NFL 2022: Every NFC team’s biggest need and free agent fix
12. Atlanta Falcons: Pass Rusher
It’s been a major issue for this club for countless years. And even when the Falcons reached the Super Bowl in 2016 and the league’s sack leader in Vic Beasley, there was a lack of consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
This past season, the Falcons finished with 18 sacks in 17 contests. That’s less than both T.J. Watt (22.5) and Robert Quinn (18.5) managed in 2021. Atlanta has other needs on defense as well but this veteran defender could add a spark.
Sign: DE Jason Pierre-Paul (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
11. Seattle Seahawks: Quarterback
After 10 seasons in the Pacific Northwest, quarterback Russell Wilson is headed to Denver. This means the Seahawks are in the market for a new starter behind center. The club comes off its first losing campaign since 2011 and the defense has been a liability in recent seasons.
Now the team does have the ninth overall pick in April’s draft and could address their future at quarterback. In the meantime, why not add a battled-tested performer?
Sign: QB Marcus Mariota (Las Vegas Raiders)
10. Washington Commanders: Cornerback
It’s a franchise under the new name of Commanders. But the club is coming off a disappointing 7-10 showing in which their emerging defense fell flat. Losing 2020 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Chase Young certainly didn’t help.
All told, Washington allowed a league-high 34 touchdown passes in 2021. The team acquired quarterback Carson Wentz from the Colts via trade. But the Commanders’ secondary has some glaring holes and needs help.
Sign: CB Stephon Gilmore (Carolina Panthers)
9. Minnesota Vikings: Outside Linebacker
Quarterback Kirk Cousins – with a new contract extension – has certainly received his fair share of criticism. But the club’s biggest issues the past two seasons has been the performance of a once-formidable defensive unit.
Minnesota’s new head coach is former Rams’ offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell. Veteran coach Ed Donatell takes over the other side of the ball and the club could have to replace outside linebackers Anthony Barr and Nick Vigil.