Super Bowl LX saw the Seattle Seahawks, preseason longshots with a mere 1.1% chance to win it all, hoist the Lombardi Trophy. They did so by defeating the New England Patriots 29-13. Now, the NFL offseason kicks into high gear, and with nearly a third of the league potentially seeking new quarterbacks amidst a shallow draft pool, expect a wild ride.
Key Takeaways
- The quarterback carousel will be spinning rapidly, with potentially 6-10 teams looking for a new signal-caller, but the 2026 draft class is considered weak at the position beyond Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza.
- Several high-profile veterans could be on the move, either through free agency (Daniel Jones, Gardner Minshew) or trades (Kyler Murray, Tua Tagovailoa), leading to significant roster changes.
- The NFL is grappling with the concussion rate on kickoffs, which nearly doubled from 0.87% in 2024 to 1.69% in 2025, prompting a reevaluation of the kickoff rules and tackling behaviors.
- The league continues to face challenges regarding inclusivity, with only one minority head coach hired in the offseason, despite ongoing efforts to promote diversity.
Who’s Ready to Hang Up the Cleats?
The looming question of retirements always casts a shadow over the NFL offseason, and 2026 is no different. All eyes are on potential Hall of Famers Aaron Rodgers, 42, and Travis Kelce, 36. Rodgers, coming off a wild-card playoff loss with the Pittsburgh Steelers after Mike Tomlin’s resignation, has remained coy about his future, especially with his former Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy now at the helm in Pittsburgh. Kelce, while still a dominant force for the Kansas City Chiefs, also hinted at considering his options after spending time with his family. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the odds of Rodgers playing another season are currently -150, signaling uncertainty.
Rodgers’ decision, in particular, carries significant weight, as it could trigger a domino effect in a free-agent quarterback market already considered thin. “Rodgers is a generational talent, and his presence (or absence) dramatically shifts the landscape,” noted ESPN analyst Mina Kimes on NFL Live. “If he retires, several teams will be scrambling for a Plan B.” His career stats are legendary, with over 65,000 passing yards and 500+ touchdowns—but can he still compete at an elite level at his age? The answer will shape the Steelers’ offseason strategy and potentially alter the course of several other franchises.
The Great Quarterback Migration of 2026
With potentially six to ten teams in the market for a new starting quarterback, the 2026 offseason promises a flurry of activity under center. The Las Vegas Raiders, armed with the No. 1 overall pick, are expected to draft Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. Beyond Mendoza, however, the draft class is considered weak. This scarcity will likely drive up the price for available veterans via free agency and trade.
Daniel Jones, Malik Willis, Gardner Minshew, and Jimmy Garoppolo are among the notable free agents. Jones is coming off a torn Achilles, an injury that sidelined him for much of the 2025 season, where he threw for just 1,200 yards and 5 touchdowns in 10 games. Despite the injury, the Indianapolis Colts have expressed interest in bringing him back, highlighting the desperation for quarterback stability. The Cardinals’ Kyler Murray and the Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa could also be trade targets. Murray, despite throwing for over 3,100 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2025, hasn’t led Arizona to the playoffs in the last two seasons, leading to speculation about his future. “The Dolphins need to decide if Tagovailoa is their long-term answer,” said NFL Network analyst Dan Orlovsky. “If they don’t believe he is, they have to explore every avenue.” For teams missing out on the quarterback sweepstakes, finding a capable backup like a seasoned veteran could be the next best option.
Beyond Quarterbacks: Other Key Offseason Decisions
While the quarterback situation dominates headlines, other critical decisions loom for NFL teams. The 2023 draft class becomes eligible for contract extensions, including stars like Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud and Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Stroud, who threw for over 4,100 yards and 23 touchdowns in his second season, is expected to command a massive extension. Additionally, several veterans could be on the trade block, including Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby, Eagles receiver A.J. Brown, and Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill.
The league is also grappling with the increasing concussion rate on kickoffs. After implementing new rules to increase kickoff returns, the concussion rate nearly doubled in 2025, prompting a reevaluation of the kickoff rules. “The NFL has to prioritize player safety,” said NFL chief football administrator Dawn Aponte. “We’re gathering feedback from special teams coaches to identify ways to reduce the risk of injury on kickoffs.” As the offseason progresses, expect further discussions on potential rule changes and adjustments to tackling techniques to address this growing concern. Furthermore, the league will likely consider whether to allow replay officials to throw flags, potentially impacting game outcomes.
