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DeutschThe biggest offseason need for every team entering NFL free agency
The two Super Bowl 60 participants were a prime example of why free agency is critical for every NFL team.
The Seattle Seahawks signed quarterback Sam Darnold in free agency and the New England Patriots spent more than $200 million in guaranteed money on free agents in 2025, the most by any NFL team last offseason. The aggressiveness of both teams during free agency paved the way for their Super Bowl runs.
Which teams will make bold moves during free agency this year? The Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, Los Angeles Chargers and Washington Commanders all have more than $70 million in salary cap space to work with, per Over The Cap.
All 32 teams have roster needs this time of year. Clubs are permitted to contact free agents starting at noon ET on March 9. Free agents can officially sign once the new league year begins at 4 p.m. ET March 11.
USA TODAY Sports examines the biggest position of need for all 32 NFL teams:
Arizona Cardinals
Biggest position of need: Quarterback
The Cardinals and Kyler Murray are headed toward an amicable divorce at the start of the new league year. A quarterback is priority No. 1 in Arizona, but this year’s quarterback draft class isn’t strong. The Cardinals could sign a bridge QB in free agency and wait until next year’s QB-rich draft class to select their franchise signal-caller.
Atlanta Falcons
Biggest position of need: Defensive line
Hopefully Sam Darnold’s journey to a Super Bowl title taught teams a value lesson to exercise patience before reaching a final verdict on a quarterback. Michael Penix Jr. has flashed, but injuries have made it difficult to discern if he can be a franchise QB. The Falcons have enough pieces on offense. Defense and the team’s inability to affect the quarterback remain an issue.
Baltimore Ravens
Biggest position of need: Edge rusher
Baltimore’s inability to get after the quarterback has plagued them in recent seasons. The Ravens ranked 28th in pass rush win rate last year, per ESPN. As a consequence, the Ravens finished tied with the Colts as worst pass defense in the AFC. The Ravens ranked 31st in pass defense in 2024.
Buffalo Bills
Biggest position of need: Wide receiver
The Bills have a couple starting offensive linemen hitting free agency. On the outside, wide receiver is a spot Buffalo should upgrade. Josh Allen hasn’t had a No. 1 wide receiver since Stefon Diggs was traded.
Carolina Panthers
Biggest position of need: Edge rusher
The Panthers finished 24th in pass rush win rate and last in run stop win rate, per ESPN. The defense produced 30 sacks, only the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers had fewer.
Chicago Bears
Biggest position of need: Defensive back
Chicago’s offense was much improved under Ben Johnson’s tutelage, but the Bears' defense struggled to get stops if they didn’t force a turnover. Safeties Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker and Jonathan Owens are all entering free agency.
Cincinnati Bengals
Biggest position of need: Edge rusher
Edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, who was Cincinnati’s best defensive player, is scheduled to enter free agency. The Bengals had the worst defense in the AFC. Now they must find a replacement for Hendrickson.
Cleveland Browns
Biggest position of need: Offensive line
Questions at quarterback are an annual tradition in Cleveland. Such is the same this year. The wide receiver room needs an upgrade, but only one Week 1 starter on the O-line is under contract in 2026. The acquisition of right tackle Tytus Howard represents the start of a significant offensive line overhaul in Cleveland.
Dallas Cowboys
Biggest position of need: Edge rusher
Micah Parsons’ departure created a void at edge rusher. Linebacker and secondary should also be addressed this offseason. The Cowboys finished 30th in total defense in 2025.
Denver Broncos
Biggest position of need: Running back
The Broncos haven’t had a running back rush for 1,000 yards since Phillip Lindsay in 2019. Oft-injured running back J.K. Dobbins led Denver in rushing last season. Dobbins is an impeding free agent.
Detroit Lions
Biggest position of need: Interior offensive line
Center Frank Ragnow’s retirement triggered Detroit’s offensive line regression last season. Left tackle Taylor Decker, who contemplated retirement this offseason, isn’t getting any younger either.
Green Bay Packers
Biggest position of need: Cornerback
Wide receiver Romeo Doubs, left tackle Rasheed Walker and backup quarterback Malik Willis are among the NFL’s top free agents. But the Packers are missing a No. 1 cornerback in this passing-heavy league.
Houston Texans
Biggest position of need: Interior offensive line
The Texans had one of the worst offensive lines in football, ranking 30th in pass block win rate and 32nd in run block win rate, per ESPN. Houston was most vulnerable in the interior of its O-line.
Indianapolis Colts
Biggest position of need: Edge rusher
The Colts applied the transition tag on Daniel Jones, which satisfies their QB position (for now). On the other side of the football, Indianapolis ranked 30th in pass rush win rate, per ESPN.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Biggest position of need: Linebacker
Impending free agent corners Montaric Brown and Greg Newsome clear the pathway for Travis Hunter to get more opportunities at cornerback. Pro Bowl linebacker Devin Lloyd, who led the team with five interceptions, is my top free agent available.
Kansas City Chiefs
Biggest position of need: Cornerback
The Chiefs decided to trade their best cornerback, Trent McDuffie, to the Rams. Jaylen Watson is entering free agency. McDuffie and Watson were Kansas City’s top two cornerbacks. The Chiefs have needs at edge rusher and running back, but McDuffie’s departure creates a huge hole at cornerback.
Las Vegas Raiders
Biggest position of need: Wide receiver
It’s a safe bet the Raiders are going to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft. Running back Ashton Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers are players Mendoza can rely on. But Las Vegas doesn’t have a No. 1 wide receiver on its roster.
Los Angeles Chargers
Biggest position of need: Interior offensive line
The Chargers' maligned offensive line was the worst in football last season. The return of tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt from season-ending injuries is a huge boost. However, the interior of the O-line is the weak link. Center Bradley Bozeman announced his retirement in February and the team released guard Mekhi Becton.
Los Angeles Rams
Biggest position of need: Defensive back
The acquisition of Trent McDuffie is a sign the Rams are all in on a Super Bowl 61 run. The Rams completed their Super Bowl mission the last time SoFi Stadium hosted the big game. Their defense allowed 276 passing yards and 26 points per game last postseason, and the Rams’ shortcomings in the secondary are a big reason why the team didn’t advance to Super Bowl 60.
Miami Dolphins
Biggest position of need: Quarterback
New Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley inherited Tua Tagovailoa after the last regime benched the quarterback. It’s becoming increasingly likely the Tagovailoa experiment is over in Miami.
Minnesota Vikings
Biggest position of need: Quarterback
J.J. McCarthy didn’t instill much confidence that he was ready to be a starting quarterback in 2025. Kyler Murray makes sense for the Vikings. Murray’s dual-threat ability would add another element to Kevin O'Connell’s offense. Veteran Kirk Cousins is also slated to be a free agent. A Cousins-Vikings reunion makes sense, too.
New England Patriots
Biggest position of need: Wide receiver
Stefon Diggs is reportedly on his way of New England. Diggs was the Patriots' leading receiver last season. A No. 1 wide receiver is essential for Drake Maye's continued development. K'Lavon Chaisson produced a team-best 74 pressures in 2025 but is scheduled to hit free agency.
New Orleans Saints
Biggest position of need: Running back
The Saints must supply Tyler Shough with more weapons if they believe he’s their franchise quarterback. Wide receiver Chris Olave was subject to trade speculation at the deadline and running back Alvin Kamara has one year remaining on his contract. The Saints are one of six teams that averaged fewer than 100 rushing yards per game last season.
New York Giants
Biggest position of need: Offensive line
Right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor and right guard Greg Van Roten are both impending free agents. The Giants could be players in the O-line market during free agency.
New York Jets
Biggest position of need: Quarterback
Quarterback Justin Fields is a candidate to get cut after a disappointing season in the Big Apple. The Jets might consider another quarterback in free agency or in the draft.
Philadelphia Eagles
Biggest position of need: Edge rusher
Jaelan Phillips turned into the team’s best edge rusher after he was acquired near the trade deadline. He tallied 44 pressures in nine games, including the playoffs. Phillips is one of the top free agents available.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Biggest position of need: Quarterback
The Steelers need a franchise quarterback even if 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers returns for a 22nd season. The Steelers haven’t had a long-term solution at QB since Ben Roethlisberger. Although, Pittsburgh might not fill the need until next year’s draft.
San Francisco 49ers
Biggest position of need: Wide receiver
General manager John Lynch said it’s “safe to say” Brandon Aiyuk has played his last snap with the 49ers. Fellow wide receiver Jauan Jennings is a free agent. The 49ers don’t have a Bonafide No. 1 wideout.
Seattle Seahawks
Biggest position of need: Running back
Super Bowl 60 MVP Kenneth Walker is entering free agency. Walker gained a postseason-high 313 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns in the playoffs. His performance vaulted him to the No. 1 running back in free agency.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Biggest position of need: Edge rusher
Wide receiver Mike Evans and linebacker Lavonte David are key free agents. Tampa Bay hasn’t had a solid pair of edge rushers since Shaquil Barrett and Jason Pierre-Paul.
Tennessee Titans
Biggest position of need: Wide receiver
All three-win teams have multiple positions of need. Luckily for the Titans, quarterback isn’t one of them. A wide receiver is important for Cam Ward’s continued development. Tennessee’s leading receiver, Elic Ayomanor, had just 515 receiving yards.
Washington Commanders
Biggest position of need: Edge rusher
Washington’s defense gave up a league-worst 384 yards per game last season. Edge rushers Von Miller, Deatrich Wise and linebacker Bobby Wagner are key free agents on defense.
Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Our 2026 NFL free agent shopping list: The biggest need for every team
'Not good to watch but still in the hunt'
We asked for your views after Celtic's 2-1 win at Aberdeen which moved them up to second in the Scottish Premiership.
Here's what some of you had to say:
Kev: With 16 and 13 points respectively from the last six league matches, Motherwell and Celtic are the form teams in the run-in. Rangers have only gained 10/18. Viljami Sinisalo and Benjamin Arthur have strengthened Celtic's defence. Benjamin Nygren is a constant goal threat and James Forrest continues to lead by example. Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda remain key players and should start against Rangers. The league and cup double is there to be won.
John: It's the same theme every game. Grinding out results. It's not good to watch but still in the hunt. I also think it's about time to leave Meada out the squad. He is just an empty jersey.
Hugh: Our main deficiency remains a natural striker, the stats clearly show we have not scored enough goals and have the poorest goals total of the top four teams. Our board have had three transfer windows to sort this issue out and have failed to do so yet no one has been accountable or held responsible for this glaring and obvious failure.
Ian: I don't even know how we are still in this title race. Extraordinary. If Martin O'Neill can win the title this year, what a legend.
Eck: Another poor performance by Celtic. Week in, week out this team are playing well below standard. The only players that have played consistently well are Kieran Tierney, Nygren and Forrest when he gets a chance. Martin has done his best with a poor team, the Celtic board should try and get Henrik Larsson or Scott Brown when Martin finishes up and invest in a decent striker and central defender.
Benny: At this stage of the season it's about getting three points, however Celtic again were lacklustre and huffed and puffed their way to a win. There is no cutting edge to this side and they are far too slow in the build-up play to win games convincingly. Tomas Cvancara up front was starved of service but his overall game was poor and his movement slow. Sebastian Tounekti continues to frustrate by not being direct enough. Thankfully Nygren saved the game with another valuable goal.
Gerry: A must-win game, well won. This result after the draw against Rangers shows how important that one point was. We move above Rangers and now can concentrate on chasing Hearts. Nygren scores another crucial goal too.
Slot on Wirtz's fitness, conceding late goals & facing Wolves again
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been speaking to the media before Friday's FA Cup fifth round game against Wolves at Molineux (20:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
- Floran Wirtz trained yesterday so has made the "next step in his rehab" and could be available "for a few minutes in the best scenario" on Friday. Slot added he has no other fresh injury concerns after Tuesday's league defeat at Molineux.
- On potential rotation he said: "We have a few [options for changes] but we don't have 11. I always have options to bring in and players we can bring in and let them start. Not for the first time this season, three days after a game where we have dropped points. I've seen us do quite a lot this season, we have to be better than we were last time."
- More on Tuesday's defeat: "A game which was not so difficult to analyse. A lot of ball possession without being able to create many chances, not for the first time this season. Enough chances to win the game but we didn't convert it into goals. The first attack they had led to a goal. It was hard to take but we're one day away from another really important game for us. We know we have to be better tomorrow."
- Slot was asked about the Reds' record of conceding late goals this season, including on Tuesday: "It's a real concern if you lose and if you lose many times in the same manner it's even more a concern. The way we concede goals in the last minute is not always similar. Some of these goals are not from big chances. You always try to prevent the other team getting big chances."
- On the importance of the FA Cup: "We always find every trophy we can win very important. Champions League qualification is massive as we all know but tomorrow the FA Cup is on the line and that is a massive game for us."
- Where has he seen progression in recent weeks?: "You see individual players getting better and better but progress has had setbacks because of injuries. We had to adjust to the Florian Wirtz injury, that has happened to us a lot this season. At times this season we conceded a lot of goals and counter-attacks but I see improvement there. Bringing from all the ball possession into chances we have seen some improvement."
- On Cody Gakpo, whose only goal in his last nine came in last weekend's win over West Ham: "We are not in terms of chance creation last in the league. We're not doing that bad. We're also the team with most ball possession so you'd expect us to create more. Cody and Mo [Salah] we expect and they expect from themselves to score more. But attacking isn't just down to Cody and Mo in the same way defending isn't just down to Virgil and Ibou. Let's create even more and the goals will come."
Listen to live commentary of Wolves v Liverpool on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds
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