One move all 32 NFL teams should make this offseason, from free agency to 2025 NFL Draft

When we first made this list late during the season, it emphasized the importance of the Arizona Cardinals re-signing James Conner. He signed a two-year extension before December. Now it’s time for money to be invested in the defense. Josh Sweat already has familiarity with Jonathan Gannon’s defensive scheme and he’s played under Cardinals defensive coordinator Nick Rallis. Sweat showcased the ability to take over a game in the Super Bowl and he also made the Pro Bowl in 2021. Heading into his age-28 season, Sweat adds a No. 1 edge rusher that Arizona – 28th in ESPN pass-rush win rate last season – desperately needs.

Related: NFL free agents 2025, NFL free agents by team

One of the most important duos in the NFL is a quarterback and center. Drew Dalman was one of the best centers in football last season and he doesn’t turn 27 until October. Not only does he provide continuity for the Falcons’ offensive line but he’s already worked with quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and he wants to return to Atlanta. Signing Dalman to a long-term deal should be the Falcons’ No. 1 priority this offseason.

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Replacing cornerback is critical for further improvement from this Baltimore Ravens defense but the top cornerbacks will likely be out of the team’s price range. Instead, they should pursue a free safety which would then allow the team to move Kyle Hamilton back into a Swiss Army knife role. While the Ravens have a history of pursuing veteran defensive backs on the open market, they can make an exception for 25-year-old Tre’von Moehrig. He recorded 18 pass deflections with 5 interceptions over the last two seasons, playing well in coverage despite bad corner play around him. In Baltimore, Moehrig would have more freedom as a playmaker and he’d help prevent big plays downfield.

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Tee Higgins ($30-plus million per season) is likely out of the Buffalo Bills price range and the same could be said for defensive lineman Milton Williams ($20-plus million AAV). Instead, Buffalo can go after 26-year-old defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa. He ranked 12th at his position in pass-rush win rate (11%), with that number climbing even higher in the second half of the season. A Bills defensive line with Odighizuwa, Ed Oliver and Greg Rousseau can be the front this team needs to get over the hump against the Kansas City Chiefs.

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The Bryce Young trade still leaves the Carolina Panthers without a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, meaning they have just one top-60 selection. That’s not a good position to be in with one of the worst NFL rosters. Instead of taking someone like wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan or edge rusher James Pearce Jr. at No. 8 overall, Carolina could move down with a team in the 12-20 range and pick up some Day 2 picks. It still allows the Panthers to take a first-round edge rusher – Mike Green or Shemar Stewart – while also adding a potential young starter or two at cornerback and potentially receiver.

Related: NFL Draft rumors reveal player Carolina Panthers want at No. 8 overall

The Chicago Bears supported Caleb Williams’ development by hiring Ben Johnson as head coach. It’s now time for the front office to support their coach’s system, which is heavily dependent on offensive line play. Trey Smith, entering his age-26 season, fits in perfectly with the Bears’ timeline for contention. He also provides Chicago with a Pro Bowl guard who had the sixth-highest run-block win rate (75%), didn’t draw a penalty and didn’t allow a sack last season.

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For months, we’ve held the perspective that the Cincinnati Bengals should let Tee Higgins walk at his current asking price ($30-plus million AAV) and use that money on the defense. Now, re-signing him is the right approach to take. It keeps both Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase happy, which this organization needs. Furthermore, it can’t be ignored just how great this passing game is with Chase and Higgins both out there. Besides, Burrow is willing to rework his deal for this to happen.

Related: NFL execs suggest Cincinnati Bengals moves will piss off Joe Burrow

In a best-case scenario with Myles Garrett on the roster, the Cleveland Browns get adequate quarterback play in 2025 and maybe keep a Wild Card game close. That’s not a high enough ceiling to keep a disgruntled player, especially when trading him can help provide a much-needed overhaul to this roster. If an NFL team is willing to trade two first-round picks with a few ‘sweetener’ draft picks later in the 2025 NFL Draft, that can do far more to help the Browns’ future than Garrett can.

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Jerry Jones is always going to do things his way, so this will all on deaf ears. With that said it would be foolish of the Dallas Cowboys to allow other teams to set the market for a Micah Parsons contract extension. By saying that, we mean contract extensions for Aidan Hutchinson, Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt could all push towards $40 million annually. If those deals are signed first, Parsons gets to push for an even higher number with the stats to warrant being the highest-paid defensive player in football. Jones didn’t learn his lesson with Prescott and Lamb, though, so the Cowboys will pay more than they need to.

Related: Dallas Cowboys mock draft 2025

While the Denver Broncos had one of the best defenses in football last season, safety was an alarming weakness. With all the young talent on this side of the ball adding a playmaker who fits the team’s contention window makes sense. Jevon Holland had a down year in 2024, but he was one of the best safeties in the NFL the previous season. Put him behind Patrick Surtain II with Nik Bonitto rushing the passer and this could be a top-3 defense next season.

Related: Denver Broncos offseason moves to improve in 2025

In a perfect world, the Detroit Lions would trade for Maxx Crosby and bring the All-Pro edge rusher home. However, Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis isn’t remotely ready to even consider trading his biggest star. So, Detroit turns to NFL free agency. Khalil Mack wants to compete for a Super Bowl in what will likely be his final season. He’s still a very good pass rusher and he rated as one of the best edge defenders against the run in 2024. He’s the perfect player to put opposite Aidan Hutchinson.

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With the Green Bay Packers moving on from Jaire Alexander, there is a glaring need for a No. 1 cornerback. D.J. Reed Jr. might not have earned a Pro Bowl selection during his time with the New York Jets, but he did hold quarterbacks to a sub-59 percent completion rate and under an 88.0 QB rating in the last two seasons. Only 28 years old, he’s the perfect replacement for Alexander.

Related: Green Bay Packers free agent targets 2025

The Houston Texans don’t have much cap space to work with in NFL free agency, limiting their options. Fortunately, veteran guard Kevin Zeitler will only be looking for a one-year contract and it’ll likely cost in the neighborhood of $6-8 million per season to land him. Not only is Zeitler an upgrade as an interior pass protector for Houston, but he’ll make an even bigger impact as a run blocker.

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It’s one of the most obvious pairings in the 2025 NFL Draft. Indianapolis Colts coach Shane Steichen’s system works best with a playmaker at tight end, someone who can get open in the short and intermediate areas of the field and make plays after the catch. Anthony Richardson also needs another dependable option who can attract the attention of linebackers and safeties, opening up the field more for the Colts quarterback. Tyler Warren checks all of those boxes and he could be an outstanding player for Indianapolis.

There are few perfect fits in the 2025 NFL Draft, Mason Graham with the Jacksonville Jaguars is one of them. Edge defenders Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker are excellent players, but they need someone on the interior who can draw double-teams and consistently create penetration. All-American defensive tackle Mason Graham does both. Add him to this front with Walker and Allen, quickly the Jaguars will have one of the best defensive lines in the AFC.

Ronnie Stanley would be perfect for the Kansas City Chiefs, but the bidding war for his services probably gets outside their price range. Instead, the team can focus on just finding the best pass-blocking left tackle out there. Cam Robinson has only been called for holding 5 times since 2022 and he’s demonstrated that he can consistently protect his quarterback’s blindside on an island. Plus, this allows Joe Thuney to move back to left guard.

Related: Kansas City Chiefs mock draft 2025

The emphasis here is what the Las Vegas Raiders should do, not what they will do. Las Vegas already saw Crosby flex his power once, threatening to demand a trade if the team didn’t keep Antonio Pierce as head coach in 2024. That went as poorly as everyone expected. One year later, Crosby is once again letting the threat of a trade request hang over the organization. The All-Pro edge rusher is right about one thing, the Raiders roster isn’t good enough to be competitive. Signing Russell Wilson or Sam Darnold wouldn’t change that. What can set up the Raiders for long-term success is trading Crosby for premium draft capital and allowing general manager John Spytek to start rebuilding this roster.

Related: Chip Kelly salary as Las Vegas Raiders offensive coordinator revealed

Tee Higgins would be lovely in this Los Angeles Chargers offense, but it’s hard to see Jim Harbaugh and Co. committing that much to a wide receiver. Instead, we’re highlighting Darius Slayton. For one thing, the reigning NFL Alan Page Community Award winner is absolutely someone Harbaugh will want in the Chargers locker room. As for Slayton’s on-field impact, the 28-year-old receiver averaged 15.3 yards per reception over the last three years despite being stuck with awful quarterback play. Life in California with Justin Herbert throwing him passes can change everything for Slayton in 2025 and he should be reasonably priced for Los Angeles.

Related: Los Angeles Chargers News, Rumors

The Los Angeles Rams defense exceeded expectations in 2024, largely because of the standout talent on the defensive line. While that core group can help carry this unit to sustained success long-term, the ceiling would be even higher for this Rams defense with a No. 1 cornerback. Los Angeles can afford to pay Davis like a high-end starter and his numbers – 55.3% completion rate and 77.0 QB rating allowed when targeted in 2024 – warrant a big contract.

Related: Los Angeles Rams Rumors, News

Even if left tackle Terron Armstead decides to return for one more season, improving the offensive line needs to be the first and second priority for the Miami Dolphins this offseason. Adding a veteran will certainly help, but long-term starters are just as crucial. Whether it means using the 13th overall pick on a guard – Armand Membou or Tyler Warren – or finding Armstead’s replacement at left tackle – Josh Conerly Jr. or Josh Simmons – the Dolphins’ first-round pick must be an offensive lineman.

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The Minnesota Vikings had one of the NFL’s top defenses in 2024, but most credit for that belongs to the front seven and defensive coordinator Brian Flores. In order for this group to be even better, the Vikings need to take a chance on a top cornerback. Paulson Adebo, who turns 26 in July did go down in Week 7 with a broken femur and he hasn’t played in 16 games since his rookie year in 2021. However, the 6-foot-1 defensive back has allowed just 2 touchdowns and a sub-70 QB rating on over 165 targets in 22 games in the last two seasons. If he stays healthy, Minnesota would have a true No. 1 cornerback.

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The New England Patriots certainly need a No. 1 wide receiver and Tetairoa McMillan is the best wideout in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, a pass-catcher with NFL comparisons to Drake London isn’t necessarily worth the fourth overall pick for a team that has a lot of glaring needs defensively. If Travis Hunter falls to No. 4 overall, the best cornerback prospect to enter the NFL Draft in years should be New England’s selection. If he’s not on the board, Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter would provide much-needed help for a unit that had the fourth-lowest pressure rate (17.6%) last season. Plus, Carter is simply a better prospect than McMillan at a more critical position.

The New Orleans Saints already made one big mistake this offseason, keeping general manager Mickey Loomis. That very decision makes a much-needed rebuild unlikely. However, it’s what this team needs. Father Time has taken a toll on the Saints’ defense as have Loomis’ recent whiffs in the NFL Draft – Bryan Bresee, Kendre Miller, Trevor Penning and Payton Turner – leaving this club in an awful position long-term. It’s time to hit the reset button, treating 2025 as a rebuilding year and biting the financial bullet on some contracts now so there can be flexibility in the future.

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The problem with retaining a head coach and general manager on the hot seat is it emboldens them to operate aggressively in their own best interests. Giants general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll are focused on their long-term job security, even if it means risking the Giants’ future. Fortunately for New York, there are viable veteran quarterbacks available. A Matthew Stafford trade would be perfect, but it still seems unlikely the Los Angeles Rams ultimately part with him. Instead, New York can sign Russell Wilson and give him the starting job in 2025. It’s a short-term fix to win 6-8 games, but it’s better than trading up for Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward with neither is worthy of a top-5 pick let alone trading up for the No. 1 selection.

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It’s unlikely Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward falls to the New York Jets and it would be foolish to aggressively reach with Jaxson Dart. Instead, the Jets should attempt a dart throw on a trade for Hendon Hooker. Selected with the 68th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand both have plenty of familiarity with Hooker’s work ethic, physical ability and football IQ. Perhaps in a deal for a conditional 2026 mid-round pick, tied to the percentage of snaps he plays, Hooker gives the Jets a potential long-term starter. If he fails, New York won’t have wasted premium draft capital and it can take a top QB prospect in 2026.

Related: New York Jets insider addresses Garrett Wilson trade rumors

NFL teams rightfully have to wonder if Zack Baun can be an All-Pro linebacker in another system. The Philadelphia Eagles don’t have to worry about that. Baun fit like a glove in Vic Fangio’s scheme, excelling in the regular season and coming up big during the Super Bowl run. With Nakobe Dean recovering from a torn patellar tendon, the need to sign Baun is even higher. Re-signing him probably means losing Josh Sweat and Milton Williams, but Howie Roseman has proven he’s adept at finding quality defensive linemen nearly every year.

Aaron Rodgers drew some consideration for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but weekly appearances on The Pat McAfee Show and the risk of a rift with George Pickens – see his issues with Garrett Wilson – make him a poor fit. Instead, Pittsburgh should take advantage of the contract turmoil between the Los Angeles Rams and Matthew Stafford. Mike Tomlin would vet a veteran quarterback with Super Bowl experience who is bought into the team’s culture and Stafford would easily be the best Steelers quarterback in a decade. The acquisition cost would be relatively high, but this franchise needs a high-end starter to avoid going a ninth consecutive season without a playoff win.

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Re-signing Charvarius Ward could’ve made this list, but the cornerback’s family tragedy this year caused understandable trauma that makes leaving California better for him. Instead, the San Francisco 49ers should start their offseason by re-signing Dre Greenlaw. He is already wanted back by 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh and now more than a year removed from the torn Achilles, Greenlaw should rebound in 2025.

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It came down to a pair of options for us and they were both teammates with the Alabama Crimson Tide. The Ernest Jones trade demonstrated the importance of an off-ball linebacker in Mike Macdonald’s system, with Seattle fielding a top-five defense from Weeks 10-18. However, the interior of the Seahawks offensive line is also abysmal. So, the best move might be re-signing Jones and then using the first-round pick on Tyler Booker. He’s a plug-and-play starter at guard who would really strengthen the Seahawks’ ability to start winning more consistently in the trenches.

It’s already been reported that Tee Higgins will receive the franchise tag and Chris Godwin won’t, meaning he would be the best wide receiver available in NFL free agency. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers can’t afford to let him hit the open market. He played the Cooper Kupp role perfectly last year before his season-ending injury and he complements Mike Evans beautifully. Re-signing Godwin makes up for losing Liam Coen and Tampa Bay keeps a beloved player in the locker room.

The Tennessee Titans aren’t in a position to look a gift horse in the mouth. Landing the first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft allows them to land a franchise-caliber talent. Travis Hunter can develop into an All-Pro cornerback, especially under the tutelage of Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson who coached defensive backs from 2015-’23). Plus, Hunter can be mixed into some packages as a receiver. There’s not a QB worth taking at No. 1 overall and unless a team is willing to overpay for the pick, drafting Hunter should be Tennessee’s move.

Related: Insider reveals early favorite to be No. 1 overall pick by the Tennessee Titans

Signing DeMarcus Lawrence wouldn’t be the splash move fans want to see, but it makes a lot of sense for the Washington Commanders. As we saw last offseason with Dorance Armstrong, Bobby Wagner and Dante Fowler Jr – Dan Quinn wants guys who know his system and who fit into his culture. DeMarcus Lawrence checks that box. Lawrence would also strengthen a pass rush that ended last season 14th in pressure rate (22.6%). It would only be a short-term deal, giving Washington long-term cap flexibility, and the Commanders would still have plenty of money to spend on other positions.

Related: Washinton Commanders free agent targets 2025