2026 NFL Draft Team Needs

Paris Johnson Jr. is the only offensive tackle who has taken significant snaps in 2025 and is under contract for 2026. He has been an average or slightly above-average performer.

Evan Brown and Isaiah Adams are also under contract but there is room for improvement. At safety, Budda Baker is under contract and his performance remains solid. Dadrion Taylor-Demerson is the only other safety signed beyond this year.

At cornerback, Arizona has several players signed but the key question is whether any can emerge as a top-tier partner alongside Will Johnson. When the Cardinals drafted Marvin Harrison Jr., they believed he would become Kyler Murray's number-one receiver, but he has yet to show that ability.

Drake London and Darnell Mooney have both seen their performance drop compared to last year, and both will be free agents after 2026. The Falcons believed they had secured tight end with Kyle Pitts, who is having his best season since his rookie campaign. Charlie Woerner is the only TE under contract for next season.

The Falcons' secondary needs more consistent production. Xavier Watts is performing above average at safety while every other qualified Falcons safety is well below average. At cornerback, A.J.

Terrell leads the group as a top-15 corner, with Dee Alford just below him. Alford is set to become a free agent.

Edge rusher is a position the Ravens believed they had stabilized when they selected Mike Green in the second round of 2025, but he has gotten off to a slow start. The Ravens' tight end duo, Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, have been highly productive when healthy, but both are set to become free agents after this season.

The Ravens will need reinforcements at guard, as Daniel Faalele and Ben Cleveland are headed to free agency. Roquan Smith's 2025 performance has dipped early in the season, and the team needs more depth at linebacker.

James Cook ranks near the top of the RB Impact Rankings and is signed long-term, but Ray Davis has taken a step back. The Bills' primary offensive need is finding a true WR1 for Josh Allen. Keon Coleman has performed at an average level while Khalil Shakir is signed through 2029.

O'Cyrus Torrence is the only guard under contract for next season. At EDGE, Gregory Rousseau remains under contract while Joey Bosa is a free agent. Linebacker Terrel Bernard is signed through 2029 and has performed above average, but Matt Milano struggles to stay healthy.

Dorian Williams is the only other LB signed for next year.

Taylor Moton and Ikem Ekwonu form one of the top tackle duos in the league, both playing above average, but the Panthers need to add depth at the position. Center Cade Mays is set to become a free agent after being a slightly below-average performer this year.

Carolina needs to upgrade at edge rusher. Patrick Jones II is under contract and has played at an average level, but 2025 second-round pick Nic Scourton has not produced at the expected level.

Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson are both under contract at cornerback but both are down from last season. Nick Scott, one of the top safeties, is a free agent while Trevon Moehrig has graded well below average.

The Bears have no safeties under contract for the 2026 season, with all four currently on the roster set to become free agents. Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker have played nearly every defensive snap but both have graded below average. At EDGE, Montez Sweat, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Austin Booker are under contract, but Sweat's performance has declined.

Running back D'Andre Swift is under contract through 2026 with rookie Kyle Monangai showing promise. At wide receiver, D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze, and Luther Burden are all under contract.

Moore's performance has dipped while Odunze has shown marked improvement in his second season.

The Bengals will need to upgrade at safety and cornerback. Safety Geno Stone is a free agent after being an above-average performer, while Jordan Battle has been well below average. DJ Turner is one of the best cornerbacks and is under contract through 2026.

Dax Hill has taken almost all defensive snaps but performed well below average. The defensive line needs work at both edge and DT. Center Ted Karras is under contract but is having one of his worst years.

Trey Hendrickson's performance has dipped as trade rumors swirl. Rookie Shemar Stewart has struggled to find the field while Myles Murphy has not performed at a high level.

The Browns have struggled for decades to find a long-term solution at quarterback. After Deshaun Watson's retirement, they drafted Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders in the third and fifth rounds. Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller are set to become free agents after this season.

Ethan Pocic is also a free agent, leaving Justin Osborne as the only center under contract beyond 2025. The starting safeties have delivered average performances, leaving room for improvement. The team's uncertainty at quarterback has magnified the lack of a true No.

1 wide receiver.

The Cowboys lost significant production at EDGE after DeMarcus Lawrence left in free agency and Micah Parsons was traded to Green Bay. Rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku has performed slightly below average.

Linebacker is an area where the Cowboys have depth but lack a true game-changer. DaRon Bland and Trevon Diggs are both under contract but neither has performed at an average level this season.

Wide receiver could become a need if the team fails to re-sign George Pickens. Jake Ferguson appears to have regained his Pro Bowl form, but the Cowboys need more production from their second tight end.

Courtland Sutton has returned to his 2020 level of production, ranking as a top-20 wide receiver. Troy Franklin has made progress from his rookie campaign while Marvin Mims Jr. has delivered consistent performances.

The priority will be to continue building depth at receiver to give Bo Nix more options. At center, Alex Forsyth is the only player under contract for next season. Current starter Luke Wattenberg is a free agent after performing slightly above league average.

The Broncos' defensive line and linebacker units remain areas of need despite being one of the league's top defenses. Nik Bonitto, Jonathon Cooper, Zach Allen, and D.J. Jones have all performed at or above league average.

The Lions have one of the league's premier EDGE players in Aidan Hutchinson, but no other players at that position are under contract for next season. Hutchinson has returned close to his pre-injury form after missing most of last season with a leg injury. Detroit's secondary remains largely intact with Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch, D.J.

Reed, and Terrion Arnold all under contract. Reed has been performing well above average while Joseph and Branch are also playing above average. At linebacker, Derrick Barnes and Jack Campbell are the only players under contract.

Center Frank Ragnow's retirement before the season left a void, with replacement Graham Glasgow performing at league-average level.

At cornerback, Nate Hobbs, Keisean Nixon, and Carrington Valentine are under contract for next season. Nixon is grading highly while Hobbs and Valentine are among the league's lowest-graded players. Romeo Doubs is a free agent after the season.

Christian Watson, Matthew Golden, Jayden Reed, and Dontayvion Wicks are under contract through 2026. The Packers created a hole at defensive tackle when they traded Kenny Clark to the Cowboys as part of the Micah Parsons trade. Devonte Wyatt is putting together a strong season while Colby Wooden and Karl Brooks perform at league-average levels.

Linebacker Quay Walker is a free agent after this season.

The Texans' interior defensive line currently has only Mario Edwards Jr. and Tommy Togiai under contract for next season. At offensive tackle, the team needs both improved performance and added depth.

Tytus Howard has performed at an average level while Aireontae Ersery has had an unproductive season. Outside of Juice Scruggs, the team doesn't have any guards under contract for 2026 who have taken significant snaps. Scruggs ranks among the lowest offensive linemen in the league.

Houston also needs a boost in linebacker production. Henry To'oTo'o is the only linebacker signed for next season. At RB, Woody Marks is the only player set to return who has taken significant snaps.

The Colts have been the surprise of the season with Daniel Jones winning the job over Anthony Richardson. Jones is playing the best football of his career but will be a free agent.

Center Tanor Bortolini is playing above league average and signed through 2027, but the Colts need to build depth. At tackle, Bernhard Raimann has performed above average, while Braden Smith's performance has declined and he's set to become a free agent.

Cam Bynum is one of the top safeties in the league and under contract through 2028, but Nick Cross is a free agent. Zaire Franklin is the only linebacker under contract, performing at an average level this season.

Foyesade Oluokun is the only linebacker under contract for 2026 who has played more than 25% of defensive snaps. Oluokun is a strong foundational piece, having graded above average and ranked among the top 20 linebackers in each of the last six seasons. Arik Armstead and Davon Hamilton are under contract through 2026 at DT.

Greg Newsome II is set to become a free agent at corner. Jarrian Jones and Jourdan Lewis have been key contributors under contract for next season. Travis Etienne is a free agent after the season.

Tight ends Brenton Strange, Hunter Long, and Johnny Mundt are all under contract. Strange has earned strong marks early in 2025.

The Chiefs have three of the best cornerbacks this season: Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, and Nohl Williams. Watson is set to become a free agent, while McDuffie follows after next season. On the offensive line, the Chiefs need additional depth to support Trey Smith at guard.

George Karlaftis is among the league's top EDGE rushers, but outside of him, the Chiefs have no EDGE players signed beyond this season who have logged a majority of snaps. Brashard Smith is the only running back under contract beyond this season. The uncertainty surrounding Travis Kelce's future is a concern.

Noah Gray has shown potential but his performance has dipped.

The Raiders need to add more cornerbacks, as Darien Porter and Decamerion Richardson are the only two under contract for next season. Eric Stokes is having one of the best seasons among cornerbacks and could be worth re-signing. Tre Tucker has shown improvement and appears poised to be a key part of the WR group, but Jakobi Meyers hasn't lived up to expectations.

Kolton Miller and DJ Glaze have taken most snaps at tackle, with Miller having one of his best seasons. However, Las Vegas needs to add depth. Jackson Powers-Johnson is the only guard logging a majority of snaps.

Tommy Eichenberg and Cody Lindenberg are the only LBs under contract.

The Chargers' offensive line features Rashawn Slater (out for 2025 with a knee injury) and Joe Alt at tackle, with Mekhi Becton at guard under contract for next season. Beyond those three, the team has minimal depth. Alt has been slightly above average through his first two seasons.

The team must identify another starting-caliber guard and add depth across the offensive line. Jamaree Caldwell is the only defensive tackle currently under contract for next season who has played significant snaps. Tight ends Oronde Gadsden II, Will Dissly, and Tyler Conklin are all signed through 2026.

Tony Jefferson ranks as the top performer in SAFi, with Derwin James Jr. close behind.

Kyren Williams has been an above-average performer throughout his career. He's not finding the end zone as often as in 2023-2024, but has become more significant in the passing game. Blake Corum has performed well in limited opportunities.

The Rams need to address the secondary with openings at both cornerback and safety. Quentin Lake and Kamren Curl rank near the top of SAFi but both are free agents, leaving Kamren Kinchens as the only safety under contract. Darious Williams has consistently graded above average and remains under contract.

Matthew Stafford continues to rank as a top-15 quarterback even in his 17th season. He'll be 38 next year and is under contract through 2026.

The Dolphins wide receiver duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle has declined since 2023. Hill is now a possible cut candidate after suffering a season-ending knee injury.

Miami has a significant need in the secondary after trading Jalen Ramsey to the Steelers, with starters Rasul Douglas and Jack Jones set to become free agents. The Ramsey trade also opened a hole at tight end, with Jonnu Smith included in the deal.

At safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick provides a strong presence, but there is little production or experience beyond him. The Dolphins have several defensive tackles under contract but inconsistent production has created a need for upgrades.

The Vikings' secondary remains a need. Safeties Josh Metellus, Theo Jackson, and Jay Ward are all under contract beyond this season. Metellus ranks as above average while Jackson and Ward have graded below average.

Cornerbacks Byron Murphy and Isaiah Rodgers are signed for next season, though both have performed below league average. At EDGE, Andrew Van Ginkel, Jonathan Greenard, and Dallas Turner are each set to return. Greenard has been one of the top performers at the position.

Running back is another area of need with Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason signed only through 2026. Quarterback remains unresolved following the 2024 draft of J.J. McCarthy, who has struggled with injuries.

The Patriots have made a notable leap in performance during their first season under Mike Vrabel. Drake Maye's second year is validating his status as a QB worthy of being selected third overall. At EDGE, Harold Landry is proving last year's dip was an anomaly.

Landry is under contract for next season while Keion White has struggled well below league average. Robert Spillane has emerged as the Patriots' top linebacker, performing above average. New England has four safeties under contract but only Craig Woodson is performing at league-average level.

At tight end, Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper are grading at or slightly above average. Henry is under contract while Hooper is a free agent.

Derek Carr retired abruptly in the spring after a shoulder injury. The Saints have turned to young signal-callers Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough. Rattler has performed slightly below league average as the current starter.

Demario Davis is set to become a free agent, leaving a major hole at linebacker. The Saints have invested heavily at cornerback but Alontae Taylor, Kool-Aid McKinstry, and Isaac Yiadom have all struggled in 2025. Cameron Jordan is a free agent, leaving Carl Granderson and Chris Rumph II as the only edge rushers under contract.

The guard group has underperformed with none approaching league-average levels.

The Giants appear to have addressed their quarterback needs with Jaxson Dart. Andrew Thomas is having one of his better seasons at tackle after a rocky start to his career, but Jermaine Eluemunor will be a free agent. Jon Runyan Jr.

has one more year on his contract while Greg Van Roten will become a free agent, creating guard needs. Theo Johnson is the only tight end under contract. Bobby Okereke has taken nearly every defensive snap but the team needs to improve LB quality.

At cornerback, Cordale Flott's contract expires after ranking highly in CBi, while Deonte Banks has seen his snap count drop dramatically.

The Jets took a flyer on free agent Justin Fields, signing him to a two-year contract before the 2025 season. Fields has ranked among the lowest quarterbacks in PFSN's QB Impact ratings.

Garrett Wilson will be the Jets' top wide receiver next season, but beyond him, the position is full of uncertainty. Quinnen Williams continues to perform as one of the league's best defensive tackles, but the Jets' other defensive tackles have performed well below average.

Malachi Moore is currently the only Jets safety under contract after this season. The Jets also need to strengthen their offensive line, particularly at guard.

The Eagles transitioned from Zach Ertz to Dallas Goedert as a critical part of the offense. For the first time in a long while, tight end may be an area Philadelphia needs to upgrade, as Goedert's production and availability are both declining. At wide receiver, DeVonta Smith and A.J.

Brown have been one of the league's best duos. Smith remains among the top players at the position while Brown has slipped to league-average after three consecutive top-ten seasons. Landon Dickerson's performance has dipped below his previous three-year standard at guard.

The Eagles will need to address defensive tackle and EDGE due to contract management. Jalen Carter continues to rank among the top DTs.

The Steelers have never had a losing season under Mike Tomlin. In 2025, Pittsburgh appears to have found quarterback stability with Aaron Rodgers, who turns 42 during the season. However, finding a long-term solution remains a top priority.

DK Metcalf was acquired from Seattle after the team traded George Pickens to Dallas. Metcalf signed an extension through 2029. At offensive tackle, Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu are under contract but both have received below-average grades.

Pittsburgh faces a similar situation at guard. Only Mason McCormick and Spencer Anderson are under contract for 2026. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey remains under contract for three more years.

Colton McKivitz and Trent Williams rank among the top offensive tackles. McKivitz is under contract through 2028, while Williams is signed for next season though he'll be 38 years old. They are the only two tackles signed for next season.

Dominick Puni is performing above average at guard while Connor Colby is slightly below league average. The 49ers traded Deebo Samuel to Washington and Brandon Aiyuk is recovering from a torn ACL and MCL. Jauan Jennings and Kendrick Bourne are free agents, leaving Ricky Pearsall as the only key receiver under contract.

Defensive tackle Jordan Elliott is the highest-graded 49ers player at his position though slightly below league average.

The Seahawks have needs at all three offensive line positions. The team's unit has ranked near the bottom of the PFSN Team OL Rankings for the past three seasons. At offensive tackle, Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas both rank above league average.

Rookie guard Grey Zabel sits at league average, while Anthony Bradford and Jalen Sundell are performing slightly below league average. Running back Kenneth Walker III is a free agent after this season and has shown improvement from 2024. Seattle must also address the cornerback position.

Only Devon Witherspoon and Nehemiah Pritchett remain under contract beyond this year. Witherspoon ranked in the top 20 as a rookie but dropped to league average in 2024.

Baker Mayfield has continued his career resurgence in 2025 with a third straight Top-15 season. Mayfield will be 31 next season, the final year of his contract. The Buccaneers will need to start planning for a post-Baker future.

Rachaad White is a free agent after this season and performing at an above-average level. 2024 breakout star Bucky Irving has been among the lowest-ranked backs this year. Starting tight end Cade Otton is a free agent, leaving Payne Durham as the only TE under contract who has played over 20% of snaps.

The Buccaneers will need to add depth behind center Graham Barton. At defensive tackle, Vita Vea remains a standout performing above average.

Quarterback Cameron Ward has shown flashes of why he was selected first overall, but the Titans need a significant upgrade in the receiving corps. Calvin Ridley has been unable to replicate his 2020 production. L'Jarius Sneed missed most of 2024 with a quad injury and hasn't returned to his 2023 form.

Beyond Sneed, Tennessee lacks cornerbacks with meaningful experience. At EDGE, the Titans have no players ranked in PFSN's Top 50. Amani Hooker and Xavier Woods handle the safety position but lack true playmakers.

Cedric Gray and Cody Barton are strong at linebacker but the team needs depth.

With Jayden Daniels at quarterback, the Commanders need to surround him with talent at the skill positions. Terry McLaurin has been slowed by injuries and is the only top wide receiver under contract for next year, while Deebo Samuel Sr. appears headed toward free agency.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt has been one of the top running backs all season and proven capable of handling the RB1 role, but depth behind him is thin. Impending free agent Bobby Wagner ranks among the highest-graded linebackers. Frankie Luvu is the only linebacker under contract who has played significant snaps.

Edge rusher Dorance Armstrong is having the best season of his career and remains under contract for next year.