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The first wave of NFL free agency was as active as ever. Players flew off the board quickly once the league's tampering period began 52 hours before the start of the new league year.
As a result, most of the top free agents are off the board. A handful of well-known offensive veterans like Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson and Amari Cooperremain unsigned.
That said, there's still plenty of time for the NFL's 32 teams to improve their rosters. Some will bolster their depth with second-wave free agency signings while others will look toward the NFL draft to fill their remaining holes.
Here's a look at each team's biggest remain as the NFL's offseason continues.
NFL FREE AGENCY UPDATES: Latest news, rumors, signings, cuts, best available players
After finally addressing their pass rush by signing Josh Sweat, the Cardinals' most glaring holes are on offense. They have a good-looking No. 1 receiver in Marvin Harrison Jr. but could stand to add an upgrade over the triumvirate of Michael Wilson, Zay Jones and Greg Dortch around him. Landing a potential-packed No. 2 receiver to compete with Wilson for playing time would be a smart move.
The Falcons added Leonard Floyd on a one-year deal but he will not be a cure-all for Atlanta's pass rush, which totaled the second-fewest sacks league-wide last season (31). They need to invest in a young, talented prospect who can start across from Floyd and be a long-term partner for Arnold Ebiketie, who had a team-high six sacks last season.
The Ravens lost Brandon Stephens to the Jets in free agency while veteran Tre'Davious White remains unsigned. Perhaps Baltimore is ready to have 2024 fourth-round pick T.J. Tampa step into a larger role, but the Ravens could stand to add a true No. 2 cornerback to pair with Nate Wiggins and star slot-man Marlon Humphrey.
The Bills are another team in need of a No. 2 cornerback. Kaiir Elam was traded away to Dallas while Rasul Douglas remains a free agent. Buffalo has two great cornerbacks in 2023 All-Pro second-teamer Taron Johnson and Pro Football Focus' sixth-graded cornerback from 2024, Christian Benford, but Johnson is at his best in the slot. As such, Buffalo will need another outside starter to fill in.
The Panthers took an upside swing signing Patrick Jones II to a two-year, $20 million deal after he posted seven sacks in a rotational role with the Vikings. Carolina may ask Jones to operate as a starter given the terms of his new deal, but the Panthers should still be searching for high-end talent and depth behind Jones, D.J. Wonnum and 32-year-old Jadeveon Clowney. After all, they had just 32 sacks last season (tied for third-fewest in the NFL and ranked last in defensive EPA.
After addressing their offensive line aggressively in free agency, the Bears can focus on their other needs. They should be looking to address the running back position after D'Andre Swift racked up a paltry 3.8 yards per carry last season. He may bounce back with better blocking, but Chicago is best served adding to the running back room and finding legitimate competition for Swift.
The Bengals entered the offseason desperately needing to find a high-end pass rushing partner for Trey Hendrickson, who was responsible for 17.5 of Cincinnati's 36 sacks last season. Now, Hendrickson is seeking a trade away from the Bengals. That will only amplify Cincinnati's need for help on the edge.
TREY HENDRICKSON LANDING SPOTS: Bears, Commanders best fits for Bengals star
The Browns are in a tough spot at quarterback because of Deshaun Watson's contract. He isn't likely to play in 2025 after suffering two Achilles tears over a couple of months, so Cleveland needs to find a long-term replacement for him. They traded for Kenny Pickett but could still stand to add another quarterback to compete with the 2022 first-round pick.
The Cowboys signed Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders in free agency, but neither figures to be a significant upgrade over Rico Dowdle, who ran for 1,000 yards last season. Dallas needs to find a young, three-down back to pair with Dak Prescott. They could also stand to add a No. 2 receiver to the fold, but finding a starting-caliber running back should be slightly higher on their wish list.
The Broncos are another team that could use a three-down running back. They don't have many needs across their roster, but Sean Payton's offenses have always worked best when he has a dynamic pass-catcher out of the backfield. It isn't clear whether one of those exists in Denver's current group of backs – headlined by Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime – but the Broncos should be positioned to land one in the draft.
The Lions have one star edge rusher in Aidan Hutchinson but don't have a proven sidekick for him. They re-signed Marcus Davenport but he played in just two games last season because of a triceps injury. Detroit should be well-positioned to find an edge rusher prospect who can add some juice across from Hutchinson.
NFL FREE AGENCY GRADES: Chris Godwin, Justin Reid among best early signings
The Packers have turned Keisean Nixon into a strong starting cornerback and they just signed Nate Hobbs, who has been a strong slot man during his career. However, Green Bay should add another high-quality starting option, given that Jaire Alexander's future is uncertain. Even if the Packers keep him, he has played in just 14 of a possible 34 regular-season games the last two years.
The Texans reshaped their offensive line during the 2025 offseason. They traded away Laremy Tunsil and Kenyon Green while adding Cam Robinson, Laken Tomlinson and Ed Ingram to the fold. It isn't clear how the unit will shape up, but adding another quality blocker anywhere would go a long way toward helping protect C.J. Stroud.
The Colts have five tight ends on the roster who have a combined 125 career receptions to their names. No player has more catches in a single season than Albert Okwuegbunam's 33, so Indianapolis could stand to add a standout at the position. They may be in range to select Tyler Warren in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft.
The Jaguars have a handful of recent draft picks on its roster at defensive tackle, but none have yet emerged as a top-tier playmaker or interior pass rusher. That could happen yet, but it won't preclude the Jaguars from considering someone like Michigan's Mason Graham with the fifth pick in the 2025 NFL draft.
The Chiefs signed Jaylon Moore to a two-year, $30 million deal to play left tackle for them, but relying on a player with nine career starts to block on Patrick Mahomes' blind side is risky. Add in Jawaan Taylor's penalty problems (he had 17 last season) and Kingsley Suamataia's pending move to left guard and Kansas City needs to add youth and upside to their tackle room.
The Raiders don't have much at receiver outside of veteran Jakobi Meyers. Geno Smith threw to the likes of DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and Jaxon Smith-Njigba during his time with the Seahawks, so Pete Carroll and John Spytek may want to invest in another pass-catching weapon to go along with Meyers and tight end Brock Bowers.
The Chargers lost Poona Ford in free agency. While they added Naquan Jones and Da'Shawn Hand to help serve as run-stuffers in his stead, they could stand to add a higher-caliber three-down lineman to ensure their resurgence against the run carries over into 2025.
No Rams cornerback graded among the top 50 qualified players at the position for 2024, per Pro Football Focus. Adding a No. 1-type cornerback to the defense could go a long way toward improving Los Angeles' defense, especially with the running game shored up by the signings of Poona Ford and Nate Landman.
NFL FREE AGENCY 2025: Most underrated free agent signings of first wave
The Dolphins need to make sure they protect Tua Tagovailoa as best as possible. They have significant questions on the left side of the offensive line with Terron Armstead's future uncertain, but 2024 second-rounder Patrick Paul may be tapped to step in for him at left tackle. If he does, Miami can focus on finding a replacement for left guard Liam Eichenberg, who allowed two sacks and committed nine penalties last season.
That Minnesota's biggest remaining need is for a veteran backup quarterback is a credit to their offseason thus far. One could make a case that the Vikings could stand to add talent at cornerback, but with J.J. McCarthy recovering from two knee surgeries and never having made an NFL start, getting a proven signal-caller to replace Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones should be high on Minnesota's wish list.
You can take your pick of offensive tackle or wide receiver here, but protecting Drake Maye is paramount. Vederian Lowe is better served as a swing tackle backup, so New England needs to focus on finding a long-term starter to pair with stopgap right tackle Morgan Moses. Grabbing a successor for the 34-year-old should also be in the cards.
The Saints have a couple of good receivers in Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, but adding a tertiary target would go a long way toward opening up their offense. It's also worth noting that Olave and Shaheed were limited to eight and six games respectively, so it would behoove New Orleans to get deeper at the position.
The Giants have one quarterback on their roster at present: Tommy DeVito. Even if they land Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson, they must add more depth to their quarterback room.
Garrett Wilson opened his career with three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, but the Jets need to find a partner for him after parting with Davante Adams. Allen Lazard won't cut it as a No. 2 wide-out at this stage in his career, so expect the Jets to take a look at pass-catchers early in the 2025 NFL draft.
You could make a case that the Eagles need to find a successor for right tackle Lane Johnson, but replenishing their edge rush depth is a slightly higher priority. Josh Sweat signed with the Cardinals in free agency while Brandon Graham retired. The Eagles signed Azeez Ojulari to a one-year deal, but Howie Roseman knows you can never have too much depth in the trenches.
NFL FREE AGENCY 2025: Javon Kinlaw tops five most head-scratching deals
Will Pittsburgh sign Aaron Rodgers? Even if the Steelers do, they will need to find a long-term successor for him. The 2025 draft class isn't particularly strong at quarterback. Still, perhaps Mike Tomlin and Co. will find a developmental prospect (Jaxson Dart? Jalen Milroe?) they like to groom behind whichever veteran they land.
The 49ers had to move on from Javon Hargrave, Maliek Collins and Leonard Floyd during the offseason. That leaves them with little depth at defensive tackle and needing to add another piece to their pass-rushing rotation across from Nick Bosa. San Francisco also has needs on the offensive line (specifically at left guard and right tackle) but the Niners may be hard-pressed to plug all of their holes while also inking Brock Purdy to an extension.
The Seahawks signed Sam Darnold to a three-year deal in free agency. Now, they need to improve his blocking, as Darnold had the third-longest average time to throw last season, ahead of only Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts. Getting a top-flight guard or a solid center would go a long way toward ensuring Darnold has a chance to succeed following his career-best season in Minnesota.
The Buccaneers are another team without a glaring need, so prioritizing a successor for the 35-year-old Lavonte David would be a smart move. Jihaad Campbell is a player they could consider targeting in the first round, provided he makes it to the 19th pick.
Will Levis and Brandon Allen are the only quarterbacks on Tennessee's roster. The Titans have other needs but will likely consider drafting Cam Ward since they are armed with the No. 1 overall pick.
The Commanders got two major upgrades on offense in trading for Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel. They need to shift their attention to the defense during the 2025 NFL draft and find a replacement for Dante Fowler, who returned to the Cowboys on a one-year deal.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2025 NFL free agency: Biggest remaining need for every team
Continue reading...
As a result, most of the top free agents are off the board. A handful of well-known offensive veterans like Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson and Amari Cooperremain unsigned.
That said, there's still plenty of time for the NFL's 32 teams to improve their rosters. Some will bolster their depth with second-wave free agency signings while others will look toward the NFL draft to fill their remaining holes.
Here's a look at each team's biggest remain as the NFL's offseason continues.
NFL FREE AGENCY UPDATES: Latest news, rumors, signings, cuts, best available players
Arizona Cardinals
- Biggest need: Wide receiver
After finally addressing their pass rush by signing Josh Sweat, the Cardinals' most glaring holes are on offense. They have a good-looking No. 1 receiver in Marvin Harrison Jr. but could stand to add an upgrade over the triumvirate of Michael Wilson, Zay Jones and Greg Dortch around him. Landing a potential-packed No. 2 receiver to compete with Wilson for playing time would be a smart move.
Atlanta Falcons
- Biggest need: Edge rusher
The Falcons added Leonard Floyd on a one-year deal but he will not be a cure-all for Atlanta's pass rush, which totaled the second-fewest sacks league-wide last season (31). They need to invest in a young, talented prospect who can start across from Floyd and be a long-term partner for Arnold Ebiketie, who had a team-high six sacks last season.
Baltimore Ravens
- Biggest need: Cornerback
The Ravens lost Brandon Stephens to the Jets in free agency while veteran Tre'Davious White remains unsigned. Perhaps Baltimore is ready to have 2024 fourth-round pick T.J. Tampa step into a larger role, but the Ravens could stand to add a true No. 2 cornerback to pair with Nate Wiggins and star slot-man Marlon Humphrey.
Buffalo Bills
- Biggest need: Cornerback
The Bills are another team in need of a No. 2 cornerback. Kaiir Elam was traded away to Dallas while Rasul Douglas remains a free agent. Buffalo has two great cornerbacks in 2023 All-Pro second-teamer Taron Johnson and Pro Football Focus' sixth-graded cornerback from 2024, Christian Benford, but Johnson is at his best in the slot. As such, Buffalo will need another outside starter to fill in.
Carolina Panthers
- Biggest need: Edge rusher
The Panthers took an upside swing signing Patrick Jones II to a two-year, $20 million deal after he posted seven sacks in a rotational role with the Vikings. Carolina may ask Jones to operate as a starter given the terms of his new deal, but the Panthers should still be searching for high-end talent and depth behind Jones, D.J. Wonnum and 32-year-old Jadeveon Clowney. After all, they had just 32 sacks last season (tied for third-fewest in the NFL and ranked last in defensive EPA.
Chicago Bears
- Biggest need: Running back
After addressing their offensive line aggressively in free agency, the Bears can focus on their other needs. They should be looking to address the running back position after D'Andre Swift racked up a paltry 3.8 yards per carry last season. He may bounce back with better blocking, but Chicago is best served adding to the running back room and finding legitimate competition for Swift.
Cincinnati Bengals
- Biggest need: Edge rusher
The Bengals entered the offseason desperately needing to find a high-end pass rushing partner for Trey Hendrickson, who was responsible for 17.5 of Cincinnati's 36 sacks last season. Now, Hendrickson is seeking a trade away from the Bengals. That will only amplify Cincinnati's need for help on the edge.
TREY HENDRICKSON LANDING SPOTS: Bears, Commanders best fits for Bengals star
Cleveland Browns
- Biggest need: Quarterback
The Browns are in a tough spot at quarterback because of Deshaun Watson's contract. He isn't likely to play in 2025 after suffering two Achilles tears over a couple of months, so Cleveland needs to find a long-term replacement for him. They traded for Kenny Pickett but could still stand to add another quarterback to compete with the 2022 first-round pick.
Dallas Cowboys
- Biggest need: Running back
The Cowboys signed Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders in free agency, but neither figures to be a significant upgrade over Rico Dowdle, who ran for 1,000 yards last season. Dallas needs to find a young, three-down back to pair with Dak Prescott. They could also stand to add a No. 2 receiver to the fold, but finding a starting-caliber running back should be slightly higher on their wish list.
Denver Broncos
- Biggest need: Running back
The Broncos are another team that could use a three-down running back. They don't have many needs across their roster, but Sean Payton's offenses have always worked best when he has a dynamic pass-catcher out of the backfield. It isn't clear whether one of those exists in Denver's current group of backs – headlined by Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime – but the Broncos should be positioned to land one in the draft.
Detroit Lions
- Biggest need: Edge rusher
The Lions have one star edge rusher in Aidan Hutchinson but don't have a proven sidekick for him. They re-signed Marcus Davenport but he played in just two games last season because of a triceps injury. Detroit should be well-positioned to find an edge rusher prospect who can add some juice across from Hutchinson.
NFL FREE AGENCY GRADES: Chris Godwin, Justin Reid among best early signings
Green Bay Packers
- Biggest need: Cornerback
The Packers have turned Keisean Nixon into a strong starting cornerback and they just signed Nate Hobbs, who has been a strong slot man during his career. However, Green Bay should add another high-quality starting option, given that Jaire Alexander's future is uncertain. Even if the Packers keep him, he has played in just 14 of a possible 34 regular-season games the last two years.
Houston Texans
- Biggest need: Offensive line
The Texans reshaped their offensive line during the 2025 offseason. They traded away Laremy Tunsil and Kenyon Green while adding Cam Robinson, Laken Tomlinson and Ed Ingram to the fold. It isn't clear how the unit will shape up, but adding another quality blocker anywhere would go a long way toward helping protect C.J. Stroud.
Indianapolis Colts
- Biggest need: Tight end
The Colts have five tight ends on the roster who have a combined 125 career receptions to their names. No player has more catches in a single season than Albert Okwuegbunam's 33, so Indianapolis could stand to add a standout at the position. They may be in range to select Tyler Warren in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft.
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Biggest need: Defensive tackle
The Jaguars have a handful of recent draft picks on its roster at defensive tackle, but none have yet emerged as a top-tier playmaker or interior pass rusher. That could happen yet, but it won't preclude the Jaguars from considering someone like Michigan's Mason Graham with the fifth pick in the 2025 NFL draft.
Kansas City Chiefs
- Biggest need: Offensive tackle
The Chiefs signed Jaylon Moore to a two-year, $30 million deal to play left tackle for them, but relying on a player with nine career starts to block on Patrick Mahomes' blind side is risky. Add in Jawaan Taylor's penalty problems (he had 17 last season) and Kingsley Suamataia's pending move to left guard and Kansas City needs to add youth and upside to their tackle room.
Las Vegas Raiders
- Biggest need: Wide receiver
The Raiders don't have much at receiver outside of veteran Jakobi Meyers. Geno Smith threw to the likes of DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and Jaxon Smith-Njigba during his time with the Seahawks, so Pete Carroll and John Spytek may want to invest in another pass-catching weapon to go along with Meyers and tight end Brock Bowers.
Los Angeles Chargers
- Biggest need: Defensive tackle
The Chargers lost Poona Ford in free agency. While they added Naquan Jones and Da'Shawn Hand to help serve as run-stuffers in his stead, they could stand to add a higher-caliber three-down lineman to ensure their resurgence against the run carries over into 2025.
Los Angeles Rams
- Biggest need: Cornerback
No Rams cornerback graded among the top 50 qualified players at the position for 2024, per Pro Football Focus. Adding a No. 1-type cornerback to the defense could go a long way toward improving Los Angeles' defense, especially with the running game shored up by the signings of Poona Ford and Nate Landman.
NFL FREE AGENCY 2025: Most underrated free agent signings of first wave
Miami Dolphins
- Biggest need: Guard
The Dolphins need to make sure they protect Tua Tagovailoa as best as possible. They have significant questions on the left side of the offensive line with Terron Armstead's future uncertain, but 2024 second-rounder Patrick Paul may be tapped to step in for him at left tackle. If he does, Miami can focus on finding a replacement for left guard Liam Eichenberg, who allowed two sacks and committed nine penalties last season.
Minnesota Vikings
- Biggest need: Backup quarterback
That Minnesota's biggest remaining need is for a veteran backup quarterback is a credit to their offseason thus far. One could make a case that the Vikings could stand to add talent at cornerback, but with J.J. McCarthy recovering from two knee surgeries and never having made an NFL start, getting a proven signal-caller to replace Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones should be high on Minnesota's wish list.
New England Patriots
- Biggest need: Offensive tackle
You can take your pick of offensive tackle or wide receiver here, but protecting Drake Maye is paramount. Vederian Lowe is better served as a swing tackle backup, so New England needs to focus on finding a long-term starter to pair with stopgap right tackle Morgan Moses. Grabbing a successor for the 34-year-old should also be in the cards.
New Orleans Saints
- Biggest need: Wide receiver
The Saints have a couple of good receivers in Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, but adding a tertiary target would go a long way toward opening up their offense. It's also worth noting that Olave and Shaheed were limited to eight and six games respectively, so it would behoove New Orleans to get deeper at the position.
New York Giants
- Biggest need: Quarterback
The Giants have one quarterback on their roster at present: Tommy DeVito. Even if they land Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson, they must add more depth to their quarterback room.
New York Jets
- Biggest need: Wide receiver
Garrett Wilson opened his career with three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, but the Jets need to find a partner for him after parting with Davante Adams. Allen Lazard won't cut it as a No. 2 wide-out at this stage in his career, so expect the Jets to take a look at pass-catchers early in the 2025 NFL draft.
Philadelphia Eagles
- Biggest need: Edge rusher
You could make a case that the Eagles need to find a successor for right tackle Lane Johnson, but replenishing their edge rush depth is a slightly higher priority. Josh Sweat signed with the Cardinals in free agency while Brandon Graham retired. The Eagles signed Azeez Ojulari to a one-year deal, but Howie Roseman knows you can never have too much depth in the trenches.
NFL FREE AGENCY 2025: Javon Kinlaw tops five most head-scratching deals
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Biggest need: Quarterback
Will Pittsburgh sign Aaron Rodgers? Even if the Steelers do, they will need to find a long-term successor for him. The 2025 draft class isn't particularly strong at quarterback. Still, perhaps Mike Tomlin and Co. will find a developmental prospect (Jaxson Dart? Jalen Milroe?) they like to groom behind whichever veteran they land.
San Francisco 49ers
- Biggest need: Defensive line
The 49ers had to move on from Javon Hargrave, Maliek Collins and Leonard Floyd during the offseason. That leaves them with little depth at defensive tackle and needing to add another piece to their pass-rushing rotation across from Nick Bosa. San Francisco also has needs on the offensive line (specifically at left guard and right tackle) but the Niners may be hard-pressed to plug all of their holes while also inking Brock Purdy to an extension.
Seattle Seahawks
- Biggest need: Interior offensive line
The Seahawks signed Sam Darnold to a three-year deal in free agency. Now, they need to improve his blocking, as Darnold had the third-longest average time to throw last season, ahead of only Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts. Getting a top-flight guard or a solid center would go a long way toward ensuring Darnold has a chance to succeed following his career-best season in Minnesota.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Biggest need: Linebacker
The Buccaneers are another team without a glaring need, so prioritizing a successor for the 35-year-old Lavonte David would be a smart move. Jihaad Campbell is a player they could consider targeting in the first round, provided he makes it to the 19th pick.
Tennessee Titans
- Biggest need: Quarterback
Will Levis and Brandon Allen are the only quarterbacks on Tennessee's roster. The Titans have other needs but will likely consider drafting Cam Ward since they are armed with the No. 1 overall pick.
Washington Commanders
- Biggest need: Edge rusher
The Commanders got two major upgrades on offense in trading for Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel. They need to shift their attention to the defense during the 2025 NFL draft and find a replacement for Dante Fowler, who returned to the Cowboys on a one-year deal.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2025 NFL free agency: Biggest remaining need for every team
Continue reading...
