The 2027 NFL Draft is still eleven months away. But there are only ten months until free agency!
There’s far more that shapes NFL draft needs than just the current roster. Players break out. Coaches get replaced. Front offices pivot. Salary-cap pressure changes priorities. And more often than not, the strengths and weaknesses of a draft class end up driving the biggest decisions of all.
But now, in the infancy of the draft process, what do we KNOW? We know which players are up for free agency next spring. Whether that's a contract running out, or waiting for a possible extension over the summer for some members of the 2022 and 2023 draft classes.
Looming free-agent decisions are already shaping the NFC East
In this series, we will go division by division, and mostly through the lens of their upcoming free agents, determine the needs for each team in the 2027 NFL draft.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have three big-money free agents in 2027: George Pickens, TJ Bass, and Malik Hooker. With Bass being a backup, and the team adding Caleb Downs and Jalen Thompson this year, neither are huge needs to replace in 2027.
Wide Receiver is a possibility, but if history repeats itself I'm sure the team will bring Pickens back on a longterm deal.
DeMarvion Overshown is the best player for them coming off a rookie contract. And with the number of swings they took and missed at linebacker this offseason, it makes sense that it would be high on their list in 2027.
Need: Linebacker
New York Giants
Jon Runyan, Greg Newsome, Evan Neal, and Devin Singletary are the veteran free agents for the Giants in 2027.
Kayvon Thibodeaux is playing on the fifth-year option in 2026, and fellow 2022 classmate Micah McFadden is also on his own one-year deal this year.
And starting center John Michael Schmitz is up for an extension.
If Runyan and Schmitz aren't part of the Giants' long-term plans, an interior offensive lineman makes sense in next year's draft.
Need: Guard/Center
Philadelphia Eagles
Riq Woolen and Dallas Goedert are the veteran free agents for the Eagles next spring. With Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith playing on the fifth-year option in 2026.
Tyler Steen is extension eligible as a member of the 2023 draft class. And although they aren't technically free agents, Lane Johnson and Landon Dickerson both contemplated retirement this spring.
The elephant in the room is that we don't officially know what is happening with AJ Brown just yet. But even if he is traded, the team drafted two pass catchers early in the 2026 draft.
With the addition of Jonathan Greenard and extension for Jordan Davis this spring, I'd lean towards the offensive line as the bigger need. But based on the actual free agents, it would make sense to go to the defense.
Need: Offensive or Defensive Line
Washington Commanders
Daron Payne, Dorance Armstrong, K'Lavon Chaisson, Frankie Luvu, Marcus Mariota, and Percy Butler are the veteran free agents for the Commanders next spring.
No one from the 2022 or 2023 draft classes should be concerns for extensions.
While outside corner and wide receiver could end up still being needs for this team, we could walk out of 2026 feeling good about those spots depending on what happens.
But the defensive line is taking the biggest hit when it comes to upcoming free agents.
Team Need: Defensive Tackle/EDGE
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