3 teams in pursuit of an impact player in the offseason
Thirty-one teams around the NFL are once again left chasing the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots for league supremacy. However, with the free-agent negotiating window opening March 11 and the NFL draft taking place April 25, there will be several opportunities for teams to upgrade their rosters and make a run at being the last team standing next year.
Here are three teams that will be in pursuit of an impact player this offseason to improve their fortunes for 2019:
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts were one win away from the AFC Championship Game thanks to the stellar play of Andrew Luck and one of the best offensive lines in football. However, their defense could use a playmaker to aid rookie sensation Darius Leonard.
Indy's biggest need is a pass-rushing presence. The Colts ranked 19th in sacks and 29th in pass rushing during the 2018 regular season, according to Pro Football Focus. Some of the big-name free agents on the defensive line, such as Brandon Graham or Demarcus Lawrence, could take their defensive unit to the next level.
With the most cap space in the NFL this offseason, general manager Chris Ballard is only a few moves away from turning the Colts into the next AFC powerhouse.
Cleveland Browns
After the Browns ended the regular season on a 5-2 tear, expect GM John Dorsey to build off that momentum and search for an impact player to aid franchise quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Cleveland has the cap space available to pursue a deep threat that can stretch opposing defenses. John Brown and Tyrell Williams are free agents that could work as secondary weapons in the Browns' offense and provide a good compliment to Mayfield, who showed throughout his rookie season he isn't afraid to unload deep.
Building around Mayfield, who proved last year that he can be the Browns' cornerstone player, will be imperative to ensure Cleveland's future is a bright one.
San Francisco 49ers
The return of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo won't be enough for the 49ers to compete in the NFC West. Their defense - in desperate need of playmakers - only grabbed two interceptions last season. PFF rated the team's passing defense as the worst such unit in the NFL in 2018.
San Francisco could use the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft to select a player that will immediately aid its defensive unit, such as LSU cornerback Greedy Williams. The Niners could also look to pursue free agents like Ronald Darby or Earl Thomas to help solve their issues in pass coverage.
Coming off consecutive losing campaigns, head coach Kyle Shanahan will need to see improvement on the defensive side of the ball in order to avoid the hot seat and eventually restore the franchise to its former heights.