The 2025 NFL draft order for teams not participating in the postseason has been officially established. As the postseason begins, the regular season has concluded, leaving a series of pressing questions for the upcoming offseason. Throughout the season, significant weaknesses for each team were highlighted, along with suggestions for both immediate and long-term solutions. This analysis provides an overview of each team's current situation as the new calendar year approaches, detailing projected cap space and draft picks for all teams.

An essential offseason awaits the Arizona Cardinals. With a competitive season behind them, the team appears poised to emerge as a legitimate playoff contender in 2025. Nonetheless, there are key positional flaws that General Manager Monti Ossenfort will need to address this spring. The Cardinals stand well regarding projected salary-cap space, estimated at $86.9 million according to Spotrac, placing them near the top of the league. While the current roster doesn't necessitate further financial maneuvering, moves such as releasing Jonah Williams or DeeJay Dallas could create additional cap space. The primary focus for free agency could include EDGE rusher Chase Young from the New Orleans Saints. Arizona could also benefit from bolstering their cornerback depth through the draft, with Texas CB Jahdae Barron potentially being a top target.

The Atlanta Falcons face their own unique challenge this offseason: moving on from quarterback Kirk Cousins. Following Cousins' late-season benching, Michael Penix Jr. is expected to take the reins. However, despite the possibility of restructuring Cousins' hefty contract, substantial cap space, projected to be just $7.2 million, complicates matters for the Falcons. They may need to make tough decisions, such as parting ways with Grady Jarrett. Re-signing center Drew Dalman should be a priority, especially with a young quarterback at the helm. When it comes to the draft, targeting EDGE prospect James Pearce Jr. from Tennessee could address the team's pressing need for a pass-rusher.

For the Baltimore Ravens, questions along the offensive line combined with a coaching carousel on defense have posed challenges. Despite these issues, they remain a strong contender. The projected salary-cap space, reported at $12.6 million, falls in the bottom third of the league. Restructuring contracts for key players like Lamar Jackson could free up significant room. The team likely needs to prioritize the re-signing of left tackle Ronnie Stanley to maintain stability upfront. In terms of the draft, cornerback Jahdae Barron could be an ideal addition, addressing weaknesses seen in the secondary throughout the season.

The 2024 season showcased Brandon Beane's expertise in managing the Buffalo Bills, as they performed strongly despite expectations of a decline. Wide receiver Stefon Diggs was among the departures, yet the team thrived largely due to Josh Allen's MVP-caliber season. However, with a tighter cap situation, projected at $7.8 million, difficult decisions loom. Cutting Von Miller could save the team some cap, but they may also look toward signing EDGE Josh Uche. The draft may present an opportunity to target CB Trey Amos from Ole Miss, addressing a need in the secondary.

The offseason outlook for the Carolina Panthers significantly shifted with Bryce Young's successful stint as a quarterback. Expected to have around $34.1 million in salary-cap space, the Panthers might consider cutting underperforming players like Miles Sanders. Free agency options include adding a dynamic receiver such as Tee Higgins. The team's draft stock, bolstered by the No. 8 overall pick, positions them to select EDGE Abdul Carter from Penn State, further solidifying their defense.

In Chicago, the Bears are poised to make significant changes as they build around rookie QB Caleb Williams. With a projected cap space of $81.6 million, the organization has considerable financial flexibility. They might choose to release key players for additional funds. Targeting guard Trey Smith from the Kansas City Chiefs would be a strategic move to bolster the offensive line. With the No. 10 overall pick in the upcoming draft, selecting EDGE James Pearce Jr. could solve long-standing pass-rushing issues.

The Cincinnati Bengals possess significant insights into their defensive weaknesses after a rough 2024 campaign. With $59.1 million in projected cap space, they have the resources for roster improvements. The team may want to address their secondary by seeking a veteran CB like Carlton Davis. The upcoming draft offers opportunities as well, with selections such as No. 17 overall to potentially secure EDGE Nic Scourton from Texas A&M to enhance their defensive front.

For the Cleveland Browns, their 2024 season has raised various concerns, particularly surrounding Deshaun Watson's performance and the declining defense. With a challenging cap situation of approximately -$19.4 million, the Browns must navigate salary-cap cleanup, potentially releasing players such as Jack Conklin. Kirk Cousins might emerge as an intriguing free-agent option if the Atlanta Falcons let him go. In the draft, selecting iOL Will Campbell from LSU could provide much-needed reinforcement for their struggling offensive line.

The Dallas Cowboys face questions regarding head coach Mike McCarthy's future after a subpar season. With projected salary-cap space at $19.4 million, they must navigate contract expirations. Releasing safeties Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson could create additional funds. The priority for the Cowboys should be acquiring left tackle Ronnie Stanley from the Baltimore Ravens, ensuring stability on the offensive line. Through the draft, pursuing DT Walter Nolen from Ole Miss would address their defensive needs.

The Denver Broncos, following an eight-year playoff drought, have successfully secured a postseason berth. With a projected salary-cap space of $60 million, they have flexibility for strategic acquisitions. Adding a veteran like WR Chris Godwin would bolster their wide receiving corps around promising QB Bo Nix. In the draft, selecting RB Omarion Hampton from North Carolina could enhance their offensive attack and add depth, particularly if injuries affect their backfield.

The Detroit Lions have shifted focus to their defense, recognizing a need for improvement, especially following their playoff aspirations. With approximately $69.0 million in salary-cap space, the organization is ideally positioned to strengthen its roster. Bringing in CB Byron Murphy Jr. from the Minnesota Vikings could address a critical need in the secondary. The draft provides the Lions with an opportunity to solidify their offensive line and depth, targeting IOL Tyler Booker from Alabama.

For the Green Bay Packers, strategic decisions surrounding their roster are paramount, especially with projected salary-cap space at $63.3 million. Potentially moving on from CB Jaire Alexander to create additional funds is a possibility. The Packers should prioritize acquiring free-agent CB D.J. Reed from the New York Jets to solidify their pass defense. In the draft, selecting CB Jahdae Barron again could strengthen their secondary and address several vulnerabilities observed in prior games.

The Houston Texans are navigating a complex offseason after failing to meet expectations. With a cap space projection of $13.9 million, any attempts to revamp their roster will require careful financial planning. Signing IOL Teven Jenkins from the Chicago Bears becomes essential to solidify C.J. Stroud's offensive line. The draft will be pivotal, particularly with a first-round selection likely focused on adding quality defensive talent, like DL Derrick Harmon from Oregon.

The Indianapolis Colts avoided a complete collapse despite setbacks in 2024, and there's an opportunity for improvement with a projected salary-cap space of $50 million. Seeking to enhance their secondary, signing safety Talanoa Hufanga from the San Francisco 49ers could solidify that unit. With the No. 14 overall pick in the draft, selecting TE Tyler Warren from Penn State might help boost their offensive dynamics.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are entering the offseason with fresh questions regarding coaching dynamics after the dismissal of Doug Pederson. While their cap space is projected at $40.6 million, reassessing contracts for players such as Christian Kirk could help carve out additional room. With the use of their high draft pick, they could target cornerback Will Johnson from Michigan to reshape an underperforming secondary.

The Kansas City Chiefs approach the offseason still in the Super Bowl hunt, although they have key free agents to consider, including LB Dre Greenlaw and guard Trey Smith. With projected cap space around $21.3 million, they need to prioritize re-signing Smith to ensure offensive line stability. The draft will offer opportunities to bolster their roster, particularly by pursuing OT Kelvin Banks Jr. from Texas.

The Las Vegas Raiders enter the offseason reeling from a disappointing 2024 season. They benefit from substantial projected cap space of $112.3 million, providing considerable flexibility. Their priority may be targeting veteran cornerback Charvarius Ward from the San Francisco 49ers to strengthen their secondary. The draft brings the chance to acquire a promising quarterback, such as Shedeur Sanders from Colorado.

In Los Angeles, the Chargers saw a significant turnaround with the hiring of Jim Harbaugh. With approximately $74.3 million in projected salary-cap space, they have the financial backing to pursue key free agents. Pursuing IOL Trey Smith may augment an already-solid offensive line further. The draft presents an opportunity to revitalize their offense by targeting TE Colston Loveland from Michigan.

For the Los Angeles Rams, a playoff berth brings optimism, but considerations surrounding veteran players like Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp loom amid a projected cap space of $57.7 million. Releasing or trading aging players like Kupp could create financial flexibility. Their draft strategy could emphasize offensive line improvements by aiming to acquire OT Josh Simmons from Ohio State.

The Miami Dolphins' inconsistent season leads to significant offseason questions. With a projected salary-cap space of $10.6 million, restructuring some contracts may be necessary. Recruiting IOL Aaron Banks from the San Francisco 49ers could fortify their interior line. The draft offers them an opportunity to address any offensive line flaws further by considering OT Armand Membou from Missouri.

The Minnesota Vikings find themselves in a strong position with $78.1 million in projected cap space. They have decisions to make regarding the quarterback position, whether to retain Sam Darnold or draft a new signal-caller such as QB Cam Ward from Miami. Their draft strategy should include re-evaluating their defensive front, seeking to add depth and skill at key positions.

The New England Patriots ended the season with hope after identifying Drake Maye as their quarterback of the future. With a projected salary-cap space of $131.6 million, the organization can rebuild effectively. Targeting free-agent WR Tee Higgins from the Cincinnati Bengals would significantly enhance their receiving corps, and selecting CB Travis Hunter from Colorado in the draft could bolster their defense.

In New Orleans, the Saints face an uncertain offseason after firing head coach Dennis Allen. With a daunting salary-cap situation of -$78.4 million, tough decisions regarding veteran players must be made. The Saints might need to prioritize a rebuild while aiming to stockpile draft picks. Selecting EDGE Nic Scourton from Texas A&M in the draft could provide immediate depth, alongside others to rejuvenate the team.

The New York Giants are in search of a new quarterback following Daniel Jones' midseason departure. With projected salary-cap space of $57.2 million, they have the resources to pursue their top targets and are poised to make moves in free agency. Aiming for CB Asante Samuel Jr. from the Los Angeles Chargers may address positional needs in the secondary. The draft provides them with quality selections, including possibly acquiring QB Cam Ward.