Team Needs


Team Needs

Arizona Cardinals
Team Needs:   CB   ILB   OT   DE   OLB   QB   TE   D:   3-4
The Skinny: The Cardinals have some talent in their defensive secondary, but not enough. When they are forced into nickel and dime packages, they can be exploited as the Packers and the Saints presented during the NFC playoffs this year. Arizona is a legitimate Super Bowl contender (assuming Kurt Warner doesn't retire), and will look to patch their immediate inadequacies at the DB position in April. LT could be a need spot, as Jeremy Bridges filled in just adequately for an injured Mike Gandy, who is getting up there in terms of age. The Cards may lose impact LB Karlos Dansby to FA in this uncapped year, and may need to find his replacement in the draft. The QB question, is of course also looming....is Matt Leinart the answer when Warner finally hangs it up? Is Brian St. Pierre? Is the QB of the future on the roster? It's a big concern for this talented club going forward. 4/15 Update: Kurt Warner retired, Dansby signed with the Dolphins and the Cards signed Paris Lenon to take his place. The Cards also inked FA Joey Porter, and traded for FS Kerry Rhodes to replace released FS Antrel Rolle. Their other big move was bringing in Derek Anderson as an insurance policy for Matt Leinart
Atlanta Falcons
Team Needs:   OG   DT   CB   OLB   WR   DE   K   D:   4-3
The Skinny: Atlanta is a borderline playoff team that could bolster its chances of competing in the NFC South with a talented frontline corner, or better yet a pair of top cover guys. Brent Grimes is more suited for nickel duties than locking down Marques Colston, Steve Smith and the like. The Falcons could also use some depth on both of their interior lines, and it wouldn't hurt them to start looking for Mike Peterson's replacement at LB. Mike Jenkins has limited upside as a #2 WR at this point in his career, so acquiring a pass catcher or two is not out of the realm of possibility, either.
4/15 update: The Falcons traded Chris Houston to the Lions, and signed Dunta Robinson to replace him, helping shore up one of their biggest areas of weakness. They could still use some quality depth at the position.
Baltimore Ravens
Team Needs:   CB   DE   C   OT   ILB   DT   OLB   D:   3-4
The Skinny: With Derrick Mason playing the Brett Favre game again in regards to retirement, the Ravens need to look towards the future at WR. Even if Mason comes back, he's 36 years old and can't keep playing forever. The Ravens, seemingly more than any team in the league, would greatly benefit from a #1 WR. They've also battled injuries in the secondary, and are pretty thin at the cornerback position. I would not expect Samari Rolle to be back, and even with a healthy Fabian Washington, this is a position in need of an upgrade. The Ravens should be looking for C Matt Birk's eventual replacement in the near future as well.
4/15 Update: Mason did indeed re-sign, and the Ravens further bolstered their WR corps by trading for Anquan Boldin and signing Donte Stallworth out of the Penal League. Rolle was cut, and CB is still a glaring weakness for this team. The Ravens also lost DEs Dwan Edwards and Justin Bannan to FA.
Buffalo Bills
Team Needs:   OT   QB   DT   WR   OLB   OG   FS   D:   3-4
The Skinny: The Bills and new coach Chan Gailey are a tough lot to figure out and have many holes to fill, but they definitely could start with a franchise LT or a franchise QB. It looks like the Trent Edwards experiment has run its course, and Ryan Fitzpatrick is a known commodity (and that commodity being backup at best), so this is a club that could really use a front line signal caller. They've got many needs elsewhere, with aging players and others with unknown futures (Terrell Owens) dotting the roster, so the Bills need to build from the ground up. A franchise WR would not be a shocker here, either.
4/15 Update: Nothing groundbreaking. The Bills signed DE Dwan Edwards from Baltimore, and also MLB Andra Davis. They're not bringing TO back, and also lost headcase OG Richie Incognito who was a stopgap solution for them.
Carolina Panthers
Team Needs:   WR   DE   DT   QB   TE   CB   OLB   D:   4-3
The Skinny: For a team with some talent, the Panthers really have some major leaks to plug. First and foremost, they desperately need a weapon to line up opposite of Steve Smith. Mushin Muhammed is ancient and borderline effective - if he even continues playing. Dwayne Jarrett shows potential but does not look like he's going to be reliable enough to fill the role...it's time to acquire a big, talented WR to take some pressure off of 89. The QB situation is unsettled - John Fox appears to be willing to give Matt Moore a chance, but is the Oregon State product the long term answer? It's obvious that Jake Delhomme is not at this point in his career. The Panthers may lose Julius Peppers to contract demands this offseason, and they still haven't really replaced Kris Jenkins at the DT position. Carolina could also use an upgrade at TE, and if they can't find the pass catching option they need in a WR, maybe they will look for it in the form of a stud TE.
4/15 Update: The franchise is changing rapidly. Gone are Delhomme and Peppers. Gone are DTs Ma'ake Kemoeatu and Damione Lewis. Gone is OLB Na'il Diggs. The Panthers haven't made any major additions, bringing in the likes of former Colt DT Ed Johnson and Special Teamer/S Aaron Francisco. It appears they're going to let Matt Moore run the ship.
Chicago Bears
Team Needs:   OG   OT   WR   CB   OLB   DE   C   D:   4-3
The Skinny: The Bears problems start up front, on their offensive line. They have an interesting mix of veterans and youngsters on the line that didn't really work for them this year. Roberto Garza and Olin Kreutz are both aging and Garza isn't very effective any longer. The other G spot was manned by Frank Omilaye and the Bears could use an upgrade there. They like Chris Williams potential as the long term solution at LT, but Kevin Shaffer is probably nothing more than a backup at this point in his career on the right side. While Chicago has some pass catching weapons, and we're really not sure about the future of guys like Earl Bennet, Devin Aromashodu and Johnny Knox, the Bears could certainly use a big, explosive pass catching talent to line up outside. The unfortunate passing of Gaines Adams combined with the apparent impending departure of Wale Ogunleye leaves the Bears lacking at the DE position, as well. Assuming Brian Urlacher can regain his form, Chicago would also be well served to find an upgrade to Hunter Hillermayer/Tim Roach on the Strongside to pair with Urlacher and Lance Briggs.
4/15 Update: Chicago made a big splash signing DE Julius Peppers and RB Chester Taylor from division rival Minnesota. They parted ways with CB Nate Vasher and DE Alex Brown.
Cincinnati Bengals
Team Needs:   OLB   OG   TE   DE   WR   DT   RB   D:   4-3
The Skinny: Cincinnati underwent a sizeable transition last year from a pass-first team that played little defense to more of a "tough" team that focused on running the ball and played great D. And you saw the result. Marvin Lewis has already committed to more of the same in 2010. Despite that transition, though, a team needs to remain balanced and the Bengals were just too underpowered to produce points when they needed them. Outside of Ocho Cinco, the Bengals were severely lacking another weapon on the outside once Chris Henry went down with an injury. His unfortunate passing only makes WR that much more of a pressing need for this team. The Bengals hope that stud pass rusher Antwan Odom will be healthy in time for training camp, but when you saw the drop-off behind him in terms of guys who could rush the passer, that makes DE another obvious need. OG Bobbie Williams is a UFA, which lends some instability to a pretty good OL situation. The Bengals seem to like what they have in rookie TE Chase Coffman, but he didn't see the field much, and I could see the Bengals selecting a TE high if the opportunity presents itself.
4/15 Update: The Bengals added troubled WRs Antonio Bryant and Matt Jones, making WR a bit less of a priority for them but with these guys' checkered pasts, some wideout insurance would not be a bad thing.
Cleveland Browns
Team Needs:   QB   DE   OG   OT   WR   ILB   CB   D:   3-4
The Skinny: As of today (mid January), I guess we are going to have to operate under the assumption that Mike Holmgren will be retaining Eric Mangini, and thus the Browns will be sticking with their 3-4. Whatever they do, odds are they're going to want to improve their QB situation. Derek Anderson was a one year wonder, and Brady Quinn has never come close to showing he can deliver the goods. The Browns are aging at the DE spot and could use an upgrade over Robaire Smith and Kenyon Coleman. They also would be wise to supplant former C Hank Fraley at RG and look to upgrade the RT position. The Browns acquired a couple of pass catchers last year in the draft in Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi, but it wouldn't be a shock if they looked for a stud WR early in this year's draft to replace the departed Braylon Edwards.
4/15 Update: I can't really get a good read on what Holmgren is doing here. He brought in a lot of new faces, but none that are seemingly big impact guys. QBs Seneca Wallace and Jake Delhomme, MLB Scott Fujita, OLB Chris Gocong, CB Sheldon Brown, C Eric Ghiaciuc. They lost C Hank Fraley and G Rex Hadnot, as well as S Brodney Pool. No real changes in their team needs based on this, in our opinion.
Dallas Cowboys
Team Needs:   OT   OG   DE   ILB   FS   SS   K   D:   3-4
The Skinny: The Cowboys loss to the Vikings demonstrated that they are starting to show their age and/or immobility on the offensive line. Flozell Adams is a massive presence, but he is 36 and can't move like he once did. Marc Colombo has never been great on his feet. Jerry Jones would do well to find an athletic young tackle that he can pencil in on one or both sides of the line for the next 10 years. Kyle Kosier does a pretty good job at the LG spot, but the other guard position is up in the air. Dallas has a good secondary but would not mind upgrading either safety spot if the opportunity arises. And I don't think Jones would mind sending Shaun Suisham on the first bus out of town if he can find a reliable kicker come April.
4/15 Update: Flozell is gone, making LT a gaping hole. Also gone is S Ken Hamlin. No major additions. One thing we can state with reasonable certainty is that the Cowboys will not be drafting Tim Tebow.
Denver Broncos
Team Needs:   WR   C   ILB   TE   DT   OG   DE   D:   3-4
The Skinny: Can Josh McDaniels get along with ANYONE? It looks like he will be brooming talented pass catchers Brandon Marshall and Tony Scheffler this offseason, so the Broncos are going to have to replace that production somehow. Though McDaniels had an overachieving defense last year, he parted ways with DC Mike Nolan and odds are without Nolan's help the D won't be able to get by next year on smoke and mirrors like it seemed to for much of 2009. It all starts up front, where Denver planted the relatively unknown Ronnie Fields at the NT spot. Fields struggled at times, and the feeling here is that a massive run plugger in the mold of a Haloti Ngata is near the top of the Broncos wish list.
4/15 Update: Sure enough, Marshall is gone. Traded to Miami for a 2nd rounder this year and a 2nd/3rd next year. They signed Jamal Williams, NT, formerly of the Chargers but that is still an area of need. Williams is old and oft-injured. They also signed DEs Justin Bannan and Jarvis Green. Both are solid additions. They lost C Casey Weigmann and MLB Andra Davis.
Detroit Lions
Team Needs:   CB   DT   RB   DE   OT   SS   OG   D:   4-3
The Skinny: The Lions have their quarterback in Matt Stafford and their playmaker in Calvin Johnson; it's now time to focus on the front line and defense, right? Right? The Lions have needed to bolster their offensive and defensive lines for years, and we have to imagine at some point they will actually do it. They are also razor thin in the secondary behind second year standout FS Louis Delmas. The knee injury to running back Kevin Smith means the Leos will be looking for a back in this year's draft. And as silly as it may sound, Jason Hanson is getting long in the tooth and was a marginal 8-of-14 from beyond 40 yards this past season. Hanson probably has another year or two left, but adding his eventual replacement, and someone who can boot the ball deep on kickoffs, wouldn't hurt. While not a priority, it wouldn't shock us if they burned a late round pick on a kicker. After all this is the Lions we are talking about.
4/15 Update: The Lions have done some tinkering this offseason, bringing in WR Nate Burleson and DE Kyle Vanden Bosch. They've also obtained CBs Chris Houston and Jonathan Wade, G Rob Sims, and QB Shaun Hill, not to mention DE Corey Williams. All in all a solid offseason. This team is still chock full of holes, though, and can use help just about anywhere.
Green Bay Packers
Team Needs:   OT   CB   OG   OLB   ILB   SS   WR   D:   3-4
The Skinny: Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher are getting up there in years, and one or both may not be back next season. As we saw early on in 2009 when both were out, the Packers have little quality depth at the tackle spot behind these two vets, and it's something they need to address if they want to keep Aaron Rodgers alive long enough to fulfill his potential. The playoff loss to the Cards also exposed the fact that behind Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams and the injured and aging Al Harris, the Packers are very thin in the secondary. Darren Colledge is a solid guard who may not be back with the team in '10, and lining up depth on the OL is never a bad idea.
4/15 Update: The only major change in Green Bay is the loss of Aaron Kampman, who signed with Jacksonville. Kampman is a good player, but did not fit Dom Capers 3-4 scheme so it's not a huge game changer.
Houston Texans
Team Needs:   CB   RB   DT   OG   OLB   FS   WR   D:   4-3
The Skinny: The Texans finally broke their .500 curse in 2009, and now are looking to take the next step and make the postseason in 2010. Perhaps their biggest need this offseason is to improve the running game. Steve Slaton might not be the answer after all, especially with his fumbling problems. Arian Foster and Ryan Moats both seem talented, but it would make sense for them to draft a talented young RB to compete for carries next year. Upgrading the guard spot could also go a long way in helping the running game along. Amobi Okoye has been a disappointment at DT, and Shaun Cody is merely a stopgap solution. Dunta Robinson may be on his way out of town, and either way Houston could use depth and talent in the secondary.
4/15 Update: Other than losing Dunta Robinson to Atlanta and adding G Wade Smith, not much happening in Houston this offseason. They also lost backup QB Rex Grossman. Corner is a big need for them, but they also have some other major holes which need addressing.
Indianapolis Colts
Team Needs:   DT   CB   OG   OT   WR   FS   K   D:   4-3
The Skinny: This team will obviously be a contender as long as #18 is suiting up, but there is certainly room for upgrades throughout the roster. The DT situation has been unstable basically since Corey Simon went AWOL, and if I were Bill Polian I wouldn't be sleeping well at night knowing I was relying on Antonio Johnston, Daniel Muir and Co to penetrate opposing teams' backfields. The Colts drafted Fili Moala in the 2nd round last year, but he didn't see the field much and this spot is still in need of bolstering from where we sit. The corner situation is adequate, but Marlin Jackson has a long way to come back from injury, though Polian seems to have found something in rookie Jerraud Powers. Jeff Saturday can't play forever, and neither can Adam Vinatieri. Speaking of playing, is Bob Sanders going to do so any time soon? Great player, but with his knee issues he's on the verge of being written off forever. Melvin Bullitt has been a great replacement, but it's time to look for someone to complement Bullitt who can stay in the lineup.
4/15 Update: There will be some turnover on the Indy roster, but nothing too earth shattering. Gone are G Ryan Lilja, CB Marlin Jackson, CB Tim Jennings, S Aaron Francisco, WR Hank Baskett, and backup QB Jim Sorgi. Added are T Adam Terry, and G Andy Allerman.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Team Needs:   DE   WR   CB   OG   OC   FS   DT   D:   4-3
The Skinny: The Jags have been looking for a pass rusher at the DE spot seemingly forever. They thought they had it in Derrick Harvey, but a paltry 5.5 sacks in two years is not cutting it. Jacksonville ranked dead last in the league in sacks. Mike Sims-Walker appears to have a promising future at WR and Torry Holt is a decent stopgap measure, but the Jags would like to start adding young talented pass catchers to their roster. The corner spot was dominated for a longtime by Rashean Mathis, but age and injuries appear to be catching up to him. The Jags also did well to address both OT spots in last year's draft, but the interior of the line could use a makeover.
4/15 Update: The Jags signed Aaron Kampman, which is a huge get for them, but the DE spot is still weak. They also signed WR Kassim Osgood from San Diego and parted ways with Torry Holt and DT Rob Meier.
Kansas City Chiefs
Team Needs:   OT   SS   DT   CB   WR   OLB   ILB   D:   3-4
The Skinny: Despite being selected in the first round in the '08 draft, Branden Albert showed signs last year that he may not be the future on Matt Cassell's blind side. Albert was routinely beaten like a drum, and the thought is that he may be a better fit inside, where he played in college. If you move Albert to guard, you have a couple of glaring weaknesses at the bookend positions on the line. New OC Charlie Weis and Team President Scott Pioli may like Ryan O'Callaghan simply because he is a product of the Patriots drafting, but he is more fit for a backup role. Both starting safeties for the Chiefs - Mike Brown and Jon McGraw - are aging and unreliable.
4/15 Update: KC had a few signings: G Ryan Lilja, C Casey Weigmann, RB Thomas Jones, WR Jerheme Urban. They lost G Mike Goff, G Andy Alleman and QB Quinn Gray.
Miami Dolphins
Team Needs:   FS   DT   DE   OG   C   OLB   OT   D:   3-4 Hyb
The Skinny: Miami was not pleased with the play of FA acquisition Gibril Wilson at the FS spot, and has a talented young defensive backfield that seemingly could thrive with a solid free safety added to the mix. Look for them to target one this April. It also would seem logical that Bill Parcells/Tony Sparano would like to add a NT of the future to hold down the middle of their 3-4, as Jason Ferguson is aging and his play is declining. Speaking of aging, your two rush LBs are Jason Taylor and Joey Porter. Talented players, but time to look to the future.
4/15 Update: Miami had a very busy offseason, adding some major cogs, none bigger than recently acquired stud WR but problem child Brandon Marshall and LB Karlos Dansby. They're losing Gibril Wilson, Akin Ayodele, and Joey Porter, as well as possibly DE/OLB Jason Taylor.
Minnesota Vikings
Team Needs:   CB   RB   ILB   OG   QB   SS   OT   D:   4-3
The Skinny: The Vikings may have fewer true "holes" than any team in the league. Of course, with Brett Favre under center, you always have to think about the future at QB. We don't think it's Tarvaris Jackson, and Favre could hang it up (and un-hang it up) any day with little warning, so it would be wise for Minnesota to keep their eyes open for the franchise QB of the future. The cornerback spot could be bolstered...Antoine Winfield is a heckuva player when healthy, which doesn't seem to be too often. Cedric Griffin is adequate on the other side. We also saw from the Vikes that they lack some depth at the LB spot. Once E.J. Henderson went down, Minnesota was forced to go with Jasper Brinkley and it hurt them at times. Brinkley looks like he could have a future, but adding quality depth here would be a good idea. Perhaps it is time to start planning for the future where you have other aging players - OG Anthony Harrera, DT Patt Williams; even LT Bryant McKinnie appears to be losing a step in pass protection.
4/15 Update: Favre is still playing the waiting game - HUGE SHOCKER. The Vikes biggest move this offseason has been the loss of Chester Taylor, which is a fairly big hit for them. They will need to look to the draft for a replacement.
New England Patriots
Team Needs:   OLB   ILB   WR   TE   DE   CB   RB   D:   3-4
The Skinny: The Patriots needs might as well be listed as a series of question marks…that's about as close as we'll come to predicting what Bill Belichick will do come April. We know there's a method to his madness, though, and that's all that matters to Patriot fans. On the surface, it would appear that the Pats could use a true pass-rushing stand up outside LB in the mold of DeMarcus Ware. Tully Banta-Cain did a serviceable job there in his 18th stint with the team, but he doesn't appear to be the long term future, and Adalius Thomas on the other side is a good bet to get released this off-season. It's time to look for someone on the inside to play alongside up and comer Jerod Mayo, as well. I don't think Junior Seau has another season left in him. And it wouldn't be a complete shock to see the Patriots cut ties with Randy Moss this offseason. Moss appears to be fading both physically and mentally, and if the Pats can line up a big target in the draft, who knows?
4/15 Update: NE lost a couple of TEs - Chris Baker and longtime Patriot Benjamin Watson. They also lost starting DE Jarvis Green, signing Damione Lewis formerly of the Panthers to take his spot.
New Orleans Saints
Team Needs:   OT   OLB   SS   DE   OG   K   TE   D:   4-3
The Skinny: The Saints, not surprisingly, are in very good shape. Jermon Bushrod is probably not an ideal fit at the LT position, especially from a run blocking standpoint, but opposing D's rarely get to Drew Brees so it's all relative. The Saints wouldn't mind upgrading Scott Shanle at the SAM position, or Roman Harper at SS, and depth on either line is a bonus. The organization doesn't appear to have a lot of confidence in PK Garrett Hartley after his four-game banned substance suspension earlier this season, so they may look to upgrade that position if the opportunity presents itself.
4/15 Update: The Champs lost LB Scott Fujita and RB Mike Bell. The Darren Sharper situation is still up in the air but the guess here is that he'll be back. They also brought in former Bears DE Alex Brown.
New York Giants
Team Needs:   CB   ILB   DT   OT   OLB   FS   SS   D:   4-3
The Skinny: The Giants have a talented roster, but it needs some tweaking, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Specifically, their pass defense needs a major upgrade. They're extremely thin at corner, and the FS spot is a revolving door unless they decide to move Aaron Ross there permanently (and he can stay healthy). It's also time to look for Antonio Pierce's replacement in the middle.
4/15 Update: The Giants signed Ss Antrell Rolle and Deon Grant. They lost DT Fred Robbins to FA and cut MLB Antonio Peirce.
New York Jets
Team Needs:   DT   DE   WR   OG   SS   OT   RB   D:   3-4
The Skinny: Despite trading for Braylon Edwards, the Jets still don't have reliable playmaking options at the WR position. Edwards shows flashes and Jerricho Cotchery is steady, but the Jets could use a true stud to help Mark Sanchez develop. Sione Pouha has done an adequate job at the NT position since Kris Jenkins went out, but Jenkins has seen better days and the Jets would love to find a space eater in the draft. Thomas Jones will likely be released in the offseason to clear the way for Shonn Greene; and with Leon Washington coming off of a nasty leg break, it would be wise to add depth at the RB spot.
4/15 Update: The Jets are another team that had a busy offseason. They brought in a pair of former chargers in CB Antonio Cromartie and LaDanian Tomlinson. They lost Thomas Jones and traded away Kerry Rhodes. They also traded a 5th round pick for WR Santonio Holmes, though he only has 1 year left on his contract and will miss 4 games due to suspension.
Oakland Raiders
Team Needs:   DT   OG   WR   QB   OT   DE   SS   D:   4-3
The Skinny: Ahh, the Raiders. What the Raiders really need are some players who can run really fast but not play football. Well, I guess that's what crypt-keeper Al Davis would tell you anyway, that is if he had a rare lucid moment. Oakland has tried in recent years to put their QB of the future in place with Jamarcus Russell, tried to line up their "stud" WR in Darrius Heyward-Bey, and tried to acquire their franchise RB in Darren McFadden. So far results have been poor at best. Davis reportedly does not want to give up on Russell yet, which is a mistake. Heyward-Bey showed nothing in his rookie season. And McFadden has shown flashes but spent most of his first two years on the sidelines with injuries. The Raiders have some talent on defense, but they're aging at key spots. And the OL could use a nice talent boost, as well. Basically, it wouldn't surprise us to see the Raiders select any player at any position at any time of the draft. How's that for unpredictability?
4/15 Update: The Raiders traded for DE/OLB Kamerion Wimbley. They parted ways with RB Justin Fargas, WR Javon Walker, DT Gerard Warren, and DE Greg Ellis.
Philadelphia Eagles
Team Needs:   OG   DE   CB   FS   ILB   RB   DT   D:   4-3
The Skinny: The Eagles could be in for an interesting offseason. While Andy Reid has publicly backed Donovan McNabb heading into 2010, rumors are starting to swirl that there are factions of the team that would support a move to Kevin Kolb, a transition that the always-demanding Philly fan base would seem to endorse. It also appears that Brian Westbrook is done in Philadelphia, and perhaps done in the NFL due to gimpy knees and concussions. The Eagles have a talented roster, and have done a great job of setting themselves up to continue success after the McNabb/Westbrook Era is over, but they need to continue to build. The Shawn Andrews experiment didn't work, and brother Stacy had to move inside from tackle to compensate. The Eagles also lost talented C Jamaal Jackson late in the year to a knee injury. The interior of this OL could use bolstering. Philly would also do well to add talent to their defensive backfield, and could be looking for the Brian Dawkins replacement. Macho Harris does not seem to fit the bill. Also - something to keep an eye on - is LeSean McCoy the future at RB? Even if he is, it would not be surprising to see Joe Banner draft another RB to help split the load.
4/15 Update: In the blockbuster move of the offseason, the Eagles unloaded franchise QB Donovan McNabb to division rival Washington for draft picks. Kevin Kolb will step in as starter. Philly also traded DB Sheldon Brown and DE Chris Gocong to Cleveland for DE Alex Hall and picks. They traded DE Chris Clemons to Seattle for DE Daryl Tapp. They are also parting ways with RB Brian Westbrook, MLB Wil Witherspoon, OT Shawn Andrews, WR Kevin Curtis, and DE Darren Howard. S Sean Jones signed elsewhere via FA. WR Hank Baskett, CB Marlin Jackson, and RB Mike Bell are among their signees.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Team Needs:   OT   OG   CB   WR   C   DT   DE   D:   3-4
The Skinny: The Steelers continue to have problems on the OL. They were able to gel long enough for a Super playoff run in 2008, but the problems manifested themselves again at times in 2009. Under Bruce Arians, the Steelers have been a pass-first offense, and with as long as Big Ben holds onto the ball, you need adequate pass protection - which is something they haven't had. The other major problem the team encountered this season was surprisingly, the defensive unit's inability to stop teams, specifically through the air. True, a lot of that would be remedied with a healthy Troy Polamalu, but Ike Taylor, Deshea Townsend, William Gay and Co. did not get the job done in his absence, and the Steelers will be looking to beef up their secondary with quality cover corners. Also, it is time to start thinking about the future after NT Casey Hampton and ILB James Farrior, who are aging fast.
4/15 Update: WR and former Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes was dealt to the NYJ for a draft pick. The Steelers brought in another former Super Bowl MVP and Steeler Antwaan Randle El to help fill the void left by Holmes. They also signed former Steeler ILB Larry Foote for depth, as well as S Will Allen, and WR Arnaz Battle.
San Diego Chargers
Team Needs:   DT   RB   OG   CB   SS   DE   ILB   D:   3-4
The Skinny: Although they were key building blocks in the Chargers little run to nowhere over the past decade, it's probably time for AJ Smith to line up replacements for Jamal Williams and LaDanian Tomlinson. Williams will be 34 and coming off of a major injury and, even before tearing his triceps was showing signs that he wasn't the player he used to be. It also appears that the Chargers will part with LT (for real this time), and despite his superb playmaking ability, I wouldn't count on Darren Sproles to be an every-down player at his stature.
4/15 Update: LT is gone, as is Jamal Williams. Also gone are WR Kassim Osgood, big TE Brandon Manumaleuna, and C Eric Ghiaciuc. QB Charlie Whitehurst and CB Antonio Cromartie have parted ways via trades for draft picks. The Chargers have brought in RB Marcus Mason, CB Nate Vasher, and CB Donald Strickland.
San Francisco 49ers
Team Needs:   OG   OT   SS   CB   DT   DE   QB   D:   3-4
The Skinny: The Niners appear to be building a solid nucleus around their run-stifling defense, but they clearly need work in the trenches on the other side of the ball. Mike Singletary and OC Jimmy Raye had intentions of lining up and pounding the rock with Frank Gore, but it just didn't work whenever they tried it. The Niners have a few solid pieces on their line in LT Joe Staley, G Dave Baas, and C Eric Heitmann, but the RG and RT spots could use an upgrade to get them where Samurai Mike wants them to be. Also on their wish list - a big, gap-plugging NT. Aubrayo Franklin was serviceable in this role, but if they can find a big two-gapper early on, they will snatch him up.
4/15 Update: The Niners added backup QB David Carr and CB Karl Paymah. Other than that, not much activity this offseason. They did lost WR Arnaz Battle and OT Tony Pashos.
Seattle Seahawks
Team Needs:   OL   RB   FS   WR   DE   QB   CB   D:   4-3
The Skinny:  Pete Carroll is marching into town and changes are coming. Carroll favors a West Coast offense and a Cover 2 defense. Apparently he's stuck in 1992….but we digress….Seattle is going to need to find parts to match these systems. Jim Mora essentially ran the same systems, but he didn't have the parts, either. Matt Hasselback might be the right QB, at least for another year or two, but the Seahawks are going to need some mobile linemen, especially at the Guard position. They are aging all along the OL, and it's definitely time for an overhaul. In addition, Seattle lacks an explosive playmaker to play the flanker position, and will need a speedy MLB who can drop deep into zone coverage. Safety and corner are another couple of spots which will need to be addressed in order to make this defense work. Finding a rush end to go opposite of Patrick Kearney would be nice, too.
4/15 Update: Seattle lost OG Rob Sims and WR Nate Burleson to Detroit. They also lost DE Patrick Kearney to retirement and DE Daryl Tapp to Philly, though they gained DE Chris Clemons in return. They released S Deon Grant and CB Ken Lucas. The Hawks also parted ways with QB Seneca Wallace (traded to Cleveland), and DT Cory Redding. Other additions include QB Charlie Whitehurst, who they are hoping can one day take the reigns from Hasselback, and RB Quinton Ganther. Essentially, this team has a ton of holes.
St. Louis Rams
Team Needs:   QB   OG   DE   CB   WR   DT   OLB   D:   4-3
The Skinny: Essentially, the Rams need about everything except for a replacement for Steven Jackson. Jason Smith appears to be a keeper at LT, and it seems they like Alex Barron ok on the right side. James Laurinaitis played well as a rookie, and Chris Long is serviceable. Pretty sad state of affairs for Steve Spagnuolo in that we used this space to talk about what the Rams have rather than what they need because the list is so much shorter. The glaring need is going to be under center. The Rams appear set to cut ties with Marc Bulger, and I don't think they want to enter 2010 with Keith Null as their signal caller.
4/15 Update: LB Paris Lenon and CB Jonathon Wade are gone. DE Leonard Little looks like he'll retire. And of course, QB Marc Bulger is gone, as well. The Rams signed DT Fred Robbins, C Hank Fraley, and LB Na'il Diggs. This shouldn't change their offseason priorities much, if at all.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Team Needs:   WR   OT   DE   OLB   DT   SS   CB   D:   4-3
The Skinny: The Bucs need help everywhere. This is one of the most talent-barren rosters in the league. Luckily for GM Mark Dominik he appears to have at least a few pieces to build around. Josh Freeman looks like a keeper, but the Bucs need to find him a talented wideout who can make plays. Antonio Bryant will not be back with the team in 2010, and I don't think Sammie Stroughter is that piece, despite showing some flashes for a 7th round pick in '09. Tampa Bay could also use a franchise-type LT if one is available. On defense, they're pretty thin around DT Chris Hovan, MLB Barrett Ruud, and CBs Aqib Talib and Ronde Barber. Barber isn't getting any younger, and his eventual replacement does not appear to be on the roster at present time.
4/15 Update: WR Antonio Bryant, OLB Matt McCoy, and S Will Allen are gone. WR Reggie Brown was acquired from the Eagles for a late round draft choice and S Sean Jones was signed as a FA.
Tennessee Titans
Team Needs:   DT   DE   C   OLB   ILB   P   CB   D:   4-3
The Skinny: Tennessee still has a talented roster, with one of the best overall O-lines in the game. There is no doubt the loss of Albert Haynesworth hurt them, though. They got some production out of Jason Jones, Kevin Vickerson and Tony Brown, but rookie Sen'Derrick Morris was a non factor, and the Titans could really use a giant penetrator in the mold of a Haynesworth or a Marcus Stroud in the middle. DE is also a priority with Kyle Vanden Bosch aging and Jevon Kearse doing the same. With Keith Bullock also aging and trying to come back from an ACL injury, Jeff Fisher really needs to think about lining up his successor, as well. And Kevin Mawae is no spring chicken.
4/15 Update: Mawae's status is still up in the air, as he hasn't officially been resigned. The thinking is he will be eventually, though. VandenBosch is gone, as is Jevon Kearse. Keith Bulluck, too. Will Witherspoon was brought in as his replacement. P Craig Hentrich retired.
Washington Redskins
Team Needs:   OT   OG   DT   WR   SS   K   QB   D:   3-4
The Skinny: Yes, the Skins have many woes on the offensive side of the ball. Though the biggest offseason question is probably the uncertain future of QB Jason Campbell, a more pressing issue is replacing Chris Samuels at the LT spot. Samuels hasn't yet filed retirement papers, but even if he comes back he's seen much better days. Stephon Hoyer is not a good option as an every-down RT. The interior of the line is also aging and could use an influx of talent, and there is no doubt the Skins will be looking for smaller, more mobile linemen come April to fit their new blocking schemes. Mike Shanahan reportedly wants to move on from the Clinton Portis era, and will likely seek a one-cut back that fits his zone blocking system. They have some young talented WRs in Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly, but adding another to the mix wouldn't hurt as Santana Moss is getting up there.
4/15 Update: Well, QB is no longer a question mark with the addition of Donovan McNabb. The future of the position is somewhat cloudy, but that's not something that Mike Shanahan will need to worry about just yet. RBs Larry Johnson and Willie Parker were also added to the roster. Gone are RBs Marcus Mason and Quinton Ganther, as well as slot WR Antwan Randle El. DT Ma'ake Kemoeatu and G Artis Hicks were added. Released were OG Randy Thomas, DT Cornelius Griffin, RB Rock Cartwright, CB Fred Smoot, and QB Todd Collins.