Get ready for an exciting NFL offseason in 2026! We've got a packed agenda ahead, with key dates, intriguing storylines, and some controversial topics to keep an eye on. Let's dive in and explore the upcoming journey of building the Super Bowl LXI champions.
The Quest for Quarterbacks: A Looming Imbalance
As Super Bowl LX wraps up with the Seattle Seahawks claiming the Lombardi Trophy, the NFL enters an offseason marked by an unusual imbalance in the quarterback market. Nearly a third of the league is on the hunt for a new quarterback, but the 2026 draft offers a slim pickings at this position, and free agency doesn't provide any star-studded options either.
Off the Field, Onto the Field: Concussions and Replay Officials
Away from the gridiron, the NFL faces some critical decisions. They need to address the concussion rate on the redesigned kickoff, ensuring player safety is a top priority. Additionally, there's a debate brewing about empowering replay officials with the authority to throw flags in specific situations, a move that could spark some heated discussions among fans and experts alike.
The Offseason Timeline: Key Dates to Remember
Mark your calendars! The offseason process is about to kick into high gear. Teams can start using the franchise tag on February 17th, and the scouting combine opens its doors on February 23rd in Indianapolis. We've got 29 days until NFL teams can legally start contacting pending free agents, and 72 days until the highly anticipated NFL draft in Pittsburgh.
Who's Retiring? Hall of Fame Candidates
Age is a factor, and we might see some legendary players hanging up their cleats. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers and tight end Travis Kelce are potential Hall of Fame candidates considering retirement. However, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, at 38, has confirmed his plans to play in 2026. Rodgers, at 42, hasn't made a decision yet, but the Pittsburgh Steelers' hiring of his former coach, Mike McCarthy, could be a factor. Kelce, 36, is taking some time to decide whether he'll return to the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Quarterback Shuffle: Who's on the Move?
At least six, and potentially up to ten, teams will be in the market for starting-caliber quarterbacks this season. From the Las Vegas Raiders holding the No. 1 pick to the Minnesota Vikings seeking competition for J.J. McCarthy, the quarterback landscape is set to shift. The Raiders are almost certain to draft Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with their top pick, but other teams will explore options through free agency or trades.
Trade Targets: Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa?
For teams in search of a quarterback, the trade market might offer better opportunities. Players like Kyler Murray of the Arizona Cardinals and Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins could be available. There's also some buzz around Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals, although it's unclear if the Bengals would consider trading him.
The 2026 Draft: Mendoza and Beyond
While Mendoza is the clear top pick, the rest of the quarterback class is a puzzle. ESPN's Matt Miller, in his recent mock draft of Rounds 1 and 2, included only two passers: Mendoza and Alabama's Ty Simpson, projected to go to the New York Jets in the second round. Mel Kiper Jr.'s first big board for the draft season also featured Mendoza, along with two linebackers, a running back, and a receiver.
Potential Trades: Veterans on the Move
It's not just quarterbacks; several other veterans could be on the trade block. Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby, whose 2025 season ended early due to a torn meniscus, might be open to a change of scenery, especially with the Raiders going through another rebuilding phase. Other players to watch include A.J. Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles, Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins, and Keon Coleman of the Buffalo Bills.
Free Agency: Who's Available?
At this stage, it's challenging to predict the free agent class. Many players whose contracts are expiring will likely remain with their current teams through the franchise tag or contract extensions. However, the theoretical free agent list includes edge rushers like Trey Hendrickson (Bengals) and Odafe Oweh (Chargers), offensive tackles like Rasheed Walker (Packers) and Braden Smith (Colts), and cornerback Alontae Taylor (Saints). Receiver George Pickens (Cowboys) is also in line for a big deal after a standout 2025 season.
Contract Extensions: The 2023 Draft Class
The 2023 NFL draft class is eligible for contract extensions, and here's a glimpse at some of the players who might be hearing from their teams soon: quarterback C.J. Stroud (Texans), running back Bijan Robinson (Falcons), receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seahawks), tight end Sam LaPorta (Lions), offensive tackle Darnell Wright (Bears), and edge rusher Byron Young (Rams), among others.
The Coaching Cycle: A New Offensive Era?
Nearly a third of NFL coaches have been replaced, and with that turnover, nearly two-thirds of teams (21) will have a new offensive coordinator. This shift could lead to new schemes or unique applications of existing ones, making the 2026 season a bit more unpredictable.
Inclusivity in the NFL: A Work in Progress
Of the ten new head coaches, only one comes from a minority background - Robert Saleh of the Tennessee Titans. This leaves the NFL, with roughly 54% Black players, with just three Black head coaches: Todd Bowles (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), DeMeco Ryans (Houston Texans), and Aaron Glenn (New York Jets). The league's decision to put its Accelerator program on hiatus in 2025 has raised questions about its commitment to diversity.
NFLPA Leadership: A Transitional Phase
The NFL Players Association is still searching for a permanent replacement for executive director Lloyd Howell, who resigned last summer. David White has been serving as interim, but the union is yet to finalize its leadership structure. This is crucial as the NFLPA faces big issues like the potential 18-game season, collective bargaining, and player health and safety.
Kickoff Rules: Balancing Excitement and Safety
The NFL's multiyear project to revive the kickoff return has seen some success, with the return rate spiking to nearly 80% early in the season. However, ensuring a low concussion rate remains a challenge. While the number of concussions was expected to rise with more returns, the goal is to bring the rate closer to that of a normal NFL play, which was around 0.4% in 2025. The concussion rate on kickoffs nearly doubled from 2024 to 2025, and the league is seeking feedback from special teams coaches to address this issue.
Replay Officials: Expanding Their Role?
There's a growing campaign to allow replay officials to throw flags for certain penalties, especially those related to player safety, like hits to the head and face masks of quarterbacks. While owners have traditionally been against this, believing games should be officiated on the field, the recent high-profile misses on player safety rules might change their minds.
Hip-Drop Tackles: A Controversial Rule
The NFL's rule against illegal hip-drop tackles has seen only two flags thrown in 2025, with roughly 30 fines issued. While the rule is challenging for officials to enforce in real-time, players and teams are pushing for more flags to be thrown. Financial penalties can influence tackling behaviors, but teams don't want obvious hip-drop tackles to impact game outcomes.
Challenges to Arbitration: Gruden and Flores
Two coaches, Jon Gruden and Brian Flores, have active litigation against the NFL, attempting to override the league's arbitration process. Gruden's lawsuit accuses the NFL and Goodell of destroying his career by leaking private emails, while Flores is fighting to keep his dispute with the league in court, alleging that some teams engaged in "sham" interviews.
Tush Push: Still a Thing?
Despite NFL owners' attempts to ban it, a few teams continue to use the tush push play, especially the Eagles and Bills. While it was slightly less effective in 2025, converting first downs at a lower rate, teams are unlikely to stop using it on their own.
18-Game Season: Linked to International Expansion?
NFL owners have been discussing a shift to an 18-game regular season, along with expanding their international reach. New England Patriots owner Bob Kraft has connected these goals, implying that the league is close to reaching its domestic revenue ceiling. With an 18-game season and more international games, Kraft believes "we can keep long-term labor peace" by sharing the higher revenues. However, the NFLPA has expressed no appetite for an 18th game.
Get ready for an exciting and eventful NFL offseason! Stay tuned for more updates and insights as we navigate these intriguing storylines and controversies.
