefon Diggs, Keenan Allen, Deebo Samuel, or DeAndre Hopkins.

New England Patriots: Trade for A.J. Brown

The New England Patriots need a new No. 1 receiver after parting with Diggs early in the offseason. Most expect that they'll eventually execute a trade for Philadelphia Eagles wideout A.J. Brown—after June 1, when trading him will be financially palatable for the Eagles.

"I still think that once we get to June, that these two sides will get together and complete a trade that'll send AJ Brown to the New England Patriots," ESPN's Adam Schefter told The Pat McAfee Show.

Once the calendar turns to June, New England needs to get a deal for Drake Maye's new top target done.

New York Jets: Sign a Veteran QB

The New York Jets appear to be playing for 2027, a year in which they'll hold three first-round draft picks. Therefore, adding a veteran quarterback to back up Geno Smith might not seem logical. However, the Jets have reportedly already offered a contract to Russell Wilson, indicating that they aren't happy with the idea of having Brady Cook, Bailey Zappe, and fourth-round rookie Cade Klubnik as their QB understudies.

Wilson, Cooper Rush, and Jimmy Garoppolo headline the remaining free-agent QB pool.

AFC North

AP Photo/Nick Wass

DeAndre Hopkins

Baltimore Ravens: Add a Center

The Baltimore Ravens lost Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum in free agency. They haven't adequately replaced him, and general manager Eric DeCosta admitted that the team is still searching after the draft.

"There will be options for us, potentially terminated vets, potentially trade options," DeCosta told The Lounge podcast (h/t Ryan Mink of the Ravens' official website).

While it's unclear which centers might be available via a trade, vets like Ethan Pocic and Ryan Bates remain unsigned.

Cincinnati Bengals: Sign DeAndre Hopkins

Wide receiver isn't a glaring need for the Cincinnati Bengals, who have Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Andrei Iosivas at the top of the depth chart. However, the Bengals lack dependable depth behind those three, and veteran DeAndre Hopkins looms as a logical addition.

During Kentucky Derby Weekend, Hopkins told Sports Illustrated's Claudette Montana that he'd like to play with quarterback Joe Burrow before his career is over.

Cleveland Browns: Part with QB Dillon Gabriel

The Cleveland Browns are holding a quarterback competition that is essentially a two-man race between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders—and Watson is the early leader, according to The Athletic's Zac Jackson.

However, Cleveland needs to develop its entire quarterback room, especially given the team's recent injury history at the position. With rookie sixth-round pick Taylen Green in the equation, and only so many reps to go around in training camp, the Browns should look to trade Dillon Gabriel before camp.

Gabriel was a third-round pick in 2025 and has the intangibles to be a decent long-term backup. However, he doesn't have the physical tools to be a starter and isn't a great fit for Todd Monken's offense.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Add Another Receiver

The Pittsburgh Steelers finally re-signed Aaron Rodgers, and the quarterback has admitted that this will be his final NFL season. If Pittsburgh hopes to make Rodgers' last ride a memorable one, it should add a little more to its receiving corps.

DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. should make a solid receiver duo. However, rookies Germie Bernard and Kaden Wetjen are unproven, and Pittsburgh's overall receiver depth is lacking. Adding a vet like Hopkins or Stefon Diggs would help give the Steelers a playoff-caliber offense.

AFC South

AP Photo/Ashley Landis

Denico Autry

Houston Texans: Add Edge-Rushing Depth

The Houston Texans have a tremendous pair of edge-rushers in Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. However, Derek Barnett and Denico Autry provided 8.5 sacks as complementary edge-rushers last season, and both remain unsigned.

Bringing at least one of the two back would be advisable, and Houston could consider other options, like Leonard Floyd or A.J. Epenesa. Either way, the Texans should bolster their edge depth ahead of training camp.

Indianapolis Colts: Add a Wide Receiver

The Indianapolis Colts re-signed big-play receiver Alec Pierce this offseason, but they also traded away Michael Pittman Jr. They didn't draft a receiver before taking Deion Burks in Round 7 and should look to add a veteran before camp.

That could mean signing a player like Keenan Allen or Stefon Diggs. The Colts should also consider making a play to reunite A.J. Brown with head coach Shane Steichen.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Add Edge-Rushing Depth

Like the Texans, the Jacksonville Jaguars have a strong starting edge duo—in their case, Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker. However, Jacksonville recorded just 32 sacks as a team in 2025.

Adding additional edge depth would be logical, and the Jags might want to consider scooping up Autry or Barnett before he returns to Houston. They should also consider free-agents like Joey Bosa and Leonard Floyd or trading for a quality third sack artist before training camp.

Tennessee Titans: Re-Sign Kevin Zeitler

The Tennessee Titans are looking to help second-year quarterback Cam Ward, and they took steps to improve his receiving corps by signing Wan'Dale Robinson and drafting Carnell Tate. They didn't put as much effort into strengthening an offensive line that surrendered 56 sacks last season.

Kevin Zeitler was a part of that line, but he was also arguably the most dependable piece of it. Tennessee should re-sign the 36-year-old rather than risk relying on free-agent addition Cordell Volson.

Volson was a below-average starter in three seasons with the Bengals before missing 2025 with a shoulder injury.

AFC West

AP Photo/Bart Young

Marvin Mims Jr.

Denver Broncos: Extend WR/KR Marvin Mims Jr.

The Denver Broncos have made a recent habit of locking in key contributors, and that trend should continue with return specialist Marvin Mims Jr. While Mims hasn't carved out a considerable offensive role, he's a two-time Pro Bowler as a return specialist.

Mims didn't earn Pro Bowl or All-Pro honors this past season, but he produced a league-high 452 punt-return yards with one return touchdown.

Kansas City Chiefs: Acquire a Wide Receiver

According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer (h/t Bleacher Report's Doric Sam), the Kansas City Chiefs haven't been interested in trading for A.J. Brown. However, they should look to add a receiver like Brown, Brandon Aiyuk, Tyreek Hill, or Stefon Diggs sooner rather than later.

The Chiefs already lacked reliable receiver depth before Rashee Rice was sentenced to 30 days in jail for a probation violation. Rice was already set to miss up to two months following "a clean-up surgery" on his knee.

Las Vegas Raiders: Add a Veteran Receiver

At some point, the Las Vegas Raiders will hand the keys to rookie quarterback and No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. Whenever they do, the Raiders should hope to have the best supporting cast possible around him.

While Las Vegas has some terrific playmakers in Brock Bowers, Ashton Jeanty, and Tre Tucker, it could use additional help at receiver. Trading for a wideout like Brown or signing a vet like Diggs would make a ton of sense—even if the Raiders stick with Kirk Cousins at quarterback all season.

Los Angeles Chargers: Add a Veteran Guard

The Los Angeles Chargers rebuilt their offensive interior by signing Tyler Biadasz and drafting Jake Slaughter. While L.A. added Cole Strange and Kayode Awosika to compete at right guard—possibly with holdover Trevor Penning—that position remains a question mark.

The Chargers should add a proven veteran like Kevin Zeitler or Joel Bitonio to help solidify the offensive interior ahead of training camp. With Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt at offensive tackle, a hole at guard could be the only thing standing between Los Angeles and the league's best offensive line.

NFC East

AP Photo/Terrance Williams

A.J. Brown

Dallas Cowboys: Trade for Josh Sweat

The Dallas Cowboys have overhauled their edge rotation, trading for Rashan Gary before drafting Malachi Lawrence and Jaishawn Barham. They should make one more move to solidify the group and make a play for Arizona Cardinals edge-rusher Josh Sweat.

Sweat isn't necessarily on the trade block. However, he was absent at the start of OTAs, and, according to Cardinals insider Kyle Odegard, is "not particularly happy" in Arizona.

Adding Sweat would help complete the Cowboys' edge-rushing rebuild.

New York Giants: Sign a Receiver

The New York Giants may not have Malik Nabers at the start of the regular season, as he recovers from a torn Achilles. While they've added the likes of Darnell Mooney, Calvin Austin III, and third-round rookie Malachi Fields, they should look to add another veteran to help second-year QB Jaxson Dart.

The Giants have reportedly considered a reunion with Odell Beckham Jr., who also played under head coach John Harbaugh in Baltimore. If that doesn't materialize, veterans like Stefon Diggs and DeAndre Hopkins should be on the proverbial table.

Philadelphia Eagles: Trade A.J. Brown

It feels like A.J. Browns tenure in Philadelphia has run its course, especially after the Eagles used a first-round pick on wideout Makai Lemon. However, Howie Roseman still has to make a trade official, and that should happen early next month.

Trading Brown before June 1 would cost Philly $20.1 million in additional 2026 cap space, while trading him after that date would save $7 million.

Washington Commanders: Trade for Brandon Aiyuk

The Washington Commanders need a reliable receiver opposite Terry McLaurin, but they didn't add one before drafting Antonio Williams in the third round. However, trading for Brandon Aiyuk could help address this particular need.

San Francisco 49ers John Lynch has made it clear that Aiyuk can be had, telling reporters, "We're available, Give us a call."

Washington may have to wait until after June 1 to add Aiyuk, due to the financial implications, but it should make that move as soon as possible.

NFC North

AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty

Joey Bosa

Chicago Bears: Add an Edge-Rusher

The Chicago Bears have worked to overhaul their defense this season, signing players like Devin Bush and Coby Bryant before drafting safety Dillon Thieneman. However, Chicago hasn't yet addressed a pass rush that produced just 35 sacks in 2025.

The Bears have one solid edge-rusher in Montez Sweat, who recorded 10 of those 35 sacks last season. Adding a standout like Joey Bosa, Von Miller, or Leonard Floyd to complement Sweat would make plenty of sense.

Detroit Lions: Extend Jahmyr Gibbs

The Detroit Lions recently extended one of their 2023 first-round picks, signing Jack Campbell to a new four-year, $81 million deal. Now, it's time to extend Detroit's other 2023 first-round selection, running back Jahmyr Gibbs.

Gibbs has two years left on his rookie contract but has already proven himself worthy of a lucrative second contract. It would be wise to extend him before the Atlanta Falcons extend fellow 2023 first-rounder Bijan Robinson.

Whoever signs second between Robinson and Gibbs is likely to become the league's highest-paid running back for the foreseeable future.

Green Bay Packers: Add an Edge-Rusher

Like the rival Bears, the Green Bay Packers have one dependable edge-rusher and plenty of questions opposite him. Unfortunately, star sack artist Micah Parsons is recovering from a torn ACL and might not even be available for Green Bay at the start of the regular season.

After trading away Rashan Gary, the Packers lack depth behind Parsons. 2023 first-round pick Lukas Van Ness hasn't developed into a regularly productive contributor. Parsons and Gary combined for 20 of Green Bay's 36 sacks in 2025.

Adding a veteran like Miller or Bosa is a must at this point.

Minnesota Vikings: Extend Jordan Addison

The Minnesota Vikings have exercised the fifth-year option on receiver Jordan Addison's contract, and they're already budgeting to extend the receiver, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert. They don't have to extend Addison this offseason, but they should.

Addison is clearly Minnesota's No. 2 target behind Justin Jefferson, but the price of high-end complementary receivers continues to go up—Alec Pierce isn't a true No. 1, and he still landed a deal worth $28.5 million annually this offseason.

If the Vikings know they want to keep Addison long-term, they should sign him before his price point goes even higher.

NFC South

AP Photo/Peter Joneleit

Kyle Pitts

Atlanta Falcons: Extend Kyle Pitts

As previously mentioned, Falcons running back Bijan Robinson is extension-eligible this offseason. Wide receiver Drake London is also up for a new contract. However, Atlanta should first lock up tight end Kyle Pitts. The clock to do so is ticking.

Pitts was given the franchise tag this offseason, and Atlanta only has until July 15 to negotiate a long-term extension with him. Otherwise, he'll be forced to play under the tag and will again be scheduled to hit free agency in 2027.

Carolina Panthers: Add another Offensive Weapon

The Carolina Panthers are entering another evaluation year with quarterback Bryce Young. Unfortunately for Young, the Panthers didn't do quite enough to improve his supporting cast this offseason.

Carolina did draft offensive lineman Monroe Freeling and wide receiver Chris Brazzell II. However, the Panthers haven't adequately replaced running back Rico Dowdle and still lack a quality pass-catching tight end.

The free-agent pool isn't overflowing at this point, but players like Najee Harris, Antonio Gibson, Taysom Hill, Jonnu Smith, and Darren Waller remain unsigned.

New Orleans Saints: Re-Sign Cameron Jordan

Edge-defender Cameron Jordan has played his entire 15-year career with the New Orleans Saints. Head coach Kellen Moore recently told reporters that the Saints "would love" to have Jordan back in 2026. It needs to happen.

The Saints should have a legitimate chance to make a run at an NFC South title this season. Bringing back Jordan, who led the team with 10.5 sacks last season, could only help New Orleans accomplish that goal.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Extend Baker Mayfield

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have already hinted that they want to extend quarterback Baker Mayfield, who is entering a contract year.

"Nobody here wants Baker to be playing for any other team, so I'll just leave it at that," general manager Jason Licht told The Drive with TKras (h/t James Hill of SI.com).

While he isn't worth top-of-the-market money, Mayfield is perfect for the Bucs and deserving of a second-tier contract—likely in the range of the $44 million-per-year deal Daniel Jones just signed. If the Bucs don't extend Mayfield this offseason, they risk seeing that second-tier price range jump as QBs like Young and C.J. Stroud sign new deals.

NFC West

AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez, File

Brandon Aiyuk

Arizona Cardinals: Add an Edge-Rusher

The Cardinals got 12 sacks from Josh Sweat in 2025 but recorded a mere 30 sacks as a team. Arizona did little to improve its pass rush this offseason, and given Sweat's reported displeasure with the franchise, adding an edge-rusher should be a top priority.

While many position groups have been picked clean in free agency, pass-rushers like Haason Reddick, Leonard Floyd, A.J. Epenesa, Joey Bosa, Von Miller, and Kyle Van Noy remain available.

Los Angeles Rams: Add a Veteran Receiver

The Los Angeles Rams could use a third receiver behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, and it wouldn't hurt to add one who can play long-term, as Adams is entering a contract year. And the Rams have reportedly tried to make that addition.

According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo (h/t Bleacher Report's Zach Bachar), the Rams were "really close" to acquiring A.J. Brown in a trade with the Eagles earlier this offseason.

If the Rams don't reengage with the Eagles and acquire Brown, they should look to add a veteran like Stefon Diggs, Keenan Allen, or DeAndre Hopkins to their receiver room.

San Francisco 49ers: Trade Brandon Aiyuk

As previously noted, the 49ers have made it abundantly clear that wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is available via a trade. They haven't flipped the switch on a trade yet, but they should in the coming weeks.

A trade before June 1 would cost San Francisco $19.9 million in additional cap space, while a trade after that date would save $1.3 million. The 49ers are done with Aiyuk, and keeping him on the roster benefits no one.

Seattle Seahawks: Extend Devon Witherspoon

The Seattle Seahawks have done a nice job of restocking their Super Bowl-caliber roster through free agency and the draft. They must now turn their attention to extending one of their top defensive contributors—and they should do it sooner rather than later.

Devon Witherspoon has proven himself to be a top-tier cornerback, and he became extension-eligible this offseason. He's quite likely to become the NFL's highest-paid cornerback whenever he signs a new deal, but the same could be said for extension-eligible Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez.

Seattle should have no questions about keeping Witherspoon long-term. Extending him before the Patriots re-sign Gonzalez could potentially save the Seahawks millions over multiple years.

*Contract information from Spotrac.