Which NFC team’s top priority during the next offseason is paying Justin Jefferson and the Cowboys studs a payday?
Much of the 2024 offseason is behind us, with most top free agents signed and the draft completed. However, each team still has critical issues to address before the NFL season starts on Sept. 5.
Kevin Patra outlines the top remaining offseason priorities for each NFC team below. Check back on Friday for his list of AFC teams’ priorities.
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#### Arizona Cardinals
**Top priority: Determine the reliance on rookies.**
The Cardinals heavily depended on first-year players last season, with rookies taking at least 2,000 snaps on both offense and defense, the only team to do so. In Year 2 of the rebuild, they’ll again lean on newcomers. Marvin Harrison Jr. steps into a WR1 role straight from the 2024 NFL Draft. Running back Trey Benson is expected to share reps with James Conner. Defensively, rookies like first-rounder Darius Robinson and second-rounder Max Melton will play crucial roles. The secondary’s depth largely consists of rookies, ready to step in if injuries occur. The Cardinals need to spend the rest of the summer figuring out which rookies and second-year players head coach Jonathan Gannon and his staff can rely on, which will determine if they can compete in the NFC West or need another year.
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#### Atlanta Falcons
**Top priority: Maximize Kyle Pitts’ potential.**
While the Falcons’ quarterback situation remains a topic of debate after drafting Michael Penix Jr. eighth overall following a significant investment in Kirk Cousins, a more immediate concern is getting more out of Kyle Pitts. Since his standout rookie season, Pitts has struggled, combining for just 1,023 yards and five touchdowns over the past two years. He needs to improve his strength in traffic and capitalize on YAC opportunities. The Falcons have added Darnell Mooney and Rondale Moore to support No. 1 WR Drake London, but for the offense to thrive, Pitts must exploit mismatches with linebackers and safeties. Given Cousins’ history of effectively using tight ends, Pitts should have plenty of opportunities to demonstrate that his past struggles weren’t due to a lack of talent or focus.
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#### Carolina Panthers
**Top priority: Accelerate Bryce Young’s development.**
The Panthers have made significant moves to enhance the supporting cast around second-year QB Bryce Young. They upgraded the interior of the offensive line and traded for veteran receiver Diontae Johnson, while also drafting WR Xavier Legette in the first round. Additionally, they added second-round running back Jonathon Brooks and athletic fourth-round tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders. With these improvements, it’s now up to head coach Dave Canales and his staff to craft an offense that maximizes Young’s abilities, much like Canales did with Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield in recent years. The Panthers need to work their magic to help Young bounce back from a challenging rookie season.
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#### Chicago Bears
**Top priority: Bolster the edge-rushing unit.**
General Manager Ryan Poles has significantly upgraded the offense around Caleb Williams, transforming the WR room and improving the backfield with D’Andre Swift. The offensive line, while not dominant, is serviceable. However, the Bears still need a complement to Montez Sweat on the edge. DeMarcus Walker, Dominique Robinson, and rookie Austin Booker are options, but there isn’t an obvious standout. Free agents like Carl Lawson or Emmanuel Ogbah could provide the boost needed for an otherwise solid defense.
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#### Dallas Cowboys
**Top priority: Extend key players.**
The Cowboys have three key players in need of contract extensions: Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons. Each deserves a new deal, but with every contract signed elsewhere, the price increases. Dallas seems willing to let Dak play out the final year of his deal, which is risky as another team could offer him a lucrative contract. Delaying Lamb’s extension could also be costly, especially if Justin Jefferson or Ja’Marr Chase sign new deals first. While there’s more time with Parsons, waiting hasn’t worked well for the Cowboys in the past. They should act now to secure one of the NFL’s top talents.
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#### Detroit Lions
**Top priority: Add WR depth.**
Amon-Ra St. Brown is the clear No. 1 receiver, and Detroit is hoping Jameson Williams can become a consistent threat. However, behind these two, the Lions have questions. Donovan Peoples-Jones had one good season in Cleveland, and Kalif Raymond is better suited as a fourth or fifth option. The Lions might miss Josh Reynolds. There aren’t many free agents left, particularly boundary receivers, but someone like Michael Thomas could still have some value. Detroit might need to wait until the trade market heats up around Halloween to find the necessary depth.
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#### Green Bay Packers
**Top priority: Establish a set position for Jordan Morgan.**
The Packers need to decide if their first-round pick Jordan Morgan should start at tackle or guard. Morgan’s versatility is a strength, but he needs to focus on one position to master it. His footwork makes him suitable for tackle despite shorter arms, but guard is a viable option if tackle proves challenging. The Packers’ coaching staff, which has a strong track record, should place Morgan where he can best contribute in 2024 while preparing him for a long-term role.
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#### Los Angeles Rams
**Top priority: Strengthen the defensive backfield.**
If the Rams don’t believe third-round pick Kamren Kinchens can start immediately, they need to find a veteran safety. Although they signed Kamren Curl, Russ Yeast is projected to start at free safety despite struggling last year. The Rams, under new defensive coordinator Chris Shula, should consider bringing in a veteran from the still-available free agents, such as Justin Simmons, Eddie Jackson, or Quandre Diggs, to stabilize the position.
