Every AFC team's biggest need entering free agency
theScore goes division by division to identify the biggest need for every AFC team entering free agency, which opens March 18 at 4 p.m. ET. The legal tampering period begins two days prior.
AFC I NFC (Thursday)AFC NorthBaltimore Ravens
Will Newton / Getty Images Sport / GettyBiggest need: Pass-rusher
The Ravens were among the NFL's most complete teams last season, but their pass rush was one of their few obvious weaknesses. Baltimore blitzed far more than any team in the league (54.9% of defensive snaps) but ranked just 21st in sacks. Free-agent linebacker Matthew Judon, who easily led the team with 9.5 sacks, is reportedly set for the franchise tag. Still, the Ravens can't rest on their laurels. With Lamar Jackson on a bargain contract for the next few years, the AFC North kings can afford to be aggressive.
Top potential FA targets: Jadeveon Clowney, Robert Quinn, Dante Fowler Jr.
Cincinnati BengalsBiggest need: Offensive line
Working under the safe assumption that Cincinnati will make Joe Burrow its next franchise quarterback atop the draft in April, one could make a case for nearly any other position to be the most pressing need. The Bengals, to put it mildly, are a work in progress. But if Burrow is to be the latest instant success as a rookie under center, he'll need far better protection. With only offensive tackle Jonah Williams and center Billy Price assured of starting spots, Cincinnati could target any of the top guards or tackles on the market.
Top potential FA targets: Jack Conklin, Joe Thuney, Bryan Bulaga
Cleveland BrownsBiggest need: Offensive tackle
The Browns weren't good enough up front all season, as evidenced by their red-zone issues and the frequency with which Baker Mayfield had to run for his life. Their biggest problems were at tackle, where Greg Robinson was temporarily benched and Chris Hubbard conceded a team-high 38 pressures. They'll be in the market for upgrades and could pursue veterans capable of bringing leadership to the locker room.
Top potential FA targets: Jason Peters, Bryan Bulaga, Jack Conklin
Pittsburgh SteelersBiggest need: Wide receiver
Donte Moncrief didn't pan out and Diontae Johnson was inconsistent in his rookie year, meaning the Steelers still need a viable complement for JuJu-Smith Schuster. Pittsburgh rarely splurges in free agency, but it could kick the tires on some bounce-back candidates or pursue a steady veteran to add to its stable of pass-catchers.
Top potential FA targets: Devin Funchess, Paul Richardson, Randall Cobb
AFC EastBuffalo Bills
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyBiggest need: Wide receiver
The Bills saw banner seasons from John Brown and Cole Beasley but need another weapon to help quarterback Josh Allen. Buffalo showed a willingness to swing big last offseason, nearly acquiring Antonio Brown before the former Steelers star nixed the proposal. After averaging only 19.6 points per game in 2019, general manager Brandon Beane and Co. could try once more to make a splash.
Top potential FA targets: Amari Cooper, Robby Anderson, Emmanuel Sanders
Miami DolphinsBiggest need: Pass-rusher
It would be a major shock if Miami came out of the draft without one of Tua Tagovailoa or Justin Herbert to join Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback. Getting someone who can hunt the opposing QB should be the Dolphins' priority. The team's 23 sacks were the fewest in the league, so signing a top-tier player and adding depth is a must.
Top potential FA targets: Jadeveon Clowney, Markus Golden, Vic Beasley
New England PatriotsBiggest need: Tight end
If it wasn't already clear just how vital Rob Gronkowski was to New England's success, it became blindingly obvious while watching Tom Brady and Co. struggle in key moments all season. Finding a true replacement for perhaps the greatest tight end ever is impossible. However, there are several big-name options who could give the Patriots' passing game a significant boost, though some would require Bill Belichick to open up his checkbook.
Top potential FA targets: Austin Hooper, Eric Ebron, Jordan Reed
New York JetsBiggest need: Pass-rusher
The Jets need better protection and more weapons for Sam Darnold. The secondary also requires a serious infusion of talent. But New York should prioritize fixing its pass rush, which ranked 22nd in 2019. The fact that safety Jamal Adams was second to Jordan Jenkins in team sacks speaks volumes about how weak the position is. To make matters worse, Jenkins is a free agent and will likely garner solid interest. The Jets should target some of the top veterans before further bolstering the unit through the draft.
Top potential FA targets: Dante Fowler Jr., Jason Pierre-Paul, Robert Quinn
AFC SouthHouston Texans
Tim Warner / Getty Images Sport / GettyBiggest need: Cornerback
The Texans desperately need to overhaul one of the NFL's most vulnerable secondaries and have plenty of cap space to do it. Houston bought low last year on the likes of Bradley Roby, Gareon Conley, and Vernon Hargreaves, but none paid off. Time continues to tick on Deshaun Watson's affordable contract, DeAndre Hopkins' prime, and J.J. Watt's career, so another aggressive offseason could be in store for the AFC South champs.
Top potential FA targets: Byron Jones, James Bradberry, Chris Harris Jr.
Indianapolis ColtsBiggest need: Quarterback
It's possible that the top four quarterbacks in the draft are off the board by the time the Colts pick at No. 13. Even if Indy is able to land Jordan Love or Justin Herbert, signing a veteran is a must. Jacoby Brissett's second half of the season proved he isn't even a viable stopgap option. The Colts have the second-most cap space in the league, so overspending at the position shouldn't be a concern.
Top potential FA targets: Philip Rivers, Teddy Bridgewater, Marcus Mariota
Jacksonville JaguarsBiggest need: Cornerback
The Jaguars turned the cornerback position from a strength into a weakness after trading Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye over the last five months. Even with Bouye's bloated salary off the books, Jacksonville is short on cap space. The Jags will need to spend wisely in free agency and could target relatively inexpensive veterans or young players with untapped upside.
Top potential FA targets: Logan Ryan, Vernon Hargreaves, Eli Apple
Tennessee TitansBiggest need: Pass-rusher
Harold Landry led the Titans with nine sacks in 2019, while nobody else had more than five. Tennessee tried to improve its pass rush last offseason by signing veteran Cameron Wake, but the former Dolphins standout failed to make an impact before going on injured reserve. If the Titans can get Landry a better running mate off the edge, they'd have a scary defensive front that also features Jurrell Casey and Jeffery Simmons at tackle.
Top potential FA targets: Dante Fowler Jr., Vic Beasley, Jordan Jenkins
AFC WestDenver Broncos
Tim Warner / Getty Images Sport / GettyBiggest need: Wide receiver
Courtland Sutton looks like a burgeoning star after catching 72 passes for 1,112 yards and six touchdowns as a sophomore. His performance was even more impressive considering Emmanuel Sanders was Denver's second-leading wideout despite being traded halfway through the season. The Broncos can't expect quarterback Drew Lock to take a significant step forward in Year 2 with DaeSean Hamilton as his No. 2 receiver.
Top potential FA targets: Robby Anderson, Breshad Perriman, Randall Cobb
Kansas City ChiefsBiggest need: Linebacker
The Chiefs finally solved their defensive woes last year en route to a Super Bowl title, but if there was one weak spot on the unit, it was at linebacker. Kansas City has a pair of inside linebackers set to hit the market in Reggie Ragland and Darron Lee, and the club could look to either retain them on short-term deals or replace them with older players looking to join a contender. The Chiefs don't have much money to spend, reportedly looking to slash salary more than add it.
Top potential FA targets: Reggie Ragland, Wesley Woodyard, Danny Trevathan
Las Vegas RaidersBiggest need: Linebacker
The Raiders need to concentrate on defense in free agency. While longstanding issues in the secondary have to be addressed, the cupboard is worryingly bare at linebacker. Tahir Whitehead is the only viable starter on the roster with Vontaze Burfict and Will Compton out of contract, and the veteran was routinely abused in coverage last season. The Raiders need depth and a modern-day do-it-all linebacker to help fix their pass defense issues.
Top potential FA targets: Cory Littleton, Joe Schobert, Blake Martinez
Los Angeles ChargersBiggest need: Offensive line
It won't really matter who's playing quarterback for Los Angeles in 2020 unless the offensive line can keep Philip Rivers' replacement upright. The Chargers could legitimately use five new starters on the line, though they'll probably stick with Mike Pouncey at center and Russell Okung, who struggled with health issues last season, at left tackle. The Bolts will have plenty of money to spend on a revamped line if they draft a quarterback.
Top potential FA targets: Graham Glasgow, Jack Conklin, Anthony Castonzo
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