Identifying the biggest need for every NFC East team

theScore goes division by division to identify the biggest positional needs for all 32 NFL teams entering free agency.

AFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
NFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST

Dallas Cowboys

Biggest need: Defensive end

Other needs: Cornerback, linebacker

For the most part, the Cowboys are set on the offensive side of the ball. Super rookies occupy the quarterback and running back positions and they own the best offensive line in the league. It's time to focus on the defense.

The Cowboys lack a reliable option pass-rusher. They've invested recent draft picks into the position, but Randy Gregory and Demarcus Lawrence can't stay on the field.

The team's top two corners are impending free agents. If Dallas lets both Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne walk, filling their vacancies will take on greater importance.

Sean Lee could use some help at the second level, as well.

Potential free-agent targets: Jerry Jones said he wants a "war daddy" to rush the passer, someone that will command two blockers. The options are limited, so the Cowboys can only hope Charles Johnson makes it to free agency.

If the Cowboys vie for a top-tier corner, A.J. Bouye will be in their sights. Failing to land him, Dre Kirkpatrick and Prince Amukamara are suitable replacements.

At inside linebacker, the team could benefit from adding a vet like D'Qwell Jackson.

New York Giants

Biggest need: Free safety

Other needs: Wide receiver, tight end, running back

For a team coming off an 11-5 season, the Giants still have substantial holes in their lineup. The defensive backfield was ravaged by injuries in 2016 and the Giants will need a new starter at free safety.

New York owns one of the best in the game at wide receiver, but Odell Beckham Jr. needs help. Sterling Shepard had a promising rookie year, but Victor Cruz will need to be replaced. They also need more out of the tight end position to give the offense a true opportunity to take off.

The Giants are expected to hand the backfield to Paul Perkins. The team finished fourth last in rushing in 2016 though and could use a capable backup behind the sophomore.

Potential free-agent targets: Mike Adams could be the veteran presence the team needs around Eli Apple.

Would they be so bold as to take either DeSean Jackson or Pierre Garcon from a division rival? Brandon LaFell is another intriguing option.

The Giants should target a cost-effective candidate like Jermaine Gresham at tight end.

As for veteran backup options at running back, DeAngelo Williams is as good as they come.

Washington Redskins

Biggest need: Defensive end

Other needs: Free safety, wide receiver

Assuming the 'Skins either retain Kirk Cousins or address the quarterback position in another way, the team should turn its attention to a defense that ranked 28th in the league in 2016. Washington finished ninth in sacks with 38, but Chris Baker, Ziggy Hood, and Cullen Jenkins are all slated to hit the open market.

Strong safety was a problem last year, as the club had to call in Donte Whitner off the street during the season. Su'a Cravens will move to that position from linebacker, but DeAngelo Hall can't be expected to hold down free safety after suffering a torn ACL.

Lastly, the Redskins could lose both DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon to free agency. Someone will have to replace their production.

Potential free-agent targets: In failing to re-sign any of their free agents, Andre Branch represents good value after producing 5.5 sacks in 2016. The Redskins aren't strangers to taking chances on big-name defensive linemen and could offer Mario Williams a chance to revitalize his career.

The Cardinals could be preoccupied with Tony Jefferson and Marcus Cooper and could allow for the Redskins to poach D.J. Swearinger.

Washington just missed out on a postseason berth last year and can't afford a drop-off at production in the wide receiver role. Alshon Jeffery is the best available at his position.

Philadelphia Eagles

Biggest need: Wide receiver

Other needs: Running back, cornerback, linebacker, guard

The Eagles are set at the most important position on the field as their gamble on Carson Wentz appears to have paid off. They have as much work to do as any team to plug the holes around him, though.

The most pressing needs are at the positions around Wentz. He desperately needs a playmaker at wide receiver, even just a player with reliable hands. At running back, both Darren Sproles and Ryan Mathews can't be counted on to be a lead back for 16 games.

Lastly, the Eagles' top two corners are set to become free agents. The team can't begin the year with Jalen Mills as its top cover man.

Potential free-agent targets: Wentz and the Eagles would benefit from having the top receiver on the market: Jeffery. The team has also been linked to Kenny Stills. Philly should look to land both.

At running back, the Eagles should target Latavius Murray or Danny Woodhead. Both have experience as No. 1 running backs and would provide the Eagles with another offensive weapon.

There are plenty of veteran options at cornerback, including Captain Munnerlyn, Alterraun Verner, and Sam Shields.