2024 Off-season Report: Team Needs

Everyone needs something. Even when you feel like you have everything…you don't. In the NFL world, these things reign true. The Chiefs, who are the latest dynasty in the NFL history books, have needs for 2024. When piecing together what teams need, it’s more of an opinion based thought than fact. People may think the Atlanta Falcons don’t need a quarterback. They would be wrong, but you can’t be wrong about an opinion (technically). So we scoured the NFL underworld to see what each teams biggest needs are as the NFL Free Agency period approaches. Take the journey with us and find out what your need team needs to compete in 2024.

TEAM NEEDS

Atlanta Falcons - Quarterback Hierarchy

I want to start this off by saying the following: The Falcons have been one of the most intriguing teams for the Perfect Spiral boys over the last few years; they have a solid defense, solid skill players, and they were let down by horrible coaching and quarterback play. This is why they need to build right starting with Free Agency. Kirk Cousins will be a slam dunk signing, and while I’d be sad to lose him, he could usher in the future of the Atlanta Falcons. Kirk’s time in Atlanta may be limited but crucial to developing the future franchise QB.

Arizona Cardinals - Someone to stop a nosebleed

The backend of this defense is dreadful. I can see the Cardinals taking a flyer on someone like Jeff Okudah, just to try and inject some life into this secondary.  

Baltimore Ravens - Derrick Henry. 

Isn’t it wild to think that one of the best rushing teams over the last few years would have the biggest need at the running back position? The hodge podge of oft injured JK Dobbins, inconsistent Gus Edwards, and sometimes flashy co star Justice Hill just isn’t good enough anymore. And while Keaton Mitchell showed flashes of promise as an undrafted rookie, Henry would take this team to another level; a ground and pound attack and deadly RPO between him and Lamar could really put this offense over the edge. 

Buffalo Bills - Properly Balanced…. Like all things should be. 

The Bills offense is lopsided, and Josh Allen simply does way too much. While they did make improvements by drafting Dalton Kincaid last year and getting James Cook more involved, this team is still missing some balance on the opposite side of Diggs. Gabe Davis has flamed out and I think this would be a great landing spot for a guy like Calvin Ridley. He could help level out this passing attack and open up more doors for the guys there. We’ve seen him be part of a great one two combo in the past so who’s to say he can’t do it again. 

Carolina Panthers -  Where do I start… 

It’s hard to pinpoint one thing a team needs when they end up being the worst team we’ve seen since the 2008 Lions. Except unlike that Lions team, the Panthers have a good base. One of the leagues best defenses despite their horrible record, and a quarterback in Bryce Young that they drafted #1 overall. But in order for him to be successful, you need to surround him with offensive skill players and even before that….. you need to set up and offensive line. The offensive line needs to be addressed fast on the opening day of Free Agency - full stop.

Chicago Bears - A Skill Player or Two?

We all know the Bears are gonna land Caleb Williams. It’s at about -1000000000 odds, but with him they need some skill player help. The RB situation is extremely dire even though I can see Roschon Johnson being a guy. However, I do think this is something they need to address; Saquon (like some other teams here) would fit great here. 

Cincinatti Bengals - BIG BOIS 

Can we have some help on the offensive line…PLEASE?!! We thought this was addressed after the Super Bowl year, but this is a re-occurring issue. Burrow is coming off another season ending injury and if they want to get back to the Super Bowl to become one of the AFC Elite once again, they need to protect the Franchise. 

Dallas Cowboys - Tyron Smith Replacement 

I like Donovan Smith here. He is three years younger than the departing Tyron Smith, and they need to find his replacement immediately. The Cowboys can’t afford offensive line issues. 

Denver Broncos -  Mr. Very Limited. 

The Broncos intrigue me, and if you listen to me on the pod, you know I love this team; why? I really have no idea. They have finally moved on from Russell Wilson. The damage is done. So what’s next? How about replacing him with a younger, more fun option. Kirk would be cool here, but I reallly actually like Jacoby Brissett. He is the perfect QB to help develop a young QB.

Detroit Lions - “A Hog Molly” - Dave Gentleman

This one is simple. The Dolphins are expected to part ways with Christian Wilkins and I think the Lions need to be at the front of the line. Build on this defense to compliment this high flying offense. 

Green Bay Packers - Jordan Love’s next Love 

With Mike Evans re-signing in Tampa this week, this leaves Calvin Ridley as the number one wide receiver option on the board. He brings a different skill set then what they already have in that room, and can be the perfect number one for a team that has a bunch of supporting cast type players.

Indianapolis Colts - Keep the guys together

They have already started by franchise tagging Michael Pittman Jr. Now they have a window until July to negotiate a long term deal.  This is one of the only priorities for this team because he’s been so good for them, especially with Richardson returning. They don’t want their number one receiver disgruntled going into 2024. 

Houston Texans - Take me over the top 

SAQUON, POLLARD, HENRY, JACOBS, EKELER….. ANYBODYY???? Ok, that’s a little dramatic, but while Singletary did burst onto the scene last year, I do think this run game can go to another level. Stroud was a revelation last year as a rookie - so let’s take this kid to the promise land. 

Jacksonville Jaguars - Make Joe love you once more. 

The Jaguars are a team that doesn’t need much help, but also needs all the help - if that makes sense? At times you’d watch them and think this team is legit; then others they like they’re playing a bunch of XFL guys who are lost. I do think this team needs a big guy in the middle, I’d love to see them pry a Chris Jones from KC, but I think that may be next to impossible. So any of the other DTs would do. 

Kansas City Chiefs - SNEED. 

I mean, Sneed is the obvious one here right? Finding a way to bring him and Jones back is priority numero uno. Sneed was unreal last year, and a huge part as to why they were repeat champs. Make it work and bring the guy back. 

Los Angeles Chargers - Set the Tone. 

There is a new sheriff in town and his name is Jim Harbaugh. He’s going to want to set the tone with grit, and that starts with the trenches. Danielle Hunter would be a great fit here, especially if they move off off Khalil Mack. 

Los Angeles Rams - Brian Burns..

The Panthers have paused long term talks with star edge rusher Brian Burns and franchised him, but the Rams have been known that they made a monster offer for him in the past. Even though Burns is tagged, don’t sleep on the Rams making a deal for the star pass rusher during the free agency period before the draft. I also like Jonathan Greenard here if they can’t pry Burns away.

Miami Dolphins - Don’t be Stupid 

Are we really going to let Christian Wilkins walk? They chose to let Wilkins test free agency, so he may be as good as gone. They will need a replacement, so a guy like DJ Reader sticks out if they can’t bring Wilkins back.

Minnesota Vikings - Run it Back. 

Sign JJ and Bring back Cousins… lets run it back - this team would’ve been close last year. 

New England Patriots - Make Bill Proud

This one is gonna be weird, not seeing Bill on the sidelines or in the front office. The greatest coach of all time left this team in disarray. They have needs on offense, but I think that will be addressed in the draft. They also have needs on defense that I think will be addressed in free agency. I expect them to be in on all the defensive stars in free agency and maybe even mix it up for Tyron Smith. 

New Orleans Saints - Let’s Take it Back to 2017 

The Saints are another one of those weird teams to me, they have so much talent but yet always feel kinda stunted? They bring in Carr last year and they were the same team. I think this team needs to address the running back room in free agency. Bring it back to where Kamara had another high flying co-star. His usage last year at his age was preposterous. I also think landing a deep threat wide receiver may help. Maybe Hollywood Brown?

New York Giants - Someone who’s seen some shit 

Now that we’ve seen Russell Wilson be released from Denver, I see this as the PERFECT landing spot for him. Considering he would probably sign for the vet minimum while they still have Daniel Jones on the roster. 

New York Jets - Did you bring Protection? 

The Jets offensive line is an absolute mess, the very weak spot of an otherwise pretty decent roster. Yeah we could say they need another wide receiver, but man you gotta have Rodgers play more then 5 minutes this year. 

Philadelphia Eagles - Rosemans Revenge 

Howie Roseman always looks to make the splash play. Last year, he made a deal at the deadline by trading for Kevin Byard. That move that didn’t quite work and has since been released. I can see this team going after a guy like Sneed via trade, but also look for them to check in on now free agents Jamal Adams & Quandre Diggs. 

Pittsburgh Steelers - Bring me Back to Relevance 

The Steelers are so lucky they have Mike Tomlin as their coach. If this was any other team, everyone would have been cleared out by now. Kenny Pickett was an absolute miss and contrary to what they say publicly, they need a veteran to level this out. I can see any of these veteran QB free agents landing here as a 2 year band-aid situation. 

San Francisco 49ers - Buckeyes x The Bay 

Even though at times his effort was dismal, Chase Young showed some flashes. I think he comes in a lot cheaper then a lot of these free agent EDGE rushers and still offers a ton of upside - if bring him back on a prove it deal. 

Seattle Seahawks - New Regime 

The new Regime wasted no time this week making major changes. Releasing Jamal Adams & Quandre Diggs, leaving a need open at Safety, I can see Rayshawn Jenkins landing here, he was productive in JAX, but didn’t fit the new scheme and was a cap casualty. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Keep the Baker In the Kitchen 

Baker was very good last year, it’s hard to deny that. The signing of Evans signals that they may just run this thing back. I do think they have major needs on defense also, but you need to bring back your most important position - it starts there. 

Tennessee Titans - Saftey Blanket 

The Titans have a ton of needs, let’s not get it twisted. But I do think tight end is a big one going into year two of Levis. I like Hunter Henry here or Logan Thomas.

Washington Commanders - BACK UP TERRRRRY 

Washington seems poised to address Quarterback in the draft. While I do think bringing Curtis Samuel back is definitely a need, they also need one more guy to complement Terry Mclaurin. 

The Chicago Bears Are On The Clock

The Chicago Bears find themselves in familiar, yet unfamiliar territory. After finishing 3-14 in the 2022 season, they claimed the right to the first overall pick in the draft. And with Justin Fields at the helm, the “presumed” franchise quarterback, they had some wiggle room to deal with. Quarterback needy teams were destined to come calling for that pick - with the right to draft either Bryce Young or CJ Stroud. We all know what happened afterwards. David Tepper and the Panthers gladly took that pick in the process. They swapped picks, added the 61st overall pick, a first round pick in 2024, a second round pick in 2025 and wideout DJ Moore. Carolina then selected Bryce Young over CJ Stroud…and we all know how that turned out. The key part of this is that first round pick in 2024, which ended up culminating in the number one pick for this years draft. More on that in a bit.

In the heads of the Bears and Ryan Poles this was a no brainer. Stockpile picks and pair a Pro Bowl wide receiver with your promising young dual-threat quarterback. We’ve seen it done in other places like Buffalo and Miami. And while it did translate to big numbers from DJ Moore this year, the questions about Fields remain. A 7-10 finish this year, while an improvement, is still not good enough. Fields found himself still searching for that “jump” that we see with year three guys. His somewhat subpar QB play was concerning, and heading into year four with contract talks looming, that’s not the ideal place Chicago wants to be. But with all this uncertainty, the first overall pick has again fallen into their lap. Now we all know the prized possession of this draft is generational talent USC QB Caleb Williams. The Bears have themselves in one of the most interesting draft conundrums in quite some time. 

I want to highlight some of the avenues the Bears can take leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft; what kind of offers could be on the table and what looms for Justin Fields. Who’s gonna offer a king’s ransom for the first overall pick? 

Trade Scenario 1

- The Bears keep the Pick, Trade Fields to ATL and select USC QB Caleb Williams

(Trade Terms: Chicago receives Falcons 2024 2nd, 2026 4th and Cordarelle Patterson)

I feel like this is the most likely situation that occurs. It’s really hard to pass up on a guy like Williams who comes out every once in a blue moon. And from recent comments and actions via Ryan Poles, this seems the most likely situation. They like Fields but don’t think he’s good enough and they want to rebuild the offense around the next franchise QB in Williams. The addition of Patterson here is a nice wrinkle, as the Falcons will give the bulk of the load to Bijan Robinson in his second year. With Tyler Allgeier backing him up, Patterson’s spot becomes expendable. He fits in as a gadget player for Chicago who can do multiple things. For Atlanta, they get a quarterback who can finally play the position, and get the ball to his backs and receivers. While you may think the 2024 2nd rounder is too high, remember that the Falcons will receive either the Jaguars 2nd or 3rd round pick this draft, depending on what happens with Calvin Ridley. So its not a total loss for Atlanta.

Trade Scenario 2

- The Bears keep Fields and trade back with the Patriots. Chicago selects Marvin Harrison Jr. 

(Trade Terms: NE sends 2024 1st, 2024 2nd, 2025 1st, 2025 4th & Matthew Judon) 

This one also really intrigues me. The idea of pairing DJ Moore with a big time talent like Harrison could be a deadly combo. With Luke Getsy fired, they can bring in a new offensive coordinator, who can maximize the talent of Fields and use what works for him while adding an incredibly talented skill player. They’d get big time assets from a rebuilding team like New England and a pass rusher to pair with recently acquired Montez Sweat. 

Trade Scenario 3

-The Bears trade with the Commanders, keep Fields.

(Trade Terms: WAS trades 2024 1st, 2024 2nd, 2025 1st, 2025 3rd, Curtis Samuel & Emmanuel Forbes)  

This one I love. These two teams already have a real relationship after the Montez Sweat deal, and both teams are looking to shake things up. Joe Harris isn’t afraid to swing big as he’s done a bunch of times during his time as 76ers owner, and this time would be no different. The Bears would move back one spot and could still take Harrison. In this scenario, they’d add Samuel whose a multi-gadget offensive weapon and a second year corner in Forbes, who struggled and may need a change of scenery. win-win for both teams.

Trade Scenario 4 

-The Bears trade with the Minnesota Vikings, keep Fields 

(Trade Terms: 2024 1st, 2024 2nd, 2025 1st, 2026 1st, & Danielle Hunter) 

As a lifelong Vikings fan, I’d be perfectly fine doing this for the chance to draft Williams. Hunter was shopped various time over the last two years, so including him in this deal feels like a no brainer. He’d add a presence on the other side of Sweat, coming off a career best season. Chicago could take best available in this spot - maybe Rome Odunze.

Now I do feel like there are other teams that could make a move for this pick; the Broncos and the Raiders being two of them. But I’m not entirely sure they have enough assets to move up that far to take Williams.

However, when it’s all set and done, I believe that there will be a new signal caller under center in 2024 for the Chicago Bears. It’s been a longtime coming for Bears fans - a true franchise quarterback.