Offseason priorities for every NFL team eliminated in wild-card round

Six teams suffered the bittersweet fate of making the postseason but failing to advance past the first test.

Here's the biggest offseason priority for every franchise that was eliminated in the wild-card round.

Los Angeles Chargers

Getting outside WR help: Saturday's playoff defeat exposed some flaws that Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman managed to cover up for the majority of the year. Most notably, if the Chargers have to play catch-up football or need firepower, then other teams have them - especially Justin Herbert - dead to rights. Patching that up with some playmakers at wide receiver will be key in Harbaugh's second offseason.

L.A. has the middle of the field solved with Ladd McConkey, who had 197 receiving yards in his playoff debut. The problem is the rest of the Chargers' receiving corps, which combined for two catches for 14 yards on 10 targets. Getting Herbert a boundary receiver would go a long way in giving this run-first offense more flavor and diversity.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Figure out a long-term plan: It sounds like the Steelers are sticking with Mike Tomlin despite another one-and-done postseason. But the head coach's poor playoff record in recent years is indicative of a much bigger problem - there is no plan for how to move forward, especially at the quarterback position.

Bringing back 36-year-old Russell Wilson would likely result in the same outcome. So would signing a different veteran quarterback. Insanity is doing the same thing again and expecting a different outcome. If the Steelers want to reverse their postseason misfortune, they need to acknowledge that this team is a lot further than a piece or two away from competing with the AFC's elites. A true rebuild might be the fastest way to propel this franchise forward and give it the chance to select a long-term option under center.

Denver Broncos

Filling out the rest of the offense: Bo Nix was a pleasant surprise, leading the Broncos to a 10-7 record as a rookie and their first playoff berth since 2015. With Sean Payton's franchise quarterback firmly cemented under center, the offensive guru's next step will be providing the quarterback with upgrades in the backfield and tight end.

Payton is no stranger to rostering high-quality running backs. Think of Reggie Bush, Deuce McAllister, Darren Sproles, Mark Ingram, and Alvin Kamara. But Denver didn't have that luxury in 2024, as impending free agent Javonte Williams led the team with only 513 yards on the ground and an inefficient 3.7 yards per carry. No Broncos tight end cracked 200 receiving yards, either. Whether it's in free agency or the draft (Ashton Jeanty, Tyler Warren), Payton's biggest order of business should be to get more pieces for his quarterback.

Green Bay Packers

More veteran faces in the locker room: Matt LaFleur was asked postgame if the Packers need more veterans on the roster, and it's a fair question. Once again the league's youngest team to open the season, Green Bay appeared overmatched in the playoffs. While there are a number of serviceable-to-good players on this roster, the Packers need more veteran leadership to get over the hump.

There are a few places where a proven commodity could help out, none of which are more important than wide receiver. With Christian Watson's status already uncertain for 2025, the Packers head into next season with a group of solid but non-elite wideouts. Angling for a big free-agent wideout would make everyone's life easier, especially Jordan Love's. Cornerback is also going to be a priority with Jaire Alexander unhealthy and a cut candidate, while defensive line is another area that could use a veteran piece with former first-round pick Lukas Van Ness still struggling to break out.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Keep Liam Coen: Coen was a revelation for the Buccaneers in his first season as the team's offensive coordinator. Baker Mayfield set new career highs in completion percentage (71.4%) and touchdown passes (41), while the offense finished fourth in scoring and third in yardage. If Tampa Bay wants to build on its success, it can't let a coordinator like Coen walk out the door.

The question on everyone's mind is whether or not the Buccaneers should promote Coen to head coach at the expense of Todd Bowles. While the defensive-minded boss has taken Tampa Bay to the playoffs in each of his three seasons, the franchise only has one postseason win to show for it. The loss to the Washington Commanders highlighted the full Bowles experience, and it wasn't pretty at times. If Coen gets an offer elsewhere, the Bucs shouldn't hesitate to make their move, just like they did when Bruce Arians was pushed aside for Bowles in 2022.

Minnesota Vikings

Figuring out what to do with Sam Darnold: The Vikings are at a crossroads after their 14-3 regular season was spoiled in the wild-card round. Do they stick with Sam Darnold, the quarterback who got them there, or turn the reins over to 10th overall pick J.J. McCarthy?

Darnold finally had a breakout year in 2024 under Kevin O'Connell's tutelage before regressing over the final two games of the season. Is that enough to scare the Vikings or any potential suitors? Minnesota's quarterback decision is compounded by the fact that it will be trying to maximize its compensation on the signal-caller who isn't selected. If the Vikings choose to go with McCarthy, will they franchise tag Darnold and perhaps trade him? Or will they disregard the season's conclusion and re-sign Darnold to an extension while trading McCarthy to the highest bidder? There are a number of ways Minnesota can go. The faster the front office gets the quarterback distraction settled, the better.