NFL Analysis
February 5, 2025
16 min read
2025 NFL Free Agency: Every Team's Biggest Position Needs
The Super Bowl is almost here, leaving every front office more focused on what comes in March than this coming Sunday. Even the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs can't do much to improve now. When Super Bowl 59 ends, everyone's attention moves to free agency.
Recent free agency periods have brought more player trades than what we used to see as teams move all in on winning now. Myles Garrett has already issued a trade request, and if that's just the tip of the iceberg of what's to come this offseason, then we're in for a true ride. Teams will aggressively chase deals to address their roster needs.
We've scoured advanced stats, watched each game, and projected future performance to determine each team's free agency needs. With the right evaluations, coaching decisions, and offseason development, your favorite team can have a stronger roster by the start of next season.
One Free Agent Every Team Should Sign This Offseason
2025 NFL Free Agency Team Needs
We went in divisional order and looked at the top few handfuls of needs that have become apparent on every NFL roster.
AFC East
Buffalo Bills 
- CB
- EDGE
- WR
The Buffalo Bills' most glaring needs are on the defensive side of the ball, as it has gotten old and struggled with injuries. An impact edge rusher and cornerback would significantly help their ability to get past Kansas City in the AFC. They must also create a plan to get younger and more dynamic at receiver as Mack Hollins and Amari Cooper enter free agency.
With little cap space left to operate, the margins are thin. The Bills have only a few contracts that can be terminated or restructured to create some breathing room.
Miami Dolphins
- OG
- CB
- DT
- SAF
The Miami Dolphins' top-heavy build has left this roster needing help all over, and that's before a potential Tyreek Hill trade. Beefing up the high-value positions first is key, including the interior offensive line and pass-rusher depth. Bringing back Javon Holland would help, but whether they can afford his next contract without sacrificing too much elsewhere is a worthwhile question.
Getting veteran help along the defense will help more now, whereas the Dolphins can rely on the draft for guard and receiver bodies. This team is structured to win now, so they're threading a small needle.
New England Patriots
- OT
- WR
- EDGE
- OG
Armed with a ton of cap space and draft assets, the New England Patriots have the ammunition needed to overhaul both sides of the ball. They used stopgap veterans as much as they could, but it's time to land impact starters. Prioritizing the trenches is the first step to helping Drake Maye and Mike Vrabel find success.
Free agency rarely has great tackles or pass-rushers, so the Patriots may have to open the wallet or address secondary needs so they can go best player available in the draft.
New York Jets
- QB
- EDGE
- CB
- SAF
Finding a young quarterback to compete with a rookie makes sense for the new New York Jets regime. Otherwise, the Jets have to replenish their defense.
The defensive line hasn't seen the success out of its pass-rushers as hoped, and the secondary has gotten old and ineffective quickly. This interesting rebuild project can turn around quickly with better coaching and quarterback play.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
- EDGE
- DT
- OG
- WR
The emergence of Rashod Bateman means we can finally stop harping on the Baltimore Ravens' lack of offensive playmaking. However, the defense is aging, limited, or always injured. Replenishing the talent across the unit can keep the roster competitive for years to come, but it's not easy to find impactful starters at multiple defensive positions.
Baltimore's confidence in young players will be a fascinating storyline throughout their free agency journey. Are they happy with Nate Wiggins' progress, or will they add another corner? I'm also looking at whether Roger Rosengarten is best served to stay at right tackle or kick inside to guard.
Cincinnati Bengals
- OG
- EDGE
- SAF
- TE
Even if Tee Higgins departs after the season, the Cincinnati Bengals have other concerns to tackle before a receiver. The running game continues to be plagued by poor guard play, and the defense has slipped considerably. With so much money already allocated to the defense, though, it's possible the Bengals use what assets they have to overhaul the offense a bit.
Whether they bring Mike Gesicki back or replace him will be a secondary but major storyline to the extension talks around Higgins, Ja'Marr Chase, and Trey Hendrickson. Will the Bengals trust in their young secondary to develop or seek out a veteran?
Cleveland Browns
- QB
- OT
- EDGE
- RB
There are a lot more questions about the Cleveland Browns today than there were even six months ago. They'll turn the page at quarterback from Deshaun Watson, but whether they keep Myles Garrett will define how this offseason is perceived. This team needs an infusion of young playmaking and trench talent.
With the most draft assets in the class before a Garrett deal, Cleveland is well-positioned to add youth. However, augmenting this roster to stay competitive will be key. Could Kirk Cousins or Geno Smith be a target?
Pittsburgh Steelers
- QB
- WR
- CB
- DL
The Pittsburgh Steelers are another AFC North team needing to figure out how to proceed at quarterback before anything else. Massive holes at running back and wide receiver can't be overlooked, but the 2025 NFL Draft class can bring reprieve to both positions. Relying on free agency to bring in a new signal-caller, or one of Russell Wilson or Justin Fields, plus help the defense, is Pittsburgh's best chance to improve.
The Steelers' defense plays above its talent level. Defensive line help is needed. Cameron Heyward is getting older, and Larry Ogunjobi struggled in 2024. A better veteran cornerback who can force turnovers would complement Joey Porter Jr. better than Donte Jackson did last year.
AFC South
Houston Texans
- WR
- DT
- LB
- OL
Injuries gashed the Houston Texans' roster, so projecting their needs based on who is set to return can be a little difficult. If the team brings Stefon Diggs back and is confident in Tank Dell's outlook, a receiver isn't nearly as pressing. The same can be said for the offensive line, which struggled in 2024 but seemed to find an answer when they moved Tytus Howard to left guard and inserted rookie Blake Fisher to right tackle.
The defense certainly needs a talent upgrade across the front seven. The Texans' defensive rebuild is continuing, and finding a rangy linebacker in pass coverage would significantly help DeMeco Ryans craft a better unit. The same can be said for the defensive tackle position, which lacks a penetrating pass rusher.
Indianapolis Colts
- CB
- DT
- TE
- EDGE
If Anthony Richardson is granted an additional season to grow before the Indianapolis Colts face any significant decisions, the lesser-known cornerback group could benefit from some upgrades.
DeForest Buckner's future with the Colts appears uncertain as he approaches his 31st birthday in March after coping with a high ankle sprain this past season. Enhancing the offense with a dynamic tight end is another aspect that could use attention.
Jacksonville Jaguars
- CB
- DT
- SAF
- OG
The entire Jacksonville Jaguars roster lacks the punch that a Super Bowl contender needs. Even with recent investments into some of the listed positions, Jacksonville has to find impact players at some of the most valued positions in the league.
Despite the offense's inconsistency, I'd expect the defense to be overhauled in free agency since this draft class will offer more answers at receiver and along the interior of the offensive line in comparison.
Tennessee Titans
- QB
- OT
- CB
- WR
Armed with the No. 1 pick, it'll be fascinating to see whether the Tennessee Titans want to take a quarterback or kick the can down the road and rebuild the roster first.
Tennessee has no shortage of needs on offense and can justify overhauling the majority of its lineup. The defensive front seven is good, so the Titans should make shrewd bets on young talent to get the most out of that group.
AFC West
Denver Broncos
- WR
- TE
- RB
- SAF
There has been significant internal development within the Denver Broncos defense, leading to increased confidence in the pass rush, linebacker group, and cornerback position. Now, it’s crucial to fully invest in Bo Nix. Even if Courtland Sutton remains, so adding support at receiver and tight end could elevate the offense into a more formidable force.
There's little depth at those positions on the roster, so a double-down approach through free agency and the draft makes sense.
Kansas City Chiefs
- OG
- DL
- OT
- TE
Free agency and age will eventually chip away at the Kansas City Chiefs' major strengths. Trey Smith and Travis Kelce could be on their way out of town, and the need at receiver and running back shouldn't be overlooked. The Chiefs need an injection of reliable explosiveness at a cheap cost, so look for ring-chasing veterans and underpriced role players to get a look.
The defense is a little different. The young back seven will remain largely intact, but the front seven will need tweaking to remain a strength.
Las Vegas Raiders
- QB
- WR
- RB
- CB
The Las Vegas Raiders have a strong front seven, two quality tackles, and two tight ends to build around, but not a ton else.
A star quarterback is the most pressing need, so the Raiders might make the most sense to roll the dice on Sam Darnold. That would allow them to make another splash or two at receiver and in the secondary to solidify huge areas of weakness.
Los Angeles Chargers
- IOL
- TE
- WR
- DT
Jim Harbaugh did what he's known to do best in his first year with the Los Angeles Chargers: investing in the trenches and elevating the available talent. Now, Los Angeles has to continue building across a roster desperate for star power. The center and right guard spots are weak, and every playmaker position could use an upgrade or two.
The defense is in better shape but lacks depth and is aging quickly. Finding better long-term solutions at every level is a must, but those will be more draft-centric needs.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
- WR
- RB
- DL
- CB
Despite getting another huge contract, Dak Prescott has become an issue, but the Dallas Cowboys can't take that deal back now. Investing into a deeper receiving corps and more explosive running back room is necessary. Help for the defense might have to wait until the offense gets several new bodies at each of those positions.
Internal development and projections will affect how the defense ultimately gets addressed. Dallas added several new bodies to the defensive line last year, but the aging secondary will need a refresh.
New York Giants
- QB
- OT
- OG
- WR
There are few positives for the New York Giants offense outside of Malik Nabers and Tyrone Tracy Jr. Rebuilding the offensive line and finding the right quarterback to get this storied franchise back on track are musts.
The Giants' defense can at least keep the team competitive if the offense can start sustaining drives and scoring closer to a league-average mark.
Philadelphia Eagles
- EDGE
- WR
- LB
- OG
The emergence of Zack Baun puts the front office into a pickle, as they've avoided investing too much into the linebacker position, but the Philadelphia Eagles have little else to worry about.
This is one of the strongest rosters in the league, but key free agents like Milton Williams, Baun, Josh Sweat, and Mekhi Becton will determine how many holes they need to address. Bringing at least two back would allow Philadelphia to hit the draft without too many concerns.
Washington Commanders
- EDGE
- CB
- OT
- DT
Not much has changed for the Washington Commanders' needs since last offseason. They're outperforming their talent level on both sides of the ball.
Replacing expensive veterans with young players can be tedious and frustrating, but Washington must identify upgrades at right tackle, defensive tackle, edge, and another quality cornerback.
NFC North
Chicago Bears
- EDGE
- OL
- SAF
- RB
The Chicago Bears' offensive line isn't nearly good enough for this offense to take the leap, and a conversation needs to be had about whether Braxton Jones is the best option at left tackle moving forward.
Beyond holes at center and guard, tackle could be one as well. Getting a consistently effective young pass rusher would help the defense, even if veterans Darrell Taylor and DeMarcus Walker did a nice job this season. The most interesting need is at running back, as the Bears could justify taking Ashton Jeanty in the first round.
Detroit Lions
- EDGE
- OG
- WR
- CB
There aren't many teams with as much talent as the Detroit Lions have in their starting lineup. If their young secondary talent develops, the defense is close to being set for years to come.
A true stud across from Aidan Hutchinson has to be a priority. Otherwise, revamping the offensive line to get younger and adding a long-term third receiver should be free-agent goals.
Green Bay Packers
- EDGE
- CB
- DT
- OC
The Green Bay Packers spent heavily on defensive additions with draft capital, but they haven't brought much in return, making the unit ripe for a major overhaul this offseason.
In particular, getting more out of the front seven can lead to more turnovers and offensive opportunities. For the sake of the run game, I'd also like to see a better center than Josh Myers.
Minnesota Vikings
- CB
- DT
- SAF
- IOL
What the Minnesota Vikings continue to do without stars at key defensive positions is a testament to Brian Flores' abilities. The change from reliable but limited veterans to more explosive young players is risky and not something most coaches enjoy, but it is necessary for the Vikings to hit their peak with this staff.
The offense can be an afterthought in comparison, but upgrades at left guard and center would benefit whoever is under center next year.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
- EDGE
- CB
- TE
- WR
The Atlanta Falcons' 2024 class hasn't contributed much to the team, leaving the roster reliant on some disappointing leftovers and feisty veterans at key positions.
Bringing Mike Hughes back would be wise, but cutting bait on Matthew Judon after last year's failed trade for the veteran might also be the right call. The offense could use some ancillary pieces in comparison.
Carolina Panthers
- EDGE
- SAF
- DT
- WR
The good news for the Carolina Panthers is that the offense is in a much better spot now than it was midway through the season. They could use another explosive receiver and maybe an upgrade at center, but Bryce Young has earned another year.
Instead, it's necessary to use a ton of assets to overhaul the defense, as the unit lacks playmaking at every level.
New Orleans Saints
- QB
- OT
- WR
- DT
Derek Carr is fine but uninspiring, and Spencer Rattler isn't the answer, so the New Orleans Saints need to keep an open mind as it seeks out an upgrade.
Expect other positions to take precedence, including right tackle, overhauling the defensive line, and another high-end receiver in case Chris Olave's health is a concern inside the building. How New Orleans navigates this offseason while in salary cap hell and a bad roster will be fascinating.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- EDGE
- OG
- SAF
- TE
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are surprisingly solid, largely thanks to hitting on mid-round picks like Yaya Diaby, Zyon McCollum, and Tykee Smith.
Chasing after high-upside players across the defense will be the key for a unit preparing to see some starters hit free agency. The 2025 offseason will be about improving an already good team.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
- EDGE
- DL
- CB
- WR
Still working their way through their rebuild, it's not hard to spot areas needing a major talent influx. There are too few defensive playmakers across the unit, so free agency is a good chance to churn some of the less reliable stopgaps in place along the front seven.
The added challenge is avoiding investing too much on that side of the ball, as Kyler Murray isn't working with much on offense.
Los Angeles Rams
- CB
- WR
- LB
- QB
The Cooper Kupp era is over in Los Angeles, ending speculation about how much of a need there is at receiver.
Shoring up the offensive line and finding an heir to Matthew Stafford would also be helpful. However, beefing up the defensive backfield by adding several bodies at corner and safety must happen.
San Francisco 49ers
- EDGE
- DT
- OT
- IOL
Injuries are partially to blame for what went wrong with the San Francisco 49ers, but not all of it. The team's trench dominance disappeared, sinking hopes of another deep playoff run.
Rebuilding the trenches on both sides will be critical for Kyle Shanahan to return to the Super Bowl. Expect a good amount of churn to take place as they have almost $50 million in cap space to work with.
Seattle Seahawks
- OT
- CB
- OG
- EDGE
The Seattle Seahawks have turned most of their roster over in recent years, leaving its roster holes fluid based on how young guys develop.
Injuries to Abraham Lucas have opened a need at right tackle, and it'd be nice to see Geno Smith have a more dynamic tight end available. The defense simply needs to continue adding quality athletes who fit this staff's needs.
