There is less than two months before training camps open and the preseason begins. NFL teams can still add some veteran talent.
There’s less than two months before the NFL preseason begins and less than 12 weeks before the reigning champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the Dallas Cowboys in the league’s 2021 season opener. There’s been free agency and the draft, followed by OTAs and mini-camps. Now training camp is on the horizon.
The expanded rosters are pretty much set, but there’s still talent on the open market. There is still the occasional signing and still some solid standouts available (via Spotrac), and it’s pretty safe to say each of the 32 clubs could still use at least one more experienced player.
Arizona Cardinals: CB Richard Sherman
Dealing with the quarterbacks and passing attacks in the NFC West has never been a bargain. And who knows that better than veteran cornerback Richard Sherman, who is spent his entire 10-year career in the division?
Originally a fifth-round round draft choice of the Seattle Seahawks in 2011, he spent seven seasons in the Pacific Northwest and eventually made his way to San Francisco in 2018. The five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro has amassed 36 regular-season interceptions. But even though the savvy veteran was limited to a career-low five games with the 49ers in 2020, he would add to a new-look Arizona secondary.
Atlanta Falcons: G Kelechi Osemele
There’s a new sheriff in town when it comes to the club in former Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. There’s also a new defensive mind in the city with veteran Dean Pees coming out of retirement to become the Falcons’ new coordinator. The latter needs to come up big, especially since no team in the NFL gave up more passing yards per game than this club in 2020.
But the team also needs to get back to a little power football, something Smith knows plenty about. Veteran Kelechi Osemele started the first five games for the Chiefs in 2020 but missed the rest of the season. Is he primed for a comeback?
Baltimore Ravens: OLB/DE Olivier Vernon
For the second time in three years, NFL free agency robbed the Ravens of some of their defensive talent and in particular the pass rush. In 2019, it was Za’Darius Smith, Terrell Suggs and C.J. Mobley. This year, it was Matt Judon, Yannick Ngakoue and Jihad Ward. That latter trio combined for a dozen of the Ravens’ 39 sacks in 2020.
Veteran Olivier Vernon spent the past two seasons in the AFC North in Cleveland, so it’s safe to say he’s gotten to know the division’s offensive line personnel. He finished the year on injured reserve, but his nine sacks in 14 games with the Browns was the second-highest total of his nine-year career.
Buffalo Bills: ILB Avery Williamson
Sean McDermott’s team came an awfully long way a year ago as the Buffalo Bills won their first AFC East title and playoff game since 1995 and then reached the conference championship game for the first time since 1993. Third-year quarterback Josh Allen got some MVP votes and the team scored the second-most points in the league.
But it was Buffalo’s defense that slumped following a solid 2019 and eventually cost the team in two losses to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Bills ranked 17th in the NFL against the run this past season and veteran inside linebacker Avery Williamson could be a big asset to Leslie Frazier’s unit.
Carolina Panthers: RB Duke Johnson
We have seen how productive Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey can be when he’s on the field. The eighth overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the versatile performer has already piled up 5,817 yards from scrimmage and 45 touchdowns in only 51 regular-season games with Carolina. But the four-year pro missed all but three games in 2020, and valuable backup Mike Davis is now a member of the rival Atlanta Falcons.
New starting quarterback Sam Darnold will benefit from McCaffrey’s presence, but Matt Rhule’s team could benefit from some experienced depth in the backfield in the form of versatile Duke Johnson.
Chicago Bears: T Russell Okung
There are two new faces in town when it comes to the starting quarterback for the Bears. While Nick Foles remains with the club, Mitch Trubisky is now a member of the Bills. General manager Ryan Pace signed veteran Andy Dalton in free agency and the franchise gave up plenty to move up in the first round of April’s draft to add Ohio State’s talented Justin Fields (see Rick Morrissey of the Chicago Sun Times).
There’s been plenty of movement this offseason when it comes to the offensive line, and the Bears used a second-round pick on tackle Teven Jenkins. But well-traveled veteran Russell Okung could help as well.
Cincinnati Bengals: OLB/DE Melvin Ingram
No team in the league racked up fewer sacks a season ago than Zac Taylor’s club. The Cincinnati Bengals finished 26th in the NFL in 2020 in total defense and managed to dump opposing quarterback a mere 17 times.
This offseason, the club did give big money to former Saints’ defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who enjoyed a career year with 13.5 sacks in 15 regular-season outings in 2020. Veteran Melvin Ingram comes off an injury-shortened year with the Chargers, but in nine seasons with the Bolts, he totaled 49 sacks and 14 forced fumbles. He can line up at defensive end or outside linebacker depending on the scheme.
Cleveland Browns: DT Austin Johnson
Defense was still a shortcoming for this club in 2020. The Cleveland Browns were a playoff team this past season for the first time since 2002.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield keyed a balanced attack that was the main catalyst to an 11-5 finish. But the team’s shaky defense was addressed numerous times in free agency and the draft, and the club moved on from veteran defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson (via Courtney Cronin of ESPN).
But that doesn’t mean that Joe Woods’ unit couldn’t use a little reinforcement up the middle. Former Titans second-round pick Austin Johnson spent 2020 with the Giants and could add some depth.
Dallas Cowboys: ILB Kwon Alexander
It was a season to forget for various reasons when it came to Jerry Jones’ franchise. Quarterback Dak Prescott went down in the team’s fifth outing and the Cowboys’ defense was abysmal. Dallas allowed the fifth-most points in the league (473), and coordinator Mike Nolan’s unit surrendered 54 offensive touchdowns.
He’s been replaced by Dan Quinn, and the franchise used eight of its 11 draft choices this year to fix this unit. The Cowboys opted not to pick up the fifth-year option on linebacker Leighton Vander Esch. He’s still with the team, but in any case, veteran Kwon Alexander could aid a porous run defense.
Denver Broncos: T Dennis Kelly
After showing some promise late in 2019, there were higher expectations for Vic Fangio’s club this past season. But the mistake-prone Broncos, who led the NFL with 32 turnovers in 2020, suffered through a fourth consecutive losing campaign.
New general manager George Paton had to address the right tackle situation after the release of Ju’Waun James, who played in only three games in 2019, opted out of 2020 and suffered an Achilles’ injury this offseason (via Jamison Hensley of ESPN).
Paton added veterans Bobby Massie (Bears) and Cameron Fleming, but could eight-year pro Dennis Kelly be added to the mix as well?
Detroit Lions: OLB Mychal Kendricks
When you give up the second-most points in a season in NFL history, there’s obviously a lot of work to be done. New head coach Dan Campbell’s defensive coordinator is Aaron Glenn, who comes over from the Saints.
The team has some nice pieces on this side of the ball, but this unit gave up an embarrassing 65 offensive touchdowns in 2020. Veteran Jamie Collins led Detroit with 101 tackles in 2020. But where the team could use some more help is at linebacker.
Mychal Kendricks made one regular-season appearance for Washington in the regular season but racked up six tackles in the wild card loss to the Buccaneers.
Green Bay Packers: DT Geno Atkins
To say it’s been quiet in Green Bay this offseason would be totally inaccurate. But that has certainly been the case when it comes to the team bringing in veteran free agents, as per usual. Yes, the Packers did sign quarterback Blake Bortles, and it’ll be interesting to see if he’s actually on the roster come September. And recently, general manager Bryan Gutekunst did add a veteran linebacker in De’Vondre Campbell.
But this is still a defense, now led by coordinator Joe Barry, that could use some help vs. the run. Veteran Geno Atkins has been on the Cowboys’ radar, but could the Pack grab him this summer?
Houston Texans: DE Trent Murphy
When it comes to offseason additions, it’s been an offseason of quantity and not necessarily quality for this franchise. The new general manager is Nick Caserio, and he’s trying to replenish a Texans roster that lost its share of big-play performers — especially on the defensive side of the ball.
J.J. Watt asked for his release and is now with the Cardinals, while productive inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney was traded to the Dolphins. In any case, the club was already in need of more pass rush help, and versatile veteran Trent Murphy could help. He totaled 11 sacks and four forced fumbles in three seasons with the Bills.
Indianapolis Colts: OLB K.J. Wright
General manager Chris Ballard is another executive that relies more on the draft than he does the free-agency period. Of course, he’s also been known to swing a big trade or two, and he’s done that each of the past two offseasons. In 2020, he acquired defensive tackle DeForest Buckner from the 49ers, and he responded with an All-Pro year.
This year, he added quarterback Carson Wentz via the Eagles. Both were members of the first-round draft class of 2016. Meanwhile, Matt Eberlus’ defense may be a piece of two from being one of the NFL’s dominant units and veteran K.J. Wright alongside Darius Leonard would be a major plus.
Jacksonville Jaguars: SS Kenny Vaccaro
Perhaps any other year, the Jacksonville Jaguars would have found themselves dead last in the league’s defensive rankings. But that team from Detroit was historically awful. Still, a team that enters 2021 with a 15-game losing streak and a new head coach (Urban Meyer) was 31st in the NFL in yards allowed per game and permitted a whopping 492 points.
The onus in the NFL draft was on quarterback and running back in the first round in Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne, respectively. But the secondary could use a physical presence. Safety Kenny Vaccaro has had a solid career and could help vs. the run.
Kansas City Chiefs: CB Buster Skrine
General manager Brett Veach did his best this offseason to reconfigure the offensive line, and the additions of tackle Orlando Brown Jr. via trade (Ravens) and guard Joe Thuney in free agency (Patriots) highlight the newcomers. But the Kansas City defense could still use a little work.
A unit that finished strong in 2019 and got off to a solid start this past season faded down the stretch and had its issues on more than one occasion in the playoffs. Andy Reid’s secondary could use another veteran cornerback, and the well-traveled Buster Skrine – late of the Bears – could offset the recent departure of Bashaud Breeland.
Las Vegas Raiders: DT Daniel McCullers
Head coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock redid the trenches for the Silver and Black this offseason. But the Raiders’ defensive line could still use one more big body. Massive Johnathan Hankins has been a solid performer for a unit that has struggled for far too long.
Veteran Sheldon Richardson would have been an ideal addition but he recently latched on with the Minnesota Vikings — his second stint with that club. This offseason, the club added Solomon Thomas and Quinton Jefferson to the middle of their front. But veteran Daniel McCullers could help a team that struggled against the run in 2020.
Los Angeles Chargers: RB Todd Gurley
There’s a lot of excitement in Los Angeles regarding young quarterback Justin Herbert, the 2020 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. This offseason, general manager Tom Telesco surrounded him with some quality blockers up front in guard Matt Feiler and center Corey Linsley.
The backfield trifecta of Austin Ekeler, Joshua Kelley and Justin Jackson had its moments, but the Chargers finished just 18th in the league in rushing yards per game.
It’s hard to tell if new head coach Brandon Staley and the team is content with its running back situation. So could veteran Todd Gurley, who does have a nose for the end zone, fit here?
Los Angeles Rams: DT Jurrell Casey
A season ago, the Rams led the league in fewer yards allowed and gave up an NFL-low 296 points. The defensive coordinator was Brandon Stanley – now the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers. That unit featured standouts such as defensive lineman Michael Brockers, safety John Johnson III and cornerback Troy Hill.
All three players are with other teams, and 2020 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald could use a new complementary piece up front. A year ago, one-time Titans’ Pro Bowler Jurrell Casey was dealt to Denver but saw his season cut short by injury. Is he primed for a bounce-back campaign?
Miami Dolphins: S Tre Boston
In some ways, Miami’s defense is still a work in progress. While the Dolphins did lead the league with 29 takeaways in 2020, the club still gave up its fair share of yardage and offensive touchdowns. Brian Flores’ squad could use a few more playmakers on this side of the ball.
The team dealt for productive inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney (Texans) and signed cornerbacks Justin Coleman (Lions) and Jason McCourty (Patriots). But Miami parted ways with safety Bobby McCain this offseason and he signed with Washington. So could veteran safety Tre Boston, who has made the rounds, be headed to South Florida?
Minnesota Vikings: TE Trey Burton
The Purple Gang is looking to rebound from a disappointing 7-9 showing in which Mike Zimmer’s usually-formidable defense fell down and never got up. Only three teams in the league allowed more points than the Vikings (475) in 2020 — quite the change from the previous season (303).
There are plenty of new faces on that side of the ball in defensive tackles Dalvin Tomlinson and Sheldon Richardson – the latter embarking on his second stint with the franchise.
Offensively, tight end Kyle Rudolph is now a member of the Giants, while Irv Smith Jr. is on the rise. So could veteran Trey Burton add a little quality depth?
New England Patriots: DT Kawann Short
The franchise is coming off its first losing campaign since 2000 and the team’s offense – in particular the passing game – was substandard. But the Patriots opened up their checkbooks during free agency and added the likes of tight ends Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry and wide receivers Kendrick Bourne and Nelson Agholor.
New England’s run defense has been an issue for more than a year, and this past season, they finished 26th in the league. Free agency brings Davon Godchaux from Miami and the team used a second-round pick on Alabama defensive tackle Christian Barmore. Could veteran Kawann Short also be an asset?
New Orleans Saints: TE Jesse James
Sean Payton’s team has won four consecutive NFC South titles. But a year ago, these Saints were in the same division as the Super Bowl champions, and it was the rival Buccaneers that ended their season. Now quarterback Drew Brees has retired and six-year pro Jameis Winston appears to be the frontrunner for the job.
When he was in Tampa, he enjoyed the services of O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate. Payton has usually had a quality tight end or two at his disposal, but the franchise parted ways this offseason with Jared Cook and Josh Hill. Could Jesse James, late of the Detroit Lions, soon land in the Crescent City?
New York Giants: DT Beau Allen
Following a rough 0-5 start, Big Blue won six of its final 11 games. But the franchise still couldn’t avoid a fourth consecutive losing season. First-time NFL head coach Joe Judge made his presence felt, and the improvement was evident by season’s end.
The Giants’ defense was much-improved after three seasons of poor play, and standouts like defensive end Leonard Williams, safety Jabrill Peppers, cornerback James Bradberry and versatile Logan Ryan were vital contributors. So was defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, but he signed with the Vikings this year. Beau Allen has a solid resume and adds proven depth up the middle.
New York Jets: CB Nickell Robey-Coleman
General manager Joe Douglas has had a busy offseason, and that included dealing away quarterback Sam Darnell to the Carolina Panthers while using the second overall pick in April to select BYU signal-caller Zach Wilson. The team is coming off a dismal 2-14 campaign, but late in the year the Jets knocked off the playoff-bound Browns and Rams.
Sam Fortier of the Washington Post reports that the team just added veteran tackle Morgan Moses to a revamped offensive line. But a team that allowed 34 touchdown passes in 2020 could use some more help in the form of cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman, last seen with the Eagles.
Philadelphia Eagles: C/G Nick Easton
A 4-11-1 record and a last-place finish in the NFC East followed three consecutive playoff appearances and a Super Bowl championship in 2017. That title was spearheaded by excellent offensive line play. And that was despite the fact that the Birds lost perennial Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters in early November.
But the 2020 unit had a share of issues even before the season began, with injuries to guard Brandon Brooks and left tackle Andre Dillard. The Birds gave up a shocking 65 sacks, but there’s still plenty of talent here. Versatile Nick Easton ended 2020 on IR but made nine starts for the Sean Payton’ Saints this past season.
Pittsburgh Steelers: CB Brian Poole
There’s no doubt that the defending AFC North champions will miss slot corner Mike Hilton, who opted to sign with the Cincinnati Bengals. Head coach Mike Tomlin has already expressed his desire to see some of his younger players step up this season and this role is a highly important one.
Poole has been an underrated player throughout his career during his stops with the Atlanta Falcons and New York Jets. His five-year resume includes seven picks, four fumble recoveries, six sacks and 31 passes defensed. In 2020 with the Jets, he finished with 44 stops, two interceptions and seven passes defensed in just nine games.
San Francisco 49ers: CB D.J. Hayden
In the most recent secondary rankings by Pro Football Focus (subscription required), the 49ers ranked 11th in this department in 2020. New defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans hopes to do better than Robert Saleh in terms of pass coverage. Only three teams in the league allowed fewer yards per game through the air, but San Francisco defenders still allowed 25 touchdown passes.
Veteran Richard Sherman remains an unsigned free agent and Akhello Witherspoon signed with the rivals Seahawks. One-time first-round draft choice D.J. Hayden has played for three teams in eight years, the last three with the Jaguars.
Seattle Seahawks: DE Alex Okafor
Pete Carroll’s club got off to a 5-0 start a year ago and wound up winning the NFC West with a 12-4 record. But the team bowed out in the first round and was stifled by the rival Rams at Seattle. The Seahawks gave up the second-most passing yards in the league this past season, but the defense did play better after some midseason acquisitions.
General manager John Schneider traded for Carlos Dunlap a year ago but cut him and re-signed him this offseason. The team also added Aldon Smith in free agency and hopes he recaptures his 2020 September form. Could veteran end Alex Okafor be on the wish list?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Steven Nelson
You can never have enough cornerbacks on your roster, and the now-defending Super Bowl champions had their problems early in 2020 when it came to giving up big pass plays. Eventually Todd Bowles’ unit rounded into form and played solid football during the team’s four-game postseason run.
Tampa Bay’s pass rush was exceptional, and the Buccaneers came up with nine takeaways. As has also been very well-documented, Bruce Arians’ team returns all 22 starters from their Super Bowl LV victory over the Chiefs. Solid cornerback Steven Nelson could add proven depth to a team looking to defend its NFL title.
Tennessee Titans: OLB/DE Justin Houston
Despite winning the AFC South for the first time since 2008 and scoring the fourth-most points in the league this past season, Mike Vrabel’s team was one-and-done in the playoffs. Tennessee’s defense was a year-long problem and no playoff club gave up more points in 2020.
The franchise did address the pass rush in several ways this offseason with the signings of defensive lineman Denico Autry and outside linebacker Bud Dupree. They should help a defensive unit that managed only 19 sacks in 16 regular-season contests. Veteran Justin Houston can get after the quarterback no matter where he lines up.
More fansided.com: NFL power rankings: #Buccaneers, Chiefs still lead way into 2021
Washington Football Team: WR Golden Tate
Former Panthers’ weapon Curtis Samuel was a solid get for the defending NFC East champions this offseason and a player head coach Ron Rivera is familiar with. The club does have Terry McLaurin, who led Washington with 87 receptions for 1,118 yards (4 TDs) this past season.
Journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick was signed this offseason, but it’s still anyone’s guess who will wind up the starting quarterback for the team in 2020. The club could use another veteran wideout and Golden Tate, who listed his preferences (via Kevin Patra of NFL.com) and enjoyed recent stints with the Eagles and Giants, is on the open market.