They, like Carolina, have cap space for the future. They've got a lot of prospects, and they've got their draft picks. So for Washington, it's not really about this year. Like, they'd like to get in [the playoffs], obviously. But whatever available talent they could add in their top six, it's about this year and the future. So they're in on a bunch of different things. They'd like to make a splash.
The hard work starts now for new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones and the Washington Commanders. Their painstaking search to find a replacement for Joe Whitt Jr. is over. And considering the pressure on head coach Dan Quinn to turn the tide in 2026, his choice needs to hit the ground running in no uncertain terms. Jones doesn't have any NFL play-calling experience. However, he's well-traveled, working his way from the bottom as a high school coach to earn this significant opportunity.
Pinpointing just one area of need for the Maple Leafs seems like an impossible task but wiser people (or more connected people) are reporting that the Maple Leafs have prioritized right shot defencemen as the target. Given that things haven't gone particularly well with Brandon Carlo, Chris Tanev is potentially out for the season, and while there is nothing but great things to say about Troy Stecher, some additional help for the overachieving waivers claim might benefit the team.
It's no secret that the linebacker spot was one of the Dallas Cowboys' weakest position groups last season. In the offseason, Dallas brought in a pair of veterans, Kenneth Murray and Jack Sanborn, hoping a change of scenery could bring out the best in the two veterans. Unfortunately for the Cowboys, both acquisitions ended up not helping the team at all.
The upcoming free-agent class is relatively light, and the biggest pieces currently play for contenders. This means buyers are going to need to get creative to upgrade their rosters.