AFC East
Buffalo Bills
One of the oft-cited reasons that Josh Allen was the correct MVP choice in 2024 was that he had a worse team around him compared to Lamar Jackson. While Allen’s individual performance was stellar, the Bills need to address their weaknesses to ensure he’s surrounded by a more supportive cast in 2025. Key areas for improvement include fortifying the offensive line and enhancing the secondary. The Bills will also need to manage their salary cap carefully to retain veterans and make strategic free agent acquisitions. With the 16th pick in the draft, they have a good opportunity to add a dynamic playmaker. The Bills’ priority free agents include key contributors like Tyler Bass and Tremaine Edmunds. Ensuring continuity and deepening the roster could make the Bills a formidable Super Bowl contender next year.
Miami Dolphins
Despite Tua Tagovailoa’s health issues, the Dolphins made the playoffs. However, it was clear that they were not in the top tier of AFC teams. Questions about the team culture under head coach Mike McDaniel linger, and there’s a need to strengthen both the offensive and defensive lines. The Dolphins have to decide if Tagovailoa is their long-term solution at quarterback. If not, they’ll need to explore the free agent market or consider a high draft pick. The 17th selection in the draft could be pivotal, and retaining players like Xavien Howard and DeVante Parker will be crucial for stability. Miami’s salary cap situation is relatively flexible, allowing them to be aggressive in free agency if needed.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson’s performance in 2024 was remarkable, and the addition of Derrick Henry brought a new dimension to the Ravens’ offense. Despite these strengths, the team fell short of their Super Bowl aspirations. The Ravens will need to address their offensive line, which struggled to protect Jackson, and enhance their passing game. The defense, though strong, could benefit from upgrades in the secondary. Free agent targets include tackle candidates and veteran wide receivers. With significant cap space, the Ravens are well-positioned to make the necessary moves. Lamar Jackson’s future contract negotiations will also be a focal point, ensuring he remains motivated and well-supported.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals’ 2024 season was a significant disappointment, wasting a year of Joe Burrow’s prime. The offensive line was porous, and the defense continued to struggle. This offseason, the Bengals must focus on fortifying these areas. Joe Burrow needs better protection, and the defense must improve to be competitive. The 24th draft pick provides an opportunity to add depth, but the Bengals will also need to be active in free agency. Retaining key players like Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase is essential, and managing their salary cap will be a critical factor in rebuilding a championship-caliber team.
AFC South
Houston Texans
The Texans have held an advantage in the AFC South for the past few seasons, and if they make the right moves this offseason, they could take that next step and make a deeper run in the playoffs. Key areas for improvement include the quarterback position and the overall depth of the roster. The Texans have significant cap space and the 12th pick in the draft, allowing them to target a potential franchise quarterback or a high-impact defender. Retaining players like DeMeco Ryans and Kenyon Green will be crucial, and the Texans must also address their running game and special teams to become a more balanced team.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars, with the 5th pick in the draft, have a golden opportunity to address their struggling defense. They need to find ways to get Trevor Lawrence back on the path to stardom, which will require improving the offensive line and adding reliable targets in the passing game. Free agency will be crucial, and the Jaguars must be selective in retaining their own talent. Key players like Josh Allen and Travis Etienne will need to be kept, while addressing salary cap constraints will be a balancing act. If the Jaguars can build a solid foundation around Lawrence, they could emerge as one of the more exciting teams in 2025.
AFC West
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs’ Super Bowl loss was a harsh reminder of the need to protect Patrick Mahomes better. The offensive line was a major liability, and addressing this issue is paramount. The Chiefs have the financial flexibility to make significant upgrades, both in free agency and through the draft. The 31st pick is a late selection, but they could still find valuable talent. Retaining key players like Travis Kelce and Chris Jones is essential, and the Chiefs will also need to explore the free agent market for immediate impact players. With Mahomes at the helm, the Chiefs remain a threat, and a well-executed offseason could set them up for another deep playoff run.
Los Angeles Chargers
Despite a rough finish, the Chargers are well-positioned heading into the 2025 offseason. They have a strong foundation with Justin Herbert at quarterback and a roster filled with talented players. The Chargers will need to address their offensive line and secondary to ensure Herbert is better protected and their defense is more robust. The 28th pick in the draft allows for strategic selections, and free agency will be crucial for adding depth. Retaining players like Joey Bosa and Keenan Allen is a priority, and the Chargers have the resources to make it happen. With the right moves, they could solidify their position as a top contender in the AFC.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys’ reluctance to lock in Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb last offseason until after training camp nearly cost them dearly. This time, they are committed to settling Micah Parsons’ future sooner rather than later. Parsons is a key player, and securing him with a long-term deal is crucial for the team’s success. The Cowboys also need to address their offensive line and secondary. The 10th pick in the draft provides a valuable opportunity to add a top-tier talent, and free agency will be essential for retaining and acquiring key players. With a balanced roster and Parsons leading the charge, the Cowboys have the potential to be a dominant force in 2025.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are in a unique position as the defending Super Bowl champions. Their roster is well-rounded with relatively young stars at almost every major position, and most of them are locked into long-term deals. The focus this offseason will be on retaining key contributors and addressing specific needs like depth in the secondary and offensive line. The Eagles’ salary cap situation is manageable, allowing them to be selective and strategic in their free agent pursuits. With the 11th pick in the draft, they can add a high-impact player. The Eagles’ core remains strong, and with a few targeted moves, they could be primed for another championship run.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals showed significant improvement in their offense in 2024, and they plan to build on that momentum. Key areas for focus include the offensive line and secondary. The Cardinals will be looking to retain players like DeAndre Hopkins and Kyler Murray while exploring the free agent market for depth. With the 3rd pick in the draft, they have an excellent opportunity to add a franchise-altering player. The Cardinals’ salary cap situation is healthy, and they are well-positioned to make the necessary moves to compete at the highest level in 2025.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams face a significant challenge this offseason, with at least one franchise legend, likely Cooper Kupp, on his way out. The team must rebuild around a new core and address their quarterback situation. The 6th pick in the draft offers a chance to add a high-impact player, but the Rams will need to be strategic in free agency to replenish their talent pool. Key players like Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey will need to be retained to maintain the team’s foundation. The Rams’ salary cap constraints will test their front office’s ability to make savvy moves, but a successful offseason could set them up for a competitive 2025 season.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers’ young quarterback, Brock Purdy, had an impressive rookie season, and his extension will be a major talking point this offseason. The team must also address their need for a strong offensive line and a more balanced defense. The 1st pick in the draft, likely used on a quarterback, provides a significant opportunity to shape the future of the team. Free agency will be crucial for adding depth and retaining key players like Nick Bosa and Fred Warner. With a solid salary cap situation, the 49ers can be aggressive in their pursuit of a championship-caliber roster.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks don’t need a full-scale rebuild, but they must figure out how to take that next step and become a playoff-caliber team. Key areas for improvement include the offensive line and the passing game. The 8th pick in the draft allows them to target a high-impact player, and free agency will be essential for adding depth and experience. Retaining players like DK Metcalf and Geno Smith is a priority, and managing the salary cap will be crucial. With the right moves, the Seahawks could emerge as a dark horse contender in the NFC West in 2025.
