NFL 2022: Every NFC team’s biggest need and free agent fix
16. Detroit Lions: Edge Rusher
There was a lot more fight in this team under head coach Dan Campbell. But the bottom line remains that since the team fired Jim Caldwell, the Lions are combined 17-46-2 the past four seasons.
The club does have a pair of first-round picks in April – including the second overall selection. It also has a share of cap room and the team would be wise to upgrade a defense that still needs a lot of work. The Lions recently released Trey Flowers.
Sign: OLB/DE Chandler Jones (Arizona Cardinals)
15. New York Giants: Offensive Line
By the end of the 2021 season, the Giants looked like the worst team in the league. Head coach Joe Judge was fired and now it’s up to former Bills’ offensive coordinator Bryan Daboll to turn around a team that has not reached the playoffs since 2016.
The club finished next-to-last in the league this past year in total yards and points scored. The biggest issue has been the play up front and that group could use a massive upgrade in most spots.
Sign: G Rodger Saffold (Released by Tennessee Titans)
14. Carolina Panthers: Quarterback
It’s a franchise that is falling greatly lately from a stretch in which it reached the playoffs four times in five years from 2013-17 – including an appearance in Super Bowl 50. But the Carolina Panthers have won exactly five games each of these past three seasons.
A year ago, the club traded for Sam Darnold but he had his issues and the team went through three different starting quarterbacks – including Cam Newton. Could they bring in another veteran?
Sign: QB Tyrod Taylor (Houston Texans)
13. Chicago Bears: Wide Receiver
Consider that during his tenure with the Chicago Bears, Ryan Pace certainly made his share of big moves as the team’s general manager. But he and head coach Matt Nagy are no longer with the organization and the club is coming off its first losing season since 2017.
Quarterback Justin Fields showed some flashes during his rookie campaign but could use some more reliable targets. Veteran wideout Allen Robinson could leave via free agency.