By: Kenneth Harrison

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

Wednesday, March 13, after 4 p.m. Eastern Time NFL free agency will officially begin.

Let’s take a look at the AFC South to see what needs each team should address.

Indianapolis: The Colts were 9-8 last season and missed the playoffs.

They drafted quarterback Anthony Richardson (Florida) No. 4 in 2023. Richardson suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 5, so backup Gardner Minshew played the remainder of the season.

The biggest goal should be building around Richardson.

Key Free Agents: WR Michael Pittman, Gardner Minshew, CB Kenny Moore, DT Taven Bryan, RB Zack Moss, S Julian Blackmon and DT Grover Stewart.

Indy should make it a priority to bring Pittman back since he’s their No. 1 receiver.

The biggest team needs are backup QB, safety, wide receiver, cornerback and D-line/ run stoppers.

If Pittman returns, they still need to add WR depth and another playmaker. The secondary struggled in 2023 and they could lose Moore, who is their most experienced player.

They ranked 24^th against the run last season and they might lose Stewart in free agency.

They have $73.9 million in salary cap space.

Tennessee: The Titans were 6-11 last year and fired head coach Mike Vrabel. Former Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan was hired to replace him.

Veteran quarterback Ryan Tannehill was benched so they could evaluate rookie Will Levis (Kentucky).

Derrick Henry had 1.381 yards and 12 touchdowns from scrimmage, making it to his fourth Pro Bowl in five seasons. Neither of these players are not expected to return next season.

Key Free Agents: Ryan Tannehill, Derrick Henry, DE Denico Autry, LB Azeez Al-Shaair, C Aaron Brewer, CB Sean Murphy-Bunting and CB Kristian Fulton.

Pittsburgh is reportedly interested in Tannehill. Henry has been the most physical running back in the NFL for the last few years. He’s 30 years old and unfortunately a running back’s age should be counted in dog years. The Titans are rebuilding and I’m sure he wants to join a contender.

The key positions to address are offensive tackle, defensive end, cornerback and wide receiver. They have $80.7 million in available salary cap space, so they can add some talent.

Houston: The Texans were 10-7 in 2023, won the AFC South and won a playoff game.

They far exceeded expectations under first year head coach DeMeco Ryans.

QB C.J. Stroud was the Offensive Rookie of the Year and defensive end Will Anderson Jr. was the Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Key Free Agents: TE Dalton Schultz, DE Jonathan Greenard, DT Sheldon Rankins, CB Steven Nelson, WR Noah Brown, RB Devin Singletary and K Ka’imi Fairburn.

The biggest team needs are running back, tight end, cornerback, defensive tackle and defensive end.

Houston has over $70 million in available cap space.

Jacksonville: The Jaguars were 9-8 and missed the playoffs. They were expected to win the division and make a playoff run going into the season.

Key Free Agents: WR Calvin Ridley, Edge Josh Allen, LG Ezra Cleveland, K Brandon McManus, WR/return specialist Jamal Agnew and CB Tre Herndon.

The Jags declined to sign Allen to an extension of his rookie contract and he recorded a franchise-record of 17.5 sacks last season. Now his salary is set to drastically increase, whether they negotiate a new contract or use the franchise tag.

It should also be a priority to retain Ridley. He led the team in receiving yards (1,016) and touchdowns (8).

The biggest needs are interior offensive line, cornerback, wide receiver and D-line.

The Jags have $25.7 million in salary cap space.