The NFL offseason has arrived for 28 teams. What must each do to have a better season in 2026? We have outlooks, early buzz and predictions.
has begun for the 28 teams. How can each improve over the next seven months to have better results next season? What big decisions are on deck for each front office? We have next steps for all 28 franchises.
To start, our NFL Nation reporters picked out two key offseason priorities for the teams they cover and weighed in on the most interestingdecision for each franchise, and draft analysts Matt Miller and Jordan Reid called out one thing to know about each team's 2026 and projected salary cap space are as of Jan. 4. We'll add more teams as they're eliminated during the postseason.Rebuild the pass rush. The Bears' inability to pressure opposing quarterbacks was a glaring weakness all season. Despite spending big last free agency on defensive end, the Bears got very little return on investment. The No. 1 focus must be a big swing on an edge rusher in free agency or the draft.Given how injuries decimated the secondary, Chicago faces several pressing decisions on whether to retain the players that kept them afloat on defense. Safetiesis also a free agent after a career year with 5 INTs, 2 forced fumbles and 3 fumble recoveries. He started 15 games in place ofsign in terms of his future with a team that has a ton of offseason decisions to make. It sounds to me as if Brisker will have an outside market that prices him out of Chicago. would fit the prototype of the team's defensive scheme, as he's a power rusher who is also an NFL-ready run defender.. Most of Moore's money is tied up in salary, not bonuses, which makes it palatable for Chicago to trade him even with four years left on his contract. At 29, he should still be enticing to teams in need of veteran WR play.Schematically, Houston's run game has the bones to be a strong down-the-middle attack. But the Texans ranked only 24th in yards per game and tied for 29th in yards per carry . So, they need to improve the interior of the offensive line and probably add one more back. Rookie running backThe Texans overhauled their offensive line last offseason, and Ingram, who was a disappointment in Minnesota, has performed well while making $3.4 million on the final year of his rookie contract. It would obviously cost more than that to re-sign him, but it's unlikely he'll command a top-of-market guard deal. As Houston looks for offensive line stability, it makes sense for the club to bring him back.With a ferocious defense already intact, the Texans must find a way to add another starter along the offensive line. The additions of, and Marks looks more suited as a rotation player than lead back. The Texans need a strong running game to eat clock and complement their ferocious defense.will help, but San Francisco has never been shy about adding more. This season, San Francisco was last in the NFL in sacks and pressure rate ; it was 29th in pass rush win rate. For many years, the front four has been the foundation of the Kyle Shanahan-John Lynch era.has struggled to stay healthy. Don't be surprised if the Niners are in the mix for a big-name free agent or if they dedicate valuable draft resources to the position.last offseason and didn't get one, so it's possible some hard feelings linger, and he wants to look elsewhere. But if Aiyuk is out of the picture, the 49ers will have more of an incentive to bring back Jennings. Perhaps an injury-plagued season drops his free agent value enough that he fits into their plans.The 49ers haven't shied away from selecting receivers early, most recently taking Pearsall in the first round of the 2024 draft. Near the end of this year's first round, is an option who could fit into Shanahan's system. He's a strong route runner and ranked 26th nationally in yards after the catch this season .still needs more reliable and talented players to throw the ball to. Offseason acquisitions should come through both free agency and the draft.Figure out the situation along both lines. Really, these are probably issues 1A and 1B to solve, as the Bills have key starters along both lines set to hit free agency: centerhead coach Sean McDermott after another season that failed to end in a Super Bowl appearance. McDermott leaves Buffalo with a 98-50 record, with an 8-8 mark in the postseason. General manager Brandon Beane is being retained, and he will help lead the team's search for a new coach.He is only 28, and it makes sense to re-sign him to the team. But right now, the Bills aren't sure which way this will play out. It could affect their draft plans if they don't bring him back.A year after Brandon Beane's emphatic statement that they didn't need a WR1 went over disastrously, Buffalo will tilt and get aggressive. The Bills will trade a first-round pick and then some for Philadelphia'sto a two-year contract. The Steelers could woo the 42-year-old Rodgers to return for another season, or they could look to the 2026 draft -- though it appears to be a thin quarterback class. The Steelers could also add another inexpensive bridge quarterback and find a solution in the 2027 draft. Or perhaps they consider a blockbuster trade for a QB in an untenable situation.and an ensemble cast of pass catchers, but that didn't produce a consistent passing game. Metcalf attracted a lot of attention, and teams had success taking him away. His absence in the loss to the Browns at the end of the season . Getting to the quarterback is a major key to coordinator Ejiro Evero's 3-4 scheme, so the team needs to add more talent on the edge.fits into the team's long-term plans. The former No. 1 overall pick will be heading into his fourth season, but he's still showing signs of inconsistency as a passer. Young ranked 22nd in QBR and completion percentage . The team likely needs to sign him to a new contract, and theAdd an impact edge rusher. This is the first season since 1996 that the Ravens didn't have at least one edge rusher with six or more sacks. Plus, Baltimore's two most experienced pass rushers --John Harbaugh, ending the run of the most successful coach in franchise history. His exit came two days after the Ravens lost to the PittsburghTricky one. The Ravens declined Linderbaum's fifth-year option for the same reason the franchise tag likely isn't a possibility -- because all offensive linemen are the same in the eyes of the fifth-year option and the franchise tag, and applying either would make Linderbaum the highest-paid center by $4 to $5 million per year. They want to have Linderbaum back, but he has the leverage.The Ravens defense has taken a massive step back this season, which has primarily been because they can't generate any pressure., whether via trade or just as an outright cut. Humphrey has been one of the most targeted -- and least successful -- cornerbacks deep downfield this season. He would hit the Ravens' cap for nearly $20 million in 2026, the final year of his current deal.Add juice to the pass rush. Cincinnati's young pass rushers showed promise at the end of the season, but they still finished last in pass rush win rate over the year. Recreating the magic of 2021, when Cincinnati addeddeserves due credit for helping fix the defense at the end of the season, he will be a free agent next season. Finding someone to pair withthe day after Cincinnati's season-ending loss. In seven seasons, Taylor has had two playoff appearances and is the only coach in franchise history to make multiple appearances in the conference championship game. could be realistic options. If Stewart and Murphy are seen as capable of replacing Hendrickson, a space-eating defensive tackle likeestablished themselves as long-term options. The Browns might have played themselves out of position for a top quarterback in the 2026 draft after beating the Steelers inRebuild the rest of the offense. The Browns need to get younger and more athletic along the offensive line, where only one Week 1 starter is under contract for 2026. They could use more dynamic players at skill positions, too.Kevin Stefanski after six seasons, the team announced Monday. This season marked their fourth losing season under Stefanski and their second straight last-place finish in the AFC North.. has affected Njoku's playing time, and it could affect his future with the team. He likes it in Cleveland, and the Browns like him, so it's possible -- even likely -- they find common ground on a reasonable deal. The decision could also be affected by potential changes to the Browns' coaching staff.Cleveland is not in contention to draft one of the top two passers after falling out of the top two picks, but it could use its two first-round picks to trade up and take a QB. If the Browns elect to go elsewhere, offensive tackle and wide receiver are clear needs on the roster. Miami offensive tackle, as they continue their tradition of signing receivers on low-cost contracts in the hopes of hitting it big. Aiyuk's days in San Francisco are likely over; the Browns can offer him more money and opportunity compared to any other team in the NFL.Rebuild the defense. Owner Jerry Jones said in Week 16 that he believes the"bones" of a good defense are in place. That can be debated because the Cowboys allowed close to 30 points per game in 2025. Their strength is at defensive tackle withSpend in free agency. The Cowboys will never be big spenders in free agency, but they have to do more than just nibble around the edges, especially defensively. Finding a high-end pass rusher and cornerback is difficult in free agency, but they can do more at linebacker and safety. There have been more questions than answers in recent drafts, so they need a more proactive approach to free agency.This may grab as many headlines as any free agent situation in the league, mainly because it's the Cowboys. Pickens has been spectacular for Dallas since the team acquired him in awith Pittsburgh, catching 93 balls for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. He comes with concerns due to some of the effort and concentration issues he had with the Steelers, even though those haven't shown up in Dallas. Based on everything I've heard, the franchise tag is the likely option here.One of the worst defenses in the league, the Cowboys are in dire need of new players at every position. Texas Tech'sis arguably the best pass rusher in this class, logging 14.5 sacks this season, tied for the most in the FBS. If they opt to add to the secondary in Round 1,The Cowboys -- after a classic prolonged and public negotiation -- will make Pickens the fourth-highest-paid receiver in the NFL, just under teammateImprove the offensive line. Detroit ranked 20th in run block win rate and 30th in pass block win rate . The unit struggled to adapt with the offseason departures of four-time Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow, whoearned Pro Bowl honors for the second time after a career-best 14.5 sacks. However, Detroit needs another reliable option opposite of Hutchinson -- a player who can bring depth and better consistency.Anzalone has been a fixture for the Lions in the Dan Campbell era, and his game is more respected in league circles than in fan or media circles. The early feedback: Anzalone's return is a 50/50 proposition. Detroit wants him back, but he'll have interest from other teams.The Lions' first-round pick should be used on defense, where the team has needs at edge rusher, cornerback and linebacker. They could take the first cornerback off the board withif he does not retire. He will be 33 years old next season and has had issues with shoulder injuries. In 2025, he fell to 45th out of 69 ranked tackles in pass block win rate, and he ranked 61st in run block win rate.lit it up in his first season with Indy, but he'll be a free agent in March, when he'll still be recovering from a. The Colts seem inclined to run it back with Jones, but they've got to reach a deal and confirm his injury progress.Re-tool the defensive line. The Colts have stuck with this group for years, but the results have been too intermittent to assume this group returns en masse. This will be tricky with no first-round pick, but the Colts need more juice on the edge.The Colts lost their final seven games to complete a historic collapse after an 8-2 start. But the team's ownership has decided not to make significant changes, withless than three hours after a season-ending loss to the Texans that general manager Chris Ballard and coach Shane Steichen will return for the 2026 season.Stephen A. Smith reacts to the Dolphins' decision to fire coach Mike McDaniel.He has proved to be the Colts' steadiest quarterback option since Andrew Luck. The Colts will monitor his Achilles tear recovery before free agency, and assuming all goes well, Indy should attempt to keep Jones, via a franchise tag or new deal.With no first-round pick, the Colts won't be on the clock until Friday night. When that happens, finding impact players on the defensive front seven is crucial. Linebacker has been a weak point for the defense, and this draft is loaded with talented prospects with second-round grades.. He did well in my coverage DVOA metric and was involved in 14.0% of Colts defensive plays, fourth among safeties in 2025. His average run tackle came after a gain of just 4.3 yards .. In past years, they have prioritized improving the offensive line. This year, that focus should shift to Steve Spagnuolo's unit either through free agency or with their first-round pick.trusts over any other pass catcher. A reasonable one-year contract could lead to Kelce returning to the roster for Mahomes' return following his recovery from a left knee injury.is extension-eligible ahead of his fifth-year option season. I put Watson here as an example, because the Chiefs -- who have a history of letting cornerbacks leave in free agency and replacing them with draft picks -- need to decide who stays in their secondary. They could prioritize the McDuffie extension and just use a ton of picks on DBs again.The Chiefs are in a rebuild mode thanks to bloated contracts and aging veterans. Quarterback and left tackle are the only positions truly off the table in Round 1. With a rare top-10 pick, the Chiefs could replace right tackleThe Chiefs will cut Taylor, which would save them $20 million on the cap even if Taylor is cut before the June 1 mark. He was seventh in pass block win rate for tackles this season, but the Chiefs can't live with his expensive contract or his predilection for earning penalties.is still under contract, with a dead cap hit of $18.5 million in 2026 if the team decides to move on from him. Whether or not Smith remains in Las Vegas, the Raiders will examine the future of the quarterback position, especially since they will have theRevamp the offensive line. A key part of the Raiders' inability to run or pass the ball was the lack of support from the offensive line. Las Vegas elected to run it back with last year's group, only for the unit to take a major step back with a pass block win rate and run block win rate that ranked 22nd in the league.with the Raiders is over after just one year. The team fired the 74-year-old coach after it went 3-14 this season, which ended with a 14-12 win over the Chiefs.Young, reliable offensive guards are valuable, and Parham has 63 starts over four seasons for the team that drafted him. He thrived in 2024 as a right guard, which could be his long-term home, though the Raiders played him at left guard this season. The Raiders likely will entertain retaining Parham, but a looming coaching search could affect that process.The last time the Raiders drafted a QB in Round 1 was 2007, when the team selected JaMarcus Russell. It's time for the organization to find its franchise QB with no young option at the position. The Raiders could have a decision to make between Indiana'sIf Carroll goes one-and-done, Brady will call an old New England friend to be head coach: current Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores. He'll get a well-deserved second crack at a head coaching gig after gettingconundrum. He had a mostly brutal first season as the Vikings' starter and the team must decide whether to give him another season, acquire a replacement or pair him with a veteran backup who could take over if he fails to make progress.Settle the Brian Flores situation. He has been one of the NFL's best defensive coordinators during his three seasons in Minnesota, but his contract is expiring and he'll have the opportunity to consider options elsewhere even if he doesn't get a head coaching job. It'll be a challenge to replace him with an equal performer. Smith got the last-game treatment in Week 18, subbing out in the final minutes for a home-crowd ovation and hugs from teammates. That signals a looming retirement. But if he plays a 15th season, the chances of a return to Minnesota would be high. He produced at age 36 with 54 tackles, two interceptions, 10 pass deflections and one sack., who has had injury issues and is coming off two straight years with fewer than 500 receiving yards. He ranked 35th among tight ends in ESPN'sthis season. Cutting Hockenson would save the Vikings nearly $9 million in cap space before June 1 and $16 million if designated after June 1.once playoffs were out of the picture, and cutting him this offseason would be expensive. But considering his play in 2025, Miami can't go into next season with him as the clear-cut starter. Even if Tagovailoa remains on the roster, expect the team to bring in real competition at the position., and there's no certainty he returns to his trademark level of play. Considering he represents a nearly $30 million cap hit in 2026, there's no way Hill returns on his current deal -- if at all.coach Mike McDaniel, the team announced on Jan. 8. The move comes after McDaniel had met with reporters Monday and said he would be part of the team's interviews to hire a new general manager.The Dolphins got a steal when they signed Douglas at roster cutdowns for $1.57 million. He greatly outplayed that contract with 62 tackles, two interceptions and 11 pass deflections. Chances of re-signing the 31-year old appear strong, though Miami could go younger in spots of the defensive backfield and will have a new general manager soon.Quarterback will be the focus of the offseason, but it's unlikely Miami drafts one in Round 1. Cornerback is next on the list, with the Dolphins collecting just nine interceptions this season and having no clear-cut CB1 on the roster. Tennessee'sThe Dolphins will cut Hill. He had already declined last season and will be 32 in 2026. Cutting Hill with a post-June 1 designation would save the Dolphins $36 million on the cap and is a much easier decision than figuring out what to do with Tagovailoa's huge contract. Cutting the quarterback would actuallywill turn 37 next summer. Both have voiding contracts this year, but they have continued to play at a high level despite their age. The Saints will need to decide whether to bring them back, as well as 35-year-oldwith a better offense. He was playing with a cast of backups by the end of the season due to injuries, but even a healthy Saints offense needs a refresh. The Saints need to get Shough some pass catchers and build around him in free agency or the draft.He could very well decide to retire. If he doesn't, will he fit into the Saints' 2026 cap picture? That picture is cloudy as always, but it's impossible to imagine Jordan in a different uniform -- and I think he feels the same way. Either he retires or they find a way to bring him back.Shough has quickly changed the course of the rebuild, as he looks to be the franchise quarterback. This has positioned the Saints to take a true"best player available" approach in the first round. With a top-15 pick, they could add another wide receiver.to a big deal, as he's the lone exciting player who could be available in the guard market. The offensive line is a sneakily solid group when centerare all valuable and coming off the best seasons of their careers. This team can't afford to let any more good players walk.The Giants need to add run-stuffing defensive linemen to the mix in the worst of ways. There is a reason they allowed a league-worst 5.35 yards per carry entering Week 18. Rookieto a five-year deal with the Giants, the longtime coach told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Harbaugh, 63, spent the past 18 seasons as coach of the Ravens, going 180-113 and winning a Super Bowl before he was fired after they missed the playoffs. Harbaugh succeeds Brian Daboll, who was fired in November.as the Giants' only 1,000-yard receivers since 2019. Paying Eluemunor is also an option, but Robinson could become Schoen's first draft pick extended. --. If Robinson leaves, drafting his replacement could be vital at the top of the first round if a receiver like emerges as a top-five prospect. Drafting a right tackle that high isn't done often, but the Giants could replace Eluemunor withThe Giants will trade down in the first round of the draft. They're already set at quarterback and edge rusher, where many mock drafts have. as the first non-quarterbacks off the board. They need more talent at other positions, which they could address further down.is a free agent, so the Jets could be starting over. The process will be two-tiered: Acquire a veteran and draft one. There's no surefire answer, though Indiana'sare in reach. General manager Darren Mougey will have to be creative to solve a problem that has vexed the franchise for decades.after 14 games. First, the defensive-minded Glenn must determine his involvement. Will he take over and call plays? If not, he must find an innovative coach who can galvanize a unit that needs an overhaul.A disappointing season, lowlighted by a historically bad December, has raised questions among fans and media about Glenn's job security. From all indications, he's not going anywhere. Glenn said he still has the support of owner Woody Johnson.He is poised for top-10 running back money after posting his first 1,000-yard season. While the Jets could work to extend his contract, his market will be strong and too many teams need an impact back. He would be the best running back in free agency if he's available.If the Jets don't sign or trade for an established starter, a first-round pick has to be used on a passer. Mendoza and Moore will be in consideration among the top-five picks, and taking either of them would represent a clear rebuild around a rookie quarterback. With, the Jets should also look at a cornerback or safety after an NFL-record zero interceptions this entire season. It's unlikely Ohio State'sand give him his second chance in the NFL. Murray is a bad fit for teams that want to run a lot of under-center offense, but the Jets ran the eighth-most shotgun or pistol sets in 2025. A trade for Murray's big contract would likely cost very little in draft capital.. The franchise's all-time leading scorer's contract expires at the end of 2025 and he's undecided about playing next year. Heafter coming back from his broken collarbone injury,"I missed the game more than I thought I would. I come back and I still have love for the game. Who knows what it will do for me in the future?"Latest on the head coach situation: Todd Bowles led the Bucs to three straight division titles as a head coach before falling just short this season and signed a three-year extension last offseason. But their defensive struggles in the second half of the season were jarring to watch. Offensively, they took several steps backward with Josh Grizzard as coordinator. And on special teams, their coverage units struggled so much that they resorted to touchbacks on kickoffs. How much will the Glazer family factor in the team's past success and injuries when making a decision?A dominant force in Tampa Bay for over a decade, Evans turns 33 in August and must decide whether to retire or continue playing. It's hard to imagine him in any other team's uniform. CornerbackThis draft should give Tampa Bay plenty of opportunities to add defensive talent. In Round 1, a pass rusher such as Texas Tech'swould give the Bucs much-needed help off the edge. If he's off the board already, cornerback is a second need that should be addressed in the first three rounds.from the rival Falcons in free agency. He would be perfect in those Bowles blitz packages after 3.5 sacks in 2025.reestablished himself as a dominant presence. But Simmons needs an impactful running mate who can come off the edge. The Titans tried addressing the position with 2025 second-round pickfor Brian Callahan in October. Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy figures to be a candidate given general manager Mike Borgonzi's history with that team. President of football operations Chad Brinker's extensive time with the Packers could also make former Green Bay and Dallas coach Mike McCarthy a candidate.He drew interest at the trade deadline as a field-stretching tight end, and he has produced 56 catches for 560 yards this season -- noble numbers in a bad offense. He has the combination of athletic traits and youth that could make him a desirable option in free agency. --Building an infrastructure around Ward is incredibly important, but there isn't a prospect that matches the needs of the team at the top of the draft. That could mean the Titans trade back with a QB-needy team, or they could look to select a top-tier pass rusher. Taking Miami edge rusherin free agency. Tennessee's biggest need is talented and experienced wide receivers for Ward, and the Titans have a ton of cap space. Pickens ranked fourth in the ESPN's receiver scores this season and third in my DYAR values among wide receivers.from Joe Whitt Jr. for the final seven games, but his preference in the past has been to have someone else run the defense. Whitt, hired in 2024, did not have prior playcalling experience, so it's possible Washington will want someone who has done so in the past.Add impact players on defense. Washington desperately needs them, otherwise simply changing coordinators won't have a strong enough yield. The Commanders need more speed and youth in their front seven, as well as a starting corner and safety. The Commanders have been pleased with Samuel's acquisition, as it has led to a team-high 72 catches for 727 yards this season. But he turns 30 in January and could be costly to retain. Left guardwould solve a lot of problems in the middle of the defense, but some scouts think he can be an edge rusher in the NFL. That's another priority for Quinn's unit.
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