NFL Analysis
February 12, 2024
12 min read
Every NFL Team's Biggest Need Entering 2024 Offseason
With Super Bowl LVIII in the books, it's time to look to the 2024 offseason. Here are the biggest needs for every team going into the new league year.
Each Team's Biggest Need
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills
Biggest Need: Wide Receiver
Gabe Davis is a free agent, and Stefon Diggs' status with the team remains up in the air. Khalil Shakir is a good slot receiver, but the Buffalo Bills desperately need someone who can threaten defenses down the field.
Miami Dolphins
Biggest Need: Center
The Miami Dolphins got great play from Connor Williams over the last two seasons, but he's scheduled to hit free agency and is rehabbing a torn ACL. It's unlikely he'll be ready for the start of the 2024 season, and the Dolphins might decide to move on.
Center is vital in Mike McDaniel's offense because Miami needs to be able to play in space and block linebackers. Don’t be surprised if that's the position the Dolphins address with the first-round pick in this year’s draft.
New England Patriots
Biggest Need: Quarterback
The Mac Jones–Bailey Zappe era is over, and it's time for the New England Patriots to get serious about the quarterback position. They tried to lean on their defense and rushing attack to hide their quarterbacks, but the Patriots just aren't going to be able to win the AFC that way. New England has the No. 3 pick in the draft at its disposal, and you can count on the team selecting a quarterback at that spot.
New York Jets
Biggest Need: Offensive Tackle
Mehki Becton is slated to become a free agent, and the Duane Brown signing didn't work out. The New York Jets might need two starting offensive tackles this season if they want to keep Aaron Rodgers upright.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
Biggest Need: Pass Rusher
The Baltimore Ravens got excellent production from older veterans this year, including Jadeveon Clowney and Kyle Van Noy. But they didn't get much from Odafe Oweh or David Ojabo, their two young pass rushers. Baltimore needs to add more size and athleticism to their pass-rushing group and will likely need to do so via the draft.
Cincinnati Bengals
Biggest Need: Tight End
Heading into the 2024 offseason, the Cincinnati Bengals don't have a tight end under contract. And they didn't get enough production from that position last season. Look for the Bengals to add several tight ends in free agency.
Cleveland Browns
Biggest Need: EDGE Rusher
Myles Garrett had arguably the best season of his career in 2023, but the Cleveland Browns could still use more help opposite him. Za'Darius Smith is slated to be a free agent, and the Browns would love for him to return. But if he doesn’t, Cleveland needs another pass rusher who can be stout against the run on early downs.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Biggest NEed: Quarterback
Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph aren't franchise quarterbacks, and neither has the ceiling to compete with the top teams in the AFC. The Pittsburgh Steelers have a strong defense, but the quarterback has held them back in the post–Ben Roethlisberger era. Pittsburgh might deny that it's in the quarterback market, but it's not hard to see that the team should be.
AFC South
Houston Texans
Biggest NEed: Pass Rusher
The Houston Texans hit a home run with Will Anderson Jr. last year but need to add more pass-rush help opposite him. Jonathan Greenard is a free agent after recording 12.5 sacks this season. He's expected to get a huge contract, which will be well-deserved. If the Texans can keep him, then this need would be filled. If not, look for Houston to explore replacing him with a cheaper veteran option in free agency.
Indianapolis Colts
Biggest Need: Cornerback
The Indianapolis Colts dealt with a ton of injuries at cornerback in 2023, and we rarely got to see second-round pick JuJu Brents on the field. Even if he's healthy in 2024, the Colts could stand to add multiple secondary pieces to their defense. They were never able to replace Stephon Gilmore, and it showed.
Expect Indianapolis to be aggressive in searching for cornerback help next month.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Biggest NEed: Wide Receiver
The Jacksonville Jaguars have spent a ton of resources over the last two offseasons fixing their wide receiver corps, and they'll need to do it again this year. Calvin Ridley is a free agent, and things never quite clicked between him and Trevor Lawrence. Christian Kirk is a high-end slot receiver, but the Jaguars need a No. 1 wide receiver who can win in any matchup.
Tennessee Titans
Biggest Need: Offensive Tackle
No team in the NFL had a worse tackle group than the Tennessee Titans last season. Signing Andre Dillard was a massive whiff, and Tennessee hasn't fixed that position since Taylor Lewan's departure. The Titans hold the No. 6 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and Joe Alt (Notre Dame) would be a dream selection.
But look for the Titans to explore the free-agent market at tackle — in addition to the draft. They need two starting-caliber tackles and could use an upgrade at center.
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos
Biggest Need: Quarterback
The Denver Broncos are expected to move on from Russell Wilson, so quarterback instantly becomes their top need. But getting a top-flight quarterback will be difficult because the Broncos don't possess a top-10 draft pick.
Could they go the free-agent route and try to sign Kirk Cousins? Could they be interested in Justin Fields via trade? All that remains unknown, but you can count on Sean Payton and Denver to be aggressive in finding the organization's next franchise quarterback.
Kansas City Chiefs
Biggest Need: Wide Receiver
Like last offseason, wide receiver is again a need for the Kansas City Chiefs. The good news is that they've hit a home run with Rashee Rice, who developed well in the second half of the season. Rice is more of a big slot receiver, but the Chiefs need someone who can threaten defenses vertically from one of the outside positions.
Las Vegas Raiders
Biggest Need: Quarterback
The Las Vegas Raiders probably would have made the playoffs in the AFC last season if Derek Carr was their quarterback. They had their best season on defense in more than 20 years, but the offense couldn’t score.
But the reason the Raiders moved on from Carr was because they knew he'd never be good enough to compete with the other top quarterbacks in the conference. Las Vegas isn't going to find the next Patrick Mahomes, but the team needs someone who can create explosive plays and make its offense relevant again.
Los Angeles Chargers
Biggest Need: Pass Catcher
The Los Angeles Chargers have to add a weapon for Justin Herbert. Mike Williams is rehabbing from a torn ACL, and Quentin Johnston had an incredibly tough rookie season. Keenan Allen is still productive but is no longer a No. 1 receiver.
The Chargers could add a dynamic tight end through the draft (Brock Bowers) or try to select one of the top wide receivers. But Los Angeles needs to get younger and more dynamic on offense.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
Biggest Need: Linebacker
Leighton Vander Esch (neck) likely won't return to the field in 2023, and the linebacker position gave the Dallas Cowboys fits all season long. The Cowboys might need to replace both starting linebackers, regardless of who they choose as their defensive coordinator.
New York Giants
Biggest Need: Wide Receiver
Wan’Dale Robinson and Jalin Hyatt are complementary players who flashed in 2023, but the New York Giants need a No. 1 receiver they can build their offense around. They just haven't had that since the peak Odell Beckham Jr. seasons. Luckily, the 2024 draft is loaded with high-end receiver talent, and the Giants are in a great spot to add a dynamic weapon in Round 1.
Philadelphia Eagles
Biggest NEed: Linebacker
The Philadelphia Eagles haven't invested many resources into the linebacker position during Howie Roseman’s tenure as general manager. But it might be time for that to change. The lack of linebacker talent exposed the Eagles last season, and they could never cover up that hole. With new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, they'll need to add at least one more starter who can run from sideline to sideline.
Washington Commanders
Biggest NEed: Quarterback
This need is obvious. Sam Howell was fine during his first full season as a starter, throwing for more than 3,900 yards and 21 touchdowns. But he also led the NFL in interceptions (21) and sacks (65). Howell could be a high-end backup on the right team, but he shouldn't be anyone's franchise quarterback.
The Washington Commanders need a game-changer at quarterback who can elevate the play of Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, etc. It's been a long time since they've had that player, but they'll get a chance to draft one at pick No. 2 in the draft.
NFC North
Chicago Bears
Biggest Need: Wide Receiver
There are several ways to go here, but finding a No. 2 receiver to pair with DJ Moore needs to be at the top of the priority list for the Chicago Bears. Darnell Mooney was expected to do that job, but he regressed in his final year with Chicago.
The Bears could use a bigger receiver who can make plays down the field. There should be several fascinating options for the Bears at pick No. 9, assuming they draft a quarterback at No. 1.
Detroit Lions
Biggest Need: Cornerback
The cornerback position gave the Detroit Lions fits all season, which was ultimately why they didn't make it to the Super Bowl. Cameron Sutton was overmatched as their top cornerback, and his best fit is in the slot. The Lions could use multiple starting outside cornerbacks this offseason to shore up their defense.
Green Bay Packers
Biggest Need: Cornerback
Jaire Alexander had an up-and-down season as he dealt with injuries, but the Green Bay Packers need to find someone opposite him. Eric Stokes was expected to be that player, but injuries have derailed his career. Green Bay could use a quality outside cornerback to pair with Alexander for the next several seasons.
Minnesota Vikings
Biggest Need: Quarterback
With Kirk Cousins eligible to hit the open market, the Minnesota Vikings have a huge hole at quarterback. Minnesota could try to re-sign Cousins, but he's coming off a torn Achilles, and we've likely seen this team peak with him at quarterback. The more likely option is to allow Cousins to walk and select a replacement early in the draft.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
Biggest Need: Quarterback
The Atlanta Falcons are just a quarterback away from being relevant in the NFC. They're loaded with weapons and have one of the top offensive lines in the league. If they can find a quarterback, even a Baker Mayfield–level starter, the Falcons could immediately be competitive in the NFC.
Carolina Panthers
Biggest Need: Wide Receiver
If Bryce Young is going to succeed in the NFL, the Carolina Panthers have to do a better job of surrounding him with weapons. But without a first-round pick, that's going to be difficult to accomplish. Expect the Panthers to be heavily interested in Tee Higgins and Michael Pittman Jr., if either hits free agency.
New Orleans Saints
Biggest Need: Wide Receiver
The New Orleans Saints can no longer rely on Michael Thomas, and he's set to hit free agency. Chris Olave is an outstanding player, but he could use a running mate who is of some size and physicality. The Saints need to find a receiver who can win in the red zone and convert in 1-on-1 situations. They don’t need to find a No. 1 receiver, but they do need to find someone who can be reliable and consistent.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Biggest Need: Center
Ryan Jensen officially announced his retirement, and it's clear Robert Hainsey isn't a starting-caliber center. The rest of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offensive line is pretty good, but the team has to figure out the center position moving forward.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
Biggest Need: Pass Rusher
Wide receiver and cornerback could also be listed here for the Arizona Cardinals, but they desperately need pass-rush help. The sack leader for the Cardinals last season was Dennis Gardeck (6.0), who is listed at 6-foot, 232 pounds. No one else on the team had more than four sacks. Arizona must find a bonafide pass rusher who can consistently win 1-on-1 matchups.
But that's easier said than done.
Los Angeles Rams
Biggest Need: EDGE Rusher
Byron Young was a huge addition for the Los Angeles Rams last year — he led the team in sacks as a rookie. He projects as a quality starter moving forward, but the Rams have to get him more help. Michael Hoecht was the starter opposite of Young last season, and he just doesn't have the athleticism to threaten tackles.
Look for Los Angeles to try to get younger and more explosive at that position this offseason.
San Francisco 49ers
Biggest Need: Cornerback
The San Francisco 49ers had some issues stopping elite passing attacks this season, partly due to their secondary. They could use some additional cornerback help, especially in the slot. This spot isn't a huge issue, but it's one they need to improve if they want their defense to continue to play at a high level.
Seattle Seahawks
Biggest Need: EDGE Rusher
Boye Mafe had a nice breakout season in Year 2, but he fell off down the stretch, and the Seattle Seahawks didn't have anyone else step up. Seattle needs to add multiple pass rushers to its defense, and you can bet new coach Mike Macdonald will be searching the free-agent market for options.
