With free agency rapidly approaching, the most exciting and active time of the NFL season is nearly here. Free agency can help teams in a big way, especially if they bring in the right players for the right price, but it's not always easy.
Some teams sign the wrong players and end up making a poor financial decision, which could hamper things for years. And there is typically a talented enough free agency class for a ton of players to get paid big-time.
Ahead of the real thing, which begins on March 9th, we have outlined one ideal free agency target for each AFC team.
One ideal free agency target for every single AFC team
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens - Connor McGovern
The Baltimore Ravens might not be able to re-sign Tyler Linderbaum in free agency, so pivoting to Connor McGovern, another very talented center, would be a wise idea.
Cincinnati Bengals - Khalil Mack
Khalil Mack would be a fun, but productive free agent for the Cincinnati Bengals, and the defense could use someone with his rich history.
Cleveland Browns - Rasheed Walker
The Cleveland Browns offensive line currently has one solidified starter in Tytus Howard. Signing Rasheed Walker gives them a competent left tackle, and all of a sudden, the bookends are set in stone.
Pittsburgh Steelers - Aaron Rodgers
Given the situation, the Pittsburgh Steelers should honestly hope that Aaron Rodgers returns for one final season, as it gives them that much longer to put a long-term quarterback solution in place.
AFC South
Houston Texans - David Edwards
Houston simply needs to get better along the offensive line at all costs. Signing one of the top offensie line targets in David Edwards makes a ton of sense to help protect CJ Stroud.
Indianapolis Colts - Devin Lloyd
The Indianapolis Colts probably won't be able to afford a Devin Lloyd signing but improving at a just OK position and stealing from a division rival would be awesome.
Jacksonville Jaguars - Jamel Dean
Both Greg Newsome and Montaric Brown are free agents this offseason, so the Jacksonville Jaguars are going to need some reinforcements at cornerback.
Tennessee Titans - John Franklin Myers
There are a ton of connections between the Tennessee Titans and John Franklin-Myers, so this signing might honestly just be a matter of time. The Titans can load up on defense, which is, in turn, going to help the offense.
AFC East
Buffalo Bills - Mike Evans
Even after trading for DJ Moore, the Buffalo Bills should keep their foot on the gas and sign someone like Mike Evans. A wide receiver room featuring Moore, Evans, and Khalil Shakir would be quite dangerous and finally give Josh Allen some legitimate help.
Miami Dolphins - Malik Willis
The Miami Dolphins probably have nowhere else to turn if they plan on pursing a free agent quarterback, as they are very likely going to cut Tua Tagovailoa. Malil Willis obviously has connections with the new regime, as they came from Green Bay.
New England Patriots - Alec Pierce
The New England Patriots are done with Stefon Diggs after just one season, so signing Alec Pierce would give them someone who could fill that void a bit. Pierce isn't a no. 1 receiver, but he has averaged the most yards per reception in each of the last two years.
New York Jets - Kyler Murray
Kyler Murray is likely going to play for just over $1 million in 2026 on a new team, so the New York Jets would be making a major mistake not bringing him in. Murray is, if nothing else, at least an average quarterback.
AFC West
Denver Broncos - Travis Etienne
The Denver Broncos have to get this run game sorted out, and Travis Etienne has three 1,000-yard seasons in each of the past four years. This, coupled with his pass-catching ability, makes his fit with the Broncos obvious.
Kansas City Chiefs - Tyler Allgeier
The Kansas City Chiefs might not be able to spend a lot on a running back, so they should opt for a more modest option in Tyler Allgeier, a tough runner who is good in pass protection.
Las Vegas Raiders - Zion Johnson
The Las Vegas Raiders need a bit of everything, but one area they should address is the offensive line. Adding a quality interior player in Zion Johnson would be a wise idea.
Los Angeles Chargers - Tyler Linderbaum
Speaking of the interior, the Los Angeles Chargers should pay whatever it takes to land the three-time Pro Bowler in Tyler Linderbaum, as Justin Herbert was getting beat up big-time in 2025.