Offensive Line, Quarterback, and Edge Rushers Take Center Stage as Top Offseason Priorities for All 32 NFL Teams.

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  1. Arizona Cardinals
    • Biggest Offseason Need: Defensive Line
    • The Cardinals require playmakers. Despite James Conner’s strong performance out of the backfield and Trey McBride’s emergence at tight end, there’s still room for improvement. An elite receiver like Marvin Harrison Jr. would be a tremendous asset. With the No. 4 pick in the draft, Arizona might have a chance to secure him. Additionally, the Cardinals have long lacked a lockdown corner and need an edge rusher. Starting from the inside, they require an anchor on the defensive line—a player around whom General Manager Monti Ossenfort can build. If Harrison is available, Ossenfort should seriously consider him, but addressing the defensive line is crucial. — Doug Haller
  2. Atlanta Falcons
    • Biggest Offseason Need: Quarterback
    • The Falcons finished 21st in the league in EPA per dropback during the regular season, relying on a rotating combination of Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke. Atlanta faced turnover woes, with 17 interceptions and 12 lost fumbles by Ridder. Former head coach Arthur Smith believed the Falcons were just a quarterback away from contention. However, owner Arthur Blank opted for change, dismissing Smith and hiring Raheem Morris. Morris aims to explore the draft, free agency, and trade market to find the missing quarterback piece. — Josh Kendall
  3. Baltimore Ravens
    • Biggest Offseason Need: Offensive Line Help
    • The Ravens face uncertainty with both starting guards, Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson, hitting unrestricted free agency. Additionally, their starting tackles, Ronnie Stanley and Morgan Moses, are 29 and 32 years old, respectively, and dealt with injuries last season. Health issues have been a recurring challenge for the team. — No specific author mentioned
  4. Buffalo Bills
    • Biggest Offseason Need: Wide receiver
    • Even with Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs as a fearsome duo, the Bills lacked consistent explosiveness down the stretch in 2023. Their offense sputtered, limiting their true potential. The culprit? The absence of a dynamic receiver who could draw attention away from Diggs, forcing defenses to respect another threat. This reliance on shorter throws, the run game, and sustained drives hindered their scoring opportunities. Adding a top-tier receiver, perhaps through the draft, could significantly open up the Bills’ offense, potentially unlocking the key to reaching the Super Bowl.
  5. Carolina Panthers
    • Biggest Offseason Need: Wide receiver
    • A 2-15 season, a new head coach, and a new GM paint a clear picture: the Panthers need more than just one fix. However, there’s one glaring priority atop the list for Dave Canales and Dan Morgan: surrounding Bryce Young with reliable receiving options. DJ Chark’s poor separation and catch rate fell within the league’s bottom 10, while rookie Jonathan Mingo’s 50.6% catch rate landed him at the fifth-worst spot. Even though Adam Thielen reached 1,000 yards receiving, his age (33) limits his ability to stretch defenses. The result? Young often faced pressure while waiting for receivers to get open. Finding Bryce Young some receiving help needs to be the Panthers’ top offseason priority.
  6. Chicago Bears
    • Biggest Offseason Need: Edge rusher
    • While the narrative heavily focuses on the Bears’ quarterback situation, their decision-making there will likely be straightforward. However, their most urgent need lies on the defensive side – finding an edge rusher to partner with Montez Sweat. Sweat, a Pro Bowl selection, significantly impacted the defense in the second half of the season, but no other defensive end managed more than four sacks. Chicago finished last in the league in sacks per pass attempt. Moving DeMarcus Walker into a strong No. 3 role by adding another edge rusher could prevent offenses from solely focusing on Sweat, significantly boosting the Bears’ pass rush.
  7. Cincinnati Bengals
    • Biggest offseason need: Double-dip at defensive tackle
    • The Bengals’ reliance on Trey Hendrickson for pass rush pressure was painfully evident in 2023. While Hendrickson dominated with 17.5 sacks and 79 pressures, Sam Hubbard finished a distant second with just 6 sacks, and B.J. Hill’s 42 pressures highlighted the lack of consistent disruption up the middle. The potential loss of Pro Bowl defensive tackle DJ Reader to free agency after his December quad tear further amplifies the need. The Bengals desperately need someone to share the load with Hill at the 3-technique, offering even a fraction of Reader’s impact. In essence, they require all the help they can get to bolster their interior defensive line and complement their edge rushers.
  8. Cleveland Browns
    • Biggest offseason need: Elevate the wide receiver corps
    • For the Browns to reach AFC elite status, Deshaun Watson needs to perform like an elite quarterback. While his pre-injury November performances were promising, the Browns’ vertical passing game sputtered after his season-ending shoulder injury. While Amari Cooper and David Njoku offer a solid foundation, the rest of the receiving group is riddled with uncertainty. The Browns lack speed, and potentially size and consistency as well. Addressing this need involves adding talent through both free agency and the draft.
    • Key details not to miss:
    • Deshaun Watson’s success hinges on a strong receiving corps.
    • Browns are pleased with Amari Cooper and David Njoku, but lack depth.
    • Lack of speed, size, and consistency plagues the remaining receivers.
    • Expect additions to the wide receiver room through free agency and the draft.
    • By incorporating these additional details and names, I hope these rewrites offer a more comprehensive and informative picture of each team’s biggest offseason need.
  9. Dallas Cowboys
    • Biggest offseason need: Linebackers (multiple)
    • While concerns linger at running back, defensive tackle, and even the offensive line with Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz’s uncertain futures, the Cowboys’ top priority lies in solidifying their linebacker corps.
    • Uncertainty reigns: Leighton Vander Esch’s playing career hangs in the balance, and rookie DeMarvion Overshown, despite his potential, remains unproven after a major injury.
    • Priorities clear: Keeping Micah Parsons primarily as a pass rusher necessitates acquiring both quality starting linebackers and reliable depth.
    • Key details:
    • Vander Esch’s future is unclear, potentially leaving a major void.
    • Rookie Overshown is talented but untested due to injury.
    • Maintaining Parsons at edge rusher requires bolstering the linebacker group.
  10. Denver Broncos
    • Biggest offseason need: Quarterback (franchise-caliber)
    • The Broncos are poised to move on from veteran Russell Wilson, whose disappointing tenure since the 2021 trade leaves a massive $85 million dead-money hit and an even bigger hole at quarterback.
    • A void since Peyton Manning: The Broncos haven’t found a suitable successor since Manning’s retirement in 2016, and Wilson’s struggles only highlight the need.
    • Backup Stidham not the answer: Longtime backup Jarrett Stidham’s brief starts don’t inspire confidence, making a new starter paramount.
    • Open to all options: Free agency, the draft, or even a trade are all possibilities as Coach Sean Payton seeks his long-term answer under center.
    • Key details:
      • Moving on from Wilson leaves a gigantic quarterback void.
      • The Broncos haven’t had a successful QB since Manning.
      • Backup Stidham doesn’t provide a viable long-term solution.
      • Payton is exploring all avenues to find a franchise quarterback.
  11. Detroit Lions
    • Biggest offseason need: Cornerbacks (multiple)
    • The Lions’ secondary woes, particularly at cornerback, were undeniable in 2023. The trio of Cam Sutton, Jerry Jacobs, and Kindle Vildor struggled, and losing Emmanuel Moseley to a torn ACL in his first game only exacerbated the issue.
    • League-worst pass defense: Detroit’s 7.4 yards per attempt allowed ranked third-worst in the league, showcasing their struggles against top receivers.
    • Super Bowl aspirations demand improvement: With Super Bowl aspirations, addressing the cornerback position is crucial this offseason.
    • Multiple solutions possible: Free agency and the draft both offer potential avenues to bolster the secondary.
  12. Green Bay Packers
    • Biggest offseason need: Safety (playmaking, athletic)
    • The Packers face a complete overhaul at safety with Darnell Savage Jr., Jonathan Owens, and Rudy Ford, their top three safeties from 2023, all entering unrestricted free agency. This need existed before, but coach Jeff Hafley’s arrival as defensive coordinator further emphasizes it. He prefers a single-high safety scheme demanding an athletic, playmaking presence deep in the middle of the field. Whether through the draft (early selection likely), free agency, or a trade, addressing safety is Green Bay’s top priority.
    • Key details:
      • All three starting safeties from 2023 are free agents.
      • New DC Hafley prefers a single-high safety scheme requiring a specific skillset.
      • Need for a playmaking, athletic safety is paramount.
      • Draft, free agency, or trade are all open options to address the position.
  13. Houston Texans
    • Biggest offseason need: Cornerback (multiple)
    • While exceeding expectations with a 10-7 record and AFC South title, the Texans’ defense requires improvement, particularly against the pass (22nd in the league, 234.1 yards per game allowed). Secondary cornerbacks Steven Nelson and Tavierre Thomas are free agents, joining Derek Stingley Jr. (despite leading the team with five interceptions) in leaving question marks at the position.
  14. Indianapolis Colts
    • Biggest offseason need: Cornerback (experienced starter)
    • Injuries and inexperience plagued the Colts’ secondary in 2023, making cornerback a strong candidate for their No. 15 draft pick. Most experienced CB Kenny Moore II is a free agent, and JuJu Brents (second-round pick) played just nine games as a rookie due to injuries. The Colts can either spend a high draft pick or target a starting cornerback in free agency.
  15. Jacksonville Jaguars
    • Biggest offseason need: Interior offensive line overhaul
    • The Jaguars’ run game was abysmal in 2023, ranking near the bottom in key metrics like yards before contact per rush, yards per attempt, and rushing success rate. This directly hindered Trevor Lawrence and the offense’s potential. The culprit? Their leaky interior offensive line. Luke Fortner wasn’t the answer at center, they lack a starting left guard under contract, and Brandon Scherff might be cap casualty. A complete makeover is needed for this group.
  16. Kansas City Chiefs
    • Biggest offseason need: Adding reliable receiving options
    • The Chiefs need more weapons for Patrick Mahomes to unleash their offensive juggernaut potential again. While they have Andy Reid’s coaching, Mahomes’ talent, and strong pass catchers in Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice, the AFC arms race demands further upgrades. Acquiring reliable receivers, ideally veterans to complement the young Rice, is crucial.
  17. Las Vegas Raiders
    • Biggest offseason need: Quarterback (franchise-caliber)
    • Aidan O’Connell showed promise as a rookie, but he’s best suited for a backup role. At minimum, the Raiders need a starting-caliber quarterback in free agency to challenge O’Connell. Ideally, the 2024 draft’s loaded quarterback class (Williams, Maye, Daniels) presents an opportunity to find their long-term answer. While their current draft position might require a strategic move, the talent available makes pursuing a top prospect worthwhile.
  18. Los Angeles Chargers
    • Biggest offseason need: Replacing starting center
    • With Corey Linsley’s likely retirement due to a health issue, the Chargers have a glaring hole at center. No obvious internal replacement exists, requiring them to address this need through the draft or free agency. While positions like tight end, running back, and defense also require attention, finding a new starting center takes priority.
  19. Los Angeles Rams
    • Biggest offseason need: Experienced edge rusher to bolster pass rush
    • While both cornerback and outside linebacker require attention, the Rams prioritize an experienced edge rusher to solidify their pass rush. Veteran Ahkello Witherspoon’s potential departure creates a need at cornerback, but the younger players lack consistency. On the other hand, Aaron Donald, Kobie Turner, and Byron Young offer promise, but a veteran presence is crucial for a cohesive unit. A strong pass rush can alleviate secondary issues, making it the “edge” need for this team with multiple requirements.
  20. Miami Dolphins
    • Biggest offseason need: Resolving and rebuilding the offensive line
    • Several questions loom over the Dolphins’ offensive line, impacting both starters and depth. Star left tackle Terron Armstead faces retirement or another season, while Connor Williams, a top free-agent center recovering from an ACL tear, needs a decision. Guard Robert Hunt’s free agency adds to the uncertainty. Protecting Tua Tagovailoa and supporting their rushing attack hinges on addressing this unit.
  21. Minnesota Vikings
    • Biggest offseason need: Quarterback (starter or bridge option with long-term plan)
    • With Kirk Cousins’ contract voiding in March and a massive dead cap hit attached, an extension or departure is imminent. If he leaves, the Vikings need a new quarterback. Options include a high-risk draft trade-up, a veteran bridge option with a later-round developmental QB, or drafting their future starter at No. 11. Regardless, addressing the quarterback position is essential.
  22. New England Patriots
    • Biggest offseason need: Franchise-caliber quarterback
    • While offensive tackle and wide receiver are significant needs, the Patriots lack a starting-caliber quarterback, the NFL’s most crucial position. Whether they pursue options through free agency (Kirk Cousins, Baker Mayfield), trade (Justin Fields, Russell Wilson), or the draft (Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels) with their No. 3 pick, acquiring a quarterback is paramount.
  23. New Orleans Saints
    • Biggest offseason need: Tackle and/or guard
    • The New Orleans Saints’ gamble on Trevor Penning as their future left tackle has backfired spectacularly. Drafted 19th overall in 2022, Penning’s brief six-game starting stint fizzled, leading to his benching and a patchwork solution of veteran Andrus Peat and utility player James Hurst. This leaves a gaping hole at 40% of the offensive line, a glaring weakness on a unit already prone to struggles.
    • Ignoring this issue could see disastrous consequences. With Derek Carr potentially taking the helm, a weak line would leave him exposed like a punching bag to opposing pass rushers, dooming the offense to another cycle of mediocrity. The Saints urgently need to address this critical problem before they’re swallowed by the abyss of offensive ineptitude once again.
  24. New York Giants
    • Biggest offseason need: Offensive line
    • Quarterbacks steal the headlines, but for the New York Giants, the most glaring weakness lies not under center, but in the trenches. While Daniel Jones’ health remains a concern, it pales in comparison to the offensive line’s abysmal performance. Letting in a historic 85 sacks last season paints a grim picture – no quarterback, no matter how talented, can thrive under such constant pressure.
    • The wide receiver corps might crave a true number one, but that need pales in comparison to the immediate requirement for a competent line. Upgrades are desperately needed across the unit, not just for Jones’ sake, but for the success of the entire offense. We can speculate all day about potential quarterbacks, but without a line to protect them, it’s a meaningless exercise.
    • New York Jets
    • Biggest offseason need: Offensive line
  25. New York Jets 
    • Primary Offseason Priority: Strengthening the Offensive Line
    • For much of the past decade (if not longer), the New York Jets have grappled with a persistent issue: their offensive line. Despite having quarterback Aaron Rodgers, albeit a 40-year-old recovering from Achilles surgery, the Jets faced challenges. Last season alone, they experimented with 13 different offensive line combinations in 17 games, plagued by injuries. The decision to rely on a 38-year-old Duane Brown and an injury-prone Mekhi Becton as their top tackle options in 2023 proved ill-advised.
    • Currently, the Jets have two confirmed starters in Joe Tippmann and Alijah Vera-Tucker, with the possibility of a third if left guard Laken Tomlinson remains on the roster. However, the team urgently requires at least two new starting offensive linemen and improved depth. Their paramount objective? Safeguarding Rodgers. The job security of General Manager Joe Douglas and Coach Robert Saleh hinges on ensuring Rodgers remains well-protected.
  26. Philadelphia Eagles 
  27. Pittsburgh Steelers 
    • Primary Offseason Priority: Strengthening Quarterback Play
    • As the 2023 season approached, there was hope that Kenny Pickett would take a significant leap in his second year, becoming the cornerstone of the offense and securing his place as the future quarterback. Unfortunately, that leap didn’t materialize. Despite Pickett’s Week 13 ankle injury and subsequent surgery, he failed to convincingly outperform Mason Rudolph, the second-year signal caller. The Steelers faced a dilemma: Rudolph started crucial games in Week 18 and the playoffs, even though Pickett was medically cleared. Now, with new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith on board, the team must determine whether Pickett can unlock untapped potential that the NFL hasn’t witnessed yet. Alternatively, they’ll need to assess if Rudolph (a free agent) is the answer at QB1 or explore external alternatives.
  28. San Francisco 49ers 
    • Key Offseason Need: Strengthening the Defensive End Position
    • While an argument can be made for addressing the offensive tackle position, especially considering left tackle Trent Williams’ age (35) and right tackle Colton McKivitz’s struggles (yielding a team-high nine sacks), the 49ers’ defensive strategy centers around consistent pressure from their linemen. Currently, they rely heavily on Nick Bosa as their sole edge rusher. However, most of their other defensive ends—Chase Young, Clelin Ferrell, and Randy Gregory—are not under contract beyond this season. The only signed ends are unproven talents: Drake Jackson and 2023 rookie Robert Beal Jr. The 49ers must prioritize bolstering their defensive end rotation to maintain their defensive effectiveness
  29. Seattle Seahawks 
    • Primary Offseason Priority: Linebacker Upgrade As the Seattle Seahawks head into the offseason, bolstering their linebacker corps emerges as a top priority under new coach Mike Macdonald. The team aims to strengthen both sides of the ball by fortifying the middle. While Seahawks legend Bobby Wagner, destined for the Hall of Fame, has been a stalwart, the organization’s departure from the Pete Carroll era suggests that he may have played his final snap in a Seattle uniform. Additionally, fellow linebacker Jordyn Brooks faces free agency in March. Expect Coach Macdonald to recalibrate this position, which was a strength for him during his time in Baltimore. Keep an eye on Patrick Queen, who could become available if the Ravens allow him to reach free agency
  30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 
  31. Tennessee Titans 
    • Key Offseason Need: Strengthening the Offensive Line 
    • The Titans face significant challenges along their offensive line. Left tackle, in particular, has been a disaster zone over the past two seasons following Taylor Lewan’s departure. However, the need extends beyond left tackle; the Titans also require a right tackle and a center. Their hopes rest on left guard Peter Skoronski, last year’s first-round pick, living up to expectations in 2024. While great tackles rarely hit free agency, the draft may offer opportunities for interior upgrades. Encouragingly, Bill Callahan’s arrival as the Titans’ offensive line coach should enhance their performance up front.
  32. Washington Commanders 

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