-
NFL Nation
A number of Authors
The 2026 NFL offseason is in full swing, which suggests it is time for each crew to lastly handle its evident holes. Whether or not or not it’s via remaining hirings, free agency (March 11 at 4 p.m. ET) or the draft (April 23).
Groups searching for a quarterback may need a hard time, however different place teams provide an amazing number of commerce candidates. Will some crew decide up Maxx Crosby from the Raiders or A.J. Brown from the Eagles? Which groups may make large strikes within the draft? What enhancements will the Broncos and Chiefs make in time for his or her injured QBs to return?
We requested our NFL Nation reporters to take an in depth have a look at the most important query every crew will face this offseason and provides their perception into what may occur over the following few months.
Soar to:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
AFC EAST
How will the protection be constructed beneath new coordinator Jim Leonhard?
Former coach Sean McDermott’s imaginative and prescient guided the protection for 9 seasons, however the unit ought to look totally different beneath Leonhard. Free company and the draft will reveal which gamers he desires to construct the protection round for years to come back. Leonhard was previously the defensive cross recreation coordinator for the Broncos, who allowed the second-fewest yards per recreation (278.2) with a real shutdown nook in Pat Surtain II. — Alaina Getzenberg
How vital is it for Miami to discover a quarterback this offseason?
Tua Tagovailoa continues to be beneath contract, but the Dolphins are reportedly looking to trade their former franchise quarterback. However first-year basic supervisor Jon-Eric Sullivan stated the crew will first deal with its infrastructure round its subsequent quarterback earlier than even discovering him — which may recommend both a season of a bridge veteran or 2025 seventh-round decide Quinn Ewers beneath middle. Both approach, Miami is not prone to discover a long-term reply this offseason because of the lack of impactful choices in free company and the draft. However it’s nonetheless necessary for the Dolphins to have a correct assist system in place earlier than figuring out their subsequent franchise quarterback. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
What’s Christian Gonzalez‘s method with a doable contract extension?
That is the primary time in his profession that he’s eligible for an extension, though he’s technically beneath contract for yet one more season. So does Gonzalez power the difficulty? Or will he be affected person and let the method play out? Gonzalez (4 tackles, three passes defended) reminded everybody in Super Bowl LX that he’s nonetheless an elite expertise and significant to the Patriots’ success. — Mike Reiss
How will the Jets reset at quarterback?
This may very well be a make-or-break query for coach Aaron Glenn. Justin Fields and Brady Cook are beneath contract, although neither is assured to be on the roster as a result of each performed poorly in 2025. The Jets will look to accumulate one, probably two veterans. Names to observe embrace Malik Willis, Kirk Cousins, Kyler Murray and Jacoby Brissett. The latter three are beneath contract, however may develop into accessible via a commerce or launch. In the event that they add the most effective bridge QB accessible for 2026, they’ll hope to seek out their long-term reply within the 2027 draft — New York can have three first-round picks subsequent yr. — Wealthy Cimini
AFC NORTH
How will the Ravens improve quarterback Lamar Jackson‘s supporting solid?
Baltimore must get a new deal completed with Jackson to decrease its $74.5 million wage cap quantity and create between $25 million and $30 million in cap area. This can enable the Ravens to deal with their offensive line and Jackson’s targets within the passing recreation. Final season, Jackson was sacked on 9.8% of his dropbacks, the worst fee of his profession. Baltimore will look to re-sign Professional Bowl middle Tyler Linderbaum, who’s the crew’s high free agent, and improve at each beginning guard spots. The Ravens additionally want to assist Jackson within the passing recreation, the place he had just one goal common over 25 yards receiving per recreation (huge receiver Zay Flowers). — Jamison Hensley
0:48
Will Lamar and Jesse Minter lead Ravens to a Tremendous Bowl?
Jeff Saturday and Jason McCourty weigh in on what the Ravens must do to be within the Tremendous Bowl dialog subsequent season.
How will Cincinnati repair the protection?
The Bengals obtained worse defensively in 2025 regardless of making a change at coordinator. Below Al Golden, Cincinnati surrendered large performs at an alarming fee and did not do a ok job of serving to QB Joe Burrow and the offense. With Burrow now coming into his seventh season and the crew in a three-year playoff drought, the Bengals want so as to add defensive playmakers in free company and likewise develop gamers they’ve drafted. Each of these facets have been missing lately. — Ben Child
How will the Browns remake their offense?
Cleveland hired Todd Monken as coach to assist raise an offense that has ranked final in scoring (averaging 14.5 factors per recreation) over the previous two seasons. Now the highlight turns to basic supervisor Andrew Berry to infuse that aspect of the ball with the expertise wanted to compete within the AFC North. The Browns, stocked with two first-round picks and 10 whole alternatives within the 2026 draft, should change as many as 4 offensive linemen, add playmakers and resolve the best way to method their quarterbacks room. — Daniel Oyefusi
Who would be the Steelers’ beginning quarterback in 2026?
The query the Steelers have persistently confronted since Ben Roethlisberger retired in 2021 stays most urgent as a result of it’ll dictate the ceiling of new coach Mike McCarthy’s crew. Aaron Rodgers returning seems to be an possibility, but when the veteran does not come again, will the Steelers draft their subsequent signal-caller? Or will Pittsburgh begin Mason Rudolph whereas growing Will Howard? What about signing a free agent or making a splash commerce? All choices are on the desk. — Brooke Pryor
AFC SOUTH
How can Houston enhance round quarterback C.J. Stroud?
The Texans had a great base of rookie expertise round Stroud final season in wideouts Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, operating again Woody Marks, and left sort out Aireontae Ersery. So do not anticipate them to overspend within the offseason. However Houston nonetheless should make shrewd strikes to assist enhance round Stroud — particularly on the offensive line — to get him again to producing like he did throughout his rookie season. Final season, the O-line was tied with the Lions’ for the NFL’s second-worst cross block win fee (55.5%). — DJ Bien-Aime
How a lot work does the Colts’ protection want?
The Colts confirmed indicators of enchancment on protection final season, however the consistency wasn’t there. Late within the season, issues broke down, and Indianapolis completed twenty first in scoring protection (24.2 factors per recreation) and twenty third in yards allowed (349.8 per recreation). Search for some strikes this offseason to invigorate the cross rush and bolster an underwhelming linebacker unit. Basic supervisor Chris Ballard made an admission on the finish of the season, conceding, “We have to get sooner on protection.” — Stephen Holder
How will the Jaguars handle their cross rush?
The Jaguars should make getting the quarterback on the bottom a precedence; they ranked third in QB pressures (222) however twenty seventh in sacks (32) in 2025. This yr’s class of edge rushers is regarded to be fairly deep, which is sweet since Jacksonville does not have a first-round decide due to the Travis Hunter trade final yr. Might the Jags get entangled within the pursuit of the Raiders’ Maxx Crosby? — Michael DiRocco
Can quarterback Cam Ward take the following step beneath Brian Daboll?
Ward closed the season on a excessive word earlier than struggling a shoulder sprain to his throwing arm. Maybe that damage hasn’t impacted his offseason coaching since he is been working totally on footwork? However his rehab paired with studying a brand new offense led by new-to-Tennessee coordinator Daboll will seemingly be a problem for Ward. Daboll most notably helped Payments QB Josh Allen go from a uncooked rookie to an All-Professional passer. The Titans are banking on the same bounce for Ward that may assist flip the franchise round. — Turron Davenport
2:02
How Brian Daboll would assist Cam Ward at Titans
With the Titans set to rent Brian Daboll as their new offensive coordinator, Marcus Spears is worked up about him working with quarterback Cam Ward.
AFC WEST
What is going to the playbook seem like when quarterback Bo Nix returns?
Begin with whether or not coach Sean Payton or new offensive coordinator Davis Webb will name performs in 2026. Payton hasn’t surrendered full-time playcalling duties as a coach, but it surely’s tough to consider he’d maintain Webb if some extra accountability did not include it. Then add Nix’s restoration from a broken ankle into the combination. He expects to be prepared by the beginning of the offseason program. However Nix has now had ankle surgical procedures previously two years, in addition to a number of fractured transverse course of bones in his again in 2024. Ought to the Broncos maintain him closely concerned of their run recreation in 2026? That they had Nix throw essentially the most cross makes an attempt (612) within the NFL final season, however he lacked effectivity (minus-2.1% in completions over expectation, ranked twenty sixth). — Jeff Legwold
Can the Chiefs offense make sizable enhancements whereas quarterback Patrick Mahomes rehabs?
As soon as once more, the Chiefs will seemingly need to launch some veterans to create wage cap area. Whereas Mahomes continues to get better from a torn ACL, Kansas Metropolis should discover a approach to enhance the operating again depth, and it might be smart to discover a difference-making cross catcher within the draft. Plus, the Chiefs are hoping to re-sign tight finish Travis Kelce. When the offseason is over, success can be decided by whether or not coach Andy Reid and basic supervisor Brett Veach acquired gifted skill-position gamers to assist Mahomes as soon as he returns. — Nate Taylor
Will the Raiders really commerce defensive finish Maxx Crosby?
New coach Klint Kubiak and proprietor Mark Davis made it clear that they want Crosby to remain in Las Vegas. On the identical time, Crosby turns 29 in August, is about to play for his fifth non-interim coach since coming into the league, and continues to be decided to win on the highest degree. Las Vegas has an extended solution to go earlier than being thought-about a contender, so it may make sense for either side to go their separate methods. If the Raiders obtain a robust provide for Crosby, it’ll assist their rebuild whereas giving the All-Professional edge rusher a contemporary begin elsewhere. — Ryan McFadden
Will Mike McDaniel unlock one thing in quarterback Justin Herbert?
As Herbert heads into his seventh season, McDaniel can be his fifth playcaller. Not one of the earlier 4 has propelled one of many league’s most gifted gamers to a playoff win. However the Chargers’ playoff blunders have not all been on the playcallers, as Herbert carried out under his customary in his three playoff losses. McDaniel stated in his introductory news conference that he hopes to make life simpler for Herbert. L.A. is betting that that is the playcaller who lastly helps Herbert notice his potential when it issues most. — Kris Rhim
NFC EAST
How will the Cowboys repair their protection?
It is one factor to really feel assured in a first-time defensive coordinator like Christian Parker and a brand new employees. It is one other to provide Parker extra items to work with after Dallas allowed essentially the most factors in franchise historical past in 2025 (511). Meaning doing extra in free company and never simply counting on the draft, even with two first-round picks. The Cowboys haven’t been large spenders in free company in additional than a decade. Proprietor Jerry Jones stated he could be keen to “bust the funds.” Will his actions observe his phrases? — Todd Archer
How will new coach John Harbaugh reshape the roster?
Harbaugh is operating the present, as evidenced by the crew’s contemporary reporting construction. He’ll tweak the roster to his needs. With that come some important roster choices on whether or not to re-sign free brokers Wan’Dale Robinson, Jermaine Eluemunor and Cor’Dale Flott, or lower center linebacker Bobby Okereke ($9 million in cap financial savings). Additionally, how will the Giants reshape their offensive line and discover one other playmaker to complement WR Malik Nabers? There’s a number of work to do. They did not go 7-27 over the previous two seasons by chance. — Jordan Raanan
1:54
How good will the Giants be subsequent season?
The “Get Up” crew evaluates the present state of the Giants and debates what they’re able to attaining subsequent season.
Will the Eagles commerce WR A.J. Brown?
Brown has made his mark as arguably the most effective receiver in Philadelphia’s historical past, posting two 1,400-plus-yard seasons and reaching two Tremendous Bowls since becoming a member of the crew in 2022. His frustrations with the offense have been nicely documented, nonetheless, and it is truthful to wonder if that impacted his play in 2025. The entrance workplace should resolve whether or not it may get Brown to purchase in or it is higher to maneuver on from him. “It’s onerous to seek out nice gamers within the NFL, and A.J.’s an amazing participant,” basic supervisor Howie Roseman said in January. — Tim McManus
Can the Commanders construct a robust protection?
The Commanders began the defensive rebuild course of by hiring Daronte Jones at coordinator, however they want a expertise enhance as nicely. Over the previous two seasons, Washington was a mixed twenty fourth in scoring protection (24.8 PPG) and twenty eighth in yards allowed per recreation (355.6). They’re high six in accessible cap area and have the No. 7 decide, so that they have premier spots so as to add expertise. The Commanders want an affect participant or two; they want youth alongside the entrance, as just one rotational participant was beneath 25 this season. A robust protection with a wholesome Jayden Daniels at quarterback can result in a fast resurgence. — John Keim
NFC NORTH
How will the Bears add to their cross rush?
This was one half of the Bears’ largest offseason query a year ago. Chicago ranked thirty first in cross rush win fee (29%) regardless of making dear additions final free company (DE Dayo Odeyingbo and DT Grady Jarrett) and utilizing a second-round decide on DT Shemar Turner. Accidents performed a job within the Bears not seeing a return on funding in 2025, however Chicago must land a dominant edge rusher to play reverse DE Montez Sweat. Till that occurs, the Bears will proceed to battle producing stress on opposing quarterbacks. — Courtney Cronin
How will the Lions modify to new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing?
Out of all of the offseason teaching candidates who had been accessible, Petzing wasn’t essentially an eye-popping selection amongst Lions followers. Nonetheless, after Detroit missed the playoffs in 2025, all eyes can be on Petzing because the Lions attempt to get the bottom recreation going extra persistently and reshape the offensive line. Petzing has spent the previous three seasons because the offensive coordinator for the Cardinals, who ranked second within the NFL in speeding common (4.92) and had been ninth in speeding yards (6,399) throughout his time there. — Eric Woodyard
How can the Packers improve their roster?
This offseason may very well be one among Brian Gutekunst’s largest challenges since he took over as basic supervisor in 2018. He does not have a first-round decide after giving it up (and subsequent yr’s as nicely) within the Micah Parsons trade, and the Packers aren’t precisely flush with wage cap area. But there are positions in determined want of an improve — with cornerback being on the high of the record — in the event that they’re to go from being a one-and-done playoff crew to a professional Tremendous Bowl contender. — Rob Demovsky
What is going to develop into of quarterback J.J. McCarthy?
The firing of general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah raised the stakes on the 2026 season and made McCarthy’s instant future much less sure than ever. At 23, McCarthy is likely to be prepared for an enormous profession bounce after a principally disappointing first two seasons. However can Minnesota’s decision-makers, most notably coach Kevin O’Connell, stake their careers on it? Whereas nobody expects the Vikings to surrender on McCarthy, the Vikings ought to purchase a QB who’s at the least a reputable hedge in opposition to McCarthy’s progress. McCarthy may win the beginning job in coaching camp, or he may discover himself on the bench in a playoffs-or-bust season. — Kevin Seifert
NFC SOUTH
What is going to the Falcons do with James Pearce Jr.?
The brand new Falcons regime — president of soccer Matt Ryan, coach Kevin Stefanski and basic supervisor Ian Cunningham — have their first disaster simply days into being employed. Pearce, who led the crew with 10.5 sacks as a rookie, was arrested Feb. 7 on five felony counts. How will they deal with such a state of affairs? Pearce was a vital a part of a much-improved protection that set a franchise file in sacks (57). It is untimely to say how Pearce’s authorized points will go. However in any type of absence, fellow 2025 draftee Jalon Walker may want to extend his manufacturing and — but once more — Atlanta will seemingly be available in the market for an additional edge rusher this offseason. — Marc Raimondi
Will Carolina take an enormous swing on a linebacker?
Basic supervisor Dan Morgan admitted after the season that the cross rush was “not acceptable.” It is time to spend large cash to repair that. Cincinnati’s Trey Hendrickson is the most notable free agent edge rusher, however he is 31. Philadelphia’s Jaelan Phillips, 27, makes extra sense as a match for the Panthers, given his expertise within the 3-4 scheme. Additionally, remember the necessity for a center linebacker who can cowl. Cleveland’s Devin Bush is coming off a career-best 125 tackles. He is a bit undersized at 5-foot-11, however Panthers legend Sam Mills performed the position at 5-9. — David Newton
Do the Saints lengthen huge receiver Chris Olave?
Olave is coming off a career-best season by which he caught 100 passes for 1,163 yards in 16 video games performed. His large season got here solely a yr after he pondered retirement due to sustaining a number of concussions in 2024. The 2022 first-round decide will now play on his fifth-year possibility except the Saints give him a long-term extension. New Orleans lacked different offensive playmakers within the second half of the 2025 season, so reaching a long-term contract with Olave may very well be one among its large priorities this spring because it appears to be like to construct round quarterback Tyler Shough. — Katherine Terrell
Will huge receiver Mike Evans and linebacker Lavonte David return?
These two Corridor of Fame-caliber gamers have given a mixed 26 seasons to the Buccaneers and can each wind up within the crew’s ring of honor at some point. Neither participant has mentioned his future with the crew but, and each are unrestricted free brokers. David has already stated he will not play wherever else, so it is Tampa Bay or retirement. Evans, 32, is much less prone to retire, primarily based on conversations with these closest to him. However how a lot does being not noted of the 2025 playoffs eat at Evans, realizing he has solely a lot time left? — Jenna Laine
NFC WEST
What is going to the Cardinals do with quarterback Kyler Murray?
Now that Arizona has a new coach in Mike LaFleur, the entire crew’s focus turns to Murray. Will the Cardinals maintain him for at the least one other season, or will they trade/launch him? That query will seemingly need to be answered by March 16, as a result of that is when Murray can be assured his $19.5 million base wage for the 2027 season whether or not he is on the crew or not. (He has already been assured $39.8 million for 2026.) However one other query looms massive: Who will resolve Murray’s future? Will LaFleur have a say on whether or not Murray is the appropriate match for his West Coast scheme? Or will proprietor Michael Bidwill make the choice with out LaFleur’s enter? — Josh Weinfuss
What does making “the more often than not we have now” with quarterback Matthew Stafford seem like?
In his end-of-season news conference, basic supervisor Les Snead stated that if Stafford returns, Los Angeles would wish to “take benefit” as a result of “the kind of season [Stafford] had, the kind of season that he is nonetheless displaying that he can have, there are solely so a lot of these left.” The Rams know the best way to go all-in, having traded for Stafford and outdoors linebacker Von Miller in 2021. Snead did say the crew would look to seek out the stability of serving to its long-term future as nicely. So L.A. going all-in may imply utilizing its two first-rounders (No. 13, 29) to commerce up within the draft or as capital to commerce for a veteran. — Sarah Barshop
1:57
Nacua on Stafford’s return announcement: ‘I virtually did a entrance flip’
Puka Nacua joins “The Pat McAfee Present” to debate his relationship with Matthew Stafford and the veteran’s return at QB for the Rams.
How aggressive will the 49ers be in including to the roster?
The Niners ought to be motivated to make some large strikes this offseason, particularly since so a lot of their key veterans are nearer to the top of their careers than the start. In what San Francisco seen as a reset yr in 2025, it nonetheless managed to go 12-5 and practically earned the NFC’s No. 1 seed. The excellent news is the 49ers seem like a bit forward of schedule after final offseason’s roster makeover. The dangerous information? They play in a division with the Seahawks and Rams, each of whom do not seem like slowing down any time quickly. — Nick Wagoner
How a lot can the Tremendous Bowl champs keep intact?
Tremendous Bowl groups are unattainable to maintain collectively, and the Seahawks already misplaced an enormous piece in offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak (employed by the Raiders). Operating again Kenneth Walker III headlines Seattle’s record of unrestricted free brokers. The Seahawks need the Tremendous Bowl MVP again, particularly with Zach Charbonnet (knee) seemingly out till the second half of subsequent season. However Walker’s sturdy end to 2025 means they’re going to have competitors. Seattle’s different big-name free brokers are on protection — cornerbacks Riq Woolen and Josh Jobe, security Coby Bryant, and outdoors linebacker Boye Mafe. Coach Mike Macdonald’s top-ranked scoring protection is assured to look totally different in 2026. — Brady Henderson
