While NFL players and coaching staffs are focused on the ongoing 2024 campaign, front offices around the league have already turned their attention to the 2025 offseason.
Free agency will open next March, while the 2025 NFL Draft will take place at the end of April. Until then, NFL personnel departments will spend their time analyzing potential additions and self-scouting their own team needs.
Let’s give them a little bit of help. Here are the primary needs each NFL team will have to address in 2025.
2025 NFL Team Needs
Arizona Cardinals
- CB, DT, EDGE, LB, iOL
The Arizona Cardinals’ offense thrived once quarterback Kyler Murray returned from an ACL injury in 2023 and was productive at the beginning of the 2024 campaign. While Murray and Co. have struggled recently, Arizona has most of its offensive pieces in place after selecting wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. fourth overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Guard is the Cardinals’ primary offensive weakness. General manager Monti Ossenfort could consider an interior lineman early in next year’s draft, although Arizona already has recent mid-round prospects like Jon Gaines II and Isaiah Adams on its roster.
Arizona has far more issues on defense, where nearly every position could use a short-term and long-term upgrade.
The Cardinals hope early-round rookies like defensive lineman Darius Robinson and cornerback Max Melton will become cornerstone assets. Still, much of the club’s starting defense is comprised of NFL journeymen like linebacker Mack Wilson and CB Sean Murphy-Bunting. Adding young, cost-controlled talent at every level of the defense has to be a 2025 priority for Arizona.
Atlanta Falcons
- EDGE, S, CB, DT, WR
Yes, the Atlanta Falcons acquired Matthew Judon over the summer to bolster their pass-rushing plan, but Raheem Morris’ team still can’t get after the quarterback.
The Falcons rank dead last in the NFL through seven weeks with just six sacks. The underlying metrics aren’t much better. Atlanta is 25th in pass-rush win rate. When not blitzing, they rank 20th in pressure rate (29.4%).
Judon and fellow edge rusher Lorenzo Carter are pending free agents. So are defensive backfield contributors Justin Simmons, Mike Hughes, and Dee Alford. While newly extended cornerback A.J. Terrell is a potential superstar, the Falcons must fortify their defensive structure around him.
On offense, Kirk Cousins could probably use one more receiver heading into 2025. That could change if TE Kyle Pitts succeeds down the stretch, but Atlanta can upgrade on current WR3 Ray-Ray McCloud.
Baltimore Ravens
- OT, iOL, WR, CB, EDGE
The Baltimore Ravens offensive line has found cohesion after replacing 60% of its starters during the 2024 offseason. Unfortunately, the unit could undergo more upheaval next offseason.
Left tackle Ronnie Stanley, who’s stayed healthy and turned back the clock this year, is a pending free agent. Patrick Mekari will also hit the open market after seeing time at right tackle and left guard. Baltimore could re-sign one or both veterans, but the club will probably have to address its front five again.
Cornerback Brandon Stephens is a pending free agent and could price himself off the Ravens’ roster, while fellow defensive back Marlon Humphrey might be a release candidate. Baltimore used a 2024 first-round pick on CB Nate Wiggins and could continue to add talent in the secondary.
Buffalo Bills
- WR, CB, EDGE, S, DT
The Buffalo Bills made a splash before the 2024 trade deadline by acquiring WR Amari Cooper, but he’s scheduled to reach free agency next season. While general manager Brandon Beane could always try to extend his newest pass catcher, the Bills may need to use another early draft pick on a wideout after selecting Keon Coleman in Round 2 this year.
Keon Coleman's first career TD!
📺: #JAXvsBUF on ESPN
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/bGkVyIIf5i— NFL (@NFL) September 24, 2024
Most of Buffalo’s other concerns are on the defensive side of the ball. Cornerback Rasul Douglas and safety Damar Hamlin, who have played at least 94% of the Bills’ defensive snaps in 2024, are pending free agents. Rookie second-round safety Cole Bishop could replace Hamlin, but Buffalo will need to examine its secondary heading into 2025.
The Bills have defensive questions closer to the ball, too. Von Miller could be released next offseason, leaving Gregory Rousseau as the club’s only viable edge rusher.
Carolina Panthers
- QB, EDGE, WR, iOL, S
After benching Bryce Young after two 2024 starts, the Carolina Panthers are poised to target another quarterback early in next year’s draft. While head coach Dave Canales could give the nod back to Young over veteran Andy Dalton, the Panthers won’t pass on the opportunity to take another swing under center.
Whoever plays quarterback for Carolina in 2025 will need help. That starts at wide receiver, where Diontae Johnson is a pending free agent who could be traded over the next two weeks. Adam Thielen is technically under contract next year but will likely be released. While 2024 first-rounder Xavier Legette was a start, Carolina needs more weapons.
Almost every position on the Panthers’ woeful roster could be upgraded. On defense, Carolina ranks just 26th in pressure rate and could trade its best pass rusher — Jadeveon Clowney — this year.
Defensive backs Xavier Woods, Mike Jackson, and Nick Scott, all of whom have played at least 70% of the Panthers’ defensive snaps, are poised to hit the market in 2025.
Chicago Bears
- iOL, EDGE, DT, WR
While the Chicago Bears’ offensive line has improved enough to be ranked in the middle of the pack at midseason, Caleb Williams’ front five will need to be reimagined heading into 2025.
The Bears are set at offensive tackle with Braxton Jones and Darnell Wright, but all three of the club’s interior linemen are going into free agency next year. Former second-round left guard Teven Jenkins has approached Chicago about an extension. Meanwhile, the Bears can improve over center Coleman Shelton and right guard Matt Pryor.
Chicago traded for defensive end Darrell Taylor before the start of the season, pairing him with Montez Sweat to boost their poor edge rush. The results have improved, but Taylor is a free agent at season’s end. Even if the Bears re-sign him, finding another edge defender has to be high on GM Ryan Poles’ list of priorities.
Cincinnati Bengals
- DT, WR, EDGE, CB, S
While the Cincinnati Bengals’ defense has improved recently, they still rank bottom 10 in expected points added (EPA) per play. Defending the run has been a consistent issue, and the Bengals could consider adding more defensive tackles even after using Day 2 picks on Kris Jenkins Jr. and McKinnley Jackson in 2023.
Cincinnati might also need help on the edge. Trey Hendrickson remains one of the NFL’s most underrated pass rushers, but he needs a partner. The Bengals’ 2023 first-round pick, Myles Murphy, hasn’t shown anything yet, Sam Hubbard is aging, and Joseph Ossai will hit free agency in 2025.
Joe Burrow and the Bengals’ offense has been the team’s saving grace this season. Will that force Cincinnati’s front office to reconsider extending franchise-tagged WR Tee Higgins? If not, the club will need to find another tag-team partner for Ja’Marr Chase.
Cleveland Browns
- QB, OT, WR, RB, DT
Deshaun Watson tore his Achilles in Week 7, likely ending his run as the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback. If Watson is healthy enough to play in 2025, he’s essentially un-cuttable. Cleveland signed him to a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract upon acquiring him in 2022 and has continued to restructure his deal by moving money into future seasons.
However, just because Watson is on the roster doesn’t mean he would have to start. Cleveland is 1-5 to begin the season and will face the NFL’s fifth-most difficult schedule over the rest of the year.
General manager Andrew Berry could be in position to land a quarterback early in the 2025 NFL Draft, allowing the Browns to turn Watson into an overpaid backup.
Unfortunately, QB is hardly the only problem with a quickly devolved Cleveland roster. Offensive tackles Jedrick Wills Jr. (free agent) and Jack Conklin (release candidate) may need to be replaced. The Browns need another wide receiver after trading Cooper, while Nick Chubb isn’t a long-term answer at running back.
Dallas Cowboys
- DT, RB, LB, WR, OL
The Dallas Cowboys can’t stop the run. Through seven weeks, Mike Zimmers’ defense ranks dead last in EPA per rush and 30th in rushing success rate allowed. They’ve given up 180+ rushing yards in half of their games this season.
With DT Osa Odighizuwa trending toward free agency, Dallas has to add more bodies in the middle of its defensive line.
Giving quarterback Dak Prescott more weapons is another must. Rico Dowdle has been acceptable as Dallas’ primary RB, but the Cowboys could have done better this offseason and should do better in 2025.
Meanwhile, CeeDee Lamb is a reigning first-team All-Pro, but Dallas could use a reliable WR2, especially as pending free agent Brandin Cooks continues to age.
Future Hall of Fame right guard Zack Martin is on an expiring contract and will consider retirement after the 2024 campaign. Dallas’ offensive line — already in transition with two rookie starters this season — could undergo another revamp next year.
Denver Broncos
- WR, OT, EDGE, RB, LB
Let’s give Bo Nix a few more weapons. No Denver Broncos pass catcher is averaging more than 40 receiving yards per game through seven weeks. While Troy Franklin, Nix’s college teammate, could play a more significant role down the stretch and into 2025, fellow WR Courtland Sutton will enter his age-30 campaign next season.
Meanwhile, former second-round running back Javonte Williams is heading toward free agency, leaving a potential void in Denver’s backfield.
Stalwart left tackle Garett Bolles will also hit the market next year. Will Sean Payton use his 2025 first-round choice to find Nix’s new blindside protector?
On defense, the Broncos could consider pass rushers, with edge defenders Jonathon Cooper and Baron Browning poised for free agency. Linebacker Cody Barton has been impressive in his first season in Denver but is also a pending free agent.
Detroit Lions
- EDGE, iOL, WR, CB, DT
Aidan Hutchinson led the NFL in sacks and pressure rate when he fractured his tibia and fibula in Week 6. While he could return for the Super Bowl and will be ready for the 2025 campaign, the Detroit Lions have to add more help around the former No. 2 overall pick.
Marcus Davenport, whom the Lions signed to a one-year deal in March, suffered a season-ending triceps injury in Week 3. Levi Onwuzurike has split time between DT and DE to account for Huthcinson’s absence, but he’s also a pending free agent.
Detroit’s offensive line remains the best in the NFL. If general manager Brad Holmes wants to keep it that way, he may need to invest in interior offensive linemen this offseason.
Right guard Kevin Zeitler will be 35 years old when he reaches free agency in 2025. The Lions could also add another reliable backup, given how many injuries center Frank Ragnow has battled.
Green Bay Packers
- CB, iOL, EDGE, LB
The Green Bay Packers have already had to get creative with their cornerback depth chart in 2024. With former first-round CB Eric Stokes struggling, the Packers benched him at midseason while moving slot corner Keisean Nixon to the perimeter.
While this arrangement might work for the rest of the season, Nixon belongs on the inside. Finding another boundary corner capable of playing opposite Jaire Alexander is a must for Green Bay GM Brian Gutekunst.
Center Josh Myers has been the weak link along the Packers’ OL for some time — it’s hard to imagine Green Bay re-signing him in 2024. The Packers could move Elgton Jenkins to center and play 2024 first-round choice Jordan Morgan at guard, but an all-new face at center might not be out of the question.
Houston Texans
- DT, S, iOL, WR
The Houston Texans papered over their defensive tackle need by bringing in veterans like Denico Autry, Folorunso Fatukasi, and Tim Settle on short, modest pacts. Autry will still be under contract in 2025, but Houston’s interior defensive line is ripe for improvement. Next year’s free agent DT class is weak, so the Texans may need to look to the draft for new options.
With Jalen Pitre primarily playing the slot this season, Houston has deployed third-round rookie Calen Bullock, Jimmie Ward, and Eric Murray as its primary safeties. Ward is 33 and has been banged up in each of the past three years, while Murray will be a 2025 free agent.
Houston’s offensive line dealt with myriad injuries last season, but the unit has continued to struggle even while mainly staying healthy in 2024. Quarterback C.J. Stroud has been sacked 20 times, tied for the third-most in the NFL, while the Texans’ front five ranks 26th in pass-block and run-block win rates.
Houston may need to replace former first-round left guard Kenyon Green.
Indianapolis Colts
- iOL, CB, S, DL, TE
The Indianapolis Colts could’ve stood to add more talent at both corner and safety this offseason. They failed to do so, then watched 2023 second-round CB JuJu Brents suffer a season-ending knee injury in Week 1. Replacement Samuel Womack III has been solid, allowing just an 85.4 passer rating in coverage, but the Colts could add another CB this offseason.
Indianapolis re-signed safety Julian Blackmon to a one-year, $3.7 million deal in April. He might not collect much more than that while competing against a deep 2025 free agent safety class. However, if the Colts don’t re-sign Blackmon, they’ll need to find another safety capable of covering the back end.
Indy’s offensive line has been among the NFL’s best in 2024, but two of the unit’s starters are poised to reach free agency. Although the Colts declined to discuss an extension with longtime center Ryan Kelly heading into this season, they could still re-sign him next year. Meanwhile, right guard Will Fries might’ve been in line for a hefty payday before fracturing his tibia in Week 5.
Jacksonville Jaguars
- OT, iOL, S, DT, CB
Given how much the Jacksonville Jaguars have struggled in 2024, current GM Trent Baalke and HC Doug Pederson may not be the club’s decision-makers when next offseason begins. Whoever is in charge will have plenty of work to get Jacksonville’s roster back in order.
While the Jaguars’ offensive line has slightly trended upward as the season has progressed, this unit still needs to be overhauled. Left tackle Cam Robinson, right guard Brandon Scherff, and swing tackle Walker Little are pending free agents, while center Mitch Morse will profile as a release candidate.
On defense, Jacksonville’s needs could vary depending on who’s calling the plays. First-year Jags DC Ryan Nielsen has deployed the NFL’s second-highest rate of man coverage (38.7%) this season despite not having the secondary talent to do so.
Coverage stats for safeties can be wonky, but pending free agent Andre Cisco is allowing the most yards per completion and missing more tackles than ever before in his four-year career. Cornerback Ronald Darby has given up a 132.8 passer rating in coverage, the highest mark of his career and the fifth-worst rating among all NFL cornerbacks in 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs
- iOL, CB, DL, WR, OT
The Kansas City Chiefs already have significant money tied up in left guard Joe Thuney, center Creed Humphrey, and right tackle Jawaan Taylor, which could make it difficult to re-sign pending free agent right guard Trey Smith.
While the Chiefs used several Day 3 picks on interior linemen in 2024, they might not consider more options if Smith departs next year.
K.C. doesn’t believe in paying up for cornerback talent, instead trusting whiz defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to develop defensive back prospects. A year removed from trading L’Jarius Sneed to the Titans, the Chiefs would think about resticking their CB cupboard in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Wide receiver has been an ongoing concern for Patrick Mahomes this season and could be an area for the club to address again next offseason. JuJu Smith-Schuster and recent trade acquisition DeAndre Hopkins are 2025 free agents, while Rashee Rice will be returning from a severe knee injury.
Las Vegas Raiders
- QB, WR, S, RB, LB
Unfortunately for the Las Vegas Raiders, their roster is in such a state of disrepair that we could have listed nearly any position as a pressing need.
Quarterback is the most obvious area of concern. The Raiders have already benched Week 1 starter Gardner Minshew II, turned to QB2 Aidan O’Connell, and been forced to go back to Minshew after O’Connell broke his thumb in Week 7.
Las Vegas will have to start over under center — again.
Whoever is playing quarterback for the Raiders in 2025 will need help. Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers represent a worthwhile start, but Las Vegas has to add another pass catcher after trading Davante Adams at the 2024 deadline. Upgrading over their current Alexander Mattison/Zamir White tandem should be another priority for the Raiders.
Robert Spillane has quietly been one of the NFL’s best linebackers over the past two seasons but is a pending free agent. Meanwhile, both of Vegas’ Week 1 starting safeties — Tre’von Moehrig and Marcus Epps (who’s out for the year) — are poised to hit the open market.
Los Angeles Chargers
- CB, DT, EDGE, WR, RB
Credit Los Angeles Chargers first-year defense coordinator Jesse Minter, whose unit is allowing an NFL-best 13.8 points per game. Few expected the Bolts’ defense — which ranked 24th in scoring and 28th in efficiency in 2023 — to be this productive in 2024, especially given that Minter is deploying many of the same players.
However, several of the Chargers’ key contributors are headed for 2025 free agency. Future Hall of Famer Khalil Mack is scheduled to reach the open market for the first time in his career. Defensive backs Asanta Samuel Jr., Kristian Fulton, and Elijah Molden — all of whom have played at least 60% of L.A.’s defensive snaps this season — are on expiring contracts.
On offense, the Chargers have to be pleased with what they’ve seen from young wideouts like Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey. Still, there’s room for another pass catcher here, especially with Joshua Palmer trending toward free agency.
Meanwhile, it’s hard to imagine Los Angeles investing in RB J.K. Dobbins despite his 2024 production. His injury issues simply make him too risky. As such, running back could be on the table for the Chargers next offseason.
Los Angeles Rams
- OT, LB, CB, QB, WR
Los Angeles Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson will be a free agent in 2025, and don’t be surprised if he gets a heftier contract than many expect. Starting-caliber LTs entering their age-27 campaign don’t grow on trees.
Right tackle Rob Havenstein turns 33 next May, so the Rams should be planning for the future at the bookends.
Few teams invest less in linebackers than Los Angeles, but that doesn’t mean the second level of the defense isn’t a need for GM Les Snead and Co. Addressing cornerback for the second straight offseason — especially after the 2024 signing of Tre’Davious White flopped — seems like a must.
Matthew Stafford is still slinging it, but he’ll be 37 years old next offseason. At some point, the Rams must think about a QB succession plan.
Matthew Stafford doing Matthew Stafford things 👏@RamsNFL pic.twitter.com/OMUD6P8ohf
— NFL (@NFL) September 24, 2024
Miami Dolphins
- iOL, S, DT, EDGE, QB
While the Miami Dolphins are set with QB Tua Tagovailoa as long as he remains healthy, GM Chris Grier will have to consider a better insurance plan after Tua suffered another concussion this season. Whether that means spending for a high-end backup in free agency or using a Day 2 draft pick on a prospect, Miami needs a reliable option behind its starting QB.
Interior offensive linemen Liam Eichenberg and Robert Jones, who have played at least 90% of the Dolphins’ offensive snaps this year, are pending free agents. After letting Robert Hunt walk last offseason, Miami has to get serious at guard. Offensive tackle will also become a concern if 33-year-old left tackle Terron Armstead retires.
On defense, the Dolphins’ three primary safeties — Jevon Holland, Jordan Poyer, and Marcus Maye — are on expiring deals. Up front, former first-round pick Jaelan Phillips has suffered season-ending injuries in two consecutive years, while Bradley Chubb hasn’t played this season. EDGE remains a concern for Miam even after using a 2024 first-round choice on Chop Robinson.
Minnesota Vikings
- CB, DT, S, RB, iOL
The Minnesota Vikings will likely be transitioning from Sam Darnold to J.J. McCarthy in 2025. While GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will have $76 million in cap space to work with, the Vikings only have three choices in next year’s draft (one pick in Round 1 and two in Round 5).
Aside from Darnold, RB Aaron Jones is Minnesota’s only significant offensive free agent. The Vikings could re-sign Jones to another one-year deal if he remains healthy for the rest of 2024, but the club needs to start thinking about a long-term backfield option.
Minnesota will face more questions regarding its defense, the NFL’s second-most efficient unit to begin the season. Five DB contributors — corners Stephon Gilmore, Byron Murphy, and Shaquill Griffin; safeties Harrison Smith and Camryn Bynum — are pending free agents.
New England Patriots
- OT, iOL, WR, CB, EDGE
While Drake Maye has sparked new life into the New England Patriots’ offense, the first-round rookie quarterback will need help heading into the 2025 season.
That effort has to start up front, where New England has used a different OL combination in every game so far this year. Mike Onwenu is a reliable blocker, but almost every other player along the Pats’ front five is a question mark. Adding multiple starters along the offensive line has to be GM Eliot Wolf’s top priority.
New England leads the NFL in projected 2025 cap space ($133 million), so it can afford to bring in talent at multiple spots. Wide receiver is another area of need for the Pats, who could look to pair a free agent like Tee Higgins, Amari Cooper, or Diontae Johnson with Maye next season.
New Orleans Saints
- iOL, DT, EDGE, OT, WR
Whatever needs the New Orleans Saints have in 2025, they’ll have to fill them via the draft. Next offseason, the Saints are projected to be $82 million over the salary cap and could be staring at a multi-season rebuild. Their best strategy should involve finding cost-controlled assets at premium positions, not filling specific needs.
Still, New Orleans’ problem areas are glaring. Injuries have given the Saints a league-worst interior offensive line situation; even when Erik McCoy and Cesar Ruiz are healthy, this unit will need another guard. Rookie blindside protector Taliese Fuaga has allowed more pressures than all but two offensive tackles, while Trevor Penning is running out of chances.
The Saints’ DT rotation has been nothing to write home about. Their 2023 first-round pick, Bryan Bresee, has dealt with injuries and struggled when available, while Nathan Shepherd and Khalen Saunders are better rotatable players than full-time starters.
Additionally, edge defenders Chase Young and Payton Turner will be free agents in March.
New York Giants
- QB, iOL, OT, S, DT
As documented on HBO’s “Hard Knocks,” New York Giants GM Joe Schoen spent the entire offseason trying to replace quarterback Daniel Jones, who is almost certain to be released heading into the 2025 campaign.
Schoen may not be the executive making personnel calls for the Giants next offseason, but New York will need a new QB either way.
Dipping back into free agency for OL upgrades could also be on the table. While New York is set from left tackle to center, right guard Greg Van Roten and right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor aren’t long-term options. Former first-round tackle Evan Neal has played himself out of the Giants’ plans.
Dexter Lawrence has been double-teamed on 63.3% of his pass rushes this season, the highest rate faced by any player since at least 2018 (min. 100 pass rushes).
Lawrence currently leads the NFL in sacks (9).@Giants | #Giants100 pic.twitter.com/eimnjegPZc
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) October 21, 2024
Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence is a one-man wrecking crew, but New York has to support him. Through seven weeks, the Giants have allowed 0.07 EPA per rush, the third-worst rate in the league. On the back end, safety Jason Pinnock (95% snap rate) is a pending free agent.
New York Jets
- OT, S, DT, EDGE, QB
The New York Jets’ needs could vary based on how the 2024 season plays out. If Aaron Rodgers and Co. make a playoff run, Gang Green could bring back much of the same team in 2025. If not, GM Joe Douglas and interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich will likely lose their jobs, and a new set of decision-makers will be running New York’s front office.
Either way, the Jets might need to address offensive tackle for the second straight year. Offseason additions Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses have struggled and aren’t under contract for next season. While 2024 first-rounder Olu Fashanu can hold down one tackle spot, New York will require another blocker.
On defense, the Jets need more depth along the interior, where the team’s non-Quinnen Williams options have been disappointing. EDGE Jermaine Johnson III will return from injury next season, but Haason Reddick probably won’t be back in New York after this year’s contract dispute. Pass rush could remain a concern.
Philadelphia Eagles
- LB, EDGE, iOL, OT
Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman rarely invests in linebackers. Nevertheless, given that 2024 standout Zack Baun is headed toward free agency, it will be a position of need. Will the Eagles pay up after inking Baun to a one-year, $3.5 million deal in March? Or will they try to find the next Baun?
Roseman will spend money on edge rushers, and Philadelphia might need to dip back into the pass-rushing market after signing Bryce Huff last offseason. Josh Sweat is a pending free agent, while franchise stalwart Brandon Graham plans to retire after the current campaign.
The Eagles’ only immediate offensive need is at right guard, where Mekhi Becton is headed for the open market. Long term, Philadelphia needs to find a replacement for future Hall of Fame RT Lane Johnson. Drafting a swing tackle who can back up Johnson and LT Jordan Mailata before eventually taking over as a starter could make sense.
Pittsburgh Steelers
- QB, WR, iOL, OT, CB
Don’t look now, but the Pittsburgh Steelers don’t have a quarterback under contract in 2025. Russell Wilson, who made his first start in Week 7, and Justin Fields are scheduled to reach free agency next offseason.
Depending on which QB ends the season as the Steelers’ starter, the club could consider an extension. Darnold is the best pending free agent signal-caller, while Pittsburgh might not be in draft range to land a franchise QB.
Whether it’s Wilson, Fields, or someone else under center for the Steelers in 2025, they’ll need help. Pittsburgh has been linked to wide receiver trades this season and could pursue a complement for George Pickens next offseason.
Meanwhile, left tackle Dan Moore Jr. and left guard Isaac Seumalo are on expiring deals. The Steelers have invested in the O-line in recent drafts but could think about adding more talent up front.
On defense, CB Donte Jackson is a 2025 free agent. Undrafted rookie free agent Beanie Bishop Jr. has held down the slot for Pittsburgh but has allowed the seventh-most yards per snap from the interior. While Joey Porter Jr. is a potential superstar, the Steelers may need another corner.
San Francisco 49ers
- CB, DT, OT, EDGE, iOL
While the San Francisco 49ers have discussed extensions with cornerbacks Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir, both defensive backs are headed toward 2025 free agency. General manager John Lynch seems likely to re-sign at least one of Ward or Lenoir but could use another cornerback next offseason, even if the 49ers believe 2024 second-round pick Renardo Green is ready to expand his role.
Meanwhile, San Francisco has to get more stout up front. The 49ers rank bottom-10 in EPA per rush and rushing success rate through seven weeks. While they’ve been without Javon Hargrave since Week 3, he’s a better pass rusher than run defender. San Fran could also use another edge rusher opposite Joey Bosa, especially if Leonard Floyd gets cut in 2025.
The 49ers’ offensive line has improved this season but could still use more talent. Left guard Aaron Banks is a pending free agent, while center Jake Brendel is the unit’s weak link.
Seattle Seahawks
- iOL, LB, EDGE, S
While the Seattle Seahawks hope that Abraham Lucas (currently on PUP with a knee injury) will eventually solidify right tackle, the team’s interior offensive line remains a legitimate problem. Anthony Bradford has allowed the fifth-most pressures among guards with at least 200 pass-blocking snaps. Veteran center Connor Williams has been effective but is on a one-year contract.
Seattle traded for LB Ernest Jones IV at the deadline, whose pass-rushing prowess perfectly fits Mike Macdonald’s scheme. However, he’s a pending free agent, as is fellow LB Tyrel Dodson. If the Seahawks don’t re-sign either player, linebacker will represent a significant need area in 2025.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- EDGE, iOL, WR, LB, CB
Edge rusher seems like an annual need for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Second-year pass rusher YaYa Diaby boasts the NFL’s third-best pass-rush win rate, but he needs help.
Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Anthony Nelson — each of whom has played 200+ snaps this season — will hit the open market in 2025. Second-round rookie Chris Braswell has posted just a half-sack through seven games.
Elsewhere on defense, linebackers Lavonte David and K.J. Britt are pending free agents. David has signed one-year contracts to return to Tampa Bay in each of the past two seasons, but he’ll be 35 next offseason and contemplated retirement before re-upping with the Bucs in 2024.
Mike Evans is under contract in 2025, but Chris Godwin will be a free agent coming off a dislocated ankle. If Tampa Bay doesn’t bring Godwin back, it will need to consider targeting a wide receiver relatively early in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers’ offense has been so prolific when healthy that GM Jason Licht can’t afford to let the team’s weapons devolve.
Tennessee Titans
- QB, WR, OT, EDGE, LB
The Tennessee Titans gave 2023 second-rounder Will Levis a chance to solidify himself as the club’s starting quarterback. However, before going down with a shoulder injury, he had thrown five touchdowns against seven interceptions while ranking dead last in EPA per play (-0.42).
The Titans should have a relatively early first-round pick in 2025, allowing head coach Brian Callahan to identify his next QB. That passer, though, will need more weapons in Nashville.
Tennessee traded Hopkins at the deadline, Calvin Ridley has been a free agent bust, and Tyler Boyd is a pending FA. Ideally, the Titans would like to find their franchise QB in Round 1 of next year’s draft before pairing him with a young WR in Round 2.
And let’s not forget the offensive line. Tennessee has poured assets into its front five, using first-round picks on LT JC Latham and LG Peter Skoronski while hiring Bill Callahan, one of the league’s all-time best OL coaches.
But there’s more work to be done. The Titans have the NFL’s worst right tackle situation, while right guard Dillon Radunz is on an expiring contract.
Washington Commanders
- EDGE, CB, WR, OT, S
The Washington Commanders have been the most surprising team of the 2024 NFL season. Jayden Daniels has been the NFL’s most efficient quarterback to begin the year, while the Commanders are squarely in the NFC playoff race. Still, Washington is still in a transition phase and will have plenty of needs to address next year.
The Commanders have been in the market for another wide receiver and were linked to Brandon Aiyuk during the summer. Bringing in one more pass catcher to play alongside Terry McLaurin wouldn’t be the worst idea. 2024 third-rounder Luke McCaffrey may have the slot spoken for, so a perimeter option is probably the best bet.
However, most of Washington’s resources should be devoted to the defensive side of the ball. That’s especially true along the defensive line, where the Commanders are light after trading EDGEs Montez Sweat and Chase Young in 2023.
Meanwhile, Washington probably needs two new outside corners, allowing the club to move second-round rookie Mike Sainristil back to the slot.