Now that the Super Bowl is over and the NFL’s legal tampering window is coming up, all 32 teams are turning their attention to building next season’s roster. Free agency and the draft will change teams across the league, but first, each team needs to figure out its biggest weakness.
AFC East
Buffalo Bills: Edge Rusher
Buffalo’s offense got a big boost after trading for DJ Moore, but now the defense needs help, especially with the pass rush. With Joey Bosa and A.J. Epenesa possibly leaving, the Bills need to find another edge rusher who can pressure quarterbacks regularly.
Miami Dolphins: Edge Rusher
Miami’s defensive front lacks production outside of Chop Robinson. The Dolphins don’t have much proven experience on the edge. Since the defense struggled to create pressure last season, finding a dynamic pass rusher should be a top priority in free agency or the draft.
New England Patriots: Edge Rusher
The Patriots have invested heavily in their defense, but the edge position remains a question mark. With K’Lavon Chaisson hitting free agency and Harold Landry coming back from injury, they need to add a steady pass rusher to keep their defense strong.
New York Jets: Quarterback
The Jets have one of the most critical quarterback situations in the league. With Justin Fields likely leaving and Tyrod Taylor set to become a free agent, New York needs to find a bridge quarterback to steady the offense. New York hasn’t had a quarterback start for the franchise for more than three seasons since Chad Pennington did in 2002-2007.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens: Wide Receiver
Last season, Baltimore struggled to generate consistent production from its wide receiver group. With the offense relying heavily on the run game and tight ends, the Ravens need to strengthen their receiving corps to give their passing attack more explosiveness and balance.
Cincinnati Bengals: Safety
Cincinnati might lose Geno Stone from the secondary, which would leave Jordan Battle without a solid partner in the backfield. The Bengals need a starting-quality safety to keep their defense steady.
Cleveland Browns: Offensive Line
The Browns could lose up to four starting offensive linemen in free agency, so fixing the offensive line is their top priority. Protecting the quarterback and rebuilding up front will shape Cleveland’s offseason plans. PFSN NFL Offense Impact ranked the Browns last in the NFL, giving them a 52.0 grade, which is 6 points lower than the 31st-ranked team.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Secondary
The Steelers brought in defensive backs last offseason, but they still don’t have enough depth at cornerback or safety. Building up the secondary is important for a defense that relies on pressure and turnovers.
AFC South
Houston Texans: Offensive Line
After trading Tytus Howard and possibly losing more interior linemen, Houston needs to rebuild the group that protects C.J. Stroud. Adding several linemen might be their main focus this offseason.
Indianapolis Colts: Edge Rusher
The Colts haven’t had much luck developing edge defenders through the draft. Bringing in a veteran pass rusher to play alongside Laiatu Latu could finally give their front seven some stability.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Defensive Line
Jacksonville was good against the run, but it struggled to turn pressure into sacks. Strengthening both the inside and outside of the defensive line should be a top priority.
Tennessee Titans: Cornerback
Other than L’Jarius Sneed, Tennessee doesn’t have reliable starters at cornerback. They may need to add several defensive backs to steady the secondary.
AFC West
Denver Broncos: Inside Linebacker
With Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad set to become free agents, Denver has a big hole in the middle of its defense. They need a new leader at linebacker, and that should come via free agency.
Kansas City Chiefs: Running Back
Kansas City’s running game wasn’t explosive in 2025. Getting a dependable starting running back could help take some pressure off Patrick Mahomes as he comes back from injury.
Las Vegas Raiders: Offensive Line
Yes, they need a quarterback, that’s obvious, but it’s also harder to find talent at the offensive line position than at quarterback. You could have the strongest quarterback in the league, and if you don’t have players to protect him, the offense will be lackluster. The Raiders had trouble with both run and pass blocking. Fixing the interior offensive line is crucial if they want their offense to improve.
Los Angeles Chargers: Interior Offensive Line
The Chargers have had problems with interior protection for a few seasons. They’re going to need a reliable player who can play in the middle of the offensive line. If they can accomplish that, then it would go a long way toward keeping Justin Herbert safe.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys: Defensive Depth
Dallas needs help all over the defense, especially at edge rusher, linebacker, and cornerback. It’s not necessarily a specific position; they just need to add depth to their front seven. The Dallas Cowboys ranked last in the PFSN NFL Defense Impact grade with a 62.1.
New York Giants: Offensive Line
With several starters heading into free agency, the Giants need to rebuild the right side of their offensive line to protect quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Philadelphia Eagles: Tight End
The Eagles could lose several tight ends in free agency, which would leave them thin at the position. They’re going to need to find replacements or upgrades for the depth chart when it comes to tight ends.
Washington Commanders: Edge Rusher
Washington’s defense ranked near the bottom of the league, and they badly need more speed and depth at edge rusher. The Commanders had a hard time getting pressure and securing the pocket. That will need to improve next season.
Chicago Bears: Offensive Line
With Drew Dalman’s retirement and injuries across the line, Chicago must reinforce its protection up front.
Detroit Lions: Running Back
After trading David Montgomery, Detroit needs another running back to help out Jahmyr Gibbs. They don’t have to cost as much money as David Montgomery demanded, but the team will need a consistent running back.
Green Bay Packers: Cornerback
The Packers haven’t been able to find a true No. 1 cornerback. Improving the secondary is still their biggest need on defense.
Minnesota Vikings: Center
With injuries and questions at center, Minnesota will probably have a new starter at the position in 2026.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons: Quarterback Depth
Michael Penix Jr. is still recovering from injury, and with Kirk Cousins likely leaving, the Falcons need a stable option at quarterback for 2026. Bringing in a reliable bridge quarterback would help keep the offense on track while Penix gets healthy.
Carolina Panthers: Linebacker
Last season, the Panthers struggled to get steady play from their linebackers, both in coverage and against the run. Carolina will focus on adding more speed and toughness to its middle defense.
New Orleans Saints: Interior Offensive Line
New Orleans needs to improve its offensive line to steady the offense. If they can upgrade their guard and center spots, that would help the run game and give quarterback Tyler Shough better protection.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Edge Rusher
The Buccaneers have worked to improve their pass rush in recent drafts, but results have been mixed. Adding a steady edge rusher would help Tampa Bay create more pressure and give the defense the spark it needs.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals: Right Tackle
Arizona’s offensive line remains a work in progress. Arizona’s offensive line still needs work, especially at right tackle. The Cardinals will have to improve at right tackle, and if they can find a playmaker there, it would make the offense more stable.
Los Angeles Rams: Cornerback
Cornerback remains a major concern for the Rams, especially with several defensive backs expected to test free agency this offseason. If the Rams can add a reliable starter, improving depth at the position will be important as Los Angeles tries to keep its defense competitive.
San Francisco 49ers: Defensive Line
San Francisco had one of the lowest sack totals last season, which is rare for a team known for its strong defensive line. The 49ers need to improve up front if they want to get back to their usual dominance.
Seattle Seahawks: Secondary
With several key defensive backs likely leaving in free agency, the Seahawks may see big changes in their secondary this offseason. They need to rebuild depth at cornerback and safety to keep their tough defensive style.
