Free agency brings optimism and opportunity for a spring update to almost every NFL team thanks to additional cap space and the opportunity to hit gold in next month’s draft.
It is a 7-week high pressure for several franchises with money and draft capital, addressing on-situ weaknesses and filling needs.
The Chicago Bears last finished at NFC North in 2024, but as one of the most active teams in early March, new head coach Ben Johnson will be able to make the most of his already rich cash in skill position talent.
By the final round of the April NFL Draft, there are three teams facing the weight of expectations to deal with the hole in the roster.
Cleveland Browns
Projected cap space: $12.5 million
Total Draft Pics: 9, including 2nd overall
Requests, needs, essentials
Jack Conklin has come back more with the Browns, but the overall offensive line was a major weakness in the first three quarters of last season. Some issues can be placed at Desshaun Watson’s feet, and there are legitimate complaints about the play call. Alongside plans to fix quarterback difficulties, Cleveland will shop for enhanced front walls and game changers in skill positions.
New York Giants
January 5th, 2025. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. New York Giants head coach Brian Daball walks to the field after losing to the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Required Credit: Eric Hartline-Immagn Image Projected cap space: $45.6 million
Total Draft Pics: 8 including 3rd overall
Requests, needs, essentials
We don’t exaggerate the quarterbacks selected in free agency or draft. In addition to the next QB1, the Giants will be the final QB1 the franchise will allow head coach Brianda Ball and GM Joe Shane to choose. After signing him a long-term deal, they failed to develop Daniel Jones, declaring that the value of the infamous Saquon Berkley lies somewhere below that of the quarterback they felt were the face of the franchise.
How far are the Giants from fighting? By fixing the disaster at quarterback, the Giants could be closer than they would consider to be an NFC East issue thanks to nose tackle Dexter Lawrence and defensive end Brian Burns. They hit the top 10 picks of last year, wide receiver Malik Narvers, and playoff competition will play if they find the No. 1 cornerback in free agency or trade.
Indianapolis Colts
December 22, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) gives a thumbs up before a second-half snap against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Required Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Image Projected cap space: $40 million
Total Draft Pics: 7 including 14th overall
Requests, needs, essentials
Secondary talent is a major concern in defense, but Ballhawk of any kind of safety or cornerback is appealing to GM Chris Ballard for free agency and draft. He also wants to find a tight end to ease the burden on quarterback Anthony Richardson, and plans to bring the veteran to push the third-year passerby.
Ballard is fortunate to be invited, considering his nine years of running with the Colts include a 62-69-1 record and a Zero division title.
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