The pursuit of free agents in the NFL begins unofficially on Monday and officially on Wednesday. Who will each of the 16 teams in the AFC target this year?
It’s the NFL’s version of the “Hot Stove League.” The speculation will continue but within the next few days, player movement around pro football will become a reality.
The 2022 offseason will be the league’s 30th edition of true free agency. On Monday, March 14th, the period often referred to as “legal tampering” begins as teams can negotiate with potential unrestricted free agents from other teams. Deals will be announced but nothing becomes official until 4:00 pm ET on Wednesday, March 16th. That is the real start of the NFL’s new fiscal year.
Likewise with the trades that have already been reported. So quarterbacks Russell Wilson (Broncos) and Carson Wentz (Commanders), edge-rusher Khalil Mack (Chargers), and wide receiver Amari Cooper (Browns) don’t become official until then as well.
NFL teams are already busy making moves before NFL Free Agency
Meanwhile, there are some notable free agents out there who can be signed immediately because they had their contracts terminated by their club. So the likes of middle linebacker Bobby Wagner, running backs Tarik Cohen and Carlos Hyde, defensive tackle Eddie Goldman, linebackers Kyle Van Noy, Cory Littleton, A.J. Klein, Anthony Hitchens, and kicker Greg Zuerlein – to name a few – can be scooped up immediately.
As for this exercise, here’s a look at the 16 teams in the AFC (listed from lowest seed to highest seed in the conference in 2021) and which potential unrestricted free agent could fill their biggest need. Keep in mind that every team can still make an effort to retain their own players.
Of course, there are still numerous clubs that have to get under the league’s $208.2 million salary cap (via Spotrac) by Wednesday afternoon. So who knows what this list of targets could look like over the next three-plus days.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Guard
For the second consecutive year, the Jaguars finished with the worst record in the NFL and are slated to open the 2022 NFL Draft on the evening of April 28th. The new head coach is Super Bowl champion Doug Pederson, who guided the Eagles to a Lombardi Trophy in 2017.
The team has numerous needs on both sides of the ball. But the Jaguars need to protect quarterback Trevor Lawrence and open some bigger holes for their ground attack.
Sign: G Brandon Scherff (Washington Commanders)
15. Houston Texans: Defensive Tackle
The organization comes off another disappointing year, although the team made steady strides in 2021 under first-time NFL head coach David Culley. But he’s been replaced by veteran sideline leader Lovie Smith, who was the Texans’ defensive coordinator this past season.
Speaking of that side of the ball, Houston has had major problems stopping other teams from running the football and that’s an area that may be addressed sooner than later.
Sign: DT Linval Joseph (Los Angeles Chargers)
14. New York Jets: Edge Rusher
Robert Saleh returns as head coach after a rough debut. But there were some bright spots in 2021 as two of the Jets’ four wins came against the Super Bowl-bound Bengals and the AFC’s top-seeded Tennessee Titans.
The franchise hasn’t been to the playoffs since 2010, the longest current drought in the league. And a defense that has struggled to get after opposing quarterbacks in recent seasons could target a divisional rival.
Sign: DE Jerry Hughes (Buffalo Bills)
13. Denver Broncos: Inside Linebacker
There is once again a new quarterback in the Mile High City. But this time, the Broncos gave up a lot to pry 10-year Russell Wilson away from the Seattle Seahawks. New head coach Nathaniel Hackett inherits a talented roster.
But Denver hasn’t been to the playoffs since winning Super Bowl 50 in 2015 and has posted five straight losing seasons. And a defensive unit that has shown some potential in 2021 could use some more help up the middle.
Sign: ILB Jordan Hicks (Released by Arizona Cardinals)
12. Baltimore Ravens: Edge Rusher
After reaching the playoffs three consecutive seasons, John Harbaugh’s club opened 8-3 this past year. But injuries and inconsistency led to a season-ending six-game losing streak and the Ravens finished last in the AFC North.
Baltimore has a new defensive coordinator (Mike Macdonald) and hopes to have better luck when it comes to health in the secondary. The Ravens have lost their share of pass rushers in recent years and need to address that.
Sign: OLB Hasson Reddick (Carolina Panthers)
11. Cleveland Browns: Safety
Arguably the most disappointing team in the NFL in 2021, the Browns were looking to build off their first playoff appearance since 2002 and first postseason win since 1994. However, this was a club hampered by an injured quarterback and a defensive unit that was inconsistent.
Last offseason, Cleveland spent lots of money on defense and with mixed results. They could have a hole in the secondary and may fill it with a two-time Pro Bowl ball hawk.
Sign: S Quandre Diggs (Seattle Seahawks)
10. Los Angeles Chargers: Tight End
After ending 2020 with four consecutive wins, there were those who felt the Chargers may carry that momentum into this past season. But it was an erratic year for the team under first-time NFL head coach Brandon Staley and the Bolts’ season ended with an overtime loss to the Raiders in Week 18.
The club just orchestrated the trade to pick up pass-rusher Khalil Mack and has lots of salary cap room. But will GM Tom Telesco bring back Jared Cook?
Sign: T Blake Jarwin (Released by Dallas Cowboys)
9. Miami Dolphins: Linebacker
Just when it appeared that the franchise was turning the corner, head coach Brian Flores was dismissed after three seasons. The new sideline boss is former 49ers’ offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. And that could mean good things for young quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Defensive coordinator Josh Boyer returns and heads a unit that relies on takeaways. The Dolphins have some holes to fill at linebacker as their run defense was inconsistent at best.
Sign: ILB Jarrad Davis (New York Jets)
8. Indianapolis Colts: Quarterback
There are question marks surrounding the quarterback now that Carson Wentz is on his way to join the Washington Commanders via trade. And Frank Reich’s club has some other areas that must be addressed.
A change under center is nothing new for this franchise under general manager Chris Ballard. The Colts have some young prospects on the roster. But bringing in a veteran with postseason experience may be a wise move for a very talented team.
Sign: QB Mitch Trubisky (Buffalo Bills)
7. Pittsburgh Steelers: Offensive Line
The retirement of veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger means the team is in search of a new starting quarterback. But the team still needs a lot of help on both the offensive and defensive lines.
And there is a big question at inside linebacker if former 2019 first-rounder Devin Bush (injured most of 2020) doesn’t return to his rookie form. Still, it’s that offensive front that could use some experience and a big body at the right tackle spot.
Sign: T Morgan Moses (New York Jets)
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Defensive Tackle
Offensive mind Josh McDaniels is the new head coach of the Silver and Black. Quarterback Derek Carr comes off another solid season and the team could use some reinforcements at wide receiver.
But the more pressing issues are on the other side of the ball as Patrick Graham takes over the defense, one that has struggled for too many seasons. There are a few options the Raiders could look at up front but a solid performer just entered the market.
Sign: DT Eddie Goldman (Released by Chicago Bears)
5. New England Patriots: Linebacker
After a one-year absence from the postseason, the Patriots rebounded under rookie quarterback Mac Jones and a rejuvenated offensive roster. After a 2-4 start, New England rolled off seven straight wins and appeared to be back in terms of momentum fix.
But Bill Belichick’s defensive unit collapsed down the stretch and was humbled in the playoffs at Buffalo. The team has struggled to stop the run in recent years and that area needs to be addressed.
Sign: LB Anthony Walker (Cleveland Browns)
4. Cincinnati Bengals: Offensive Line
The 2021 Bengals jelled at the right time. The club reached the playoffs for the first time since 2015 and the Super Bowl for the first time since 1988. But second-year quarterback Joe Burrow took a beating – sacked a total of 70 times in 19 total overall outings.
Zac Taylor’s squad will have to get better offensive line play if they are to hold off the other teams in the AFC North. And this savvy veteran can line up at both left and right tackle if called upon.
Sign: T Trent Brown (New England Patriots)
3. Buffalo Bills: Defensive Line
The Bills lost twice as many games during the regular season as they did in 2020. And for the second straight year, their Super Bowl hopes ended at Arrowhead Stadium. Sean McDermott’s talented club finished with the number-one ranked defense in terms of yards allowed and also gave up the fewest points in the NFL.
But in the playoff loss to the Chiefs, Buffalo was rocked for 552 total yards and 42 points in the overtime loss. Help wanted on defense.
Sign: DE Akiem Hicks (Chicago Bears)
2. Kansas City Chiefs: Linebacker
When Andy Reid’s team captured Super Bowl LIV, Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive unit got hot in the second half of 2019 and carried that momentum into the playoffs. Since then, this group has been very erratic.
Now combine the club’s turnover issues this past year and the failure to beat the eventual AFC champion Bengals on two occasions. The Chiefs have their share of potential free agents on defense and recently released linebacker Anthony Hitchens.
Sign: LB Leighton Vander Esch (Dallas Cowboys)
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1. Tennessee Titans: Wide Receiver
Mike Vrabel was the NFL Coach of the Year in 2021 and the Titans finished as the AFC’s top seed in the playoffs. However, quarterback Ryan Tannehill had a miserable afternoon against the Super Bowl-bound Bengals in the divisional playoffs.
Tennessee prevented its best pass rusher, linebacker Harold Landry, from hitting the free-agent market via a new contract. But standout wide receiver A.J. Brown could be more dangerous with some help.