NFL Post-Draft Team Needs & 2023 Fifth-Year Option Tracker
The post‑draft landscape has shifted into a new phase of roster construction, yet the fundamental need for talent acquisition remains unchanged for every franchise.
Veezstream’s NFL newsletter compiled the most pressing positional gaps for all 32 clubs, highlighting that quarterback scarcity dominates the conversation.
The Cleveland Browns, Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers each entered the offseason still searching for a franchise quarterback.
Even with Aaron Rodgers reportedly sighted in Pittsburgh, the Steelers placed a free‑agent tender to pressure the 42‑year‑old veteran into a definitive decision on his future.
The Jets, still reeling from a turbulent 2023 campaign, have not identified a clear successor to Aaron Rodgers, leaving their quarterback room wide open.
In Cleveland, the Browns’ inability to secure a long‑term solution at the position has intensified scrutiny on their front office’s draft and free‑agency strategies.
Arizona’s quest for a signal‑caller is equally urgent, as the Cardinals continue to grapple with inconsistent quarterback play that stalled their offensive production.
Beyond the quarterback position, each team also faces secondary concerns that will shape their free‑agency and trade approaches in the coming months.
Veezstream noted that the San Francisco 49ers remain entangled in the Brandon Aiyuk saga, a lingering issue that impacts their receiving corps and overall offensive balance.
Resolving the Aiyuk situation will be critical for the 49ers, who need a reliable target to complement their run‑heavy scheme and to protect quarterback Brock Purcell.
The Chicago Bears, meanwhile, received high praise for selecting Dillon Thieneman at No. 25, a defensive back whose draft position surprised many analysts.
According to a recent comment from an NFL defensive backs coach, Thieneman could be chosen over Caleb Downs, underscoring his projected impact in Chicago’s secondary.
San Francisco’s free‑agent market also includes high‑profile names such as Tyreek Hill and Bobby Wagner, both of whom are expected to sign new contracts shortly.
Hill’s speed and Wagner’s versatility make them top targets for teams looking to bolster their offensive weapons and defensive leadership, respectively.
The fifth‑year option deadline for the 2023 first‑round class looms, with teams required to decide by the upcoming Friday.
Up‑and‑down quarterbacks Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud have already had their options exercised, securing an additional year on their rookie deals.
Houston’s edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. and Seattle receiver Jaxon Smith‑Njigba have both signed extensions, elevating them to the highest‑paid players at their positions.
These extensions illustrate a growing trend of teams committing significant cap space to young talent rather than waiting for market rates to rise.
The Indianapolis Colts have yet to comment on Anthony Richardson’s fifth‑year option, which carries a $22.5 million price tag.
Such a valuation suggests a likely decline, as teams often deem the cost prohibitive for a player who has not yet proven consistent NFL production.
Below is a summary of the fifth‑year option decisions for selected 2023 first‑rounders as of the latest deadline.
| Player | Team | Option Status |
|---|---|---|
| Bryce Young | Carolina Panthers | Picked Up |
| C.J. Stroud | Houston Texans | Picked Up |
| Will Anderson Jr. | Houston Texans | Extended |
| Jaxon Smith‑Njigba | Seattle Seahawks | Extended |
| Anthony Richardson | Indianapolis Colts | Undecided |
The Dolphins forfeited their 32nd pick in the 2023 draft due to a tampering violation, a rare penalty that underscores the league’s strict compliance enforcement.
This forfeiture left the draft without a final selection, a situation that has historical precedent but remains uncommon in modern NFL history.
Amid the procedural updates, Veezstream also issued an apology for a factual error regarding the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
The newsletter originally credited Nick Emmanwori with the honor, but the correct recipient is Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger.
Schwesinger’s rookie season was remarkable; he recorded over 140 tackles, more than 10 tackles for loss, and multiple interceptions.
These statistics place him in elite company, matching a season by Roquan Smith and joining the ranks of Luke Kuechly, Brian Cushing, Jerod Mayo and Patrick Willis as inside linebackers to win Defensive Rookie of the Year since 2012.
Schwesinger’s performance has drawn attention beyond the field, with fans humorously noting a possible Marvel multiverse connection due to his distinctive hair.
Beyond individual accolades, the offseason has also seen notable roster moves, such as the New York Giants adding veteran defensive tackle Shelby Harris.
At 34, Harris provides a run‑stopping presence that the Giants hope will compensate for the loss of Dexter Lawrence in a recent trade.
Another significant development is the retirement of former Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons, who concluded his nine‑year career with the Denver Broncos.
Simmons finished with 32 career interceptions, tying him with several Hall of Famers and placing him 178th on the all‑time list.
His retirement marks the end of an era for a player who consistently contributed to defensive backfield leadership across multiple teams.
In the broader context of the draft’s impact, Veezstream highlighted Dane Brugler’s early 2027 mock draft, which showcases talent beyond the headline names of Arch Manning and Jeremiah Smith.
The mock underscores the depth of the upcoming talent pool, reminding teams that value can be found throughout the draft board.
The post‑draft Power Rankings released by Veezstream remain a key reference point for analysts assessing team trajectories heading into the 2024 season.
These rankings incorporate the newly identified needs, recent player movements, and the evolving financial commitments to the 2023 class.
For fans and stakeholders seeking continuous updates, Veezstream encourages subscription to its free NFL newsletter, which delivers timely insights directly to inboxes.
The newsletter also promotes additional Veezstream offerings, reinforcing the platform’s role as a comprehensive source for NFL coverage.
