NFL News

[Futureshock]

Former NFL defensive back Eric Johnson arrested on human trafficking, gang charges

Posted by Charean Williams on February 17, 2023, 5:33 PM EST

Getty Images

Former NFL defensive back EricJohnson was arrested, along with seven others, on human trafficking charges in Georgia, Nick Bromberg of Yahoo Sports reports.

Charges for the eight range from human trafficking, racketeering, aggravated assault, kidnapping and gang-related offenses. Georgia attorney general Chris Carr claims, per Yahoo, that the seven men and one woman arrested “are alleged to have engaged in the trafficking of five female victims, including one minor, to further their criminal enterprise.”

Johnson, who played with three NFL teams from 2000-05, is facing a charge of conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a count of trafficking a person for sexual servitude and three charges of violating the state’s street gang terrorism and prevention act.

The alleged crimes were committed between October 2021 and July 2022.

The state’s attorney general also accuses the eight of recruiting for the LOTTO (Last One to Take Over) gang. Johnson is facing the gang terrorism and prevention act charges because he’s allegedly one of three leaders in the gang.

Johnson, 46, played for the Raiders from 2000-03 before spending the 2004 season with the Falcons and finishing his career in 2005 with the Cardinals. He made 56 tackles and one interception in 74 games.

Johnson scored a touchdown on a 13-yard return of a blocked punt in the Raiders’ 48-21 loss to the Buccaneers in Super Bowl XXXVII.

[Futureshock]

Dean Blandino: Why 'Tush Push' QB Sneak Could Be Outlawed Next Season

[jaadam4]

With Daniel Jones likely getting tagged, Saquon Barkley could be headed to open market

Posted by Mike Florio on February 20, 2023, 10:01 AM EST

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With Giants quarterback Daniel Jones changing agents in an effort to change the terms the team is offering, he’s now on track for the franchise tag.

The big winner in that move could be running back Saquon Barkley.

The Giants, like all teams, have one tag to use each year. The thinking was that the Giants would sign Jones to a long-term deal and then tag Barkley, if they can’t work out a deal with him, too.

Now, the focus will likely shift to getting Barkley signed.

The rampant tampering at the Scouting Combine will help the effort. Barkley will know what it, and isn’t, out there before making a final decision on whatever the Giants offer. Which would result in Barkley potentially re-signing before the two-day negotiating window opens, or maybe during it.

Or maybe he leaves. Which would make it harder for Jones to duplicate his performance in 2022, given that Barkley had a very strong season, forcing defenses to focus a little more on him — and a little less on Jones.

It’s unclear what the market for Barkley would be. He has five years of NFL wear and tear, and he plays a position that results in plenty of impacts that can result in plenty of injuries. A long-term investment would come with enhanced risk for the team that provides it.

If tagged, Barkley would receive a one-year, $10.091 million tender. That will only happen at this point if Jones and the Giants can work out a long-term contract. Which now seems unlikely given that negotiations to date have prompted Jones to fire his agents and hire new ones.

I hope the Giants sign Jones to a long term contract. He sucks

[froot loops]

He was good this year.

[whatever_gong82]

Report: Steelers hire Aaron Curry as linebackers coach

Posted by Charean Williams on February 19, 2023, 8:42 PM EST

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The Steelers are hiring Aaron Curry from the Seahawks’ staff as the linebackers coach, Matt Zenitz of On3Sports reports.

Pittsburgh lost linebackers coach Brian Flores to the Vikings after he accepted the defensive coordinator job.

Curry served last season as assistant defensive line/defensive ends coach in Seattle. He joined the Seahawks in 2019 as a coaching assistant before being promoted to a defensive assistant the following season.

He began his coaching career under his own former position coach, Bill Lambert, at the University of Charlotte. Curry worked as a graduate assistant in 2014 before becoming the defensive line coach in 2015.

Curry was a standout college player at Wake Forest, winning the 2008 Butkus Award.

The Seahawks drafted Curry fourth overall in 2009, but traded him to the Raiders during the 2011 season. He played 48 games with 39 starts and made 203 tackles, 5.5 sacks and 12 pass breakups in his four-year career.

IIRC, people wanted him instead of Matt Stafford. One of the few times that former Lions GM Martin Mayhew did something right.

[froot loops]

Yep

[jaadam4]

Former NFL defensive back Eric Johnson arrested on human trafficking, gang charges

Posted by Charean Williams on February 17, 2023, 5:33 PM EST

Getty Images

Former NFL defensive back EricJohnson was arrested, along with seven others, on human trafficking charges in Georgia, Nick Bromberg of Yahoo Sports reports.

Charges for the eight range from human trafficking, racketeering, aggravated assault, kidnapping and gang-related offenses. Georgia attorney general Chris Carr claims, per Yahoo, that the seven men and one woman arrested “are alleged to have engaged in the trafficking of five female victims, including one minor, to further their criminal enterprise.”

Johnson, who played with three NFL teams from 2000-05, is facing a charge of conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a count of trafficking a person for sexual servitude and three charges of violating the state’s street gang terrorism and prevention act.

The alleged crimes were committed between October 2021 and July 2022.

The state’s attorney general also accuses the eight of recruiting for the LOTTO (Last One to Take Over) gang. Johnson is facing the gang terrorism and prevention act charges because he’s allegedly one of three leaders in the gang.

Johnson, 46, played for the Raiders from 2000-03 before spending the 2004 season with the Falcons and finishing his career in 2005 with the Cardinals. He made 56 tackles and one interception in 74 games.

Johnson scored a touchdown on a 13-yard return of a blocked punt in the Raiders’ 48-21 loss to the Buccaneers in Super Bowl XXXVII.

I don't know this man's story but human trafficking is some vile shit. Those people and organizations need to be sent though pound them in the ass prison

[chemiclord]

Always making excuses for NFL owners.

The people willing to carry the water of a bunch of shitty rich white men (and a couple women, I suppose) always depresses me.

[jaadam4]

Who’s carrying water? Saying that there must be something else with Bieniemy to be passed over this many times isn’t a stretch. Every team is looking for that next great offensive mind. There has to be something else.

You’re legit just pulling a race card not knowing anything else. This person could be the worst leader in the world or a despicable human being or just riding Andy Reid’s coat tails like Patricia did BB.

Have you ever heard anyone in any NFL circle talk about Bieniemy being some kind of offensive genius? Did he come
in an fully implement HIS offense? F no to both of those questions. Ben Johnson came in and implemented a brand new system and ran with it and that’s why he’ll be long gone next year. It’s his shit not someone else’s

Bieniemys claim to fame is running Andy Reid’s offense with one of the best QBs in the game. Should that land him a HC gig? Yes it absolutely should. Could it be because he’s black? Yes it damned well could be but to be passed over that many times while other black men land HC gigs shows it’s more than likely something else.

Let’s see what happens when he has to think for himself

[froot loops]

Yes, he doesn't think for himself. Good take Tucker.

[Forsh]

But why did that not matter for the other Reid assistants hired for head coaching jobs?

Very true

[whatever_gong82]

This is a 4-5 part piece, so please give me time to post all of this before any additional comments. Thanks.

The biggest offseason needs for all 32 NFL teams and how teams can fill them


The Athletic NFL Staff

Feb 20, 2023

Every NFL season reveals teams’ potential and limitations, successes and failures. And it also reveals every team’s needs, even for the best teams.

Some teams appear to be in perpetual pursuit of a franchise quarterback, while others are looking for the final pieces to a championship puzzle.

With the 2022 season complete and the NFL Scouting Combine and free agency beginning within the next month, The Athletic’s NFL staff identifies the biggest need for every NFL team this offseason and how each may go about filling it.


Arizona Cardinals

Position of greatest need: Offensive line


The Cardinals have several needs. Who will start the season at quarterback if Kyler Murray is not fully recovered from his ACL injury? Who will replace J.J. Watt as a consistent pass rusher? Arizona still needs help at cornerback. But its biggest need rests up front. The Cardinals pretty much have to rebuild their offensive line. Veteran center Rodney Hudson played in only four games last season and is expected to retire. Guards Justin Pugh and Will Hernandez, as well as right tackle Kelvin Beachum, are unrestricted free agents. Arizona would be wise to try to keep Beachum, a trusted and dependable presence on and off the field. But there’s much to do here. — Doug Haller

Atlanta Falcons

Position of greatest need: Pass rusher

This could mean edge rusher or interior defensive line, and it probably means both. The Falcons drafted outside linebackers Arnold Ebiketie (second round) and DeAngelo Malone (third round) last year and didn’t get much immediate help (3 1/2 combined sacks). This time, with at least $55 million in salary-cap space, they can go after proven, veteran players. Given that they just hired Saints defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen as defensive coordinator, edge rusher Marcus Davenport and tackle David Onyemata look like the most obvious targets. If the Eagles don’t bring back tackle Javon Hargrave, he could be a top-shelf option. — Josh Kendall

Baltimore Ravens

Position of greatest need: Wide receiver

The Ravens had the least productive receiver room in the NFL last season. Season-ending injuries to Rashod Bateman and Devin Duvernay contributed to that, but the team was already thin at the position before they went down. Depending on young players who haven’t shown much and past-their-prime street free agents is not a winning recipe. The Ravens need at least two quality receiver additions and the ideal scenario would be a veteran and an early-round draft pick. The free-agent wide receiver market is underwhelming, so the Ravens should be in on DeAndre Hopkins if he’s available. If one of the top receivers in the draft is sitting there at No. 22, they should turn in the card with no hesitation. — Jeff Zrebiec

Buffalo Bills

Position of greatest need: Wide receiver

Quarterback Josh Allen and star receiver Stefon Diggs needed more from the rest of the receivers in 2022. Starter Gabe Davis had his moments but was mostly inconsistent and is a free agent after 2023. Isaiah McKenzie struggled in his first season as a starting slot receiver. And rookie Khalil Shakir showed some bright moments but not enough to keep another pass catcher from being added. For the Bills to maximize their offensive potential, they need another target to help make Allen and Diggs’ lives easier, both to get open and to attract defensive attention away from Diggs. — Joe Buscaglia

Carolina Panthers

Position of greatest need: Quarterback

Pretty sure if you go back to this same story from last year, you’ll find the same response. And the year before that. And the year before that. There’s a reason the Panthers haven’t made the playoffs since 2017, a drought that coincides with two injury-plagued seasons with Cam Newton and an 0-for-the quarterback carousel stretch starting in 2020. The sense is the Panthers are finally going to use a top-10 pick on a QB, after passing on several during the Matt Rhule era. They have the draft capital to trade up from No. 9 if necessary. They also will do their due diligence on Derek Carr, who would represent an upgrade over Teddy Bridgewater, Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield. It will be interesting to see whether Frank Reich, who cycled through five QBs in five years in Indy, goes the veteran QB route again. — Joe Person

Chicago Bears

Position of greatest need: Pass rusher

The Bears have many needs. You can make strong arguments for wide receiver or offensive tackle. But Matt Eberflus, a defensive-minded head coach, fielded a defense that ranked last in sacks (20) and QB hits (43). Their most productive pass rushers shouldn’t be safeties and linebackers, which they were last season. Assuming they’re committed to Justin Fields at quarterback, improving the pass rush comes next. For the Bears, that includes three-technique defensive tackle, too. Eberflus has described the position as the “engine” behind his defensive scheme. It will take free agency and the draft to improve the Bears’ rush. — Adam Jahns

Cincinnati Bengals

Position of greatest need: Offensive tackle

This would be as much about the short term as the long term. Cincinnati needs to bring back safety Vonn Bell and figure out what direction to go at tight end where nobody is under contract. But the priority will always be protecting Joe Burrow. They solidified the interior last offseason (Alex Cappa, Ted Karras and Cordell Volson) but right tackle La’el Collins could be a cap cut and is trying to come back from an ACL tear turning 30 as camp begins. Left tackle Jonah Williams struggled for stretches last year and is entering his fifth-year option season. The position on both sides needs an influx of talent, perhaps starting at No. 28. — Paul Dehner Jr.

Cleveland Browns

Position of greatest need: Defensive line

The Browns had the league’s worst defensive tackle group in 2022, and the run defense for much of the season was so bad that it negatively affected multiple other areas. But the Browns also need a starting defensive end with Jadeveon Clowney almost certain to depart after two up-and-down seasons and 2022 rookie Alex Wright probably not ready for a full-time role. The Browns expect to instantly clean up their fundamentals and tackling under new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, but he can’t work miracles unless general manager Andrew Berry delivers him some more talent and depth across the defensive front. — Zac Jackson


Dallas Cowboys

Position of greatest need: Wide receiver

The Cowboys have their No. 1 in CeeDee Lamb, but they need a player capable of producing like a No. 2. They believe they have that in Michael Gallup, but he didn’t produce like one this past season as he was less than a year removed from a torn ACL. The hope is that he’ll be much improved in 2023, but Dallas can’t count on hope. Franchise QB Dak Prescott needs more weapons around him now, and the Cowboys need to be aggressive. Whether it’s in free agency, via trade like their rivals in Philadelphia did to acquire A.J. Brown during last year’s draft, or drafting one as early as the first round in April, the Cowboys must address the position if they expect to get beyond the divisional round of the playoffs. — Jon Machota

Denver Broncos

Position of greatest need: Offensive line


The Broncos could have as many as three new starters along the offensive front in 2023. There is no right tackle on the roster, left guard Dalton Risner is a free agent and Denver may seek an upgrade at center, where Lloyd Cushenberry and Graham Glasgow split time last season. That’s to say nothing of reserve spots that need to be addressed. The Broncos allowed an NFL-high 63 sacks in 2022, and though that’s not all on the offensive line — new coach Sean Payton needs to help quarterback Russell Wilson get the ball out quicker — the unit needs to be improved significantly. — Nick Kosmider

Detroit Lions

Position of greatest need: Cornerback


If the Lions are going to take the next step, they must invest in the cornerback position. Jeff Okudah looked serviceable at times, but he was benched toward the end of the season and simply hasn’t looked like a No. 3 pick. Since Okudah, who was drafted by the previous front office, the Lions have selected only one other cornerback in the first three rounds. That would be 2021 third-rounder Ifeatu Melifonwu, who is now a safety. With two firsts in 2023 and five selections among the top 85, it’s time for Detroit to add young talent at cornerback. — Colton Pouncy

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Green Bay Packers

Position of greatest need: Safety

The play of Green Bay’s safeties in 2022 left plenty to be desired. Veterans Adrian Amos, Darnell Savage Jr. and Rudy Ford were all to blame, and the Packers should seek upgrades on the back end this offseason. The team currently ranks 28th in available cap space, as it’s more than $17 million over the cap, according to Spotrac, which will need to change if the Packers want a chance at one of the top three free-agent safeties — Cincinnati’s Jessie Bates, Buffalo’s Jordan Poyer and San Francisco’s Jimmie Ward. If free agency is too expensive, Alabama safety Brian Branch fits right in Green Bay’s range at the No. 15 pick in April’s draft. — Matt Schneidman

Houston Texans

Position of greatest need: Quarterback

The Texans need a franchise quarterback as they kick off a new era under DeMeco Ryans. Davis Mills (Houston’s third-round pick from 2021) proved last season that he is not the answer as he struggled mightily with accuracy and opened the year with a 1-8-1 record before getting benched. He later reclaimed his job to finish 2-2 down the stretch. But it’s abundantly clear that Houston must draft a quarterback in the first round. The question is when. Do they take the best passer available when they’re on the clock at No. 2? Or, should they trade up one spot (Chicago is slotted to pick first) to ensure they get the draft’s best quarterback (Alabama’s Bryce Young in most people’s eyes)? — Mike Jones

Indianapolis Colts

Position of greatest need: Quarterback

The Colts have been on a quarterback merry-go-round ever since Andrew Luck abruptly retired in 2019. After an abysmal 2022 season due in part to the regression of Matt Ryan, who was benched twice and will likely be cut, Indianapolis landed the No. 4 pick in April’s NFL Draft and is poised to finally address its biggest need by selecting a young QB. New head coach Shane Steichen has had success with a variety of quarterbacks throughout his career and should have a lot of input toward the next signal caller he works with. — James Boyd

Jacksonville Jaguars

Position of greatest need: Cornerback

Doug Pederson and Trevor Lawrence will continue to keep the offense in good shape, and the quarterback’s rapid ascension should even make up for any personnel vulnerabilities in future years — say, for instance, if they lose tight end Evan Engram in free agency. So the Jaguars have to continue building up the defense around top-10 picks Josh Allen and Travon Walker, and the draft is the way to go with a premium position since they’ll be up against the cap this offseason. Illinois’ Devon Witherspoon, Maryland’s Deonte Banks, Georgia’s Kelee Ringo and Mississippi State’s Emmanuel Forbes should be in the mix with the No. 25 pick. — Jeff Howe

Kansas City Chiefs

Position of greatest need: Defensive line

The Chiefs have Steve Spagnuolo as their defensive coordinator, so the team should always target defensive linemen in the offseason. Coach Andy Reid, general manager Brett Veach and Spagnuolo had success last year in selecting defensive end George Karlaftis late in the first round of the draft. You could argue that the Chiefs should target another pass rusher to pair with Karlaftis, similar to how the team acquired linebackers Willie Gay and Nick Bolton in the second round in consecutive years to solidify the middle of the defense. — Nate Taylor

Las Vegas Raiders

Position of greatest need: Defense

They need three impact defensive players. What? Not quarterback? Hear me out: The Raiders share a division with the Chiefs and Chargers, and long term, yeah, they need a quarterback who can one day lead an offense that can consistently outscore Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert. It would be nice to get that guy this year in the draft, but maybe the Raiders don’t love the top prospects this year and they sign or trade for a veteran instead. A better defense would have meant two or three more wins last season, so let’s start there. Preferably a linebacker and two defensive backs. — Vic Tafur

Los Angeles Chargers

Position of greatest need: Wide receiver

Keenan Allen is a potential cap casualty. The Chargers, who are well over the cap, can save $14.8 million in space by cutting Allen and $16.3 million by trading him, according to Over the Cap. If the Chargers move on from Allen, they will have to draft a receiver early to replace him. If they do not move on from Allen, they still need to add speed to their receiver room. That is where their roster is lacking the most: a fast, downfield weapon for Justin Herbert and new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. — Daniel Popper

Los Angeles Rams

Position of greatest need: Pass rusher

Pass rusher. Pass rusher. Pass rusher. This was a need last spring, when former outside linebacker Von Miller signed with the Bills in free agency and the Rams didn’t make any moves to replace him (they did try trading for a couple of young pass rushers ahead of the Nov. 1 deadline) and it’s even more of an issue now. They cut two rotational outside linebackers during the season and are down to Leonard Floyd and converted defensive tackle Michael Hoecht as the only two edge players with meaningful experience. They’ll look to add here via trade, draft and free agency. — Jourdan Rodrigue

Miami Dolphins

Position of greatest need: Right tackle

The Dolphins have plenty of needs on defense (linebacker, cornerback) but protecting their quarterback — whether that’s Tua Tagovailoa or someone else — should be the team’s top priority. Remember, the Dolphins stumbled to a 1-5 finish in the regular season in large part due to Tagovailoa and backup Teddy Bridgewater suffering injuries. General manager Chris Grier did well targeting players (Terron Armstead, Connor Williams) last offseason to help shore up a shoddy offensive line, and the unit certainly improved in 2022. But there’s more work to be done. Austin Jackson isn’t the answer on Tagovailoa’s blindside, and neither is Brandon Shell. — Jim Ayello

Minnesota Vikings

Position of greatest need: Cornerback

Though arguments can be made for a presence on the defensive interior or even speed at linebacker, the Vikings have only two cornerbacks locked in for 2023, and both of them, Andrew Booth Jr. and Akayleb Evans, missed large chunks of time in 2022 with injuries. Add in the responsibility that newly hired defensive coordinator Brian Flores will place on the position, and the need is apparent. The Vikings could bring back unrestricted free agents such as Patrick Peterson and Duke Shelley. Additionally, they could seek to use some of their premier draft capital on the position. — Alec Lewis

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New England Patriots

Position of greatest need: Wide receiver

You could certainly make an argument that the needs at offensive tackle and cornerback are just as pressing, if not more. But wide receiver was already a weakness for the Pats even before the threat of losing Jakobi Meyers, their top receiver who is headed toward free agency. The addition of Bill O’Brien as offensive coordinator certainly helps Mac Jones, but he also needs better targets than he had last season. The Patriots haven’t had a 1,000-yard receiver since Tom Brady was throwing to Julian Edelman in 2019. They need to find a No. 1 option either via trade, free agency or the draft. — Chad Graff

New Orleans Saints

Position of greatest need: Quarterback

The Saints already started the process of finding a long-term starter by having then-Raiders quarterback Derek Carr in town for a visit earlier this month with Las Vegas trying to trade Carr. But Carr balked at any trade, making him a free agent. Carr seems like a good fit in New Orleans. If he goes elsewhere, though, where do the Saints turn? Andy Dalton is a pending free agent. The team has given up on Jameis Winston. Taysom Hill will likely take snaps in 2023, but he’ll never be the primary signal caller. So would the Saints target another free agent? Or trade? Or the NFL Draft? It’s definitely been an uncomfortable ride since Drew Brees retired after the 2020 season. — Larry Holder

New York Giants

Position of greatest need: Wide receiver

It’s hard to pick just one glaring position need for the Giants as they enter Year 2 of a rebuild. You could argue the importance of inside linebacker, offensive lineman or even the secondary. They just need more depth and quality at a variety of spots to ensure more playoff progress under coach Brian Daboll. But if we must choose one position, we’ll go with receiver because the Giants intend to keep quarterback Daniel Jones around. So it’s imperative he’s given some offensive weapons to work with after dealing with a rotating cast of characters this past season. Given the less than all-star free-agency class and money to be spent on Jones and potentially Saquon Barkley, a draft pick is probably New York’s best option. — Charlotte Carroll


New York Jets

Position of greatest need: Quarterback

This was an easy one. The Jets have been shockingly open and honest in admitting that Zach Wilson is not going to be their quarterback in 2023 — that includes owner Woody Johnson, who has said they need to get better at the position. They will aim high and target the two biggest names potentially on the market: Aaron Rodgers and Derek Carr. If they strike out, their path to an upgrade that leads to the Jets being taken seriously as a contender isn’t quite there. Does Jimmy Garoppolo or Ryan Tannehill move the needle? Would they draft someone early like C.J. Stroud if they strike out on the top targets? There is a lot hanging on what the Jets do at quarterback — including Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas’ job security. — Zack Rosenblatt

Philadelphia Eagles

Position of greatest need: Secondary

Sixty percent of the Eagles’ starting secondary is scheduled for free agency, including starting safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Marcus Epps plus cornerback James Bradberry. Both starting linebackers, both defensive tackles, at least one starting offensive lineman and a starting running back are also primed to depart, but the team has better in-house replacements at each of those spots. Undrafted rookie Reed Blankenship’s surprise season makes the safety picture a little less dire, but if Gardner-Johnson has priced himself out of the Eagles’ reach, they’ll have serious work to do for whoever is hired to replace Jonathan Gannon as defensive coordinator. Cornerback is a likely draft priority for the Eagles given Bradberry’s looming departure and Darius Slay’s age (32). — Bo Wulf

Pittsburgh Steelers

Position of greatest need: Offensive line

Take your pick — offensive line, cornerback, inside linebacker and defensive line. You can make a pretty convincing case for each of those positions as being the Steelers’ greatest need, but one sticks out more than the others. The Steelers dumped a lot of money in the right side of their offensive line a year ago. However, there is still a lack of top-end talent, especially at left tackle. The Steelers haven’t drafted a tackle in the first round since 1996 but could address it with the 17th pick. It is highly unlikely they will go the free-agency route, leaving the draft as the main avenue. What makes this offseason unusual is that the Steelers aren’t married to upgrading the offensive line specifically. All four positions need to be upgraded in some capacity. — Mark Kaboly

San Francisco 49ers

Position of greatest need: The trenches

Improvement in both trenches is the biggest offseason need for the 49ers. They’ve made recent strides on the offensive side of the ball but still were lacking against great Dallas and Philadelphia pass rushes in the playoffs. Better pass protection is a good way of escaping QB injury hell. Attaining that will involve the continued development of young guards Aaron Banks and Spencer Burford and good execution at center and right tackle, where Jake Brendel and Mike McGlinchey are scheduled to be free agents. Along the defensive line, the 49ers must acquire and develop help for Nick Bosa. Their interior pass rush was anemic this past season and their top three supporting edge rushers — Charles Omenihu, Samson Ebukam and Jordan Willis — are all pending free agents. Perhaps Drake Jackson can help with a big second-year jump? — David Lombardi


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Seattle Seahawks

Position of greatest need: Defensive line

The Seahawks had a mediocre pass rush and well-below-average run defense. The front line is not totally at fault for these deficiencies, but fixing the problem starts with becoming much better in the trenches. Run-stuffing nose tackles, pass-rushing defensive tackles, edge-setting run defenders — the Seahawks need just about everything up front. One of Pete Carroll’s takeaways after reflecting on the season was how important it is for the defensive line to be more dynamic in 2023. It’s going to take free-agent signings and draft picks to achieve that goal. — Michael-Shawn Dugar

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Position of greatest need: Quarterback

Given the defensive backs who may be departing as free agents (Jamel Dean, Sean Murphy-Bunting, Mike Edwards, Logan Ryan and Keanu Neal), the Bucs may need a cornerback or safety as much as anything. But to say their biggest need is anything but quarterback is ignoring the obvious. Tom Brady has said farewell, and the only quarterback the Bucs have under contract is Kyle Trask, who has thrown nine NFL passes and has been on the active roster for only two NFL games. — Dan Pompei


Tennessee Titans

Position of greatest need: Left tackle

The Titans could end up needing four new starters up front, depending on Ben Jones’ retirement deliberations and their interest in re-signing right guard Nate Davis. The one starter penciled in is right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere, who had an OK rookie season but also should not be considered unimpeachable. The Titans certainly need to address the other side after cutting Taylor Lewan, who could be part of the 2023 solution if his second ACL repair went better than the first and he’s willing to re-sign on the cheap. Even if that materializes, the Titans need to find their next long-term answer at the position this offseason. Receiver is urgent as well, but not quite this urgent. — Joe Rexrode

Washington Commanders

Position of greatest need: Sanity

The past three seasons felt like 30. Typically, because of the tumultuous reign of the man who has owned the team for over two decades. Dan Snyder’s historic meddling and disastrous presence consistently lowered the team’s ceiling and raised the level of chaos. Now comes the belief that Snyder may agree to sell the franchise in time for other owners to evaluate during March’s league meeting or soon after. New leadership isn’t about upgrading Washington’s offensive line, the on-field top need or finding a long-term quarterback. Rather, a return to NFL normalcy. For a franchise with one playoff victory since 2005 and scores of turned-off fans, that’s plenty. — Ben Standig