One burning offseason question for every NFC team
The Super Bowl is officially over, but with the scouting combine and free agency looming, NFL front offices don't have much time to relax.
Here's every NFC team's biggest question heading into the 2026 offseason.
AFC I NFC
Arizona Cardinals
Will Murray be on the roster?
Quarterback Kyler Murray has made one playoff appearance since being drafted first overall in 2019, and injuries have limited him to just 30 starts over the last three seasons. Arizona reportedly plans to explore trading Murray this offseason, but the massive five-year, $230-million contract he signed in 2022 could complicate a move. The other question is, can the franchise get anyone better? The Cardinals would incur a $54.7-million dead cap hit if they release him before June 1, though designating the cut after that date would allow them to spread that money over two seasons.
Atlanta Falcons
Who will be the Week 1 QB?
New coach Kevin Stefanski inherited a team looking for clarity at quarterback. Michael Penix Jr. hasn't proven himself in the NFL, and the 2024 top-10 pick's availability is in question after he suffered an ACL injury in November. Atlanta is also expected to release Kirk Cousins, potentially setting up a major QB room revamp.
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Carolina Panthers
What happens at left tackle?
Starter Ikem Ekwonu suffered a major knee injury in the playoffs, and it's unclear when, or if, he'll play next season. That was a big blow to a 2025 Carolina offense that had shown promise. Bryce Young's blind-side protection should be a key priority for the Panthers, who could draft a new tackle 19th overall or address the position in free agency.
Chicago Bears
Can they elevate the pass rush?
The Bears have finally figured things out on offense with head coach Ben Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams leading the charge, but the team's defense is missing an elite pass-rusher. Though Chicago spent big last year by adding Dayo Odeyingbo and Grady Jarrett, the return didn't live up to the billing. Getting a difference-maker up front is a must in 2026.
Dallas Cowboys
Can they fix a historically bad defense?
Dallas posted a .162 defensive EPA/play last season, the second-worst figure by any team in the past decade, according to Ben Baldwin's database. While the Cowboys are expected to retain wide receiver George Pickens to ensure their offense remains potent, the defense clearly needs an overhaul to elevate the club into true contention. With the flexibility to restructure contracts and two top-20 picks in this year's draft, Jerry Jones has no excuse not to address his defense aggressively.
Detroit Lions
Will the marriage between Campbell and Petzing work?
Lions fans dreamed of Mike McDaniel but woke up to Drew Petzing as their new offensive coordinator. Petzing is coming off unimpressive seasons in Arizona, but he's expected to call plays over Dan Campbell, who had taken those duties from fired OC John Morton. Statistically, the Lions ranked in the top 10 offensively, but they struggled on third down last season and have issues with their offensive line. Campbell and Petzing will be under major pressure to coach Detroit back into the postseason.
Green Bay Packers
Are they stuck in a cycle of regular-season success but playoff failures?
Green Bay has 76 regular-season wins in seven years under Matt LaFleur, yet it's only 3-6 in the postseason. In theory, the Packers have enough talent to make a deep playoff run, but they went one-and-done in the past two seasons. Despite the letdowns, ownership signed LaFleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst to extensions. Getting Micah Parsons (ACL) back at some point will certainly help, but LaFleur and Gutekunst need to figure out how to get this team over the hump.
Los Angeles Rams
How aggressive will they be in Stafford's potential last dance?
General manager Les Snead recently said the Rams will make the most of Matthew Stafford's potential final season in 2026. Does that mean the club goes back to the "F them picks" mentality that helped it win a Super Bowl in 2022? Armed with four top-100 selections (including two first-rounders) and a healthy amount of cap space, L.A. is well-positioned to make significant roster upgrades. It would be shocking if the Rams didn't swing for the fences this offseason to patch some holes on a team that fell just short in the NFC title game.
Minnesota Vikings
What does GM change mean for McCarthy?
Minnesota fired general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, leaving Rob Brzezinski in charge of football operations until after the draft. The Vikings need a quarterback upgrade after J.J. McCarthy had more interceptions than touchdown passes as the starter. Considering McCarthy is only 23, there's hope he can improve, but with the GM who drafted him now gone, the franchise might explore all of its options. McCarthy's age and rookie contract could entice other teams to take a swing.
New Orleans Saints
Will Davis, Jordan, and Hill be back?
Saints legends Demario Davis, Cameron Jordan, and Taysom Hill are on expiring contracts. Davis is 37, but the former All-Pro linebacker has indicated that he wants to stay. Jordan, however, suggested that he isn't sure what's next. If the 36-year-old keeps playing, would he accept another team-friendly deal after posting 10.5 sacks on a non-playoff squad in 2025? Finally, the 35-year-old Hill is also considering retirement.
New York Giants
Can they surround Dart with enough talent?
New head coach John Harbaugh will have a ton of say in personnel decisions, and the Giants must surround Jaxson Dart with as much talent as possible. Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo are coming off serious injuries, Wan'Dale Robinson is a pending free agent, and New York doesn't have much depth at the skill positions behind those players. With the offensive line also in need of a retool, the Giants have a ton of work to do to give their young quarterback a healthy, solid foundation.
Philadelphia Eagles
Will they move A.J. Brown?
Brown recently hinted at staying in Philadelphia, but with how last season went, the star wideout's future with the Eagles is still up in the air. He dealt with constant drama throughout the 2025 campaign and expressed his frustration with his role in the offense. Although they would eat a $43-million dead cap hit in '26 if they trade him before June 1, the Eagles would save a ton from 2027-29, as Brown is scheduled to count for around $133 million across those three seasons. Philly might be inclined to cut ties now, as several defenders will need new contracts in the next couple of years.
San Francisco 49ers
How will they address the WR position?
The 49ers will move on from Brandon Aiyuk less than two years after signing him to a four-year, $120-million extension. Ricky Pearsall has flashed his potential when healthy, but he's played only 20 games over the last two seasons. With Jauan Jennings set to hit the open market and command a high price tag, San Francisco is in a tough spot at wide receiver. Though the team has cap space to work with, general manager John Lynch has some maneuvering to do to surround Brock Purdy with adequate pass-catchers.
Seattle Seahawks
Can they keep Super Bowl MVP Walker?
Seattle has key starters from its Super Bowl roster scheduled to become free agents, none more important than Kenneth Walker. The 25-year-old was phenomenal during the Seahawks' playoff run, earning Super Bowl MVP honors. However, Walker has never been a workhorse back outside of this postseason. It'll be interesting to see if Seattle is willing to give him top-of-the-market money at his position.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Will they bring back Evans and Dean?
The Bucs have important free-agent decisions to make. Franchise legend Mike Evans is on an expiring contract and played only eight games in 2025. The 11-time 1,000-yard receiver turns 33 next season and plans to test the market, but Tampa Bay certainly could still use his leadership and red-zone effectiveness. Defensively, things would go from bad to worse if Jamel Dean - the Buccaneers' top cornerback - doesn't return. The pending free agent set a career high with three interceptions and was PFF's fifth-ranked corner last year.
Washington Commanders
Do they have enough resources to upgrade the roster?
After trading multiple 2026 picks to land Laremy Tunsil a year ago, Washington has just two top-140 selections (Nos. 7 and 71) in 2026. While the Commanders could mortgage 2027 draft capital to acquire players, they'll likely need to improve their roster primarily through free agency. They have the sixth-most projected cap space, according to Spotrac, but it's tough to improve a 5-12 team on the open market alone.