NFL free agency: Biggest needs for each NFC team

As the 2025 NFL free agency period unfolds, each NFC team is actively addressing roster gaps to enhance their competitiveness for the upcoming season. Here’s an overview of the primary needs for each NFC team:

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys

Primary Needs: Cornerback, Defensive Tackle, Safety

The Cowboys’ defense requires bolstering, particularly in the secondary and interior defensive line. Strengthening these areas is crucial to complement their high-powered offense.

New York Giants

Primary Needs: Quarterback, Wide Receiver, Offensive Line

With only quarterback Tommy DeVito currently on the roster, the Giants are in dire need of a franchise quarterback. They are actively pursuing options, including exploring the possibility of acquiring Aaron Rodgers. Additionally, enhancing the wide receiver corps and offensive line is essential to revitalize their offense. 

Philadelphia Eagles

Primary Needs: Linebacker, Safety, Running Back

The Eagles are focusing on reinforcing their defense, particularly at linebacker and safety positions, to maintain their competitive edge. Additionally, adding depth to the running back position is a priority.

Washington Commanders

Primary Needs: Quarterback, Offensive Line, Linebacker

Securing a reliable quarterback is paramount for the Commanders. Improving the offensive line and linebacker corps are also key objectives to enhance overall team performance.

NFC North

Chicago Bears

Primary Needs: Wide Receiver, Offensive Line, Defensive End

The Bears have been proactive in free agency, signing veteran receiver Olamide Zaccheaus and re-signing special teams ace Travis Homer. However, further strengthening the offensive line and adding a dynamic defensive end remain priorities. 

Detroit Lions

Primary Needs: Cornerback, Linebacker, Defensive Tackle

The Lions aim to bolster their defense by acquiring talent at cornerback, linebacker, and defensive tackle positions to improve their defensive rankings.

Green Bay Packers

Primary Needs: Wide Receiver, Defensive Line, Tight End

The Packers have addressed some needs by signing guard Aaron Banks and cornerback Nate Hobbs. However, adding playmakers at wide receiver and tight end, as well as reinforcing the defensive line, are still areas of focus. 

Minnesota Vikings

Primary Needs: Quarterback, Cornerback, Defensive End

With uncertainties at the quarterback position, the Vikings are exploring options, including the potential acquisition of Aaron Rodgers. Additionally, strengthening the secondary and pass rush are critical to their defensive strategy.

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons

Primary Needs: Cornerback, Edge Rusher, Safety

The Falcons are focusing on enhancing their defense, particularly at cornerback, edge rusher, and safety positions, to improve their defensive standings.

Carolina Panthers

Primary Needs: Quarterback, Offensive Tackle, Defensive End

Securing a franchise quarterback is a top priority for the Panthers. Additionally, bolstering the offensive line and pass rush are essential to their rebuilding efforts.

New Orleans Saints

Primary Needs: Wide Receiver, Defensive Tackle, Linebacker

The Saints aim to add playmakers at wide receiver and strengthen their defensive front and linebacker corps to maintain competitiveness.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Primary Needs: Linebacker, Safety, Offensive Line

Addressing the linebacker and safety positions are priorities for the Buccaneers, along with reinforcing the offensive line to protect their quarterback.

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals

Primary Needs: Defensive Tackle, Edge Rusher, Linebacker

The Cardinals are focusing on rebuilding their defensive front, particularly at defensive tackle and edge rusher positions, to enhance their pass rush and run defense. 

Los Angeles Rams

Primary Needs: Offensive Line, Cornerback, Linebacker

The Rams aim to strengthen their offensive line to protect their quarterback and improve the run game. Additionally, adding depth at cornerback and linebacker positions is essential for defensive stability.

San Francisco 49ers

Primary Needs: Quarterback, Cornerback, Offensive Line

With uncertainties at the quarterback position, the 49ers are exploring options to secure a reliable starter. Enhancing the secondary and offensive line are also key objectives to maintain their competitive edge.

Seattle Seahawks

Primary Needs: Defensive Tackle, Edge Rusher, Cornerback

The Seahawks are focusing on bolstering their defensive line and secondary to improve their defensive rankings and overall team performance.

As free agency progresses, addressing these critical needs will be pivotal for each NFC team’s success in the 2025 season.