AFC NORTH
PITTSBURGH
STEELERS
Biggest need: Cornerback
Le'Veon Bell is gone and Antonio Brown is headed out the
door behind him. The natural reflex is to find replacements for those marquee
talents. The sensible move would be to find a No. 2 corner to play opposite Joe
Haden.
BALTIMORE RAVENS
Biggest need: Wide receiver
Lamar Jackson's passing remains a work in progress. If he's
to make improvements in that part of his game, the Ravens will have to supply
him with a replenished stable of receivers. With John Brown set to hit free
agency, Jackson's top targets are Willie Snead and two tight ends from the 2018
draft.
Top potential FA targets: Tyrell Williams,
Golden Tate, Devin Funchess
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Biggest need: Defensive tackle
Now that Greg Robinson has been retained, the Browns should
turn their attention to the interior of the defensive line. The position is
barren behind former third-round pick Larry Ogunjobi, who impressed with 5.5
sacks in 2018. Cleveland has the cap space to target the best defensive tackles
available.
Top potential FA targets: Timmy Jernigan,
Ndamukong Suh, Sheldon Richardson
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Biggest need: Linebacker
New defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo's first inclination
would likely have been to address the Bengals' secondary, considering his
background as a DBs coach. However, the more pressing need is to restock the
linebacker corps, one that sees Preston Brown and Vincent Rey headed to free
agency and veteran Vontaze Burfict a candidate to be cut.
Top potential FA targets: KJ Wright, Kwon
Alexander, Anthony Barr
Top potential FA targets: Morris Claiborne,
Ronald Darby, Bryce Callahan
NFC NORTH
CHICAGO BEARS
Biggest need: Kicker
The Bears are in an enviable position. They own a roster so
stocked with talent that their biggest need is one that doesn't have to be
addressed through the draft. Chicago is set to cut ties with Cody Parkey.
Luckily, a couple of veteran replacements are available on the free-agent
market.
Top potential FA targets: Stephen Gostkowski,
Jason Myers
DETROIT LIONS
Biggest need: Pass-catchers
Not long ago, Detroit was thought to have one of the
stronger receiving corps in the league. Golden Tate has since been traded and
TJ Jones joins tight ends Luke Willson and Levine Toilolo in free agency. And
it must have hurt to see Eric Ebron flourish in Indianapolis. If Matthew
Stafford and the Lions are to turn things around, they'll need more offensive
weapons.
Top potential FA targets: Jamison Crowder,
Jared Cook, Devin Funchess
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Biggest need: Edge rusher
Clay Matthews, Jake Ryan, and Muhammad Wilkerson are all set
to become free agents. With or without that triumvirate, the Packers need a
pass rush that will help take pressure off of their young, developing corners.
Luckily for Green Bay, the draft is ripe with future star defensive linemen.
Unfortunately for the Pack, they own the No. 12 pick and could miss out. At
least there's free agency.
Top potential FA targets: Trey Flowers, Dante
Fowler Jr., Ezekiel Ansah
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Biggest need: Offensive line
The Vikings' biggest area of need isn't up for debate. From
tackle to guard, Minnesota needs better play along the entire offensive line.
If they're to make the most out of their $84-million investment in Kirk
Cousins, the Vikings must protect him and allow him more time to throw. They
have little cap space to play with and therefore will have to get creative to
find the necessary funds to plug the holes on their O-line.
Top potential FA targets: Ramon Foster,
Rodger Saffold, Ja'Wuan James
AFC WEST
DENVER BRONCOS
Biggest need: Defensive line
Von Miller is a one-man wrecking crew, but he shouldn't
always be required to be, especially as he approaches his 30th birthday. With
Denver still potentially set to use its first-round pick on a quarterback after
acquiring Joe Flacco, John Elway should spend big to fix the interior of the
defensive line to free up Miller and running mate Bradley Chubb.
Top potential FA targets: Ndamukong Suh,
Sheldon Richardson
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Biggest need: Secondary
Kansas City can go touchdown-for-touchdown with any offense
in the league, but even Patrick Mahomes can't continue to overcome his team's
woeful defensive backfield, which allowed the second-most yards through the air
in 2018. Adding a playmaking cornerback or safety in free agency would give the
Chiefs the counter-punch they need to complement their explosive offense.
Top potential FA targets: Earl Thomas, Ronald
Darby
LOS ANGELES
CHARGERS
Biggest need: Defensive tackle
The Chargers' roster is one of the most well-rounded in the
NFL, but there's a glaring hole right in the center of the defense. Corey
Liuget's option was declined, meaning he will test the open market along with
three other defensive tackles from 2018. Los Angeles has to add multiple bodies
up front, and while the draft is deep at the position, experienced veterans are
needed to help end Philip Rivers' long wait for a ring.
Top potential FA targets: Ndamukong Suh, Margus
Hunt, Sheldon Richardson
OAKLAND RAIDERS
Biggest need: Front seven
The Raiders could overhaul nearly every position on their
roster (which is what Jon Gruden appears to be doing) and few would argue
against it. But the talent on defense is particularly bad. The secondary has
several exciting pieces, such as Gareon Conley and Karl Joseph, but the
defensive line and linebacking corps both need a serious infusion of playmakers
if Gruden is to return to winning ways in 2019.
Top potential FA targets: C.J. Mosley, Trey
Flowers, Muhammad Wilkerson
NFC WEST
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Biggest need: Offensive line
Whether it's Josh Rosen or Kyler Murray under center for the
Cardinals, priority No. 1 must be improving the offensive line after Arizona
trotted out 11 different linemen in 2018. Even middling offensive linemen
command significant deals in free agency due to a lack of options (see Nate
Solder), but Arizona can't get cheap when it comes to protecting its franchise
player and should target free agency's top pass-protectors.
Top potential FA targets: Trent Brown, Matt
Paradis
LOS ANGELES RAMS
Biggest need: Pass-rusher
The Rams tried to fix their lack of pass rush by acquiring
Dante Fowler Jr. at last season's trade deadline, but their inability to get
edge pressure was still evident in the postseason. While paying a big name is
out of the question after Aaron Donald's monster deal, veterans could be
convinced to sign an affordable short-term deal to play on a Super Bowl
contender.
Top potential FA targets: Cameron Wake,
Ezekiel Ansah
SAN FRANCISCO
49ERS
Biggest need: Free safety
The 49ers desperately need to boost their pass rush after
tying for 22nd in sacks last season, but adding edge rushers isn't the only way
to fix the issue. Coordinator Robert Saleh's single-high Cover 3 defense
requires a rangy free safety to patrol the deep middle of the field to make it
effective, which is why reuniting Earl Thomas with fellow former Legion of Boom
member Richard Sherman makes so much sense. He won't come cheap, however, so
San Francisco would be smart to identify a Plan B.
Top potential FA targets: Earl
Thomas, Lamarcus Joyner, George Iloka
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Biggest need: Pass-rusher
The Seahawks used the franchise tag on Frank Clark after he
emerged as the team's best sack artist in 2018 with 13 QB takedowns. But Clark
needs backup. While defensive tackle Jarran Reed made a big leap as a
pass-rusher, racking up 10.5 sacks, Seattle needs more edge talent if it's to
terrorize opposing passers as it did in the days of Michael Bennett, Cliff Avril,
and Co. The leading pass-rushers will command huge contracts, so Seattle should
target the second tier of available defensive ends.
Top potential FA targets: Ezekiel Ansah,
Dante Fowler Jr., Cameron Wake
AFC EAST
BUFFALO BILLS
Biggest need: Wide receiver
Josh Allen was one of the league's worst passers during his
first season in the NFL; only fellow rookie Josh Rosen had a lower QB rating.
But Allen's struggles are understandable given his supporting cast of offensive
linemen and receivers. Allen's athleticism mitigates his line's issues to an
extent, so Buffalo should focus on finding its young pivot pass-catchers who
can either stretch the field or excel after the catch to play alongside
promising second-year wideout Robert Foster.
Top potential FA targets: Golden Tate, John
Brown, Adam Humphries, Mike Wallace
MIAMI DOLPHINS
Biggest need: Quarterback
Ryan Tannehill is reportedly done in Miami after seven
years. The Dolphins now need to find their latest "next Dan Marino,"
but as they sit at No. 13 overall in the draft, it'll be hard to land Dwayne
Haskins or Kyler Murray without moving up. A stop-gap option is therefore
needed, and outside of making a shock trade for a quarterback like Jacoby
Brissett, Miami will need to land one of the two potential starters on the
free-agent market.
Top potential FA targets: Nick Foles, Teddy
Bridgewater
NEW ENGLAND
PATRIOTS
Biggest need: Pass-catchers
Josh Gordon might be done with football (again), Rob
Gronkowski is widely expected to retire, and Julian Edelman turns 33 in May.
Tom Brady desperately needs some new weapons. The Patriots rarely shell out big
bucks in free agency, so the likes of Golden Tate and Tyrell Williams aren't
realistic. Expect New England to target reclamation projects that it can
squeeze every ounce of production from.
Top potential FA targets: Demaryius Thomas,
Cole Beasley, Devin Funchess, Tyler Eifert
NEW YORK JETS
Biggest need: Running back
Sam Darnold looked every bit a franchise passer down the
stretch last season. However, handing him the keys to the offense risks putting
too much on his shoulders too soon. A dynamic ground game is always a young
passer's best friend. With Isaiah Crowell likely to be shown the door, there's
no doubt the Jets must find a new starter. The only question is: how much are
they willing to spend?
Top potential FA targets: Le'Veon Bell, Tevin
Coleman, Mark Ingram
NFC EAST
DALLAS COWBOYS
Biggest need: Defensive line
The Cowboys had little choice but to franchise-tag star
pass-rusher DeMarcus Lawrence for a second consecutive season. Just days prior,
they lost both Randy Gregory and David Irving to indefinite suspensions. The
pair combined for seven sacks in 2018, and though they accounted for just one
start between them, their absences for 2019 will affect the depth on the
defensive line.
Top potential FA targets: Ndamukong Suh,
Domata Peko, Shane Ray
NEW YORK GIANTS
Biggest need: Secondary
If the Giants bring in a quarterback to challenge - or
perhaps replace - Eli Manning, it'll be through the draft. Free agency should
be all about defense for New York. With Landon Collins avoiding the franchise
tag and cornerback Janoris Jenkins potentially being a cap casualty, a revamp
of the entire secondary could be in the cards.
Top potential FA targets: Ronald Darby, Tre Boston,
Bradley Roby
PHILADELPHIA
EAGLES
Biggest need: Running back
The Eagles' current group of running backs - Wendell
Smallwood, Corey Clement, Josh Adams, and Boston Scott - is full of useful role
players but lacks a standout option to rely on with Jay Ajayi hitting free
agency. Re-signing the oft-injured veteran to a prove-it deal is an option, but
the Eagles likely won't want injuries to severely hamper their run game again.
A home-run threat like Tevin Coleman could help Philly's offense return to the
level of its 2017 Super Bowl run.
Top potential FA targets: Le'Veon Bell, Tevin
Coleman, Jay Ajayi
WASHINGTON
REDSKINS
Biggest need: Quarterback
Alex Smith reportedly won't play in 2019 after a devastating
leg injury, but his $20.4-million cap hit isn't going anywhere. Josh Johnson
and Colt McCoy are, at best, mediocre backups, and the former is a free agent.
While the Redskins are likely to draft a first-round quarterback, they did also
show interest in trading for Joe Flacco. There are several big names on the
market, but Washington doesn't have a ton of cap space; a free-agent bidding
war could end its chances of landing a veteran pivot.
Top potential FA targets: Teddy Bridgewater,
Nick Foles, Tyrod Taylor
AFC SOUTH
HOUSTON TEXANS
Biggest need: Offensive line
Deshaun Watson was sacked a league-high 62 times in 2018,
and those struggles to protect the franchise quarterback cost the Texans in the
wild-card game. As the home team and division champion, Houston was upset by
rival Indianapolis after scoring just seven points and allowing three sacks and
eight QB hits on Watson. Pass protection is the Texans' Achilles heel.
Top potential FA targets: Trent Brown,
Ja'Wuan James, Mitch Morse
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Biggest need: Cornerback
Pierre Desir impressed in his second season in Indianapolis,
so the Colts should make it a priority to bring the 28-year-old back. Armed
with the most cap space of any team, Indy has the capacity to re-sign Desir and
target the top free agents at the position to play alongside him.
Top potential FA targets: Ronald Darby,
Pierre Desir, Bryce Callahan
JACKSONVILLE
JAGUARS
Biggest need: Quarterback
The belief in Jacksonville is that the Jaguars were one
competent quarterback away from reaching the Super Bowl in 2017. While they
can't go back in time to rectify that situation, management is finally intent
on making a change under center. Blake Bortles' time has run out as the Jaguars
are reportedly the only bidder for Super Bowl LII MVP Nick Foles.
Top potential FA targets: Nick Foles, Teddy
Bridgewater
TENNESSEE TITANS
Biggest need: Outside linebacker
Brian Orakpo's retirement and Derrick Morgan's expiring
contract leave the Titans with an obvious need at outside linebacker. While the
pair's production dropped off substantially in 2018, the veterans still leave
glaring holes. A likely target is Za'Darius Smith, whom defensive coordinator
Dean Pees knows well from his time in Baltimore.
Top potential FA targets: Za'Darius Smith,
Preston Smith, Aaron Lynch
NFC SOUTH
ATLANTA FALCONS
Biggest need: Offensive line
Both starting left guard Andy Levitre and backup right guard
Ben Garland aren't expected to return in 2019 and general manager Thomas
Dimitroff has openly considered taking a guard with Atlanta's first pick in
April's draft. With little cap room to play with, it's a likely scenario. The
Falcons were sixth in quarterback hits allowed in 2018 and are therefore open
to making improvements across the offensive line.
Top potential FA targets: Mike Iupati, James
Carpenter, LaAdrian Waddle
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Biggest need: Center
The Panthers need help along the offensive line, but there's
no bigger hole than at center after the retirement of 12-year pro Ryan Kalil.
If Carolina opts to find a veteran replacement rather than start fresh through
the draft, it'll likely have to pay up for the top players available at the
position.
Top potential FA targets: Mitch Morse, Matt
Paradis, John Sullivan
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Biggest need: Tight end
Following Benjamin Watson's retirement, the Saints are thin
at the tight end position with sparingly used options Josh Hill and Garrett
Griffin. There was a belief that New Orleans would seek a reunion with Jimmy
Graham, but the Packers expect him back in 2019. Still, there are reliable
hands available on the open market that could make the third highest-scoring
offense even more dangerous.
Top potential FA targets: Jared Cook, Jesse
James, Charles Clay
TAMPA BAY
BUCCANEERS
Biggest need: Secondary
The Buccaneers have ranked in the bottom third in pass
defense in each of the past three seasons. Though the offense has finished in
the top 10 in points scored over the past two seasons, the Bucs can't seem to
allow fewer points than they score. They're currently set to enter 2019 with
one of the youngest secondaries in football, headlined by Vernon Hargreaves,
Carlton Davis, and Justin Evans. Tampa needs back-end help in the worst way.
Top potential FA targets: Tyrann Mathieu,
Glover Quin, Bradley Roby
No comments:
Post a Comment