Biggest Remaining Need For Each NFL Team

With the summer just around the corner and the bulk of the offseason in the books, every team is now re-evaluating its current roster with an eye on being ready to play in Week 1. Patience and creativity might be required since the pool of available players is thinned out post-draft and post-free agency, but the Cowboys’ trade for WR George Pickens to address their biggest remaining need is proof that it’s possible to still move the needle. 

Here’s a team-by-team look at all 32 squads to evaluate the biggest hole left on the roster: 

AFC East

Buffalo Bills: Safety

Receiver was considered despite the risk of incurring the wrath of GM Brandon Beane but ultimately he made a solid argument about the success of the offense last year despite a similar cast of pass catchers. The Bills could use steps forward from WR Keon Coleman and TE Dalton Kincaid, but what they lack in star power they hope to offset with depth. 

Most of the Bills’ resources were directed toward improving the defense, especially at cornerback and up front along the defensive line. Safety was lost in the shuffle somewhat and that could remain an Achilles heel for Buffalo in 2025. The team didn’t materially address the position this offseason outside of re-signing Damar Hamlin and adding Darrick Forrest from Washington as a dart throw. Right now, the most realistic chance for improvement next to returning veteran Taylor Rapp would be 2024 second-round S Cole Bishop making a leap. Bishop spent more time watching than playing as a rookie. 

The Bills will be watching closely to see if Bishop looks ready during OTAs and the early portion of camp, but this could be an area they seek reinforcements. 

Miami Dolphins: Cornerback

Frankly the Dolphins have a lot of competition for biggest remaining need, which might be why there’s so much trepidation about their outlook in 2025. Miami has question marks on both sides of the line of scrimmage and at safety. Yet the most glaring need remaining might be cornerback. The Dolphins weren’t able to address the position until the fifth round and the only semi-notable free agent they signed was journeyman Artie Burns. Yet they still seem determined to offload CB Jalen Ramsey in a trade at some point in the coming weeks or months. 

Without Ramsey, the Dolphins would be trotting out some combination of Kader Kohou, 2023 second-rounder Cam Smith, 2024 UDFA Storm Duck, Burns, fifth-rounder Jason Marshall and Ethan Bonner if they had to play this month. Unsurprisingly, the Dolphins have already been linked to a few veteran cornerbacks still available and it seems like Miami will add a player or two before September. 

New York Jets: Defensive Tackle

It’s been a rough few years for the Jets but one area in which the previous regime did succeed was on defense. The Jets were top four in total defense for the past three years and a lot of that success was due to an excellent defensive line. Yet that might be another thing that’s different for New York under new HC Aaron Glenn and GM Darren Mougey. 

While the Jets still have elite DT Quinnen Williams as a foundational piece to build around, the rest of the defensive tackle room is shockingly thin. New York brought back Phidarian Mathis, a former bust claimed off waivers from the Commanders, and Leonard Taylor, an undrafted free agent who flashed as a rookie in 2024. Derrick Nnadi, Byron Cowart and Jay Tufele were signed this offseason as reinforcements, but describing them as journeymen might be charitable. The Jets did not dip into a draft class that was seen as remarkably deep and talented at defensive tackle. 

Perhaps Glenn and Mougey have identified some diamonds in the rough but it feels like they’ll be on the lookout for help to add to the middle of the defense. 

New England Patriots: Edge Rusher

The Patriots have been one of the busiest teams this offseason and all that work seems like it could pay off. New England’s roster is definitively better than it was in January and new HC Mike Vrabel’s stamp on the roster is apparent. We’ll see what it actually translates into when the pads come on and the games start mattering but the Patriots are an early frontrunner to be the NFL’s most improved team in 2025. 

One area that could take the Patriots from a frisky feel-good story to legit playoff team like the Commanders’ turnaround last year is edge rusher. The Patriots added Harold Landry after he was cut by the Titans and bolstered the rotation with K’Lavon Chaisson in free agency and Bradyn Swinson in the fifth round. Third-year DL Keion White could factor in here as well. Overall, though, this is probably still a below-average group compared to the rest of the league. 

NFC East

Washington Commanders: Edge Rusher

The Commanders wanted to ensure they didn’t rest on their laurels after massively overperforming expectations last year. Washington attacked positions like offensive tackle, cornerback and defensive tackle, making multiple high-profile additions and overhauling those groups. But somewhat surprisingly, they did not make the same level of investment at defensive end. 

It might not have been for a lack of trying, as there was some buzz connecting the Commanders to a potential trade for Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson. Yet as of now, Washington has let Dante Fowler, who led the team with 10.5 sacks last year, walk while failing to materially supplement the remaining group. The Commanders still have Dorance Armstrong and Clelin Ferrell, plus LB Frankie Luvu who is devastating as a blitzer and set a career-high with eight sacks last year. That does not seem like an edge rushing group capable of supporting a Super Bowl run, however. 

Dallas Cowboys: Running Back

Up until the Cowboys swung a deal for Pickens on Wednesday, this was going to be wide receiver. Dallas was targeting WR Tetairoa McMillan in the draft and had to pivot when the Panthers took him ahead of the Cowboys’ slot at No. 12. While they might have landed three future starters with their first three picks, they did not land another receiver, necessitating the deal for WR George Pickens to fill the gaping void in the offense outside of top WR CeeDee Lamb. Pickens has been a volatile locker room presence but he’s a proven playmaker who pushes Jalen Tolbert, KaVontae Turpin and Jonathan Mingo into complementary roles that they’re better suited for. 

Dallas could keep focusing its attention on offense, specifically running back, even though there are question marks at linebacker and cornerback as well. The Cowboys have added players at all three positions but the options at running back are the least proven/most uninspiring. Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders have not played well the past two seasons and speedy fifth-round RB Jaydon Blue is a complementary player at best, not a full-time starter. 

Philadelphia Eagles: Edge Rusher

The Eagles’ roster is overall in a great spot to defend its Super Bowl trophy in 2025 but there are a few minor question marks. For now, edge rusher looms as a place GM Howie Roseman might be keeping his eyes peeled. 

The group isn’t in bad shape by any means with Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt penciled in for bigger roles after performing well in spurts last season. Bryce Huff is still on the roster and could figure things out in Year 2, and both Azeez Ojulari and Joshua Uche were added to flesh out the rotation. Roseman alluded to first-round LB Jihaad Campbell potentially factoring into the mix as an edge rusher as well. However, if you’re grading on the curve of “can this group support a run to the Super Bowl?” — well, there are some fair questions. 

New York Giants: Linebacker

Though the questions about job security for HC Brian Daboll and GM Joe Schoen will persist throughout this year, the roster does actually look improved from last year. How things pan out at quarterback will go a long way in determining their fate but the Giants have made their moves at that position. 

One spot that remains somewhat unsettled is linebacker. There was some buzz about New York growing dissatisfied with veteran Bobby Okereke, who was signed before current DC Shane Bowen was brought aboard last year. The other starter is Micah McFadden, and the Giants could stand to upgrade there. It’s possible No. 3 pick Abdul Carter factors into the mix here as the Giants try to get the best 11 players on the field. 

AFC North

Cincinnati Bengals: Swing Tackle

There are question marks on defense as the Bengals are seeking major improvements without necessarily conducting a major renovation on the personnel. There have been additions and subtractions but the goal seems to be getting younger players to improve and a better scheme from new DC Al Golden. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Bengals make moves at safety or defensive tackle before Week 1. 

The offense is largely set but one potential weakness that could cripple the unit is the depth along the offensive line, especially at tackle. The Bengals made moves to improve at guard this offseason and have four or five players competing for two starting spots. In contrast, both starting tackle spots are set but the depth if one of them were to get injured is lackluster. That’s not a Bengals-only problem, as the demand for competent offensive tackles far exceeds the supply league-wide, but for a team with high aspirations in 2025, it’s a notable weakness. 

Cleveland Browns: Safety

The Browns had too many holes to fill in just one offseason, so plenty of other spots on the roster could still use attention, like edge rusher, receiver and offensive tackle. Safety stands out, however, as a position the team has neglected so far. The Browns cut Juan Thornhill to save money but the only other safety they’ve added so far is undrafted rookie Donovan McMillon. Another former UDFA, Ronnie Hickman, is currently slated to start next to Grant Delpit. 

Baltimore Ravens: Defensive Line

In an ideal world, the Ravens would have done a little bit more at guard to replace Patrick Mekari or to try and upgrade over Daniel Faalele. They may be locked into their current cast, however, as most competent NFL offensive linemen have been snapped up by now. 

The other side of the line of scrimmage could be where the Ravens focus some efforts to improve. Nnamdi Madubuike, Travis Jones and Broderick Washington are locked in as the top three, but the Ravens usually keep at least two players behind them for depth. Veteran Michael Pierce retired this offseason and Brent Urban remains unsigned. Baltimore drafted Aeneas Peebles in the sixth round to compete for a spot with a few other UDFA types, but this could be an area the Ravens target for an experienced addition at some point before the season. 

Pittsburgh Steelers: Cornerback

The Steelers are still waiting on QB Aaron Rodgers, which is not a comfortable place to be. If he ultimately stiffs them, they could pivot to someone like Falcons QB Kirk Cousins. The Pickens trade also creates some questions at receiver even after trading for D.K. Metcalf earlier this offseason. 

The other position the Steelers will likely be monitoring is cornerback. Veteran Darius Slay and third-year CB Joey Porter Jr. are a solid starting duo, but insurance for Slay given his age would be prudent. The nickel corner job is also a little up in the air between 2024 UDFA Beanie Bishop and former Jets CB Brandin Echols who was a low-cost signing this offseason. 

NFC North

Chicago Bears: Running Back

The Bears were widely expected to target a running back with one of their selections in the draft, yet the board didn’t fall their way. They spent a seventh-rounder on Kyle Monangai to join a room that included D’Andre Swift, Roschon Johnson and Travis Homer, but for as much as new HC Ben Johnson wants to run the ball, that group feels a bit light. The lack of a quality power back to complement Swift stands out in particular, as Johnson averaged just 2.7 yards per carry last year. 

Former Browns RB Nick Chubb has been linked to the Bears in the rumor mill, and that would be a picture-perfect fit. Chargers RB J.K. Dobbins is also available, as the unrestricted free agent tender the Chargers gave him only sets the floor for another team to beat and does not tie him to Los Angeles until after July 22. 

Detroit Lions: Edge Rusher

This has been one of the Lions’ biggest needs for some time now. Edge rusher is also one of the most in-demand positions for teams to fill given its importance, and the Lions have had a tough time navigating the market to find a suitable counterpart for star DE Aidan Hutchinson. They re-signed DE Marcus Davenport to a cheap deal after injuries scuttled their high hopes for him in 2024, but made no real material additions outside of that. 

Lions GM Brad Holmes eventually swung a trade for veteran DE Za’Darius Smith last season and had to cut Smith for cash savings this offseason. Whether it’s a reunion with Smith, uncovering value with a different signing or swinging another trade, Holmes’ top task over the next several months will be monitoring the market for help at edge rusher. 

Green Bay Packers: Cornerback

The Packers are reportedly working on a resolution with CB Jaire Alexander to keep him in the fold at a reduced rate, which would go a long way toward addressing their potential weakness here after not adding anyone in the draft. If Alexander is cut, that pushes Carrington Valentine into the starting lineup and makes the Packers paper-thin at cornerback. If Alexander is back, the roster looks a lot better, but depth is still a need given Alexander’s extensive injury history. 

Minnesota Vikings: Cornerback

Minnesota took plenty of shots at improving the secondary this offseason, re-signing CB Byron Murphy and adding Isaiah Rodgers, Jeff Okudah, Tavierre Thomas and Ambry Thomas. There are high hopes for Rodgers after he was singled out by DC Brian Flores as a target in free agency, and the latter three will compete with 2023 third-rounder Mekhi Blackmon for the remaining snaps. It could all come together. But the Vikings also might get halfway through camp and realize they need more help here to compete. 

AFC South

Indianapolis Colts: Linebacker

Veteran Zaire Franklin is one of the most prolific tacklers in football right now but the spot next to him is a bit of a question mark. Indianapolis converted 2024 fifth-rounder Jaylon Carlies from safety to linebacker and he’s the current frontrunner — though perhaps by default with former UDFAs and late-rounders like Segun Olubi and Cameron McGrone behind him on the depth chart. The Colts used a seventh-round pick on Wisconsin S Hunter Wohler with the idea of converting him to linebacker as well, so he’s an interesting wildcard. Expectations for a seventh-round rookie should be moderate, though. 

It’s easy to see why the Colts have been connected to Bengals LB Germaine Pratt, who has been on the trade block all offseason and is a cut candidate now that the draft is in the books. New Colts DC Lou Anarumo knows him well from their time in Cincinnati together. 

Jacksonville Jaguars: Secondary

There aren’t a lot of clear holes on the roster after the Jaguars have been one of the busiest teams in the league this offseason. Depth at edge rusher was one but Jacksonville moved to try and solve that by signing DE Emmanuel Ogbah after the draft. There’s been a ton of investment at both cornerback and secondary, with first-rounder Travis Hunter, third-round DB Caleb Ransaw, veteran nickel Jourdan Lewis and S Eric Murray all added to a group that includes CB Tyson Campbell, S Darnell Savage, CB Jarrian Jones, DB Antonio Johnson and S Andrew Wingard. With a brand-new coaching staff and front office coming in, the Jaguars will need to see how all the pieces fit together in training camp. More work might be necessary. 

Houston Texans: Defensive Tackle

Houston was ferocious on defense last year and the defensive line was a major part of the Texans’ success on that side of the ball. However, they identified defensive tackle as an area that could use a little help, bringing back Sheldon Rankins after he was cut by the Bengals and adding run-stuffer Folorunso Fatukasi after the draft. They join Tim Settle, with Mario Edwards and Denico Autry capable of rotating in for some packages. Still, the Texans could use some more punch here, particularly if Rankins’ struggles from last year continue. 

Tennessee Titans: Edge Rusher

The rebuilding Titans had more holes than they could fill in one offseason, but they do need to show some signs of progress after earning the No. 1 pick this past season. That’s why they went out and signed veteran WR Tyler Lockett after double-dipping on receivers in the fourth round, as supporting No. 1 overall QB Cam Ward will be paramount to their success. 

Another void remaining on the roster is at edge rusher, even after using a second-round pick on OLB Oluwafemi Oladejo. Though his potential is high, he’s a work in progress after converting positions later on in his college career. The rest of the room includes Dre’Mont Jones, who might be miscast as an edge rusher instead of an interior rusher, and Arden Key, a solid No. 2 or No. 3 option. Unless Oladejo is ready to surprise, this room looks like it lacks punch. 

NFC South

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Linebacker

Tampa Bay was heavily linked to Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell during the pre-draft process, but ended up liking first-round WR Emeka Egbuka and his squeaky-clean profile more. That leaves the Bucs with a need at linebacker still. Lavonte David is back for another season and they signed veteran Anthony Walker to compete with SirVocea Dennis for the second starting spot. Walker is steady if unspectacular and gives the team insurance if Dennis can’t take a step forward, but Walker’s durability has become an issue the past few years. More help is needed for the Buccaneers here. 

Atlanta Falcons: Cornerback

Atlanta double-dipped at both edge rusher and safety in the draft, getting Jalon Walker and James Pearce in the first round to go with Xavier Watts and Billy Bowman in the third and fourth. Bowman might factor into the mix at nickel corner but that leaves the other outside cornerback spot across from AJ Terrell as still a weakness that the Falcons just didn’t have enough resources to address. Mike Hughes and Dee Alford held that role down last year and are back in 2025 but the Falcons will likely be on the lookout for upgrades if possible. 

Carolina Panthers: Safety

The Panthers didn’t completely neglect their defense in the draft but they did split their attention more toward the offensive side of the ball than a lot of people anticipated. One fallout is that the safety position is still fairly thin. Carolina added Tre’von Moehrig in free agency and circled back with a somewhat similar player in fourth-round S Lathan Ransom. They also re-signed Nick Scott but frankly he’s not even a roster lock if the Panthers are able to find better players between now and September. 

The good news is that safety is a relatively easy position to find competent contributors. Carolina had Julian Blackmon and Marcus Williams in for visits in April and both remain unsigned. There are other free agents available as well, and more could shake loose in August. 

New Orleans Saints: Cornerback

The biggest question for the Saints may be who will play quarterback in 2025 but either way the answer is already on the roster, whether it’s Derek Carr or second-rounder Tyler Shough. New Orleans is actually in the top half of the league in cap space right now with over $27 million and will likely get more once it resolves things with TE Taysom Hill, who is due $10 million coming off a torn ACL and is unlikely to see most of that money. If they wanted to make a splash, they could. 

Cornerback could be a spot to keep an eye on after losing Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo in the last nine months. The Saints still have Alontae Taylor and 2024 second-rounder Kool-Aid McKinstry on the roster, but the other starting spot is a question mark between journeyman veteran Isaac Yiadom and fourth-round CB Quincy Riley. If the Saints wanted to reunite DC Brandon Staley with Dolphins CB Jalen Ramsey who’s available via trade, they have the money to do it. 

AFC West

Denver Broncos: Linebacker

Personally speaking, I’m not as convinced the Broncos solved their issues at running back but they did make a significant investment in second-rounder RJ Harvey, suggesting HC Sean Payton has a big role in mind for him. It might seem strange to highlight the defense after Denver invested so much on that side of the ball this offseason, but it’s worth noting both projected starters at linebacker are coming off serious injuries. Alex Singleton tore his ACL last year, while free agent pickup Dre Greenlaw was limited to two games last year in his first season back from a torn Achilles, and has already suffered a quad injury this spring. 

Top backups Drew Sanders and Justin Strnad have significant injury histories of their own, so it could behoove the Broncos to make sure they have extra insurance at this position — otherwise a defense that looks rock solid on paper could have a sneaky weakness. 

Los Angeles Chargers: Cornerback

Los Angeles added Donte Jackson and Benjamin St-Juste to compete for roles in a group that included Cam Hart and Tarheeb Still, both whom flashed as rookies. Still shined in particular, starting 12 games, picking off four passes and knocking down 10 more. The Chargers hope between those four they have two starting outside corners, with the team’s depth at safety helping to lessen the need for a nickel corner. However, it’s not necessarily a lock. This could be an area where the Chargers look for reinforcements closer to the season. 

Kansas City Chiefs: Defensive Tackle

The Chiefs should once again be one of the top teams in the NFL and a threat to win the Super Bowl. They had an active offseason and made moves to address weaknesses like left tackle, wide receiver and cornerback that ultimately curtailed their hopes of three straight championships. If there’s a spot they could add just a little more, it’s defensive tackle. They still have Chris Jones, and guys like Mike Pennel, second-round DT Omarr Norman-Lott and free agent signing Jerry Tillery fill specific roles to soak up the snaps next to Jones. But Norman-Lott is a wildcard as a rookie and there’s probably room to upgrade from Pennel and Tillery. 

Las Vegas Raiders: Linebacker

The Raiders traded back multiple times to try and recoup as many picks as possible in the draft, but still weren’t able to address all of their holes. Cornerback remains a bit of a question mark but the Raiders have a lot more options to sort through there than at linebacker, which is remarkably sparse. More than likely veteran Elandon Roberts will have to be an every-down starter despite being more of a run specialist on his last couple of teams. Devin White has the most pedigree of the remaining options but the former first-round pick has failed to earn his way onto the field for his last three teams now. The other options on the depth chart are Tommy Eichenberg, Amari Burney, Amari Gainer and seventh-rounder Cody Lindenberg. 

NFC West

San Francisco 49ers: Cornerback

After letting veterans Charvarius Ward and Isaac Yiadom walk this offseason, the 49ers made two moves to replace them, signing Tre Brown from the Seahawks and drafting Western Kentucky’s Upton Stout near the end of the third round. They’ll vie for the final starting spot, assuming 2024 second-rounder Renardo Green is ready to step up as the starter alongside Deommodore Lenoir. All told, that’s a lot of uncertainty, and it would not be surprising if the 49ers wanted to add a more established veteran to the mix at some point before the season starts. 

Arizona Cardinals: Guard

The Cardinals are hoping last year’s third-round pick, Isaiah Adams, is ready to take a step forward and become a full-time starter. The spot across from him looks like it will be veteran Evan Brown, with competition from Royce Newman, Jon Gaines, Jake Curhan and sixth-rounder Hayden Conner. In an ideal world, someone pushes Brown to the bench where he can be a versatile depth piece, but it remains to be seen if the Cardinals have that player on the roster. Last year’s starter, Will Hernandez, remains unsigned, so you wonder if a reunion is an option. Then again, there’s probably a reason the Cardinals haven’t rushed to bring him back.

Los Angeles Rams: Cornerback

The Rams have been conducting an impressive roster overhaul the past couple of seasons, making back-to-back playoff berths in what were supposed to be rebuilding years. Keeping QB Matthew Stafford indicates they have goals of going on a run in 2025. But if there’s an area of the roster that still kind of lags behind, it’s cornerback. The Rams have not invested significant draft capital here and have relied on veterans like Darious Williams and Ahkello Witherspoon to keep things afloat. Both remain on the roster in 2025, but it would not be a surprise if Los Angeles made a splash here with a trade for Ramsey. 

Seattle Seahawks: Cornerback

While the Seahawks could still use upgrades on the interior of their offensive line, they’ve more or less made their bed at that spot at this point in the offseason. The hope will be some of the younger players they’ve drafted the past couple of years take a step forward and solidify things, with assistance from new OC Klint Kubiak’s scheme. 

The spot the Seahawks might be more concerned about for now is cornerback. They brought back Josh Jobe who earned the third starting job in the second half of last year along with Devon Witherspoon and Riq Woolen. Yet it’s clear they view him as ideally more of a depth player and have actively been searching for alternatives. The latest report indicates veteran CB Shaquill Griffin is on their radar as a signing.