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

• Positions of need: DT, Edge, LB, IOL, WR 
• Cap space: $78 million
• Notable free agents
• Notable signings/additions

First and foremost, the Cardinals need multiple defensive line pieces. Dante Stills is the only returning DT who played 200-plus snaps in 2024, and Zaven Collins is the only returning pass rusher who generated 25-plus pressures (33). Free agent Baron Browning did a nice job after his midseason acquisition (he led the Cards with 21 pressures from Week 10 on) and could be a return candidate, while Kyzir White has been a highly reliable ILB and will need to be re-signed or replaced. Arizona doesn't have any expiring contracts in the secondary but could look for upgrades after allowing the league's third-highest completion percentage to WRs. 

On offense, a dynamic Z or slot receiver opposite Marvin Harrison Jr. would help, while the Cardinals are at risk of losing three pieces on the offensive line: Kelvin Beachum (who allowed the third-lowest pressure rate at right tackle, 5.0%, and played 198 snaps at LT in Weeks 15-18), Evan Brown (who had a career year at LG, allowing the fourth-lowest pressure rate at the position, 4.7%) and Trystan Colon (who served as quality guard depth). Arizona has more cap space available than most teams, and after several middling seasons, the Cardinals could now make a concerted effort to establish themselves in the NFC West in 2025. 

• Positions of need: CB, Edge, S, IOL, DT 
• Cap space: -$5.3 million
• Notable free agents
• Notable signings/additions

The Falcons' pass defense struggled this season, allowing a league-high +3.4% completion percentage over expected. As such, the defensive line and secondary are the most notable areas of need. The entire supporting cast around Jessie Bates and A.J. Terrell in the back end is eligible to leave following universally poor performances. Similarly, the defensive line could be in line for a rebuild after an underwhelming campaign from a lot of pending free agents -- Atlanta was the only team in the ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷Íøwithout a single D-lineman producing a pressure rate above 11%. 

The offensive side doesn't require much work, but Atlanta could try to bring back whichever center it prefers between UFA Drew Dalman and RFA Ryan Neuzil -- or instead find a new center and add OL depth. The Falcons are slightly over the cap, but they have a fair amount of room to restructure or cut players and have very little dead money on the books already. They could become solvent by finding Kirk Cousins a new home, moving on from David Onyemata/other defensive pieces, replacing Younghoe Koo with an inexpensive alternative or, if they're feeling adventurous, replacing a veteran offensive lineman with a draftee. 

• Positions of need: Edge, S, DT, CB, WR
• Cap space: $29.9 million
• Notable free agents
• Notable signings/additions

For a defense that had one of the worst seasons in ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷Íøhistory, any additions are welcome. Xavier Woods and Mike Jackson, who both played at least 99% of the defensive snaps, are no longer under contract, along with part-time starters Jordan Fuller and Dane Jackson. Carolina will also hopefully add some impact pieces to a defensive front that's been severely lackluster in recent years. In 2024, the Panthers generated a 25.5% pressure rate and hit opposing rushers behind the line of scrimmage on 25.5% of carries, both league-low marks. 

On the offensive line, all three players who spent time at center this past season are hitting some sort of free agency. WR has been a position of need since the team traded DJ Moore away in March of 2023, and while the Panthers might draft a receiver for a third straight year, they could seek a major piece on the market to join Adam Thielen, Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette in support of Bryce Young (and re-signed backup Andy Dalton). They don't have much cap space available, but cutting Miles Sanders and a few underperforming defensive players would ease the situation. 

• Positions of need: DT, TE, OT, WR, Edge
• Cap space: $50.4 million
• Notable free agents
• Notable signings/additions

QB Caleb Williams has star potential but lost a league-worst -123.5 EPA on sacks in 2024. In the interest of protecting their young signal-caller, the Bears came into this offseason desperately needing to conduct an immediate overhaul of the offensive line. New head coach Ben Johnson really leaned on impact O-linemen like Penei Sewell and Frank Ragnow to execute his creating scheme in Detroit. With three starters and two top backups hitting free agency -- and starting tackles Darnell Wright and Braxton Jones seeming untrustworthy (Bears tackles posted a 12.2% pressure rate allowed in 2024, fourth-highest in the NFL) -- Johnson and general manager Ryan Poles are in position to add the guys who fit their vision. They have begun this mission via trade, acquiring former Lions starting guard Jonah Jackson from the Rams and three-time Pro Bowler Joe Thuney from the Chiefs.

The next priority is the defensive line, which was a patchwork operation in 2024, when no member of that unit played more than 70% of the team's defensive snaps. That stands in contrast to the LB unit and secondary, which performed well and are in line to retain everyone important. If the Bears add an RB, doing it through the draft seems to make sense, but signing a slot receiver wouldn't be a bad idea. And they could acquire a tight end who's an adept blocker via either player pool. Chicago has lots of cap space -- if any veterans are cut, it would presumably occur in the interest of a youth movement rather than being driven by financial need. 

• Positions of need: RB, LB, CB, IOL, WR 
• Cap space: $54.1 million
• Notable free agents
• Notable signings/additions

Dallas has a massive number of free agents on defense and must replace a franchise legend on the offensive line -- and yet, the biggest need appears to be at running back. The Cowboys might fill it through the draft, but if they go into 2025 with anything resembling this past season's situation, when Rico Dowdle (who is headed for the market) and Ezekiel Elliott led them in carries, it will be a failure. Beyond that, they essentially need to build an entire defensive line around Micah Parsons (who is in line for a new deal) and the recently extended Osa Odighizuwa (who led all DTs with 42 pressures, five more than Chris Jones, from Week 9 onward). They must also replenish a linebacker corps that might lose Eric Kendricks and could be without DeMarvion Overshown (coming off a ) for much of the season. There are questions around the DB unit after Dallas allowed 7.9 yards per attempt (tied for the highest mark in the NFL) in 2024 while dealing with a rash of injuries. 

Furthermore, the Cowboys must find a new starting right guard to take over for the retired Zack Martin, add depth on the line, pick up one or more receivers to complement the CeeDee Lamb (+232 receiving yards over expected; nobody else under contract in Dallas had more than +44) and locate a backup QB. They need to keep their window of contention open, considering the career trajectories and contracts of stars Dak Prescott (who also ), Parsons and Lamb, but to do so, they'll have to address a slew of roster gaps while adjusting to a new coaching situation. 

• Positions of need: DT, Edge, CB, WR 
• Cap space: $51.2 million
• Notable free agents
• Notable signings/additions

The Lions are in a luxurious spot as far as their personnel goes -- their main offseason priority is simply to get healthy. Starting RG Kevin Zeitler and depth tackle Dan Skipper are the only free agents on their offensive line, and both could be brought back, given the abundance of cap space Detroit has at its disposal. 

On the defensive side of the ball, depth on the line is a key area of need, with Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill recovering from injuries, plus multiple pending free agents in the group. Among them, Levi Onwuzurike generated the second-most pressures among Lions defenders (37) in 2024, so he could be an option for retention, while the team might seek out a run-focused big body to place alongside him. CB Carlton Davis is the only departing full-time starter on defense. Amik Robertson -- who filled in admirably opposite Terrion Arnold following Davis' injury last season, allowing three receptions to Justin Jefferson on seven targets in Week 18 -- remains under contract. Despite the brain drain on the coaching staff, there will be widespread continuity on the Lions' roster entering 2025.  

• Positions of need: WR, CB, LB, IOL, Edge 
• Cap space: $46 million
• Notable free agents
• Notable signings/additions

The Packers are reportedly after a 2024 season in which nobody from the deep WR room finished in the top 31 at the position in receptions over expected. In contrast, their offensive line was one of their best position groups this season (the team posted a 4.2% sack rate, third-lowest in the NFL), so they'll thoroughly consider their , whether that means handing a new contract to free agent Josh Myers, shuffling linemen on the roster or bringing in an external piece. 

Linebacker would seem to be another priority in light of the potential departure of Eric Wilson, although the Pack did re-sign improving two-year starter Isaiah McDuffie. Cornerback could also be a spot to make one or more moves. It would make sense for Green Bay to prioritize the position in the draft to ensure sufficient depth, but with Eric Stokes heading for free agency and injury-prone star Jaire Alexander on the trade block, they could use a veteran addition. Beyond that, it might be wise to add competition for Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness, whose combined pressure rate of 12.5% was slightly above the league average for edge rushers. Special teams will also need some answers. That said, the Packers have plenty of cap space relative to their limited list of needs. 

• Positions of need: LB, WR, DT, CB, IOL 
• Cap space: $51.7 million
• Notable free agents
• Notable signings/additions

The Rams already appear to have shown the world the shape of their offseason. They have restructured Matthew Stafford, keeping the 37-year-old QB who would have been the best available at the position if he'd been allowed to relocate, while also re-upping Alaric Jackson at left tackle following two seasons of solid performance (2.0 sacks allowed in each). In addition, they are attempting to trade Cooper Kupp, a move that could free up around $13 million more in cap space (or $20 million if executed after June 1). While they took a step to fortify their WR group by following his rookie contract, the Rams could still be in the market for a younger and more cost-effective slot receiver and an outside threat, with both ideally being versatile pieces who can fit in their supremely motion-heavy scheme. That would solidify nearly their entire offense. That said, a depth piece for the line could be in order, in light of Joe Noteboom's pending free agency and the trade of Jonah Jackson to the Bears. 

The defense is mostly set, with a promising young core in place. The most notable potential loss is Christian Rozeboom, who led the team with 47 run stops for negative EPA. While three defensive-line pieces are set to hit free agency, the Rams can lean on Jared Verse, Byron Young, Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske, whose 218 pressures were the most by any four teammates in 2024. Cornerback would seem to be the only other spot for an addition, with Ahkello Witherspoon potentially departing and Darious Williams both approaching his 32nd birthday and coming off his worst season in coverage. Ultimately, though, the Rams' collection of young talent and cap freedom has them positioned to maintain a spot near the top of the NFC West. 

• Positions of need: CB, IOL, OT, S, RB 
• Cap space: $62.9 million
• Notable free agents
• Notable signings/additions

When J.J. McCarthy was hurt in August, it looked like the Vikings might have been in line for a lost season. Instead, they went 14-3. Sam Darnold was a massive part of that success -- and yet, it would not necessarily be surprising for them to let him walk for a huge payday elsewhere, hand McCarthy the reins and sign a less-costly veteran backup. In such a scenario, their top priority should be to bolster McCarthy's protection, given that Darnold faced the league's third-highest pressure rate (39.4%) and then took nine sacks in the team's Wild Card loss. The Vikings with the 2024 production of Aaron Jones, but they'll need a new feature RB if he decides to play elsewhere. 

Of equal importance, the Vikings need to fully rebuild their DB room; re-signing Pro Bowl corner Byron Murphy and potentially Camryn Bynum would make sense, but much of the aging veteran unit could be replaced. (The franchise will have to decide what to do with franchise legend Harrison Smith.) They don't need much beyond that, save for a few players to surround Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel and Harrison Phillips on a defensive line that spearheaded the quickest pass rush in the ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷Íø(average time to pressure: 2.52 seconds). The Vikings should comfortably be able to restock with one of the least-restrictive cap situations of any team. 

• Positions of need: CB, Edge, WR, TE, IOL 
• Cap space: -$39.5 million  
• Notable free agents
• Notable signings/additions

The Saints are embarking on a new era under head coach Kellen Moore, but they still face an absurd projected salary-cap deficit. In the short term, they have very little flexibility to build; their focus should instead be on mitigating the cap impact of their costly veterans and former players. When adding this offseason, their goal should be to seek out younger options with upside on team-friendly deals. On defense, they need to take care of the cornerback spot by replacing Marshon Lattimore (traded away last season) and free agents Paulson Adebo and Ugo Amadi. They need pass-rush talent, with Cameron Jordan (turning 36 in July) and Carl Granderson (28) aging, and their solution could be to extend Chase Young, easing the cap burden of his void year while bringing back a player who put up a career-high 16.2% pressure rate in 2024. 

The offensive skill positions will be an area to improve, as well, especially wide receiver. In 2024, Rashid Shaheed led the team in target air yards (706) despite playing only six games. With Juwan Johnson departing and Taysom Hill looking like a potential cap casualty, New Orleans could add a tight end. Quarterback is not a desperate need with Derek Carr in place, but given his age (he'll turn 34 in March) and hefty contract (he's carrying cap hits of over $50 million in each of the next two seasons), the Saints should at least develop a framework of a plan for the future of the position. 

• Positions of need: QB, S, CB, IOL, OT 
• Cap space: $46.8 million
• Notable free agents
• Notable signings/additions

The Giants moved on from Daniel Jones last November, the clearest indication in years that they are ready to focus on the future and pursue new avenues to success. As such, it appears their most pressing offseason task is to address the quarterback situation, whether by attempting to find a franchise player with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷ÍøDraft or pursuing a short-term free-agent stopgap if they prefer next year's QB class. Their offensive line could also use a boost, since the contract of their most reliable starter (right guard Greg Van Roten was the only player to log 100% of the team's offensive snaps in 2024) is expiring, and left tackle was a serious weak spot this past season (13 sacks allowed in one-on-one matchups, third-most in the NFL). They might also want to give a young QB a good option at tight end and could think about adding a running back, as well. 

While a defensive line led by Dexter Lawrence and Brian Burns is a strength, the Giants allowed the most rushing yards over expected (+492) and the second-highest completion percentage (69.4%) in the ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷Íøin 2024, so talent upgrades in the back seven, especially the secondary, might be an even higher priority than QB. They have a volume of cap space that's near the league average, but we don't expect them to break the bank for any massive free-agent deals. 

• Positions of need: Edge, CB, IOL, DT, WR 
• Cap space: $21.9 million 
• Notable free agents
• Notable signings/additions

The Super Bowl champs are riding high, having secured extensions for superstar RB Saquon Barkley and breakout LB Zack Baun, but three major pieces are still headed for free agency: DT Milton Williams, edge Josh Sweat and RG Mekhi Becton. Sweat generated 14 pressures in the playoffs, chipping in 2.5 sacks in the Super Bowl, while Williams blossomed under Vic Fangio into one of the league's best interior pass rushers. Becton also had a resurgent season, shifting to guard with the Eagles after struggling previously as a Jets tackle.  

It seems likely that Philadelphia will have to replace one or more of these veterans in a cost-friendly manner, as the Eagles have a below-average amount of money to spend and essentially no apparent room to restructure existing contracts. They've already decided to part with six-time Pro Bowler Darius Slay and 2022 second-team All-Pro James Bradberry, transactions that could save them $6.5 million against the 2025 cap this summer if both are given the post-June 1 designation. Consequently, Philly should be seeking CB depth. While a third option at WR behind stars A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith would benefit the passing game, the team might not have the financial space to add there. The other pending free agents seem generally expendable. 

• Positions of need: IOL, CB, LB, DT 
• Cap space: $34.4 million
• Notable free agents
• Notable signings/additions

After falling from eighth in defensive success rate in 2023 to 23rd this past season, the 49ers will presumably need to make some changes on that side of the ball. Three pending free agents (Javon Hargrave, Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga) are highly talented but were injured for much of 2024 and will likely be costly to retain. Charvarius Ward would be nice to have back, but that staying in California might be difficult after going through a personal tragedy there last year. Of that initial trio, Greenlaw should be a priority; when he was healthy, Greenlaw and Fred Warner formed one of the best LB duos in the NFL. We'll likely see some new faces at defensive back in San Francisco. The Niners could take an upside swing at a depth piece on the defensive line, as well. 

The WR unit is the likely priority on offense, with Deebo Samuel already headed for Washington and Brandon Aiyuk possibly on the block, as well. The left side of the offensive line will need work; San Francisco must retain or replace Aaron Banks and add a quality sixth man to an injury-prone unit after having eight different players play at least 50 snaps at LT or LG in 2024. And don't forget that Trent Williams will turn 37 in July. The 49ers should have the cap freedom to get where they need to be and start competing for division titles once again. 

• Positions of need: QB, IOL, WR, LB, OT
• Cap space: $32.6 million
• Notable free agents 
• Notable signings/additions

Seattle faces no shortage of question marks as it seems to verge on falling out of the realm of perennial playoff hopefuls. The Seahawks will need offensive line help, with stopgap starter Laken Tomlinson and rotational piece Stone Forsythe potentially exiting a unit that allowed 126 quick pressures in 2024, second-most in the NFL, and helped generate just 0.5 yards before contact per carry on designed runs (second-fewest). 

The Seahawks would be well served in bringing back LB Ernest Jones, the midseason acquisition who helped bump them from 26th in rushing success rate to 12th after he joined the team. And while they have already given a vote of confidence to QB Geno Smith (set to carry a $44.5 million cap hit in 2025, the final year of his current contract), some significant changes among Smith's pass-catching corps could make that area of the depth chart a need. Presumably to help alleviate a restrictive cap situation, Tyler Lockett was released -- and tight end Noah Fant profiles like a potential cap casualty, as well. If Seattle accommodates DK Metcalf's trade request, Smith will likely need a new target or two. (EDITOR'S UPDATE: The Seahawks are trading Geno Smith to the Raiders in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick, ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷ÍøNetwork Insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo reported on March 7.)

• Positions of need: LB, CB, S, WR, IOL
• Cap space: $5.3 million
• Notable free agents
• Notable signings/additions

The defense will be the Buccaneers’ focus this offseason, as Todd Bowles looks to build on their late momentum and return that side of the ball to his high standard. They have depth concerns, starting with the fact that they no longer have any linebackers of note on the roster. Franchise legend and consummate leader Lavonte David is set to hit free agency at age 35. Last season, David played a team-high 96.6% of defensive snaps in the blitz-heavy scheme and recorded 23 quick pressures to lead all off-ball linebackers. (EDITOR'S UPDATE: David is on a one-year, $10 million deal.)The secondary struggled with consistency while dealing with constant lineup changes outside of CB Zyon McCollum; Tampa Bay ultimately allowed the fourth-most passing yards (4,147) and the sixth-highest passing success rate (47.9%) last season. 

The Bucs could look to add a receiver if they are unable to re-sign Chris Godwin. With Ben Bredeson also hitting free agency, securing stability at left guard could be another priority as Tampa navigates limited cap space and looks to remain competitive in the NFC South.

• Positions of need: Edge, DT, WR, S, CB
• Cap space: $64.3 million
• Notable free agents
• Notable signings/additions

The Commanders found their franchise quarterback in Jayden Daniels; now it’s time to build around him. Their 2024 success was driven by key veterans on expiring contracts, leaving a few major holes on the roster. Washington re-signed 34-year-old Bobby Wagner, who had the second-lowest missed tackle rate in the ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷Íølast season (5.7%, min. 100 tackle attempts), to . But impending free agent Dante Fowler Jr. (45 pressures, second-most on team) provided valuable pass-rushing production. Fowler will need to be replaced if he departs, as will a quality strong safety in Jeremy Chinn and an impact interior DL in Jonathan Allen. 

Offensively, the Commanders have started a mission to surround Daniels with weapons alongside Terry McLaurin, making a splash with their trade for Deebo Samuel. However, there is more work to be done, with reliable TE Zach Ertz and their Nos. 2-4 receivers from 2024 all hitting free agency. Their offensive line succeeded in 2024 (ninth-lowest pressure rate allowed) despite an underwhelming level of raw talent; they could add a young building block. With ample cap space, Washington has the financial flexibility to reload, but the front office must make smart moves while aiming to get younger and fitting the roster’s timeline with that of its second-year signal-caller.