Every 32 NFL teams offseason needs:
Arizona cardinals: WR, OL, DL, CB
Cap space: $51 million
Arizona is sticking with Kyler Murray and opens up 2024 with the 4th overall pick in the draft. This fix won’t be easy as they have many positions to address. They have to take Marvin Harrison Jr who is the best WR in the draft. I also think a big need is D line as their D line was abysmal this past year. With two first round picks they can go DL at pick 27 and look at drafting a stud CB in second round. Fill in other wholes like OT via free agency or through draft.
Atlanta Falcons: QB, EDGE, CB, DL, WR
Cap space: $38 million
Atlanta has pieces on offense. Great O line, Drake London, Kyle Pitts and stud RB Bijan Robinson but of course they don’t have the most important position in football (A QB). Look for them to either draft a QB by trading up or trade for one like Justin Fields. As for defense they really need an edge rusher and can pick up someone like Leonard Williams for their DL via free agency. I’d also wonder if they would bring back Calvin Ridley or sign someone like Gabe Davis.
Baltimore Ravens: OLB, OL, RB, CB, LB
Cap space: $16 million
Ravens are pretty much stacked all around but they’re taking a bit of hit with the amount of free agents they have. It’s not a big deal as they are one of the best teams at drafting. They’ll be losing stud LB Patrick Queen to FA but they have Trenton Simpson coming along. Despite the Derrick Henry to Baltimore rumors I don’t see it happening. But what I can see is Baltimore drafting players like DT Byron Murphy (Texas) and RB Jaylen Wright (Tennessee).
Buffalo Bills: WR, DT, EDGE, S
Cap space: $-43 million
Bills have some tough decisions to make to get under the cap. Biggest need this offseason is a legit pass rusher. Von Miller is done and quite frankly, he’s been washed up for years now. Bills are in big time cap hell & they should look to cut Veteran CB Tre White along with Jordan Poyer, Nyheim Hines and maybe a bit controversial but Mitch Morse. Bills have 10 picks in the draft and they can get younger on those positions with the picks they have.
Early in the draft they should look to get an impact EDGE rusher. Also losing Gabe Davis leaves them a hole at WR 2. They’ll also be looking to add a WR most likely in the draft as well.
Carolina Panthers: WR, OL, EDGE, RB, CB
Cap space: $34 million
Carolina needs to get Bryce Young some help on the O line and a real WR1 option. Mingo isn’t the answer for WR1 and neither is Adam Thielen. Carolina is in a bad spot as they don’t have a first round pick this year. Look for them to trade up or take best player available with the 33rd overall pick whether that’s a WR or OL. With Keon Coleman’s draft stock falling maybe he falls right to Carolina would be a steal.
Chicago Bears: QB, RB, CB, EDGE, WR, OL
Cap space: $78 Million
Chicago controls their own destiny in this draft holding the first overall pick. They simply need to take a QB (which ever one they like whether it’s Drake Maye or Caleb Williams) and trade away Fields. Fields just isn’t a franchise QB. Bears might lose Jaylon Johnson and Darnell Mooney to free agency so they can look to replace those positions via free agency or the draft. Bears have 78 million in cap space they can really look to bolster up their roster and can look to sign Marquise Hollywood Brown as their WR 2 to help the new QB they draft.
Cincinnati Bengals: OT, DT, WR3, TE, CB
Cap space: $50 million
Bengals hold the 18th overall pick and their biggest needs are OT and DT. I think they will go the draft direction to fix O line and address the defense in FA. A lot of rumors have them taking tight end Brock Bowers but he just won’t be there at 18 unless they trade up for him. Let’s be honest, this team goes wherever Joe Burrow takes them and that will depend on whether he’s healthy or not.
Cleveland Browns: WR, DT, LB
Cap space: 3 million
Browns have a lot of pieces on both sides of the ball but they definitely need another receiver and can use a DT. They don’t own a first round pick so look for them to take a WR like Ja’lynn Polk, Devontez Walker or Xavier Legette with the 54th overall pick.
Dallas Cowboys: LT, C, LB, RB, DT
Cap space: $-9 million
I think the Cowboys biggest need this offseason is to get a new LT. Yes they could re-sign Tyron Smith but I think it’s time to move on as they probably can’t depend on him to stay healthy. Also sounds like they will be letting Center Tyler Biadasz test free agency so that’s another important need. As for RB they shouldn’t be worried about losing Pollard & Dowdle. Pollard is overrated and not true 3 down back so they’ll be getting a new RBs whether that’s the through the draft or FA or both.
Denver Broncos: QB, OT, EDGE, DL
Cap space: $-16 million
Broncos are still recovering from the Russel Wilson disaster so yes the Broncos need to finally hit on a QB. But Listen, Broncos can get whatever QB they want but they simply need to fix O line for that QB to succeed. Holding the 12 overall pick they are in a spot where they might have to reach for a QB. I don’t know what their plan is for QB if they want to trade for one, sign a FA or draft a QB like Bo Nix or Michael Penix but I can see broncos trading up for a QB, that would make more sense.
Detroit Lions: CB, OG, EDGE, DT
Cap space: $56 million
I think it’s pretty clear the Lions will be taking a CB with their first round pick which is a great idea. They should also look at adding an EDGE rusher to go play the opposite side of Aidan Hutchinson. People mention Receiver because they are losing Josh Reynolds but that’s not a big deal at all. Jameson Williams will break out next year solidifying himself as the clear WR2. As for OG there stater Graham Glasgow might hit FA & that’s not someone they’d want to lose so I can see them also putting in a lot of effort to retain him.
Green Bay Packers: S, LB, CB, OL
Cap space: $ 7 million
Packers have a pretty solid team. This franchise strictly develops through the draft and consistently has success doing it. Watch for Green Bay to draft standout CB/ Safety Cooper Dejean out of Iowa I see it being a great fit for Green Bay as they need a safety. They can also use a LB which they’ll most likely draft.
Houston Texans: DL, CB, OL, RB, TE
Cap space: $67 million
Houston has their franchise QB now they’re set. Time to fill the other holes. They should look to beef up the D line and get a defensive Tackle in the draft early. They also need a Tight end to replace Dalton Schultz. They own two 4th round picks so look for them to draft a RB and OT as well in the 4th, Blake Fisher from Note Dame seems like a good fit.
Indianapolis Colts: CB, S, QB, WR?, EDGE, LB
Cap space: $72 million
I think the biggest needs for the Colts is CB and safety. Expect them to take a CB early in the draft. As for WR i hope they re-sign Michael Pittman, I think it would be ridiculous to let him go. They also need a backup QB and coverage LB. Zaire Franklin and EJ Speed are both very good but they can use a coverage LB to solidify the position.
Jacksonville Jaguars: IOL, DL, WR, CB
Cap space: $24 million
I think Jacksonville needs some help on defense and I have a strong feeling they’ll take the best player available on that side of the ball when they pick in the first round. But keep in mind for example if a stud WR falls to them I think they won’t hesitate to take that WR as they are losing Calvin Ridley to Free agency. Nonetheless I expect them to focus on getting a standout CB. I can see them taking a guy like Quinyon Mitchell one of my favorite players in the draft.
Kansas City Chiefs: WR, OT, DT, CB
Cap space: $17 million
This one is easy we all know the Chiefs need a real WR. I don’t see them paying a big name like Evans or Pittman but I can see them possibly targeting a guy like Calvin Ridley. They can also just take a WR in the first round someone like Keon Coleman may fall to them. As for tackle they need to find a long term answer for that position as Jawaan Taylor has many problems and Donovan Smith is trending towards washed up. CB is only mentioned (slot corner) in case the chiefs do end up trading stand out CB L’Jarius Sneed.
Las Vegas Raiders: QB, RB?, CB, DL, LB, S
Cap space: $42 million
Raiders obvious needs are Quarterback and help in the secondary. Speculation around the league has them trading up and taking Quarterback Jayden Daniels from LSU. Raiders have many holes to fill they should add some free agents to fill those holes. If they decide to sign a Veteran QB or trade for one look for them to draft a CB with the 13th pick. As for RB I’m not sure what the plan is for Josh Jacobs but I’d rather keep him if I’m Las Vegas.
LA Chargers: RB, WR, CB, C, LB
Cap space: $-25 million
The LAC are one of the most interesting teams when it comes to the offseason for me. I think they have a lot of easy decisions to make to get this team in the playoffs. First I wouldn’t pay Ekeler (he’s just not a three down back and pretty much washed up ) , second I’d cut Mike Williams as he’s always hurt, can’t stay healthy. To replace them I’d draft Malik Nabers (projected top 5 pick) WR from LSU giving Justin Herbert another weapon along with Keenan Allen. Then I would draft Blake Corum a little later which makes tons of sense since new LAC head coach John Harbaugh coached Corum at Michigan. Look for LAC to run the ball a lot more this year. Also if I’m LAC a later draft steal they can add to their offense is Tight end Erick All from Iowa, will be a steal for any team that lands him.
LA Rams: EDGE, CB, S, OT, IOL
Cap space: $39 million
Rams head into 2024 looking to bolster up their defense as it’s ever thin at EDGE and in the secondary. There are plenty of good EDGE rushers in the Draft this year and look for them to take one at pick 19. Rams should look to sign players like Brian Burns & Kenny Moore.
Miami Dolphins: CB, EDGE, OT, LB
Cap space: $-29 million
Don’t expect anything significant from the Dolphins this offseason. This is a team that has many pieces on both sides of the ball but look for them to draft a CB to replace Xavien Howard and add some depth at EDGE behind Jalen Phillips and Bradley Chubb as they are both coming off season ending injuries. They will also make minor changes to the O line maybe adding some depth.
Minnesota Vikings: S, QB?, OT, DT, RB, EDGE
Cap space: $35 million
Vikings are in a tough spot. If they don’t draft a QB I think they should just re sign Kirk Cousins and pay all pro receiver Justin Jefferson. They will be a playoff team with those 2 healthy. Offense is stacked with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and TJ Hockenson. They should definitely add a real Running back to complete that offense and then get some help on defense as they may lose both Harrison Smith and Danielle Hunter. But they should try lock up Hunter.
New England Patriots : Qb, O-line(OT, 1 RG), WR, TE, Safety,
Cap space: $78 million
With the third overall pick in the draft, the patriots are in a prime spot for a rebuild.
QB: Getting a QB in this draft will be crucial to kickstart the rebuild. Caleb Williams will likely be gone before pick 3 so it will most likely be between Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels.
WR: Surrounding the QB with talent will be essential. Post Brady, Belichik failed to surround his QB’s with talent, resulting in one of the worst offenses in the league. I’d assume Michael Pittman and Tee Higgins will be staying put, leaving a mediocre receiving pool. Drafting is still an option in a very deep WR class. Marvin Harrison will be on Eliot Wolf’s draft board as a potential target with the 3rd overall pick.
O-Line: Patriots have 3 vacancy’s in their offensive line. Trent brown will not be back at LT and the RG and RT positions are vacant. Michael Onwenu, who is in contract negotiations, will be a key in-house signing for the right price. Onwenu played snaps at RG and RT at a high level in 2023. Bringing him back should be #1 priority for the Patriots.
Defense: With a defense with not many wholes there are 2 pending free agents looking for a deal. At safety, Kyle Dugger has emerged as an elite tackler and has drastically improved his coverage. At the right price or on a franchise tag, Patriots should attempt to keep Dugger. One free agent that is interesting if Dugger parts ways is Xavier Mckinney. At 24 years old, Mckinney plays at a high level all over the field. He will command a lucrative contract which the Patriots have the ability to pay.
Josh Uche is another player they will look at resigning, but shouldn’t be a top priority. Drafting an edge rusher would give more resources to use for the struggling offense.
Also note: J.C Jackson could be cut in order to free up close to 14 million in cap space.
New Orleans Saints: O-Line, Resolve Cap issues
Cap space: $-26 million
After the raise of the salary cap, the saints sit around 26 million over the cap. Mickey Loomis’ priority this off-season will be to negate the cap issues they have incurred over the years.
Players to restructure: Cesar Ruiz, Carl Granderson, Tyrann Mathieu, Juwan Johnson, Khalen Saunders, etc.
Restructuring some of these contracts will give the saints space to make moves during the off-season.
WR Michael Thomas and QB Jamies Winston could be cut by the team in order to relieve their contracts.
Also, if OT Ryan Ramczyk and DE Cameron Jordan decide to retire, both have extremely high dead cap money (29 million for Ramczyk and 36 million for Jordan)
New Orleans should look to resign in-house free agents on cheap deals, as well as trade or cut certain players and attempt to replace them in the draft.
New York Giants: OL, WR, RB, LB, EDGE, QB, DL, S
Cap space: $30 million
Giants are a mess and they really messed up by giving QB Daniel Jones that horrendous contract. This isn’t an easy fix at all as they have many holes to fill. To put cherry on top they may lose one of the best safeties in football (Xavier McKinney) and star RB (Saquon Barkley). This will take time to fix but they can start by getting a real WR1, a new RB, pass rush help, potentially signing LB Patrick Queen & figuring out the O line because all they have is Center John Michael Schmitz and Left Tackle Andrew Thomas.
New York Jets: OL, WR, backup QB, S
Cap space: $12 million
Jets will be going all in this year. First and foremost, the Jets need to fix their O line. With 40 year old Aaron Rodgers you simply have to protect him. When it comes to WR, besides Garret Wilson the receiver depth is very thin. Makes me wonder if Jets can somehow acquire Davante Adams and reunite him with Rodgers despite Raiders saying they will keep Adams. As for Safety they may lose Jordan Whitehead so they can look to draft a Safety and also take a QB in the draft to backup Aaron Rodgers and potentially be the future after Rodgers.
Pittsburgh Steelers: C, LB, OT, WR, S, CB, DT
Cap space: 8 million
Steelers sound like they’re sticking with Kenny Pickett. This makes O line being there biggest need this offseason. No matter who they have at QB they simply can’t succeed without a competent O line. Look for them to draft Center Jackson Powers Johnson from Oregon in the first round (20th overall pick). Also Steelers don’t have much cap flexibility so a smart move would be to trade Diontae Johnson and then draft a stud WR to in the second round of the draft to replace him. This upcoming draft is deep at receiver, they can land a stud like Adonai Mitchell from Texas. As for CB Steelers should be all over trying to sign CB Jaylon Johnson from the Chicago bears.
San Francisco 49ers: OL, WR?, CB, DL, backup QB
Cap space: $-5 million
49ers are loaded everywhere on both sides of the ball but just need a bit more help on the O line to protect Purdy a bit better. As for WR, they might be losing Brandon Aiyuk which immediately leaves a hole at WR. Juan Jennings is capable but they still need to address that position if Aiyuk is gone. I can see 49ers bolstering the O line early in the draft by taking a Right tackle, maybe Amarius Mims from Georgia or Tyler Guyton from Oklahoma.
Seattle Seahawks: ILB, IOL, TE, S, OT, EDGE
Cap space: 7 million
Seahawks first move for this offseason should revolve around cutting players such as Tyler Lockett, Will Dissly and Jamal Adams to gain more cap space. Jackson Smith – Nijigba is primed for a breakout year and cutting Lockett will allow that to happen. As for Jamal Adams he simply can’t stay healthy and Seattle needs to move on. I anticipate that Seahawks will draft a defensive end in the first round of the draft to help the pass rush and my prediction is Laiatu Latu from UCLA.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: QB?, EDGE, S, LB, DL, CB, WR
Cap space: $43 million
Tampa bay is set to lose a lot of impact players due to free agency including Baker Mayfield, Antoine Winfield, Mike Evans, Shaquil Barrett & Devin White. Now I do believe Mike Evans will re-sign to retire a Buccaneer but losing Antoine Winfield is brutal. QB situation is all up in the air depending on whether Tampa wants to extend Mayfield or not. On the bright side they have a ton of cap space to fill some of the holes and of course the draft. If they do indeed lose Mike Evans look for them to replace him the draft right away in the first round (Keon Coleman would make a lot of sense).
Tennessee Titans: OL, WR, CB, DE, S, LB
Cap space: $78 million
Titans head into free agency with the most cap space to spend, it’s a great opportunity to add some nice pieces. Speculation around the Titans seem to point towards drafting a WR with the 7th overall pick in the draft which makes sense but they also need to focus on the O line. Any young QB needs at least a competent O line to have a chance. Also, remember if offensive lineman Joe Alt from Notre Dame falls to Tennessee it’s a no brainer pick.
Washington Commanders: QB, EDGE, OL, CB, DT, TE, S
Cap space: $77 million
It’s now or never for the Commanders to get things right. With the 2nd overall pick and a boat load of cap space GM Adam Peters has to spend appropriately and draft their franchise QB. They have a lot of holes but first and foremost is to draft the potential franchise QB whether they draft Caleb Williams, Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels. After that should look to fix the O line as Sam Howell took an absolute beating last year. Other remaining positions like D line and secondary shouldn’t be an issue to fix. Nonetheless it’s an exciting time to be a Commanders fan if things go right.