Biggest Upcoming Decisions for the NFL's Worst Teams

For a handful of NFL teams, the playoffs are already out of reach, and they're now looking toward the offseason for ways to improve. 

All is not lost, because a handful of teams rise from pretender to contender designations each and every season. But to reach that status, you need to make smart decisions. In a league that preaches parity, a shrewd signing, business decision or draft pick can place a franchise on the right track. 

Teams needn't look any further than the Oakland Raiders and Tennessee Titans to find inspiration. These two franchises struggled to find an identity for the majority of the past decade, and yet they currently sit atop their respective divisions. 

Those organizations have built their teams correctly and appear to have long-term stability. That's the goal. Other franchises just seem to struggle in their attempt to build a semblance of continuity. These are the organizations that will need to make the right moves this offseason in an attempt to re-brand their teams. 

Among the league's 10 worst franchises, each has a crucial decision to make once the offseason officially begins. 

Can the Cleveland Browns Retain Both Terrelle Pryor and Jamie Collins?

David Richard/Associated Press

The Cleveland Browns have been bad for so long that it's hard to even imagine the team being good.

The Browns have experienced little success since the franchise's return, so the only logical recourse became a fresh start. Executive vice president of football operations Sashi Brown, chief strategy officer Paul DePodesta and head coach Hue Jackson understood this and undertook a complete rebuild in their first year leading the organization. 

As a result, the Browns are the league's youngest team, they have a talent-deficient roster, and they're struggling through an 0-12 campaign. 

There are talented players in Cleveland, though. Wide receiver Terrelle Pryor and linebacker Jamie Collins are near the top of the list, but both are free agents after this season. 

Browns management cannot allow two ultra-talented players like Pryor and Collins to sign with other teams if it's serious about building a strong foundation based on existing talent. 

Cleveland isn't an attractive destination for the league's top free agents. Thus, it's imperative that the Browns retain two of the top free agents already on their roster.

What Will the San Francisco 49ers Do with Quarterback Colin Kaepernick?

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

The Colin Kaepernick era with the San Francisco 49ers hasn't gone as planned. Right now, it has the makings of an ugly upcoming divorce. Even so, the organization isn't guaranteed to move on from the athletic signal-caller. 

Why? The team's alternatives aren't exactly abundant.

Blaine Gabbert proved he's not the answer at quarterback even after head coach Chip Kelly benched Kaepernick during Sunday's 26-6 loss to the Chicago Bears. But despite the benching, Kaepernick—who the 49ers once signed to a $126 million contract—still remains a viable option. 

It's quite an interesting scenario. 

First, Kaepernick played well in the previous four contests. Second, the quarterback can opt out of his current contract after this season, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Finally, the two sides need to be amicable. Kaepernick felt slighted this past offseason when he was nearly traded to the Denver Broncos. 

Rapoport reported the relationship between Kaepernick and the organization is in "a very good place."

With what appears to be an underwhelming quarterback class in the 2017 NFL draft and few legitimate options on the market this offseason, the 49ers may choose to side with Kaepernick for another year instead of trying to set him aside. 

When Will the Jacksonville Jaguars Finally Move On from Gus Bradley?

Ronald C. Modra/Sports Imagery/Getty Images

The Jacksonville Jaguars' Gus Bradley is the worst head coach in modern NFL history. 

While the previous statement might come across as hyperbolic, it's factually correct. No NFL head coach since the AFL-NFL merger owns a worse record. 

After Sunday's 20-10 loss to the Denver Broncos, Bradley fell to 14-46 overall. Jaguars owner Shahid Khan remains patient, but even his Atlas-like perseverance must eventually reach an end. 

What makes Bradley's situation even more damning is the fact Jacksonville has plenty of talent on both sides of the ball, yet the Jaguars regressed this season.

Quarterback Blake Bortles owns a 20-to-15 touchdown-to-interception ratio after he tied for the league-lead with 35 touchdown passes last season. Neither of the team's dynamic wide receivers, Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns, are on pace to eclipse 1,000 yards after both did so a year ago. And the running game is still below average, even with the addition of Chris Ivory. 

At least the defense is playing well. But that was the expectation after the franchise gave $127 million to free agents Malik Jackson, Tashaun Gipson and Prince Amukamara. 

Jacksonville is a talented team. If and when Khan finally runs out of patience, it will be the league's most intriguing opening. But before that can happen, the organization must move past Bradley. 

Will the Chicago Bears Re-Sign Wide Receiver Alshon Jeffery?

Stacy Revere/Getty Images

The Chicago Bears have two monster decisions to make this offseason regarding their two most recognizable players. 

The way Chicago will handle quarterback Jay Cutler seems obvious. After this season, the Bears can finally get out from under Cutler's burdensome contract and save $14 million in cap space, according to Spotrac. 

Alshon Jeffery's status beyond this season is a little more difficult to predict.

The team's leading receiver in each of the last four seasons is scheduled to be a free agent at the start of the new league year. If the two sides don't reach a deal by the beginning of free agency, Jeffery will be either the top or second-best wide receiver on the market—depending on how teams view the Cleveland Browns' Terrelle Pryor. 

In fact, the Bears organization placed the franchise tag on the 26-year-old target this past offseason, but the two sides couldn't reach a long-term contract. 

Chicago should be careful about re-signing its top target, though. Jeffrey has an injury history, and he's currently serving a four-game suspension due to a violation of the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy.

His value shouldn't be underestimated if the Bears offense is any indication. The team lacks playmakers at wide receiver, and Jeffrey's absence only exacerbated the problem.

Chicago has multiple issues to address, and it shouldn't create another by allowing Jeffery to leave.

Is Revis Island Officially Closed for Business?

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

The New York Jets have a plethora of problems throughout their organization. 

Head coach Todd Bowles may or may not return after this season. The quarterback position is a disaster. Sheldon Richardson's future with the organization remains in question, too. 

Yet, the Jets can no longer ignore the rapid deterioration of Revis Island, since the former All-Pro cornerback is owed so much money over the next three seasons.

Darrelle Revis signed a five-year, $70.121 million contract before the 2015 campaign. Last year, at 30 years old and in his first season back in New York, he continued to play at a high level.

But the five-time All-Pro performer has looked like a shell of himself this season. Pro Football Focus graded him as the NFL's 86th-best cornerback through 13 weeks. Revis currently allows a 112.1 quarterback rating when he's in coverage, which is by far the worst of his career. And he's surrendered 44 receptions—the most since his second year in the league. 

Next year, the 31-year-old cornerback holds a $15.33 million cap hit, according to Sportrac. If the Jets release their once great defender, they'll save $9.33 million. 

For Revis, his career has been built around business decisions. The Jets have one to make regarding the defensive back this offseason.

Is Los Angeles Rams Left Tackle Greg Robinson a Bust?

Al Bello/Getty Images

The Los Angeles Rams' problems arguably start and end with head coach Jeff Fisher, but he signed a two-year contact extension this offseason, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Since Fisher appears to be off-limits despite his subpar Rams record, there are areas throughout the roster that need to be addressed. The offensive line, particularly at left tackle, might be foremost among them. 

Two years ago, the Rams used the second overall pick to select an athletically-gifted offensive tackle. Greg Robinson's technique was raw, though, and he needed to be properly developed. 

Fast forward to the 2016 campaign, and Fisher benched Robinson "because he needed it," per ESPN.com's Alden Gonzalez. Any time a former top-three draft pick isn't playing up to expectations, it's cause for concern. According to Pro Football Focus, only two starting left tackles have graded worse than Robinson this season, and he's tied for the most penalties among his position group. 

"Recently, it's just a matter of his technique," offensive line coach Paul Boudreau said, per Gonzalez. "He's all over the place with his feet; he's all over the place with his hands. And when he gets in trouble, when he stops his feet, he grabs, and he gets those holding penalties that you really don't need."

The organization will be forced to make two offseason decisions regarding Robinson. First, the deadline for his fifth-year option is upcoming. Second, the Rams might consider moving him back to guard. 

If the Rams want this year's No. 1 overall draft pick, quarterback Jared Goff, to be successful, the organization must find the right combination up front to protect its franchise signal-caller. 

How Can the Carolina Panthers Protect Cam Newton?

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

The Carolina Panthers are experiencing a nightmare season after last year's magical run to Super Bowl 50. However, the issues that plague the team this year aren't any different from the problems last year; they're simply magnified. Carolina's secondary and offensive tackles have been suspect, whether the team is 15-1 or 4-8. 

General manager Dave Gettleman exacerbated these problems by letting All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman out from under the franchise tag and signing left tackle Michael Oher to a three-year, $21.6 million contact extension this offseason. 

The front office attacked the problem in the secondary by drafting three cornerbacks. Offensive tackle remains an issue, though. 

According to Pro Football Focus, quarterback Cam Newton is pressured on 38.8 percent of his dropbacks. That number is only slightly improved from last season, and it's tied for sixth-worst this year. Plus, Oher, who was placed on injured reserve last month, and right tackle Mike Remmers combined to give up 63 quarterback hurries and 10 sacks. 

Their performance simply isn't good enough when the league's reigning MVP is behind center trying to make plays.

Remmers is a free agent after this season. Gettlemen must choose whether to re-sign him. If he doesn't, Oher can move back to right tackle, and the organization will be in search of another blindside protector. 

Carolina's offensive interior, when healthy, is among the league's best with Trai Turner, Ryan Kalil and Andrew Norwell. But their tackles fall well short of that standard. 

Is It Finally Time for the Cincinnati Bengals to Move On from Marvin Lewis?

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Change is the NFL's only constant. When people choose the coaching profession, they understand they're about to enter a life of upheaval. Very few get an opportunity to leave on their terms. 

Marvin Lewis is close to reaching the point of no return with the Cincinnati Bengals after a 4-7-1 start. In reality, he's a victim of his own success. 

Prior to Lewis' hire in 2003, the Bengals were the league's doormat. He's since molded them into a yearly playoff contender with two AFC North division crowns in the last three years. 

Cincinnati is expected to win. When it doesn't, the pressure to replace Lewis intensifies. Although, Bengals owner Mike Brown displayed patience earlier in Lewis' tenure. After going 11-5 in 2005, the Bengals got progressively worse. Brown didn't make a move then, but the situation changed. 

If the owner has concerns, his head coach will know. 

"I have one-stop shopping," Lewis said, per ESPN.com's Katherine Terrell. "I talk to Mike every day. And I don't have to hear from someone else what they think ... because it's what he thinks."

If the team responds over the final quarter of the season, it'll show Lewis' message still resonates within the locker room. If the team fades, a potential move could be forthcoming.

Where Do the Philadelphia Eagles Find Much-Needed Wide Receiver Help?

Rich Schultz/Getty Images

It's been a tale of two seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles. While the aforementioned statement is a cliche, it still rings true. The Eagles started 4-2, including three-straight wins to open the 2016 campaign. They went 1-5 over their next six contests. 

The team needs playmakers on the outside to improve its situation. 

Wide receiver is the team's biggest issue, starting with last year's first-round pick, Nelson Agholor. While Jordan Matthews is the team's leading target, he's currently dealing with an ankle injury. 

Agholor, meanwhile, didn't play in Week 12 after being benched, and he only caught four passes for 23 yards against the Cincinnati Bengals with Matthews out of the lineup. The USC product's inconsistency has been quite concerning, particularly with dropped passes. But the Eagles' wideout problems extend beyond their disappointing former first-rounder. 

According to Pro Football Focus, the Eagles' top-three receivers—Matthews, Agholor and Dorial Green-Beckham—have dropped 16 passes so far. Rookie quarterback Carson Wentz needs help, and he's just not getting it from his primary targets. 

As such, executive vice president of football operations Howie Roseman needs to concentrate on improving the position. Because of the Wentz trade, the franchise doesn't own its 2017 first-round pick—which is a potential top-10 selection—to address the position with an elite talent. But Philadelphia could do so in free agency by landing a target like Alshon Jeffery or Terrelle Pryor. 

Whether it's through the draft, free agency or a trade, the Eagles must upgrade Wentz's targets. 

How Can the New Orleans Saints Rectify Their Awful Defense?

Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton still hasn't figured out what's wrong with his defense, and the team's subpar play on that side of the ball has kept the Saints out of the playoff mix. 

This has been an ongoing issue since Rob Ryan served as the defensive coordinator. Dennis Allen now calls the plays, but the group is still counted among the league's worst. 

Currently, the Saints rank 26th overall in total defense and surrender 374.8 yards per game. Granted, their recent performance is far better than 2012, when they gave up a record 440.1 yards per game. But the defense's effort is still not good enough to consistently win, even with the No. 1-ranked offense on the Saints' side. 

The organization has thrown money at the issue with free-agent signings like Jairus Byrd and Brandon Browner. Those moves haven't provided an answer to the team's problems. 

Over the last nine drafts, general manager Mickey Loomis spent seven first-round picks on defenders. Only three of those have made positive impacts this season, which clearly isn't enough. 

Saints management and Payton need to take an introspective look at the team's current makeup to identify needed changes. Those could come in the form of different schemes, a new defensive coordinator and/or additional players. 

Payton continues to coach a great offense, but the defense must be better if the team plans on a postseason return.