We’re solely two weeks into the league new 12 months and each NFL staff has been deemed offseason champion, offseason chump or someplace in between. However nobody’s offseason to-do record is totally checked off in such little time.
So, what’s your staff nonetheless lacking? Is it a necessity that may be stuffed within the 2025 NFL Draft in April or is there nonetheless a signing to be made? The Athletic’s NFL writers reply these questions, as they dish under on the remaining wants and needs for all 32 groups.
Arizona Cardinals
GM Monti Ossenfort is off to a strong begin. The Cardinals made considered one of free company’s greatest strikes with the signing of Philadelphia go rusher Josh Sweat, filling maybe the staff’s best want. Ossenfort additionally signed Cleveland’s Dalvin Tomlinson, a sturdy, reliable defensive deal with. Shoring up the offensive line — the Cardinals need assistance at guard — is the apparent subsequent step. The Cardinals can handle this within the draft. At No. 16, they need to have choices ought to they select to go this course. In addition they may use a productive veteran receiver to enhance Marvin Harrison, Jr.. — Doug Haller
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons taped over their holes at edge rusher and within the secondary by signing outdoors linebacker Leonard Floyd and security Jordan Fuller and re-signing final 12 months’s beginning cornerback Mike Hughes, however none of these strikes are the ultimate fixes at these positions. That leaves any of the spots as choices when the Falcons are on the clock with the fifteenth choose of the primary spherical. Given Atlanta’s traditionally dangerous go rush, edge rusher ought to nonetheless in all probability be the betting favourite, although. — Josh Kendall
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens bought a bit of readability alongside their offensive line by re-signing left deal with Ronnie Stanley. They’ve added a backup quarterback (Cooper Rush) and a 3rd high quality huge receiver (DeAndre Hopkins). Nevertheless, they’ve completed nothing at cornerback past shedding starter Brandon Stephens in free company and releasing Arthur Maulet. Baltimore has solely 4 corners on its roster. Marlon Humphrey and 2024 first-round choose Nate Wiggins are a very good duo to start out with, however the Ravens want no less than two extra starting-caliber cornerbacks. They’ll get one within the draft. It’s asking so much to hit on two high quality rookies able to play instantly when you’ve got different wants. — Jeff Zrebiec
Buffalo Payments
The Payments have starters in place virtually all through the whole roster. That’s, besides for his or her second cornerback place. Final season’s starter, Rasul Douglas, stays a free agent they usually traded 2022 first-round choose Kaiir Elam. Their solely transfer to replenish the place was to signal Dane Jackson, primarily a No. 3 cornerback. Prime starter Christian Benford is without doubt one of the greatest gamers on the staff, however he’s a free agent after 2025, additional complicating the potential depth of the necessity. The Payments would probably need to get him beneath contract if they will to assist the necessity. After hanging out on Elam with their high choose and discovering a number of later draft gems on the place, it doesn’t essentially imply the Payments are a slam dunk to make use of their first-round choose on a cornerback this 12 months. — Joe Buscaglia
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers made a flurry of strikes to deal with a protection that was among the many worst in NFL historical past final 12 months. However even after signing ex-Raider Tre’Von Moehrig to a three-year, $51 million contract and re-signing backup/particular groups common Nick Scott, common supervisor Dan Morgan nonetheless has work to do in a security room that’s being overhauled. Moehrig mentioned he’s wanting ahead to serving to the younger gamers “coming from faculty or whoever else we convey.” Morgan is predicted to focus on a security within the draft, however he may nonetheless add one other within the late levels of free company. — Joseph Particular person
Chicago Bears
The Bears added 5 new starters up entrance this offseason: guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, heart Drew Dalman, defensive deal with Grady Jarrett and defensive finish Dayo Odeyingbo. Including a draft choose or two may also enhance the trenches. The depth at linebacker and security now stands out. Linebacker T.J. Edwards and security Kevin Byard are getting into the ultimate years of their contracts, whereas there may be an inexpensive exit level in linebacker Tremaine Edmunds’ deal after 2025. Security Jaquan Brisker has a historical past of concussions. Addressing each positions within the draft is smart. — Adam Jahns
Cincinnati Bengals
Laborious to pin down only one want. The Bengals didn’t fill many wants in free company outdoors of the financial institution accounts of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. They want two beginning guards, a backup swing deal with, any type of pass-rush juice on the defensive position, a linebacker to start out subsequent to Logan Wilson and doubtless a long-term alternative for security Geno Stone. However they don’t want receivers! The Bengals might want to discover starters within the third wave of free company in addition to nail the draft to make the remainder of the items match round Joe Burrow, Chase and Higgins. — Paul Dehner Jr.
Cleveland Browns
Previous overspending and the disastrous dedication to Deshaun Watson made the Browns value-only consumers within the first wave of free company, and it’s laborious to make the case the staff has improved in any respect. Quarterback stays the most important want, each for the current and future. Kenny Pickett was acquired in a commerce forward of the brand new league 12 months and is the one wholesome quarterback on the roster. The Browns are nonetheless out there for a veteran starter and will definitely be drafting a quarterback subsequent month. However whether or not that participant comes with the No. 2 choose or sooner or later on the draft’s second day stays to be seen. The Browns proceed to regulate issues with Kirk Cousins and Russell Wilson, however actual hope lies solely in drafting the appropriate younger passer. — Zac Jackson
Dallas Cowboys
There’s not an absolute No. 1, however working again is as shut because it will get. They added some depth items in free company with Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, however they’re nonetheless missing that unquestioned No. 1 again. Rico Dowdle had that function most of final 12 months. He’s now in Carolina. The Cowboys, one of many NFL’s worst speeding groups final season, want an improve. The most probably path continues to be early in subsequent month’s draft.
That is thought of a top quality working again draft class. Dallas ought to’ve drafted a again in one of many first 4 rounds both final 12 months or the 12 months earlier than. It didn’t occur and now it’s a should. If Ashton Jeanty remains to be accessible at No. 12, it simply makes an excessive amount of sense. — Jon Machota
Denver Broncos
There would possibly as effectively be a neon “Assist Needed!” signal hovering above Denver’s backfield. Javonte Williams joined the Cowboys in free company, leaving the Broncos and not using a working again on the roster who has rushed for no less than 500 yards in a season. There isn’t an enormous bar to clear to outpace what Williams did final season — 3.7 yards per carry and eight.2 makes an attempt per sport — however the query is who will Denver goal in a draft wealthy with working again expertise. Omarion Hampton looms as a first-round possibility, however Denver ought to have the ability to get a difference-making rusher with out utilizing the twentieth choose. — Nick Kosmider
Detroit Lions
What the Lions do on the edge spot reverse of Aidan Hutchinson stays a query. They launched veteran Za’Darius Smith — whom they traded for forward of the deadline after Hutchinson went down — earlier this month. They re-signed Marcus Davenport, the present projected starter, however he’s performed simply six whole video games the final two seasons. A staff with Tremendous Bowl aspirations mustn’t rely on Davenport to play a starter’s workload and keep wholesome over the course of 17 video games and the playoffs. The remainder of the sting room consists of rotational items and depth. The Lions often handle wants in free company so that they don’t must draft for want, however until Detroit provides a starting-caliber edge earlier than then, it must be an actual precedence subsequent month. — Colton Pouncy
Inexperienced Bay Packers
The way forward for Inexperienced Bay’s greatest cornerback, Jaire Alexander, stays unsure. My guess primarily based on what I’ve heard remains to be that he doesn’t play for the Packers in 2025. Eric Stokes, Corey Ballentine and Robert Rochell have signed elsewhere in free company. The Packers introduced in Nate Hobbs from the Raiders and nonetheless have Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine (Packer followers received’t be thrilled if that’s the highest three), however their want for depth on the place is obvious. You may argue huge receiver is a extra urgent want since they’ll be with out Christian Watson for no less than the primary half of the season, however cornerback is perhaps atop the precedence record getting into the NFL Draft in Inexperienced Bay subsequent month. — Matt Schneidman
Houston Texans
Offensive line assist stays a excessive precedence for a staff that surrendered the third-highest sack whole within the NFL final season. C.J. Stroud is a top quality younger quarterback, however the Texans won’t ever see him totally ascend to stardom if they don’t spend money on defending him. Houston did signal ninth-year professional Cam Robinson to a one-year deal and added veterans Trent Brown and Laken Tomlinson, however they want a long-term resolution and upgrades on the inside. The aim must be to emerge from the draft having used a number of early spherical picks on a left deal with and an inside lineman. — Mike Jones
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts desperately must improve at tight finish, they usually’ll probably goal one within the draft. Drew Ogletree and Will Mallory are at present atop the depth chart, however that probably received’t maintain up for the 2025 season since neither has proven indicators of being a No. 1 possibility. Jelani Woods was presupposed to be Indianapolis’ long-term reply at tight finish — utilizing his 6-foot-7, 253-pound body and velocity to create fixed mismatches — although the 2022 third-round choose has missed the final two seasons resulting from harm. Maybe Penn State’s Tyler Warren or Michigan’s Colston Loveland may fill Indy’s years-long void at tight finish. — James Boyd
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jags nonetheless have loads of wants, however there’s a obvious gap at receiver behind Brian Thomas. Stefon Diggs, Keenan Allen, Amari Cooper, Tyler Lockett, Josh Reynolds and Elijah Moore are among the many greatest accessible. It’s in all probability not a spot the place they need to draft a wideout at No. 5, so they need to discover a lower-cost veteran beforehand. — Jeff Howe
Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
With the addition of left deal with Jaylon Moore in free company, the Chiefs’ greatest precedence must be to proceed constructing their defensive position. Some of the underrated elements of the Chiefs loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Tremendous Bowl LIX was how little impact their go rush had in opposition to quarterback Jalen Hurts. Including extra youth and expertise round go rusher Chris Jones and defensive ends George Karlaftis and Charles Omenihu could be a shrewd resolution for common supervisor Brett Veach. — Nate Taylor
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders took care of their greatest want, buying and selling for Geno Smith, after which chipped away at some others in free company. So we’re going with a four-way tie with linebacker, cornerback, working again and receiver. The Raiders misplaced each beginning linebackers from final 12 months and signed run-stopper Elandon Roberts from the Steelers, however noticed the Patriots match a suggestion sheet for pass-coverage man Christian Elliss. In addition they rolled the cube on former first-round choose Eric Stokes at nook and bought a discount in Eleventh-year change-the-pace working again Raheem Mostert. There isn’t a depth at receiver after Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker, although the Raiders will probably signal one in these final ripples of free company. — Vic Tafur
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers did a advantageous job methodically plugging holes by way of free company. They made strikes in each place group, and that has created depth. I nonetheless see two wants tied for the most important remaining: working again and edge rusher. The Chargers have Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu and Bud Dupree. They want a fourth edge to spherical out that room and insure in opposition to two older gamers in Dupree and Mack. They’ve working again Najee Harris, who they signed in free company. They want a second again with some big-play potential to create a viable one-two-punch in a remade room. — Daniel Popper
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams set the desk for themselves in free company to not enter the draft with any obvious wants. It began with conserving quarterback Matthew Stafford for no less than yet one more 12 months, then extending left deal with Alaric Jackson and receiver Tutu Atwell, signing nostril deal with Poona Ford, receiver Davante Adams and heart Coleman Shelton. Depth issues have been addressed at cornerback and inside linebacker with the signings of Ahkello Witherspoon and Nate Landman. They nonetheless want so as to add on the latter positions, and must be within the draft marketplace for one other younger receiver, a proper deal with to ultimately take over for veteran Rob Havenstein, a quarterback to develop and a dynamic tight finish. — Jourdan Rodrigue
Miami Dolphins
After shedding Jevon Holland in free company, you may make a compelling case for his or her greatest wants being at security or defensive position — what’s the plan subsequent to Zach Sieler? — however the Dolphins can not enter the 2025 season with Liam Eichenberg penciled in as a beginning guard. He’s OK as depth, however Miami should proceed to improve its inside offensive line, even after signing James Daniels, who’s a lot proficient however coming off of an Achilles tear. The Dolphins’ working sport effectivity nosedived final season, largely due to a substandard offensive line. I anticipate upgrading the road to be a high precedence within the draft. — Jim Ayello
Minnesota Vikings
The problem in making an attempt to reply this query displays how profitable a free-agent interval the Vikings had. They added two inside offensive linemen (Ryan Kelly and Will Fries). They revamped the inside of their defensive position (Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave). They saved high-end cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. They enhanced their working again room (Jordan Mason). Minnesota nonetheless wants a backup quarterback. The cornerback room may use extra depth. For now, although, essentially the most obvious query mark is at left guard. The Vikings may go for Blake Brandel or Walter Rouse, however they might additionally use the draft to fortify this spot. — Alec Lewis
New England Patriots
This one is moderately simple. Regardless of having maybe the worst group of huge receivers within the NFL, the Patriots’ greatest want is at left deal with. Their hopes of signing Ronnie Stanley in free company evaporated when he re-upped with the Ravens, and the opposite free-agent choices weren’t too interesting to them. In order the draft nears, the Patriots stay and not using a long-term blindside protector for Drake Maye. — Chad Graff
New Orleans Saints
Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo opened final season because the Saints’ beginning cornerbacks. Each of them are lengthy gone now. They introduced again Isaac Yiadom through free company after he spent final season in San Francisco. He’s a strong piece and the Saints will probably begin Alontae Taylor and Kool-Support McKinstry. However there’s a cause the Saints pursued Charvarius Ward so vigorously. The draft looks like the course at this charge, until the Saints pull off a commerce. Taking a cornerback at No. 9 could be a probable stretch until New Orleans made a daring transfer for Travis Hunter. — Larry Holder
New York Giants
Regardless of signing Jameis Winston to a two-year, $8 million deal, not a lot has modified for the Giants of their quarterback pursuits: They nonetheless want a dependable starter. Winston, who hasn’t performed a full season since 2019, isn’t that. Whereas he’ll inject character to the locker room and in his on-field play, the Giants are nonetheless within the hunt for high remaining veteran Aaron Rodgers, per reviews. Plus, they’ve the No. 3 choose within the draft they usually must hope for a brand new face of the franchise to go away with on that April weekend. — Charlotte Carroll
New York Jets
The Jets want extra weapons for Justin Fields. Badly. Sure, they’re in fine condition at working again. Whereas Garrett Wilson is there at huge receiver, an argument may very well be made the Jets have one of many worst teams of targets at each huge receiver and tight finish within the NFL — particularly at TE, the place they added Stone Smartt to a room with Jeremy Ruckert. Fields wants a dependable tight finish for the offense the Jets are going to run — somebody who can act as a security valve in the midst of the sphere whereas additionally contributing as a blocker — which is why they’ve been closely tied to Penn State’s Tyler Warren. At receiver, Allen Lazard is the present No. 2 — and he would possibly nonetheless get lower. After him it’s simply Tyler Johnson, Malachi Corley and Xavier Gipson. — Zack Rosenblatt
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles want extra choices at security. After buying and selling C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Houston Texans for Kenyon Inexperienced, an offensive guard, the Eagles created a emptiness for the beginning spot reverse Reed Blankenship. Sydney Brown is the presumptive frontrunner. The 2023 third-round choose confirmed promise whereas beginning in six video games throughout his rookie season, which ended with a Week 18 ACL tear. Brown’s restoration timeline necessitated Gardner-Johnson’s arrival. His departure alerts the Eagles’ religion in Brown. But it surely’d behoove them to amass another choice, probably within the draft. Among the many three different safeties beneath contract, Tristin McCollum is the one one who has ever began in a sport. — Brooks Kubena
Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers common supervisor Omar Khan mentioned on the mix that “ideally” he hoped to have his quarterback in place earlier than the beginning of free company. However now right here we sit, two weeks after the NFL’s negotiating window opened, and the Steelers nonetheless don’t know who their beginning quarterback will probably be in 2025. 4-time NFL MVP and soon-to-be 42-year-old QB Aaron Rodgers continues to carry the franchise hostage. It’s reached the purpose that individuals in Pittsburgh are throwing their help behind Mason Rudolph as a potential starter in 2025. Finally, the obvious gap at defensive deal with will change into the No. 1 precedence within the draft. However till a QB is in place, it’s laborious to consider anything. — Mike DeFabo
The Pittsburgh Steelers hosted Aaron Rodgers for a go to final week, however proceed to attend to see if the quarterback will be a part of the staff. (Mike Ehrmann / Getty Pictures)
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers misplaced three-fourths of their 2024 beginning defensive position in free company. An argument could be made that the staff lastly ought to discover a bookend for Nick Bosa at defensive finish. However essentially the most obvious weak point is defensive deal with. Because it stands now, Jordan Elliott and Kevin Givens are the highest gamers there. The upcoming draft is deep on the place, and the 49ers ought to herald each a fast, penetrating defensive deal with and large physique who can occupy double groups and clog the opponent’s working sport. – Matt Barrows
Seattle Seahawks
Seattle’s solely addition to the offensive line in free company was Josh Jones, who signed a one-year, $4 million contract to be a backup. The Seahawks are set at deal with with Charles Cross and Abe Lucas, however the inside of the offensive line isn’t very sturdy. Normal supervisor John Schneider has acknowledged that the entrance line is the staff’s major deficiency, however he prefers to deal with it by way of the draft moderately than throw huge cash at common gamers. Now he should hit on a number of gamers within the draft to repair the staff’s most obvious weak point. — Michael-Shawn Dugar
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Bringing again Lavonte David was vital, however the Bucs nonetheless have a necessity at inside linebacker. David performed effectively final 12 months, however he’s 35, so he may not play as effectively or be as wholesome within the coming season. And even when he performs effectively once more, a alternative is prone to be wanted for 2026. Other than David, the Bucs nonetheless are trying to find one other inside linebacker. The staff stays hopeful about 2023 fifth-round choose SirVocea Dennis, however he has but to start out a sport. Free-agent pickup Anthony Walker additionally may very well be an element. The Bucs have a necessity at cornerback as effectively. Their main want, nonetheless, is inside linebacker. — Dan Pompei
Tennessee Titans
The Titans did a lot to deal with their greatest weak point, offensive line — although the jury’s out on Dan Moore Jr. as a passable reply at left deal with — and plugged a pair different holes on a roster stuffed with them. That leaves receiver and edge as obvious areas of concern. Harold Landry has been lower. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine has signed with the Dolphins. And people have been downside spots with these guys. It could be very shocking if the Titans don’t handle each positions not directly earlier than the draft. Then, if Cam Ward at No. 1 is certainly the selection, choose No. 35 figures to be dedicated to one of many two. It is a dangerous 12 months to not have a third-round choose, which was traded to the Chiefs final 12 months for L’Jarius Sneed. — Joe Rexrode
Washington Commanders
Splashy trades for left deal with Laremy Tunsil and huge receiver Deebo Samuel addressed the offense’s main wants. Strikes on the defensive entrance have been extra amount over high quality, notably on the road. Sufficient to enhance final season’s thirtieth ranked run protection or improve the go rush? Possibly on the margins, however no DE with high-end potential exists. The remaining free-agent choices are strong however pattern older or dangerous. Buying and selling for Trey Hendrickson would possibly now not be an possibility nevertheless it’s additionally an expensive one on a number of fronts if executed. The Commanders probably will draft assist in the primary two rounds. Meaning elevating the group’s potential however what about Washington’s 2025 ceiling? — Ben Standig
(Prime photographs: Al Bello and Robin Alam / Getty Pictures)