Biggest remaining offseason priority for every NFC team: Eight are in need at cornerback
The commencement of training camps is just around the corner. As teams fine-tune their rosters in the coming weeks in pursuit of their ultimate goal, winning a Super Bowl , which positional needs remain? Although it feels like it was much longer ago, the Packers acquired Micah Parsons from Dallas in exchange for draft compensation and defensive tackle Kenny Clark last August. Although it did not have ramifications on last year's postseason, many expected that it would at the time of the deal. There are several other small-scale moves executed in exchange for draft considerations. The Dolphins claimed cornerback Juju Brents on waivers, and now he is in line to start. Center Luke Fortner was acquired by the Saints from the Jaguars . He spent most of the 2025 season blocking for breakout rookie Tyler Shough and parlayed that into a contract from the rival Panthers this offseason. Negligible transactions in the moment can make both short and long-term impacts. Which positions could be of interest to your respective favorite NFL team ? Here is one perspective on the biggest need for each NFC team ahead of the 2026 NFL regular season: The defensive line is a concern. Chicago allowed the fourth-most yards before contact (1.89) in 2025, per TruMedia. The response has been to sign Neville Gallimore and Kentavius Street . The third wide receiver spot behind Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III comes down to Kalif Raymond , Scotty Miller and rookie Zavion Thomas . The offensive line could suffer a setback with Drew Dalman's abrupt retirement, leading to the acquisition of Garrett Bradbury . An injury to Ozzy Trapilo means that Braxton Jones will have to play extended time once again. The unforeseeable expulsion of Terrion Arnold created a void in Chicago's secondary. Veteran Rock Ya-Sin is slated to start opposite D.J. Reed , and depth is really thin. The Lions may look to acquire help prior to the season. Free agent acquisition Nate Hobbs did not deliver the season Green Bay anticipated, and Keisean Nixon , Carrington Valentine are in line to start again. It is a gamble, as is defensive lineman Javon Hargrave tapping into the fountain of youth. It is worth monitoring how the offensive line comes together with multiple players taking on larger roles. With Harrison Smith not currently in the plans for the 2026 season, safety is a weakness after selecting Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks in the first round. Joshua Metellus, Jay Ward , Jakobe Thomas and Theo Jackson are competing for those two spots. The interior offensive line needs to stay healthy and Blake Brendel is tasked with filling Ryan Kelly's shoes post-retirement. Linebacker and cornerback are a few other spots to monitor. Linebacker had been high on the priority list for the Buccaneers, but they invested a second-round pick in Josiah Trotter . Zyon McCollum and Benjamin Morrison are slated to start on the boundary. Both are relatively young in their respective careers, so that could be an up-and-down experience. Depth is even thinner. Jacob Parrish is physical in the slot. Wide receiver and defensive tackle are on similar footing. At receiver, the team added a few veterans, Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus , but those are the only proven commodities aside from Drake London . Atlanta drafted Zachariah Branch in the third round, but he may not be ready to run the full route tree. The Falcons flipped defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro for Maason Smith . The team also has Brandon Dorlus and Da'Shawn Hand at the position. Edge rusher is a wild card with James Pearce Jr.'s situation. The team spent big on defense in free agency, bringing in linebacker Devin Lloyd and edge rusher Jaelan Phillips . Lloyd's presence could have a positive impact on Trevin Wallace , a talented player. The area lacking elite talent is the secondary, where Carolina could use help at cornerback or safety to support Jaycee Horn . Mike Jackson played above expectations, but is that sustainable? [... truncated ...]
