Every Team's BIGGEST 2023 Off-Season Need
Well, just like that, the 2022-23 season is in the books! What a year it was, and while it is quite sad that we won't have NFL football for 6 months, the off-season will be underway in no time and that is like Christmas for football fans. Bad teams reign supreme in the draft while contenders add talent to try and push themselves over the edge. This off-season is setting up for one with a lot of drama, especially with all of the pending QB movement we will see. My first article of this off-season is each team's biggest need heading into the off year. It is a good way to see where teams will need to start and what they could target.
Starting out with a team that we all believe to make a return to the post-season in 2023, the Lions have a huge need at the cornerback position. Former top 3 pick Jeff Okudah did show some flashes of greatness in his healthiest season yet as a pro, but he is not close to enough. While the Detroit D as a whole played its best down the stretch, it does not change the fact that this team was firmly in the bottom 3, allowing about 245 yards per game. With the 6th pick in the draft and a good amount of cap space, the Lions should have no trouble filling that whole with 1-2 great players for Aaron Glenn's secondary.
Secondary need: LB
Green Bay Packers: Tight End
This does not change regardless of what happens with Aaron Rodgers. If Rodgers somehow stays in GB, this need feels almost heightened, as Robert Tonyan is no longer the player he once was and set to hit free agency. If Jordan Love steps in at starter, there is no question he could use a sure handed pass catcher in the middle of the field to throw to, as the WR core isn't super proven itself.
Secondary need: S
Minnesota Vikings: Cornerback
This is also one that isn't up for much debate. Minnesota got torched all season, allowing the second most passing yards per game in the NFL (265.6 YPG). Patrick Peterson had a resurgent season, but he's 32 years old and also an impending FA. Even if he were to come back, Minnesota desperately needs help at the position. Thankfully, they should have some money to sign someone or even get a stud in the mid first round.
Secondary need: WR
Sorry Bears fans, I sort of had to here. The team thankfully appears to finally have its franchise QB figured in Justin Fields, but aside from that, they have a need pretty much everywhere, and it isn't like one is that much bigger than the other. Wide Receiver and D-line are probably the two biggest, but with over $100 million in cap space and a ton of draft picks (including #1 overall), the Bears are in amazing shape to acquire serious talent this off-season. It should be quite a fun one for Chicago fans.
Carolina Panthers: Quarterback
An annual dilemma in Charlotte. For what feels like the billionth year in a row, the Panthers are on the prowl for their franchise QB. This time around feels a little different though. The Panthers just hired a QB whisperer as their new HC in Frank Reich, and they have cap space AND the 9th overall pick in the draft to work with. While I think someone good could fall to them there, they also have the ammunition to trade up inside the top 5 and get a really good prospect for the first time in years. The veteran trade/FA route has not worked of late (Teddy Bridgewater, Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield).
Secondary need: DB
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Quarterback
With Tom Brady gone, the Bucs are suddenly in need of a franchise QB. This is going to be an interesting landing spot for a coveted QB. They already have a win-now roster in place, but the right signal caller needs to be dropped in for this team to continue to contend even without Brady. With their highest pick being at 19, barring a huge trade-up, I could see this team being in the market for a veteran QB on the trade block or even signing Derek Carr and pairing him up with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. This is an attractive landing spot for any QB.
Secondary need: DB
The NFC South is a crapshoot at the QB position at this current moment. The third straight team from the division without any sort of QB in place for 2023. New Orleans is in a tough spot, too. They do have a first rounder, but it is not their original pick as that one was traded to Philly, instead it is pick 29, which is not a slot where any blue chip prospect will be available at QB. There is also no team right now who has less cap space than New Orleans, which could prove to be a major issue trying to lure an FA QB like Derek Carr to town (who they almost traded for). GM Mickey Loomis will find a way, he always does, but it looks a bit rough right now...
Secondary need: DL
Atlanta Falcons: Edge Rusher
I really COULD have gone with a 4th :QB team here in the NFC South, but I think they might give Desmond Ridder another year to try and prove himself. On the flip side, their DL, particularly pass rush, was awful in 2022, having the second LEAST sacks in all of the league. Their run defense was bottom 10 as well. DL in general could work, but particularly edge rusher is a need. Atlanta has a good amount of cap space AND the 8th overall pick in the draft, a likely spot where they can nab a stud edge rushing prospect.
Secondary need: QB
With Geno Smith looking very likely to re-sign, QB doesn't feel like a thing they will have to worry about. Defensive Line is. Seattle's DL imploded down the stretch, and was a big reason the 49ers blew them out in the wildcard round as well. Teams could run all over this Seattle front, and there was a lot of times where the 'Hawks forced 0 pressure as well. With two top 20 picks, including a top 5 pick, and also top 5 cap space this off-season, Seattle is in good position to rework this DL and get back to their old defensive ways in 2023.
Secondary need: LB
Arizona Cardinals: Offensive Line
The Cardinals roster is kind of in shambles right now, and they will have a lot of work to do to turn themselves around into contenders once again. Their offensive line is easily the biggest need on this team. Kyler Murray was one of the most sacked QBs in the 2022, and with him sidelined now with injury for awhile (ACL), this team is going to have to improve its protection or no one will be able to play QB for them, ever. Arizona has some cap space, but not a lot, however they do hold the 3rd pick in the draft and could even trade that down for more picks if no OL feels right at that spot.
Secondary need: EDGE
San Francisco 49ers: Cornerback
The Niners really do not have many needs on their roster, just a big need that would be 'HEALTH'. Nonetheless, if there is anything they need the most, it is probably corner. While big-ticket FA signee last off-season Charvarius Ward was awesome for them this year, they did not have a ton of consistency outside of him. Demmodoire Lenoir is solid but nothing special, and no one else inspires a ton of confidence in me in that group. The Niners do have limited resources this off-season, but they always find ways to bring in talent. They will find a guy or two to be a significant upgrade at the position.
Secondary need: OL
After a disastrously bad Super Bowl hangover season, the Rams will need to retool this DL, particularly off the edge, and in a big way. With Von Miller gone for some time now, the Rams have not had anyone truly replace his production, and it has cost this defense. With Aaron Donald back to full health, it will be helpful for everyone on the line, but the Rams still need to find a way to bring in at least one high quality rusher this off-season. And they must find a way to do so with very little assets/resources in the cupboard.
Secondary need: OL
Dallas Cowboys: Wide Receiver
It was clear in the little playoff run that the Cowboys had, just how badly they need another great receiving talent in the offense. CeeDee Lamb and Amari Cooper were a dynamic duo in Dallas for years that helped them run up the score, before trading Cooper to Cleveland. This season, with just Lamb (who was still great), Dak Prescott struggled mightily and led the NFL in interceptions thrown. While Dallas doesn't have a lot of cap space, they do have a late first round pick + more later picks to add another threat outside.
Secondary need: K
Philadelphia Eagles: Cornerback
The Eagles came so so close to winning a Super Bowl with a youth led team. They will be back. However, not all of their key players from this season will be. With a lot of impending FA's, the Eagles will have to make some tough decisions, and a likely one is going a different direction with CB James Bradberry. With Bradberry likely gone, CB2 becomes a major need for Philly. However, they have the extremely rare luxury of having a TOP TEN pick after playing in the Super Bowl (thanks to the Saints) PLUS their own first rounder, at 30. The Eagles should easily be able to add a stud to their secondary via the draft, while re-signing some key cogs as well.
Secondary need: DL
One of the easiest ones of this list. The Giants are DESPERATE for WR help. For much of the season, they turned to a little known guy named Isaiah Hodgins for their production out wide (which somewhat did work). Still, this team needs to add a stud target or two to really go from playoff contender, to Super Bowl contender in 2023. With a mid first rounder and also some of the most money to spend in the league, the G-men should have no trouble getting a great pass catcher or two.
Secondary need: DB
Washington Commanders: Cornerback
Another extremely easy pick here. Washington is absolutely desperate for CB help too. With pretty much nothing at the position right now, the Commanders need to add help their with 2+ guys who can play quality minutes on the boundaries. Luckily for them, they have cap space and the 16th pick in the draft where they will likely be able to add some serious talent at this position.
Secondary need: OL
Kansas City Chiefs: Wide Receiver
The Super Bowl champs obviously do not have many needs! That being said, I think they could add some more juice at WR, and make them even harder to defend. Tyreek Hill going to Miami definitely took away a major element of this offense, but with their first rounder, they could add a really good weapon to what they already have. With Patrick Mahomes under center as well, stud FA WRs are likely to be willing to come take a pay cut and play with him too. KC is clearly in an amazing spot to run it back again in 2023.
Secondary need: OT
I mean, Russell Wilson playing well should really be what I write here, but that's not how this works. With Sean Payton coming over to coach this team, I do expect a big bounceback from Wilson anyway. With that being said, the offensive line is easily the glaring hole on this team, and if it is improved, it really gives Russell Wilson ZERO excuses to fail. Denver has an elite defense, an awesome young RB1, and a great group of pass catchers. If Denver can find a way to sign an elite OL player, it would give Wilson everything he could ever want.
Secondary need: DL
Las Vegas Raiders: Quarterback
Derek Carr is set to be released, leaving the Silver and Black with a gaping void at the most important position in football. Still, the Raiders have a great, win now roster, and now they just need to figure out where they want to go to acquire their next QB. With the 7th pick in the draft, they may be in position to draft a top end guy, or they could go out and trade for a superstar like Aaron Rodgers, or a safer bet like Jimmy Garopollo. The Raiders will have no shortage of options at QB, but until we know who they wind up getting, QB will be their biggest and most pressing need.
Secondary need: OL
Los Angeles Chargers: Wide Receiver
When the Chargers had their two star WRs on the field this season, this team was hard to stop. However, that was extremely rare as Mike Williams and Keenan Allen are pretty much BEYOND injury prone. With Williams a guy you can't ever count on to play, and Allen reportedly a big cut candidate due to age and money, the Chargers already sizable need for wideout grows. With a mid first rounder and potentially some added money pending cuts, the Chargers should be able to acquire a great threat who can actually stay healthy for Kellen Moore's offense.
Secondary need: IOL
Could this finally be the off-season the Bills address the position?? Buffalo has rolled out mediocre backs for years now, and it is clear that defenses have started to figure them out a bit. The Bengals defense put on a masterclass against these one dimensional Bills in the playoffs, and now I think is the time to go out and get a big upgrade over Devin Singletary/James Cook. There will be a bevy of great FA options, like Miles Sanders, or the Bills might even be able to draft a guy like Bijan Robinson in the late first round, who could completely change their offense for the better.
Secondary need: OL
New England Patriots: Wide Receiver
More WR needy teams. The Patriots have been in dire need of a true go-to, WR1 for years now, but without Tom Brady and how he makes everyone play better than they are, it is only now ultra-apparent. Mac Jones is a solid pro QB, but we will never see him at his best if the team can not bring in a true WR1 for him to throw to. The Patriots hold the 14th pick in the draft where they could potentially get the best WR in the class OR they could try and make a trade for DeAndre Hopkins who appears to be on the trade block out of Arizona. The Patriots will definitely have their opportunities to get a guy, it just becomes a question of whether they actually do so or not.
Secondary need: OT
Miami Dolphins: Interior Offensive Line
For a team that was not very close to winning a Super Bowl this season, they surprisingly do not have that many glaring holes. I think the interior of their offensive line is the biggest, and they will have their work cut out for them in terms of that this off-season. With no first rounder, it won't be perfectly simple to get talent, but there are definitely great options in FA that they could acquire.
Secondary need: TE
New York Jets: Quarterback
Clear as day. The Jets showed the world they have a pretty talented roster in 2022, but it has been clear for awhile that having no consistency at the QB position will continue to bite them in the butt. With a good amount of cap space, and a top 15 pick in the draft, the Jets are in great position to land a stud veteran QB via trade...dare I say Aaron Rodgers??
Secondary need: OT
Pittsburgh Steelers: Offensive Line
I don't care how they do it, but the Steelers NEED to upgrade much of their offensive line. With the team hoping that Kenny Pickett can be their franchise signal caller, they are going to need to double down on him by investing in OL. The Steelers have a top 20 pick which should certainly be used to improve those offensive trenches, and even then I think they should spend some money on some of the available options in FA as well.
Secondary need: CB
While they could still work on the OL if presented the chance to get an upgrade, DB has to be the biggest need for this Bengal team. Both starting safeties Jessie Bates and Vonn Bell are pending FAs, and their CB1 Chidobe Awuzie will be coming off of a bad injury as well. It was clear in the AFC title game just how badly this team needs depth in the secondary. Eli Apple cannot be a relied upon player with a Super Bowl on the line again. They do have 2022 first rounder Daxton Hill, but he's unproven and the team needs more than just him. They do have a late first rounder along with a good amount of cap space to work on this need.
Secondary need: OL
Cleveland Browns: Wide Receiver
With Deshaun Watson finally having his legal troubles behind him, the Browns need to ensure they have a dynamic offense around him to make their huge investment pay off. Amari Cooper at WR1 is a great start, but this offense needs a lot more on the outside to make sure Watson can get back to his old ways. The Browns will have to get creative with no first rounder and not much cap flexibility, but in today's NFL, there are always ways to work around the cap.
Secondary need: EDGE
Baltimore Ravens: Wide Receiver
This has been arguably their biggest need since Lamar Jackson has been the QB for the team, and it will remain so into this off-season as well. Jackson first needs to be re-signed, but I don't have a doubt in my mind that they will be able to figure something out. After that is done, the main priority has to be getting him a true WR1. DeAndre Hopkins is a name that would make a ton of sense to come to B-more and the Ravens do have a mid first rounder where they would likely be in position to add a good threat as well. The Ravens need this badly.
Secondary need: EDGE
Houston Texans: Quarterback
Well this won't be hard to solve. The Texans have the second and 12th picks in the upcoming draft along with loads of cap space. I expect them to fill this massive need with that second overall pick, and then build the rest of the team around him after that. This is a big need, but one that can easily be solved through the draft or veteran trade with all of the assets this team has.
Secondary need: OL
Indianapolis Colts: Quarterback
The Colts find themselves sort of a QB away from getting back to contention. Possessing the 4th overall pick in the draft, the Colts are also in good position to draft one of the better young signal callers in April's draft. There are also heavy rumors that the Colts will move up to no. 1 to ensure they get their pick of the litter at QB. Just like the Texans, the Colts are well positioned to fill their biggest need.
Secondary need: DB
Tennessee Titans: Wide Receiver
OL was a close second here, but I believe WR is more important to the success of this team, which felt like a very slow and anemic offense for much of the 2022 season. With the loss of AJ Brown, rookie first rounder Treylon Burks did not do a lot to replace him in a positive way this season. The Titans have limited cap space, but they do have a top 15 pick that could be used to get potentially whoever they think is the WR1 in the class and inject some juice into an aging offense.
Secondary need: OL
Jacksonville Jaguars: Defensive Back
While I do love their pieces like Rayshawn Jenkins (S) and Tyson Campbell (CB), the Jags do not have a whole lot else in the secondary. Shaq Griffin has been a bit of a free agent let down for them, and they cannot afford his inconsistency (along with Darious Williams). With cap space and lots of draft picks, solving this problem shouldn't be too hard, but it should be the main priority for this budding Super Bowl contender this off-season!
Secondary need: TE
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