Heading into the offseason, each NFL team has needs they must address in the draft. Here’s a look at the needs of all 32 teams prior to free agency and the draft.

 

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Arizona has been scorched against the run, allowing 4.5 yards per rush through Week 15. Mack Wilson was brought in from New England during the offseason, but the team could use more help at the position.

 

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Atlanta’s front seven has gotten old quickly, and their production has been atrocious with only 23 sacks through 14 games played. While much of the attention has been on Kirk Cousins‘ decline, the struggles of Matthew Judon, Grady Jarrett, and David Onyemata have been equally concerning. The team must invest more into their pass rush this offseason.

 

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Through 14 games, Baltimore allowed the second most passing yards in the league and a mediocre 7.4 yards per attempt. They selected Nate Wiggins in the first round of this year’s draft, but need more help as they build around him and Kyle Hamilton.

 

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Buffalo’s pass rush hasn’t been especially productive this year, with only 32 sacks in their first 14 games. Ends Greg Rousseau and A.J. Epenesa could be free agents after 2025, while Von Miller is a threat to retire. More pass rush help should be near the top of the team’s offseason list.

 

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The draft capital required to draft Bryce Young and surround him with talent left the organization exposed in other areas, including the backend of the defense. While the team was in the top of the league in pass yards allowed for much of the year, they allowed 7.4 passing yards per attempt through 14 games and had some depth issues beyond Jaycee Horn and Xavier Woods.

 

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Chicago’s primary need this offseason isn’t a mystery after seeing rookie quarterback Caleb Williams hit the dirt too often. The team has everything they need in terms of offensive weapons, but need to protect Williams better. They allowed 58 sacks through their first 14 games, tied for worst in the league.

 

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Bleeding talent in the second has taken its toll on Cincinnati, who ranked among the worst pass defenses in the league and had allowed 7.3 yards per pass attempt through Week 14. The addition of safety Geno Stone backfired, and the Bengals gave significant playing time to fifth-round rookie Josh Newton.

 

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The Browns roster has multiple needs but none bigger than quarterback. Deshaun Watson’s cap hit is likely too high to cut bait, but they can at least add some young competition after his struggles with the team. At worst, new competition could give Watson more motivation.

 

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Dallas went into the season without properly addressing the loss of Tony Pollard, and showed on the field. Rico Dowdle is miscast as a lead back, and the team averaged only 4.1 yards per carry through 14 games. It’s time for the Cowboys to make the running back investment they should have made last offseason.

 

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The Broncos were impressed with rookie quarterback Bo Nix, but need to continue building around him. Courtland Sutton is a fine option, but the team was lacking a full collection of receivers to help the young quarterback. That’s likely to change this offseason.

 

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Detroit did what they could to maintain their pass rush following the early-season injury to Aidan Hutchinson, but they didn’t have enough. Za’Darius Smith isn’t a long-term answer, and the NFC North has a wealth of talented quarterbacks that make pass rush strength even more critical.

 

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Green Bay has as impressive a collection of homegrown talent as any team in football, but they have some choices to make in the secondary, including the pending free agency of cornerback Eric Stokes. Keeping their defensive momentum into next season could require more help with their defensive backs.

 

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Despite the team’s continued success, it’s been a disappointing year for C.J. Stroud’s ascent due in large part to poor offensive line play. Houston allowed 46 sacks through 14 games, tied for fifth most in the league. The team could be set at tackle with Laremy Tunsil and second-round rookie Blake Fisher, but they need help on the interior.

 

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At some point, the Colts have to settle on the field that Anthony Richardson isn’t an NFL starting quarterback. While he has elite physical tools, his poor passing accuracy has greatly handicapped the offensive completing a pitiful 47% of his passes through his first 10 games. Indy should go back to the quarterback well in the draft or free agency.

 

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It’s possible we’ll see wholesale changes in Jacksonville again after another rough season. The secondary could be the team’s biggest need, allowing the most passing yards in the league through Week 15 and watching several veterans struggle.

 

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Patrick Mahomes has been running for his life for much of the year, as the Chiefs have struggled at both tackle spots. Recent draftees Wanya Morris and Kingsley Suamataia have yet to pan out at left tackle, so the team could use an early-round pick on a replacement.

 

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The Raiders failed to adequately address their quarterback situation in the offseason, and it has predictably doomed their season. The team has good weapons with Jakobi Meyers and Brock Bowers, but now it’s time to find someone who can get them the ball more accurately down the field.

 

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After moving on from Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, Los Angeles hit the jackpot with second-round pick Ladd McConkey. He’s a building block, but the team clearly needs more help for Justin Herbert.

 

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The Rams have been in the bottom half of the league in pass defense, and struggles in the secondary have been a big reason. Young Quentin Lake and Kamren Kinchens show potential, but the team needs to keep adding.

 

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Miami added multiple veterans to their front seven in hopes of making a Super Bowl run. It doesn’t look like those plans will come to fruition, and now it could be time to get younger on defense. 2024 first-round pick Chop Robinson was a start, but the team needs replacements for Calais Campbell and Emmanuel Ogbah, at the very least.

 

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Defensive coordinator Brian Flores and strong personnel moves have helped turn around Minnesota’s defense, and the pass rush has been a pleasant surprise. The secondary has also taken a step forward after being a major weakness in recent years, though the team can’t count on veterans Stephon Gilmore and Shaq Griffin long-term. Byron Murphy is also a pending free agent.

 

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It’s too early to tell if 2024 draftees Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker will pan out, but it’s not out of line to say the team needs immediate receiver help for Drake Maye. Kendrick Bourne’s step back this season puts even more pressure on the team to address the situation.

 

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As consistent as Pro Bowl middle linebacker Demario Davis has been in New Orleans, the team can’t rely on him forever. He’s started to lose a step at age 35 this season, and the team could also look to replace strongside linebacker Willie Gay.

 

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The Daniel Jones marriage ended earlier this season, so the Giants have as much of a need at quarterback as any team in the league. They should have a favorable draft position and very good weapons for a new quarterback with Malik Nabers, Wan’Dale Robinson, and Tyrone Tracy Jr.

 

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The writing is on the wall for the Aaron Rodgers era to end in New York after this season. What the other offensive weapons will look like next season remains to be seen, but the Jets should be in the market for a new quarterback this offseason after a sorely disappointing 2024 season.

 

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The Eagles have completely rebuilt their offense through some astute drafting and free agent pickups. The secondary looks set after it was addressed early in last year’s draft, but the team could be in the market for a linebacker if they’re unable to afford re-signing Zack Baun.

 

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Injuries and ineffective play have put the microscope on Pittsburgh’s corners this season. Donte Jackson is a free agent after this season, while Joey Porter Jr. has struggled with more playing time. At the very least, some more friendly competition would be good for the team.

 

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The 49ers offensive line play has remained strong, but they have multiple concerns heading into the offseason. Starters Aaron Banks and Colton McKivitz are pending free agents, while Trent Williams is on the backend of his career. It’s an area ripe for an influx of youth.

 

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Geno Smith has taken a beating this season due to poor pass blocking. Seattle has particularly struggled on the interior of their offensive line. Despite using three draft picks on the line in 2024, Seattle could invest more.

 

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The Bucs have had a rough time stopping the pass this season, near the bottom of the league with 248 yards allowed per game through 14 games. Antoine Winfield Jr.’s injuries haven’t helped, but the team could use help at both corner and safety.

 

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The Will Levis experiment could be drawing to a close after two seasons, as he’s been unable to protect the ball with 12 interceptions and eight fumbles in 11 games. It’s unclear how the Titans turn around their recent fortunes without better quarterback play.

 

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Terry McLaurin continues to be an underappreciated star for the Commanders, but young Jayden Daniels could use more help. The team’s second most productive receiver this season has been veteran tight end Zach Ertz, who isn’t a long-term solution.

Seth Trachtman is a sportswriter, digital marketer, and fantasy sports expert based in St. Louis, Missouri. He’s a two-time winner of the Tout Wars Fantasy Baseball Expert’s League, and his work has appeared in hundreds of fantasy baseball and fantasy football newsstand and online publications. He’s a University of Missouri alum and long-suffering turned spoiled Kansas City Chiefs fan. Seth doesn’t often Tweet, but when he does, you can find him on Twitter/X @sethroto.





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