50 NFL Offseason Scenarios That Could Change Everything We Think About 2015
Ponder this for a moment: While there have been a cavalcade of zany moves already in the NFL's new league year, it's only a little over two weeks old. There are a number of scenarios still to unfold that will change the way we think about the 2015 season.
In this column, we'll examine 50 different scenarios that could take place and turn the NFL on its head. Some involve the draft, while others involve trades. We'll discuss potential retirements and relocations too—as well as a former great possibly returning (no, not really).
Here are 50 NFL offseason scenarios that could change everything we think about the 2015 season.
Eagles Trade Up to Draft Oregon Quarterback Marcus Mariota
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Stop us if you've heard this one before: The Philadelphia Eagles—led by head coach Chip Kelly—could make a massive draft-day trade to move up to select Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota, whom Kelly coached and recruited at the collegiate level.
When the Eagles traded for Rams quarterback Sam Bradford, it temporarily threw people off their pursuit of Mariota. But Kelly wanted his former college quarterback all along and makes a seismic move to get him, dealing Bradford and a number of high draft picks to the Titans for the No. 2 overall pick in April's draft.
In Mariota, Kelly gets the prototypical quarterback to run his offensive scheme, and that's bad news for the rest of the NFC. Mariota starts from Day 1, and the Eagles offense instantly becomes a dynamic unit, with Mariota throwing darts and handing the ball off to new running back DeMarco Murray.
Mariota isn't as seasoned as Bradford, so the Eagles take a step back in 2015, allowing the Cowboys to take NFC East crown. However, having Mariota earns job security for the coach and sets the Eagles up for the future.
Bears Trade Up to Draft Florida State Quarterback Jameis Winston
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New Chicago Bears coach John Fox and general manager Ryan Pace are in a bit of a pickle at the quarterback position.
The incumbent starter, Jay Cutler, was benched at the end of last season and holds a $16.5 million cap hit for 2015. Cutler has been inconsistent and often displays atrocious body language, which has led many to question whether he's type of passer who can lead a team to a Super Bowl triumph.
Under this scenario, Fox and Pace decide he isn't and orchestrate a major draft-day trade to select Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston with the No. 1 overall pick. Former Bears and current Buccaneers coach Lovie Smith extracts multiple draft picks from his old team to move down to seventh overall, where the Bears had been sitting.
The Bears unload Cutler (eating an exorbitant sum of cash in the process) and move forward with Winston as their quarterback. The team shows marked improvement with Winston under center but falls short of qualifying for the NFC playoffs. But he improves over the course of the season and plays his best football in December—providing much optimism heading into 2016 and beyond.
Broncos QB Peyton Manning Abruptly Retires, Leaves Team in Major Bind
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Earlier this offseason, Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning restructured his contract in an effort to grant the team extra salary-cap space for a run at a Super Bowl title.
But what if Manning woke up one morning and decided to hang it up? After all, his neck is surgically repaired, and at age 39, it's possible he could decide that it's not worth it to risk serious injury in the pursuit of a second Lombardi Trophy.
Manning is a first-ballot Hall of Fame passer who will go down as one of the greatest players the NFL has ever seen. With a Super Bowl trophy on his resume, he doesn't have much more to prove. He could look at the Patriots and Colts and see superior teams that would impede his quest for a championship.
If Manning were to retire, the Broncos would likely be stuck with fourth-year pro Brock Osweiler at quarterback. While Broncos general manager John Elway expressed confidence in Osweiler earlier in the offseason, it would be hard to trust a player with just 30 pass attempts under his belt in three seasons.
The Broncos would take a major step back with Osweiler and miss the AFC playoffs entirely, and could even find themselves at the bottom of the AFC West. That's how important Manning is to the team.
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Cowboys Trade for Vikings RB Adrian Peterson to Replace DeMarco Murray
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When the Dallas Cowboys lost star running back DeMarco Murray to the Eagles in free agency, it left a Texas-sized hole at the position.
And no, the pu pu platter of Darren McFadden, Joseph Randle and Lance Dunbar won't be able to fill it.
If we know that, it means Cowboys owner Jerry Jones knows it too. And he isn't going to sit by idly and watch his team sink out of playoff contention due to Murray's defection.
Luckily for Jones, it just so happens a player he greatly admires could soon be available for trade: Vikings running back Adrian Peterson. While coach Mike Zimmer recently insisted Peterson isn't available for trade (h/t Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com), Peterson's agent, Ben Dogra, has also said that the Vikings "aren't right" for Peterson (h/t Seifert).
The Cowboys will alleviate cap space by restructuring the contract of quarterback Tony Romo, and Jones will make a Texas-sized splash, trading for Peterson and taking on his contract that includes a cap hit of $15.4 million in 2015. Peterson will rush for more than 2,000 yards behind Dallas' offensive line and lead the Cowboys to their first Super Bowl championship since 1995.
Cardinals Acquire Adrian Peterson to Shore Up Rushing Offense
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Last season, the Arizona Cardinals went 11-5 and qualified for the NFC playoffs, but were left asking what might have been after losing to the Carolina Panthers in the Wild Card Round. Of course, injuries to starting quarterback Carson Palmer and backup Drew Stanton didn't help the cause, but neither did the league's 31st-ranked rushing attack.
The Cardinals have a smart brain trust in coach Bruce Arians and general manager Steve Keim, and the two know that unless they somehow find a big-time running game, there's no way Arizona can compete for a Super Bowl title—even with a healthy Palmer.
Enter Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, whose agent, Ben Dogra, has said that the Vikings "aren't right" for his client (h/t Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com). And while Vikings coach Mike Zimmer has said the team won't move Peterson (h/t Seifert), that could simply be public posturing.
In this scenario, the Cardinals trade for the disgruntled Peterson and import his talents to the desert, where he'll add a new dimension to Arians' offense. Led by Peterson, the Cardinals win 11 games and outlast Seattle in the divisional round of the postseason, before falling to the Packers in the NFC Championship Game.
Raiders Trade for Adrian Peterson to Bolster Run Game
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The Oakland Raiders entered free agency with a massive financial war chest but haven't come close to spending all of it. They still haven't made a major splash on the market.
That will all change once their pursuit of Vikings running back Adrian Peterson begins.
While Vikings coach Mike Zimmer recently insisted that Peterson isn't available for trade (h/t Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com), Peterson's agent has also said that the Vikings "aren't right" for Peterson (h/t Seifert). This will lead Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie to dig around on Peterson, and he'll find a Vikings front office that is willing to deal the star rusher.
The Raiders will trade for Peterson and absorb his contract with ease, giving the silver and black a dynamic one-two punch in the run game with AP and Latavius Murray. Peterson will give Oakland quarterback Derek Carr a consistent threat in the backfield and will help the Raiders earn their first winning record (9-7) since 2002.
While the Raiders will fall short of the playoffs, Peterson will bring hope that the team is back on track toward winning another Super Bowl.
QB Johnny Manziel Doesn't Return to the Browns, Addresses Personal Issues
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Last year, the Cleveland Browns selected quarterback Johnny Manziel with the 22nd overall pick of the draft, and it was widely assumed he'd be their franchise quarterback.
But a failed rookie season (0-2 record as starter, zero touchdown passes against two interceptions) helped to short-circuit that notion—and that was before Manziel voluntarily checked into a rehab center to address his personal issues.
While the Browns expect Manziel back once his stint in rehab is completed, according to Gary Myers of the Daily News, what if Manziel decides to take a year off from football and work solely on getting his personal life in order and demons in check?
If he does decide to take a year off, it will enhance the probability that the Browns select a quarterback in the first round of April's draft. And given the volatile nature of Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, that's what happens, as general manager Ray Farmer pulls the trigger on a trade to acquire Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota.
Unfortunately for Browns fans, the deal doesn't yield results in 2015, as Mariota splits time with veteran Josh McCown and the team finishes 7-9 and out of the postseason. Mariota looks decent but doesn't have a ton of weapons to work with, leaving the Browns with many question marks heading into 2016.
NY Giants Draft Alabama WR Amari Cooper to Pair with Odell Beckham Jr.
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New York Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr. exploded onto the scene as a rookie last year, hauling in 91 receptions for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdown catches—in only 12 games played.
With Beckham's emergence—along with the return of fellow wideout Victor Cruz from injury—it would stand to reason that the Giants are set at the receiver position.
But general manager Jerry Reese and coach Tom Coughlin see an opportunity to add to a position of strength and do so by selecting Alabama receiver Amari Cooper with the ninth pick in April's draft.
The Giants offense is set to explode in Year 2 under coordinator Ben McAdoo, and Cooper presents quarterback Eli Manning with another dynamic weapon and provides injury insurance in the event Cruz's body doesn't hold up. The addition of Cooper gives Big Blue a top-five offense in the NFL and helps New York claim a wild-card berth to return to the postseason for the first time since 2011.
While the Giants fall short of winning the Super Bowl, Cooper has a phenomenal rookie year and will form a devastating one-two punch with Beckham for years to come.
Titans Draft Oregon QB Marcus Mariota to Be Their Starter
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The Tennessee Titans unfortunately hold the distinction of being the NFL's most nondescript team, but under this scenario, that will change in a major way come April's draft.
Coach Ken Whisenhunt and general manager Ruston Webster decide they cannot go into 2015 with Zach Mettenberger as their starting quarterback, so they stand pat with the second overall pick and draft Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota.
Whisenhunt gushed over Mariota at this week's owners meetings, telling Jim Corbett of USA Today, "If (Mariota) comes to us at No. 2, he's definitely going to be the Day 1 starter." Those comments will prove to not be a smokescreen, and Whisenhunt will indeed draft Mariota and install him as the immediate starter.
The move won't pay immediate dividends in 2015, as the Titans roster isn't close to being ready for prime time, but Mariota will bring excitement back to the Music City and keep the Titans in contention until the calendar turns to December.
Redskins Draft Oregon QB Marcus Mariota to Replace Robert Griffin III
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Speaking last month at the scouting combine, Washington Redskins coach Jay Gruden said he expected Robert Griffin III to be the team's starting quarterback entering the season.
But this is the NFL's lying season, where we can surmise that a coach, general manager or owner is fibbing every time he opens his mouth, so it's impossible to put stock in that statement.
Given Griffin's stunning fall from grace since his majestic neophyte campaign in 2012—he's 5-15 as the team's starter over the last two seasons—it should surprise no one if (and in this scenario, when) the Redskins move on at the position.
And they'll do so by drafting Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota with the fifth overall pick of the draft.
Mariota will provide an instant upgrade over Griffin and backup Kirk Cousins, giving coach Jay Gruden a leader who isn't interested in making headlines. Mariota won't lead the Redskins to the playoffs as a rookie, but the offense will be more dynamic, and the team will clearly be on the up-and-up by season's end.
Minnesota Drafts Louisville WR Devante Parker to Pair with QB Teddy Bridgewater
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Last season, Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater provided the club with hope for the future, going 6-6 as the starter and saving his best for when it mattered the most.
Now, it's up to coach Mike Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman to surround Bridgewater with as many weapons as possible. They added a deep threat at receiver in Mike Wallace, acquiring the mercurial pass-catcher from the Dolphins (along with a seventh-round pick) for a fifth-round pick (both from this year's draft).
Wallace will join incumbent starter Charles Johnson to give Bridgewater two solid receivers, but the Vikings should be looking to add another—and they'll do just that in the draft when they select Louisville receiver DeVante Parker, who played with Bridgewater in college.
Parker—along with Wallace and Johnson—will give Bridgewater excellent weapons with which to work, and the Vikings will skyrocket up the standings as a result, earning a wild-card berth in the postseason.
Ravens Trade Up to Draft a Stud WR to Improve Passing Attack
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The Baltimore Ravens watched receiver Torrey Smith leave in free agency and sign with the 49ers on a big-money deal. The loss leaves a hole in the receiving corps, and it stands to reason that general manager Ozzie Newsome will seek to address it in April's draft.
In this scenario, Newsome swings a seismic draft-day trade to move up into the top 10—think Chicago at No. 7—to select one of the draft's top receivers, whether it's West Virginia's Kevin White or Alabama's Amari Cooper.
Either White or Cooper will slide in alongside incumbent pass-catcher Steve Smith Sr. to give quarterback Joe Flacco a formidable set of weapons in the aerial assault, and the addition will help propel the Ravens back to the postseason.
A Star QB Is Injured and Lost for the Season
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Unfortunately, it seems to happen every year—a starting NFL quarterback is lost for a long period of time and perhaps for the entire season.
The most notable recent instances were Tom Brady in 2008 (torn ACL) and Peyton Manning in 2012 (neck surgery), but other quarterbacks have missed time as well. And in this scenario, a star quarterback is lost for the season.
Perhaps it's Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, or maybe it's Colts quarterback Andrew Luck. Who knows—Brady or Manning could go down again.
Regardless, when it happens, it will change the balance of power in the NFL, and the team that loses its leading man will watch its Super Bowl hopes disintegrate into thin air.
Texans Pass-Rusher Jadeveon Clowney's Rehab Goes Smoothly
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If you were to ask 100 football fans to name a player on the Houston Texans defense, all 100 would likely reply with star defensive lineman J.J. Watt.
With Watt's stardom, it's easy to forget another heralded member of Houston's defense is set to make a major impact in 2015—last year's No. 1 overall pick, pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney.
Injuries limited Clowney to only four games last year, and he failed to record a sack, become something of a forgotten man. But it was only a year ago that Clowney was talked about as a potential transcendent player who was capable of shaping the fortunes of a franchise.
Speaking this week to HoustonTexans.com, coach Bill O'Brien said that Clowney just had his "best week" of rehab, lending optimism to the idea that the pass-rusher will be ready for the start of the regular season—and in this scenario, that's exactly what happens.
Just imagine the terror that a healthy Clowney—along with Watt and new defensive tackle Vince Wilfork—could wreak on opposing quarterbacks. If Clowney can stay healthy and fulfill some of his massive promise, the Texans will earn a wild-card berth and head back to the postseason in 2015.
Falcons Drastically Improve Pass Rush in the Draft
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Last season, the Atlanta Falcons stumbled to a 6-10 record, and coach Mike Smith lost his job as a result.
Former Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is the new man in charge, and he surely knows that one of the major reasons behind the club's disappointing 2014 campaign was the lack of a pass rush—the team only accumulated 22 sacks, good (or bad) for 31st in the league.
With the Falcons holding the eighth overall pick in April's draft, the directive should be clear: Draft an edge-rusher and get at the opposing quarterback. And that's just what Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff will do.
Expect the team to take Clemson's Vic Beasley (pictured above) or Nebraska's Randy Gregory (recently mocked to Atlanta by Bleacher Report's Matt Miller).
With a top edge-rusher in tow and Matt Ryan under the center, the Falcons will find themselves back in the postseason hunt—and among the league's most improved teams—in 2015.
Buccaneers Draft QB Jameis Winston to Be the Face of the Franchise
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Sometimes we needn't look past the obvious scenarios, and this one is as crystal-clear as it gets: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston with the No. 1 overall pick in next month's draft.
Winston is a true franchise quarterback. He possesses a rocket arm and saves his best for when it matters the most. Bucs coach Lovie Smith is most certainly a fan, telling Mike Rodak of ESPN.com:
"What do you want a quarterback to do? Well, you want him to be able to win and get people to believe that you can help be the reason why we win every game. I think (Jameis has) done that. He's got a track record -- he's got a Heisman behind him. He's got a national championship.
"
No one should be surprised if (and when) the Bucs tab Winston with the top overall pick. The team has too many holes on the roster to contend in 2015, but Winston should be the Week 1 starter and keep the team in most games. With a solid group of players around him at the skill positions, Winston could easily take home Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
Panthers Trade Up for West Virginia WR Kevin White
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Despite winning the NFC South last season, the Carolina Panthers still have a number of holes to fill on the roster—most notably at receiver, where Kelvin Benjamin serves as quarterback Cam Newton's lone dangerous weapon.
General manager Dave Gettleman knows he needs to surround Newton with more explosive playmakers, and in this scenario, he'll do so by making a major draft-day trade.
The Panthers move up to the seventh overall pick, dealing a bushel of selections to the Bears, and select West Virginia receiver Kevin White. He dazzled at the scouting combine and would form an explosive combination alongside Benjamin.
With his best set of weapons since he entered the NFL, Newton has his best season as a pro, and the Panthers win their third consecutive NFC South title.
49ers Trade QB Colin Kaepernick to the Eagles
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Philadelphia Eagles coach Chip Kelly has swung a number of major moves thus far this offseason—from the trade for Rams quarterback Sam Bradford to the signing of former Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray—but the biggest may be yet to come.
With the 49ers being in flux, they decide to hit the reset button at the quarterback position and trade quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Earlier this month, Jayson Braddock of KBME in Houston reported the 49ers had placed Kaepernick on the trading block, which led general manager Trent Baalke to issue a denial.
But in this scenario, the 49ers go through with it—and which team makes more sense than the swashbuckling Eagles?
Kelly will find a way to ship Bradford off elsewhere (perhaps to Cleveland?) and swings a deal to bring Kaepernick to the City of Brotherly Love. The 49ers suffer through a horrible season, while Kaepernick, rejuvenated by the move to Philadelphia, leads the Eagles to the NFC East title and a berth in the NFC Championship Game.
Saints Start over Completely, Trade QB Drew Brees
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The New Orleans Saints have already made major waves this offseason with a number of cost-cutting maneuvers—not the least of which was trading tight end Jimmy Graham and a fourth-round draft pick to the Seahawks for center Max Unger and a first-round pick (both picks are in this year's draft).
But the bloodletting might not be done for the Saints, whose salary-cap situation remains a complete and utter mess. In this scenario, coach Sean Payton and general manager Mickey Loomis do the unthinkable: They trade quarterback Drew Brees.
Brees has authored a Hall of Fame career in New Orleans, leading the Saints to the franchise's only Super Bowl championship (2009), but he has a monster contract and is 36 years old. In this scenario, the Saints decide that the time is now to hit the reset button at the quarterback position.
The Saints trade Brees to the Jets for draft picks, and the move catapults the Jets into the AFC playoffs and sends New Orleans careening toward a top pick in the 2016 draft.
Chargers Decide to Get Younger/Cheaper at QB, Trade Philip Rivers
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Philip Rivers has been the San Diego Chargers' starting quarterback since 2006, and he has enjoyed a mostly outstanding run with the club.
But he's currently entering the last year of his contract, and with no extension currently in sight, the question must be asked: Would the Chargers consider trading their franchise quarterback?
Speaking at the owners meetings this past week, Chargers general manager Tom Telesco told Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com, "(Philip is) our guy. Like I’ve said before, we’d like to extend him. And when he’s ready to do that, we’ll get moving on it."
But Telesco could easily be posturing, and it's not outside the realm of possibility that the Chargers could look to cut bait with the 33-year-old Rivers. In this scenario, they trade him to the Titans in a deal that involves the second overall pick in the draft heading to San Diego.
The Chargers would spend that pick on Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota and take a major step back in 2015—but the eye would clearly be on 2016 and beyond.
NY Jets Take a QB Early in the Draft to Compete for Starting Job
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The New York Jets have a new head coach (Todd Bowles) and general manager (Mike Maccagnan) in place, and neither was on the team when it drafted incumbent starting quarterback Geno Smith. And with Smith having been the model of inconsistency in two seasons on Broadway, it stands to reason that Bowles and Maccagnan have no allegiance to Smith.
The club swung a trade with Houston for Ryan Fitzpatrick, but he's not the long-term answer at the position. And given that it's unclear if Smith is either, it makes sense that the Jets seek to add a quarterback in the draft.
In this scenario, the Jets draft a quarterback in either the first round (Oregon's Marcus Mariota) or the second (UCLA's Brett Hundley, pictured above) to push Smith and Fitzpatrick and compete for the job. If that happens, expect the drafted passer to beat out Smith and eventually become the starter. The Jets won't make the playoffs in 2015 with their rookie passer, but they will be set up to do so in 2016 and beyond.
Eagles Sign QB Tim Tebow to Fill out Depth Chart
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After all that's already happened in Philadelphia this offseason, would it really shock you if the Eagles signed free-agent quarterback Tim Tebow?
The answer should be an emphatic "no." Why? Because Eagles coach Chip Kelly doesn't care what you think and will do whatever he thinks is necessary to improve his football team.
Per Diana Russini of NBC4 in Washington (via Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com), the Eagles' potential signing of Tebow could be contingent upon trading third-string passer Matt Barkley. While Barkley's star has fallen, it's not implausible that a team could take a shot on him, potentially opening the door for Tebow in Philly.
Tebow would be the third-string quarterback but would also take snaps in Kelly's offense. Kelly is unconventional enough to use Tebow, and while he wouldn't be the difference between winning and losing, Tebow in Philadelphia would be a lot of fun to watch.
One or Two Teams Will Relocate to LA for the 2016 Season
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It no longer appears to be a question of "if" the NFL relocates a team (or two) to Los Angeles—it's a matter of "when."
Speaking at the NFL's owners meetings this past week, Giants owner John Mara told Bob Glauber of Newsday, "I think there's going to be one or two teams playing in L.A. next year—2016. Maybe a temporary stadium [next year], but I think—and this is just my opinion—that one or two teams will be playing somewhere in L.A. next year. But we'll see."
Mara is as tapped in as any owner, and when he speaks, you should listen. The smart money is on at least one team moving to Los Angeles for the 2016 season, and perhaps two.
The three teams most likely to relocate are the St. Louis Rams, San Diego Chargers and Oakland Raiders. In this scenario, only the Rams will move in 2016, and once the news inevitably breaks, it will cast a pall over St. Louis' 2015 season. The team will be forced to answer questions, and attendance could sag. In this scenario, it will help contribute to the Rams once again missing the postseason.
Raiders Draft West Virginia WR Kevin White to Improve Passing Attack
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The Oakland Raiders are one of the NFL's most downtrodden franchises. They haven't made the postseason since 2002 and have won only 11 games over the past three seasons.
But quietly—OK, very quietly—general manager Reggie McKenzie has done a nice job of building the roster. Oakland has two franchise building blocks in quarterback Derek Carr and linebacker Khalil Mack and isn't all that far off from contending for a playoff berth.
There's one position that really needs an injection of talent, though: wide receiver. Thankfully for Raiders fans, the team holds the fourth overall pick in April's draft, and in this scenario, they'll spend it on West Virginia receiver Kevin White.
White has an incredible combination of size and speed and will give the Raiders their best deep threat since Randy Moss was in town. White's rapport with Carr could go a long way toward deciding Oakland's playoff fate, but the likely scenario is the team falling just short of a playoff berth.
Saints Draft a QB in the First Round to Eventually Replace Drew Brees
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Fact: Drew Brees is the most important—and best—player in the history of the New Orleans Saints.
Fact: He is 36 years old and isn't going to play forever.
In this scenario, the Saints draft Brees' eventual replacement with one of their two first-round picks. And when it happens, fans shouldn't take it as a slight against Brees but as merely smart planning for the future.
Saints coach Sean Payton is set to guide his team through a period of transition, and it would be wise to have the long-term successor at quarterback on the roster now so he can be groomed. Someone like Baylor's Bryce Petty with the 31st overall pick in the first round would do the trick.
The move won't affect the Saints in 2015 as it concerns on-field performance, but it could cast a pall over what's been an outstanding career authored by Brees in the Big Easy.
Bills Select a QB Early in the Draft to Compete for Starting Job
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As of right now, the Buffalo Bills have the look and feel of a playoff team—with the sole problem being the lack of a truly competent quarterback. And given that quarterback is the most important position in all of sports, it puts Buffalo behind the eight-ball in its quest to return to the postseason for the first time since 1999.
The team traded for Matt Cassel, who will presumably compete with EJ Manuel for the job, but if the Bills are serious about contending, they'll need an upgrade. They don't have a first-round pick (by virtue of last year's draft-day trade for receiver Sammy Watkins), but they can still take a passer in the second round.
UCLA's Brett Hundley looms as a fit in coordinator Greg Roman's offense, and it's feasible that he could start the majority of games for the Bills. While Hundley was inconsistent on the collegiate level, he wouldn't need to do a ton in Roman's offense, and his natural athletic ability would serve as a major boon.
With Hundley under center, the Bills fall just short of a playoff berth but give fans significant hope that 2016 is the year that they end the postseason drought.
Jaguars Trade Back into First Round, Draft Georgia RB Todd Gurley
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Jacksonville Jaguars coach Gus Bradley and general manager David Caldwell are entering Year 3 of their regime and only have seven wins on their resume over their first two seasons. If they're to stick around long-term in Duval County, they need to win this year.
And they know that their employment hinges on the development of quarterback Blake Bortles—and to Bradley and Caldwell's credit, they've attempted to surround Bortles with weapons, most recently signing former Broncos tight end Julius Thomas to a big-money deal.
But the Jaguars are deficient at running back. They signed Toby Gerhart last offseason, but he was awful, averaging only 3.2 yards per carry. The team simply must do better running the football.
Enter Georgia running back Todd Gurley, an immense talent whose stock has dipped due to a torn ACL he suffered last season in college. In this scenario, the Jaguars trade back into the end of the first round to nab Gurley, fully rounding out what could be an explosive offense.
If Bortles develops nicely, the Jaguars will have a significant opportunity to make some noise in 2015. Gurley would certainly do his part to make it happen.
Cowboys Draft Wisconsin RB Melvin Gordon to Replace DeMarco Murray
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Last season, the Dallas Cowboys rode running back DeMarco Murray to an NFC East division title and the divisional round of the playoffs but then watched as he departed in free agency to rival Philadelphia.
There's simply no way the pu pu platter of Darren McFadden, Joseph Randle and Lance Dunbar can replace Murray, so it stands to reason owner Jerry Jones will do what he can to add an impact player at the position. And after failing to acquire Adrian Peterson from the Vikings, Jones will set his sights on the NFL draft.
Dallas holds the 27th overall pick, and in this scenario, it will use that selection on Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon, who is reminiscent of Jamaal Charles with his skill set. While Gordon might not be the imposing physical presence Murray is, he'll still perform behind Dallas' outstanding offensive line, and the Cowboys will once again make the postseason.
Titans Draft USC Defensive Lineman Leonard Williams
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While the Tennessee Titans hold the unfortunate moniker of "most nondescript team in the NFL," that will soon change.
The team has a major opportunity to establish an identity with the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, and in this scenario, coach Ken Whisenhunt and general manager Ruston Webster will attempt to do so on defense. With the selection, the Titans will draft USC defensive lineman Leonard Williams.
Williams will join fellow defensive lineman Jurrell Casey to form an imposing one-two punch on the defensive line, and the team also signed linebackers Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan (whom they retained) to rush the opposing passer. So while the Titans will continue to have a question mark at the quarterback position, they'll have the potential to be ferocious on the defensive front.
The move won't take Tennessee into the playoffs, but with the right quarterback added to the mix, the 2016 iteration could be ready to contend.
Bears Draft a WR with the Seventh Overall Pick in Support of QB Jay Cutler
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The Chicago Bears are a team in flux. They have a new coach (John Fox) and general manager (Ryan Pace) and surely would like a new quarterback as well, with incumbent Jay Cutler not getting the job done.
But the Bears know that they're stuck with Cutler for at least one more season—and if that's the case, then it makes sense to try to surround him with as many weapons as possible. Given that the team traded receiver Brandon Marshall to the Jets, there's a hole at the receiver position opposite Alshon Jeffery.
In this scenario, the Bears spend the seventh overall pick in the draft on a receiver (Alabama's Amari Cooper or West Virginia's Kevin White) to pair with Jeffery. The rookie will succeed and put up good numbers, but the Bears won't win anything with Cutler under center. The receiver will be a part of Chicago's plans for 2016 and beyond, but Cutler will not.
Cardinals Draft a RB in the First Round in Hopes of Igniting Run Game
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Last season, the Arizona Cardinals possessed the 31st-ranked rushing offense in the NFL, and the lack of production in the run game was one of the reasons why their season ended in the Wild Card Round of the postseason.
Cardinals general manager Steve Keim knows he must add talent at the position—and after striking out on a trade for Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, he'll set his sights on the draft.
The Cardinals will use the 24th overall pick to select Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon or Georgia's Todd Gurley. Behind an improved offensive line that features new guard Mike Iupati (signed away from San Francisco), the rookie back will inject much-needed playmaking ability at the position and help the Cardinals once again qualify for the playoffs.
Eagles QB Sam Bradford Gets Hurt Again, Team Must Roll with Mark Sanchez
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In each of the last two seasons, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford—then with the St. Louis Rams—tore his ACL. In totality, he has missed 25 of a potential 32 games over the past two years.
Now, he's presumably the starting quarterback in Philadelphia, and coach Chip Kelly appears to have put all his eggs in Bradford's basket. And that's probably not a good thing.
In this scenario, Bradford is hurt again—and while his injury might not keep him out for the entire season, he misses a significant amount of time. That means backup Mark Sanchez will start the majority of the games—and that means the Eagles have zero chance of getting back to the postseason.
And that means the cries for Kelly's job will only intensify.
The Bills Decide to Participate in HBO's "Hard Knocks," Everyone Rejoices
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Let's face it: HBO's Hard Knocks is one of the finest shows on television and is required viewing for any football fan. In fact, if you're reading this, you probably watch Hard Knocks—or at least, you should be watching Hard Knocks.
And while the Browns have been bandied about as this year's featured team, another squad makes a ton of sense: the Buffalo Bills.
Think about it: How sweet would it be for coach Rex Ryan (pictured above, doing his best impersonation of a supervillain who has just revealed his latest scheme) to make his triumphant return to Hard Knocks, where he starred as coach of the Jets?
It would be instant entertainment. It would also have zero impact on the 2015 season, but hey, it would be great fun for about a month during the offseason.
Deflategate Suspensions Are Announced, Patriots Lose a High Draft Pick
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Winning a world title tends to remove doubts and concerns, and that's exactly what's happened in the wake of New England's Super Bowl triumph, as the world has seemingly forgotten about the Deflategate scandal.
Per Ben Volin of The Boston Globe, commissioner Roger Goodell recently said there's no timetable for the release of independent investigator Ted Wells' report on Deflategate, but it will eventually come out—and in this scenario, there will be evidence that leaves the NFL with no option but to act.
The Patriots will be docked a first-round pick in April's draft and lose out on the opportunity to select a blue-chip player. But as is their wont, the Patriots will use this as motivation to win yet another Super Bowl next February.
49ers LB Patrick Willis Decides to Unretire and Return to the Team
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Earlier this month, San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis shockingly retired at age 30, saying (via the 49ers' official Twitter account) "I know I no longer have it in these feet to go out there and give you guys that 'wow.' It's my health first."
Willis also intimated that he won't change his mind—but this is professional sports, and we've seen it happen plenty of times. And in this scenario, Willis has a change of heart and decides to return to the 49ers.
His return will provide a substantial emotional lift to a franchise that's endured a difficult offseason and will fill a major football need as well, with fellow linebacker Chris Borland also having retired.
With Willis—the emotional leader of the defense—back in tow, the 49ers end up challenging for a playoff spot, before falling just short in Week 17.
Texans Select a QB Early in the Draft to Compete for Starting Job
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In the free-agent period, the Houston Texans jettisoned Ryan Fitzpatrick, signed quarterback Brian Hoyer and re-signed quarterback Ryan Mallett, adding both men to a depth chart that also includes second-year passer Tom Savage.
While it's assumed that Hoyer will eventually become "The Guy," that's not the case in this scenario. It stands to reason that if coach Bill O'Brien felt strongly about Savage, he'd get an opportunity to win the job, and if Mallett were the guy, why would the team sign Hoyer? And Hoyer isn't exactly the second coming of Warren Moon.
Here, the Texans will spend a second-round pick on local product Bryce Petty from Baylor, giving O'Brien a talented young passer to groom. He can then decide which quarterback currently on the roster to let go (via release or trade), and it's possible the rookie could end up starting the majority of games over the season.
If that happens, the Texans probably won't make the playoffs—but given the strength of their defensive line, it looms as a possibility.
Giants Select Eli Manning's Eventual Successor Early in the Draft
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New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning is entering the final year of his contract, and while coach Tom Coughlin is confident a deal will get done (per Tom Rock of Newsday), it's unclear if and when that will happen.
With Manning having just turned 34, it would make sense for the Giants to draft his eventual successor. And if the team isn't confident in retaining Manning on a long-term deal (as is the case in this scenario), then drafting a young signal-caller makes all the sense in the world.
The Giants won't spend their first-round pick on a passer, but come the second round, they'll select one (think UCLA's Brett Hundley) to groom behind Manning. The move won't have any effect on the 2015 season—other than to potentially fan the flames for either an extension or Manning ending his career elsewhere.
Cowboys Re-Sign Linebacker Rolando McClain to Lead Their Defense
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One of the most surprising stories of 2014 was the career resurgence of Dallas Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain, who authored a fantastic season, helping Dallas claim the NFC East title.
But McClain remains a free agent, perhaps due to a violation of the league's substance-abuse policy that will reportedly earn him a four-game fine to start next season, according to Todd Archer and Adam Schefter of ESPN.com.
In this scenario, the Cowboys decide that McClain is once again worth the risk, and he once again mans the middle of their defense and helps them win another division title.
Cowboys Select Tony Romo's Eventual Successor Early in the Draft
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Last year, the Dallas Cowboys nearly selected Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel with their first-round pick but instead opted for Notre Dame guard Zack Martin. The decision was a sound one.
Fast-forward one year, and the Cowboys will again have the opportunity to draft Tony Romo's eventual successor at quarterback. And in this scenario, they make it happen, tabbing Baylor's Bryce Petty with the No. 27 overall pick in the draft.
Petty will provide a major upgrade over incumbent backup Brandon Weeden (although that's not saying much), and with Romo suffering from back issues, Petty will get the chance to hold down the fort for a few games. In fact, he will record two victories in relief of an injured Romo, helping the Cowboys claim a second consecutive NFC East title.
DE Dwight Freeney Returns to the Colts to Help the Pass Rush
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Free-agent defensive end Dwight Freeney spent the first 11 years of his career in Indianapolis, racking up 107 sacks and earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl.
While he struggled over the last two seasons in San Diego—he only accumulated four sacks—he still has the skills to help a team. And it just so happens that his former team is looking to load up for a run at a Super Bowl championship.
In this scenario, the 35-year-old Freeney returns to Indianapolis to help the Colts make a run at the Lombardi Trophy. His skills and wherewithal help the Colts advance to the AFC Championship Game, where they once again fall to the Patriots.
WR Greg Jennings Signs with the Dolphins, Reunites with Joe Philbin
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The Minnesota Vikings recently jettisoned receiver Greg Jennings, leaving the 31-year-old pass-catcher on the free-agent market.
Jennings didn't exactly set the world on fire in his two seasons in the Twin Cities, catching only 10 touchdown passes combined in 2013 and 2014. But while he's no longer the player he was when he was hauling in receptions from Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay, he can still get the job done at the NFL level.
A team that makes sense for Jennings is the Miami Dolphins, whose head coach—Joe Philbin—served as Green Bay's offensive coordinator during part of Jennings' time at Lambeau. The Dolphins could use another reliable weapon for quarterback Ryan Tannehill, and Jennings would seamlessly fit into the offense.
Jennings isn't a huge playmaker, but his clutch play could make the difference in one or two close games—and help propel the Dolphins into the postseason.
Chiefs Sign Wide Receiver Michael Crabtree to Improve Passing Attack
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In a statistic that has already been beaten to death, buried and exhumed—only to be buried again—the Kansas City Chiefs wide receiving corps caught a grand total of zero touchdown passes last season.
That's right. If you multiplied the number of touchdown passes reeled in by Chiefs receivers in 2014 by 50, it would still be zero. And no, that's not good.
To try to alleviate this issue moving forward, the Chiefs signed free-agent receiver Jeremy Maclin to a five-year, $55 million contract. But the corps clearly needs work.
Enter 49ers free-agent receiver Michael Crabtree.
Crabtree authored a disappointing 2014 season, catching 68 passes for 698 yards and only four touchdowns. But he's only 27 years old and was the 10th overall pick of the 2009 draft, so he has talent.
The Chiefs could sign Crabtree to a short-term, low-risk deal, and he could instantly upgrade the passing attack. His addition could make the difference between the Chiefs making or missing the playoffs in 2015.
Steelers Release S Troy Polamalu, Ending an Era in Pittsburgh
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Since he was selected with the 16th overall pick in the 2003 draft, safety Troy Polamalu has been an absolute star for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He's a surefire Hall of Fame player who helped the team win two Super Bowl titles.
But at age 33, he's clearly slowing down—he finished 2014 ranked as Pro Football Focus' 48th-best safety. He simply doesn't have his fastball anymore.
And with Polamalu set to count for $6 million against the cap this season, it seems as if the time is right for the Steelers to cut ties with their legendary safety. If Polamalu doesn't retire, he'll force the hand of general manager Kevin Colbert, who (under this scenario) will release him.
While fans won't be happy, the move is the right one, and the Steelers will actually be better on defense in 2015 as a result. And when Polamalu goes into the Hall of Fame as a Steeler, all will be forgiven.
After Super Bowl Debacle, Seahawks Fire Offensive Coordinator Darrell Bevell
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Everyone remembers the play call at the end of last month's Super Bowl—the Seattle Seahawks passing on 2nd-and-goal from the 1-yard line instead of pounding it into the end zone with star running back Marshawn Lynch. The pass, of course, was intercepted, and the Patriots became world champions.
The man who made that infamous play call was Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, and he endured a firestorm of criticism in the hours and days after the game. Bevell's assertion that receiver Ricardo Lockette could have been "stronger to the ball" was a ridiculous one, and it seemed as if Bevell was pointing fingers, which didn't sit well with fellow receiver Doug Baldwin, among others.
In this scenario, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll—after much thought and contemplation—decides that bringing Bevell back isn't worth the headache and dismisses him. Carroll then promotes offensive line and assistant head coach Tom Cable—a player's favorite—to the post, minimizing negative impact in the locker room.
The move doesn't have a significant impact on Seattle's season, but it does serve to raise team morale. The Seahawks eventually lose in the NFC Championship Game to Green Bay—and Cable points zero fingers in the postgame press conference.
Redskins Announce an Open QB Competition Between Robert Griffin and Kirk Cousins
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Last season, Washington quarterbacks Robert Griffin III (2-5) and Kirk Cousins (1-4) combined to go 3-9 as starters. And the poor play at the game's most important position led to the Redskins finishing with a putrid record of 4-12.
It didn't appear as if Redskins coach Jay Gruden was enamored with any of his options, although it's worth noting Griffin didn't play terribly down the stretch. Speaking at February's scouting combine, Gruden said he expects Griffin to be the team's starter heading into next year, but this is lying season in the NFL, so it's difficult to believe anything anyone says.
Assuming the Redskins don't draft a quarterback in the first round of next month's draft (and under this scenario, they won't), what if Gruden opened up a legitimate quarterback competition this offseason between Griffin and Cousins?
Gruden holds no favorites, and he was clearly disenchanted with Griffin at points during last year. Cousins would beat out Griffin, but the ensuing aftermath would eventually cost Gruden his job, as the team would be terrible and owner Dan Snyder would fire him at season's end.
In Wake of Chris Borland's Retirement, More Young NFL Players Hang Up the Cleats
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This NFL offseason has been unique in that we've seen a rash of young players retiring and walking away from the game before their time is seemingly up.
Tennessee's Jake Locker (26), Pittsburgh's Jason Worilds (27) and San Francisco's Patrick Willis (30) and Chris Borland (24, pictured above) all stepped away from the NFL over the past month—but the most stunning retirement belonged to Borland, who cited future health concerns as his rationale.
Is it possible that other young players around the league look at Borland and share his sentiments, deciding that they'd like to get out before they potentially suffer a severe concussion or long-lasting injury? Most certainly. In this scenario, that's exactly what happens.
If and when that happens, the NFL will have a major problem on its hands, and a spate of young players walking away from the NFL would cast a pall over the upcoming season.
We Learn an NFL Team Had Secret Flirtations with a Major College Coach
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It happens seemingly every offseason: Just as it seems the fervor of the coaching carousel has died off, rumors spring up about an unnamed NFL team flirting with a high-powered college coach.
Current Eagles coach Chip Kelly was once the subject of such flirtations, and others—such as Oklahoma's Bob Stoops and Notre Dame's Brian Kelly—have also been "secretly" courted by NFL teams during the hiring process.
This year, it should surprise no one if news comes out that an NFL owner—say, Miami's Stephen Ross, Cleveland's Jimmy Haslam or Washington's Dan Snyder—had engaged in talks with a college coach, despite having a coach already employed.
In this scenario, it's revealed that Snyder had spoken with Baylor's Art Briles, who was the college coach of his current quarterback, Robert Griffin III. The news will hang like a dark cloud over current coach Jay Gruden, who will be fired at season's end—allowing Snyder to finally hire Briles.
Patriots QB Tom Brady Decides to Retire, Ending Era in New England
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New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady just won his fourth Super Bowl championship, arguably making him the greatest passer in the history of the NFL.
And while Brady has expressed a desire to play for many years to come, what happens if he wakes up one morning this offseason, looks at his supermodel wife and decides he has other interests he'd like to pursue?
In this scenario, Brady decides to hang up the cleats and go out on top. The loss of Brady will be impossible to overcome, but the Patriots already have his successor—last year's second-round pick, Jimmy Garoppolo—in place. Under Garoppolo, the Patriots will miss the postseason for the first time since 2008, but the future will be bright.
And the statue of Brady outside Gillette Stadium will be ready just in time for the 2016 home opener.
Bengals Select a QB Early in the Draft to Push Andy Dalton for Starting Job
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Andy Dalton has been the Cincinnati Bengals' quarterback for four years, and he has led the team to four consecutive playoff berths. Unfortunately, though, Dalton has yet to win a playoff game and has often played small when it matters the most (one touchdown pass against six interceptions in postseason play).
While Dalton was bestowed with a massive contract extension prior to last season, it's fair to wonder if he's the guy to lead Cincinnati on a run to the Super Bowl. And what happens if Bengals owner Mike Brown and coach Marvin Lewis decide it's time to bring in some serious competition for Dalton in the event that he continues to falter in big spots?
In this scenario, the Bengals spend a second-round draft pick on UCLA passer Brett Hundley, letting the world know that they won't hesitate to pull Dalton if he proves incapable of getting the job done.
The team will bench Dalton in at least three games, but he will keep his starting job—that is, of course, until he loses once again in the Wild Card Round of the postseason.
Brett Favre Announces Plans to Return, the Internet Bursts into Flames
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At age 44, legendary NFL quarterback Brett Favre decides he's bored peddling Wrangler jeans and men's hair dye products. H wants to return to the league.
The Eagles immediately show interest, as coach Chip Kelly is seemingly interested in every player with a pulse. They bring Favre in for a workout. He looks great and tosses missiles all over the field. The Eagles sign him to be their third-string quarterback.
In training camp, Favre watches as starter Sam Bradford takes a hit and falls to the ground. Favre winces in pain at the sight and decides he'd rather return to Mississippi and ride a tractor than take one more hit at the NFL level.
It's the right move. Favre has no impact on the 2015 season.
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