Free-agency matchmaker: Finding the perfect addition for all 16 NFC teams
With NFL free agency set to open March 14, every team will be searching for a veteran addition to help take them to the next level. Below, we take a look at free agents set to hit the market and matched them to their ideal NFC team.
AFC | NFC
Bears: TE Tyler Eifert
New head coach Matt Nagy used Travis Kelce a lot with the Chiefs and will need an upgrade at tight end to help out Mitch Trubisky. Eifert's medical history could make him a worrisome signing, but his high ceiling is tough to pass up for a team lacking dangerous targets.
Buccaneers: CB Malcolm Butler
Butler wants to get paid after being disrespected in New England. The Buccaneers have plenty of cap space and plenty of room for improvement at cornerback. It can't hurt the Buccaneers, who struggle with consistency, to add a player who's learned the "Patriot way."
Cardinals: OL Justin Pugh
The Cardinals will likely need to sign and draft multiple quarterbacks this offseason, but whoever's under center is going to want better protection than what Arizona currently offers. Pugh can play either guard or tackle, and will help keep the quarterback upright, whoever that may be.
Cowboys: LB NaVorro Bowman
Jerry Jones loves bringing in big-name players and could be losing two inside linebackers to free agency. Bowman shouldn't come with a high price tag and would at least sell a lot of jerseys if his health doesn't hold up.
Eagles: LB Anthony Hitchens
Eagles' inside linebackers Nigel Bradham, Dannell Ellerbe, and Najee Goode are all pending free agents and will likely want raises after winning the Super Bowl. In lieu of bringing them back, adding former division rival Hitchens from the Cowboys may be the most affordable option, and with more upside.
Falcons: WR Paul Richardson
The Falcons struggled in 2017 to regain their offensive dominance of 2016 and are about to lose speedy playmaker Taylor Gabriel to free agency. Richardson's big-play ability would open things up for Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman as well as provide an option to get the Falcons out of a funk when needed.
49ers: WR Allen Robinson
The 49ers need a No. 1 weapon for new franchise passer Jimmy Garropolo and they have plenty of cap space to get one. Robinson is coming off a torn ACL but has elite potential. He's a prime candidate for a one-year deal worth close to $14 million and then sign an extension midseason if things work out.
Giants: RB Jerick McKinnon
Pat Shurmur will look to bring some elements of the Vikings' offense along with him to New York, but it doesn't seem like he'll be taking a quarterback. However, McKinnon's well-rounded skillset would be a good consolation prize as no Giant runner particularly impressed in 2017.
Lions: S Kenny Vaccaro
Darius Slay has been the star of the Lions secondary for several seasons and has often had to do the bulk of the playmaking on his own. Coming off his career-best season, Vaccaro is an aggressive defensive back who loves to hunt for the ball and can play multiple positions in the secondary.
Packers: G Jack Mewhort
The Packers sorely missed guard T.J. Lang in 2017, as well as Josh Sitton, who left before the 2016 season. While they rarely make splashes in free agency, Mewhort is a needed addition who fits the typical mold for Packers' offensive linemen and won't cost too much.
Panthers: WR John Brown
If the Panthers' offense insists on relying on the deep ball, they're going to need more receivers who can get behind defenses. Luckily, that's about the only thing Brown can do, so he shouldn't break the bank while filling a need in Carolina.
Redskins: G Josh Sitton
Sitton, 31, is getting up there in age, but his physicality and general nastiness remain intact. Washington could use a veteran presence in the middle of their line beside Brandon Scherff as they're set to lose two blockers.
Rams: TE Jimmy Graham
Tavon Austin is out the door and Sammy Watkins looks to be headed for the market, leaving room for the Rams to add an intriguing pass catcher. Graham can play both tight end and receiver and would be a matchup nightmare in Sean McVay's high-flying offense.
Saints: DE Muhammad Wilkerson
A pass rusher to play opposite Cam Jordan has been atop the Saints' grocery list for basically his entire career. The typical speedy edge rusher isn't available in free agency, but Wilkerson's balanced style could work well. His off-field reputation and medical history will likely lower his price tag.
Seahawks: OT Chris Hubbard
The Seahawks seem aware they need to improve their offensive line, but remain very wary of over-spending for top-level talent. Ballard fits that niche well as he started 10 games for the Steelers at right tackle in 2017, showing he doesn't have elite athleticism, but can get by with toughness and technique.
Vikings: S Eric Reid
The Vikings' defense doesn't have much room for improvement, but if they're looking for somewhere to get better, strong safety is the position to address. Reid hits as hard as any defensive back and has the cover skills to match. He and Harrison Smith could become one of the league's great safety tandems.
AFC | NFC
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)