Introduction

The NFL offseason is heating up as nearly one-third of teams have made head coaching changes, setting the stage for an intriguing free-agency period. These incoming coaches will seek to create a roster that reflects their vision and adapt to their respective new teams. Though few coaches hold final authority over personnel decisions, many will be intricately involved in shaping their team's roster. With a limited pool of star players in free agency, knowing how each team will prioritize their needs becomes essential. Below, we delve into the positions and players that ten teams with new head coaches will focus on during the upcoming free-agent signing period.

Atlanta Falcons: Retain Kyle Pitts - Tight End

Under the new leadership of coach Kevin Stefanski, the Atlanta Falcons are determined to break their eight-year playoff drought. With $27.7 million in salary-cap space, a primary goal for the Falcons will be to retain tight end Kyle Pitts. The 25-year-old former fourth overall pick had a career year in 2025, recording 928 receiving yards, 88 receptions, and five touchdowns. Stefanski has a track record of maximizing tight end talent, as seen with David Njoku in Cleveland. In a league where elite tight ends are hard to come by, keeping Pitts will be vital for the Falcons' offensive strategy.

Arizona Cardinals: Sign Braden Smith - Offensive Line

Entering the Mike LaFleur era, the Arizona Cardinals must revamp their offensive line after a dismal 3-14 season. With the team’s pass protection ranked in the bottom quarter of the league by Pro Football Focus, signing right tackle Braden Smith from the Indianapolis Colts is a priority. Smith has shown consistent performance over his eight-year career, and pairing him with Paris Johnson Jr. can shore up a struggling offensive line. An improved offensive line is crucial for the Cardinals to support their next starting quarterback, be it Kyler Murray or Jacoby Brissett.

Baltimore Ravens: Sign Trey Hendrickson - Edge Rusher

In a significant move, the Baltimore Ravens could target Trey Hendrickson, currently with the Cincinnati Bengals, as they look to revitalize their pass rush under new coach Jesse Minter. The Ravens need to strengthen a unit that only managed 30 sacks in 2025. Although Hendrickson’s previous season was cut short, his record of 35 sacks over two years and experience as a Pro Bowler make him an attractive option. The move could weaken a rival while elevating Baltimore’s defensive capabilities back to their former glory.

Buffalo Bills: Sign Alec Pierce - Wide Receiver

With the promotion of Joe Brady to head coach, the Buffalo Bills are looking to transform their receiving corps. In a search for consistency, signing Alec Pierce, recently of the Indianapolis Colts, appears to be a prudent choice. Coming off a career season with over 1,000 receiving yards, Pierce could become the reliable big-play target the Bills desperately need to support their offensive ambitions. Partnering with perennial MVP candidate Josh Allen, Pierce has the potential to thrive and vastly improve the Buffalo offense.

Cleveland Browns: Retain Joel Bitonio - Offensive Line

As the Cleveland Browns prepare for an offseason of upheaval with new coach Todd Monken, one player they cannot afford to lose is guard Joel Bitonio. Despite being one of the few consistent performers on an offensive line that struggled mightily last season, Bitonio is entering a critical phase of his career. Retaining him is a priority to maintain stability and facilitate potential improvements in the offensive trenches. Despite not being at his peak, Bitonio remains one of the NFL's best guards with a strong track record.

Las Vegas Raiders: Sign David Edwards - Offensive Line

As the Raiders gear up for the 2026 NFL draft, they need to focus on enhancing their offensive line, which suffered last season. New head coach Klint Kubiak will need to protect whoever they draft as their new quarterback, potentially Fernando Mendoza. With David Edwards available from the Buffalo Bills, the Raiders can address their needs in the trenches without compromising their budget significantly, given their substantial cap space. Edwards brings stability and experience to a line that was among the worst in the league.

Miami Dolphins: Sign Malik Willis - Quarterback

With a prosperous offseason forthcoming, the Miami Dolphins face uncertainty at the quarterback position. As Tua Tagovailoa’s future remains in limbo, acquiring Malik Willis as a backup or starting option could provide a fresh start. After showing flashes of potential with a strong completion rate and dual-threat ability, Willis presents an affordable option compared to high-profile free agents. His familiarity with the new regime is another reason the Dolphins should consider him as they reevaluate their roster.

New York Giants: Sign Isaiah Likely - Tight End

Under the leadership of Super Bowl-winning coach John Harbaugh, the New York Giants may pursue Isaiah Likely from the Baltimore Ravens to reinforce their tight end position. With only two tight ends currently under contract, adding Likely could provide a significant boost to the offense, especially for young quarterback Jaxson Dart. Likely’s athleticism and potential to be a primary target in critical situations make him a valuable acquisition as the Giants aim to re-establish a potent offense.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Sign Romeo Doubs - Wide Receiver

The Steelers are looking to transition into a new era with coach Mike McCarthy. To assist their quarterback plans, they must obtain reliable weapons for the passing game. Signing Romeo Doubs could complement standout DK Metcalf as a capable No. 2 receiver. Coming off a productive season with the Green Bay Packers, Doubs could see a significant elevation in his production in Pittsburgh, potentially reaching the 1,000-yard mark if he can secure a prominent role in the Steelers offense.

Tennessee Titans: Sign Odafe Oweh - Edge Rusher

Amid changes at head coach with Robert Saleh, the Tennessee Titans are looking to bolster their defensive unit. Adding Odafe Oweh from the Los Angeles Chargers could deepen their pass rush—an area where they lacked consistency. Oweh, who has proven capable of reaching double-digit sacks, fits well into Saleh’s vision for a formidable defense. With substantial cap space available, pursuing Oweh should be a strategic move to elevate the Titans' defense in 2026.

Conclusion

The 2026 NFL free agency promises to be one of the most exciting periods in recent memory as numerous teams look to reshape their rosters under new head coaches. With each team targeting key players in specific positions, there is potential for significant changes that could impact the upcoming season. As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on how these teams allocate their resources and make their moves in the player market.