Highlighting the Latest Buzz Around Every NFL Team Heading into Training Camps
The 2016 NFL offseason is now a thing of the past. In a couple of weeks, teams will start kicking off training camps. Shortly after that—on August 7—the preseason will be underway. Before you know it, we'll have real and meaningful football in front of us once again.
That's right, folks. The wait for the regular season is just about over.
While these next two weeks are going to be pretty devoid of any real action, there are plenty of storylines to examine. Whether it's contract negotiations, injuries, off-field activity or looming camp battles, there are still topics worthy of discussion in this July dead zone.
Today, we're going to examine the latest and most up-to-date discussion point for each NFL team as of mid-July, and give our take on what it could mean moving forward.
Teams are listed in alphabetical order.
Arizona Cardinals
1 of 32
Recovery and Contract Talks for Tyrann Mathieu
Perhaps the biggest talk surrounding the Arizona Cardinals currently revolves around the NFL Films-produced All or Nothing series now available on Amazon. However, that series focuses on the Cardinals' 2015 season, so we're going to instead examine a player who can heavily impact the team's future.
Defensive back Tyrann Mathieu was playing like one of the top defenders in the league last season before a Week 15 ACL tear ended his campaign. Pro Football Focus rated Mathieu first overall among all cornerbacks in 2015, and the Cardinals would love to have his services early this season. They might not, though.
While Mathieu is a fiery competitor, even he has admitted that health might prevent him from being on the field when the season opens.
“If I’m 90 percent, then I don’t necessarily want to go out there,” Mathieu said, per Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic.
Meanwhile, Arizona and Mathieu have had some discussions about a contract extension, according to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport (via Arizona Sports' Avery Feyrer). Mathieu is entering the final season of his rookie contract, and a new deal would ensure the Cardinals have his services for the foreseeable future.
ESPN's John Clayton recently told Doug and Wolf on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM (via Feyrer) that he doesn't think the two sides are close, however. This suggests that Cardinals fans will want to follow Mathieu's recovery and his contract status heading into the coming season.
Atlanta Falcons
2 of 32
Fewer Carries for Devonta Freeman?
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman exploded onto the scene in 2015, producing 1,056 yards rushing, 578 yards receiving and 14 combined touchdowns in 15 games. Naturally, the Falcons should want to continue riding their backfield star moving forward—or perhaps not.
Falcons running backs coach Bobby Turner recently made his case for Freeman having a smaller workload in 2016.
"It’s about growth,” Turner told D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “Free had a good year, but I’m expecting even a better year. Well, you’re saying, how can it be better? It can be even better with less carries or less catches because I’d obviously like to get Tevin [Coleman] more involved and that also keeps Free fresher.”
Coleman averaged a solid 4.5 yards per carry as a rookie in 2015, so it would make sense for him to get more involved in the running game. Splitting time between the two backs more evenly would, in theory, keep both fresher throughout games.
Reducing Freeman's work as a pass-catcher could also have positive implications. Freeman hauled in 73 receptions last season, largely because Atlanta didn't have a reliable No. 2 option behind wideout Julio Jones. Things should be different in 2016. The Falcons added Mohamed Sanu in free agency and drafted former Stanford tight end Austin Hooper.
If Freeman does see fewer touches in 2016, it will likely be because the team is doing a better job of spreading the football around. That should be a positive development and a team goal heading into training camp.
Baltimore Ravens
3 of 32
A Healthier, Deeper Team in 2016
Injuries were largely responsible for derailing the Baltimore Ravens' 2015 season. Guys with season-ending injuries included quarterback Joe Flacco, pass-rusher Terrell Suggs, running back Justin Forsett and wide receiver Steve Smith. First-round pick Breshad Perriman never got on the field because of injury.
In all, the Ravens placed 20 players on injured reserve.
Injuries are a big topic for the Ravens this offseason, as may of these players are still in various stages of recovery. Flacco has stated that he expects to be back for training camp, for example, while Perriman suffered another knee injury.
Fortunately, Perriman is also expected to return by the start of the year.
"He should be back at some point in time during training camp [and] certainly will be ready for the regular season," Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said of Perriman, per Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com.
Getting top players back from injury should help the Ravens return to their usual place as AFC North contenders. What might help Baltimore even more is the fact the team took steps to increase its depth this offseason. The Ravens added guys such as wideout Mike Wallace, tight end Benjamin Watson and rookie lineman Ronnie Stanley.
"I was optimistic last year when nobody else was, and I guess I was wrong," Harbaugh recently said, per Lorenzo Reyes of USA Today. "But our guys kept fighting, and obviously I'm optimistic that we can be a championship football team this year with the guys we've got."
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Buffalo Bills
4 of 32
A Defensive Resurgence
The Buffalo Bills were a bit of a disappointment in 2015. Despite adding defensive guru Rex Ryan as head coach, the team finished the year rated just 25th in overall defense by Pro Football Focus. The team was rated seventh overall the year before.
The Bills had a defense-oriented draft—which included the addition of players such as Shaq Lawson, Reggie Ragland and Adolphus Washington—and brought in Rex's brother, Rob Ryan, to help out on the defensive side of the football.
There is plenty of offensive talent on the Bills roster, but the team's season will very much hinge on the defense's ability to rebound from last year's disappointing campaign. Veterans on the team are eager to make that rebound happen.
"Of course we want to shoot for that. We are going to do the best we can,” Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus said of a defensive rebound, per Andrew Kuczkowski of the team's official website. “I have said the same thing every [time]. I am pretty sure that is the goal we set for ourselves, but we are going to have to work together, really lay it out on the line and really shoot for it. Talk is cheap.”
The Ryan brothers are known for talking unabashedly, but their bravado will mean little if the Buffalo defense again stumbles. Expect the unit to be a major point of focus during training camp and the preseason.
Carolina Panthers
5 of 32
How Does the Defense Replace Josh Norman?
The Carolina Panthers made the decision to part with emerging cornerback Josh Norman this offseason. While the Panthers probably still possess a playoff-caliber defense, the team is going to have to figure out how to replace Norman's production—Pro Football Focus rated him sixth overall among corners last season.
The Panthers added to the cornerback position in this year's draft, selecting James Bradberry in Round 2, Daryl Worley in Round 3 and Zach Sanchez in Round 5. Yet, these are rookies with no pro experience and little chance of actually replacing Norman.
247Sports writer Luke Rodgers recently explained why replacing Norman could be a major issue, during an appearance with Nick Kostos of CBSSports.com:
"Losing Norman was the key thing. In the draft, they tried to go after that by drafting three guys, including James Bradberry. Now, Bradberry's going to have to try to make the jump from Samford to the NFL. I didn't say Stanford, I said Samford. That is a big question mark in and of itself. Can he fill that hope, can they fill that hole with a number of guys? ...
How will this defense look overall without a star shutdown corner like they had in Josh Norman? That's our biggest question for the Carolina Panthers heading into training camp.
"
Sporting News writer Vinnie Iyer, on the other hand, believes the Panthers have a defensive system that can survive without Norman.
"It's unfair to call Norman a product of the Panthers' system, because the system was built to excel with players of his skill set," Iyer recently wrote. "Knowing they stole Norman in the fifth round of the 2012 draft, they had confidence they could find a similar young player to develop and deliver the way he did."
We don't know exactly how, or even if, the Panthers will replace Norman this season. We should have a much better idea once training camp and the preseason commence.
Chicago Bears
6 of 32
Team Unlikely to Reach Long-Term Deal with Alshon Jeffery
The Chicago Bears decided earlier this offseason to apply the franchise tag to standout wide receiver Alshon Jeffery. If the two sides don't come to terms on some sort of contract extension by July 15, playing under the tag will be the only way Jeffery will be able to play in 2016.
It doesn't look like they're going to hammer out a deal before that deadline.
According to Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune, it would take a "dramatic twist" for the two sides to get a long-term deal done. However, as Wiederer goes on to explain, this doesn't mean Jeffery isn't part of the team's long-term plans:
"What this has become, for both the receiver and the franchise, is a sensible test drive. Prove to us Alshon, the bosses at Halas Hall have ordered, that you truly are a top-tier receiver. Show us you can stay healthy and produce and take your game up a notch. And if you do, we'll reward you accordingly. Just not now.
"
The first step for Jeffery will be showing he is healthy and can remain so. Injuries limited him to just nine appearances and 807 receiving yards in 2015. The next step will be for Jeffery to prove he can be one of the top wideouts in today's NFL. If Jeffery fails in either regard, the team could part ways with him after the season.
Chicago drafted wideout Kevin White in the first round of last year's draft but never saw him on the field because of his own injuries. The Bears brought White in to complement Jeffery, not to replace him. Yet that could be what he does if Jeffery struggles this season. The team has recently moved on from standout players such as wideout Brandon Marshall and running back Matt Forte, so Jeffery shouldn't feel like his future is exactly safe.
Fortunately for Jeffery, he'll be playing for a new contract this season, but he'll be making more than $14.5 million to do so.
Cincinnati Bengals
7 of 32
Who Will Emerge in the Passing Game?
The Cincinnati Bengals have a star receiver in A.J. Green and an emerging tight end in Tyler Eifert, but there are still questions about the team's receiving corps headed into training camp. The Bengals parted ways with receivers Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones in free agency, and Eifert recently underwent ankle surgery.
The Bengals have admitted that Eifert could miss the beginning of the season.
"We feel pretty good about some young guys that we have in that position group. It’s a position group that’s in flux," Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin said of the team's receiving group, per Dan Hoard of the team's official website. "And it’s a position group that’s going to have to step up—particularly with Eifert out early in the year. We’re going to have to have some production from there and we have some good candidates."
The group of "young guys" Tobin is talking about likely includes rookie second-round pick Tyler Boyd and sixth-rounder Cody Core. Cincinnati also added wideout Brandon LaFell during the offseason and will likely call upon second-year tight end Tyler Kroft.
"He's an explosive player, and I think he's a mismatch," Bengals backup quarterback AJ McCarron recently said of Kroft, per Coley Harvey of ESPN.com. "He's a nightmare for defenses just because he's able to spread the field with his speed, and he still has good size."
With Sanu and Jones gone for good—and Eifert potentially out awhile—someone is going to have to emerge in order for the Bengals offense to avoid a letdown.
Cleveland Browns
8 of 32
Robert Griffin III's Development
You might want to sit down for this one. In a shocking twist, the Cleveland Browns find themselves trying to improve their quarterback position. The team brought in former Heisman winner and former first-round pick Robert Griffin III for its latest experiment—and the process has generated plenty of buzz.
Browns head coach Hue Jackson hasn't handed Griffin the starting job yet, and he has admitted that the Baylor product is still very much underdeveloped as a pro passer.
“I’m not gonna say he’s raw, but he is still developing. And most young quarterbacks are still developing,” Jackson said of Griffin last month, per Albert Breer of The MMQB.
If Jackson and the Browns can properly develop Griffin, Cleveland might finally have an answer to its quarterback woes. However, it seems his development to this point in the offseason has been rather uneven.
"Griffin had his ups and downs in offseason practices as he came up the learning curve, but he made enough good plays for the Browns to be encouraged heading into training camp," Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com recently wrote.
According to Cabot, the Browns are hoping that Griffin can win the job over the likes of Josh McCown and rookie Cody Kessler.
"They want him to be the starting quarterback on Day 1," Cabot said during an appearance with CSN Mid-Atlantic. "They're not going to have a short leash on him at all."
The problem is that Griffin has yet to truly distance himself from the competition, and there's no guarantee that he will by the end of training camp. This isn't to suggest that Griffin can't develop into a quality starter over time; it's just that the expansion-era Browns aren't known for their patience with the quarterback position.
Perhaps things will be different under Jackson and with Griffin. According to Terry Pluto of the Plain Dealer, Jackson plans to protect Griffin and give him time to grow. We'll see just how much Griffin has grown and how much protection he needs when camp opens.
Dallas Cowboys
9 of 32
Ezekiel Elliott Is Going to Be a Superstar
The Dallas Cowboys selected former Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott with the fourth overall selection in this year's draft. Naturally, the Cowboys are expecting big things out of their new offensive weapon. If the latest hype is to be believed, however, Elliott is about to change everything in Dallas.
"I mean, he could be the next great one in Dallas at the running back position," former NFL running back LaDainian Tomlinson told NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth. "Tony Dorsett and Emmitt Smith are guys that I think about right away when you think about Cowboys running backs. Hopefully, he becomes the next one."
Elliott seems to have the tools and the ability to be a superstar. Just last season, he racked up 1,821 yards rushing and 23 touchdowns on the ground.
Elliott's potential is so high that Cameron DaSilva of Fox Sports was willing to rank him as the fifth-best running back in the NFL. Considering Elliott has yet to play a single down as a pro, that's telling.
Folks are so enamored with Elliott's potential, in fact, that some believe his impact won't even be limited to the offensive side of the ball. Cowboys safety Barry Church recently explained how Elliott can control the clock and aid the defense during an appearance on Sirius XM NFL Radio with Tom Pelissero and Erik Coleman:
"He’s definitely a three-tool player that can just play on every single down, and it helps out the defense a lot. It takes up our play downs by a lot. That also happened in 2014 when we had DeMarco Murray. He was punishing defenses and we were three-and-out here, three-and-out there and we were fresh in the fourth quarter. That’s how we won all of our games, by getting takeaways in the fourth quarter, but that was because we were fresh.
"
Elliot is generating a ton of buzz heading into the 2016 season, which also brings pressure. If he can face that pressure, Elliott should be on his way to reaching that star level so many are predicting.
Denver Broncos
10 of 32
Denver Working to Sign Von Miller to Long-Term Deal
The Denver Broncos have until July 15 to reach a new deal with star pass-rusher Von Miller. If the two sides do not come to an agreement, Miller's only options will be to play under the franchise tag or sit out the 2016 season.
Since Miller has already made it clear that he isn't interested in playing under the franchise tag, Denver's top options are to get that extension done in the next few days or try to trade the Super Bowl 50 MVP.
Mike Klis of KUSA Denver has reported that the Broncos are more focused on contract talks than trade discussions. Therefore, it doesn't seem likely that Miller will be suiting up for a different franchise in 2016.
According to Vic Lombardi of Altitude Sports 950, the Broncos have recently upped their offer to include $61 million guaranteed within the first three years of the new deal. This could be enough to prompt Miller to adjust his stance as well. Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk reported earlier this offseason that Miller is seeking $70 million over the first three years of his new contract, though the full amount wouldn't need to be guaranteed at the time of signing.
If Miller is as driven to reach a new deal as Denver is, the next step may be for him to lower his asking price by a small amount. The two sides don't appear ridiculously far apart in negotiations, so perhaps a few baby steps by each party this week will be enough to get the thing done.
These next few days are likely to be tense.
Detroit Lions
11 of 32
Lions Part Ways with Stephen Tulloch
The big news this offseason for the Detroit Lions has been the retirement of star wide receiver Calvin Johnson. That happened at the beginning of the offseason, though, and the team parted with another longtime veteran more recently.
While the move has been anticipated for a while, the Lions officially released linebacker Stephen Tulloch earlier this month.
"As I have said numerous times since I became head coach of the Lions, Stephen Tulloch has been a consummate professional on and off the field," Lions coach Jim Caldwell said, per Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. "We thank him for his contributions to the Lions and the Detroit community and wish him the very best in all his future endeavors."
Tulloch's release is noteworthy because, while he was never as prominent as Johnson, he was still a big part of Detroit over the last few years. Tulloch spent five seasons with the Lions and amassed 485 tackles during that span. He racked up 107 last year and finished the season rated 11th among inside linebackers against the run by Pro Football Focus.
Teams looking to upgrade their run defense should show interest in the 31-year-old linebacker, while the Lions now must focus on replacing him.
Green Bay Packers
12 of 32
Jared Cook's Return and Impact
The Green Bay Packers don't usually make a lot of attention-grabbing moves in free agency, but this year's acquisition of tight end Jared Cook was noteworthy. Cook—who produced 39 receptions and 481 yards last season—is a capable pass-catcher and a nice addition to Green Bay's receiving corps.
Cook, though, underwent foot surgery early last month and missed the final portion of the team's offseason practices. He is expected to be ready for training camp, and Christine Troyke of the Gwinnett Daily Post recently called him "fully healthy again."
Yet we won't actually know Cook's status until camp opens at the end of the month. Once Cook does return to the field, there will be questions about his role in the Packers offense—especially with tight end Richard Rodgers coming off a 510-yard, eight-score season.
Rodgers, for his part, seems to be embracing his new teammate.
“Whenever a veteran comes in, you just try to learn from them,” Rodgers said, per Wes Hodkiewicz of the team's official website. “He knows little things about defenses and things about playing the position that maybe a coach can’t give you. It’s been great having him around and giving us advice.”
We can probably expect the duo of Rodgers and Cook to bring a little more versatility and flexibility to the Packers' two-tight end sets.
With wideout Jordy Nelson expected to make his return from injury and Cook now in the mix, quarterback Aaron Rodgers should have no shortage of targets in Green Bay this season.
Houston Texans
13 of 32
Brock Osweiler
The Houston Texans reached the postseason last year on the strength of their third-ranked (310.2 yards per game allowed) defense. Yet, it is new quarterback Brock Osweiler who has been generating the most buzz this offseason.
Naturally, this was to be expected. Osweiler was the team's prized free-agent acquisition this offseason, and he represents the potential for long-term quarterback stability. He also comes with lofty expectations because of this and his hefty four-year, $72 million contract.
So far, it seems like Osweiler is going to be a good fit with the Texans.
"So far, he's been exactly what we've expected," Texans head coach Bill O'Brien said of Osweiler, per John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. "He works extremely hard. He's a very bright guy. He's a good communicator with his teammates. He's very hard on himself."
Yet, there are still plenty of questions surrounding Osweiler, especially considering the man has just seven pro starts under his belt. Sporting News writer Vinnie Iyer has a plan for how the Texans should approach this season with Osweiler:
"Since it will be a while before Osweiler can grasp his offense, even with a full camp, O'Brien's short-term plan should be to go run-heavy and set Osweiler up to take calculated downfield shots to his speedy receivers. The pressure shouldn't be on him to light it up and toss it 40-plus times a game. O'Brien will need to walk the fine line between making Osweiler a caretaker and giving him enough chances to take advantage of his arm.
"
Iyer is correct in the sense that the Texans don't need to go pass-happy in order to win with Osweiler. Houston won games with Brian Hoyer and T.J. Yates last season by following a balanced game plan. The team can afford to slowly open things up for Osweiler while using a familiar formula for success.
Osweiler won't need to be a gunslinger to improve the Texans offense. He just needs to be better than what the team has had under center recently. We'll get a better idea of whether he is once camp starts.
Indianapolis Colts
14 of 32
Andrew Luck is Healthy and Under a Long-Term Contract
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck had a rough 2015 season. Injuries—including a lacerated kidney—limited him to seven games. Even when healthy, Luck's play was below expectations. He finished the year with 13 turnovers to 15 passing touchdowns and a quarterback rating of just 74.9.
Still, the Colts weren't about to let one disastrous season cloud their judgment when it came to contract talks. Indianapolis locked up Luck with a new six-year deal. This means the Stanford product will be under contract through the 2021 season.
Now that Luck is healthy and well-paid, the Colts need to focus on keeping him on the field. Part of the challenge will be getting Luck to change the way he plays. Initiating contact and taking unnecessary hits have to be things of the past.
"Get him healthy, keep him healthy, keep him protected," Colts head coach Chuck Pagano said, per Michael Stern of USA Today. "He plays the position like a linebacker, with a linebacker's mentality. He can't do that all the time. We love how he can extend plays, but he's got to be smart and know it's OK to slide."
Finding ways to better protect Luck will likely be a major focus for the Colts during training camp. For Luck, the focus will be on ensuring his poor play last season was a career aberration and not a continuing trend.
Jacksonville Jaguars
15 of 32
Denard Robinson and the Pond
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Denard Robinson has made a few highlight plays during his time with the team. Yet, none of them were as head-turning as the recent news that he was found asleep at the wheel while in a pond.
According to Action News Jacksonville, Robinson and a female passenger were found in a retention pond off of Beach Boulevard in Jacksonville. According to the crash report, both Robinson and his passenger "looked to be asleep/passed out."
Robinson was not arrested at the scene, but the story does not end there.
Dana Treen and Joe Daraskevich of the Florida Times-Union have reported that the crash report does not make clear why officers did not cite Robinson or how they determined he was not intoxicated without administering drug and alcohol tests. According to Treen and Daraskevich, Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams is seeking answers.
“I have ordered a review of the incident by the officers’ chain of command. Based on that review, any necessary and warranted corrective action will be taken,” Williams said in an email to the Times-Union.
This is one bizarre story that has plenty of people talking.
Kansas City Chiefs
16 of 32
Still No New Deal for Eric Berry
The Kansas City Chiefs have not reached an agreement on a long-term deal with franchised safety Eric Berry. If the team doesn't do so by July 15, Berry will only be able to play under the tag this season.
The fact the Chiefs haven't moved quicker to lock up Berry seems a bit curious. The guy is a four-time Pro Bowler and returned from Hodgkin's Lymphoma to earn NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors in 2015. Pro Football Focus rated him fourth overall among safeties for the 2015 season.
The absence of a deal seems to have surprised Berry himself.
“I thought it would progress a little bit more,” Berry said, per Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star. “But it’s still been pretty much the same since the last time we talked. A lot can change in a week. A lot can change for whenever the deadline is.”
The lack of a new contract might not mean much for the future of Berry and the Chiefs, of course. Both parties have made it known that they would like to remain together for the foreseeable future.
“Well, I’m hopeful that we’ll be able to get a long-term deal with him done here in the next several months,” Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt said early in the offseason, per Paylor.
If the Chiefs are going to agree on a new long-term deal, it might have to wait until next offseason—unless something gets done in the next few days.
Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article68243657.html#storylink=cpy
Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article88612427.html#storylink=cpy
Los Angeles Rams
17 of 32
Jared Goff and the Starting Job
Rookie quarterback Jared Goff has rightfully been the biggest story of the Los Angeles Rams' 2016 offseason. The team traded a bevy of draft picks in order to move up to No. 1 overall and select the California product, and he is expected to be a big piece of the Rams' playoff puzzle.
The Rams aren't just going to hand Goff the starting job, though. The rookie is going to have to earn it, something he hasn't yet done with camp approaching.
“It’s play them when they’re ready,” Rams head coach Jeff Fisher said during June minicamp, per Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times. “You can set them back if you play them too soon. When that is, I don’t know. That may be the opener, that may be some time after.”
If the Rams aren't comfortable with Goff under center, they can turn to Case Keenum. The University of Houston product started five games for the Rams in 2015 and has 15 NFL starts under his belt.
Goff seems to be developing quickly, though, and he has plenty of fans—including Rams running back Todd Gurley.
"Great kid. Couldn't ask for a better QB. We are just excited to have him," Gurley told NFL Network's Total Access. "He's definitely learning. He's getting better. Just excited to play the upcoming season with him."
Goff is going to remain the top story throughout Rams camp because his learning and his development are likely to determine when he takes over as the team's top signal-caller. The Rams probably hope that the time comes sooner than later but aren't going to rush him onto the field.
Miami Dolphins
18 of 32
Ryan Tannehill's Development Under Adam Gase
The Miami Dolphins spent a first-round pick on receiver-turned-quarterback Ryan Tannehill back in 2012. Tannehill has shown some signs of progress in his four seasons but has yet to develop into a top-tier quarterback.
Pro Football Focus rated Tannehill 49th overall among quarterbacks for the 2015 season.
Tannehill's relatively stagnant development probably played a large role in the hiring of Adam Gase as head coach in Miami. Gase has had success working with quarterbacks such as Peyton Manning and Jay Cutler in recent years, and now Tannehill is his latest project. The opinions on this pairing are mixed, but everyone seems anxious to see what Gase can do for Tannehill's career.
ESPN.com Bills reporter Mike Rodak, for example, doesn't seem to believe the addition of Gase will be enough.
"I think the Dolphins would like for Gase to bring Tannehill to the next level and help him live up to the big contract they gave him, but coaches aren't miracle workers," Rodak recently said, per James Walker of ESPN.com. "Now in his fifth season, I just haven't seen enough from Tannehill to feel strongly that Gase will be able to up his quarterback's game."
Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi, on the other hand, believes that Gase is already having a positive impact.
"Seeing how he's been able to work with coach Gase and seeing what he's been doing on the line of scrimmage, just being able to make those different calls and things like that, it's been really cool to see and I'm excited to see him blossom and really dominate this year," Ajayi said during an appearance on NFL Network's NFL HQ.
We're not so sure that Tannehill is going to dominate this season, but his development under Gase will be something to follow.
Minnesota Vikings
19 of 32
The New Vikings Stadium
After more than two years of construction, the Minnesota Vikings are finally set to step foot into their new home. U.S. Bank Stadium is set to open later this month with an official ribbon-cutting on July 22 and an open house to follow.
The new venue is roughly twice as large as the old Metrodome and boasts features like giant pivoting glass doors, a partially transparent roof and LED lighting.
“It’s a significant building nationally,” Steve Berg—who is writing a book on the stadium—said, per Rochelle Olson of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. “You have indoor stadiums. You have outdoor stadiums. You have retractable-roof stadiums. This is something else.”
Of course, the new stadium—casually referred to by some as Purple Heaven—has had some recent issues.
According to Olson, a storm earlier this month caused some exterior panels to "partially disengage."
Assuming there are no more setbacks, the stadium should be ready for its debut later this month and for the Vikings and their fans to enjoy beginning with the 2016 preseason.
New England Patriots
20 of 32
Tom Brady is Still Awaiting Response to His Rehearing Request
For some reason, the mind-numbing madness that was the New England Patriots' deflated-football scandal of the 2014 season just won't go away. We'll spare you the full details (you've probably already had them crammed down your throat), but things have essentially unfolded as such.
The league suspended Patriots quarterback Tom Brady for four games for his alleged involvement in an alleged plan to gain a competitive advantage by underinflating footballs. He took the league to court and had his suspension overturned. Commissioner Roger Goodell and the league office appealed the court's decision and, earlier this offseason, had the suspension reinstated.
Brady and the NFLPA filed their own appeal nearly two months ago but still have not received an official response.
As Mark Maske of the Chicago Tribune recently explained, Brady may still be able to play in the season opener even if his appeal is denied:
"If Brady's request for a rehearing is denied, his legal options would be dwindling but not fully exhausted. He still could appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, and he could seek a stay of his suspension while the nation's highest court decides whether to hear the case.
If his request for a rehearing by the Second Circuit court is granted, there is the potential for Brady to play a second straight season while the appeals process plays out.
"
As things stand, though, the Patriots have to go into training camp with the mindset that backup Jimmy Garoppolo will be under center when the season opens. This uncertainty at quarterback is rightfully New England's biggest story heading into camp.
New Orleans Saints
21 of 32
Drew Brees' New Targets
The New Orleans Saints desperately need to revamp a defense that was uncannily bad last season—29.8 points per game allowed. While the team has taken steps to address that side of the ball, it has been a pair of new offensive additions who have been garnering buzz in the offseason.
Rookie receiver and Ohio State product Michael Thomas gives the Saints a new weapon on the outside. Free-agent acquisition Coby Fleener gives New Orleans more firepower at the tight end position. According to Mike Triplett of ESPN.com, Saints quarterback Drew Brees has been impressed with both players.
Per Triplett, Brees has been impressed with Thomas' development throughout the offseason and has marveled at Fleener's ability to separate from coverage.
“What I remember from film is that it’s like, ‘This guy is always open. How is he always open?’ No matter what the route is,” Brees said, per Triplett. “Because there’s nothing real flashy about him. It’s just kind of smooth, steady."
Brett Martell of the Shreveport Times seems to agree that Fleener has been impressive this offseason.
"Fleener’s potential to produce in the Saints’ passing game has been evident during mandatory minicamp this week, highlighted by a leaping first-down reception in 11-on-11 drills," Martell wrote last month of the new Saints tight end.
Having new targets like Thomas and Fleener should make Brees even more dangerous in 2016—and that's a scary thought. Brees led the NFL with 4,870 yards passing last season despite appearing in just 15 games.
If New Orleans can manage to turn its defense around, the Saints could return to playoff contention.
New York Giants
22 of 32
The Giants extend Brad Wing, are Changing Uniforms
After roughly 16 years of wearing the exact same uniforms, the New York Giants have decided to make a uniform change. The team announced on Monday that it would wear white pants for all home games instead of gray pants.
Reactions to the announcement have been mixed.
"I don't love the white pants either," Dan Graziano of ESPN.com wrote. "I think it looks a little too Little League. But that's just my own personal taste"
New York also announced on Monday that the team had reached a new deal with punter Brad Wing that will keep him in town through the 2019 season. Paul Schwartz of the New York Post reports that the new deal includes a three-year, $6.45 million extension.
Normally, a punter's extension isn't exactly buzz-worthy. However, Wing's extension comes with an interesting side note. For some reason, the move drew a congratulatory tweet from former Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel—and as we all know, Manziel tends to get folks talking with almost everything he does.
New York Jets
23 of 32
That Whole Ryan Fitzpatrick Thing
Unless you've been living under a rock—or, you know, just don't give a hoot about the New York Jets—you're probably aware that the Jets are still refusing to give in to quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick's contract wishes.
This means the guy who led the Jets to 10 wins in 2015 remains on the unemployed list.
The whole contract dance between Fitzpatrick and the Jets has been a hot topic throughout the offseason, but it actually becomes an even bigger issue with training camp rapidly approaching.
As of right now, Geno Smith is atop the depth chart for New York, and he would presumably open camp as the starter. Should Smith fall flat in training camp or in the preseason, it could give Fitzpatrick more leverage in potential contract talks. Sticking with Smith for much of camp would also limit Fitzpatrick's ability to prepare for the coming season, should he eventually find his way back onto the roster.
As Brian Costello of the New York Post recently observed, though, the Jets might not actually want Fitzpatrick after the opening of camp:
"The Jets were content to let Fitzpatrick miss the spring program since he is a 33-year-old veteran who knows Chan Gailey’s offense. But training camp is a different situation. Jets coach Todd Bowles said this spring that camp is when he would want his starting quarterback in the building. ...
If Fitzpatrick remains unsigned when camp opens, the Jets are going to face an interesting decision. When do you pull the offer completely? At some point, it becomes unfair to Smith, who has worked all offseason as the starter, to hand Fitzpatrick the starting job when he decides to sign.
"
The Jets will indeed have a tough decision to make if they cannot reach a new deal with Fitzpatrick by the end of the month. If they cannot, there's a strong chance Fitzpatrick remains on the unemployment line until an opportunity with a different franchise presents itself.
Oakland Raiders
24 of 32
The Las Vegas Raiders?
Talk of the Oakland Raiders relocating to Las Vegas hasn't died the quick death some might have initially predicted. In fact, the movement has done nothing but gain momentum.
Goodell made it known earlier this year that the league would not oppose a team moving to Las Vegas strictly because of legalized gambling there.
"It's the ownership's decision," Goodell said during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show. "It requires 24 of the 32 owners to approve any relocation to any market. Obviously there are specific issues that would need to be discussed in the context of Las Vegas. But I think it's way premature at this point to be speculating on that."
Since then, the NHL has approved the creation of an expansion team in Las Vegas—and plenty of folks are pushing the NFL to follow suit and place a franchise there.
According to Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com, the Southern Nevada Tourism Infrastructure Committee is discussing nine potential sites for a 65,000-seat stadium. Approving a stadium site would bring Vegas a step closer to securing an NFL team, and it appears the Raiders franchise is still the front-runner for the opportunity.
"Right now, I’m focused on Las Vegas," Raiders owner Mark Davis said, per Matt Youmans of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "We think it could make a great marriage with Las Vegas and the Raiders.”
This Raiders-to-Las Vegas talk is only likely to generate more buzz as we enter training camp and move forward.
Philadelphia Eagles
25 of 32
How Should the Eagles Handle Carson Wentz?
The Philadelphia Eagles traded up to the second overall slot in the draft in order to select quarterback Carson Wentz. However, the team also has veterans Sam Bradford and Chase Daniel on the roster. Therefore, the question becomes what exactly to do with the rookie.
Jimmy Kempski of PhillyVoice believes the Eagles should keep Wentz inactive on game days—since most teams only activate two quarterbacks on most game days:
"Could Wentz beat out Bradford if he outplays him in training camp? In theory, yes, I suppose. However, it would have to be so far beyond obvious that Wentz is ready to go that the Eagles would be willing to absorb the embarrassment of paying either Bradford or Daniel the way they did this offseason for them to hold a clipboard in street clothes.
"
Wentz, however, has done his share of impressing this offseason.
"From the intangibles that I see, the things I look for as a leader from a quarterback and from the physical presence, from the strength and the footwork, I certainly think he has a lot of the characteristics and makings of what could be a very good quarterback," Eagles trainer Todd Durkin said of Wentz, per Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News.
So should the Eagles give Wentz a chance to compete for the starting job? In a way, it would be unfair to the team not to at least consider the possibility. If he proves to be the best option, then he deserves to start. On the other hand, tempering expectations now could help prevent the fanbase from revolting every time Bradford tosses a bad pass or makes a silly mistake.
In order to earn a shot at the starting gig, Wentz is going to first to shake the idea that he isn't ready for it.
"The kid has potential, no doubt about that,'' an unnamed NFC executive said of Wentz, per Mark Eckel of NJ Advance Media. "But I don't think he's close to being ready to go out and start. That's my opinion, but it sounds like it's their opinion, too.
Pittsburgh Steelers
26 of 32
Pittsburgh's Backfield Could be Frightening in 2016
The Pittsburgh Steelers lost star running back Le'Veon Bell to a torn MCL after just six games last season. Yet, the team still finished with a middle-of-the-pack running game (ranked 16th with 107.8 yards per game on the ground) to complement its third-ranked (287.7 yards per game) aerial attack.
Much of the team's success on the ground came from backup DeAngelo Williams, who rushed for 907 yards, 4.5 yards per carry and 11 touchdowns.
Pittsburgh has already started thinking about the possibilities of having both backs available for a full season.
"It will be a lot easier to give Le'Veon some rest when he needs it, although he never wants to come off," offensive coordinator Todd Haley said, per Jacob Klinger of PennLive.com "But I think the interesting thing about the scenario is we've seen D-Will for a full year in our offense and doing things the way we do them."
If Bell can return to his pre-injury form—he racked up 2,215 combined rushing and receiving yards in 2014—the Steelers could have the most dangerous running back duo in the entire NFL this year. Fortunately, Pittsburgh should get a good early look at Bell's health when training camp opens.
"I'm going to be ready," Bell recently said of training camp, per James Walker of ESPN.com. "I know my knee is strong enough now."
Opposing defenses might not be so ready to see him return.
San Diego Chargers
27 of 32
Stadium Proposal Going to November Ballot
League ownership has already approved a move by the San Diego Chargers to the city of Los Angeles. The Chargers have until January 15 of next year to join the Rams in the stadium being built in Inglewood. If San Diego wants to keep its NFL team, it will likely have to find a way to build a new stadium.
The good news for San Diego fans is that the city appears one step closer to being able to make that stadium dream happen.
The Chargers have raised enough petition signatures to end a proposed hotel-tax increase to the November ballot. The proposed increase would raise the hotel tax from 12.5 percent to 16.5 percent and would help finance a $1.8 billion downtown stadium and convention center.
After the pending vote was announced, Chargers CEO Dean Spanos said the following, per David Garrick of the San Diego Union-Tribune:
"The entire Chargers organization is grateful to all of those who helped qualify our initiative for the November 2016 ballot. We gathered more than 110,000 signatures in less than six weeks, an extraordinary result that demonstrates the high level of community interest in a new multi-use stadium and convention center facility downtown.
"
If the tax proposal is approved, there's a good chance the Chargers will be staying in San Diego for the foreseeable future. If it is voted down, the team could be making a quick move to L.A., just like the Rams did this offseason.
San Francisco 49ers
28 of 32
Looming Competition at Quarterback
The San Francisco 49ers aren't likely to go anywhere this season until they get their quarterback situation sorted. Right now, that whole situation is murky.
Colin Kaepernick was benched in favor of Blaine Gabbert last season, but that was under former head coach Jim Tomsula. New head coach Chip Kelly will undoubtedly want to make his own decision.
Unfortunately, a series of offseason surgeries has kept Kaepernick off the practice field and has left Gabbert with all the momentum.
Everything, though, could turn in training camp, as NFL Media's Connor Orr recently explained.
"The Reality is that Kelly has three quarterbacks—Kaepernick, Blaine Gabbert and Jeff Driskel—with a relatively similar skill set at his disposal and will end up riding the hottest hand," Orr wrote.
Kelly is new to San Francisco but no longer new to the NFL. We've seen in the past that he is indeed unconventional and apt to base decisions on his own criteria. The starting 49ers job could go to any signal-caller on the roster.
Former 49ers head coach Mike Nolan has his personal pick.
"I think the [story] to watch is Chip Kelly and the San Francisco 49ers and how he manages that quarterback situation," Nolan said on NFL Total Access. "Obviously he's got two quarterbacks in Kaepernick and Blaine Gabbert, that he's picking from. Personally, I think Kaepernick's the better choice."
Plenty of folks have felt that Kaepernick would be a nice fit for Kelly's offense, based on the quarterback's skill set. At this point, however, we have yet to see if Kaepernick is even healthy enough to legitimately challenge Gabbert for the starting spot.
Seattle Seahawks
29 of 32
Thomas Rawls is Expected to be Ready for Training Camp
Running back Thomas Rawls supplied the Seattle Seahawks with a tremendous boost to their running game as a rookie last season. In 13 appearances, he amassed 830 yards rushing, a 5.6 yards-per-carry average and four touchdowns. Unfortunately, a fractured ankle ended his season prematurely.
With Rawls the most likely candidate to replace the retired Marshawn Lynch, his recovery has been a major offseason topic.
The good—and recent—news here is that Rawls will not only be ready for the season opener, it's looking like he'll be back in time for training camp.
"Rehab has been going phenomenal this whole offseason," Rawls said, per Sheil Kapadia of ESPN.com. "I don't have a break because I've gotta work 10 times harder. So I'm excited to come back and fill that void in that backfield."
"Most definitely," Rawls added when asked if he would be ready for the start of camp.
While Rawls appears eager to get back on the field, the Seahawks are likely to take a cautious approach.
"I think we'll probably ease into training camp," Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said, per Kapadia. "We won't rush him at that time. We'll just use all the six weeks or something in there, and we'll see what we can take advantage of."
Still, the fact that Seattle will have Rawls at training camp in any capacity is terrific. Having him prepared for the season should allow for a smoother transition out of the Lynch era.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
30 of 32
Jameis Winston's Development
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston had a strong rookie season in 2015. He passed for more than 4,000 yards, and he made his way into the Pro Bowl. However, the team itself struggled too often, and it fired head coach Lovie Smith following the season.
Offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter was promoted to head coach, in part to ensure continued development for Winston. The question many are asking now is whether Winston can take another step forward and become a true star in the NFL.
ESPN.com Saints reporter Mike Triplett, for one, believes Winston can. He recently said the following, per Jenna Laine of ESPN.com:
"I really do like what I've seen so far from Winston, not only on the field in Year 1 but off the field so far this offseason. His weight loss and work ethic and workouts with teammates all seem like real positive signs. I like his chances of reaching that "star" level even more than other promising young QBs such as [Marcus] Mariota, Derek Carr and Blake Bortles.
"
If Winston can grow from Year 1 to Year 2, it will help improve Tampa's chances of making a postseason return.
"Winston showed a lot as a rookie and has had a year to mature," Michael Stern of USA Today wrote. "Should the defense step up in 2016, the Buccaneers could significantly improve."
We'll get a good look at just how much Winston has or hasn't improved once training camp and the preseason open.
Tennessee Titans
31 of 32
The New-Look Backfield
The Tennessee Titans took major steps to revamp their backfield this offseason. The team traded for former league-rushing leader DeMarco Murray and drafted reigning Heisman winner Derrick Henry.
So far, it appears that both backs are going to be strong additions.
“He’s a coach’s dream,’’ Titans running backs coach Sylvester Croom said of Murray, per Jim Wyatt of the team's official website.
Murray will likely open the season as the team's starter because of his experience and his proven talent. However, Henry has been drawing his fair share of favorable reviews in the offseason.
"From a physical standpoint, his football talent is obvious,’’ Croom said of Henry, per Wyatt.
The presence of Murray and Henry should help in the development of second-year quarterback Mariota. It should also help take some of the offensive pressure off of his shoulders. Because of a poor running game—ranked 25th in the NFL with an average of 92.8 yards per game—Mariota was rarely afforded the opportunity to play the "game manager" role as a rookie. This should change in 2016, and Mariota appears ready.
"I told Coach Mike [Mularkey] that I'll hand the ball off 40 times a game if we win games," Mariota said last month, per Dave Johnson of the Daily Press. "That's what's important to me, to giving us an opportunity to win. Having those two workhorses back there should help us out."
Washington Redskins
32 of 32
Kirk Cousins Expected to Play on the Franchise Tag This Season
The Washington Redskins decided after last season that Kirk Cousins—not Robert Griffin III—was the team's quarterback of the future. It gave Griffin the boot and franchise-tagged Cousins.
Cousins passed for 4,166 yards last season with a passer rating of 101.6. More importantly, he led the Redskins to an NFC East title and into the postseason. This is why it made perfect sense for the team to franchise Cousins and why it would make sense to lock him up with a long-term deal.
Unfortunately, it doesn't look like a long-term deal is going to happen. Washington has until July 15 to get a deal done. Otherwise, the only contract Cousins can play under in 2016 will be the franchise tag. Sources have indicated to Florio that Cousins and Washington aren't expected to reach a new deal before the July 15 deadline passes.
This means Cousins will be getting nearly $20 million guaranteed to play in 2016 with a chance to hit the open market next offseason. Things could be a lot worse for the Michigan State product.
For Washington, this means the team will have another year to evaluate Cousins before handing him a big-money deal. By not committing to him now, the team could end up saving if Cousins stumbles in his second full season as a starter. Of course, a strong season could also make it harder to lock the quarterback up for the future.
All of this is going to add up to one heck of a storyline to follow during the 2016 season.
*All contract information via Spotrac.com.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Post-June 1 Trade Candidates ☎️")
.JPG?w=600 "TO Talks Cowboys Relationship")
.jpg?w=600 "Taylor Heinicke Retiring")
.jpg?w=600 "49ers OC Hypes Mike Evans 🤩")