NFL free agency offers teams the chance to address their most urgent needs but can also bring about or worsen roster issues, as several teams have discovered recently. While many hoped to use their substantial salary cap space to bring in established playmakers, the market this year saw top players opting to stay with their current teams. This scarcity of top talent, combined with teams losing key players, has left some franchises facing challenges in certain positions.
Here are five teams dealing with significant gaps to fill after the initial free agency rush:
New England Patriots: Wide receiver
The Patriots, armed with over $125 million in cap space, were active early in free agency, signing defensive tackle Milton Williams to a record-breaking deal. However, they still have pressing needs at wide receiver and left tackle, with top options like Tee Higgins and Ronnie Stanley off the table before free agency began. The lack of standout options in the wide receiver draft class could pose a problem for quarterback Drake Maye, who showed promise as a rookie but lacked support from his protection and receiving corps.
Washington Commanders: Edge rusher
Despite making numerous moves, including trading for Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel Sr., Washington still needs to address their pass rush to bolster their defense. While their pass rush performed well last season, they lack a standout edge rusher, which could be a potential weakness moving forward.
Dante Fowler Jr. has returned to the Dallas Cowboys after leading the team in sacks last season, but could another trade provide a solution? Washington seems like a good fit for Bengals’ Trey Hendrickson due to their cap space and willingness to invest in veterans. However, Washington’s previous trades have depleted their draft assets, making their general manager hesitant to part with top selections. If negotiations for Hendrickson fall through, Washington may consider targeting an edge threat with the No. 29 pick, such as Marshall’s Mike Green or Boston College’s Donovan Ezeiruaku.
The Los Angeles Chargers are focusing on strengthening their defense, particularly at defensive tackle, after losing key players like Poona Ford. To address this, they may need to look to the draft for immediate impact players like Michigan’s Kenneth Grant or Oregon’s Derrick Harmon.
Returning defensive coordinator Robert Saleh faces a depleted defensive line with the San Francisco 49ers, following the departure of several key players. With limited options in free agency, the 49ers may need to address their defensive line needs in the draft, possibly targeting players like Michigan’s Mason Graham or Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart.
The Green Bay Packers are in need of a top-tier wide receiver to bolster their offense. Without adding a playmaker, coach Matt LaFleur may face challenges in the upcoming season.
Despite the potential shown by Jayden Reed, Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Dontayvion Wicks as a quartet, none emerged as a reliable target for Jordan Love in tough situations. Overcoming man coverage remained a persistent challenge, with only Wicks managing to score above 70 in ESPN’s metric despite struggling with drops. Addressing Green Bay’s receiver issue won’t be easy given the competitive free-agent and trade market. With the Packers allocating their resources elsewhere – such as signing offensive guard Aaron Banks to a lucrative deal and securing cornerback Nate Hobbs – GM Brian Gutekunst may need to explore options in the second wave of free agency or the upcoming draft. Prospects like Texas’ Matthew Golden, Iowa State’s Jaylin Noel, and Mississippi’s Tre Harris could help bolster the receiving corps. For more news and updates, download the USA TODAY app today.
