NFL Analysis
2/11/25
16 min read
Every NFL Team's Biggest Need Entering 2025 Offseason
Super Bowl LIX is officially in the books, which means we can start to look towards next year. The NFL never stops. Free agency will open up in less than a month, and we should expect plenty of player movement. With general managers getting more aggressive each year, we should be in for another wild offseason.
What does each team need to get back into contention in 2025? Here is the biggest need for each team going into the offseason:
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Every NFL Team's Biggest Need
Arizona Cardinals 
Biggest Need: EDGE Rusher
The Arizona Cardinals overperformed expectations on defense this year, but it’s time to add some talent to the defense. Luckily for Arizona, this is a talent-rich EDGE class in free agency and the draft.
Expect the Cardinals to bring in a big-time free-agent pass rusher (Josh Sweat?) and use multiple picks to improve their defensive line this offseason.
Atlanta Falcons
Biggest Need: EDGE Rusher
No team in the NFL had a worse pass rush than the Atlanta Falcons. They had hoped Matt Judon would solve some of those issues, but it didn’t happen.
They need to get more athletic on the edge and find a pass rusher who can consistently beat 1-on-1 blocks. Until that happens, this will be one of the worst defenses in the NFL.
Baltimore Ravens
Biggest Need: EDGE Rusher
Kyle Van Noy had a breakout season for the Baltimore Ravens, but he isn’t a long-term option, as he’ll turn 34 in March. Baltimore needs a No. 1 EDGE rusher who can demand double teams on the outside.
The Ravens' lack of pass rush was evident in big games, and it will need to be fixed quickly if they want to advance in the playoffs.
Buffalo Bills
Biggest Need: Cornerback
The Buffalo Bills had one of the best defenses in the NFL last season, but the moment Christian Benford went down in the AFC Championship Game, their defense was doomed.
Kaiir Elam wasn’t ready for the moment and now Rasul Douglas is set to hit free agency. The Bills need depth all over the defense, but adding another starting-caliber cornerback on the outside needs to be a priority.
Carolina Panthers
Biggest Need: EDGE Rusher
It’s not surprising that the Carolina Panthers pass rush got way worse after trading Brian Burns to the Giants. They were unable to replace his production, and now they will need to do so either in free agency or the draft.
Expect the Panthers to sign multiple big-money free agents on the defensive line this offseason.
Chicago Bears
Biggest Need: Offensive Guard
The Chicago Bears are a prime candidate to spend big money on a free-agent guard this offseason. Ben Johnson wants to shore up the offensive line right away, and there are several quality guards available on the market.
It would be a major shock if the Bears weren’t in on someone like Trey Smith this offseason.
Cincinnati Bengals
Biggest Need: Offensive Guard
The Cincinnati Bengals need to make some big upgrades on defense, especially on the line. But both guard spots need to be replaced this offseason. Cincinnati relies on its offense to win games, but with two below-average guards, it puts a lot of pressure on Joe Burrow to be flawless.
Look for the Bengals to explore the free-agent market to find more competent guard play.
Cleveland Browns
Biggest Need: Quarterback
Nothing matters for the Cleveland Browns until they get the quarterback position right. They’ve managed to have some success with average quarterback play during the last few years, but missing on Deshaun Watson has set their franchise back.
And with Watson likely out for the entire 2025 season with an Achilles injury, it’s time for the Browns to take another swing at the most important position in sports.
Dallas Cowboys
Biggest Need: Defensive Line
The hiring of Matt Eberflus as the defensive coordinator indicates the Dallas Cowboys will prioritize the defensive line this offseason. Micah Parsons is a great building block, but they could use as many as three other starters on the defensive line.
DeMarcus Lawrence, Chauncey Golston, Carl Lawson, and Osa Odighizuwa are all free agents, which means Dallas will need to rebuild the entire unit moving forward.
Denver Broncos
Biggest Need: Tight End
Wide receiver could also be mentioned here, but the play of Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims down the stretch gives them at least multiple options. The cupboard is bare when it comes to the Denver Broncos tight end position, and Sean Payton’s offense needs a dynamic threat in the middle of the field.
Unfortunately, this is a weak tight end class in free agency, but the draft has high-end talent and depth. Look for Payton and the Broncos to be aggressive in finding their next franchise tight end.
Detroit Lions
Biggest Need: EDGE Rusher
The Detroit Lions have one of the best rosters in the league and don’t have many glaring needs. They could get younger on the offensive line, and adding another starting-caliber cornerback would help.
However, look for them to continue to invest on the defensive line as they search for a long-term running mate with Aidan Hutchinson.
Green Bay Packers
Biggest Need: EDGE Rusher
The Green Bay Packers have spent multiple first-round picks on their defensive line, but the unit still isn’t good enough when facing top-tier teams.
Rashan Gary is a high-end starter, but they need to find someone dynamic opposite of him. Paying big money to a free-agent rusher is possible, but expect the Packers to use the depth of the draft to improve their defensive line.
Houston Texans
Biggest Need: Wide Receiver
The Houston Texans had arguably the best wide receiver trio in the league going into the 2024 season. However, season-ending knee injuries to Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell ruined their season.
Diggs is a free agent, and Dell is expected to miss the entire 2025 season, which means the Texans once again need a receiver.
Indianapolis Colts
Biggest Need: Cornerback
It sure seems like the Indianapolis Colts are set on giving Anthony Richardson more time. If that’s the case, the front office's attention should turn to the defense.
The Colts have taken some chances on long, athletic cornerbacks, but it has yet to work out. And for this defense to turn around, they have to be more dynamic in the secondary.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Biggest Need: Cornerback
The Jacksonville Jaguars need to completely rehaul the back seven of their defense this offseason. They’ve made heavy investments in the defensive line, but the cornerback room is one of the worst in the league.
The hope is that Tyson Campbell can get healthy, but they need to add multiple starters to the unit.
Kansas City Chiefs
Biggest Need: Offensive Tackle
The biggest downfall for the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2024-25 season was their offensive tackles. Joe Thuney moved out to left tackle to help minimize the damage, but his best position is at guard.
Finding a franchise-caliber left tackle should be among the Chiefs' top priorities this offseason. And until they get better tackle play, the offense will always be somewhat compromised.
Las Vegas Raiders
Biggest Need: Quarterback
The Las Vegas Raiders will have a new Week 1 starter again in 2025. But will it be a rookie or a veteran?
That is the only discussion, and it should be the franchise's No. 1 priority. Playing in a division with Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Bo Nix makes it even more pressing, as the Raiders can't climb out of last place until they do so.
Los Angeles Chargers
Biggest Need: Tight End
The addition of Ladd McConkey made the Los Angeles Chargers a playoff team in 2024. However, if they want to take the next step and start winning playoff games, they’ll need to add another weapon.
Adding another receiver makes sense, but getting a dynamic tight end should be a priority for Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman.
Los Angeles Rams
Biggest Need: Wide Receiver
Les Snead did a fantastic job of rebuilding the defense during the last few years, but now it’s time for the offense to get an influx of talent. Cooper Kupp will be moving on (via trade or release), so the Los Angeles Rams will need another weapon.
A dynamic tight end could also be an option, especially after the Rams explored trading up for Brock Bowers last offseason. Regardless, adding another weapon to pair with Puka Nacua is a must for Los Angeles.
Miami Dolphins
Biggest Need: Offensive Guard
You can make a case that offensive tackle could be the No. 1 need for the Miami Dolphins, depending on what happens with Terron Armstead. We are going with guard, as the Dolphins struggled at both spots for most of the season.
Keeping the middle of the pocket clean for Tua Tagovailoa is vital for their success, so expect the Dolphins to address both spots early in free agency.
Minnesota Vikings
Biggest Need: Cornerback
The Minnesota Vikings had one of the league’s top secondaries during the 2024 season, which allowed Brian Flores to be highly aggressive with his blitz packages.
With Byron Murphy and Stephon Gilmore set to hit free agency, adding cornerbacks will be key for the Vikings to sustain their success on defense.
New England Patriots
Biggest Need: Offensive Tackle
You could make a strong case that wide receiver could be the No. 1 need for the New England Patriots, and you wouldn’t be wrong. However, the Patriots have the worst set of offensive tackles in the league, and they must do a better job of protecting Drake Maye.
Finding multiple starting-caliber offensive tackles is a must for the Patriots as they restart the rebuild under Mike Vrabel.
New Orleans Saints
Biggest Need: Quarterback
Time is running out on Derek Carr, who will turn 34 in March. His future with the New Orleans Saints is uncertain after missing seven games during the 2024 season.
While he is still a competent starter, he doesn’t move the needle much for a team that is stuck in the middle of the NFC.
New York Giants
Biggest Need: Quarterback
The New York Giants are set up well to turn things around quickly. They have a bonafide No. 1 receiver on the roster, an All-Pro caliber left tackle, and a defensive line that should be among the best in the league.
However, they need the franchise quarterback to make everything gel. And with the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, you can bet that they will be targeting one at that spot.
New York Jets
Biggest Need: Quarterback
Just like the other team stationed in New Jersey, the New York Jets won’t be relevant in the AFC until they have a quarterback. Obviously, getting their version of Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, or Josh Allen would be nice.
However, they just need a respectable quarterback who can win them games without causing a bunch of drama. Again, easier said than done.
Philadelphia Eagles
Biggest Need: Linebacker
The Philadelphia Eagles don’t have many holes going into the 2025 offseason, and that is why they are Super Bowl champions.
With Zack Baun being a pending free agent, the Eagles could look to add another veteran linebacker this offseason. Even if Baun returns, adding another linebacker would be a smart move, given Nakobe Dean’s uncertain health.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Biggest Need: Quarterback
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a roster good enough to make a deep postseason run. However, they don’t have a quarterback, and bringing back Russell Wilson or Justin Fields will not be enough.
They need someone who can win from the pocket and create with their legs. Finding that player is much easier said than done, but that should be Pittsburgh's No. 1 priority this offseason.
San Francisco 49ers
Biggest Need: Defensive Tackle
The San Francisco 49ers suffered multiple injuries on the defensive line this season, and it exposed their lack of depth. And with Robert Saleh coming back to coach the defense, you can fully expect the 49ers to be aggressive in adding to the defensive tackle room.
They could use multiple starter-caliber players at this position, especially if they want to get back to competing for Super Bowls.
Seattle Seahawks
Biggest Need: Offensive Guard
The Seattle Seahawks did a terrible job of protecting Geno Smith this offseason and had arguably the worst interior offensive line in the league.
Getting better in the trenches will be vital for the Seahawks if they want their offense to take the next step.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Biggest Need: EDGE Rusher
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense led them to another NFC South title, but the defense is the reason why they couldn't advance past Round 1.
The Buccaneers could use help on all three levels, especially at linebacker. But their lack of a pass rush was evident all season long. Expect the Buccaneers to be one of a dozen teams prioritizing pass rushers this offseason.
Tennessee Titans
Biggest Need: Quarterback
The Tennessee Titans own the No. 1 pick for a reason. The quarterback position was one of the worst in the NFL, and Will Levis took a major step backward in Year 2.
Adding a dynamic quarterback option is the only way the Titans will escape the AFC basement.
Washington Commanders
Biggest Need: Cornerback
The Washington Commanders traded for Marshon Lattimore midseason, but that move did not work. The veteran cornerback looked slow and became a frequent target for opposing quarterbacks.
Maybe he’ll be better in 2025, but adding another viable option on the outside is a must for this front office.
