Team Needs: NFC East
The NFC East saw only one of its four teams reach the playoffs last season, meaning there will be no shortage of areas to address for squads in the division.
Let's take a look at the most glaring team needs in the NFC East and which players could be targeted in free agency.
NFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
AFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
Dallas Cowboys
Positions of need: defensive line, safety
The Cowboys' defense overachieved in 2014, but with a unit full of lackluster talent and a lot of room for improvement, Dallas should be focusing on that side of the ball this offseason.
Getting to the quarterback was a major issue for the Cowboys. They finished 28th in sacks and other than Henry Melton, who won't be back, and Jeremy Mincey, no one else on the roster had more than three quarterback takedowns. Sure, Demarcus Lawrence missed half the season due to injury, but Dallas needs more impact pass rushers.
Part of the reason the Cowboys need to get to the passer more frequently is because their secondary can't be trusted. The safety position was an area of weakness, especially where J.J. Wilcox was concerned. He ranked 76th of 87 ranked safeties last year, according to Pro Football Focus.
Potential free-agent targets: In a perfect world, the Cowboys would like to be in on Ndamukong Suh, Brian Orakpo and Devin McCourty, but their cap situation may force them into cost-effective options. Pass rusher Brandon Graham and safety Da'Norris Searcy may be more realistic targets.
New York Giants
Positions of need: offensive line, inside linebacker
There weren't many spots on the offensive line where the Giants even played decently in 2014. Will Beatty was better than average at left tackle, but everywhere else was a mess.
Right tackle Justin Pugh isn't developing quickly enough and Weston Richburg, who struggled at guard last year, could be moving to his natural position at center. After switching to a pass-heavy offense under offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo, it's clear the G-Men need to get their protection in order.
As far as the linebacker spot goes, New York has been missing that consistent run stopper for years and finished 30th against the rush in 2014. They thought they had an answer with Jon Beason, but a serious toe injury ended his season early. It would be foolhardy to bank on the 30-year-old going forward.
Potential free-agent targets: San Francisco 49ers guard Mike Iupati and Green Bay Packers tackle Bryan Bulaga are going to be costly, but both would be worth it to improve New York's less than mediocre line.
Brandon Spikes could solve their problems at linebacker. When Spikes is on his game, he's one of the best in the business at stopping the run.
Philadelphia Eagles
Positions of need: safety, cornerback
The Eagles secondary was abysmal last season and they could use an upgrade at both corner and safety. Finishing 31st against the pass isn't going to cut it in today's NFL.
Philly will need someone to play opposite Malcolm Jenkins, as Nate Allen, who was largely ineffective anyway, doesn't figure to be re-signed. As far as the corner spots go, Brandon Boykin can hold his own, but Cary Williams was a disaster for much of 2014.
At the end of the day, it doesn't really matter how fast Chip Kelly's offense can score points if they can't stop anybody.
Potential free-agent targets: Devin McCourty has developed into an excellent talent that the Eagles should pursue if the New England Patriots let him go. Jenkins and McCourty are both versatile and would be a solid duo in the defensive backfield, covering sideline to sideline.
McCourty would be costly, though, likely leaving them less to spend on a corner. If that's the case, Davon House could add depth and be a cost-effective option at the same time.
Washington Redskins
Positions of need: offensive line, defensive backs
The Redskins gave up 58 sacks last year and only the Jacksonville Jaguars conceded more. Washington desperately needs an offensive tackle to play on the right side, opposite of Trent Williams. It doesn't matter who plays quarterback for the Skins if they can't keep him upright.
Morgan Moses showed some promise, but a Lisfranc injury derailed his rookie campaign. Counting on the third-round pick to bounce back and fill the role may be risky.
Things weren't much better in the secondary, especially at the corner spot. E.J. Biggers, David Amerson and Bashaud Breeland were all among the worst in the league at the position, helping the Redskins finish 24th against the pass.
Potential free-agent targets: If the Packers let Bryan Bulaga go, Washington would be wise to pounce. He would be an instant upgrade and perhaps give the Redskins the best pair of tackles in the league. Doug Free, although a little older, would also improve things greatly.
The cornerback free-agent pool is deeper and if Washington can get their hands on one of Brandon Flowers, Kareem Jackson or Byron Maxwell, their pass defense would greatly benefit.