Continuing our division-by-division offseason breakdown, we move to the AFC South, one of the more surprising divisions from the 2025 season.
Jacksonville surged down the stretch to take control, while the Colts’ fast start unraveled just as quickly in the second half. Houston remains a playoff-caliber team but still has roster holes to address, and Tennessee is early in a rebuild focused on a small core of foundational players.
Here is where each AFC South team should focus heading into the 2026 offseason.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Running Back: Jacksonville’s biggest questions are tied to pending free agents, starting with Travis Etienne. He is one of the top running backs on the market, and retaining him is a priority. If the Jaguars cannot bring him back, they will need to replace his production with a three-down option who can contribute in the passing game.
Cornerback: Depth in the secondary is a major concern. Several cornerbacks are expected to depart, and even if Travis Hunter transitions to full-time corner, Jacksonville will need to rebuild the room to avoid a drop-off in defensive performance.
Safety: Neither safety spot feels secure. Andrew Wingard is a free agent, and Eric Murray has not locked down the strong safety role. Jacksonville will likely invest heavily in the defensive backfield, and finding two reliable starters at safety is a priority.
Houston Texans
Running Back: Despite a backfield that included Joe Mixon and Nick Chubb, Houston’s most productive runner last season was Woody Marks. That is not sustainable for a team with playoff expectations. The Texans will likely explore both the draft and free agency for a lead back who can anchor the offense.
Offensive Line: Houston’s offensive line remains a recurring issue. The right side is headed toward free agency, and reinforcements are needed across the unit. Protecting C.J. Stroud must be the organization’s top priority, and that likely means investing significant draft capital up front.
Defensive Tackle: Sheldon Rankins anchors the interior, but he is a free agent and the depth behind him is thin. Even if Rankins returns, Houston needs additional rotation pieces to keep the defensive line fresh and effective over the course of the season.
Indianapolis Colts
Quarterback: Daniel Jones had a strong stretch after leaving New York, but with him still working back from injury, the Colts need to be realistic about whether that production is sustainable. If Anthony Richardson is no longer in the plans (and he shouldn’t be), Indianapolis must add competition and depth beyond Jones and Riley Leonard to stabilize the position.
EDGE: Outside of Laiatu Latu, the Colts lack reliable pass rush options. Kwity Paye is a free agent, and Indianapolis has been linked to Trey Hendrickson as a potential addition. Whether through free agency or the draft, this unit needs a clear upgrade.
Linebacker: Linebacker may be the weakest group on the roster. The defense faded late in the season, and adding speed, instincts, and leadership in the middle could help restore the identity of this unit. Expect the Colts to invest significantly here.
Tennessee Titans
Wide Receiver: Elic Ayomanor led the team in receiving, but he is not a true number one option. Calvin Ridley is past his peak, and the Titans need to give Cam Ward a legitimate top target to support his development. Adding a primary receiving weapon is essential.
Defensive End: Jeffery Simmons is one of the league’s most disruptive interior defenders, but he has little support on the edge. The Titans struggled to generate consistent pressure, and adding pass rush help is one of the quickest ways to improve the defense.
Cornerback: Injuries and inconsistent play left Tennessee cycling through options at corner throughout the season. With L’Jarius Sneed missing significant time, the lack of depth was exposed. The Titans should strongly consider targeting this position early in the draft to stabilize the secondary.
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