Every NFL Team's Biggest Need to Fill in 2020 Offseason
Welcome to the 2020 NFL offseason, which is officially here now that the Kansas City Chiefs have been handed the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
If you're already done dwelling on Super Bowl LIV, we've got you. It's time to look ahead at what's to come in what should be a wild offseason.
With free agency six weeks out and the draft 11 weeks away, here's a look at the top need each NFL team faces.
Arizona Cardinals: Tight End
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Why it's their top need right now
While head coach Kliff Kingsbury might not lean heavily on tight ends, Maxx Williams and Charles Clay (whose contract is expiring) were each on the field for more than 33 percent of the Arizona Cardinals' offensive snaps in 2019, and neither was particularly productive. Williams is a tremendous blocker, but he caught just 15 passes in 16 games, while the soon-to-be 31-year-old Clay had just 18 receptions. The two combined for two touchdowns.
What they should do
A team projected to possess more than $50 million in salary-cap space could chase a big-shot impending free-agent tight end like Austin Hooper or Hunter Henry. Alternatively, using a Day 2 selection on somebody like Vanderbilt's Jared Pinkney or Missouri's Albert Okwuegbunam would make sense.
What other needs might emerge
Veteran offensive linemen D.J. Humphries, Marcus Gilbert and A.Q. Shipley are headed toward free agency, while few would blame them for moving on from exclusive rights free agent Justin Murray at right tackle. You want line continuity for a young quarterback like Kyler Murray, but that unit might need an overhaul.
Atlanta Falcons: The Edge
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Why it's their top need right now
Only the Miami Dolphins produced fewer sacks than the Atlanta Falcons (28), who ranked 30th in football in terms of pressure rate. Now two of their most active pass-rushersโVic Beasley Jr. and Adrian Claybornโare slated to become unrestricted free agents, and they've already announced Beasley won't return.ย
What they should do
The Falcons should use a first-round pick on an edge defender for the third time in six years. They probably don't have the cap room to get in on a blue-chip impending free-agent pass rusher like Shaquil Barrett, Jadeveon Clowney or Yannick Ngakoue, but the Beasley experiment has failed, and Clayborn is 31. They badly need fresh blood.
What other needs might emerge
If tight end Austin Hooper gets away in free agency and they bring back Clayborn, an argument could be made that tight end is a more pressing concern. Hooper is coming off a Pro Bowl season in which he hit new career highs with 75 catches, 787 yards and six touchdowns.
Baltimore Ravens: The Edge
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Why it's their top need right now
The Baltimore Ravens had the league's best record in 2019, but 20 teams recorded more sacks, 18 had higher sack rates and 16 had superior adjusted sack rates at Football Outsiders. The only player on the team with more than five sacksโMatthew Judonโis on track to hit free agency in March.
What they should do
The Ravens have to either re-sign the emerging Judon or invest in another veteran to replace him. They can't afford to lose Za'Darius Smith and Judon in back-to-back offseasons. If that happens, they should be in on someone like Barrett, Clowney, Ngakoue, Bud Dupree, Dante Fowler Jr. or Everson Griffen.
What other needs might emerge
It appears veteran guard Marshall Yanda is mulling retirement, and 2018 sixth-round pick Bradley Bozeman was the offensive line's weakest link at left guard. They also have 2019 fourth-rounder Ben Powers on the roster, but if Yanda walks away, they'll need another quality, experienced option at guard.
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Buffalo Bills: 3rd Receiver
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Why it's their top need right now
While John Brown and Cole Beasley generally delivered in their debuts with the Buffalo Bills in 2019, only two other wide receiversโIsaiah McKenzie and Duke Williamsโfound the end zone all season. Those two combined for two touchdowns and don't look like satisfactory third options at the position. Meanwhile, Robert Foster was a tremendous disappointment after a promising 2018 campaign.
What they should do
The Bills have the cap space to go wild. At the very least, they should be looking for a proven outside option like A.J. Green or Robby Anderson. There's also Amari Cooper in a dream scenario. As well, while Robert Woods, Sammy Watkins and Zay Jones didn't pan out in Buffalo, it might already be time to use at least a Day 2 pick on a wideout.
What other needs might emerge
The defensive line is pretty stacked, but it could require some attention if Jordan Phillips and/or Shaq Lawson get away as unrestricted free agents. There are high expectations for Ed Oliver, but they'd probably love to unload Star Lotulelei's contract and get younger and more talented in the interior.
Carolina Panthers: Cornerback
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Why it's their top need right now
The Carolina Panthers don't have one proven, reliable cornerback. 2018 second-round pick Donte Jackson was routinely burned in his sophomore season, the jury is still out on Javien Elliott in the slot, and both James Bradberry and Ross Cockrell lacked consistency in 2019. Everyone but Jackson is slated to hit the open market. They desperately need a shutdown cover man, ideally outside.
What they should do
It's time to consider using a first-round pick on a corner for the first time since 2004. That's because few top-notch players are scheduled for free agency at that position, and the Panthers will have to spend a lot of their money on in-house free agents like Gerald McCoy and Daryl Williams. Plus, they can't afford not to bring back at least some of the above corners.
What other needs might emerge
It's entirely possible the Panthers will part ways with quarterback Cam Newton, who is due a $21.1 million cap hit in the final year of his contract. If that's the case, that position becomes an obvious priority for a team with only Newton, Kyle Allen and Will Grier on the roster.
Chicago Bears: Another Quarterback
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Why it's their top need right now
Mitchell Trubisky just hasn't worked out for the Chicago Bears. The 2017 No. 2 overall pick averaged a league-low 6.1 yards per pass attempt in what was supposed to be a breakout third season, and the Chicago offense tanked in 2019. At the very least, the Bears need a high-quality backup with growth potential who can push Trubisky this offseason and relieve him if 2020 is also a disaster.
What they should do
The Bears need to inquire into impending free agents Teddy Bridgewater, Marcus Mariota and Philip Rivers. And they shouldn't be afraid to use one of their two second-round picks on someone like Jordan Love, Jake Fromm or Jalen Hurts.
What other needs might emerge
With Kyle Long set to retire and Ted Larsen headed toward free agency, the interior offensive line is looking quite thin. They'll probably need at least one more starting-caliber guard to team up with Cody Whitehair and James Daniels inside.
Cincinnati Bengals: Quarterback
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Why it's their top need right now
Duh. The Cincinnati Bengals benched veteran Andy Dalton midway through another terrible season on offense. Dalton completed fewer than 60 percent of his passes and was the NFL's lowest-rated qualified passer in 2019, and 2019 fourth-round pick Ryan Finley struggled mightily in three losing performances. There's no way their 2020 starting quarterback is on the roster right now.
What they should do
Draft shoo-in No. 1 overall pickย Joe Burrow with the No. 1 overall pick in April's draft. Sometimes the solution is too easy.
What other needs might emerge
Where to begin? In broad strokes, there's no way they can trot out Bobby Hart at right tackle again, they'll need to upgrade the tight end position (especially if Tyler Eifert gets away in free agency), and they'll need another cornerback if slot specialist Darqueze Dennard walks.
Cleveland Browns: Left Tackle
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Why it's their top need right now
Cleveland Browns left tackle Greg Robinson surrenders too much pressure, struggles as a run-blocker and takes too many penalties, which is extremely problematic when you're protecting a young quarterback's blind side. The 27-year-old former Rams bust is slated to hit free agency in March, and the Browns should let him move on in favor of a higher-quality tackle.
What they should do
With plenty of cap space and no expensive in-house free agents, the Browns could bite the bullet and pay Andrew Whitworth, Anthony Castonzo or Jason Peters to come in and bridge the gap before they hand the reins to a high draft pick. But they also have a top-10 pick that they could use on blue-chip Georgia product Andrew Thomas, who would likely be capable of starting right away.
What other needs might emerge
The safety position has to be addressed. Damarious Randall will be a free agent, Morgan Burnett is recovering from a significant Achilles injury and the versatile Eric Murray also has an expiring contract.
Dallas Cowboys: The Secondary
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Why it's their top need right now
The Dallas Cowboys have for years been in need of a playmaker at the safety position. They failed to land Earl Thomas III a year ago, and Xavier Woods, Jeff Heath and Darian Thompson aren't high-impact players. They have several high-quality young cornerbacks on the roster, but both Byron Jones and Anthony Brown are slated to hit free agency.
What they should do
It might be tough to keep both Jones and Brown while focusing on high-priority in-house free agents. Regardless, Dallas should dedicate much of the early part of its draft to the defensive backfield.
What other needs might emerge
It's extremely unlikely the Cowboys let quarterback Dak Prescott get away, but if they have to use the franchise tag on him, they could be at risk of losing a bidding war to retain top wide receiver Amari Cooper. If that happens, receiver immediately becomes a huge priority for Dallas. It should be noted that veteran wideout Randall Cobb's contract is also expiring this offseason.
Denver Broncos: Wide Receiver
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Why it's their top need right now
With Emmanuel Sanders gone, no wide receiver on the Denver Broncos roster besides Courtland Sutton had more than 300 yards or a single touchdown in 2019. If this whole Drew Lock thing is going to work out at quarterback, the 2019 second-round pick will need more support beyond Sutton and 2019 first-round tight end Noah Fant. They need to upgrade on DaeSean Hamilton and/or Tim Patrick, who will be a restricted free agent.
What they should do
They have five picks in the first three rounds of the draft, and they should use some of that draft capital to land one of this year's top prospects at the wide receiver position. They're also projected to possess nearly $60 million in salary-cap space, some of which they should invest in a veteran like Robby Anderson of the New York Jets.
What other needs might emerge
The secondary has plenty of skill and experience, but starters Justin Simmons and Chris Harris Jr. are impending free agents, and Harris and Kareem Jackson are on the wrong side of 30. They'll likely need some new talent back there.
Detroit Lions: The Edge
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Why it's their top need right now
Big-money free-agent acquisition Trey Flowers didn't singlehandedly fix what ailed the Detroit Lions' pass rush in 2019. Flowers and linebacker Devon Kennard had seven sacks apiece, but nobody else on the roster generated more than two sacks or 10 quarterback hits. The Lions had the worst team sack rate in the NFC.
What they should do
It's doubtful they splurge on an expensive free-agent pass-rusher for the second consecutive offseason, but it might be time to use a first-round selection on an edge defender for the first time since they took Ezekiel Ansah fifth overall in 2013.
What other needs might emerge
They curiously traded away safety Quandre Diggs during the regular season, and defensive backs Rashaan Melvin and Tavon Wilson are slated to hit the open market. Top corner Darius Slay is 29 now, and even with promising young safeties Will Harris and Tracy Walker, they could be quite thin without any additions to the secondary.
Green Bay Packers: Tight End
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Why it's their top need right now
The Green Bay Packers need more pass-catching options for quarterback Aaron Rodgers. While they have a top-end No. 1 receiver in Davante Adams, they're unlikely to keep aging tight end Jimmy Graham around at a cost of $11.7 million. Graham failed to hit the 500-yard mark in his age-33 season, and there aren't a lot of reasonable options beyond that on the roster.
What they should do
They should take a shot at Henry or Hooper, or at least somebody who could hold things down as they wait for 2019 third-round pick Jace Sternberger at that position.
What other needs might emerge
Right tackle Bryan Bulaga is scheduled to become a free agent just days before turning 31. The Packers could decide to move on or lose a bidding war at a high-demand position, which would force them to find a starting-caliber player.
Houston Texans: Guard
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Why it's their top need right now
While the jury is still out on 2019 Houston Texans second-round pick Max Scharping at left guard, veteran right guard Zach Fulton has struggled terribly in his two seasons with the team. They can save $7 million by releasing Fulton free of charge.
What they should do
They'd be smart to use another draft pick on an interior offensive lineman, but first, they should replace Fulton with an experienced free agent like Brandon Scherff or Andrus Peat.
What other needs might emerge
Both Carlos Hyde and Lamar Miller are slated to hit free agency at the running back position, and both are nearing age 30. The Texans can afford to bring back at least one, but it's possible they'll be searching for a back this spring.
Indianapolis Colts: Quarterback
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Why it's their top need right now
Jacoby Brissett is a high-end backup quarterback but a low-end starter, and the Indianapolis Colts need more than that. In relief of the retired Andrew Luck, Brissett averaged just 6.6 yards per attempt in a 2019 Colts campaign that lacked big plays in the passing game.
What they should do
They owe Brissett $21.4 million, so they'll probably give him one more year. But that would be a mistake. They should cut their losses, pocket $8.9 million in cap savings and chase a veteran like Tom Brady, Cam Newton or Philip Rivers, or even Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota.
What other needs might emerge
If veteran left tackle Anthony Castonzo retires or leaves as a free agent, the Colts will have a huge hole in that spot. They're also low on talent beyond T.Y. Hilton at wide receiver, and that would only get worse if impending free agents Devin Funchess, Chester Rogers and/or Dontrelle Inman were to get away.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Linebacker
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Why it's their top need right now
Myles Jack is a good player, but without Telvin Smith, the Jacksonville Jaguars were a mess trying to stop the run this season. The run defense ranked dead last in the AFC in terms of DVOA (defense-adjusted value over average) at Football Outsiders. That has a lot to do with the fact they relied on dudes like Donald Payne, Najee Goode and Austin Calitro.
What they should do
They don't have the cap space to sign anyone significant, but they have two top-20 draft picks and should use one on a player who can help bolster the front seven off the ball. Clemson's Isaiah Simmons would be an ideal draft target.
What other needs might emerge
Many already have. It's amazing how quickly the Jags have become riddled with more holes than Bonnie and Clyde's death car. The defensive line would also be in dire need of talent if they were to lose top pass-rusher Yannick Ngakoue, especially with Marcell Dareus unlikely to return. They also need help along the offensive line, in the secondary and in the pass-catching corps, and their quarterback situation is far from ideal.
Kansas City Chiefs: Running Back
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Why it's their top need right now
Damien Williams had just 92 rushing yards on 29 carries in the Kansas City Chiefs' first two playoff games, and quarterback Patrick Mahomes led the team in rushing in both outings. The 31-year-old LeSean McCoy will be a free agent, as will Spencer Ware, and 2019 sixth-round pick Darwin Thompson averaged just 3.5 yards per attempt as a rookie.
What they should do
Use at least a middle-round draft pick on a running back who can compete or work with Williams and Thompson.
What other needs might emerge
Cornerback isn't a particularly strong position for the Chiefs, and soon they'll have to decide how to deal with impending free agents Kendall Fuller, Bashaud Breeland and Morris Claiborne at the position.
Las Vegas Raiders: Wide Receiver
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Why it's their top need right now
Wide receivers Tyrell Williams and Hunter Renfrow both had quality 2019 campaigns for the Oakland Raiders, but neither is an ideal No. 1 wideout. As the team moves to Las Vegas, it needs to give quarterback Derek Carr a new top option. Depth is a concern anyway, as no other receiver on the roster had 200 yards or multiple touchdowns.
What they should do
They're projected to have about $55 million in salary-cap space, so they can and should find another starting-caliber veteran on the open market. Imagine the coup if they could bring Amari Cooper back. More realistically, A.J. Green and Robby Anderson are intriguing options outside.
What other needs might emerge
They could use an upgrade at cornerback, particularly outside the slot. But if Daryl Worley escapes as a free agent, they'll be in desperate need of a cover guy to team up with 2019 second-round pick Trayvon Mullen.
Los Angeles Chargers: Quarterback
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Why it's their top need right now
Philip Rivers is toast. The longtime Los Angeles Chargers quarterback saw his numbers plummet in a 20-interception age-38 season, and it looks like Rivers and the Bolts are headed toward a divorce. He recently moved his large family across the country. There's little reason to believe backups Tyrod Taylor and Easton Stick are long-term answers under center.
What they should do
They need to use the No. 6 overall pick in the draft to land one of this year's top quarterback prospects. They'll probably miss out on Joe Burrow but should have a shot at Tua Tagovailoa and/or Justin Herbert.
What other needs might emerge
We'll see if they keep left tackle Russell Okung around for an age-33 contract year after an injury-derailed 2019 campaign, but the line is a problem elsewhere too. They could afford to upgrade over Sam Tevi on the right side, and they've yet to get much out of young interior offensive linemen Dan Feeney and Forrest Lamp.
Los Angeles Rams: Offensive Line
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Why it's their top need right now
The Los Angeles Rams' offensive line fell off a cliff in 2019. Not only did they feel the loss of Rodger Saffold and John Sullivan, but longtime left tackle Andrew Whitworth also showed his age. Now the 38-year-old is headed toward free agency, and there's no guarantee he'll keep playing. Interior offensive lineman Austin Blythe, who also struggled in 2019, is an impending free agent too.
What they should do
They lack a first-round pick but have to use at least one Day 2 selection on an offensive lineman who could make an immediate impact. No need to discriminate, because they could use upgrades at tackle, guard or center.
What other needs might emerge
They'll need help on the edge if they don't re-sign Dante Fowler Jr., at linebacker if they don't bring back Cory Littleton, and up front if they don't keep Michael Brockers. Considering they're low on cap space, they're unlikely to retain all three of those veterans.
Miami Dolphins: Quarterback
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Why it's their top need right now
The entire roster needs an infusion of talent, but it's 2020, so that typically starts at quarterback. The 37-year-old Ryan Fitzpatrick had a bottom-10 passer rating and isn't the long-term answer, while Josh Rosen was a train wreck in his three 2019 starts.
What they should do
With three first-round picks (including the No. 5 overall selection), they have the capital to land any quarterback in the draft. That might even include presumed top pick Burrow. If they can pull that off, they should go for it. But at the very least, they should wind up with Tagovailoa or Herbert.
What other needs might emerge
They already exist, pretty much everywhere. All of their 2019 offensive line starters except maybe veteran Daniel Kilgore and 2019 third-round pick Michael Deiter should be replaced, while they definitely need to bolster the edge beyond Charles Harris and Taco Charlton.
Minnesota Vikings: Cornerback
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Why it's their top need right now
Both Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander are slated to hit free agency for the cap-strapped Minnesota Vikings, which is unfortunate because they were Minnesota's best cornerbacks in 2019. They may not have been great, but soon-to-be 30-year-old Xavier Rhodes had a terrible campaign, and it's fair to ask if he's got anything left. The Vikes could save more than $8 million by dumping Rhodes' albatross of a contract, but that wouldn't help them in the short term at a critical position.
What they should do
Part ways with Rhodes, use the found money to re-sign at least one of those other two corners, team him/them up with 2018 first-round selection Mike Hughes and use at least a Day 2 draft pick on a cover man who should be able to contribute immediately.
What other needs might emerge
They've got two premier pass-rushers in Danielle Hunter and Everson Griffen, but the 32-year-old Griffen can opt to become a free agent. With virtually no cap space, they could have trouble retaining an aging player at that rate. He'd also be damn pricey on the open market, and only one other Minnesota edge defender had more than three sacks in 2019. That could become problematic.
New England Patriots: Pass-Catchers
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Why it's their top need right now
Of course, this changes if New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady flies the coop. But until we have an official word on Brady's future, let's assume he returns. With the current makeup of the Patriots' receiving and tight end corps, the 42-year-old would be in big trouble. Brady's top target, Julian Edelman, will soon turn 34, and no other wideout or tight end reached the 400-yard mark for New England in 2019.
What they should do
With so much in-house business to take care of, all they can really do is use one or both of their picks in the first three rounds on another offensive weapon and hope that 2019 first-round receiver N'Keal Harry recovers from a rocky rookie campaign.
What other needs might emerge
If Brady moves on, they'll immediately need to replace him. They'll also need to address the secondary if Devin McCourty escapes, and the linebacking group if they lose Jamie Collins Sr. or Kyle Van Voy. All four of those players have expiring contracts.
New Orleans Saints: 2nd Receiver
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Why it's their top need right now
We're yet to confirm who'll be throwing the passes for the New Orleans Saints in 2020, but whoever it is, he could use someone other than Michael Thomas in the receiving corps. Non-receivers Alvin Kamara and Jared Cook help, but Ted Ginn Jr. can't have a lot left at 34, and Tre'Quan Smith has yet to emerge as anything more than a peripheral option.
What they should do
They're low on cap space, and they have to prioritize the quarterback position with Drew Brees and Teddy Bridgewater set to hit free agency. They might have to go to the first-round well for a wide receiver for the first time since taking Brandin Cooks 20th overall in 2014.
What other needs might emerge
Quarterback isn't really a need despite the uncertainty because they have three intriguing options in-house. But the secondary will need to be addressed if they lose Eli Apple and/or Vonn Bell, both of whom are scheduled to hit the open market.
New York Giants: The Edge
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Why it's their top need right now
The only New York Giants player to hit the five-sack mark in 2019, Markus Golden, is set to become a free agent in March. They lack effective pass-rushers off the edge, and adding an impact presence there should be the first step they take as they rebuild that putrid defense.
What they should do
With over $60 million in projected cap space, they should make a run at Griffen, Shaquil Barrett, Jadeveon Clowney, Dante Fowler Jr. and Bud Dupree, if any become available in free agency. They also shouldn't shy away from using the No. 4 overall pick on a potential game-changer on the edge, and they should look into trading up for Ohio State's Chase Young, if need be.
What other needs might emerge
It's not pretty at offensive tackle, where they could decide to cut their losses with expensive underperformer Nate Solder. The secondary also requires a revamp, and it'll become worse if they lose impending free-agent safety Michael Thomas.
New York Jets: Offensive Line
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Why it's their top need right now
Soon-to-be 31-year-old Kelvin Beachum's contract is up, right tackle Brandon Shell hasn't gotten the job done, and the only somewhat reliable interior option is Brian Winters. This line is dilapidated, and it might become worse soon for the New York Jets.
What they should do
They have the No. 11 overall pick as well as two third-rounders. Some of that capital has to be used on offensive line talent, and they should also try to land a big-name potential free agent like Brandon Scherff or Jack Conklin.
What other needs might emerge
Receivers Robby Anderson and Demaryius Thomas are both slated to become free agents. If they get outbid for Anderson, they'll become desperate for top-end help at wide receiver. The same rule applies to Beachum at the left tackle position in particular.
Philadelphia Eagles: Wide Receiver
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Why it's their top need right now
The Philadelphia Eagles' receiving corps became a punchline in 2019. Nelson Agholor will be a free agent, but they might opt to move on considering his reputation for inconsistent and unreliable play in Philly. Alshon Jeffery has had trouble staying healthy, and nobody else has proved himself beyond that.
What they should do
They probably have enough cap room to make a run at Anderson, A.J. Green or even Amari Cooper. But they'll also likely have to use a premium draft pick on a wideout for the second time in as many years (they took JJ Arcega-Whiteside in Round 2 last April).
What other needs might emerge
Veterans Ronald Darby, Jalen Mills and Rodney McLeod are all scheduled to hit free agency in the secondary, where they lacked stability and consistency already in 2019. Meanwhile, Malcolm Jenkins wants a new contract. Even with several quality corners set to return, they'll likely need to do some work there.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Tight End
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Why it's their top need right now
No. 1 Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Vance McDonald amassed just 273 receiving yards and averaged 7.2 yards per catch in 14 games last season. Now the Steelers have to decide if it's worth exercising his $6.6 million club option. McDonald's ceiling is obvious, and there aren't any other intriguing tight ends on the roster.
What they should do
They probably can't afford someone like Hunter Henry or Austin Hooper on the open market, but they should use a first- or second-round pick on a tight end for the first time since 2005. Notre Dame's Cole Kmet would be an ideal catch.
What other needs might emerge
Edge defender Bud Dupree's contract is expiring, and the Steelers have limited cap space. If they lose Dupree, they'll have to find a new pass-rusher to complement T.J. Watt in the front seven.
San Francisco 49ers: Cornerback
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Why it's their top need right now
The San Francisco 49ers have few real needs, and depth and consistency were sometimes lacking at cornerback in 2019. Richard Sherman is a star, but he'll soon turn 32. Ahkello Witherspoon struggled down the stretch, and the jury is still out on Emmanuel Moseley as well. They could use one more veteran on the outside.
What they should do
They should take shots at impending free-agent corners Trae Waynes and Bradley Roby, both of whom would have a chance to earn a starting job in San Francisco. They also haven't used an early draft pick on a corner in well over a decade, so it couldn't hurt to dedicate at least a Day 2 selection to the position this April.
What other needs might emerge
If Jimmie Ward gets away in free agency, they'll likely need a safety to compete with 2018 third-round pick Tarvarius Moore.
Seattle Seahawks: Offensive Line
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Why it's their top need right now
This has always been the Seattle Seahawks' top need, and it apparently will be until the end of time. Mike Iupati and D.J. Fluker are liabilities at guard, and 2016 first-round pick Germain Ifedi hasn't gotten the job done at right tackle.
What they should do
They could use one of their two second-round picks, or even their lone first-round pick, on a player who can start right away at one of those positions. But they're also projected to enter the new league year with nearly $60 million in salary-cap space, so it would make a lot of sense to pursue a potential free agent like Brandon Scherff, Jack Conklin or Bryan Bulaga.
What other needs might emerge
No Seahawks reached the five-sack mark during the regular season, but defensive linemen Jadeveon Clowney, Quinton Jefferson and Ezekiel Ansah combined for nine. All three have expiring contracts, which could turn the defensive line into a major area of need.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Secondary
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Why it's their top need right now
Vernon Hargreaves III didn't pan out as a 2016 first-round pick for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who need an infusion of talent and experience at both cornerback and safety. They need a veteran to work with Carlton Davis outside and another starting-caliber player to work with or supplant Mike Edwards at safety.
What they should do
They're slated to hit free agency with almost $85 million in cap space. They have to take care of a lot of in-house business, but that financial situation should enable them to look at corners like Mackensie Alexander, Trae Waynes, Chris Harris Jr., Logan Ryan and Bradley Roby as well as safeties like Justin Simmons and Devin McCourty. They should also find DBs in the draft.
What other needs might emerge
If they decide against bringing back quarterback Jameis Winston, they'll have to find a replacement in free agency or the draft. They'll also need to replenish the front seven with Shaquil Barrett, Ndamukong Suh, Beau Allen and Jason Pierre-Paul all scheduled to hit free agency.
Tennessee Titans: The Edge
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Why it's their top need right now
2018 second-round pick Harold Landry III is a rising star coming off a nine-sack sophomore campaign, but Tennessee lacks depth and talent beyond that on the edge. Nobody else on the roster had more than five sacks or a dozen quarterback hits last season.
What they should do
Tennessee has plenty of cap space but a lot of in-house work to do, so the focus should shift to the draft. Unless the Titans lose one of their blue-chip free-agents-to-be, it'd be surprising if they didn't use the No. 29 overall pick on a pass-rusher.
What other needs might emerge
If they lose impending free agent Ryan Tannehill, quarterback becomes a priority. If they lose impending free agent Derrick Henry, running back becomes a priority. If they lose impending free agent Jack Conklin, offensive tackle becomes a priority. And if they lose impending free agent Logan Ryan, slot cornerback becomes a priority. It'll be a wild ride.
Washington Redskins: Cornerback
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Why it's their top need right now
Quinton Dunbar is a good player, but he's the only decent cornerback on the Washington Redskins roster now that the 32-year-old Josh Norman has fallen off a cliff. They can't rely on players like Fabian Moreau and Jimmy Moreland.
What they should do
They have the cap space to make a run at a veteran like Waynes, Alexander, Harris, Ryan or Roby. They should try to land at least one and then use a Day 2 pick on another cover man.
What other needs might emerge
If Trent Williams, who held out the entire 2019 season, stays away, they'll finally have to make a big move to shore up the left tackle position. And if guard Brandon Scherff gets away as a free agent, they'll have to address the interior offensive line. Plus, they'll need depth at wide receiver because they basically had nobody besides Terry McLaurin in 2019.
Salary-cap, contract and free-agent information courtesy of Spotrac.
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