The league’s 10 new head coaches have had time to settle into their new roles and hopefully go over their respective rosters. Groups arrive in Indianapolis this week understanding what they want and are devising a plan involving a number of strategies of expertise acquisition to assault these drawback areas.
Though groups shall be evaluating prospects eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft this week, veteran free company will play out first and there’s additionally the chance for groups to both proceed or begin commerce conversations. By April’s draft, groups may have a greater thought of the remaining holes which should be stuffed forward of the common season.
Observe reside updates on the 2026 NFL mix right here.
Right here is one individual’s perspective on the largest want for every staff getting into the expertise acquisition portion of the offseason:
AFC North
Cincinnati Bengals: Edge rusher
Cincinnati might doubtlessly lose Trey Hendrickson, Joseph Ossai and Cameron Pattern in free company. The Bengals are basically left with two first-round picks — Myles Murphy and Shemar Stewart — who haven’t but produced.
The linebackers actually struggled final yr, however they invested two pretty early picks in that spot, so odds of operating it again to concentrate on different areas is excessive. Cornerback and security have been a couple of different drawback areas.
Cleveland Browns: Offensive deal with
Quarterback, offensive deal with and extensive receiver — the three most essential positions on offense — are at present roadblocks to victory in Todd Monken’s first season. It’s a little simpler to image a number of the younger items creating at receiver, so offensive deal with will get the nod as the largest want.
In keeping with TruMedia, Cleveland allowed essentially the most strain (45.5%) amongst all groups final season. All 5 of these starters are unsigned for subsequent season.
Baltimore Ravens: Line of defense
Baltimore turned over basically its complete teaching employees, however head coach Jesse Minter and defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver are acquainted faces to the operation.
The offensive line shall be an issue if the Ravens don’t re-sign both middle Tyler Linderbaum or guard Daniel Faalele. They’re additionally dropping key depth on the tight finish place. Working again Derrick Henry shouldn’t be getting any youthful.
The protection might use help at each place: line of defense, linebacker, cornerback and security. Minter comes from Los Angeles the place the Rams had made essentially the most out of the expertise on the roster.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Quarterback
Pittsburgh is a quarterback battle between Mason Rudolph and Will Howard proper now. The idea is that Aaron Rodgers will inevitably return, however that would draw out properly into the offseason.
Large receiver can also be a place of want because the Steelers seek for enhances to DK Metcalf. Line of defense, linebacker and security are all positions of want for the group.
AFC South
Indianapolis Colts: Linebacker
The expectation is that the Colts both lengthen or franchise tag quarterback Daniel Jones, which provides them stability on the recreation’s most essential place.
Indianapolis addressed its greatest want within the type of Sauce Gardner. The secondary ought to be effective if it re-signs security Nick Cross. The defensive entrance seven ought to be the main target this offseason.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Line of defense
The thrill has indicated Travis Hunter Jr. will transfer to cornerback full-time subsequent season, which might be the perfect utilization of his expertise. Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington and Jakobi Meyers will presumably be again at receiver.
The offensive line might use some fine-tuning, however line of defense and security are the largest wants. Linebacker may very well be added if Devin Lloyd departs in free company.
Houston Texans: Line of defense
Houston relied upon veterans to patch the offensive line final offseason, however Trent Brown and Ed Ingram are hitting free company. The offensive deal with play was underwhelming.
Line of defense is also a stress level dependent upon how free company performs out. Sheldon Rankins, Denico Autry, Foley Fatukasi, Tim Settle and Naquan Jones are all on expiring contracts.
Working again could be one to observe if Joe Mixon shouldn’t be wholesome to play subsequent season. Woody Marks handled accidents and Nick Chubb is a pending free agent.
Tennessee Titans: Cornerback
The secondary, significantly cornerback, was an issue for the Titans this season. Edge rusher and linebacker must also be focused as Tennessee appears to rise from the basement in Robert Saleh’s first season.
The offensive guard and extensive receiver spots are two areas the franchise ought to look to enhance in assist of Cam Ward.
AFC East
Buffalo Payments: Security
Buffalo has not acquired high quality security play since shifting on from veterans Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer. Linebacker and edge rusher are a couple of different positions that ought to be addressed this offseason.
Inside offensive linemen Connor McGovern and David Edwards are resulting from hit free company, so these are conditions to observe. Large receiver has additionally been the supply of serious dialogue because the season ended.
Miami Dolphins: Cornerback
Right now, the staff nonetheless employs quarterback Tua Tagovailoa regardless of messaging that it’s seeking to make a change this offseason. The one approach a staff takes on that contract is that if Miami is prepared to present a draft decide in return.
Cornerback was a necessity for the Dolphins final offseason. They signed a number of veterans to deal with the issue in 2025, however now these gamers are slated to hit free company once more. In addition they have wants basically all over the place else on the roster, excluding operating again.
New York Jets: Line of defense
New York is an attention-grabbing state of affairs. Possession mandated modifications to the teaching employees after a season wherein it traded arguably its two finest gamers. The Jets have two first-round picks this yr and three subsequent.
They might draft any place exterior of offensive deal with, tight finish and operating again, in the event that they have been to re-sign Breece Corridor, and it will not come as a shock.
New England Patriots: Offensive deal with
New England may have to exchange some property on protection, reminiscent of linebacker and edge rusher, but it surely was the offense who let it down within the postseason.
Proper deal with ought to be addressed with Morgan Moses set to show 35 years previous in March. Head coach Mike Vrabel might add a move catcher or two at extensive receiver and tight finish.
AFC West
Denver Broncos: Tight finish
The tight finish place has all the time been a giant a part of Sean Payton’s offenses and Evan Engram merely didn’t ship in that regard. Denver was additionally actively searching for extensive receiver assist on the commerce deadline, so there’s clearly a perception that it must be extra dynamic within the move recreation.
Linebacker might as soon as once more be focused with Alex Singleton, Justin Strnad hitting free company and Dre Greenlaw struggling to remain wholesome.
Los Angeles Chargers: Inside offensive line
Los Angeles has invested closely within the offensive line and but the inside has deteriorated. Given the trenches are the hallmark of a Jim Harbaugh staff, followers ought to anticipate it to be a precedence once more.
Line of defense, linebacker, cornerback and security might all use not less than one new starter.
Kansas Metropolis Chiefs: Working again
Kansas Metropolis as soon as had a star-studded offensive unit that includes a number of the recreation’s finest at their respective positions: Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce. Kelce has clearly slowed down a bit as he has aged and the staff has completed an insufficient job of filling the manufacturing misplaced when Hill was traded. Working again has been a weak spot.
The line of defense must be revitalized and a number of cornerbacks are set to hit free company, in addition to security Bryan Cook dinner. The Chiefs have traditionally not invested in cornerback, nevertheless.
Las Vegas Raiders: Offensive line
Las Vegas has some respectable items on offense with operating again Ashton Jeanty, tight ends Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer, offensive deal with Kolton Miller and, presumably, quarterback Fernando Mendoza. The remainder of the roster wants a variety of work, starting with the offensive line.
Line of defense, edge rusher, linebacker, cornerback and security are all wants, however this isn’t new info to a defensive coordinator who was on final yr’s employees.
NFC North
Chicago Bears: Line of defense
It appears most definitely that Chicago will enable Ozzy Trapilo a full offseason to regulate to his function at left deal with, however that may very well be a sneaky place to observe for the Bears within the first spherical. Ben Johnson may have extra intel on Trapilo’s consolation on the left aspect than anybody. Large receiver or a guard to ultimately substitute Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson is also on the desk.
These are extra questions than outright considerations although. The line of defense is a priority. Chicago allowed the fourth-most yards earlier than contact (1.89) in 2025, per TruMedia. An impactful move rusher would take the protection to a different degree as properly.
Detroit Lions: Defensive deal with
Defensive deal with and edge rusher have been evergreen wants for the NFC North franchise. Levi Onwuzurike and Roy Lopez might hit free company. D.J. Reader turns 32 years previous in the summertime. The second-leading sack producer, Al-Quadin Muhammad, can also be an unrestricted free agent. Except for Hutchinson, linebacker Jack Campbell had essentially the most sacks in 2025 (5) amongst gamers returning in 2026.
The inside offensive line could also be a degree of emphasis and left deal with Taylor Decker turns 33 years previous previous to subsequent season. It’s conceivable that the Lions tackle that spot earlier than it turns into an issue.
Inexperienced Bay Packers: Line of defense
Offensive linemen Sean Rhyan and Rasheed Walker performed important snaps for the Packers, however are in line to hit free company. At minimal, Inexperienced Bay will seemingly add competitors to the group, particularly at middle.
The line of defense wants an infusion of expertise after extracting Kenny Clark. The imaginative and prescient at cornerback didn’t come collectively final season both.
Minnesota Vikings: Linebacker
How ought to Minnesota deal with its quarterback room this offseason? The Vikings have seen Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones come and go in recent times solely to put money into underwhelming first-round choice J.J. McCarthy. One would assume the franchise provides competitors to the place.
Line of defense and linebacker are poor areas on the roster.
NFC South
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Linebacker
Lengthy-time linebacker Lavonte David is as soon as once more a free agent. The Buccaneers might use one other move rusher with Logan Corridor and Haason Reddick hitting free company. Cornerback Jamel Dean might hit free company, however Benjamin Morrison steps into the void ideally.
Paradoxically, the number of Emeka Egbuka in final yr’s first spherical felt like a luxurious within the second, however Mike Evans is a free agent and it will not be all that stunning if the franchise moved on from Chris Godwin this offseason. Actually, Tampa Bay might draft one other extensive receiver. Tight finish may very well be addressed additionally.
Atlanta Falcons: Cornerback
Cornerback ought to be a precedence for Atlanta. Defensive deal with could also be excessive on the listing as a result of their finest, David Onyemata, is already 33 years previous. Edge rusher could also be on the listing as extra is discovered about James Pearce Jr.’s state of affairs.
Offensively, first-year head coach Kevin Stefanski ought to be able to hit the bottom operating if the Falcons retain tight finish Kyle Pitts. One other extensive receiver would go a good distance as properly.
Carolina Panthers: Linebacker
The offensive line is unsettled with Yosh Nijman, Cade Mays, Austin Corbett and Brady Christensen all doubtlessly hitting free company, in addition to left deal with Ikem Ekwonu recovering from a torn patellar tendon.
Carolina’s pictures at linebacker haven’t panned out. Followers ought to anticipate the Panthers to deal with it this offseason. A very dynamic move rusher to pair with Nic Scourton would energize the unit. Security is maybe a necessity as properly.
New Orleans Saints: Large receiver
New Orleans may have key defensive items to doubtlessly substitute, reminiscent of linebacker Demario Davis and defensive finish Cameron Jordan, however the focus ought to be on supplementing Tyler Shough’s supporting forged. The Saints might use assist at operating again, extensive receiver and tight finish. Chris Olave has battled accidents and Rashid Shaheed was traded away on the deadline.
NFC East
Washington Commanders: Edge rusher
At No. 7 total, Washington might lastly be ready to assert an impactful edge rusher within the NFL Draft. There are a variety of names hitting free company out of Washington, Deebo Samuel, Bobby Wagner, Zach Ertz, Von Miller, Austin Ekeler, and many others. … The Commanders have to get youthful this offseason.
Large receiver, linebacker and security are another areas that ought to be addressed.
Dallas Cowboys: Linebacker
After re-signing operating again Javonte Williams and the inevitability of retaining George Pickens, followers ought to anticipate Dallas to go all in on the protection this offseason. The Cowboys need assistance at edge rusher, linebacker, cornerback and security. The Cowboys do have two first-round picks so as to add high quality gamers in these key roles.
Philadelphia Eagles: Cornerback
It has been discovered that proper deal with Lane Johnson will return for a 14th season. There’s a lot but to be decided amongst this Eagles staff: Will Landon Dickerson return, is A.J. Brown getting traded, will they keep edge rusher Jaelan Phillips?
A cornerback reverse Quinyon Mitchell would enable Cooper DeJean to stay within the slot. Security and edge rusher may very well be wants as properly.
New York Giants: Linebacker
There’s an argument to be made that extensive receiver is the largest want as a result of Wan’Dale Robinson shouldn’t be underneath contract for subsequent season and Malik Nabers is coming back from a severe damage. Offensive linemen Jermaine Eluemunor, Greg Van Roten and Austin Schlottmann are all unrestricted free brokers who performed ample snaps final season.
Linebacker might be essentially the most expertise poor spot, however the Giants ought to be seeking to tackle the line of defense and cornerback as properly.
NFC West
San Francisco 49ers: Large receiver
San Francisco handled a mountain of accidents final season. It’s clear Brandon Aiyuk has performed his final snap for the 49ers and Jauan Jennings is an unrestricted free agent. They’ve a chance to reset the place this offseason.
Edge rusher and line of defense ought to nonetheless be priorities for the franchise regardless of investing within the unit final offseason.
Arizona Cardinals: Offensive line
Working again has been considered as a necessity for Arizona, but it surely issues not with out the offensive line being resolved. Offensive linemen Jonah Williams, Kelvin Beachum and Will Hernandez are all hitting free company.
If all items of their secondary return wholesome, then the Cardinals ought to be in respectable form there. The defensive entrance seven is the opposite space first-year head coach Mike LaFleur ought to tackle.
Los Angeles Rams: Cornerback
Cornerback had already been a necessity for Los Angeles, however Derion Kendrick, Decobie Durant, Roger McCreary and Ahkello Witherspoon are already hitting free company. Los Angeles has not invested within the place aside from buying and selling for Jalen Ramsey, Marcus Peters prior to now. The time might have lastly come for it to be the next precedence.
Offensive deal with could also be a necessity until the Rams are effective with Warren McLendon serving as Rob Havenstein’s alternative. Large receiver wouldn’t be a shock both as they put together for the eventuality that Davante Adams strikes on or retires.
Seattle Seahawks: Cornerback
Seattle is in fine condition total. The Seahawks have a number of gamers set to hit free company, but in addition have the cap area to retain whoever they prioritize.
Large receiver Rashid Shaheed, edge rusher Boye Mafe, operating again Kenneth Walker III, cornerback Josh Jobe, security Coby Bryant and cornerback Riq Woolen are all resulting from change into free brokers in a matter of weeks. Cornerback is the place most definitely to be in want of reinforcement. The extraction of Shaheed would have them lacking a velocity factor to the offense as properly.
