Top 3 offseason priorities for every AFC team

The NFL offseason has arrived. Today, we look at the the top priorities for every AFC team.

Jump to:
AFC North: BAL | CIN | CLE | PIT
AFC South: HOU | IND | JAX | TEN
AFC East: BUF | MIA | NE | NYJ
AFC West: DEN | KC | LAC | LV

Baltimore Ravens

Re-sign Ronnie Stanley: Stanley, 30, allowed only two sacks in 2024, per PFF. He needs to be on the roster for the Ravens to get over their playoff hump.

Improve the edge rush: Kyle Van Noy had a terrific year with a career-high 12.5 sacks, while Odafe Oweh had 10 of his own. Still, Baltimore would benefit from getting a pass-rusher who can take over postseason games.

Addressing the secondary: Nate Wiggins and Marlon Humphrey give the Ravens one capable boundary and slot cornerback, but they could use another quality corner. Extending safety Kyle Hamilton will be at the top of Eric DeCosta's agenda.

Buffalo Bills

Give Josh Allen quality WRs: The Bills QB was named league MVP while playing with an underwhelming supporting cast. Finding a bona fide No. 1 receiver remains a priority.

Address edge-rusher production: Improving the defensive line would help Buffalo get over the hump. Finding a bookend for Greg Rousseau could boost a Bills defense that allowed 226.1 passing yards per game last year.

Patch up the cornerback group: Buffalo found a gem in 2022 sixth-round pick Christian Benford, who's exceeded all expectations. Finding another starting CB becomes a priority with Rasul Douglas set to hit free agency.

Cincinnati Bengals

Make your WRs happy: The pressure to pay Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase isn't only coming from fans - it's also coming from Joe Burrow. Mike Brown needs to open his wallet.

Figure out Trey Hendrickson's future: Hendrickson is entering the final year of his deal after posting 17.5 sacks in 2024. Can the Bengals afford to extend him, or is a trade in the cards?

Patch up the defensive line: The Bengals may have to part ways with Sam Hubbard and Sheldon Rankins, so it'll be important for Cincy to inject some fresh talent into the unit.

Cleveland Browns

Resolution at quarterback: With Deshaun Watson possibly sidelined for all of 2025, the Browns have an opportunity to get out of their self-created misery.

Maximizing Myles Garrett: Cleveland needs to get the most out of Garrett, whether it's on the field or in a trade. If the Browns keep him, they need to convince Garrett that they can turn it around.

Fix the pass protection: Only the Chicago Bears surrendered more sacks (68) than the Browns (66). There need to be changes in the trenches for this team to turn it around.

Denver Broncos

Get a star running back: Every Sean Payton offense needs its dynamic running back. The Broncos lacked that in 2024, as no halfback exceeded 513 rushing yards.

More skill players for Bo Nix: Getting Nix a quality tight end and another proven receiver would do wonders for his development as he enters Year 2.

Reward Zach Allen, Nik Bonitto: Both Allen and Bonitto are key defensive players up for extensions, but how easy will negotiations be? Allen has been a proven asset, while Bonitto is coming off a breakout 13.5-sack campaign.

Houston Texans

Protect C.J. Stroud: Only Caleb Williams was sacked more than C.J. Stroud in 2024. The Texans need to upgrade their O-line to become legitimate AFC title contenders.

Go shopping for WRs: Finding complements to Nico Collins is especially crucial with Tank Dell likely missing time next season and Stefon Diggs exploring free agency.

Fortify interior defensive line: Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter combined for 23 sacks. The Texans need to find similar production in the middle of their defensive line.

Indianapolis Colts

Hold QB competition: Joe Flacco will be a free agent this spring. Bringing in an experienced arm could serve as motivation for an embattled Anthony Richardson, who's played unevenly through his first two seasons.

Splurge in free agency: Indianapolis has $28 million in cap space after taking a conservative approach last offseason. Adding depth in the secondary could trump re-signing a few starters.

Draft a tight end: The Colts have picked three tight ends over the last three years. Having a safety valve would be helpful for a fledgling unit that finished 25th in passing (197.7) in 2024.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Establish a chain of command: Jacksonville parted ways with Trent Baalke after nearly losing Liam Coen. Finding a new general manager and establishing cohesion between the front office and coaching staff is crucial to a 2025 rebound.

Cut Christian Kirk, Evan Engram: Jacksonville can add $31 million in cap space by moving on from this pair. Finding a running mate for Brian Thomas Jr. won't come cheap.

Improve the secondary: A complete overhaul of this unit is on the table after Jacksonville allowed the fourth-most points (25.6) last year. Pairing Tyson Campbell with a talented peer should be under consideration.

Kansas City Chiefs

Get Mahomes weapons: Mahomes had to put on his Superman cape in 2024. The Chiefs need to again allow the best quarterback in the NFL to show off his rocket arm and talent.

Beef up the tackle position: The dam finally broke in the Super Bowl for the Chiefs' offensive line. The interior is still good, but the tackles are in serious need of an upgrade.

Re-sign Trey Smith, Nick Bolton: The Chiefs' 2024 roster was arguably their least talented to reach the Super Bowl in this era. The journey to recapturing the Lombardi Trophy becomes a whole lot harder if they can't retain Smith and Bolton.

Los Angeles Chargers

Star power at wide receiver: Ladd McConkey looks like the only long-term asset among Chargers receivers. Justin Herbert could desperately use another set of reliable hands.

Keeping Khalil Mack: The Chargers have a few notable pending free agents, none bigger than Mack. Though he posted only six sacks in 2024, Los Angeles is a better team with him.

Interior offensive line help: The Chargers could really use an upgrade at center after an inconsistent season by Bradley Bozeman. Whether it's via free agency or the draft, bolstering the interior will pay dividends for Los Angeles' run game.

Las Vegas Raiders

Figure out the QB blueprint: The GOAT will reportedly have a hands-on approach in this department. Are Tom Brady's evaluation skills as sharp as his on-field talent? The Raiders won't escape mediocrity until they get a long-term answer under center.

Get a bell-cow RB: The Raiders never recovered from losing Josh Jacobs last offseason. Alexander Mattison led the team with only 420 rushing yards as Las Vegas' running game ranked dead last in the NFL.

Add talent to the defense: The Raiders have a defensive cornerstone in Maxx Crosby, but they could really use another game-changer or two.

Miami Dolphins

Insurance policy at QB: Tua Tagovailoa missed six games last season due to multiple injuries. Finding a quality backup is imperative for a team that posted a 2-4 record without Tagovailoa in 2024.

Revamp the last line of defense: Jevon Holland has likely priced himself out of a return with the Dolphins as the club eyes upgrades at both safety positions.

Create more cap space: Miami rewarded several stars with big deals. Reworked contracts and tough decisions loom amid a crucial offseason for Chris Grier and Mike McDaniel.

New England Patriots

Fix the exterior of the offensive line: The combination of Demontrey Jacobs and Vederian Lowe surrendered the fifth-most sacks in the NFL last season. Upgrading Drake Maye's protection has to be prioritized.

Invest in the pass rush: New England finished dead last in the NFL with 28 sacks. Bolstering the pass rush with more productive talent is among the Patriots' top priorities.

Find playmakers at WR: The Patriots have found their franchise QB and brought back Josh McDaniels to help shepherd him. It shouldn't be difficult to entice veteran options to come to New England with close to $119 million in cap space.

New York Jets

Find a franchise QB: The 2023 blockbuster trade for Aaron Rodgers didn't go as planned. Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn are now tasked with finding the elusive franchise passer to begin their tenure.

Beef up the defensive line: Quinnen Williams needs someone else to step up along the line. Adding more talent up front after last year's struggles against the run should be of focus.

Address their need at safety: Finding quality safeties has been an issue for Gang Green. New York needs a succession plan with Ashtyn Davis and Chuck Clark scheduled to become unrestricted free agents.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Deciding the 2025 QB1: The Steelers want to bring back either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields. Wilson enjoyed a hot start before crashing down to earth, while Fields had glimpses of promise in a six-start stint. Maybe there's an out-of-the-box option lurking ahead.

Improve the WR corps: There was no serious depth behind George Pickens in 2024. It's time to add legitimate talent to last season's disappointing group.

Beef up the defensive line: Cam Heyward will be 36, while Larry Ogunjobi will be 31. Keeanu Benton should be a long-term starter, but this unit needs to add more flair and youth.

Tennessee Titans

Find a franchise QB: Tennessee must consider if there's a passer worthy of the top pick. Finding suitable backups will also be necessary with Will Levis and Mason Rudolph on their way out.

Replenish the WR corps: Calvin Ridley is a legitimate wideout but lacks a tag-team partner. Tennessee should use its $44 million in cap space to upgrade its depth chart.

Fix the right side of the offensive line: Right guards Dillon Radunz and Daniel Brunskill are both set to become UFAs. Nicholas Petit-Frere and Leroy Watson all failed to grab hold of the starting right tackle position.