Every NFL Team's Biggest Offseason Question Mark
The NFL's offseason kicked into overdrive days before the 2017 season officially ends, and it's only going to get more interesting in the coming months.
The Washington Redskins' decision to trade for Alex Smith set the quarterback carousel into motion, with multiple teams around the league being affected. The bold move made the franchise's former starter, Kirk Cousins, arguably the most significant free agent in NFL history.
Questions for numerous organizations start behind center, as the league is made of haves and have-nots. Either a team has a legitimate starting signal-caller or it doesn't. Those who do often find themselves in playoff contention, while those who don't operate at a distinct disadvantage.
It isn't always about the quarterback in place, either. Some teams will be looking for their next starter. Others are concerned about building around the current signal-caller. The game's most important position drives the entire league.
Teams that aren't concerned about their quarterback room at this juncture are operating at an advantage since so many other of their counterparts are.
Right now, teams across the NFL have a projected $1.1 billion of cap space available to spend in free agency, per Spotrac. The upcoming draft is deep at numerous positions. Trades and surprise moves will occur, too.
The NFL's landscape is primed for a massive shift, and everyone already experienced the first shockwave.
Arizona Cardinals
1 of 32
Larry Fitzgerald's Status
At first glance, quarterback appears to be the most glaring problem the Arizona Cardinals face this offseason. Carson Palmer decided to retire, and the team didn't have anyone waiting in the wings to take the job.
However, Larry Fitzgerald's upcoming decision whether to play one more year or retire is a far bigger question mark.
"I spoke with Larry. We had a very in-depth conversation. I enjoyed the conversation he and I had," head Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks said during his introductory news conference in January, per NFL.com's Jeremy Bergman. "He did not express he was or wasn't coming back, but we would definitely love to have him back. He is a major part of our success past, present and future—first-ballot Hall of Famer, so we definitely want him back."
Fitzgerald's importance to the team is defined in multiple ways. First, he's a team leader and helps set the tone in the locker room, which is especially important for a new coaching staff. Second, the 34-year-old led the Cardinals last season with 109 receptions and 1,156 receiving yards. Finally, his presence will be vital in the transition from Palmer to a new signal-caller as a reliable presence among the wide receivers.
The future Hall of Famer isn't just wanted back by Wilks and Co.; he's still needed.
Atlanta Falcons
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Defensive Line Contracts
The Atlanta Falcons are built to win over the long haul with young talent across their roster. Offensive stars Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman are all signed through at least 2019. On defense, however, it's a far different story.
Two of the team's starting defensive linemen, Adrian Clayborn and Dontari Poe, are free agents. Clayborn led the team with 9.5 sacks, while Poe played well in his first season with the team. The organization's willingness to keep either will depend on its long-term goals.
According to Spotrac, the Falcons are only $10 million under the projected 2018 salary cap. Yet Vic Beasley and Grady Jarrett (pictured above) are in line for long-term extensions. Jarrett is a free agent after the 2018 campaign, and his outstanding play warrants a resolution to his contract status this offseason.
Atlanta's options are limited.
The Falcons front office can stall Beasley's new deal by picking up his fifth-year option in 2019 and worry about finagling the salary cap next year. If Jarrett's extension becomes a priority, both Poe and Clayborn could leave via free agency. Or, general manager Thomas Dimitroff might try to re-sign one or both veterans and hope he can agree upon a new contract with Jarrett before he hits the open market.
Baltimore Ravens
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Wide Receiver Upgrades
The Baltimore Ravens require a wide receiver reset. They finished 29th overall at 189.4 passing yards per game and dead last with an average of 5.7 yards per attempt.
Some may point toward quarterback Joe Flacco as the problem, but the team isn't moving past the former Super Bowl XLVII MVP considering his contract status. Flacco carries a $24.75 million salary-cap hit this year, and his release would cost the Ravens an extra $4 million.
The spotlight then falls on a disappointing receiver corps.
Mike Wallace led the team with 748 receiving yards, but he's a free agent and turns 32 years old in August. While Wallace can still serve as a vertical threat, the Ravens need more of a presence from the position. Jeremy Maclin disappointed in his first season with the Ravens due to injuries, finishing with a meager 40 receptions. No other wide receiver on the roster had more than 19 catches.
Breshad Perriman also entered first-round bust status since he's provided next to nothing during his first three seasons.
The Ravens featured the league's least explosive offense in 2017, as they lack wide receivers who can consistently separate and create big plays.
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Buffalo Bills
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Tyrod Taylor's Future
Though Tyrod Taylor helped lead the Buffalo Bills to their first playoff appearance in 18 years, the coaching staff benched him at one point in favor of an ill-prepared fifth-round rookie. Hence, Taylor's time in Buffalo appears to be over, leaving the Bills in need of a replacement plan.
The lack of support for Taylor through two different front office regimes is mind-boggling. Is he the ideal quarterback? No. On the other hand, he's a starting-caliber quarterback who protects the football and creates outside of structure.
His style of play is an acquired taste. He isn't going to stand in the pocket and pick apart most defenses. Even so, he's been good enough to keep the Bills competitive despite their limitations on offense, particularly at wide receiver.
The heart wants what the heart wants, and head coach Sean McDermott seems to want a more traditional pocket passer. The current Bills quarterback holds an $18.08 million cap hit in 2018, but the organization can save $9.44 million by releasing and free up even more in a trade.
Buffalo is in the quarterback market as much as any other team.
Carolina Panthers
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Protecting Cam Newton
The Carolina Panthers' No. 1 objective for next season is to keep quarterback Cam Newton protected. To do so, the Panthers offensive line requires reinforcements.
Along with New England Patriots left tackle Nate Solder, Carolina left guard Andrew Norwell will be one of the most sought-after offensive linemen on the free-agent market. The 26-year-old, who has made 54 career regular-season starts, didn't allow a single sack or quarterback hit last season, according to Pro Football Focus (via Max Henson of the Panthers' official site).
The Panthers signed fellow guard Trai Turner to a four-year, $45 million contract extension prior to the 2017 season. The organization is unlikely to invest similar money in Norwell. Thus, Carolina figures to be searching for a new left guard.
Center Ryan Kalil is also on the verge of retirement. The five-time Pro Bowl performer announced the 2018 campaign will be his last, per the Charlotte Observer's Joseph Person. Kalil played in only 14 games the last two seasons due to injuries.
The younger Kalil, Matt, remains an inconsistent presence at left tackle. However, the Panthers can't move on from his current contract until after the upcoming season since the dead money ($9.6 million) is greater than his salary-cap hit ($6.9 million). Even so, the franchise should be planning to rebuild its entire left side.
Chicago Bears
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Build around Mitchell Trubisky
The Chicago Bears hired new head coach Matt Nagy for one reason: The former offensive coordinator is tasked with maximizing the talent of last year's second overall pick, quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. He'll need some help, though.
First, Nagy will implement schemes to make the second-year signal-caller more comfortable and effective.
"I think Trubisky's gonna light it up," former Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith told Pardon My Take's Dan Katz (via The Athletic's Kevin Fishbain) after playing for Nagy the past five seasons. "I think he's going to love it. I think they're going to put him in good situations. A lot of RPOs. ... Watching last year's Bears tape was rough. I felt bad for him, man."
Building a strong coach-quarterback relationship this offseason and improving the system is only part of the equation. The Bears are devoid of talent at wide receiver. Kendall Wright, who's set to be a free agent in March, led the team with 614 receiving yards. Kevin White is a first-round flop due to injuries. The offense's most talented target, Cameron Meredith, missed the entire 2017 campaign with a torn ACL in his left knee.
Chicago features a strong ground game with Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen. However, the offense must become more dynamic on the outside for Trubisky to realize his potential.
Cincinnati Bengals
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Offensive Line Shuffle
The Cincinnati Bengals' only goal this offseason should be to fortify their offensive front. The organization made the miscalculation of allowing both Andrew Whitworth and Kevin Zeitler to leave in free agency last offseason without having legitimate replacements on the roster.
Revolving doors emerged at offensive tackle and right guard. Continuity is an important aspect of offensive line play, and last year's group never developed chemistry.
"We just haven't gotten to the level we expected," head coach Marvin Lewis told the Cincinnati Enquirer's Paul Dehner Jr. and Jim Owczarski. "We have to get better. We have to get better with people. We have to make sure we solidify the thing. There's no question about it."
Acquiring better people is a good starting point. 2015 first-round pick Cedric Ogbuehi proved incapable of being an NFL left tackle. Jake Fisher has yet to develop into a full-time starter. Center Russell Bodine, who started every game over the past four seasons, is a free agent.
Clint Boling is the only blocker on the roster guaranteed to start next season. The rest of the line is well on its way toward a significant rebuild.
Cleveland Browns
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Quarterback, Quarterback, Quarterback
The Cleveland Browns' never-ending quarterback search remains a primary topic of conversation. The organization still hasn't found a way to adequately address the position despite cycling through 28 different starters since 1999.
"The Cleveland Browns are not going to be successful until we get a quarterback," owner Jimmy Haslam said in December, per WKYC Channel 3's Ben Axlerod. "... We're going to do whatever it takes to get a quarterback to be successful... that will be John [Dorsey's] No. 1 priority."
Dorsey, who became the Browns' new general manager on Dec. 7, has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal to achieve Haslam's stated goal. If Cleveland decides to enter the Kirk Cousins sweepstakes, it can use some of its $110-plus million in available salary-cap space. The franchise also holds the first and fourth overall picks in April's draft, which it could use on UCLA's Josh Rosen, USC's Sam Darnold, Oklahoma's Baker Mayfield or Wyoming's Josh Allen.
Head coach Hue Jackson believes everything is "on the table" with regard to drafting a quarterback and signing or trading for a veteran option, according to the Akron Beacon Journal's Nate Ulrich. AJ McCarron, Chase Daniel or Tyrod Taylor (if he becomes available) are possibilities.
Acquiring a veteran and drafting a top prospect is the most logical approach to finally ending to the NFL's longest quarterback purgatory.
Dallas Cowboys
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DeMarcus Lawrence's Deal
The Dallas Cowboys' offseason game plan is simple: make sure they re-sign defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence. His upcoming contract will consume much of the team's available $20.5 million in cap space. As a result, his status demands the most attention.
Lawrence broke out in 2017, as he tied for second leaguewide with 14.5 sacks and led the NFL in pass-rush productivity, according to Pro Football Focus' Mike Renner. The Cowboys do have options to retain the 25-year-old pass-rusher.
"Our first goal is to sign him to a long-term deal, obviously," Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said at the Senior Bowl, per the Star-Telegram's Drew Davison. "To me, the only reason you use a franchise tag is to hopefully protect yourself if you can’t get a long-term deal signed that you like. That's normally the route we like to go."
Jones and Co. have until the March 6 deadline to decide whether the franchise tag is necessary. Last year's franchise designation for defensive ends cost $16.934 million.
Edge-rushers in the prime of their careers rarely become available in free agency. Lawrence won't, either. However, the Cowboys can't be active in other areas until it settles Lawrence's situation.
Denver Broncos
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Quarterback Upgrade
Politicking occurs around the NFL as players try to lure free agents from other squads to their respective team. The Denver Broncos, for example, need an upgrade at quarterback after disastrous campaigns from Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch.
Kirk Cousins will be the hottest available name in free agency, and Broncos All-Pro linebacker Von Miller wants the 29-year-old signal-caller to know how much he could help Denver.
"He knows exactly how I feel about Kirk Cousins and what he'd mean to our team," Miller said during an interview on The Dan Patrick Show (via Pro Football Talk's Josh Alper). "And what he would mean to a lot of other teams. He’s the hot quarterback on the market right now. … Yeah, we need Kirk. We need Kirk. I'd like to have Kirk. We have great quarterbacks now. Kirk could take us over the edge."
The Broncos don't have as much cap flexibility as other teams that may be interested in the three-time 4,000-yard passer. However, they currently can offer him upwards of $28 million per season, and they could create more space by releasing cornerback Aqib Talib to save $11 million.
By being aggressive with Cousins or any other top free-agent quarterback, the organization doesn't need to give up on Lynch, who was a 2016 first-round pick, and use this year's fifth overall selection to secure an impact prospect.
Detroit Lions
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Ziggy Ansah's Status
DeMarcus Lawrence isn't the only prominent pass-rusher who could reach free agency this offseason. The Detroit Lions' Ziggy Ansah may test the market as well.
The decision to retain Ansah appears simple to those looking at his production during the last three seasons. The 2013 first-round pick has managed 28.5 sacks despite dealing with multiple injuries—which is the crux of the issue.
Over the last two seasons, the 28-year-old defender dealt with ankle, knee, shoulder and back problems.
"He's not as dominant as he was, and I think that's because of the injuries," former defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said in December, per the Detroit Free Press' Dave Birkett. "And I think that if he's healthy, boy, he's as good as you get."
How much will the Lions and other teams be willing to spend for damaged goods? No one knows Ansah's medical report better than Detroit. If the organization decides not to re-sign him, that will raise red flags. It's fair to wonder how incoming head coach Matt Patricia plans to use the defensive end, too.
The Lions don't have a prolific pressure defense, as they finished 20th overall with 35 sacks. Anthony Zettel ranked second on the team with 6.5 sacks, while no one else on the roster had more than three. The Lions must find a way to generate more pressure with or without Ansah.
Green Bay Packers
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Mike Pettine Adjustments
After spending nine years as the Green Bay Packers' defensive coordinator, Dom Capers is no longer with the team. Head coach Mike McCarthy hired former Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine to replace Capers. Both are well-known for their pressure packages.
Pettine will attack opposing offenses with exotic looks he learned while working alongside Rex Ryan. Those pressure packages will ease the burden on Green Bay's secondary, which has been the defense's downfall in recent seasons.
"That's what gets you beat the fastest," Pettine said during his introductory press conference, per USA Today Network's Ryan Wood. "I think you still have to be sound against the run, but you lose a heck of a lot faster when you’re giving up chunks in the passing game than you are necessarily in the run game."
Green Bay finished 30th this season in yards per pass attempt allowed (7.9). Seeing players like Casey Hayward and Micah Hyde excel with other teams after Green Bay's front office decided not to re-sign either only adds to the disappointment, as the team's recent investments haven't flourished.
On top of potential scheme changes and developing the talent already on the roster, veterans Davon House and Morgan Burnett are free agents.
The Packers rarely wade into free-agent waters, but that may change under the direction of new general manager Brian Gutekunst. Instead of shopping in the bargain bin, the Packers might pursue significant free agents.
Houston Texans
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Offensive Tackle Overhaul
Both of the Houston Texans' starting offensive tackles, Chris Clark and Breno Giacomini, are free agents. This should be viewed as a positive since the organization needs to overhaul the position.
Clark wasn't expected to start, but Duane Brown's holdout and subsequent trade forced him into the lineup. The 10-year veteran did his best to protect the blind side even though he doesn't excel at blocking some of the league's top pass-rushers. An ankle injury ended his season with a trip to injured reserve.
Giacomini started all 16 games, much to the detriment of Houston's quarterbacks. The 32-year-old lineman played every snap this past season, but his performance placed him among the league's worst blockers.
Both free agency and the draft can help Houston revamp this position.
The Texans have $57.8 million of available salary-cap space to pursue Nate Solder, James Hurst or Justin Pugh. General manager Rick Smith can double down by drafting an offensive tackle as well. Unfortunately, the team doesn't own either its first- or second-round picks due to trades with the Cleveland Browns. Thus, immediate offensive line help may not come from a rookie.
Indianapolis Colts
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Waiting for Luck
Andrew Luck's right shoulder injury may be the most scrutinized ailment in NFL history. His situation developed into a great mystery throughout the regular season and even included a secretive trip to Europe for further treatment.
The Colts originally expected Luck to be ready for the 2017 season opener after he underwent shoulder surgery last offseason to repair a torn labrum. He wasn't. Indianapolis then slow-played the possibility of a later return. Eventually, the organization decided to place its franchise signal-caller on injured reserve in November.
Luck's slow recovery seemed to catch everyone off guard. Professional athletes are so often described as ahead of schedule in their rehabilitation that it has become a cliche. Athletes receive the best medical care and aggressive treatment. It's rare for an injury not to respond in an expected manner.
Right now, the Colts' entire offseason hinges on Luck's recovery. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, the quarterback continues to regain his strength, and he's "very close" to throwing again. He's also expected to join 3DQB's Tom House and Adam Dedeaux to work on his mechanics.
General manager Chris Ballard has a hefty sum of salary-cap space to spend in free agency, and the franchise is ready to welcome new head coach Josh McDaniels into the fold. Luck's status overrides everything else in the coming months, though.
Jacksonville Jaguars
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Blake Bortles Paradox
The Jacksonville Jaguars sit at a crossroads with quarterback Blake Bortles. Executive vice president of football operations Tom Coughlin must decide this offseason whether to get rid of Bortles or to continue relying on the 2014 third overall pick.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the organization is "planning to keep [Bortles]." A wrist injury may have complicated those plans, because he required surgery after the season and his $19.053 million fifth-year option becomes fully guaranteed if he can't pass a physical by March 16.
That date is important, as the league's new year begins on March 14. Free agency starts on the same day.
Things can change based on opportunities. The Jaguars may want to explore their options with Kirk Cousins, Case Keenum or any other quarterback, and they should. Bortles, who finished outside the top 10 overall in every major statistical category, isn't a top-end starter.
Jacksonville's roster is nearly complete. It features the league's second-ranked defense and top ground game, yet it falls short in one important area. The right move at quarterback can push the Jaguars past the New England Patriots as the AFC's best squad.
Kansas City Chiefs
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Wide Receiver Help
The future is now in Kansas City after the Alex Smith trade, and every step the Chiefs take will revolve around new starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Each decision must be preceded by one question: What places Mahomes in the best position to succeed?
Addressing wide receiver is a logical starting point. Tyreek Hill is a star. The NFL's fastest player is a threat to score every time he touches the football. Yet the Chiefs offense lacks options beyond Hill and All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce. This became blatantly obvious when the offense grew stagnant after Kelce suffered a concussion during the playoff contest against the Tennessee Titans.
Albert Wilson finished third on the team 554 receiving yards, but the 25-year-old slot receiver is a free agent who may be looking for a big payday and an increased role. Chris Conley didn't emerge as a solid No. 2 option, hauling in only 11 receptions before he suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon. Demarcus Robinson flashed at times, but he's still raw.
The Chiefs created some salary-cap space by agreeing to the Smith deal. However, the organization still lacks the flexibility needed to pursue a top free-agent receiving option. Also, the team doesn't own a first-round pick after trading up in last year's draft to acquire Mahomes. Kansas City needs to make additional moves before it can satisfactorily address the wide receiver position.
Los Angeles Chargers
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Kicking Conundrum
Franchises typically look to improve in the offseason by making splashy free-agent signings or drafting an impact prospect at a position of need. Special teams receive little attention, even if upgrades are necessary.
The Los Angeles Chargers aren't going to overlook their special teams after they cycled through four different kickers during the regular season, however. Punter Drew Kaser was even forced into the role for a short period of time.
"I think if the kicking was better, the special teams wouldn’t be such an eye sore at times," head coach Anthony Lynn said during his end-of-year press conference, per ESPN.com's Eric D. Williams.
Lynn's squad finished dead last in kicking efficiency, converting only 66.7 percent of its field-goal attempts. Kickoffs became an issue, too. According to Williams, the squad managed the worst kickoff starting point of any NFL team, with an average of the 23-yard line.
Nick Rose and Roberto Aguayo are currently on the roster. Sebastian Janikowski, Cody Parkey, Ryan Succop and Graham Gano are potential free-agent targets, while Auburn's Daniel Carlson is considered the top kicking prospect.
Los Angeles Rams
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Aaron Donald's Megadeal
The NFL's best defensive player deserves to be paid as such. The Los Angeles Rams can't allow defensive tackle Aaron Donald to play under the final of his rookie contract. Nothing is more important than coming to terms on a long-term agreement with the three-time first-team All-Pro.
Donald is a dominant force in the middle of the Rams defense. Even as the front office considers its options regarding defensive backs Trumaine Johnson and Lamarcus Joyner, both of whom are about to enter free agency, the defensive tackle's situation takes precedence because he's the driving force for the entire unit.
According to Pro Football Focus, Donald's 91 total pressures led the NFL last season. He's registered a sack, a quarterback hit or a hurry in 59 straight contests. As such, he dethroned the injured J.J. Watt as the league's top defender.
Donald sat out all of training camp and the preseason in an attempt to jump-start negotiations, and he didn't return to the field until Sept. 9. The longer the Rams wait, the more valuable he becomes. The 26-year-old's next contract should be well over $100 million.
"Every year, the market changes based on last year's [free-agent] crop signing, and there is a new highest-paid player," general manager Les Snead said, per Alex Marvez of Sporting News. "We'll have to manage that. Also, every year we have more UFAs and decisions to make.
"But Aaron is always going to be a big part of that puzzle. We'll always keep room in the budget for Aaron Donald and work around him."
Miami Dolphins
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Jarvis Landry Negotiations
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry headlines the wide receiver free-agency pool after setting an NFL record with 400 receptions in his first four seasons.
However, discussions regarding a possible contract extension in Miami have been contentious.
"From the offer process until this point was disrespectful," Landry told the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson. "I tried to handle it the right way and figured if a team values you and wants you to be a part of the team, why haven't they answered [his agent's counter-offer] in the past month?"
Landry did tell ESPN.com's Jenna Laine that the two sides made some progress in recent days. How much the team actually values its leading receiver remains in question, however.
The three-time Pro Bowl performer is a slot receiver by trade and doesn't provide an explosive element to the offense. This year, he became the first player in NFL history to catch 100 passes and not eclipse 1,000 receiving yards. His 8.8 yards per catch tied for 108th overall among targets who qualified. Last season, Landry finished with a career-high at 12.1 yards per reception and still tied for 68th overall.
The Dolphins can lean on talented receivers such as Kenny Stills and DeVante Parker if they allow Landry to test the open market.
Minnesota Vikings
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Franchise Quarterback Decision
Three's Company in Minnesota as the Vikings decide which of their trio of current quarterbacks can start for the team in 2018.
General manager Rick Spielman drafted Teddy Bridgewater to be the face of the franchise, and he was well on his way until a significant knee injury cost him all of the 2016 campaign and most of the '17 season, too. Medical personnel finally cleared the 2014 first-round pick in October, and he practiced with the team for over two months. Despite the setback, he expects to start in 2018.
"Definitely. No question," Bridgewater told the St. Paul Pioneer Press' Dane Mizutani.
Case Keenum became the reason why Bridgewater didn't see any meaningful game action. Keenum completed 67.6 percent of his passes for 3,547 yards and 22 touchdowns, helping guide the Vikings to a 13-3 record and the No. 2 seed in the NFC. He also provided one of the most memorable moments in playoff history with the Minnesota Miracle. Can he be as effective outside of Pat Shurmur's offense, though? Plus, he's four years older than Bridgewater.
Sam Bradford is clearly the odd man out due to a lingering knee injury that sidelined him for the majority of the 2017 season.
New England Patriots
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Tom Brady Backup Plan
Egos often drive the downfall of dynasties. Regardless of whether the Patriots win a sixth Super Bowl on Sunday with Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, changes are forthcoming.
Both of the team's coordinators, Matt Patricia and Josh McDaniels, are leaving to become head coaches. That's problematic even for the Patriots, who are as good at identifying coaching talent as any organization.
But a potential rift occurred within the franchise when the Patriots decided to trade Jimmy Garoppolo, according to ESPN The Magazine's Seth Wickersham. New England now has no backup plan for Brady. While he's the greatest ever to play the position, TB12 can't hold off Father Time forever. The 40-year-old signal-caller appears to have at least one or two good years left in him after he participates in Super Bowl LII.
What's next? The Patriots don't have an answer. Therein lies the problem.
An early draft investment can ease any supposed fractures found within the organization. Quarterback is a priority, even if Brady believes he can play until he's 45. Relying on the future Hall of Famer beyond 2018 is a dangerous strategy. The Patriots must find Brady's eventual replacement sooner than later.
New Orleans Saints
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Added Pass Rush
Drew Brees impending date with free agency will dictate the direction of the New Orleans Saints' offseason, but the 39-year old quarterback has already made up his mind. He doesn't plan on playing anywhere else.
"New Orleans Saints," Brees said at the Pro Bowl when asked what team he wants to play for, per ESPN.com's Jenna Laine. "I'm not going anywhere else."
Thus, New Orleans general manager Mickey Loomis can turn his attention toward the team's improving defense. The Saints made a significant leap on that side of the ball after years of awful play. They still have areas in which they can improve, though.
Defensive end is a concern. Cameron Jordan is one of the league's best, and he set a career-high with 13.0 sacks in 2017. However, the Saints lack a bookend. Alex Okafor played well as Jordan's counterpart, but he suffered a torn Achilles in Week 11. The 26-year-old defender is a free agent, too. Okafor still tied for second on the team with 4.5 sacks.
Adding more of a pass-rush presence alongside Jordan can make the three-time Pro Bowler even more effective.
New York Giants
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Eli Manning's Replacement
For now, Eli Manning is the New York Giants' starting quarterback. However, the dynamic within the team's quarterback room has the potential to evolve.
"I watched Eli throw a little bit this summer, and I walked away saying he looked really, really good," new head coach Pat Shurmur said during his introductory press conference, per Michael Eisen of the Giants' official site. "He looked fit. He was throwing the ball well. The ball had good velocity coming off his hand. I think he's got years left. How much, I don't know. But I think he has time left, and I look forward to working with him."
Shurmur's comments provide hope for the Giants fanbase, save for perhaps the idea that Manning may have "years left." The quarterback turned 37 in January and his production decreased in each of the last two seasons. Plus, he's never played in a precision passing offense like Shurmur prefers.
The Giants may not be searching for a starting quarterback this fall, but an acquisition for the 2019 and '20 campaigns isn't out of the equation.
New York owns the second overall pick in April's draft. The organization acquired Manning (after selecting Philip Rivers) the last time it held a top-five selection. USC's Sam Darnold, UCLA's Josh Rosen and Wyoming's Josh Allen are all 21 years old or younger. Now is the time to acquire a future franchise quarterback and groom him for a season or two behind Manning.
New York Jets
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Quarterback Change
The New York Jets outperformed all reasonable expectations in 2017 after the organization purged itself of its high-profile veterans last offseason. One veteran addition turned out to be an exceptional signing, as Josh McCown had the best season of his 15-year career with 2,926 passing yards and 18 touchdowns.
But the Jets are far from settled at quarterback, and the 38-year-old McCown shouldn't deter them from investing in the game's most important position. However, the veteran can still be a bridge to their next signal-caller.
"I enjoyed my season there this year," McCown said, per the New York Post's Brian Costello. "More than anything, just the people in the organization. It's a special place from the ownership down. I enjoyed my time with Coach [Todd] Bowles. A lot of decisions have to be made within the next few months, but I loved being there, and we'll see how it plays out."
The Jets own the sixth overall pick in April's draft, and they're in a position to select one of the top prospects. McCown is the perfect mentor for a neophyte signal-caller.
Then again, general manager Mike Maccagnan may be bold and pursue Kirk Cousins in free agency. The Jets rank fourth overall with more than $79.5 million in available salary-cap space.
Whatever path the team chooses, the goal remains the same: find a starting-caliber quarterback and a new face of the franchise.
Oakland Raiders
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Khalil Mack Extension
The Oakland Raiders are terrible on defense, yet they feature one of the NFL's most dominant performers in Khalil Mack, who won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in his third season, Now, the organization must focus on signing him to a long-term contract.
In November, general manager Reggie McKenzie saidhe "absolutely" hopes to have a new deal for Mack in place prior to the 2018 campaign, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal's Michael Gehlken. Things may have changed after the Raiders hired new head coach Jon Gruden, although he and his new staff rightly plan to build around Mack.
"Having a talent like that and ability of a guy like that, certainly you want to make it the centerpiece of the defense," defensive coordinator Paul Guenther said in a January conference call, per ESPN.com's Paul Gutierrez.
"We have to continue to develop our younger players to bring those guys up to speed and add people as we go through the draft and free agency. [But Mack is] a guy that you can really build a foundation through and around. He's an exciting guy to be able to coach, for sure."
Mack, who is entering the last year of his rookie contract, racked up 36.5 sacks during the past three seasons. He's also a wrecking ball against the run. The rest of the defense needs help after finishing 23rd overall last season, but the 2014 first-round pick is a dominant performer and a perfect building block. If the Raiders don't invest now, they'll run the risk of losing him later.
Philadelphia Eagles
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Jason Peters' Prospects
Watching great players hobble into retirement is hard to watch. Few athletes dictate when they get to leave the game.
Jason Peters ranks among the best offensive linemen of his generation, and he isn't ready to go. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane, Peters plans to play next year, whether it's with the Eagles or another team. His time in Philadelphia may be done, though.
The franchise is currently over the projected 2018 salary cap, and releasing Peters will place it in the black. The move wouldn't be strictly a financial decision since the 36-year-old left tackle is still recovering from the ACL and MCL tears he suffered in Week 7.
The organization also appears to have found a younger and cheaper option in Halapoulivaati Vaitai. The 2016 fifth-round pick started slowly as Peters' replacement, but he has improved each week as a starter.
"It's gotten (more) calm as each week's gone by," Vaitai recently said, per NBC Sports Philadelphia's Reuben Frank. "Still not comfortable, still have to work to do, but as the weeks go on I guess my nerves have calmed down a little bit.
"The more repetition, the more experience I get, [the better I'll play]. I just have to continue doing what I'm doing. It's night and day [over earlier this year]."
Peters is a team leader and remains a tremendous performer when healthy, but the league eventually moves on from everyone.
Pittsburgh Steelers
27 of 32
Keep or Quit Le'Veon Bell
What an NFL organization and player want and the reality of a situation can be far different things. For example, free-agent-to-be Le'Veon Bell stated he's a 15 on a scale from one to 10 in his desire to remain with the Pittsburgh Steelers, per Jane Slater of NFL Network.
"We're a lot closer this year than we were last year," Bell added. "That's the biggest thing for me. I like the progress, and I like the fact we're trying to get a deal done as quickly as possible. They're making me feel like I'm a priority, and that feels good."
Bell turned down a five-year contract worth more than $60 million last July, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette. How the Steelers can improve upon that offer remains unclear since they currently don't have any salary-cap space. They're actually in the red at the moment, and general manager Kevin Colbert must find creative ways to add significant room even to consider re-signing Bell.
The 25-year-old running back's talent can't be questioned. He's a workhorse and a true three-down back. Bell finished second overall in 2017 with 1,946 total yards from scrimmage. The 2013 second-round pick finished with 1,268 or more rushing yards in three of the last four seasons. His name is one of the first mentioned in conversations about the league's top backs.
The Steelers weren't shy about riding Bell, either. He amassed 836 total touches over the last two seasons. Every team interested in his services must consider that massive number. When will he reach his inevitable decline? Considering the Steelers' current cap situation and Bell's recent output, perhaps allowing him to leave isn't the worst idea.
San Francisco 49ers
28 of 32
Franchise Quarterback Money
The Jimmy Garoppolo show is just starting for the San Francisco 49ers. Before it does, business needs to take place.
The 49ers are wallowing in salary-cap space. San Francisco leads the league with more than $119.4 million to spend. Granted, a huge chunk of that is earmarked for Garoppolo's long-term extension.
General manager John Lynch traded for the quarterback in the last year of his rookie deal. Once he entered the lineup, the 26-year-old signal-caller completed 67.4 percent of his passes, provided a calming presence behind center and helped lead the 49ers to five straight victories.
"He was a great addition to our team," Lynch told NFL Network's Alex Flanagan during Senior Bowl week (via the 49ers' official site). "Kind of game-changer. When you find the right guy at that position, it's really good for your franchise. We believe we found the right guy. Now, the challenge is getting Jimmy signed. We're working hard toward that, and we'll see.
"I think he wants to be with us, and we want him there. It makes too much sense not to happen. So, it's just a matter of getting it done."
Lynch took a risk to change the franchise's direction. The 49ers are well on their way to better days as long as the two sides can reach an agreement.
Seattle Seahawks
29 of 32
Seattle's Sinking Status
All eras end. The Seattle Seahawks' time as one of the NFL's dominant defenses is coming to a close due to injuries and age.
Unfortunately, Kam Chancellor and Cliff Avril's careers are in jeopardy since both are dealing with serious neck injuries.
"Cliff and Kam are going to have a hard time playing football again," head coach Peter Carroll admitted in January, per 710 ESPN Seattle's Stacy Jo Rust.
Chancellor set the bar at strong safety for the rest of the league and served as the Legion of Boom's intimidator. Avril accumulated 74 career sacks. General manager John Schneider will be forced to find replacements, which won't be easy.
Richard Sherman, who serves as the face and voice of the team, turns 30 years old in March, and he ruptured an Achilles tendon in Week 10. How he responds next season is still in question. Sherman also carries a $13.2 million cap hit into the 2018 campaign. After rumors of a potential trade last season, now may be the time for Seattle to make a clean break from the three-time first-team All-Pro.
Seattle only has $14.1 million in available cap space. Moving on from these franchise stalwarts will be difficult, but the organization has to look at all of its options since signing free-agent defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson should be a priority.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
30 of 32
A Truly Offensive Defense
The NFL's worst defense resides in Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers finished dead last in total defense, pass defense and sacks. The latter two go hand-in-hand.
Mike Smith's unit finished with a measly 22 sacks. Defensive tackles Gerald McCoy and Clinton McDonald accounted for half of those. The team's edge presence is nonexistent. All of the Bucs' defensive ends combined for 8.5 sacks.
Meanwhile, McDonald is a free agent. Re-signing the 31-year-old interior defender and cutting some of the dead weight at defensive end seems to be a logical move. Tampa Bay can add $6 million to its already ample $64.5 million in salary-cap space by releasing Robert Ayers. The front office can then concentrate on trying to acquire free agents like DeMarcus Lawrence, Ziggy Ansah, Adrian Clayborn or Aaron Lynch if they don't re-sign with their current teams.
A lack of pressure forces defensive backs to cover for longer. More often than not, receivers find a way to get open when there's plenty of time to separate. Brent Grimes has been the Buccaneers' best cover corner over the last two seasons, and the 34-year-old veteran is a free agent as well.
The Buccaneers offense is loaded. The team, however, will never reach its playoff potential without massive upgrades to the defense.
Tennessee Titans
31 of 32
Cater to Marcus Mariota
The Tennessee Titans expect more than a 9-7 regular-season record and second-round exit from the playoffs. As a result, Mike Mularkey is the no longer the team's head coach.
Enter Mike Vrabel. The former Houston Texans defensive coordinator is considered a great communicator, but he isn't experienced on offense. As such, his handling of Marcus Mariota will be closely monitored. The Titans coaching staff must do a better job of building its scheme and personnel around the quarterback's skill set. This is where Mularkey failed, and it's what makes the hiring of Matt LaFleur as offensive coordinator so intriguing.
"He is going to develop an offense that puts our players in position to have success," Vrabel said, per ESPN.com's Cameron Wolfe. "Matt has worked with some great offensive minds, helped game-plan on those staffs, and I am looking forward to seeing him take that next step as a play-caller."
The 2015 second overall pick suffered through his worst professional season in 2017 with 13 touchdown passes compared to 15 interceptions. His turnaround won't be entirely scheme-related, though.
Mariota is at his best when he can get the ball out of his hand quickly and allow his targets to gain yards after the catch. Unfortunately, the Titans' wide receiver corps isn't built in that manner.
Tennesse lacks explosive targets. The organization drafted Corey Davis with the fifth overall pick last year, but injuries slowed him as a rookie. Rishard Matthews and Eric Decker, the latter of whom is a free agent, are solid veteran options without much ability to create chunk plays.
Washington Redskins
32 of 32
Secondary Issues
Thanks to the Alex Smith trade, the Washington Redskins' secondary took a major hit. The group will be shuffled after Washington traded away second-year standout Kendall Fuller.
Fuller finished his second campaign as the NFL's best nickel corner on Bleacher Report's NFL1000. Needless to say, his teammates weren't happy with the departure of the 22-year-old defensive back.
"Never Saw Any Bulls--- Like This In My Life," safety D.J. Swearinger tweeted and later deleted, per ESPN.com's John Keim. "Idc who i rub wrong because you never sat in a meeting nor put in work with my dawg!! People say they wanna win right but you throw away your best defender!?!? Somebody you can set a standard with?!?!"
A franchise quarterback carries far more weight than a talented young cornerback. However, Fuller's removal only adds to the problems Washington's secondary already faced with Bashaud Breeland set to enter free agency and DeAngelo Hall having retired.
Jay Gruden's squad still features Swearinger, Montae Nicholson, Deshazor Everett, Quinton Dunbar and Josh Norman. Even so, last season's ninth-ranked pass defense will be down two of its best performers unless Washington re-signs Breeland. That seems unlikely since he's among the top available cornerbacks.
All stats via Pro Football Reference or NFL.com unless otherwise noted. Contract numbers courtesy of Spotrac.
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