AFC West Team Needs: Broncos seek QB, Raiders look to upgrade secondary

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

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

Denver Broncos

Biggest need: Quarterback

Other needs: Offensive tackle, guard, tight end

Regardless of whether Peyton Manning opts for retirement, the Broncos appear headed in a new direction under center. While Brock Osweiler is widely considered the heir apparent, using the franchise tag on Von Miller has put Osweiler in line to hit the free-agent market and get paid by another team.

The offensive front is also due for some turnover - and potential upgrades. As the roster currently stands, with Evan Mathis again slated to hit free agency, guard is the most pressing need. Should Denver part with Ryan Clady in lieu of a restructured deal, though, tackle would also become a glaring weakness.

The Broncos certainly have a recognizable name at tight end, but it appears entirely possible that Vernon Davis won't be back with the team in 2016. The longtime 49ers playmaker didn't make an impact after joining the Broncos in a midseason trade, and becomes an unrestricted free agent in March.

Potential free-agent targets:

While the Broncos may want to retain Osweiler, giving an unproven quarterback a lucrative contract is not the way to capitalize on an all-time great defense. The team might be better served by taking a chance on still talented - yet far less expensive - signal-callers like Robert Griffin III, Chase Daniel, or Tarvaris Jackson.

Avoiding a big-money deal at quarterback could give the Broncos the freedom to spend elsewhere. Brandon Brooks would be the ideal target to upgrade at guard, while Ladarius Green is a dynamic tight end who could take pressure off Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders in the downfield passing game.

Kansas City Chiefs

Biggest need: Offensive tackle

Other needs: Wide receiver, linebacker, cornerback

Now that Alex Smith's established himself as the long-term answer under center, Kansas City will look to upgrade his supporting cast. Those efforts should start at offensive tackle, as the Chiefs simply can't give up another 46 sacks next year.

While Jeremy Maclin finally gives the offense a top passing-game target, adding a playmaker on the opposite side should still be considered necessary. The impending free-agent statuses of Derrick Johnson and Sean Smith also create pressing needs at linebacker and cornerback, respectively.

Potential free-agent targets:

Rishard Matthews should be of particular interest in upgrading the Chiefs' receiving corps. The 26-year-old was the Miami Dolphins' most productive wideout before an injury ended his 2015 season, and Kansas City would give him the opportunity he desires as no less than a No. 2 target.

The free-agent offensive tackle class lacks top-tier talent, but veterans like Russell Okung, Will Beatty, and Kelvin Beachum could offer plenty of value on short-term deals. Each would likely step in on the left side, allowing Eric Fisher to move back to the right tackle.

Poaching linebacker Danny Trevathan from the division-rival Broncos would be a sensible move to replace Johnson, though it's possible management doesn't let its longest-tenured player get away. Prince Amukamara, Casey Hayward, and Adam Jones are among the cornerback fits barring a new deal for Smith.

Oakland Raiders

Biggest need: Cornerback

Other needs: Offensive tackle, safety, linebacker

For the Raiders to take the next step and emerge as legitimate playoff contenders, the defensive backfield requires upgrades across the board. The top priority is at cornerback, but Oakland will also need at least one safety following the retirement of Charles Woodson.

Unless Donald Penn can be re-signed before hitting the open market, finding a new left tackle is imperative. Derek Carr made significant progress in his second season, and keeping him upright will give him the opportunity to continue on that path.

Adding an impact player at inside linebacker would help solidify a talented front seven. Curtis Lofton is exclusively a run defender at this stage of his career, and the Raiders will almost certainly look for a three-down player to take his place.

Potential free-agent targets:

With plenty of salary-cap space at their disposal, Oakland should target a number of top free agents, and its search for an upgrade at cornerback should start with Sean Smith. The 28-year-old has the size and physicality to match up with the league's most imposing receiver talents, something the Raiders have gone without since the departure of Nnamdi Asomugha.

The Raiders could also address their needs at safety and linebacker within the AFC West, as Weddle could take over for Woodson both on the field and in the locker room. Head coach Jack Del Rio's familiarity with Trevathan, meanwhile, makes for an obvious fit at linebacker. The Raiders could certainly be the team that gives Ravens guard Kelechi Osemele the money he's seeking to play left tackle, but perhaps a low-risk deal for Beachum or Beatty is more likely.

San Diego Chargers

Biggest need: Center

Other needs: Safety, wide receiver, defensive line

A slew of injuries up front held San Diego's offense back last season despite another impressive year from Philip Rivers. Should the majority of the line return next season and have better luck health-wise, adding a strong presence at center could conceivably turn the unit into a strength.

A third receiver to join Keenan Allen and Stevie Johnson would be another important addition to maximize the offense's potential. On the defensive side, San Diego will need a safety to replace Weddle and some talent upgrades to bolster the front three alongside Corey Liuget.

Potential free-agent targets:

San Diego has more than enough salary-cap space to enter the bidding for Alex Mack. The Browns center has been one of league's top interior linemen throughout his seven-year career, and landing with the Chargers would put him back in his native Southern California.

Looking at the Chargers' other needs, several more Browns players appear among the most logical fits. Tashaun Gipson could be a long-term addition as a single-high free safety, while Travis Benjamin's ability to stretch the field best complements the short-area prowess of San Diego's current receivers underneath.

Damon Harrison, Haloti Ngata, and Terrance Knighton highlight the market of free-agent nose tackles, and the potential five-technique defensive ends in San Diego's price range include Nick Fairley, Jaye Howard, and Akiem Hicks.