Tag: offseason

New York Jets Tyrod Taylor (2) and Justin Fields (7) weren't the answer at quarterback in 2025.

New York Jets Offseason Primer: Calling all QBs

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Jets owner Woody Johnson can hardly believe the luck on this circuitous route the franchise has traveled right back to the same starting point.

Pretty much every avenue a team can think of to find a franchise quarterback has been walked by Johnson and the Jets but none of them have led to a return to the playoffs.

The New York franchise’s longing for legitimacy and pining for a passer to lead the Jets’ flight out of a deep pattern of losing has quarterback atop the offseason list of needs yet again.

But as luck would have it, only one quarterback — Indiana’s Heisman Trophy and national title-winning Fernando Mendoza — carries a cemented first-round grade in the 2026 draft class.

And taking a swing for a home run with the No. 2 overall pick, that’s not an option the Jets want to weigh this time around.

Their past history with draft-and-develop options includes investments in top-five prospects — most recently Zach Wilson (second overall in 2021), and Sam Darnold (third overall, 2018) — and a slew of second-rounders, from Geno Smith to Christian Hackenberg. None of them panned out in New York.

Trade for a veteran? Always an option. Then again, acquiring Aaron Rodgers to start the 2023 season served mostly as a grand stage for another dumpster fire. He ruptured his Achilles on the first possession of his first game with the Jets and a roster he helped load with friends and comrades never touched the playoff bar set by Johnson and former GM Joe Douglas.

The Jets tried the free agent route just last March, luring former first-rounder Justin Fields (Bears) with a two-year, $40 million deal. The forward pass was not a friend of Fields with top weapon Garrett Wilson hurt, and first-year coach Aaron Glenn turned to journeyman Tyrod Taylor and eventually undrafted rookie Brady Cook to no avail.

In February, Darnold lifted the Lombardi Trophy with the Seahawks.

A playoff drought running from the end of the 2010 AFC Championship game to the present might not see an immediate end.

But the Jets do have a plan. They loaded up on draft capital by trading away first-round hits Quinnen Williams (to Dallas) and Sauce Gardner (to Indianapolis) with a multi-point U-turn in mind. Four picks in the top 44 is enough draft ammunition for the Jets to get creative in their pursuit of playmakers.

Even so, the help wanted sign looms large at the NFL’s most vital position.

Here’s a snapshot of the Jets entering the NFL Scouting Combine:

Projected 2026 salary cap space: $79.1 million

Highest salary cap figure for 2026: CB Brandon Stephens, $13.97 million; QB Justin Fields, $23 million

Key free agents: RB Breece Hall, LB Quincy Williams, OG Alijah Vera-Tucker

Team needs: QB, DE, DT, CB, WR

2026 draft selections (round: overall pick)
First round: 2nd, 16th overall
Second round: 33rd, 44th overall
Fourth round: 103rd
Fifth round: 175th, 178th
Sixth round: 193rd, 207th
Seventh round: 219th, 243rd

–Field Level Media

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby is a candidate to be traded as the franchise begins another dramatic rebuild. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Las Vegas Raiders Offseason Primer: First and Plenty

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Worst to first, the Raiders are on top of the world entering the 2026 offseason.

As the league year begins in March, Las Vegas is steering by virtue of finishing 3-14 and securing the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

What do the Raiders need to return to respectability? In a word: plenty.

But with ten selections in the draft and more than $87 million under the salary cap, the Raiders are well-armed to restock a roster with significant needs to become competitive in the AFC West.

Here’s a snapshot of the Raiders entering the NFL Scouting Combine and a pivotal offseason:

Projected 2026 salary cap space: $87.2 million

Highest salary cap figure for 2026: DE Maxx Crosby, $35.791 million

Key free agents: OG Dylan Parham, DE Malcolm Koonce, C Jordan Meredith (RFA), QB Kenny Pickett, CB Eric Stokes, LB Elandon Roberts, K Daniel Carlson

Team needs: QB, OL, WR, DL

2026 draft selections:
First round: 1st overall
Second round: 36th overall
Third round: 67th overall
Fourth round: 102nd, 117th, 134th
Fifth round: 174th
Sixth round: 180th, 183rd
Seventh round: 220th

–Field Level Media

Sep 15, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Las Vegas Raiders offensive tackle Kolton Miller (74) before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Raiders LT Kolton Miller not taking part in voluntary offseason program

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Las Vegas Raiders left tackle Kolton Miller continues to sit out of the team’s voluntary offseason program, hoping to negotiate a contract extension.

Miller, 29, was selected by the franchise with the No. 15 overall pick of the 2018 draft. Before the 2021 season, he signed a three-year, $54 million contract extension and is due to earn a $12.2 million base salary in 2025 in the final years of the deal.

His current contract contains no guaranteed money for the upcoming season.

Raiders general manager John Spytek told reporters Friday that he does not talk about contracts.

“I’m just gonna give you our answer and it’s gonna be this going forward,” Spytek said. “We’re not gonna discuss contracts publicly and this is certainly a voluntary part of the offseason program. Guys are free to come and go as they please.”

Miller has played 109 games (107 starts) with the Raiders. His 80.6 overall Pro Football Focus grade in 2024 was 13th among tackles.

-Field Level Media

Carolina Panthers safety Jeremy Chinn (21) and defensive end Brian Burns (53) are priority free agents this offseason. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers offseason primer: Rebuilding around Bryce Young

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Carolina Panthers
2023 record: 2-15
Projected salary cap space: $30.2 million

Offseason storylines: New coach. No first-round pick. Worst record in the NFL. Where do the Panthers go from here? There’s conceivably only one direction for Carolina under first-time head coach Dave Canales. To stoke greatness the franchise believes is within 2023 No. 1 pick Bryce Young, the Panthers are trying to make his life easier with explosive playmakers and a polished offensive line. How many of those boxes they can check this spring isn’t clear, but new GM Dan Morgan vows to be bold.

Team Needs: WR, DE, LB, CB, OL
Hats off to Adam Thielen for his 103-catch season in his Carolina debut. The Panthers had only 13 TD passes in 17 games and averaged 13.9 points per game. It’ll be a steep climb from here to becoming a potent offense. A lead receiver with big-play flair and improved offensive line play are necessary. Then there’s the matter of fixing the defense. Problem areas are plentiful. The Panthers allowed 25 rushing touchdowns and totaled 27 sacks.

Top free agent: OLB/DE Brian Burns — When talks crumbled around Burns’ request for $30 million per season last summer, the notion the two sides could ever find middle ground on a contract appeared to be a pipedream. Burns still wants the bag. But he might be more realistic about the total value after notching 8.0 sacks and fighting injuries in 2023. Burns and S Jeremy Chinn, another priority free agent, aren’t yet 26 years old.

Unrestricted free agents (as of March 11):
DE Henry Anderson
OLB Brian Burns
WR DJ Chark Jr.
S/LB Jeremy Chinn
S Sam Franklin Jr.
CB Shaquill Griffin
OLB Yetur Gross-Matos
ILB Kamu Grugler-Hill
OLB Marquis Haynes Sr.
CB C.J. Henderson
CB Troy Hill
RG Gabe Jackson
LS JJ Jansen
LB Deion Jones
ILB Frankie Luvu
G/C Justin McCray
K Eddy Pineiro
T David Sharpe
WR Laviska Shenault Jr.
LDE DeShawn Williams
DE Chris Wormley

–Field Level Media

Jan 21, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) rushes the ball past Buffalo Bills defensive end Leonard Floyd (56) in the second half of the 2024 AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Bills offseason primer: In the red with a Mahomes problem

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Buffalo Bills
2023 record: 11-6

Projected salary cap space: Over the cap

Offseason storylines: Buffalo sets out on a recurring mission to solve its Mahomes problem and Bills general manager Brandon Beane better buckle his chin strap. He was staring at a cap deficit of around $40 million when the Super Bowl confetti rained down on the Chiefs in Las Vegas. A few veterans on the wrong side of 30 will likely be jettisoned, but there’s no change in the couch cushions to bring in a significant addition in free agency without moving another contract off the books. Buffalo has 10 draft picks, and Beane faces pressure to land impact players early and often.

Team Needs: S, Edge, CB, DT, WR
More pressure might make the coverage better and better coverage personnel could make the pass rush look improved, but upgrades at those positions are necessary based on the free agent class for the Bills. Pass rush was a problem and Von Miller was nearly non-existent with zero sacks in 257 snaps. No. 2 wide receiver Gabe Davis could find a bigger offer elsewhere. Even with a miniscule sack percentage (3.98), are the Bills OK risking it without a proven backup? Josh Allen’s understudy spot is vacant and should be addressed. He has a streak of 96 consecutive starts including the playoffs, but runs often enough to spark wonder if recent shoulder and elbow woes might be a byproduct of taking too many hits.

Top free agent: DE Leonard Floyd – A late free agent signing last spring, Floyd led the team with 10.5 sacks and enjoyed playing alongside interior troublemaker Ed Oliver. Floyd could get a bigger payday elsewhere, which would put Greg Rousseau on the hot seat as a likely everydown edge.

Unrestricted free agents (as of March 11):
QB Kyle Allen
WR Gabe Davis
OLB Tyrel Dodson
OT David Edwards
DE A.J. Epenesa
DE Leonard Floyd
DT Poona Ford
RB Damien Harris
FS Micah Hyde
CB Dane Jackson
RB Ty Johnson
DE DaQuan Jones
DT Linval Joseph
DE Shaq Lawson
CB Cam Lewis
LB Tyler Matakevich
RB Latavius Murray
DT Jordan Phillips
S Taylor Rapp
DT Tim Settle
WR Trent Sherfield

–Field Level Media

Dec 17, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (92) celebrates after beating the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens offseason primer: Bill due on home-grown goods

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Baltimore Ravens
2023 record: 13-4
Projected salary cap space: Over the cap

Offseason storylines: For the first time in three years the springtime narrative won’t involve the contract status of Lamar Jackson. Jackson claimed his second NFL MVP award in the first season of a five-year, $260 million contract in 2023. Now the Ravens are shopping on a limited budget that will test their grow-your-own keepers philosophy and likely parting with multiple players they drafted, developed, started but can’t afford.

Team Needs: OT, RB, LB, CB, DL
Losing ILB Patrick Queen or DT Justin Madubuike might shuffle needs by the open of free agency. Ronnie Stanley’s availability has been a constant question at left tackle, both starting guards are free agents and injuries at running back underscore the need for a gamechanger at the position. Top back Gus Edwards is a free agent; J.K. Dobbins, too.

Top free agent: DT Justin Madubuike – Wideout Odell Beckham Jr appears headed for a new address after one season at $15 million and a team could overspend to acquire Queen, whose star climbed as a tag-team partner of Roquan Smith at the heart of Baltimore’s 3-4. Keeping Madubuike (13 sacks in 2023) is a pricey proposition. Not keeping him might be even more costly. He would be next to impossible to replace instantly given the Ravens’ tight cap and draft slot.

Unrestricted free agents (as of March 13):
WR Odell Beckham Jr.
OLB Jadeveon Clowney
CB Ronald Darby
RB J.K. Dobbins
KOR/PR Devin Duvernay
RB Gus Edwards
OLB Malik Harrison
QB Tyler Huntley
DT Justin Madubuike
CB Arthur Maulet
CB Trayvon Mullen
ILB Del’Shawn Phillips
LG John Simpson
S Geno Stone
ILB Patrick Queen
DE Brent Urban
OLB Kyle Van Noy
DB Daryl Worley
CB Rock Ya-Sin
RG Kevin Zeitler

–Field Level Media

Feb 5, 2024; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot pose for the media after Morris was introduced as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Falcons offseason primer: Change afoot, QB question lingers

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Atlanta Falcons
2023 record: 7-10

Projected salary cap space: $29.1 million

Offseason storylines: Yes, Atlanta went 7-10 for the third consecutive season. But are the Falcons a few sharp turns away from the passing lane in the NFC South? Consider the club lost five games in the final minute by a total of 16 points.

New sheriff in town Raheem Morris plans to build a defense capable of striking fear into opposing quarterbacks. That philosophy will dictate some of the team’s spending and perhaps the plan with the No. 8 overall pick in the draft. But there’s the significant rub of Atlanta remaining unsettled at quarterback. Desmond Ridder didn’t take the bull by the horns, part of the reason Arthur Smith was canned.

Team Needs: QB, DE, WR, DT, OL
The top defensive player in the draft could potentially be available to the Falcons because of an expected grab at the QB, WR and OT spots. Atlanta should be in a great spot to get the player it wants without moving up. At wide receiver, moving tight end Kyle Pitts could be an option considering every player at the position not named Drake London can leave in free agency.

Top free agent: LB Bud Dupree – Tied for the team lead in 2023 with 6.5 sacks, Dupree fits the mold of edge rusher who’ve thrived under Morris such as Leonard Floyd (Rams) and won’t likely strike it rich elsewhere.

Unrestricted free agents (as of March 13):
DE Calais Campbell
OLB Lorenzo Carter
OLB Bud Dupree
CB Tre Flowers
DE Joe Gaziano
WR KhaDarel Hodge
WR Mack Hollins
WR Van Jefferson
DE LaCale London
WR Scotty Miller
CB Jeff Okudah
RB Cordarrelle Patterson
TE MyCole Pruitt
FB Keith Smith
QB Logan Woodside

–Field Level Media

Nov 12, 2023; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marquise Brown (2) misses a touchdown catch against the Atlanta Falcons in the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-Arizona Republic

Cardinals offseason primer: Pair of first-rounders, plenty of cash

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Arizona Cardinals
2023 record: 4-13
Projected salary cap space: $41.7 million

Offseason storylines: Arizona rates as a reclamation project but proved closer to contending with Kyler Murray at quarterback. The Cardinals have 11 picks in the 2024 NFL Draft before compensatory picks were awarded, including the Nos. 4 and 27 (via Houston) selections.

Team Needs: WR, DE, OL, DT, CB
Need is relative with a roster shaped for a youth movement. Head coach Jonathan Gannon wants line play to be a decided strength on both sides of the ball and the Cardinals are nowhere near dominant up front. A chance to get this generation’s Larry Fitzgerald at No. 4 is an opportunity Murray won’t want them to pass up after TE Trey McBride emerged as a consistent legitimate weapon.

Top free agent: WR Marquise Brown was coveted for big-play flair but delivered only three receptions of 25-plus yards among 51 receptions, suffering a precipitous decline in production after a hot start with three TDs in the first five games. He’s not a No. 1 receiver but could be useful as a complementary target if the Cardinals snag one of the prospects with elite grades — Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State), Malik Nabers (LSU) or Rome Odunze (Washington) — in the draft.

Unrestricted free agents as of March 13:
LS Aaron Brewer
WR *Marquise Brown
DE *L.J. Collier
G/C Trystan Colon
C *Pat Elflein
CB *Rashad Fenton
NT Leki Fotu
P Blake Gillikin
RB *Marlon Mack
CB Bobby Price
TE *Geoff Swaim
LG Elijah Wilkinson
G/C Trystan Colon
DE *Carlos Watkins
ILB *Josh Woods
*-Player ended 2023 on a reserve list.

–Field Level Media

June 5, 2019; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants rookie quarterback Daniel Jones stretches with the team during minicamp. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com via USA TODAY NETWORK

NFL announces offseason program dates for all 32 teams

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The NFL announced the dates Thursday for the offseason workout programs for each of the 32 teams.

Still, it is unclear how many players will attend the voluntary portion of the program — the OTAs. They players on about 20 teams have indicated they won’t attend voluntary OTAs due to continuing concerns about safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The nine-week offseason program is conducted in three phases. Phase One (April 19-May 14) has been extended this year from two to four weeks, with activities limited to strength and conditioning, virtual meetings and physical rehabilitation only.

Phase Two (May 17-21) has been reduced from three weeks to one week. The phase allows for on-field workouts, including individual player instruction and drills, “perfect play” drills, and drills and plays conducted with offensive players lining up across from offensive players and defensive players lining up across from defensive players. Players on one side of the ball may execute a play, but players on the opposite side of the ball may not make contact.

In Phase Three (May 24-June 18), teams can conduct in-person meetings and classroom instruction subject to COVID-19 testing and other protocols. Teams may hold a total of 10 days of organized team practice activity without live contact.

The Collective Bargaining Agreement allows for one mandatory minicamp for veterans and a rookie football development program.

The dates for each team’s offseason workout program are as follows. They are tentative and subject to change.

ARIZONA CARDINALS
OTA offseason workouts: May 25-27, June 2-4, June 7-10
Mandatory minicamp: June 15-17
Rookie minicamp: May 14-16

ATLANTA FALCONS
OTA offseason workouts: May 25-27, June 2-4, June 14-17
Mandatory minicamp: June 8-10
Rookie minicamp: May 14-16

BALTIMORE RAVENS
OTA offseason workouts: May 25-27, June 2-4, June 7-8, June 10-11
Mandatory minicamp: June 15-17
Rookie minicamp: May 14-16

BUFFALO BILLS
OTA offseason workouts: May 24-25, May 27, June 1-2, June 4, June 7-8, June 10-11
Mandatory minicamp: June 15-17
Rookie minicamp: May 14-16

CAROLINA PANTHERS
OTA offseason workouts: May 24-25, May 27, June 1-3, June 7-10
Mandatory minicamp: June 15-17
Rookie minicamp: May 14-16

CHICAGO BEARS
OTA offseason workouts: May 25-27, June 1-3, June 7-10
Mandatory minicamp: June 15-17
Rookie minicamp: May 14-16

CINCINNATI BENGALS
OTA offseason workouts: May 25-27, June 1-3, June 7-10
Mandatory minicamp: June 15-17
Rookie minicamp: May 14

CLEVELAND BROWNS
OTA offseason workouts: May 25-27, June 1-3, June 7-10
Mandatory minicamp: June 15-17
Rookie minicamp: May 14-16

DALLAS COWBOYS
OTA offseason workouts: May 24-25, May 27, June 1, June 3-4
Mandatory minicamp: June 8-10
Rookie minicamp: May 14-16

DENVER BRONCOS
OTA offseason workouts: May 24-25, May 27, June 1-2, June 4, June 7-8, June 10-11
Mandatory minicamp: June 15-17
Rookie minicamp: May 14-16

DETROIT LIONS
OTA offseason workouts: May 25-27, June 2-4, June 14-17
Mandatory minicamp: June 8-10
Rookie minicamp: May 14-16

GREEN BAY PACKERS
offseason workouts: May 24-25, May 27, June 1-2, June 4, June 7-8, June 10
Mandatory minicamp: June 15-17
Rookie minicamp: May 14-15

HOUSTON TEXANS
OTA offseason workouts: May 24, May 26-27, June 1, June 3-4, June 7-8, June 10-11
Mandatory minicamp: June 15-17
Rookie minicamp: May 14-16

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
OTA offseason workouts: May 25-27, June 2-4, June 7-10
Mandatory minicamp: June 15-17
Rookie minicamp: May 7-9

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
OTA offseason workouts: May 24, May 26-27, June 1, June 3-4, June 7-10
Mandatory minicamp: June 15-17
Rookie minicamp: May 14-16

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
OTA offseason workouts: May 25-27, June 1-3, June 8-11
Mandatory minicamp: June 15-17
Rookie minicamp: May 14-16

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
OTA offseason workouts: May 25-27, June 1-3, June 7-10
Mandatory minicamp: June 15-17
Rookie minicamp: May 7-9

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
OTA offseason workouts: May 24-25, May 27, June 2-4, June 7-8, June 10
Mandatory minicamp: June 15-16
Rookie minicamp: May 14-16

LOS ANGELES RAMS
OTA offseason workouts: May 24-25, May 27, June 1-3, June 7-10
Mandatory minicamp: June 15-17
Rookie minicamp: May 14-16

MIAMI DOLPHINS
OTA offseason workouts: May 24-26, June 1-3, June 7-8, June 10
Mandatory minicamp: June 15-17
Rookie minicamp: May 14-16

MINNESOTA VIKINGS
OTA offseason workouts: May 24-26, June 1-3, June 8-11
Mandatory minicamp: June 15-17
Rookie minicamp: May 14-16

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
OTA offseason workouts: May 24-25, May 27, June 1, June 3-4, June 7-8, June 10-11
Mandatory minicamp: June 15-17
Rookie minicamp: May 14-16

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
OTA offseason workouts: May 25-27, June 1-3, June 7-10
Mandatory minicamp: June 15-17
Rookie minicamp: May 14-16

NEW YORK GIANTS
OTA offseason workouts: May 24-25, May 27, June 2-4, June 14-15
Mandatory minicamp: June 8-10
Rookie minicamp: May 14-16

NEW YORK JETS
OTA offseason workouts: May 24, May 26-27, June 1, June 3-4, June 7-8, June 10-11
Mandatory minicamp: June 15-17
Rookie minicamp: May 7-9

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
OTA offseason workouts: May 25-27, June 2-4, June 14-17
Mandatory minicamp: June 8-10
Rookie minicamp: May 14-16

PITTSBURGH STEELERS
OTA offseason workouts: May 25-27, June 1-3, June 7-10
Mandatory minicamp: June 15-17
Rookie minicamp: May 14-16

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
OTA offseason workouts: May 24-25, May 27, June 1-2, June 4, June 7-8, June 10
Mandatory minicamp: June 15-17
Rookie minicamp: May 14-16

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
OTA offseason workouts: May 24, May 26-27, June 1, June 3-4, June 7-10
Mandatory minicamp: June 15-17
Rookie minicamp: May 14-16

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
OTA offseason workouts: May 25-27, June 1-3, June 14-17
Mandatory minicamp: June 7-9
Rookie minicamp: May 14-16

TENNESSEE TITANS
OTA offseason workouts: May 24-25, May 27, June 1, June 3-4, June 7-10
Mandatory minicamp: June 15-17
Rookie minicamp: May 14-16

WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM
OTA offseason workouts: May 25-27, June 1-3, June 8-10
Mandatory minicamp: June 15-17
Rookie minicamp: May 14-15

–Field Level Media

Oct 11, 2020; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) throws a pass before the game against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys players begin voluntary workouts

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Several veteran Dallas Cowboys players reported to begin offseason workouts at The Star, the team facility in Frisco, Texas, on Monday, contrary to what players on what many other teams are doing.

Nearly 20 teams have committed to skipping the in-person, voluntary portion of the offseason, citing ongoing safety concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic and the positive feedback from players after a virtual offseason in 2020.

When the NFL released its official plan for the 2021 offseason, it included on-field practices that did not take place last offseason. The voluntary workouts are the first phase.

In response to the offseason plan, the NFLPA scheduled a briefing at 2 p.m. ET on Monday.

–Field Level Media