The 2024 NFL offseason has been a whirlwind of activity, with top free agents finding new homes and the draft shaking up the league’s landscape. As the dust settles and teams prepare for training camp, there’s still unfinished business for each NFC franchise. Let’s delve into the most pressing priorities for every team in the conference:
Arizona Cardinals: Navigating Another Season Reliant on Rookies
The Cardinals’ rebuilding phase continued in 2024, and they’ll once again rely heavily on contributions from their young players. First-round pick Marvin Harrison Jr. is thrust into the WR1 role, while Trey Benson looks to make an impact in the backfield alongside James Conner. On defense, Darius Robinson and Max Melton are expected to play key roles. The Cardinals will spend the remainder of the offseason evaluating their young talent and determining who they can lean on during the regular season.
Atlanta Falcons: Unleashing Kyle Pitts’ Full Potential
The Falcons made headlines by signing Kirk Cousins and then drafting Michael Penix Jr. in the first round. However, a more immediate concern is maximizing the production of tight end Kyle Pitts. After a stellar rookie season, Pitts has struggled to replicate that success. The arrival of Cousins, who frequently utilizes tight ends, presents an opportunity for Pitts to regain his dominant form.
Carolina Panthers: Nurturing Bryce Young’s Development
The Panthers’ offseason was all about surrounding Bryce Young with talent. They bolstered the offensive line, traded for veteran receiver Diontae Johnson, and added promising rookies in Xavier Legette, Jonathon Brooks, and Ja’Tavion Sanders. Now, it’s up to head coach Dave Canales to design an offense that maximizes Young’s skills and helps him rebound from a challenging rookie year.
Chicago Bears: Addressing the Need for Edge-Rushing Help
General manager Ryan Poles made significant upgrades to the Bears’ offense, providing Caleb Williams with a plethora of weapons. However, the pass rush remains a concern. While Montez Sweat anchors one side, there’s a lack of a proven edge rusher opposite him. Exploring the free-agent market or potential trades could be crucial for the Bears to address this deficiency.
Dallas Cowboys: Prioritizing Contract Extensions for Key Players
The Cowboys face a critical decision regarding the futures of Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons, all of whom are deserving of lucrative extensions. Delaying these decisions will only increase the price tag, as evidenced by the escalating contracts signed by other star players at their respective positions. The Cowboys must weigh the risks and rewards carefully as they navigate these negotiations.
Detroit Lions: Adding Depth to the Wide Receiver Room
While Amon-Ra St. Brown received his well-deserved extension, the Lions need to bolster their depth at wide receiver. Jameson Williams has shown flashes but needs to prove he can be a consistent threat. Behind them, there are significant questions. Exploring options on the free-agent market or through trades could be essential for the Lions to maintain a potent passing attack.
Green Bay Packers: Determining the Best Position for Jordan Love
First-round pick Jordan Love possesses the versatility to play both tackle and guard, leaving the Packers with an interesting dilemma. While he projects as a tackle long-term, the Packers must decide whether his immediate impact would be greater at guard. The key is to provide Love with stability at one position to maximize his development as a rookie.
Los Angeles Rams: Strengthening the Back End of the Defense
The Rams’ secondary needs reinforcement, particularly at safety. While they signed Kamren Curl, the other safety spot remains a question mark. Fortunately, several veteran safeties are still available in free agency, providing the Rams with options to bolster their back end and provide valuable experience to a young defense.
Minnesota Vikings: Securing Justin Jefferson with a Market-Setting Contract
Justin Jefferson has quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s most dynamic receivers, and his contract situation is paramount for the Vikings. With recent deals resetting the wide receiver market, Jefferson is in line for a massive payday, potentially exceeding Nick Bosa’s $34 million per year. The Vikings must act swiftly to secure their star player’s future.
New Orleans Saints: Ensuring Derek Carr’s Success in Klint Kubiak’s Offense
The Saints hope that new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak can revitalize their offense. Kubiak’s Shanahan-style system, emphasizing pre-snap motions, outside zone runs, and attacking the middle of the field, should benefit quarterback Derek Carr. The Saints’ success hinges on Carr adapting to the new scheme and rediscovering his Pro Bowl form.
New York Giants: Solidifying a Young Secondary with Veteran Presence
The Giants have a promising but inexperienced secondary, relying heavily on second- and third-year players. Adding a veteran presence at cornerback would be invaluable, providing much-needed stability and mentorship. Options like Adoree’ Jackson, Stephon Gilmore, or even Patrick Peterson could be worth exploring for the Giants.
Philadelphia Eagles: Blending Jalen Hurts’ Strengths with Kellen Moore’s Offense
The Eagles’ offense will have a new look with Kellen Moore taking over as coordinator. Finding the right balance between Moore’s under-center run game and Jalen Hurts’ preference for shotgun formations will be key. Utilizing play-action passes and diversifying formations should help the Eagles maintain their offensive firepower.
San Francisco 49ers: Staying the Course with Their Dominant Receiving Corps
Despite rumors and speculation, the 49ers should prioritize keeping their talented receiving trio of Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and George Kittle intact. While Aiyuk’s contract situation warrants attention, disrupting the chemistry of this group wouldn’t be wise for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
Seattle Seahawks: Unleashing Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s Potential
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the Seahawks’ first-round pick in 2023, is poised for a breakout season. New offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb’s system, known for utilizing multiple receivers, should benefit Smith-Njigba. With Tyler Lockett restructuring his contract, the Seahawks have a formidable trio of receivers capable of lighting up scoreboards.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Addressing Uncertainty at Cornerback
The departure of Carlton Davis leaves a void in the Buccaneers’ secondary. While Jamel Dean is a cornerstone player, the opposite cornerback spot requires attention. Zyon McCollum and Christian Izien will compete for playing time, but the Buccaneers should explore veteran options to solidify the position.
Washington Commanders: Protecting Jayden Daniels at All Costs
The Commanders are entrusting their offense to rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, but their offensive line raises concerns. While they upgraded the interior with Tyler Biadasz and Nick Allegretti, the left tackle position remains a vulnerability. The Commanders must prioritize protecting Daniels to give him the best chance to succeed in his first season.
