With the NFL free agency around the corner, here are some key considerations facing each NFC team as they begin building their 2016 rosters:
Arizona Cardinals: RB Chris Johnson and three starting offensive linemen are set to leave, but the Cardinals seem ready with in-house replacements. The bigger concern is patching the secondary, especially while S Tyrann Mathieu recovers from another major knee injury, and pass rush with limited resources.
Atlanta Falcons: Though markedly improved, the defense (and its league-low 19 sacks) is a far cry from the units coach Dan Quinn oversaw in Seattle and requires substantial investment. Interior O-line upgrades and a successor to WR Roddy White are also on the list.
Carolina Panthers: If all-pro CB Josh Norman is retained and WR Kelvin Benjamin's knee heals, the offseason will be a success. Otherwise, it will be apparent where GM Dave Gettleman must focus.
Chicago Bears: Even if they put the franchise tag on WR Alshon Jeffery, the Bears will still have approximately $40 million to continue tailoring Vic Fangio's defense and find weapons for QB Jay Cutler, who's bid adieu to RB Matt Forte and could lose Jeffery and TE Zach Miller.
Detroit Lions: Their course will be determined once WR Calvin Johnson, who carries a $24 million cap hit for 2016, decides whether to return to one of the league's most unbalanced offenses. Regardless, free agency may dictate a defensive makeover.
Dallas Cowboys: Healthy returns by QB Tony Romo and WR Dez Bryant should restore them as contenders. But they could use a lead back ahead of Darren McFadden – Forte? – and will need pass rushers with DEs Greg Hardy and Jeremy Mincey unsigned and Randy Gregory suspended four games. The draft's No. 4 pick should net a difference-maker.
Green Bay Packers: GM Ted Thompson must weigh new deals for K Mason Crosby and CB Casey Hayward, but don't expect him to spend on free agents. Still, the Pack could use an edge rusher and Eddie Lacy insurance even if RB James Starks re-signs.
Los Angeles Rams: Last week's purge of pricey vets Jared Cook, James Laurinaitis and Chris Long gives them nearly $60 million in recruitment money. Are the Rams putting together a package for the leading man (quarterback) Hollywood demands rather than hope he's available with the 15th pick? Maybe. But GM Les Snead must also address a secondary set to lose three starters.
Minnesota Vikings: The secondary's depth could take a hit, but this ascending team is in good shape. If they're serious about unshackling QB Teddy Bridgewater, another receiver would help. GM Rick Spielman's splashiest moves tend to come on draft day.
New York Giants: Free agency could hasten an overhaul of the league's worst defense, which could have more than a half-dozen new starters. Fortunately, embattled GM Jerry Reese owns the 10th pick of the draft and nearly $60 million – probably enough to fix the D and still add a starter to the O-line and perhaps a shifty back.
New Orleans Saints: Don't expect them to be factors in the free agent market unless QB Drew Brees gets a cap-relieving extension. If that happens, GM Mickey Loomis can target direly needed defensive reinforcements and perhaps keep TE Ben Watson, too.
Philadelphia Eagles: Most of the roster Chip Kelly left behind remains intact – TE Zach Ertz, RT Lane Johnson and S Malcolm Jenkins were even extended – yet it remains to be seen if the results improve under new coach Doug Pederson. Much hinges on the quarterback, and the Eagles must decide whether to re-sign Sam Bradford, acquire another vet and/or draft one with the 13th pick.
San Francisco 49ers: Oh to be a fly on the wall when Kelly suggests how GM Trent Baalke might spend $50 million on a suddenly talent-deficient depth team charged with learning the new coach's system.
Seattle Seahawks: GM John Schneider has become known for headline-making moves. But the megadeals he's handed out to his stars in recent years could lead to tough choices for a team springing leaks on both lines.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Allowing RB Doug Martin to walk would be a calculated risk given how his production alleviated pressure on QB Jameis Winston. Still, the Bucs could be better off with a committee of backs if it means they spend close to $50 million remedying a lackluster defense.
Washington Redskins: It seems inevitable that QB Kirk Cousins will be franchised, but cutting Robert Griffin III will largely offset the $20 million tag. Otherwise, the franchise facelift remains on the right course, though GM Scot McCloughan must decide if RB Matt Jones is ready for the lead role.
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