The games are complete and we now head toward the roster-building process for the 2026 season, starting with free agency. Here are the fluid top three needs from every team which factors all players who are not under contract when the new league year opens. As teams re-sign and/or franchise players, we will adjust the team needs. These will change multiple times prior to the NFL Draft in April.
NFC East
1: Offensive Line: This has been a weak point for years and their most recent draft picks that were listed there, Joshua Ezeudu and Evan Neal, have been disappointments. They and Greg Van Roten, a starter over the past two seasons, are all free agents as is right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor.
2: Wide Receiver: The development of Jaxson Dart must include more support around him at the playmaker positions, especially considering they want him to take less on his shoulders as a runner. This year’s leading receiver, Wan’Dale Robinson, is a free agent and 2024 leading receiver Malik Nabers has had issues staying on the field with 15 games missed already in two years.
3: Linebacker: The run defense has been a vital missing piece that has contributed to their defensive issues in recent years (bottom two in yards per attempt allowed in three of the past four years). Bobby Okereke has lost a step and when Micah McFadden went down, the position was a revolving door with poor results.
1: Defensive Back: The need was there prior to the release of Trevon Diggs. Now that he’s gone, the team must find another starting caliber corner and that is even if Shavon Revel Jr. progresses from a rough seven-game rookie season.
2: Edge: This was an inevitable need following the trade of Micah Parsons last summer. Even though Donovan Ezeiruaku had a strong rookie season, the shelf is nearly empty beyond him as Dante Fowler Jr., Sam Williams, and Jadeveon Clowney are all free agents.
3: Wide Receiver: We saw what the Cowboys’ passing game can be with two real weapons on the outside. As of now, George Pickens is a free agent and will undoubtedly be expecting a massive payday. Until he is locked up, this will be the biggest need on an offense that will go only as far as the air attack can bring them.
1: Tight End: The team’s top three tight ends are all set to become free agents. Even if they bring back starter Dallas Goedert they should try to address this position in the draft.
2: Edge: Nolan Smith Jr. and Jalyx Hunt are set to return in 2026, but there is a notable lack of rotational depth with several players set to become free agents. They will need at least one solid option in the draft.
3: Defensive Back: Quinyon Mitchell is still set at CB1, with Cooper DeJean in the slot. But the Eagles need to try and upgrade the other outside corner position. The other corner, Adoree' Jackson, is a free agent as is starting safety Reed Blankenship. They will need to shore up the secondary in the draft.
1: Wide Receiver: The potential impact of this group falls off a cliff once you look past Terry McLaurin, especially with Deebo Samuel heading toward free agency. This is the time to put resources into Jayden Daniels’ support system while he is on a rookie contract.
2: Defensive Back: No defense allowed more yards than Washington and only one pass defense allowed more yards per attempt. With Head Coach Dan Quinn calling the shots, this is a top priority.
3: Edge: Equally (if not more) impactful was a lack of pass rush in year two under Quinn’s defensive leadership. The Von Miller experiment was never a long-term play and there is nobody on that depth chart who can take over a game, a staple of the best Quinn defenses.
NFC South
1: Wide Receiver: Drake London has been a star for the Falcons, but the options behind him are sorely lacking. Darnell Mooney struggled with injury and performance and KhaDarel Hodge and Casey Washington were non-factors.
2: Tight End: New head coach Kevin Stefanski utilizes the tight end position more than most coaches, and Kyle Pitts is set to become a free agent. The only TE under contract for 2026 is Charlie Woerner, but he is a potential cap casualty.
3: Offensive Line: The starting line should be set in place for next year, but this should be a position that is addressed in the draft due to age and a lack of depth.
1: Linebacker: Bucs’ franchise legend Lavonte David could retire this off-season. If so, the only notable player that returns is SirVocea Dennis, and he had problems in coverage.
2: Edge: Haason Reddick is due for free agency but there is some depth in numbers. They need an upgrade at outside linebacker as players like Anthony Nelson, Chris Braswell, David Walker, and Yaya Diaby are rotational backups.
3: Cornerback: Starter Jamel Dean might depart in free agency. This will leave the team with Zyon McCollum and Benjamin Morrison, both of whom were inconsistent. Rookie Jacob Parrish returns at nickel but all three spots could use some competition as possible upgrades.
1: Wide Receiver: Outside of Chris Olave’s excellent season, the Saints’ wide receiver room had very little to write home about. Whether they plan to build around Tyler Shough or another quarterback, they will need to surround them with a better receiving corps than what is available on the roster.
2: Interior Offensive Line: The team could look to replace Cesar Ruiz, and Dillon Radunz is set to become a free agent.
3: Running Back: Alvin Kamara may still have something in the tank, but he will be 31 years old next season and entering the last season of his contract. There is also not an established backup option behind him on the depth chart.
1: Offensive Line: There are multiple free agents along the interior, such as Cade Mays and Austin Corbett who split the snaps at center. Right guard Brady Christensen and swing tackle Yosh Nijman are also set to hit the market and the odds are, at least one will shake free, if not more.
2: Linebacker: The weak point of the defense was smack in the middle. Injuries have piled up and the depth simply was not there. Improvements have been made to the front and secondary since their dead-last defense-rank in 2024, but the linebackers remain a weakness.
3: Edge: The team double dipped on day two last year but Princely Umanmielen did not show much as a rookie and starter DJ Wonnum is set to be a free agent. The front office already stated the pass rush was not good enough, as they finished 31st in pressure rate.
NFC North
1: Offensive Line: Injuries and age have taken their toll all along the line and performance was affected. Even if left tackle Taylor Decker returns, they will need a tackle and depth on the interior.
2: Edge: Aidan Hutchinson returns as one of the best edge rushers in the league. Free agency could claim Al-Quadin Muhammad and Marcus Davenport. There is a need for an influx of talent.
3: Defensive Back: DJ Reed and Terrion Arnold will both return at outside corner for the Lions. Amik Robertson is an impending free agent so they will need a nickel and depth at outside corner. Depth at safety is also a consideration.
1: Defensive Line: The Packers struggled against the run and lacked overall depth as injuries took their toll. They need a stout run stuffer that can collapse the pocket. Depth on the edge is also needed as Rashan Gary is a likely cap casualty.
2: Offensive Line: The interior needs new blood as Sean Rhyan is a free agent and Elgton Jenkins could be a cap casualty. Depth and competition at left tackle is also a consideration.
3: Cornerback: The Packers return the starters in the corner room but production is middling. A shutdown corner is desirable.
1: Defensive Line: The Bears struggled on defense down the stretch, especially against the run. Getting a physical defensive tackle to fit the rotation is a priority.
2: Defensive Back: Safeties Kevin Byard III and Jaquan Brisker are set to become free agents and the Bears will be hard pressed to keep both. Another corner should be looked at as well.
3: Offensive Line: The Bears got solid play from the interior offensive line, but age is creeping up to Joe Thuney. They aren’t totally secure at left tackle either.
1: Linebacker: Eric Wilson had a career-year but the soon-to-be 32-year-old is a free agent and the combination of Blake Cashman and Ivan Pace Jr. are all that's left. Both have athletic limitations in space.
2: Wide Receiver: Even when all their receivers were on the field together, which was not often enough, drops were a significant issue. Jordan Addison continues to present problems off the field and Jalen Nailor is a free agent.
3: Defensive Line: Jalen Redmond enjoyed a breakout season but he is a free agent and this team already has a lot of financial resources spent inside. The depth is limited, however, and run defense was inconsistent.
NFC West
1: Wide Receiver: With Brandon Aiyuk playing his last snap as a 49er, San Francisco is extremely thin at the position. Ricky Pearsall returns but they need another receiver along with depth as free agency could take Jauan Jennings and Kendrick Bourne.
2: Offensive Line: Spencer Burford, Ben Bartch, and Matt Hennessy are due to become UFAs this offseason. Left tackle Trent Williams will be 38 next season, so the 49ers will need depth and some help on the interior, specifically at the left guard spot.
3: Defensive Line: The only returning players on the interior will be two rookies Alfred Collins and CJ West. On the edge, the recovery of Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams will be paramount to the team’s success next year. They will need more both on the edge and interior.
1: Quarterback: Kyler Murray has flashed greatness in his career but has also been inconsistent and often injured. With Mendoza likely gone when they draft, they’ll most likely look to the later rounds and free agency.
2: Edge: The Cardinals could move on from Baron Browning and are in need of playmakers on defense. They will look to upgrade the pass rush but could use impact players at all levels of the defense.
3: Offensive Line: With Jonah Williams and Kelvin Beachum set to become free agents they will need a tackle to step in right away. Guard play has also been an issue in need of upgrades.
1: Wide Receiver: Davante Adams should be back, but he is on his last legs and they never got comfortable with the 11 personnel, a staple of the Sean McVay offense. A physical inside-out threat who can give them a deep threat would be ideal.
2: Defensive Back. The Rams traded for Roger McCreary in-season but he is set to hit the market and the team's corners were a significant problem besides him, hence the trade. Starting safety Kamren Curl is also a free agent and his versatile production is hard to replace.
3: Linebacker: Nate Landman was a great value-find but Omar Speights is athletically limited and it showed late in the season. They need more speed and a guy who can make a difference in coverage.
1: Defensive Back: Corners Josh Jobe and Riq Woolen along with safety Coby Bryant are set to become free agents. It’s unlikely all three will return so this is a high priority.
2: Offensive Line: The Seahawks addressed the interior last year with Grey Zabel, but still need to upgrade the interior to improve pass protection.
3: Running Back: With Kenneth Walker III set to become a free agent he will command a sizable raise. Re-signing him will be costly. Depth is also needed.
AFC East
1: Quarterback: Justin Fields lost his starting job to Tyrod Taylor in 2025, who is a free agent. This is a franchise starving for a long-term plan at the position as their 2018 first rounder, who they gave up on, is playing in the Super Bowl.
2: Defensive Line: While the trade of Quinnen Williams did net them draft capital to build for the future, there is a notable vacancy inside against both the run and pass.
3: Wide Receiver: Garrett Wilson played in just seven games and the drop off in talent hit them in the face. There is nothing in this group that can take attention off Wilson or replace him even halfway if another injury occurs.
1: Cornerback: The team currently has Rasul Douglas and Storm Duck slated to be their starting cornerbacks next season. They should look to bring in other options this offseason.
2: Tight End: Darren Waller had a surprisingly solid season in 2025 but is awaiting a new contract. Julian Hill is also a free agent this off-season.
3: Quarterback: Tua Tagovailoa was benched towards the end of last season. With a new head coach and general manager joining the team, they could look to bring in another option.
1: Wide Receiver: Keon Coleman has been a disappointment so far and the rest of the group has been underwhelming with occasional flash. They are in need of a playmaker.
2: Edge: Joey Bosa is aging and a free agent. They need a starter and rotational depth.
3: Linebacker: Age is catching up to Matt Milano and Shaq Thompson and both are free agents. A starter and depth will be a priority.
1: Wide Receiver: The Patriots passing game took a significant step up from 2024, largely due to the development of Drake Maye and an improved offensive line. Next up, bring in a young number one receiver who can grow with him and take over a lead role in 2027.
2: Edge: The good news is K’Lavon Chaisson had a breakout year and led the team in both pressures and sacks. The bad news is, he will be a free agent and the other pieces within their pass rush lack star power.
3: Offensive Line: While the line held strong and overcame injuries here and there, the tackles remain on unstable ground. Morgan Moses is not a long-term answer and Will Campbell could be a better fit inside.
AFC South
1: Edge: Laiatu Latu has shown flashes to start his career, but the Colts need a true dominant edge to take the defense to the next level. Kwity Paye is also scheduled to become a free agent.
2: Linebacker: Germaine Pratt showed lots of promise but is scheduled to be a free agent. It is unknown what the Colts plan to do with Zaire Franklin, who is coming off an underwhelming season.
3: Safety: This could be resolved depending on if the Colts plan to re-sign Nick Cross, but currently he is scheduled to hit the market. If he leaves, the Colts will need to pair up a partner alongside Cam Bynum.
1: Edge: Jeffery Simmons finished with eleven sacks last season, but the next highest player had only five. Tennessee needs to add a perennial pass rusher outside to assist him.
2: Wide Receiver: The Titans simply need to surround quarterback Cam Ward with more firepower in year two. Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor both showed promise as rookies, but the team could use another weapon alongside them.
3: Cornerback: L’Jarius Sneed has not been what the Titans were hoping he’d be and is a candidate to be released. Tennessee could look to add another cornerback alongside Jalyn Armour-Davis, Marcus Harris, and Darrell Baker Jr.
1: Defensive Line: Jacksonville got limited production from their interior defensive line and especially in pass rush. Arik Armstead managed 5.5 sacks last season, but will turn 33 years old next season, while three of the backup defensive linemen are set to be free agents.
2: Defensive Back: Cornerbacks Greg Newsome II and Montaric Brown are pending free agents, and safety Andrew Wingard as well. Jacksonville could look to add a rangy safety to the back end alongside Eric Murray.
3: Running Back: With Travis Etienne Jr. likely to hit the free agency market, the team must find a lead back to take the brunt of the carries to complement Bhayshul Tuten, who is best served as a number two guy.
1: Defensive Line: Tim Settle is a pending free agent and could be replaced. Sheldon Rankins has played well, but will be 32 years next season entering the last year of his contract.
2: Offensive line: Trent Brown is a free agent and could walk. Adding another offensive tackle gives them the flexibility to move Tytus Howard around.
3: Running Back: Joe Mixon’s future with the team is in the air, while Nick Chubb is set to hit the market. Woody Marks returns after an impressive rookie season, but they could look to add another option.
AFC North
1: Quarterback: The 2025 version of the constant quarterback problem had three different starters with a combined 16 touchdowns and 18 interceptions as the team finished bottom two in scoring for the second straight year.
2: Wide Receiver: Jerry Jeudy led the receivers with 50 catches (and 9 drops) and the next highest was Cedric Tillman with 21. No matter what they do at quarterback, there needs to be another option or two on the outside.
3: Offensive Line: Both inside and outside, the offensive line was a significant part of the offensive struggles and their four most used starters are all free agents and the team is welcoming in a new system.
1: Edge: Star Trey Hendrickson is all but gone after his long-winded contract dispute that only resulted in a one-year deal. His pending free agency is not a good sign for a pass rush that ranked bottom eight two straight seasons.
2: Defensive Back: Geno Stone struggled and he is heading toward free agency with very little hope left behind him to step in. They could also use a pure outside corner for a pass defense that has been bottom four in yards per attempt allowed two of the past three seasons.
3: Guard: The consistency in a penetrable offensive line that has limited Joe Burrow’s ability to shine has been a bewildering problem this organization has struggled to fix for years. The interior has multiple holes along with multiple free agents.
1: Defensive Line: With Kyle Van Noy, David Ojabo, and Dre’Mont Jones set to become free agents this is a critical need as there was little production behind this group. With Nnambi Madubuike’s future in doubt, defensive interior also should be addressed.
2: Offensive Line: The guard position needs to be upgraded as Andrew Vorhees and Daniel Faalele struggled. Center Tyler Linderbaum is a free agent they would like to retain. Depth at tackle is also a need.
3: Defensive Back: With Alohi Gilman and Ar’Darius Washington free agents they will need a starting caliber safety if they expect to keep using Kyle Hamilton all over the defense.
1: Quarterback: The status of 2025 starter Aaron Rodgers is unknown, as usual, and all that is left is 2025 sixth-rounder Will Howard. If you are unsure if you have an answer at quarterback long term, you do not have a quarterback long term.
2: Offensive Line: The underlying theme to both the inside and outside portions of the line revolves around the word average. It is an unstable and inconsistent group overall and that is not the Steeler way.
3: Defensive Back: They have pieces at both corner and safety but there are holes at both with long-term question marks, as Jalen Ramsey is their best piece and he turns 32 next season. They had six safeties play over 100 snaps, three of whom are free agents.
AFC West
1: Quarterback: Raider nation has taken a nosedive offensively since moving on from Derek Carr. No team scored less points and no offense gained less first downs.
2: Edge: Malcolm Koonce did not bounce back the way many were hoping for and now there are rumors Maxx Crosby is unhappy with the franchise after they essentially forced him to sit out the final two weeks of the season.
3: Offensive Line: The lack of depth showed up in ugly fashion and they have two interior starters heading toward free agency. Restarting with a new quarterback must include better protection up front with extra attention on depth.
1: Running Back: It's possible that the Chiefs try to bring back Isiah Pacheco or Kareem Hunt, but their run game struggled in 2025. At this point this is the top priority.
2: Tight End: Travis Kelce is set to become a free agent, but it's likely that if he doesn’t return, it will be due to retirement. They have some depth including long time backup Noah Gray, but will need a top-tier tight end.
3: Wide Receiver: Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy will both be back in 2026, but they both missed significant time and were not as effective as the team would’ve hoped. The Chiefs need new weapons for Mahomes.
1: Offensive Line: With Justin Herbert under constant pressure after injuries to tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, the need for depth is clear. The interior offensive line was decidedly below average in all phases and help is needed at both guard and center.
2: Defensive Line: Depth on the interior and another edge rusher is desirable. With Khalil Mack aging and both Da’Shawn Hand and Odafe Oweh free agents, an influx of talent is needed.
3: Wide Receiver: The Chargers most productive receiver, Keenan Allen, is a free agent. Their young receivers show promise but a true number one is needed.
1: Tight End: Adam Trautman is set to be a free agent and Evan Engram is on his last legs. The best Sean Payton offenses we have seen included a game breaking talent at this position, and they are far from that.
2: Linebacker: Alex Singleton had a strong season, but the 32-year-old is heading toward free agency, as is key rotational linebacker Justin Strnad. With Dre Greenlaw’s issues with staying on the field, this is a potential gaping hole in the spine of the defense.
3: Running Back: The injury to JK Dobbins changed how this offense was engineered on a weekly basis and forced him into too many pass-bias situations. A power back who can handle a load of carries and convert short yardage and who can stay on the field would be ideal to complement what they already have.