With Super Bowl LIII in the books, all 32 teams are looking
toward the offseason. Here are the top needs of all 32 teams heading into 2019.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS: CB, WR, LG, TE
Artie Burns had a disappointing year at cornerback and Cory
Sensabaugh is a free agent, so the Steelers need to do something to shore up
the secondary. The Antonio Brown situation is fluid and potentially creates a
need at wide receiver. Also, tight end Jesse James is a free agent. Ramon Foster
has been a solid starter at left guard for nearly his entire 10-yard career in
Pittsburgh, so it's hard to imagine the team letting him get away. It's a huge
offseason as the team tries to capitalize on Ben Roethlisberger's remaining
years and make it back to the playoffs.
ARIZONA CARDINALS: OL, TE, DE, LB, K
Larry Fitzgerald has already committed to playing at least
one more season, a relief for new head coach Kliff Kingsbury as he installs his
offense. Still, last year's offense was the worst in the NFL, and that had as
much to do with the weak offensive line as with rookie quarterback Josh Rosen.
Elsewhere, the team is dealing with the potential losses of free agents Deone
Bucannon, Markus Golden, Rodney Gunter, and Tre Boston on defense, as well as
veteran kicker Phil Dawson.
ATLANTA FALCONS: OL, DL, LB
Atlanta has new coordinators after a disappointing season,
and the team needs to address the offensive line beyond Jake Matthews and Alex
Mack. The defense struggled to get to the quarterback last season, as Vic
Beasley hasn't made it back to his 2016 All-Pro level, and allowed a whopping
4.9 yards per carry. The Falcons would certainly like to re-sign unrestricted
free agent defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and add more beef on the defensive
line, as they clearly missed Dontari Poe.
BALTIMORE RAVENS: LB, WR, RB
Baltimore had an elite defense last season and would like to
keep it that way, but the team has some major free-agent decisions to make at
linebacker, including on Terrell Suggs, C.J. Mosley and Za'Darius Smith. John
Brown is also set to cash in as a free agent at wideout after a solid rebound
year, and it remains to be seen whether Gus Edwards or Alex Collins is the
answer at running back. Quarterback Lamar Jackson needs all the help he can
get.
BUFFALO BILLS: WR, CB, DT
The fact Buffalo finished the year with undrafted rookie
Robert Foster as its top wideout says all that needs to be said about the state
of the position. The Bills need more pass catchers for young Josh Allen. The
defense mostly held its own last season but struggled to find consistency at
cornerback behind Tre'Davious White. The team also has to find a replacement at
defensive tackle for Kyle Williams, who retired after 13 great seasons.
CAROLINA PANTHERS: OL, QB, PASS RUSHER
Carolina hasn't done a good enough job protecting Cam
Newton, and that need becomes greater with center Ryan Kalil's retirement.
Newton's 2019 season is also in question following shoulder surgery. At the
very least, the team needs to bring in a proven backup for insurance. The
impact of Dontari Poe on the pass rush last year was disappointing, and the
Panthers will need even more help with the retirement of Julius Peppers.
CHICAGO BEARS: K, OLB, OG
The Bears have already started to look at kickers after Cody
Parkey's jaw-dropping miss that sent the team home in the playoffs. Outside
linebacker is a potential need if Aaron Lynch walks in free agency, and the
team could also improve at guard with Bryan Witzmann possibly testing the
market. Overall, the state of the Bears roster looks far better than it did
just one year ago, but the loss of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio could have
the most impact.
CINCINNATI BENGALS: LB, DB, OT
Cincinnati's defense was a massive disappointment last year,
aging quickly and having major holes at linebacker and the secondary. Preston
Brown is a free agent, and Vontaze Burfict's future is in doubt due to
concussions. The secondary had issues even before cornerback Darqueze Dennard's
pending free agency, and right tackle becomes an area of need with Jake Fisher
approaching free agency as well. Cincinnati could need a rebuild in 2019.
CLEVELAND BROWNS: WR, OT, DE
The Browns roster has come a long way in one year under
general manager John Dorsey, but is still room to improve if they want to make
the playoffs next season. The wideouts struggled for consistency last season
beyond Jarvis Landry, and Baker Mayfield needs more protection, particularly at
tackle. Myles Garrett has become the elite pass rusher the team hoped for when
it selected him first overall in 2017, but he could use some help on the
opposite side.
DALLAS COWBOYS: WR, PASS RUSHER
Although the Cowboys acquired Amari Cooper during the
season, Cole Beasley and Tavon Austin are unrestricted free agents, and Allen
Hurns' near future is also a question mark following a nasty ankle injury in
the playoffs. Dak Prescott still needs all the help he can get. DeMarcus
Lawrence and David Irving are also free agents, and the team can ill afford to
lose either without bringing in viable alternatives. The Cowboys ranked just
24th in sack rate in 2018.
DENVER BRONCOS: QB, CB, OL, OLB
It would be an upset if Denver didn't address quarterback in
the draft, given Case Keenum's mediocre play in his first season with the team.
Cornerback is a concern with pending free agents Jamar Taylor, Tramaine Brock,
and Bradley Roby possibly on their way out. While the offensive line did make
some progress, it still had its fair share of slip ups and could be losing
right tackle Jared Veldheer to free agency. Outside linebacker is also set to
lose depth if neither Shaq Barrett nor Shane Ray is brought back.
DETROIT LIONS: TE, CB, PASS RUSHER
Allowing Eric Ebron to leave last year looked like a major
mistake given his contribution to the Colts and the Lions regression on
offense. Replacements Luke Willson and Levine Toilolo are now free agents.
Ziggy Ansah could also be a top priority as a pending free agent, even though
the Lions did a vastly better job of rushing the passer last season. The Lions
are set to lose depth at cornerback, and Teez Tabor's lack of development means
that they probably need to add more talent at that spot in free agency or the
draft.
GREEN BAY PACKERS: PASS RUSHER, WR, DB, OL
Even if the Packers bring back pending free agent Clay
Matthews, they could use more youthful pass rushers. Randall Cobb is set to
test the free-agent market, and while Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Equanimeous
St. Brown showed flashes in their rookie seasons, the Packers could probably
use another veteran. The young defensive backs have also made some progress,
but the Packers still need to replace HaHa Clinton-Dix and are also set to lose
Bashaud Breeland. Aaron Rodgers had health issues again in 2018, so more talent
up front wouldn't hurt.
HOUSTON TEXANS: DB, LT, OLB
This is a pivotal offseason for the Texans defense, as they
could lose major free agents including Jadeveon Clowney, Kareem Jackson and
Tyrann Mathieu. Clowney is expected to be the top priority among the group. The
offensive line had trouble protecting again last season, but the team can
afford to put only so much more resources toward that area after spending big
last offseason. Left tackle Kendall Lamm will need a replacement if Houston
doesn't bring him back.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: WR, DB, PASS RUSHER
Andrew Luck made due with what he had last year, but the
Colts could use more explosiveness beyond T.Y. Hilton. Major depth will also be
lost at wideout, as Ryan Grant and Dontrelle Inman are set for free agency. The
team has big decisions in the defensive backfield with free agents Pierre Desir
and Clayton Geathers. Starting defensive end Margus Hunt is also headed toward
free agency, and the Colts would probably like to add more explosiveness at
that spot. This is the first time in a long time that offensive line isn't one
of the areas of need, which is a tip of the cap to general manager Chris
Ballard's work.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: QB, WR, OL, TE
It's no surprise that an offense that scored the
second-fewest points in the league needs help. Jacksonville hired former
Vikings OC John DeFilippo to fill the same role, and his history as Nick Foles'
quarterback coach in 2017 could be significant if the team wants to attract the
former Super Bowl MVP to replace Blake Bortles. Wide receiver was a huge issue,
particularly after Marqise Lee's knee injury, and starter Donte Moncrief is
headed back to the free-agent pool. Tight end is another area important to
DeFilippo's offense that needs better personnel. Much of the offensive line
depth could also be lost to free agency, led by A.J. Cann, Ereck Flowers and
Patrick Omameh.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: DL, LB, DB, C
The Chiefs defense was the sole reason they didn't play in
the Super Bowl, and the team has already taken the first step in fixing that by
hiring veteran coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. The team has most of the personnel
needed for the transition from a 3-4 to 4-3 defense, but star pass rusher Dee
Ford is a free agent and Justin Houston could be a cap casualty. The secondary
has major questions as well, with cornerback Steven Nelson looking at free
agency and Eric Berry unable to stay on the field in consecutive seasons.
Starting center Mitch Morse could be too expensive to bring back, but the team
was proactive by extending backup Austin Reiter.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS: DT, DB, LB
The Chargers could be looking at a defensive tackle in the
first round of the draft, with veterans Brandon Mebane and Damion Square being
pending free agents. The team might finally cut the cord on oft-injured corner
Jason Verrett and also might need to replace pending free-agent safety Adrian
Phillips. The linebacker depth will need a look if the Chargers fail to renew
Denzel Perryman and Kyle Emanuel.
LOS ANGELES RAMS: NT, DB, DE, LG
The Rams went all in for 2018 and now face some critical
decisions. Ndamukong Suh is a free agent, and cornerback is a major concern
with questions about nearly the entire corps in 2019, including Marcus Peters
and Aqib Talib. Starting safety Lamarcus Joyner could also test free agency as
could pass rushers Dante Fowler and Ethan Westbrooks, and left guard Rodger
Saffold is another potential loss the team will need to address. With Jared
Goff getting paid soon, the Rams will have to find some bargains.
MIAMI DOLPHINS: QB, OL, DL
It sounds like Miami is ready to move on from Ryan
Tannehill, though it remains to be seen how they go about replacing him. The
new quarterback will need offensive line help, especially with starters Ja'Wuan
James and Travis Swanson headed toward free agency. The defensive line got
almost no penetration after losing Ndamukong Suh and got old quickly with now
free agents Cameron Wake, William Hayes and Sylvester Williams. New head coach
Brian Flores has his work cut out for him.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS: OL, OLB, DT
The sub-par play of the offensive line is one reason the
Vikings watched the playoffs from home, and they're set to lose starting left
guard Tom Compton in free agency. Veteran linebacker Anthony Barr's play fell
off a bit last year, and the team could move on from the free agent. Sheldon
Richardson made a significant contribution in his first and possibly only
season with Minnesota at defensive tackle. 2019 could be a make-or-break year
for head coach Mike Zimmer after failing to reach expectations last season.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: DL, WR, CB, QB
New England has some work to do this offseason with pending
free agents Trey Flowers, Malcom Brown, and Danny Shelton on the defensive
line. Wide receiver is also looking thin, and the team could lose Chris Hogan,
Cordarrelle Patterson, and Phillip Dorsett, on top of Josh Gordon's uncertain
status. Jason McCourty and Eric Rowe are free agents at cornerback, and the
team would be smart to find another developmental project at quarterback with
the soon-to-be 42-year-old Tom Brady showing signs of slowing down this year.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: RB, TE, QB
New Orleans has one more year to go all in with the end of
Drew Brees' career coming sooner than later. Mark Ingram is a free agent, but
the Saints probably don't want to give Alvin Kamara a full workload. Benjamin
Watson is set to retire, so tight end becomes a need again. While Taysom Hill
is a good gadget player, he's clearly not the long-term solution when Brees
retires.
NEW YORK GIANTS: QB, DB, DL, OL
Regardless of whether Eli Manning starts next season, the Giants
need a fallback option after he struggled again in 2018. The defensive backs
look to be in shambles next year with the pending free agency of Landon
Collins, B.W. Webb, and Curtis Riley. The defensive line is similarly in need;
Damon Harrison was traded and Mario Edwards and Kerry Wynn could potentially be
lost. The Giants addressed the left side of the offensive line last offseason,
but its overall play showed there's more work to do; it had the 13th-worst sack
rate.
NEW YORK JETS: WR, RB, CB, OL, DL
The Jets are loaded with unrestricted free agents, just in
time for head coach Adam Gase's arrival. New York will clearly try to add
talent around Sam Darnold. The team been connected to Le'Veon Bell for months,
and there's a need for more wide receiver help beyond Robby Anderson and Quincy
Enunwa. Improving the offensive line will also go a long way in helping
Darnold. The defense could lose cornerbacks Morris Claiborne, Buster Skrine and
Darryl Roberts, and the front seven also struggled to get to the quarterback.
OAKLAND RAIDERS: WR, PASS RUSHER, RB, DB
Where do we start? The Raiders obvious priorities are wide
receiver and pass rusher after trading Amari Cooper and Khalil Mack for draft
capital last season. Those needs likely will be addressed during the draft with
their three first-round picks. Key members of the secondary are free agents in
Rashaan Melvin, Marcus Gilchrist and Bene Benwikere. While Jon Gruden has
spoken highly of running back Jalen Richard, the team still needs a young back
for early downs. Derek Carr remains the starter at quarterback, but Gruden
challenging him with viable competition shouldn't surprise anyone given Carr's
inconsistent play over the last two seasons.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: DB, RB, ILB, WR, QB
Philadelphia's secondary made huge strides late in the
season despite several major injuries, so the team might not go overboard
replacing free agents Ronald Darby and Corey Graham. Running back was another
position with big injury issues, and Jay Ajayi is hitting the open market.
Jordan Hicks is a key part of the defense at linebacker and also going into
free agency. Wide receiver depth remains an issue with Golden Tate, Jordan
Matthews and Mike Wallace on the market. Backup quarterback could be the most
important decision of all, as Carson Wentz has struggled with injuries in
consecutive seasons and Nick Foles will likely price himself out of
Philadelphia.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: WR, OL, PASS RUSHER
After a lost year, the 49ers could prioritize wideout after
Pierre Garcon has aged all too quickly. The team also needs more protection for
the returning Jimmy Garoppolo, as right guard Mike Person is a free agent.
While San Francisco has spent significant draft resources on the defensive
line, it ranked just 21st in sack rate last season.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: DB, OL, LB
It could be yet another offseason of big changes in Seattle;
the team has several notable free agents. Earl Thomas seems as good as gone,
and cornerback Justin Coleman could also be headed toward the end of his time
in Seattle. The offensive line remains a problem, allowing sacks on more than
10 percent of Russell Wilson's dropbacks, and its set to lose starters J.R.
Sweezy and D.J. Fluker in free agency. Yet another key part of the Legion of
Boom could depart, with linebacker K.J. Wright a free agent after an
injury-plagued season. The Seahawks proactively addressed their defensive needs
in last year's draft but will need more veteran help to even out some
inconsistencies from 2018.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: LT, RB, CB, WR
Finding help for and fixing Jameis Winston is the Bucs' New
Year's resolution. The offensive line is key to Bruce Arians' offense, so the
potential loss of left tackle Donovan Smith would be a problem. The
organization tried to address running back by drafting Ronald Jones 38th
overall last year, but his rookie season was nothing short of a disaster.
Starting corner Brent Grimes seems unlikely to come back, as he approaches his
fourth decade. Wide receiver could become a need if DeSean Jackson talks his
way out of Tampa Bay, and No. 3 wideout Adam Humphries is also a free agent.
TENNESSEE TITANS: TE, PASS RUSHER, S, OG
The loss of Delanie Walker early last season exposed
Tennessee's lack of tight end depth and went a long way in hurting Marcus
Mariota's season. With Brian Orakpo's retirement, the Titans need a
pass-rushing linebacker and also may need to replace starting safety Kenny
Vaccaro, a free agent. Starting left guard Quinton Spain is also set to hit the
market.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS: QB, OL, OLB, S
Washington could have a mess on its hands due to Alex
Smith's leg injury. If he's unable to return, the team can't really afford a
high-priced replacement. The offensive line was mediocre last season and is set
to lose much of its depth. Preston Smith and HaHa Clinton-Dix are key defensive
free agents who must be re-signed or replaced.
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