2024: Every NFL team’s BIGGEST needs

As all 32 NFL teams begin the process of finalising their player evaluations ahead of free agency and the NFL Draft, Decyfr dives into each team’s biggest needs in 2024.

Arizona Cardinals: Cornerback and Linebacker

• After last season, Arizona need to prioritise their defense. A new cornerback would provide the pass rush with an extra second to get to the QB.

Atlanta Falcons: Quarterback and Edge

• A new head coach and unconvincing quarterback play from Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke last season could result in a new face under center in 2024.

Baltimore Ravens: Edge and Cornerback

• The Ravens already have one of the most dominant rosters in the NFL. The addition of another edge rusher could bolster their already elite defense.

Buffalo Bills: Wide Receiver and Cornerback

• With Gabe Davis entering free agency, the Bills should target a new wide receiver for Josh Allen – taking the pressure off of Stefon Diggs.

Carolina Panthers: Wide Receiver and Offensive Line

• Bryce Young’s favourite weapon in 2023 was Adam Thielen. However, at 33 years old he isn’t getting any younger. A new, elite wide receiver could be exactly what Young needs.

Chicago Bears: Offensive Line and Wide Receiver

• What the Bears will do at quarterback remains unclear. However, with two picks in the top ten and over $55 million in cap space, Chicago have the chance to reinvent themselves offensively this offseason.

Cincinnati Bengals: Defensive Line and Offensive Line

• Protecting Joe Burrow has been a problem for Cincinnati ever since his arrival in 2020. With wide receivers Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase ready to solidify themselves as the league’s best duo – now is the time to further prioritise protecting Burrow.

ICYMI: The @Bengals have franchise tagged star wide receiver @teehiggins5 – making him the first player to receive the tag in 2024.#Decyfr #NFL #RuleTheJungle pic.twitter.com/mYaYteN1XH

— Decyfr Sport (@DecyfrSport) February 26, 2024

Cleveland Browns: Wide Receiver and Defensive Line

• The defense was the Browns’ strength last season. An extra weapon on offense would make Cleveland a force to be reckoned with in 2024.

Dallas Cowboys: Running Back and Linebacker

• After choosing not to resign Tony Pollard, finding an elite running back will be priority number one this offseason for Jerry Jones.

Denver Broncos: Quarterback and Defensive Line

• The Russell Wilson era is over – now head coach Sean Payton can build around a signal caller of his choosing.

ICYMI: After just two seasons, the @Broncos are releasing quarterback Russell Wilson.#Decyfr #NFL #BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/yqajUQQBuC

— Decyfr Sport (@DecyfrSport) March 5, 2024

Detroit Lions: Wide Receiver and Linebacker

• While the Lions may have shocked the world in 2023, teams now know what to expect. Therefore, a top-quality receiver to partner with Amon-Ra St. Brown would go a long way.

Green Bay Packers: Offensive Line and Safety

• Jordan Love showed a lot of promise in his first season under center. However, his continued progression will be dependent on an elite offensive line.

Houston Texans: Offensive Line and Running Back

• Despite an upgrade at offensive line proving to be a necessary during the Texans’ loss to Baltimore in the playoffs, the incredibly strong running back market this offseason suggests a major addition for Houston.

Indianapolis Colts: Offensive Line and Linebacker

• Before his injury, Anthony Richardson showed a lot of promise. Returning the O-Line to their former glory will be the first task for the Colts this offseason – ahead of Richardson’s return in 2024.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Wide Receiver and Offensive Line

• Trevor Lawrence didn’t have the season many expected last year. With Calvin Ridley now gone, there’s a gap alongside Christian Kirk in the Jaguars’ wide receiver room.

Kansas City Chiefs: Wide Receiver and Safety

• Pairing an elite, young wide receiver with Rashee Rice, Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes – with Andy Reid calling the plays – has three-peat written all over it.

Las Vegas Raiders: Quarterback and Offensive Line

• Aidan O’Connell is unlikely to be the long-term answer at quarterback for the Raiders. With Jimmy Garoppolo leaving, head coach Antonio Pierce should consider targeting a new QB1.

Los Angeles Chargers: Running Back and Offensive Line

• After moving on from Austin Ekeler, the Chargers are in need of capitalising on a strong running back market this offseason – providing Justin Herbert with much needed support.

Los Angeles Rams: Cornerback and Linebacker

• With needs at various positions on defense, look for the Rams to target a lockdown corner in the draft.

Miami Dolphins: Cornerback and Offensive Line

• Having recently released Xavien Howard, the Dolphins are in need of another cornerback to pair with Jalen Ramsey.

Minnesota Vikings: Running Back and Quarterback

• Without Kirk Cousins or Alexander Mattison, Minnesota have some crucial holes on the offensive side of the ball.

New England Patriots: Quarterback and Wide Receiver

• Kicking off the post-Belichick era with a top-three pick will likely result in a new quarterback joining New England come Draft Day.

New Orleans Saints: Wide Receiver and Safety

• With an injury-prone Michael Thomas now aged 31, quarterback Derek Carr will be begging the Saints’ front office for a new weapon this offseason.

New York Giants: Running Back and Offensive Line

• The decision was made not to franchise tag Saquon Barkley. As a result the Giants are now in the market for a new – and probably cheaper – running back.

Where will these stars end up? 👀#Decyfr #NFL #NFLUK pic.twitter.com/GUI8tr4gVa

— Decyfr Sport (@DecyfrSport) March 6, 2024

New York Jets: Offensive Line and Wide Receiver

• A 40-year old Aaron Rodgers returning from injury and only two returning starters on the O-Line isn’t a favourable pairing. The Jets will certainly be focused on protecting their all-star QB this offseason.

Philadelphia Eagles: Offensive Line and Linebacker

• Jason Kelce’s retirement has left an immense hole on an otherwise incredibly talented roster – one which needs filling as soon as possible.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Quarterback and Cornerback

• With uncertainties surrounding Kenny Pickett’s ability and future, don’t be surprised if Pittsburgh bring in a new quarterback ahead of the 2024 season.

San Francisco 49ers: Wide Receiver and Defensive Line

• The only issue with a roster as strong as San Francisco’s is the inability to pay everyone. Brandon Aiyuk’s forthcoming contract negotiations might be aided by the addition of another receiver.

Seattle Seahawks: Safety and Offensive Line

• With a new head coach came the release of safeties Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs. As a result, the Seahawks will undoubtedly look to address their secondary this offseason.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Defensive Line and Edge

• A young edge rusher or interior defensive lineman could prove essential for an aging defensive line.

Tennessee Titans: Wide Receiver and Running Back

• Derrick Henry’s departure only adds to an offense already in desperate need of additional fire power.

Washington Commanders: Quarterback and Cornerback

• With a new owner, GM and the most cap space in the NFL, the Commanders could be big spenders in 2024. With a host of offensive weapons, a change at QB could be on the horizon.