2026 NFL Free Agency: Team Needs and Key Moves

The first week of free agency for the 2026 NFL offseason has concluded, but roster tinkering continues. While free agency significantly impacts offseason outcomes, it rarely addresses every team demand. The Athletic’s NFL writers have reassessed each team’s to-do list as the draft approaches.

AFC East

Buffalo Bills

Despite signing Bradley Chubb, the Bills still need to infuse youth into their outside linebacker position. The group currently lacks an explosive pass rusher. Rehabilitating from an Achilles tendon tear, Michael Hoecht is projected as a top option, with Greg Rousseau potentially fitting in a latest defensive scheme under coordinator Jim Leonhard.

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins addressed their quarterback situation with the signing of Malik Willis, but supporting him remains a critical need. The team faces cap constraints due to prior releases, creating a challenging environment for Willis, a first-time expected starter.

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens continue to prioritize bolstering their trenches. While adding starting left guard John Simpson, they lost Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum. They need a starting center and potential upgrades at right guard. Defensively, they require at least one, and potentially two, starting interior defensive linemen, especially if Nnamdi Madubuike doesn’t return.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals aimed to add a combo-linebacker capable of playing both on the line and off-ball, but failed to do so despite 11 linebackers signing deals elsewhere. This remains a top priority in their defensive rebuild.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns added offensive linemen, but needs remain across the offense. The most pressing need is at wide receiver or quarterback, though the team appears willing to give Shedeur Sanders an opportunity to compete for the quarterback job. A thin receiving corps requires improvement in size and playmaking ability.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers’ biggest uncertainty remains at quarterback, pending Aaron Rodgers’ decision. Beyond that, they need another starting-caliber edge rusher and cornerback, but the most significant need is at inside linebacker. The current depth chart is concerning, especially with the transition to a 3-4 defense under new coordinator Christian Parker.

AFC South

Houston Texans

The Texans still have a need at left guard. They’ve added players to the right side of the line, but the left guard position remains open, with potential solutions coming through the draft.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts need to add more to their pass rush. Despite signing Arden Key and Michael Clemons, they lack a proven starter alongside Laiatu Latu.

AFC West

Denver Broncos

As of March 14, 2026, the Broncos are the only NFL team that hasn’t signed an external free agent. They’ve re-signed key players, leaning into a draft-and-develop strategy. However, they could still use another playmaker, potentially at wide receiver or tight end.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs’ top need is an edge rusher. While George Karlaftis and Ashton Gillotte show promise, they need more depth and rotation options at the position.

Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders need to add size to the interior of their defensive line, particularly a true nose tackle, as they transition to a 3-4 defense. Linebacker remains a concern, requiring players who can thrive with Nakobe Dean.

Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers addressed two of three starting spots on the interior of their offensive line, signing Tyler Biadasz at center and Cole Strange at right guard. They still need a starting left guard.

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys need another starting-caliber edge rusher, cornerback, and, most urgently, inside linebacker. The current depth at inside linebacker is a significant concern, especially with the shift to a 3-4 defense.

New York Giants

The Giants need to address both right guard and defensive tackle. Adding veterans at these positions is a priority, but they may also look to the draft for solutions.

Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles need another high-level pass rusher after losing Jaelan Phillips to Carolina. They pursued Trey Hendrickson, but he signed with Baltimore.

Washington Commanders

The Commanders have focused on building up the defense and adding youth, but still need an elite offensive playmaker to complement Terry McLaurin.

NFC North

Chicago Bears

The Bears have flexibility in the draft after additions to both lines, but still need greater talent and depth in the trenches, particularly at left tackle and center on offense, and on the interior of the defensive line.

Detroit Lions

The Lions need to address both tackle and edge rusher. The release of Taylor Decker creates a need at left tackle, while the loss of Al-Quadin Muhammad requires finding another pass rusher.

Green Bay Packers

The Packers need a reliable backup quarterback. Malik Willis’ arrival may prompt an upgrade from Desmond Ridder and Kyle McCord.

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings, after signing Kyler Murray, need to address the safety position, considering the future beyond Jay Ward and the potential return of Harrison Smith.

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons need more bodies on the defensive line, despite re-signing LaCale London and adding Chris Williams. They lost veteran David Onyemata and will likely use their draft picks to address the position.

Carolina Panthers

With left tackle Ikem Ekwonu recovering from surgery, the Panthers need another veteran tackle, despite signing Stone Forsythe.

New Orleans Saints

The Saints could use more help at wide receiver to support Chris Olave.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers need to ensure Baker Mayfield remains happy and committed, and address the impact of losing Mike Evans in free agency.

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals have bolstered their offensive line, but need to continue building up front, particularly finding a long-term anchor at left tackle in the draft.

Los Angeles Rams

The Rams need to add depth at wide receiver, considering the injury history of Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.

San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers need to identify a pass rusher after the sudden retirement of Bryce Huff.

Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks need a healthy lead running back, with several options currently on the roster but uncertainty surrounding their health and potential.

Source: The Athletic, CBS Sports, NFL.com, Sporting News