¹ú²úÍâÁ÷Íøfree agency: Biggest needs for each AFC team

• Needs: OT, IOL, S, CB, K
• Cap space: $10.5 million
• Notable free agents
• Notable signings/additions

The offensive line is the Ravens’ first area of focus with two starters (left tackle Ronnie Stanley and left guard Patrick Mekari) headed to free agency, and re-signing one or both players isn’t out of the question. They’ll also look to fortify their secondary and upgrade from free-agent CB Brandon Stephens, who allowed 8.8 yards per target (most by a Ravens DB since at least 2018). Baltimore needs at least one more capable option at free safety with Kyle Hamilton frequently used in the box. 

Should fullback Patrick Ricard hit the market, the Ravens will lose a valuable piece of their rushing offense, which has finished in the top three in yards over expected in every season since Ricard became a full-time player in 2019. Receiver isn’t necessarily a major need with Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman and Tez Walker forming a solid trio alongside Baltimore’s tight ends, but it could add an adept blocker at the position. Kicker is also an area of concern with Justin Tucker facing allegations of inappropriate conduct during massage sessions, which are being investigated by the league. With little cap space, Baltimore could have a quiet free agency and focus primarily on building through the draft.  

• Needs: CB, DT, WR, Edge, S
• Cap space: -$8.7 million
• Notable free agents
• Notable signings/additions

The defensive side of the ball will be the primary focus of the Bills’ offseason with the unit getting exposed down the stretch last season. Outside of Christian Benford, the Bills have a glaring need at cornerback. Rasul Douglas is a free agent and former first-round pick Kaiir Elam struggled mightily when pressed into service in the AFC Championship Game. Buffalo may focus on replacing free-agent safety Damar Hamlin internally, with Cole Bishop and Taylor Rapp in line for bigger roles. Last season, the Bills allowed the highest explosive run rate to running backs (13.4%), so a run-stuffer beside Ed Oliver on the interior is a priority -- especially with their lack of size on the second level.  

The Bills already re-signed swing tackle Alec Anderson, a key player for a team that used a sixth offensive lineman on 14.4% of its plays in 2024, nearly twice as often as the next-closest team. With midseason acquisition Amari Cooper and Mack Hollins both hitting free agency, Buffalo could use a separator on the outside to complement newly extended slot star Khalil Shakir.  

• Needs: DT, Edge, S, LB, IOL
• Cap space: $51.7 million
• Notable free agents
• Notable signings/additions

The Bengals just applied the franchise tag to Tee Higgins (one of the league’s best No. 2 receivers) for the second straight year and have expressed their desire to lock up WR1 Ja'Marr Chase long term. Right now, new defensive coordinator Al Golden's unit needs the most work. The defensive line lacks serious impact players outside of Trey Hendrickson, and now Cincinnati has given the NFL's reigning sack king . Furthermore, Sam Hubbard is , and after strong finishes from impending free agents B.J. Hill and Joseph Ossai, they could be in line for pay raises. The Bengals' DB group has been shaky since their Super Bowl run a few years back and could lose a pair of reliable veterans to free agency in Mike Hilton and Vonn Bell. Stalwart Germain Pratt's trade request makes linebacker murky, as well.

This star-powered offense doesn't require a whole lot of work, but the O-line needs some help after moving on from starter Alex Cappa. Granted, Cappa was a weak link on a unit led by Orlando Brown and Amarius Mims, the latter of whom allowed the second-lowest pressure rate among rookie tackles (8.2%), behind only Joe Alt. The Bengals need a tight end regardless of whether they choose to re-sign Mike Gesicki, and RB depth would also help the unit.

• Needs: S, QB, LB, Edge, OT, WR
• Cap space: $12.6 million
• Notable free agents
• Notable signings/additions

Cleveland's primary offseason questions center around two players under contract in 2025: Myles Garrett and Deshaun Watson. Garrett, who has requested a trade, accounted for 26.9% of the Browns' pressure production last season, second-most among ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷Íødefenders. Thus, if the Browns end up dealing their star pass rusher -- which is unlikely, according to GM Andrew Berry -- edge would skyrocket to their top priority. Meanwhile, Watson could miss the entire 2025 season after suffering a major setback in his recovery from a torn Achilles, so the Browns are likely looking for their QB of the future this offseason. Watson did restructure his contract, though, freeing up some needed cap space for Cleveland.

The defense around Garrett -- formerly a fearsome unit -- was a mess in 2024. The Browns would be well-served adding impact middle-of-the-field tacklers after finishing with the NFL's highest missed tackle rate in consecutive seasons. On offense, Cleveland has two decisions around free agents LT Jedrick Wills and RB Nick Chubb, who both missed time in 2024. Wills allowed a 12.3% pressure rate in just five games at left tackle last season, which would have ranked third-highest among LTs across an entire regular season. Chubb averaged 3.3 yards per carry after returning from injury, the lowest mark in a single season of his career (previous low was 5.0 in 2019 and 2022). The most likely reality is that Cleveland moves on from both players and attempts to find younger alternatives.

• Needs: RB, TE, S, LB, DT
• Cap space: $40.9 million
• Notable free agents
• Notable signings/additions

The caliber of talent at the offensive skill positions kept the upstart Broncos out of the NFL’s elite tier in 2024. They generated a 40.5% offensive success rate (11th-lowest in the NFL) despite possessing an elite O-line and getting an impressive rookie season from Bo Nix. Courtland Sutton was the only skill position player to play at least 55% of team snaps. This offseason, Sean Payton said he wants to to the offense. More specifically, the coach is seeking an explosive running back and a pass-catching tight end, while potentially trying to draft a high-level receiver. 

While the defense showed outstanding improvement in 2024, the middle of the field has areas to address. Denver could certainly upgrade at safety, as P.J. Locke allowed a 135.1 passer rating in coverage, and the interior defensive line and linebacker could both use some depth, even if D.J. Jones and/or Cody Barton re-sign. The Broncos need a backup quarterback, as well. Their available cap space is near the league average, so they are in good shape to continue building with a quarterback under a rookie contract.  

• Needs: IOL, DT, WR, S, TE
• Cap space: $14.4 million
• Notable free agents
• Notable signings/additions

The Texans made numerous splashes last offseason, but with less cap space to work with this time around, they will need to be more strategic in addressing key needs. After a breakout rookie campaign, C.J. Stroud took a step back in 2024, due in large part to poor protection up front. Houston’s offensive line was a glaring weakness, allowing the fifth-highest pressure rate in the ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷Íø(37.9%), so the team is likely to look for new pass blockers. The team also faces some uncertainty at wide receiver, with Tank Dell recovering from his second straight season-ending injury and Stefon Diggs hitting free agency. Who will complement Pro Bowler Nico Collins in 2025? The trade for Christian Kirk certainly helps, but Nick Caserio and Co. probably aren't done with the position. 

On the defensive side, the Texans will look to re-sign or replace defensive tackles Mario Edwards Jr. and Foley Fatukasi, both of whom are set to hit free agency after combining for eight pressures in the postseason and playing key roles against the run. Houston could also add depth at defensive back or linebacker, although the organization may focus on youth and internal replacements. With cap space at a premium, the Texans might have to restructure contacts or make strategic moves to free up room for their roster needs.  

• Needs: TE, IOL, S, Edge, QB
• Cap space: $34.7 million
• Notable free agents
• Notable signings/additions

The defense that took a serious step back in 2024 -- leading to Gus Bradley’s firing -- needs some help at multiple spots. The unit's snap leaders at safety (Julian Blackmon), outside linebacker (E.J. Speed) and defensive line (Dayo Odeyingbo) will have stay-or-go decisions in free agency after each had relatively inconsistent performances in 2024. The Colts could add pieces almost anywhere other than an interior defensive line that features an excellent duo of DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart. Their secondary, however, allowed 8.3 yards per target in coverage, fourth-most in the NFL. 

On the other side of the ball, the Colts’ top two tight ends could depart, so they may look for a weapon at a position that’s been a weak spot of late (league-low -199 receiving yards over expected in 2024). In addition, they need to shore up the offensive line. Dalton Tucker and Tanor Bortolini, each coming off up-and-down rookie seasons, are their only interior linemen under contract outside of seven-time Pro Bowler Quenton Nelson, while right tackle could also be a spot to upgrade after allowing an 11.5% pressure rate at the position, fifth-highest in the NFL. Ryan Kelly and Will Fries performed well when healthy but both are free agents. GM Chris Ballard said at the ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷ÍøScouting Combine that the team will have an open QB competition with Anthony Richardson and a to-be-determined signal-caller, so it's expected the Colts will invest more in the position this offseason. Indianapolis has a fair amount of cap space to continue building this roster. 

• Needs: CB, DT, IOL, S, WR, TE
• Cap space: $38 million
• Notable free agents
• Notable signings/additions

New GM James Gladstone and head coach Liam Coen are in an interesting spot with plenty of cap space and few players heading to free agency. Of course, a franchise with 37 wins in the last seven seasons will likely turn its focus toward a youth movement rather than bringing in pricier veterans. Center Mitch Morse is retiring after playing one season in Jacksonville, and a decision will have to be made on Brandon Scherff, who allowed the second-lowest pressure rate among right guards last season (4.1%). The star lineman turns 34 this year, so the team may pursue a younger alternative. In the same vein, Jacksonville traded veteran receiver Christian Kirk and have released tight end Evan Engram. Clearly, Gladstone is looking to free up cap space.

The other side of the ball performed poorly in 2024 and now watches a valuable piece head into free agency in safety Andre Cisco, who allowed 0.4 yards per snap as the nearest defender last season (sixth-fewest at his position). The rest of the secondary was much less productive, as the team allowed a league-high 7.9 yards per attempt through the air and +100.9 passing EPA, so the Jaguars need upgrades at both corner and safety. On the defensive line, edge rushers Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker combined for nearly 50% of the team’s pressure production while Jacksonville's top four interior linemen combined for less than 17%, so the Jags will almost certainly look to add DT talent. Their cap and roster situation gives the new staff the flexibility to add talent that fits their philosophy, especially on the defensive side. 

• Needs: OT, WR, DT, S, CB
• Cap space: -$3 million
• Notable free agents
• Notable signings/additions

Kansas City could stand to upgrade both offensive tackle spots coming off a Super Bowl defeat. Four Chiefs logged 75-plus snaps at left tackle in 2024, largely due to performance struggles, with starting LG Joe Thuney (whom they just shipped to Chicago) sliding outside after Week 14 with mixed results. Chiefs LTs allowed the fifth-highest pressure rate (12.4%) in the regular season. Meanwhile, Jawaan Taylor allowed a pressure rate of 8.3% on the right side, which did not justify the major contract signed in the 2023 offseason. However, Kansas City's decision to tag Trey Smith solidifies the interior as one of the league’s best groups. K.C. also needs to add pass catchers, with four of their eight target leaders hitting free agency. With Travis Kelce returning for a 13th season and Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy in place outside, the Chiefs likely won’t break the bank on receiving talent. However, Kelce has been declining in effectiveness, generating +14.2 receiving EPA in 2024, by far his lowest mark since at least 2016 (2023's figure was +41.9).  

The defense had a strong campaign and most of the pieces remain intact. LB Nick Bolton (106) and S Justin Reid (85) finished first and third, respectively, on the team in tackles and both are free agents. Bolton could garner a hefty contract that may be tough for the Chiefs to meet. On the defensive interior, free-agent DT Tershawn Wharton was a key piece next to Chris Jones, as he generated the third-most pressures among Chiefs defenders with 35. Re-signing or replacing Wharton will be key for the future of this defensive front. The Chiefs could also look for an upgrade at outside corner opposite Trent McDuffie. With a decent amount of roster work to do, the cap-strapped Chiefs could be bargain hunting or gearing toward a youth movement.

• Needs: RB, CB, S, DT
• Cap space: $85 million
• Notable free agents
• Notable signings/additions

With Pete Carroll’s arrival, the Raiders can be expected to fast-track the reconstruction of their offense. Coming off a season in which they had the league’s third-lowest explosive pass rate at 11.7%, the Raiders have already begun making room for QB changes by releasing Gardner Minshew and searching for top QB talent. (EDITOR'S UPDATE: The Raiders are acquiring Geno Smith from the Seahawks in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick, ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷ÍøNetwork Insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo reported on March 7.) They'll also likely seek a leader for a run game that generated a league-low 33.7% success rate. The offensive line should remain mostly intact, but a splashy add at tackle isn’t out of the question. The WR group led by Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker could use a boost, as well. 

Las Vegas also needs to improve all position groups on defense. Maxx Crosby, whose 53 run stuffs off the edge since 2022 are 10 more than any other defender, is now the league's highest-paid non-quarterback, but he needs help. The Raiders brought back safety Isaiah Pola-Mao, while Robert Spillane, Adam Butler, Nate Hobbs and Tre'von Moehrig stand out as other free agents who have earned consideration for a return. Many of them will likely seek a pay increase, but Vegas has loads of cap space to accommodate them if the new coaching regime and front office decide any are integral pieces

• Needs: DT, RB, Edge, IOL, WR 
• Cap space: $90.7 million
• Notable free agents
• Notable signings/free agents

The Chargers' offense was inconsistent late in the season and collapsed in a wild-card loss, so their focus will shift to acquiring Justin Herbert some weapons. The only outside WR who had positive receiving yards over expected in 2024 was Jalen Reagor, who caught just seven passes, and it would not make sense to continue with Will Dissly as the top option at tight end. Upgrades on the interior line also make sense, with C Bradley Bozeman hitting the open market and RG Trey Pipkins having allowed the third-highest pressure rate at his position (11.7%). 

The defensive line will also be a focal point. Joey Bosa was released and plenty of others are set to hit free agency, including DTs Poona Ford and Morgan Cox, as well as veteran edge rusher Khalil Mack. The secondary was a bit of a patchwork unit in 2024, so the Bolts could add a veteran at safety or corner to provide more leadership presence beyond Derwin James -- although retaining Elijah Molden is a step in the right direction. However, the offense will be the priority this offseason, especially considering Jim Harbaugh's staff has proven it can craft a defense that plays above the sum of its parts. Last season, the Chargers' D ranked eighth in EPA per play despite only two defenders playing more than 72% of snaps. The Bolts have more than enough cap space to address their roster as they look to challenge the Chiefs for the division in 2025.

• Needs: IOL, S, DT, CB
• Cap Space: $12.2 million
• Notable free agents
• Notable signings/additions

The Dolphins have two pending free agents on the interior of the offensive line in Robert Jones and Liam Eichenberg. Meanwhile, LT Terron Armstead, who recently reduced his salary to the veteran minimum, has had health issues and is heavily considering retirement this offseason. Fortifying the offensive interior is a major priority for a team looking to protect Tua Tagovailoa and improve its run game, which registered 0.7 yards before contact per carry last season, the fourth-lowest mark in the NFL.  

On the defense, the Dolphins are losing several starters and key depth pieces, including rotational pass rushers Emmanuel Ogbah, Calais Campbell, Benito Jones, and Da’Shawn Hand. These four players accounted for just over a third of the Dolphins' pressure production (36.0%) last season, meaning a pass-rush group led by Chop Robinson and Zach Sieler still needs work. (Though healthy returns from Bradley Chubb and Jaelen Phillips would certainly help.) Starting safeties Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer are free agents and likely won't return. The cornerback room also requires a boost with the release of Kendall Fuller and potential departure of restricted free agent Kader Kohou, and Jalen Ramsey isn't getting any younger. The Dolphins are in bit of a cap squeeze, but they do have several restructure candidates who could aid the situation (See: Tagovailoa, Chubb, Sieler, Jordyn Brooks, and Aaron Brewer).  

• Needs: OT, WR, RB, CB, LB
• Cap space: $127.4 million
• Notable free agents
• Notable signings/additions

The Mike Vrabel era begins in New England with more cap space than any other team to help his staff construct a more talented roster. The Patriots will continue their years-long search for a No. 1 wide receiver and look to add an impact running back with Rhamondre Stevenson struggling in recent years. They also need to turn some attention to an offensive line that frequently left Drake Maye under pressure as a rookie (38.3% pressure rate, sixth-highest) and rarely opened space for the ground game (0.3 yards per designed rush, fewest in NFL). 

The Patriots have openings on the defensive line and could add a player who's proven to disrupt the quarterback, especially one on the interior to replace the underwhelming Daniel Ekuale (3.2% pressure rate in 2024, ranking 82nd of 87 qualifying defensive tackles). New England is also in need of defenders who excel in coverage at outside corner, linebacker and free safety, to shore up an underwhelming pass defense -- a unit that saw free agent Jonathan Jones produce a career-worst campaign in coverage in 2024. The Patriots have a hungry coaching staff and a handful of promising young pieces who can drive a quick turnaround. With a stunning amount of financial flexibility to bring in quality veteran talent, they may return to the upper echelon of the AFC sooner than later. 

• Needs: QB, S, OT, LB, CB
• Cap space: $51.8 million
• Notable free agents
• Notable signings/additions

Along with bringing in a new regime, the Jets will start over at quarterback after releasing Aaron Rodgers. That's just priority No. 1 on their to-do list. They need to add an offensive tackle to play opposite Olu Fashanu and must replace some of their veteran pass catchers -- namely, recently released Davante Adams, who saw the third-most targets of any WR (114) after his Week 7 debut, logging seven games with double-digit targets (tied for second-most during that span). The Jets, who are actively freeing up cap space by dumping veteran contracts, could look at some of the young talent in this year's draft. Creating lots of dead money isn’t ideal, but it’ll help Gang Green move into a new era and hopefully start turning things around.

Other than Sauce Gardner and Michael Carter, every notable player in the Jets' DB room is headed for free agency, so they’ll need a significant crop of newcomers. They could make a push to re-sign breakout linebacker Jamien Sherwood, who missed just 7.8% of his tackle attempts while recording 154 takedowns last season. Shoring up their tackling is key moving forward as the Jets missed 15.3% of their attempts in 2024, the second-highest rate in the NFL. New York could also add a body up front alongside Quinnen Williams.

• Needs: QB, WR, CB, DT
• Cap space: $59.7 million
• Notable free agents
• Notable signings/additions

The Steelers have a ton of work to do on the offensive side of the ball, with many expiring contracts from a unit that averaged 5.0 yards per play last season, fewest among playoff teams. Whether or not they bring back Russell Wilson or Justin Fields for the short term, they may search for a franchise-type QB prospect. With both of their primary RBs from 2024, much of their WR room besides George Pickens and their starting left tackle all eligible for some form of free agency, expect the Steelers to address the attrition in both free agency and the draft. The O-line could also use some help as the unit was generally suboptimal last year. Pittsburgh's non-left tackles allowed an 8.9% pressure rate, sixth-highest in the NFL.

The defense doesn’t need much, especially if Pittsburgh re-signs Elandon Roberts and/or Donte Jackson, but the team should start thinking about the future when it comes to Cameron Heyward, who remains dominant but will turn 36 in May. Finding a partner for Minkah Fitzpatrick, who allowed 77.8% of his targets in coverage to be completed last season, could also be on the agenda. Pittsburgh has a decent cap situation with room to make moves, but not necessarily enough to fill all of their needs with premier players.

• Needs: QB, WR, IOL, Edge, S
• Cap space: $50.6 million
• Notable free agents
• Notable signings/additions

The Titans may secure a franchise signal-caller with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷ÍøDraft after a season in which Will Levis and Mason Rudolph combined for the fifth-lowest passing success rate in the ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷Íø(40.6%). Upgrading the offensive line is also a priority after Tennessee allowed the second-highest pressure rate (40.2%) in the league, though it does have two recent first-rounders, JC Latham and Peter Skoronski, developing up front. The wide receiver room needs an infusion of young talent to pair with Calvin Ridley, as Tyler Boyd and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine are free agents. 

Defensively, Jeffery Simmons remains a force on the interior, but despite his presence, Tennessee generated the league’s fifth-lowest pressure rate (31.1%). The Titans could use an effective edge rusher, especially after releasing Harold Landry. The secondary isn't a top priority, but it could use some attention after high-profile acquisitions L’Jarius Sneed and Quandre Diggs (an impending free agent) each missed at least nine games with injuries.