Every NFL team’s most glaring need leading into the 2026 NFL Draft

With the first wave of NFL free agency in the rear-view mirror, most of the high-end free agents and trade candidates are off the board. Given that reality, the best chance for teams to fill in their biggest needs is in April's NFL Draft.

What are the biggest needs that must be addressed, though? Let's dive in.

Arizona Cardinals: Quarterback

It might've made sense for the Arizona Cardinals to give up on the Kyler Murray experiment, but that doesn't mean they're suddenly all set at the quarterback position. A quarterback room featuring Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew is comfortably one of the worst in the NFL, and what makes that reality even worse is that I don't know how the Cardinals can improve upon that in the immediate future.

There isn't much in free agency for the Cardinals to pursue, and even with the third overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, there isn't a quarterback worth drafting. It might be another year (or even longer) before the Cardinals find their next franchise quarterback, but that shouldn't distract anyone from acknowledging that quarterback is the biggest position of need right now in the desert.

Atlanta Falcons: Linebacker

The quarterback situation in Atlanta isn't great, but with the likes of Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts helping out offensively, the Atlanta Falcons' offense should be fine. Defense, though, could be an issue, particularly on their defensive line.

First and foremost, James Pearce Jr.'s NFL career could be in jeopardy with the criminal charges he's facing. Second, Kaden Elliss departed for the New Orleans Saints in free agency, and the Falcons haven't really replaced him. Elliss led the team with 107 tackles and 10 tackles for loss. Losing him could prove to be detrimental.

Baltimore Ravens: Center

As bad a look as it was for the Baltimore Ravens to back out of the Maxx Crosby trade, they still wound up with Trey Hendrickson, a player who might not be quite as good as Crosby, but is still a needle-moving EDGE rusher. While most of the attention has been on their defensive line situation, given all that's gone on, the loss of Tyler Linderbaum cannot be overstated.

You can argue that Linderbaum isn't worth the $27 million AAV he got from the Las Vegas Raiders, but that doesn't mean he isn't an excellent player and one of the two or three best at his position. For the Ravens to get the most out of Lamar Jackson, their offensive line is going to have to be in order. I didn't love the John Simpson signing, and I really don't love their center situation. That's going to have to be addressed early in the draft.

Buffalo Bills: Wide Receiver

The Buffalo Bills acquired DJ Moore, giving them a high-end wide receiver they've lacked for the entirety of the post-Stefon Diggs era. As encouraging as the Moore addition is, are we sure the Bills even have a WR2? I like Khalil Shakir, but he's more of a gadget weapon. Keon Coleman has been a massive disappointment, and Josh Palmer didn't make much of an impact in his first year in Buffalo.

Are the Bills going to add to their wide receiver room after trading for Moore? Almost certainly not. Still, after so many heartbreaking postseason losses, why not shake things up and give Allen the best receiver room he's had to work with? Moore is a good start, but there's room for improvement there.

Carolina Panthers: Wide receiver

The Carolina Panthers broke out in 2025, and the Tetairoa McMillan pick was a big reason why. McMillan had over 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns in his rookie year, immediately performing at a star level. The problem with this team, though, is that McMillan was the only pass catcher to eclipse 400 yards and three touchdowns.

McMillan is their clear WR1, but to win a Super Bowl, they're going to need more than one pass catcher for Bryce Young to throw to. Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette are solid supporting pieces, but the need for a true WR2 is clear. Whether they sign someone like Jauan Jennings, make a trade or select said receiver in the draft, the Panthers must add to their receiver room.

Chicago Bears: EDGE

The Chicago Bears might've led the league in takeaways in 2025, but they were also a bottom-10 defense in points allowed and sacks. Creating turnovers is a great thing, but giving up a ton of yards and points in possessions that don't end in takeaways is not a good thing. Improving up front, particularly on the edge, could help fix their defensive issues.

The Bears tried to trade for Maxx Crosby to give them the difference-making pass rusher they need, but they fell short in their pursuit, and who knows if a trade is possible now? I don't know where the Bears find their premium pass rusher, but getting to the quarterback more is a must if the Bears want to win a Super Bowl anytime soon.

Cincinnati Bengals: Linebacker

Defense was the Cincinnati Bengals' biggest concern heading into the offseason, and while the expected Trey Hendrickson departure stings, the team did well to sign Bryan Cook to help out in the secondary and Boye Mafe and Jonathan Allen to play up front. With that being said, the Bengals need help in the middle of the field defensively.

Letting Hendrickson walk to build a more well-rounded defensive unit makes sense, only if the Bengals then do it. It's hard to say they'd have done it if they were unable to draft or trade for a starting-caliber linebacker.

Cleveland Browns: Wide receiver

The Cleveland Browns obviously need a quarterback, but given how unlikely it is that they actually end up with a starting-caliber gunslinger at this point, and the plethora of other holes on this roster, let's highlight just how dire the wide receiver position is. The Browns' leading receiver was Harold Fannin Jr., a tight end, who had 731 yards receiving. Their best wideout was probably Jerry Jeudy, who had just 602 yards and two touchdowns while dropping 10 passes of the 102 that went his way.

Jeudy has talent and actually had a huge year with Cleveland in 2024, but having him as their best receiver in 2026 is a major issue. For any quarterback to stand a chance in Cleveland, he'll need better weapons to throw to. It'd behoove Cleveland to add receiving talent, however they can.

Dallas Cowboys: Linebacker

The Dallas Cowboys really need help everywhere on the defensive side of the ball, as their league-worst defense in 2025 would indicate, but the linebacker position in particular really sticks out. DeMarvion Overshown is their best option, and that's an issue.

Overshown is also a good player, but he was limited to just six games in 2025 and has 19 appearances in two NFL seasons. Whether Overshown can stay healthy or not is a question worth asking, and even if he is, he could use help.

Denver Broncos: Tight end

The Denver Broncos addressed their biggest need by trading for Jaylen Waddle, but even with the dynamic duo of Waddle and Courtland Sutton in mind, it feels like the team could use one more pass catcher, particularly at the tight end position. Now, Evan Engram should fit that bill, but his debut season in Denver (461 yards, one touchdown) was fairly disappointing.

Perhaps Engram steps it up in 2026, but there's also reason to believe he just isn't the right fit in this Broncos offense. The Broncos don't have many holes, but finding an upgrade over Engram might just be their biggest one.

Detroit Lions: Left tackle

The Detroit Lions have been at their best in the Dan Campbell era when they've had elite offensive line play. Unfortunately, that unit regressed in 2025, and their record reflected that. The Lions hope to get back to the postseason, but to do so, they'll have to improve their offensive line.

The Cade Mays addition was a good one, but the Lions released Taylor Decker (at his request), and while Larry Borom has five years of NFL experience, I wouldn't say he's a starting-caliber option on a contending team. Perhaps the Lions would be fine moving Penei Sewell to the left side, but regardless, the Lions need an offensive tackle.

Green Bay Packers: Cornerback

On one hand, the Green Bay Packers' cornerback room isn't the worst in the world with Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine starting and Benjamin St.-Juste as a rotational guy, but on the other hand, both Nixon and Valentine are free agents after the year, and the cornerback room isn't the best in the league either.

The Packers could use more talent, especially considering they could lose their two best at the position after the year. That will likely be a point of emphasis in the draft, although they do not have a first-round pick.

Houston Texans: Offensive line

Say what you want about C.J. Stroud's struggles since his rookie year, but it's not as if the Houston Texans have been putting him in positions to succeed with the offensive lines they've constructed. They added Wyatt Teller and Braden Smith in the first wave of free agency, but the line as a whole remains a big issue, particularly in the interior.

Stroud might not be the long-term answer, but the Texans at least owe it to themselves to find out by giving Stroud adequate protection for the first time in years.

Indianapolis Colts: Wide receiver

Re-signing Alec Pierce was a smart move, even if it was a bit pricey, but the Indianapolis Colts traded Michael Pittman Jr. away. Sure, his contract was a bit richer than you'd like, but he's also a quality player, and the Colts didn't replace him in the first wave of free agency. For now, their WR2 is Josh Downs. While Downs is a fine player, that isn't good enough.

Part of why Daniel Jones was able to break out in 2025 had to do with the fact that he had Jonathan Taylor, Tyler Warren and two stout receivers to rely on. Taylor, Warren and Pierce are still in town, but for the Colts to maximize their Jones investment, they need to find a way to get another wideout.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Linebacker

The Jacksonville Jaguars have several needs worth addressing on the defensive side of the ball, but it's really hard to ignore the fact that they let Devin Lloyd walk in free agency. Lloyd had his share of ups and downs in Jacksonville, but he was coming off such a strong season that saw him record five interceptions, 81 tackles and 10 QB hits. It's not as if they've made a move to replace him, either.

Perhaps Dennis Gardeck will step up in what'll likely be an expanded role, and perhaps Lloyd regresses after his breakout year, but the Jaguars need more talent in the middle of the field defensively.

Kansas City Chiefs: Cornerback

The Kansas City Chiefs traded Trent McDuffie and lost both Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams in free agency. Both Nohl Williams and Kristian Fulton played pretty well for the team down the stretch last season, but the Chiefs need more, both in terms of quality and quantity.

The Chiefs have had a ton of success drafting corners in recent years, and they have two first-round picks to use, so there's reason to believe this weakness can become a strength very quickly. They've also been known to cut bait with veteran corners at the right time. Still, after losing so much veteran talent, it's hard not to say the cornerback room isn't a weakness right now.

Las Vegas Raiders: Wide receiver

Quarterback is obviously a major issue in Las Vegas right now, but it's also abundantly clear that the Las Vegas Raiders are going to select Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. With that in mind, why not focus on their wide receiver room?

As important as it is to find your franchise quarterback, it's also important to support said quarterback with quality weapons and good protection. The Raiders greatly improved their offensive line by signing Tyler Linderbaum, but their best receivers are Jalen Nailor and Tre Tucker. Those are decent options, but more talent is needed, even with Brock P.

Los Angeles Chargers: Offensive line

The Los Angeles Chargers have arguably the best offensive tackle duo in the NFL when healthy in Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, but health is not a guarantee, and the rest of the offensive line was a disaster. The Chargers have signed Tyler Biadasz, Kayode Awosika and Cole Strange, and they extended Trevor Penning, but they must keep adding.

The Chargers should look to improve their interior offensive line, and they should also be adding as much depth as possible. Last season was a disaster on the offensive line front, and they should be doing whatever they can to avoid that. As much quality depth as possible would go a long way.

Los Angeles Rams: Wide receiver depth

Puka Nacua and Davante Adams form what could be the best receiver duo in the league when healthy, but Nacua was banged up for part of 2025 and Adams is now 33 years old, so depth will be needed, especially with the Los Angeles Rams looking to play into February. Unfortunately, they lost Tutu Atwell in free agency and their third-best receiver is either Konata Mumpfield or Jordan Whittington. That's not good enough.

The Rams don't have to make a blockbuster or use their best draft pick to add the needed depth, but for Los Angeles to get through the 17-game regular season and the postseason, they're going to need more than these two receivers for Matthew Stafford to lean on.

Miami Dolphins: Pass catcher(s)

I'm not going to say that releasing Tyreek Hill and trading Jaylen Waddle weren't justifiable moves, but it left the Miami Dolphins without much for Malik Willis to work with offensively. Sure, De'Von Achane is still in town, but their WR1 is either Malik Washington or Jalen Tolbert. Their starting tight end is Greg Dulcich. I get that the Dolphins are rebuilding, but it feels like they aren't even giving Willis a chance to show that he's a starting-caliber quarterback.

Whether it's a wide receiver or a tight end, the Dolphins ought to use one of their two first-round picks on a pass catcher, and if we're being honest, they could use multiple receivers.

Minnesota Vikings: Defensive line

I get that neither Javon Hargrave nor Jonathan Allen met expectations in 2025 for the Minnesota Vikings, but releasing them put the team's defensive line in a rough spot, especially since the only notable move they've made to address their front seven was re-signing Eric Wilson.

Jalen Redmond is coming off a breakout year, but the Vikings need more starting-caliber defensive linemen, and that's not even taking their lack of depth into account. The defensive line is a major under-discussed issue.

New England Patriots: EDGE

The New England Patriots got to the Super Bowl, but that was in spite of their pass rush. New England's 35 sacks ranked towards the bottom of the league, and a player responsible for 7.5 of those, K'Lavon Chaisson, signed with the Washington Commanders in free agency.

New England did sign Dre'Mont Jones, who set a career-high with 7.0 sacks in 2025, but it feels like they need more. They were already subpar when it comes to getting to the quarterback, and got a little worse in the early wave of free agency. Getting back to the Big Game will be hard without an improvement on the edge.

New Orleans Saints: Wide receiver

Tyler Shough looked like a franchise quarterback down the stretch of the 2025 season, and that was in spite of his wide receiver play. Chris Olave had over 1,100 yards receiving and Juwan Johnson had his best season by far as their primary tight end, but the New Orleans Saints' second-leading wide receiver was Rasheed Shaheed, who appeared in nine games before he was traded to the Seattle Seahawks.

The Saints improved their offense in the early wave of free agency by signing Travis Etienne, but notably haven't acquired a legitimate WR2 yet. Getting someone who can draw some attention away from Olave could really help this offense pop in Shough's first full season as a starter.

New York Giants: Right guard

Perhaps the most shocking move of the offseason saw the New York Giants re-sign Evan Neal to a one-year prove-it deal after he had done nothing but disappoint since being selected with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. I have nothing wrong with giving Neal a roster spot for essentially the league minimum, but giving him a chance to win a starting job feels like a recipe for disaster.

While Jermaine Eluemunor was re-signed to start at right tackle, the right guard position remains a glaring weakness. Protecting Jaxson Dart after an injury-riddled rookie season should be their top priority, and their current right guard situation makes it hard for them to do that.

New York Jets: Wide receiver

Garrett Wilson appeared in eight games last season and recorded 395 receiving yards. Those 395 receiving yards led the New York Jets. Let that sink in. Wilson played in less than half the team's games and led them in receiving yards, and it's not as if Wilson was lighting up the stat sheet when he was healthy. Obviously, the quarterback play was a disaster, and no Jets receiver appeared in every game, but the wideouts they trotted out there, not named Garrett Wilson, were very subpar.

It's going to be very hard for this Jets offense to be even somewhat functional without a wide receiver addition. The Jets have done well to add veterans to the defense, but must now do the same with their offense.

Philadelphia Eagles: Safety

The safety position is crucial in Vic Fangio's defense, but the group the Philadelphia Eagles have at that position is not nearly as good as it's been in years past. Not only did Philadelphia lose Reed Blankenship to free agency, but they also traded Sidney Brown for draft picks.

This has Philadelphia's starting safeties as Andrew Mukuba, who battled injuries in 2025, and Marcus Epps, a 30-year-old who is not a long-term answer at the position. Losing Jaelan Phillips and Nakobe Dean hurt as well, but it feels like the safety room is in most desperate need of replenishing.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Quarterback

Quarterback has been a clear need for the Pittsburgh Steelers really since Ben Roethlisberger hung up his spikes, and this offseason is no different. They're probably hoping to re-sign Aaron Rodgers, but whether that happens or not really isn't up to them. There's a pretty decent chance Rodgers will retire.

Even if Rodgers doesn't retire, he's a 42-year-old whose NFL career is clearly on its last legs. Unless they believe one of Mason Rudolph or Will Howard is their long-term solution (they shouldn't), it'd behoove the Steelers to bring in a quarterback, whether they re-sign Rodgers or not.

San Francisco 49ers: EDGE

The San Francisco 49ers finished dead last in the NFL with 20 sacks in 2025, an impossibly low total for what was otherwise a pretty solid defense. Sure, injuries to several key regulars, including Nick Bosa, Mykell Williams and Keion White, obviously hurt, but the Niners still need to add depth at the edge.

Whether that added depth comes from a free agent like Joey Bosa, a draft pick or a trade remains to be seen, but if the Niners want to compete in a brutally tough NFC West, they're going to have to do a better job getting to and sacking opposing quarterbacks.

Seattle Seahawks: Running back

The Seattle Seahawks won the Super Bowl and then proceeded to lose Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III to free agency. I don't necessarily blame the Seahawks for letting Walker go, and they do have Zach Charbonnet, a capable starter, but what really helped keep Walker fresh for his dynamic Super Bowl performance was having Walker and Charbonnet operating on essentially a timeshare during the regular season.

I'm not saying the Seahawks need to acquire a back of Walker's caliber, but adding a better player than Emanuel Wilson who can take some of the pressure off Charbonnet could go a long way.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cornerback

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers allowed 238.2 passing yards per game, the sixth-most in the NFL, in 2025. For them to get back to the postseason, that's obviously going to have to improve. The problem, though, is that the Bucs lost their No. 1 corner, Jamel Dean, to free agency, and haven't replaced him.

Sure, they have some internal talent. Zyon McCollum has had some good moments, and Benjamin Morrison was a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft for a reason, but the need for some added talent is clear. As of now, one of the Bucs' weaknesses from 2025 is even bigger on paper, and that's a major issue.

Tennessee Titans: Offensive line

The Wan'Dale Robinson signing gave the Tennessee Titans another wideout for Cam Ward to throw to, but will that even matter with the offensive line as constructed? Lloyd Cushenberry was released and Kevin Zeitler left in free agency. Their replacements figure to be Austin Schlottmann, a player who hasn't made more than four starts in any of his seven NFL seasons, and Cordell Volson, a player who missed all of 2025 due to injury and ranked 52nd out of 77 offensive guards with a 59.1 PFF grade.

It's really hard for any young quarterback to succeed without a competent offensive line. If the Titans don't make a meaningful addition or two to this unit, it's going to be hard to expect much out of Cam Ward in 2026, as talented as he is.

Washington Commanders: Wide receiver

The Washington Commanders have Terry McLaurin locked in through the 2028 season, but as of now, their WR2 is Luke McCaffrey or Treylon Burks. That is a problem. Sure, a lot of Washington's 2025 struggles had to with injuries to McLaurin and Jayden Daniels, but their lack of depth bit them hard when those stars went down, and it's even worse right now.

Deebo Samuel, their leading receiver in 2025, is a free agent and is unlikely to return. Zach Ertz, their third-leading receiver in 2025, is a free agent and will be coming off a Torn ACL. Even if Daniels and McLaurin are able to stay healthy, they need more to work with than what they have for Washington to get back to the postseason.

More NFL news and analysis: