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Six NFL playoff gamesDown, seven more to go. The offseason is nearing — for 24 teams it already is — giving every team the opportunity to improve their performance and make adjustments as they prepare the 2022 season.
There are question marks surrounding current quarterbacks — like Aaron RodgersAnd Russell Wilson— and the future status of the quarterback position for multiple teams. Add that to the eight teams without a head coach and you’ll find many teams still having questions.
Which players will be able to score in free agency How will they do it? coaching hiresAre there more than a few franchises that could be redirected? Who will be the playmaker in the 2022 draft? How can teams deal with cap-space issues
All 32 teams have many areas they need to address over the next months. Some are still in limbo while the more urgent ones are addressed. We asked the NFL Nation reporters to identify which areas each team needs the most as we move into the offseason.
Let’s start at the AFC East.
Jump to:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
AFC EAST
Take care of the defensive line.
Buffalo must decide what their next steps in defense. The Bills spent their first two draft picks last year on defensive ends. However, many of the veterans on the line are at the backend or their careers. How they address the issues of rush defense and the inconsistent pass rush this season will have a major impact on the defense’s ability to defend the future. Also, if Leslie Frazier gets a head coaching job elsewhereThey will have to replace the head of their defense. — Alaina Getzenberg
Hire a coach.
Then, they will have to hire someone else. work with GM Chris Grier in figuring outHow best to support quarterback Tua Tagovailoa• Start by improving the offensive line, which ranked last in pass block win rates in 2021. The next season will be a crucial year for Tagovailoa. It will determine his future with the team. Miami needs to show that it was right to spend the fifth overall pick in 2020 on Tagovailoa. That will be made easier by choosing the right coach. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Restructure the defense.
The troubling way that the Patriots didn’t compete defensivelyIn their 47-17 playoff lossIt was eye-opening for the Bills. Perhaps “overhaul” is a strong word but the unit seemed old and slow to end the season. Bill Belichick stated that he will evaluate everything, from personnel to coaching to scheme, and make the appropriate decisions. — Mike Reiss
Add big bodies.
The Jets have many needs. But they can resolve some of them with better play in their trenches. This aligns with the core beliefs held by coach Robert Saleh as well as GM Joe Douglas. They also need an edge rusher to supplement DE. Carl LawsonAfter an Achilles injury, he returns to the game. Saleh’s 4-3 defense relies on pressure. According to NFL’s Next Gen Stats, the Jets were ranked 30th in pressure percentage and 27th in sacks. This is one of the main reasons they allowed a franchise record 504 points. — Rich Cimini
AFC NORTH
Rebuild the defense.
The Ravens finished 25th in league yards allowed and points after leading the league in league points (18.2) and yards (307.8) during Don “Wink’ Martindale’s first three seasons (2018-20). Baltimore must address its defensive line. Calais CampbellAnd Brandon WilliamsThey are all free agents after combining for 1,012 snaps in this season. After the departure of a former first-round pick, the Ravens must address their middle linebacker. Patrick QueenYou can get out of this spot. After being ranked 22nd in sacks (34), they need to improve their pass rush. They must also address the secondary. It needs to have a playmaking safety and No. 3 cornerback. Baltimore could be looking for four additional starters in defense. After many years of building an offense around, Baltimore might be looking to add four new starters. Lamar JacksonIt’s time for defense to be more prominent. — Jamison Hensley
Determine the offensive line.
When it comes to long-term solutions, the Bengals are still searching for several long-term options. Joe BurrowDetail of protection. Right tackle Riley ReiffThe deal of’s expires at the end of this season. The right guard position is also up for review. The Bengals need to address this position group if they don’t feel that Cincinnati has the future solutions. — Ben Baby
Increase the receiver group.
In the wake of their loss, the Browns must upgrade the position of wide receiver. Odell Beckham Jr. They will be able to use a top-15 pick in round one of the first round. appears to be a solid WR draft. Jake Trotter
Retool your offense.
The obvious answer is Quarterback, but the Steelers go beyond that. Steelers are not just a team. need to find the successorTo Ben RoethlisbergerThey must also find a line to protect him and allow him to run for the 2021 first round pick. Najee Harris. While there were moments of success on the field this season, the Steelers still finished 28th in the league for total rushing yardage and rushing yards per contest. The next Steelers’ quarterback will determine the future of the team, but it doesn’t matter who they pick. — Brooke Pryor
AFC SOUTH
Find young talent.
This is not an easy task, but there are a lot of holes in the rebuilding Texans team. The general manager will have more draft capital than in the past two seasons. Nick Caserio is adding draft picks, while the Texans have a high-pick with their own selection. If Caserio trades quarterback Deshaun WatsonHe could also find the young impact players Houston is looking for with those picks. — Sarah Barshop
Fix Carson WentzYou can either fix your mistakes or find a new start.
This is only if the Colts continue to keep ties with Wentz during the offseason. It won’t be an easy task. Frank Reich was to help Wentz, whom he spent two seasons with in Philadelphia, get back on track in 2021 by having him take fewer risks and improve his accuracy. Reich couldn’t do it, leaving the Colts in another quarterback dilemma because Chris Ballard was appointed general manager. won’t commit to Wentz as his starter in 2022. Ballard said, “You must get stability at quarterback position.” Mike Wells
1:32
Domonique Foxworth attributes the constant scrutiny on Carson Wentz’s rookie year to the hype he received.
Create around Trevor Lawrence.
How? How? The Jaguars should do what the Bengals did. Joe Burrow. — Michael DiRocco
You can expect a tremendous return on your investment.
Mike Vrabel’s complimentary football formula focuses heavily on field positioning. The Titans would benefit greatly from a skilled punt returner and kick returner. Since the 2018 season opener against Miami, Tennessee has not returned a punt and kick for touchdown. It is time to change that. Turron Davidnport
AFC WEST
Get a quarterback.
It could be 2016. It’s not 2016. The Broncos are still trying to find a solution for quarterback that can last longer than a few seasons or just a few more. The offense has been a disaster since 2014. It averaged less than 23 points per week and hasn’t scored more than 21 points per game for six consecutive seasons. This has cost the jobs of four coaches and four offensive coordinators. Choosing the right coachThe Broncos need to be able to trust their offensive coordinator, but they also need to maintain some continuity at quarterback for a year. might be difficult to snare the long-term solutionEven if they don’t want to trade their problem for a franchise quarterback, it is worth it once more. — Jeff Legwold
Make another draft.
Three of the Chiefs’ six draft picks had huge rookie seasons last year, while two others have potential developmental opportunities. To replace their high-priced players, the Chiefs must continue to find young, inexpensive players. The most important thing is finding low-cost players for the next four seasons. — Adam Teicher
Name a permanent coach.
Both QB Derek CarrPro Bowl DE Maxx CrosbyCampaigned for interim coach Rich Bisaccia to get the gigOn a full-time basis but general manager Mike Mayock was fired MondayThere is also the question of Carr’s future. Mark Davis is quick to make a decision about the quarterback and coach. He also wants to ensure that the other dominos fall quickly for a team with four wins in 2018, seven in 2019, eight wins last year, and 10 wins this season. It’s the franchise’s first playoff appearance in 2016 after its improvement. — Paul Gutierrez
Improve your ability to tackle the right issues.
The Chargers will be on the left-hand side of their offensive lines with 2021’s first-rounder Rashawn SlaterBut they still need assistance on the left. Bryan BulagaSince signing as a free agency, he has only played in 11 games, including one in 2021. His replacement is not yet available. Storm NortonThe finish wasn’t satisfactory. Justin Herbertmust be able trust his right tackle. Bulaga has one-year left on his contract. Bulaga could return, but L.A. should address this situation in free agency and the draft. Shelley Smith
NFC EAST
You can hit the draft again.
The Cowboys will need to make difficult decisions about their salary cap. This could mean that many big-name, high-price players may move elsewhere.DeMarcus Lawrence, Amari Cooper, Tyron Smith, La’el Collins). They will do all they can to retain their free agents. However, they have demonstrated that they are not big players on the market. That means they must connect during the draft. They did well in the last year’s draft, which was led by Micah Parsons. The most important need is to ensure that Will McClay, the vice president of player staff, doesn’t leave. Nine Pro Bowlers have been selected by the Cowboys since McClay took over the draft. — Todd Archer
Rebuild the offensive line… again.
Giants need help with edge rush, but not nearly as urgently as they need for their offensive line, where left tackle. Andrew ThomasIt is the only sure thing for next season. The new GM and coachYou must make this a priority. There is enough. A rebuilding of the offensive line should not take more than a decade. The Giants are entering Year 10. — Jordan Raanan
2:24
Dan Graziano explains the process the New York Giants went through to make the final decision to fire Joe Judge.
Find edge rushers.
Brandon GrahamHe will turn 34 next season, and is recovering from a ruptured Achilles. Fellow starter Derek BarnettExpectations not met and is a pending agent free of charge. Josh SweatThe Eagles are on the rise (7.5 sacks in 2021), but they need to strengthen the position. They could use one of their first-round picks to defend this April, which would not surprise me. Tim McManus
Get a new quarterback.
Taylor HeinickeWashington believed that he was a high-end backup/lower level starter. So the team isn’t going to settle for just anyone. It could still have won nine games without Heinicke starting, even if it was in better health. Since 1991, Washington has had 32 starting quarterbacks. The team realizes that there is a ceiling before it can fix the hole. The team will aggressively search for a quarterback, and if available, try to acquire him. Washington’s front office feels that the roster is strong enough to allow it to give up more assets than it would be comfortable with a year ago. — John Keim
NFC NORTH
The best place to hire the Right coach.
Even though the Bears are in dire need of both a GM and a coachThe public will see the new face of the franchise as the latter, excluding QB. Justin FieldsOf course. Chicago is in dire need of a coach with leadership qualities, vision and the ability bring out the best Fields players. — Jesse Rogers
Both sides should have playmakers.
The offseason is a priority for Brad Holmes, Lions general manager. He’ll also be entering the player-acquisition phase at Detroit after a disappointing 3-13-1 season. holding the No. 2 overall pick. Detroit must address the quarterback problem, even though rookie wide receivers are available. Amon-Ra St. BrownAlthough they were strong, they are in dire need of more talent at the position. They need an edge rusher and safety, as well as a linebacker. But, most importantly, they need gritty men who can fit the mold of Dan Campbell’s vision. They must find players who can make game-changing plays. This was a notable absence for the majority of the 2021 season. Eric Woodyard
Clear communication is possible at the quarterback
The Packers cannot do much until the Packers know if Aaron RodgersRodgers will return for another season. They will need to extend Rodgers’ contract if he returns. This is because they cannot afford to pay his salary cap of $44,144.156 million for 2022. If Rodgers does not return, they will get cap space — between $17 and $25 million depending upon the timing — and will then have to figure how they want to build around. Jordan LoveIf they believe he is still a worthy successor, Rob Demovsky
Find a new coach and GM.
The Vikings are unable to make any decisions regarding quarterback Kirk CousinsHow they plan to continue building on defense until these positions are filled. Minnesota is currently interviewing eight GMs and has requested seven interviews with candidates to fill the head-coach position. This franchise doesn’t rebuild its most powerful leadership very often. Mike Zimmer was here for eight years and Rick Spielman 16 years. It is critical that Minnesota finds two leadersA team that is close to winning after eight losses by one point. Courtney Cronin
NFC SOUTH
Increase the rush to pass.
Atlanta has many requirements — literally almost any positionIt could be argued for inclusion. But the Falcons’ pass rush in last season was poor. It produced 18sacks. Of those, 15.5 came from front-seven and one from the back. Grady Jarrett, had double-digit quarterback hits (12). This is to give you an idea of the number of quarterback hits that 105 NFL players had this year. Dean Pees, the defensive coordinator, was limited by this lack of pressure. It’s not surprising that Atlanta’s pass rush will look very different in 2022. This is where the Falcons need to be overhauled. — Michael Rothstein
Create a reliable offense
Panthers need an offensive and defensive line, as well as a quarterback. Because the quarterback and the offensive line are interdependent, it’s impossible to say one without the others. Sam DarnoldThey were a disappointment this season. Coach Matt Rhule stated that he must make an effort to improve the team’s performance. “true investment” in the lineThis offseason. Other than right tackle Taylor MotonThe center Pat ElfleinThis group is in dire need of a complete overhaul. It is equally important to find a replacement Darnold who still has one year on his contract. — David Newton
1:40
Joon Lee and Clinton Yates evaluate the possibility of Sam Darnold being the Panthers’ starting quarterback next season.
Select the right quarterback
There’s a good chance that the Saints will bring it back Jameis WinstonHe started at 5-2 and tore his ACL in 2021. Winston is also an unrestricted, free agent. All options should be on the tableA possible blockbuster deal, and a reunion with Teddy BridgewaterFinding a player in the draft Mike Triplett
Re-sign core players.
Similar to last offseason the Bucs will have to make every effort in order to re-sign their players. Chris GodwinWho played under the franchise name in 2021? Leonard Fournette, Rob Gronkowski, Jason Pierre-Paul, Ryan Jensen, Ronald Jones II, O.J. Howard, Carlton Davis, Jordan WhiteheadAnd Alex CappaIncluding contracts that are about to expire. Pierre-Paul is a senior citizen. Joe Tryon-ShoyinkaThey can probably move forward without him due to his production, but they will need to do a lot of number crunching. — Jenna Laine
NFC WEST
A true No. 1 cornerback.
Arizona believed it had a true No. Arizona thought it had Malcolm Butler as its No. 1 cornerback, but Butler unexpectedly retired before the season began, leaving the Cardinals without an effective CB1. Arizona was content with Robert AlfordAnd Byron Murphy JrThe Cardinals must also secure the No. For its defense to be a top unit for the entire season, it must secure the No. 1 CB spot in this offseason. — Josh Weinfuss
The offensive line must be addressed.
Given that Sean McVay was hired in 2017, it’s possible that some of the Rams’ key coaches will be fired after this season. The offensive line will be their top priority this offseason, despite the uncertainty surrounding those changes. The offensive line will be the center of attention Brian AllenRight guard, and a Pro Bowl alternate. Austin CorbettAre scheduled to be unrestricted, free agents along with backup Joe NoteboomThis has been a vital fill-in for left and right tackle. The Rams will have to be quick to develop late-round talent or find established talent if they can get all three of them out of the way this offseason. — Lindsey Thiry
Acquire a cornerback.
There is some exciting young talent in the Niners’ position. Emmanuel MoseleyAnd Ambry ThomasHowever, they must make a substantial investment in their team, preferably by hiring seasoned veterans. While San Francisco’s pass defense was excellent in terms regular counting stats but they were subject to a league-leading number of pass interference penalties. A strong starting corner could help the Niners return to an elite level of defense, similar to 2019. — Nick Wagoner
Take a look at these figures Russell WilsonFuture prospects.
He wants to live in Seattle but only under the right conditions. Recent comments Pete CarrollFox 13 strongly suggested that the Seahawks would consider trades for Wilson, who still has two years on his contract. While there may be some obstacles to a trade, Wilson’s return is unlikely in 2022. Before the Seahawks can begin to improve certain spots (pass rush and O-line), they will need to re-sign key free agents.Quandre Diggs, Duane BrownThey need to decide if they are going to keep their star quarterback or if they will have to rebuild. — Brady Henderson