Positional Needs for All 32 NFL Teams Heading Into Free Agency, Draft

The franchise-tag deadline in the NFL has passed, with nine teams either using a franchise tag or transition tag in hopes to keep one of their players for the 2024-2025 season. The new league year is slated to begin on March 13, which is when teams are able to begin signing free agents.

There are a bevy of players who didn't receive a franchise tag before the deadline, making them an unrestricted free agent. Besides free agency, all 32 teams can address needs on their roster via the 2024 NFL Draft that begins on April 25.

Using a combination of NFL Draft odds on FanDuel Sportsbook and general analysis, we'll be discussing the most glaring needs for all 32 teams this offseason. Let's dive into what positions each team across the league needs and how they could address the holes on their roster.

NFL Team Needs

NFC West

San Francisco 49ers: IOL, OT, Edge

After losing in the Super Bowl, the San Francisco 49ers have their sights on trying to make it back next season. The future of Brandon Aiyuk is uncertain as the 49ers are expected to try working on an extension when the free agency period passes.

While the skill player group should be strong again in 2024, the offensive line could use some work. Giving Brock Purdy ample time to survey the field and operate from a clean pocket is vital to San Francisco's success moving forward.

Chase Young, Randy Gregory, and Clelin Ferrell are all set to hit free agency, so the 49ers will want to address their pass-rushing department alongside Nick Bosa.

Per the Super Bowl odds at FanDuel Sportsbook, San Fran is listed as the favorite to win it all (+500) next season.

Arizona Cardinals: WR, Edge, CB

The Arizona Cardinals hold the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. has the shortest odds to be the fourth overall pick (-230), according to FanDuel Sportsbook's NFL Draft odds. Giving Kyler Murray a true No. 1 receiver -- especially with Marquise Brown headed toward free agency -- should be a priority for the Cardinals this offseason.

The defensive side of the ball needs a ton of work, making premium positions like cornerback and edge rusher massive needs. According to numberFire's metrics, the Cardinals had the second-worst scheduled-adjusted overall defense in the NFL last season. Arizona's defense also had the fourth-lowest pressure rate (31.9%) in 2023, via NextGenStats.

Arizona owns +1100 odds to win the NFC West.

Los Angeles Rams: Edge, CB, OL

For the first time since the 2016 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams are set to use a first-round pick. While the edge-rusher duo of Byron Young and Michael Hoecht was solid last season, the Rams should look to pair Young with a more explosive pass rusher with Aaron Donald in the final years of his career.

The Rams would also be wise to address the cornerback position. Ahkello Witherspoon is a free agent, and Derion Kendrick struggled in 2023 as the other outside corner.

Up front, despite the Rams wanting to bring back Kevin Dotson -- who they acquired in a trade before the 2023 season -- he'll be able to test the open market. After taking Steve Avila in the second round of last year's draft, the Rams could use an early pick on either a tackle or interior offensive linemen again.

Seattle Seahawks: DT, IOL, LB

Considering that the Seattle Seahawks traded a second and fifth-round pick to acquire Leonard Williams last season, it seems likely they retain him in free agency. There's a chance he walks, which would make defensive tackle a need for the Seahawks, and they allowed the most rushing yards over expected per attempt (0.86) in 2023.

Two of Seattle's starting interior offensive linemen -- Evan Brown and Damien Lewis -- are free agents in the coming days. Both Bobby Wagner and Jordyn Brooks are also free agents, so the Seahawks could be looking to bolster the middle of their defense in free agency and the draft.

With Pete Carroll out and Mike Macdonald in at head coach, Seattle will have a new-look defense in 2024.

NFC North

Chicago Bears: QB, WR, OL

The Chicago Bears control the start of this year's draft with the No. 1 overall pick. Assuming the Bears stay put and move on from Justin Fields, Caleb Williams is sitting at -2000 odds to be the first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

After getting D.J. Moore in a massive draft trade last year, the Bears still need to strengthen their receiver room with Darnell Mooney hitting free agency. Chicago also has the No. 9 overall pick, so they'll have plenty of chances to address wide receiver in this year's deep class at the position.

It will be important for the Bears to continue bolstering their offensive line regardless of who is starting at quarterback next season. The Bears did recently acquire center Ryan Bates in a trade to provide them an option in the interior.

Detroit Lions: CB, Edge, IOL

It was an impressive run to the NFC Championship Game for the Detroit Lions last season.

The defense was a glaring weakness for the Lions in 2023 as they had the fifth-worst scheduled-adjusted defense. The cornerback position needs an overhaul after Detroit's defense surrendered the third-most expected points added per drop back (0.05) in 2023. Pairing Aidan Hutchinson with another effective pass rusher would be ideal after the Lions recorded the 12th-lowest sack rate (6.3%).

While signing Jared Goff to an extension seems like a certainty, the Lions have two of their starters in the interior of their offensive line -- Graham Glasgow and Jonah Jackson -- becoming unrestricted free agents.

The Lions boast the second-shortest odds to win the NFC (+600).

Green Bay Packers: CB, S, RB

A change at defensive coordinator should benefit the Green Bay Packers, who had a fantastic draft class in 2023, one that helped them reach the Divisional Round of the playoffs.

With the offense mostly returning all of its starters from last season, the secondary needs to be improved over the course of the offseason. Safeties Darnell Savage Jr., Rudy Ford, and Jonathan Owens are free agents while cornerbacks Keisean Nixon and Corey Ballentine are also hitting the open market. Jaire Alexander has also missed 10-plus games in two of the last three seasons.

With A.J. Dillon becoming a free agent and Aaron Jones entering his age-30 season in 2024, the Packers could look to add a piece or two to their backfield.

Minnesota Vikings: QB, Edge, CB

The entire outlook for the Minnesota Vikings is entirely dependent on what they elect to do with impending free agent Kirk Cousins. Cousins is coming off a season-ending torn Achilles, but he is expected to have a solid number of suitors once the new league year begins.

Many expect the Vikings to address the quarterback during the 2024 NFL Draft, where they currently have the No. 11 pick. Looking at FanDuel Sportsbook's NFL Draft odds, the Vikings have the third-shortest odds to take J.J. McCarthy (+550), Bo Nix (+550), and Michael Penix Jr. (+470).

Danielle Hunter and D.J. Wonnum -- the starting edge rushers for the Vikings in 2023 -- are both free agents, making edge rusher a glaring need. Getting another cornerback to pair with Byron Murphy would also be ideal.

NFC South

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: QB, LB, IOL

Another veteran quarterback who is going to have a chance to test the open market is Baker Mayfield. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers would love to have Mayfield back in 2024, per reports, but the experienced signal-caller could drum up interest from other quarterback-needy teams this offseason.

Before the franchise-tag deadline, the Buccaneers signed Mike Evans to a two-year, $52-million contract to make sure their duo of Evans and Chris Godwin remains intact.

Lavonte David and Devin White are both unrestricted free agents, so inside linebacker is a need entering free agency. Guard Aaron Stinnie is a free agent, and the Buccaneers were dead last in ESPN's run-block win rate metric in 2023.

Atlanta Falcons: QB, Edge, DT

With Raheem Morris replacing Arthur Smith at head coach, the Atlanta Falcons are in the market for a new quarterback before the 2024 campaign kicks off.

The Falcons are rumored to be a team who could express interest in one of the veteran quarterbacks (Cousins, Mayfield, and Fields) while they also possess the No. 8 pick in this year's draft. Atlanta has the fourth-shortest odds to draft J.J. McCarthy (+600) and the fourth-shortest odds to draft Michael Penix (+600).

Finding a quarterback who can keep Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson heavily involved is the main priority for the Falcons.

Elsewhere, defensive line is a need. Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree -- who both led the Falcons with 6.5 sacks in 2023 -- are free agents, and Grady Jarrett is coming off a torn ACL.

Atlanta is the current favorite in a wide-open division, listed at +140 odds to win the NFC South.

Carolina Panthers: WR, OL, Edge

The Carolina Panthers don't have their own first-round pick -- which is No. 1 overall -- after trading up to take Bryce Young in the 2023 NFL Draft.

With new head coach Dave Canales looking to get the most out of Young, the second-year signal-caller desperately needs receivers who can create separation and be difference makers. Trading for Tee Higgins -- who got the franchise tag from the Cincinnati Bengals -- or making a play for free agent Calvin Ridley are among the options for the Panthers at receiver.

Protecting Young would also be wise, with the Panthers finishing 23rd in pass-block win rate and 30th in run-block win rate in 2023. While Brian Burns received the franchise tag from the Panthers, he could be a tag-and-trade candidate.

New Orleans Saints: Edge, OL, DT

The New Orleans Saints aren't able to move off of Derek Carr for at least another year, so don't expect them to address the quarterback position yet.

With Cameron Jordan being 34 years old and coming off a season where he tallied only two sacks, the Saints need to improve in the pass-rushing department. The Saints registered the fifth-lowest pressure rate (31.9%) and the fourth-lowest sack rate (5.4%) last season.

Ryan Ramcyzk is dealing with a potential career-threatening knee injury, and the offensive line as a whole has been iffy in recent years. Unless Bryan Bresee takes a massive step forward, New Orleans would benefit from adding help at defensive tackle, too.

NFC East

Washington Commanders: QB, Edge, CB

The team with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft is the Washington Commanders, and they happen to be another franchise seeking a hopeful franchise quarterback.

With Caleb Williams a massive favorite to be the first player taken, the Commanders will likely be choosing between either Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels. Maye is the favorite to go No. 2, with -160 odds to be the second overall pick, while Daniels (+140) isn't too far behind.

Defensive upgrades are needed, as well.

Upon trading both Montez Sweat and Chase Young ahead of the trade deadline last season, Washington needs to add edge rushers after tallying the second-lowest pressure rate (30.7%). Even after taking Emmanuel Forbes in last year's draft, the cornerback position is a mess, allowing a league-worst 0.12 expected points added per drop back a season ago.

Dallas Cowboys: CB, OL, RB

The Dallas Cowboys were one-and-done in the playoffs, making this offseason a vital one for head coach Mike McCarthy -- who is entering the final year of his contract.

Aside from Trevon Diggs recovering from a torn ACL, veteran Stephon Gilmore and Jourdan Lewis are free agents at the cornerback position. Reports suggest that longtime left tackle, Tyron Smith, is set to depart in free agency. Tyler Biadasz is also slated to become a free agent, which puts an emphasis on the Cowboys needing to attack offensive line via free agency and the draft.

After Tony Pollard had a disappointing 2023 campaign as the full-time starting running back, it remains to be seen if Dallas has interest in bringing back Pollard. With over a month to go until the draft, the Cowboys are tied for the third-shortest odds to draft Blake Corum (+1000).

Philadelphia Eagles: IOL, CB, LB

Following a collapse down the stretch in 2023, the Philadelphia Eagles have made some alterations to their coaching staff and roster.

The retirement of future Hall-of-Famer Jason Kelce looms large for the Eagles, though Cam Jurgens or Landon Dickerson could replace him at center.

Outside of their pass-rushing unit, Philadelphia's defense was putrid last season. Despite having veterans Darius Slay and James Bradberry set to return in 2024, the Eagles would be wise to find their eventual replacements. The Eagles have long-ignored prioritizing the linebacker position, but they could look to address it with Zach Cunningham, Shaquille Leonard, and Nicholas Morrow all hitting free agency.

New York Giants: WR, IOL, RB

There are rumors swirling that the New York Giants could entertain the idea of making a move for a quarterback during the 2024 NFL Draft in hopes to eventually replace Daniel Jones. While taking a quarterback is a possibility, the Giants should focus on adding a true No. 1 wideout first.

FanDuel Sportsbook's NFL Draft odds list wide receiver as a -140 favorite to be the position of the Giants' first drafted player -- they currently have the No. 6 pick -- on. Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze are prospects who make sense at receiver for New York.

Ben Bredeson, Justin Pugh, Tyre Phillips, and Mark Glowinski could all be free agents in the interior of the offensive line. Saquon Barkley didn't receive the franchise tag, so he very well could have already played his final game with the organization.

AFC West

Denver Broncos: QB, Edge, CB

The Russell Wilson era is already coming to a close with him being released -- or traded -- before his five-year extension with the Denver Broncos even began.

Given Wilson's pending departure, Sean Payton will be looking to hand-pick his next quarterback. The Broncos have the 12th overall pick, and they are sitting at +300 odds to draft Bo Nix and +470 odds to draft J.J. McCarthy.

After moving on from Bradley Chubb and Randy Gregory in recent years, the Broncos also need help at edge rusher. While Patrick Surtain II is an elite cornerback, Denver would be smart to bring in a cornerback or two with Fabian Moreau headed to free agency. You could argue that the Broncos are also in the market for a safety after releasing Justin Simmons.

Los Angeles Chargers: CB, IOL, DT

The Los Angeles Chargers are an interesting team to discuss as their team needs could shift due to roster moves they make to get their cap situation in a better standing. Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack could be cut or trade candidates while Mike Williams could also be on the move via trade.

Under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, the defense needs a ton of love, and that begins at the cornerback position after the Bolts gave up the fourth-most expected points added per drop back (0.02) in 2023.

The trenches need to be improved on both sides of the ball, with center Corey Linsley retiring and defensive tackles Austin Johnson and Nicholas Williams free to sign elsewhere.

The Chargers have a decent amount of work to do to make sure Justin Herbert is in a successful environment.

Kansas City Chiefs: WR, OT, CB

The plan for this offseason should begin and end with the Kansas City Chiefs making sure they bolster their wide receiver depth chart for next season.

While Rashee Rice flashed as an after-the-catch weapon, the Chiefs still need a true No. 1 threat to take the baton from an aging Travis Kelce. Getting a speedy wideout for Patrick Mahomes is undoubtedly an option, and Kansas City owns the shortest odds to draft Xavier Worthy (+400), who set a new 40-yard dash record of 4.21 seconds at the NFL Combine.

In KC's quest to win three Super Bowls in a row, offensive tackle is a need with Donovan Smith becoming a free agent. It remains to be seen if the Chiefs can retain both L'Jarius Sneed and Chris Jones, so their team needs could change in the coming weeks.

Las Vegas Raiders: QB, OL, DT

An upgrade at quarterback is needed for the Las Vegas Raiders, with Jimmy Garoppolo expected to be released and Aidan O'Connell unlikely to be the long-term solution under center.

The Raiders are among the teams who could try to move up for a quarterback or try to trade for one of the veterans available across the NFL. With the No. 13 pick in the first round of this year's draft, Las Vegas has the second-shortest odds to draft Bo Nix (+550).

The Raiders also have three offensive linemen -- Greg Van Roten, Andre James, and Jermaine Eleumunor -- who played 86% or more of the offensive snaps in 2023 and are becoming unrestricted free agents.

Bilal Nichols, John Jenkins, and Adam Butler are all free agents at defensive tackle, putting the trenches on the list of needs for the Raiders.

AFC North

Cincinnati Bengals: OT, DT, TE

After placing the franchise tag on Higgins, the Bengals should have a healthy Joe Burrow targeting him and Ja'Marr Chase in 2024 unless they elect to move Higgins.

Jonah Williams, after playing 100% of Cincinnati's offensive snaps at right tackle last year, is headed to free agency. D.J. Reader is recovering from a torn quad and he'll be an unrestricted free agent, making defensive tackle a need for a team that gave up the sixth-most rushing yards over expected per attempt (0.49).

The Bengals have elected to go with a variety of tight ends in recent years, but adding a true difference maker at the position could be the move to help replace impending free agent Tyler Boyd if they let him walk.

Cleveland Browns: WR, Edge, DT

The Cleveland Browns are committed to trying to make things work with Deshaun Watson at the helm. While Amari Cooper continues to be an underrated No. 1 option, the Browns could use another receiver who can win on the outside.

Getting Myles Garrett a new running mate off of the edge is paramount with Za'Darius Smith set to enter the open market when the new league year begins. Cleveland also has Jordan Elliott, Shelby Harris, and Maurice Hurst hitting free agency, thinning out the interior of their defensive line.

After finishing with the second-best schedule-adjusted defense in 2023, the Browns will want to bulk up their defensive front around Garrett for 2024.

Baltimore Ravens: Edge, IOL, WR

Following a year where the Baltimore Ravens logged the eighth-best pressure rate (38.4%) and the seventh-best sack rate (7.7%), veterans Jadeveon Clowney and Kyle Van Noy are free agents. Both Clowney and Van Noy recorded career-best marks in sacks last season, so replacing them is easier said than done.

Within the interior of their offensive line, there's a chance the Ravens lose both John Simpson and Kevin Zeitler at the guard spots.

Baltimore -- the current division favorite at +100 odds to win the AFC North -- did a fantastic job surrounding reigning MVP Lamar Jackson with more weapons a season ago, but they are still missing a legitimate No. 1 option in the aerial attack, although Zay Flowers may develop into that guy. The good news for the Ravens is this year's receiver class is extremely deep, giving them a chance to continue strengthening their wide receiver room.

Pittsburgh Steelers: QB, CB, OL

The Pittsburgh Steelers can't enter the 2024 campaign with Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph as the only options at quarterback, right?

There are plenty of veteran and rookie options available for the Steelers to choose from, and they currently have the 20th overall pick in the first round of this year's draft. The trio of Pickett, Rudolph, and Mitchell Trubisky combined for an expected points added per drop back of -0.18 in 2023.

Corner Joey Porter Jr. was a home-run pick for the Steelers last year, but pairing him with another outside cornerback would be a wise decision. Additionally, continuing to retool the offensive line should be a focus for Pittsburgh after they took Broderick Jones in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

AFC South

Indianapolis Colts: CB, S, DT

With Anthony Richardson returning from a season-ending shoulder injury and Michael Pittman Jr. staying put on the franchise tag, the Indianapolis Colts should center their attention on improving their defensive unit. The Colts were 22nd in defensive passing success rate last season, and Kenny Moore is an unrestricted free agent. Moore has started in 11-plus games in each of the last six seasons for Indianapolis.

Aside from cornerback, the Colts also have safeties Julian Blackmon and Ronnie Harrison headed toward free agency. The interior of the defensive line could use some attention with Grover Stewart and Taven Bryan free to sign with a new team.

Despite the defense being an area of weakness, the Colts -- who have the 15th pick -- possess the shortest odds to draft Brock Bowers (+350).

Jacksonville Jaguars: CB, DT, IOL

It was an epic collapse for the Jacksonville Jaguars down the stretch in 2023, causing them to miss the postseason. Trevor Lawrence is undoubtedly the long-term answer at quarterback, but it will be interesting to see if the Jaguars bring back Ridley.

Jacksonville has already released Darious Williams, and Tre Herndon is a pending free agent at the cornerback position. After allowing the 11th-most rushing yards over expected per attempt (0.32) last year, the Jaguars parted ways with defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi.

Despite re-signing Ezra Cleveland ahead of free agency, Luke Fortner has been woeful at center. Given the improvements other teams in the AFC South have made, this is an important offseason for the Jaguars.

Houston Texans: CB, OL, RB

Building off a playoff run to the Divisional Round is the focus for a young Houston Texans team that exceeded expectations under first-year head coach Demeco Ryans.

Outside of Derek Stingley Jr., the Texans don't have anyone else to lean on in their secondary. Plus, Steven Nelson, Tavierre Thomas, and Desmond King are all unrestricted free agents.

The Texans dealt with a handful of injuries to their offensive line in 2023, so adding depth in the trenches would be ideal to keep C.J. Stroud upright.

While adding another receiver isn't out of the question, Devin Singletary is a free agent and Dameon Pierce disappointed in his sophomore campaign. The Texans have plenty of cap space, and they can afford to add one of the premier free agent running backs (maybe Barkley?) to round out the offense.

Houston has the sixth-shortest odds to win the AFC (+1400).

Tennessee Titans: OL, WR, CB

Keeping Will Levis clean should be the main focus for the Tennessee Titans after he was sacked on 9.9% of his drop backs in 2023.

According to FanDuel Sportsbook's NFL Draft odds, offensive line (-125) is the favorite to be the position the Titans address with their first pick, which is currently at seventh overall. Tackle prospects such as Joe Alt, Taliese Fuaga, and Olumuyiwa Fashanu have been popular names in mock drafts for Tennessee.

Since the Titans dealt away A.J. Brown, wide receiver has been a need despite veteran DeAndre Hopkins still contributing and being on the roster. Nabers and Odunze are receiver prospects to watch if the Titans want to surround Levis with more talent.

Sean Murphy-Bunting could be on his way out in free agency, and the Titans surrendered the sixth-most expected points added per drop back (0.02) last season.

AFC East

Buffalo Bills: Edge, WR, DT

The Buffalo Bills can't seemingly get over the hump -- or past the Chiefs -- in their quest to win the first Super Bowl of their franchise's existence. Ahead of free agency, the Bills recently released a long list of players, including Tre'Davious White, Jordan Poyer, and Mitch Morse.

Even though the secondary could use some attention as a result of those moves, the Bills need to address the edge rusher spot with All-Pro Von Miller failing to perform at a high level in recent years. Jordan Phillips and Tim Settle could be on new teams in 2024, and the Bills allowed the seventh-most rushing yards over expected per attempt (0.48) in 2023.

With Gabriel Davis likely having a decent market in free agency, Buffalo -- the team with the third-best odds to win the AFC (+650) -- may need to add a new wideout for Josh Allen. Behind the Chiefs, the Bills have the second-shortest odds to draft Xavier Worthy (+900).

Miami Dolphins: OL, DT, Edge

It has been back-to-back years where the Miami Dolphins fizzle out in the second half of the season following a hot start. The Dolphins have expressed the desire to get a long-term deal done with Tua Tagovailoa. With Tagovailoa being a quarterback who excels when he operates from a clean pocket, Miami needs to improve from being 31st in pass-block win rate.

We could see a new-look defensive front for the Dolphins to begin the 2024 campaign.

In a surprising series of events, the Dolphins are allowing Christian Wilkins to test free agency, and Raekown Davis is also hitting the open market at defensive tackle. Even though Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips were fantastic in 2023, both are coming off season-ending injuries, and Andrew Van Ginkel is a free agent.

New York Jets: OL, WR, S

Just about everything that could have went wrong for the New York Jets in 2023 did go wrong, beginning with Aaron Rodgers sustaining a season-ending Achilles injury on the first drive of the season.

For a team banking on Rodgers bouncing back at 40 years old, the offensive line is an absolute mess. The Jets were tied for the fourth-most sacks allowed (64) last year, and Laken Tomlinson, Mekhi Becton, and Connor McGovern are all free agents while Alijah Vera-Tucker is recovering from a season-ending ailment of his own.

In addition to that, Garrett Wilson desperately needs help out wide -- which is why offensive line (-250) and wide receiver (+340) are the two positions with the shortest odds for what spot the Jets will address with their first pick (10th overall), per FanDuel Sportsbook's NFL Draft odds.

Jordan Whitehead and Ashtyn Davis are also pending free agents at safety.

New England Patriots: QB, WR, OT

With the No. 3 overall pick in this year's draft, the New England Patriots have a few avenues they can take under new head coach Jerod Mayo.

While signing or trading for a veteran signal-caller is an option, the betting market is anticipating a quarterback being the pick, with Daniels (+130) and Maye (+160) sporting the shortest odds to be the third pick in the NFL Draft. Replacing Mac Jones should be the top priority for New England in the post-Bill Belichick era.

The leading receiver for the Patriots last season was Demario Douglas with 561 yards, and Kendrick Bourne -- who is coming off a season-ending injury -- is a free agent.

Michael Onwenu and Trent Brown are potentially hitting the open market when the new league year begins, which would leave the Patriots vulnerable at tackle.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.