Toughest conversation every NFL front office must have this offseason

The NFL offseason isn’t nearly draft boards, cap area and free-agent want lists. It’s additionally in regards to the conversations groups should have — the uncomfortable, franchise-shaping discussions that might decide whether or not a contender retains rolling or a rebuilding staff lastly admits the place it stands. 

Under, Yardbarker NFL writers determine the individuals with whom every staff’s entrance workplace should have its hardest offseason dialog.

NFC East

DALLAS COWBOYS (7-9-1) | With Jerry Jones | The Cowboys haven’t made it again to the Tremendous Bowl for the reason that 1995 season, and Jones gained’t get them again there. He has made questionable personnel selections, like making trades to fill roster holes he’s created, and continues to be a distraction anytime he’s in entrance of a microphone. It’s gone time somebody within the entrance workplace instructed him the staff wants a reset with out him. Probabilities of this occurring? Oh so slim.

NEW YORK GIANTS (4-13) | With WR Wan’Dale Robinson |
The 5-foot-8 receiver recorded a career-best 1,014
receiving yards, and he’s set to get paid because of it. However, the Giants are projected to have roughly $15M in cap space, per Spotrac, and so they have loads of different roster holes. How they maneuver contract negotiations with Robinson can be essential; New York does not have a lot depth at WR behind Malik Nabers.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (11-6) | With QB Jalen Hurts | The Tremendous Bowl LIX MVP hasn’t performed like an MVP this season. Final season, Hurts had the Tenth-best adjusted QBR (62.5), whereas this season, he has the Twenty second-best QBR (55.9). The Eagles should consider if this season was an outlier below a brand new OC (Kevin Patullo) or if Hurts is a declining participant.

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (5-12) | With QB Jayden Daniels |
Daniels was reportedly blindsided when the Commanders let offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury depart. Whereas the offense dropped from averaging 28.5 factors per recreation in 2024 to twenty.9 this season, it was just the second season of the dynamic QB’s pairing with Kingsbury. Now, head coach Dan Quinn must sell his star QB on a new offensive system and hope his next OC hire stays around longer. — Conor Killmurray

ARIZONA CARDINALS (3-14) | With potential new head coaches | The Cardinals have the third decide within the 2026 NFL Draft, however their largest precedence is discovering a brand new head coach after Jonathan Gannon was fired. With QB Kyler Murray’s unsure future and a nine-game dropping streak going into the offseason, this isn’t an interesting gig.

LOS ANGELES RAMS (12-5) | With proficient assistant coaches | Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur — youthful brother of Inexperienced Bay Packers HC Matt LaFleur — has spearheaded the staff’s top-ranked offense (30.5 PPG), whereas defensive coordinator Chris Shula’s group has been wonderful within the purple zone, permitting the third-lowest percentage of TDs (46.2 %). HC Sean McVay can have his work minimize out for him to retain each.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (12-5) | With defensive linemen |
Accidents have been an element all season for the 49ers, who misplaced All-Professional DE Nick Bosa to a torn proper ACL and LB Fred Warner (proper ankle). With a league-worst common of 1.2 sacks per recreation, San Francisco should prioritize getting its cross rush wholesome and producing extra stress, whether or not which means banking on its stars returning to type or exploring potential draft choices.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS  (14-3) | With RB Kenneth Walker III | RB is not as valued as different talent positions, however the Seahawks nonetheless should should make a name on Walker. He’s within the closing 12 months of his rookie deal and has probably the most rush yards on the staff (1,027) whereas RB Zach Charbonnet has probably the most TDs (12), placing the Seahawks in an attention-grabbing place. Do they maintain each or let Walker pursue different choices? — Colby Colwell

NFC North

CHICAGO BEARS (11-6) | With tight finish Cole Kmet | Kmet has been a beloved member of the group since being drafted in 2020, however the time has come for the 2 sides to half. The tight finish’s $50M contract has a possible out this offseason that might value the Bears simply $3.2 million in dead-cap cash, and Kmet’s providers aren’t wanted, contemplating rookie TE Colston Loveland appears like a budding star. 

DETROIT LIONS (9-8) | With OC candidates | The Lions put up 44 factors towards the Commanders after head coach Dan Campbell took over the play-calling duties from offensive coordinator John Morton (fired Tuesday), however they went 3-5 down the stretch to overlook the playoffs. Detroit’s offense sorely missed Ben Johnson in 2025, and the Lions should rent one other elite play-caller this offseason so Campbell can return to specializing in his HC duties. 

GREEN BAY PACKERS (9-7-1) | With HC Matt LaFleur | If the Packers lose to the Bears within the wild-card spherical of the playoffs, it is likely to be time to have a tough dialog with LaFleur. After dropping within the NFC Championship Recreation in LaFleur’s first two years in cost, Inexperienced Bay is at risk of failing to make it previous the divisional spherical in 5 straight seasons. The Packers should resolve whether or not to increase LaFleur or search a brand new head coach sooner fairly than later. 

MINNESOTA VIKINGS (9-8) | With QB J.J. McCarthy |
In his first likelihood to show he is usually a franchise QB, McCarthy threw simply 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 10 begins this season. The Vikings can’t afford to maintain losing the expertise they’ve, so they need to herald some competitors for McCarthy — much like what the Colts did with Anthony Richardson Sr. and Daniel Jones. Initiating that dialog with McCarthy will solely amp up the stress on the younger QB. — Jack Dougherty

NFC South

ATLANTA FALCONS (8-9) | With themselves | After firing head coach Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot, Atlanta should have its hardest — and most consequential — selections this offseason about who it picks because the failed duo’s replacements. CBS NFL studio analyst Matt Ryan might be in play for a front-office position, however contemplating how properly Tom Brady’s carried out for the Raiders in the same association (sarcasm alert), the Falcons should discover different choices, too.

CAROLINA PANTHERS (8-9) | With QB Bryce Younger | Main the Panthers to an NFC South title with a dropping document shouldn’t be sufficient for Younger to land the type of deal different first-rounders, together with Trevor Lawrence ($55M AAV), Joe Burrow ($55M) or Tua Tagovailoa ($53.1M), acquired with their rookie extensions. A deal much like those Geno Smith (2023), Baker Mayfield (2024) and Sam Darnold (2025) signed — between $25M-$33.5M — after having a lot better seasons makes extra sense, however Younger and his camp may not agree.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (6-11) | With RB Alvin Kamara |
Whereas not in almost as precarious a salary-cap place as years previous, the Saints are nonetheless a projected $19.583M over the estimated 2026 wage cap of $295.5M (h/t Over the Cap). Kamara, a five-time Professional Bowl choice, is coming off his worst season, averaging a paltry 3.6 yards per carry whereas enjoying in a career-low 11 video games, and has the second-highest cap hit on the 2026 roster ($18.571M). New Orleans should persuade him to take a pay minimize, or his time within the Large Simple might be over.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (8-9) | With two longtime Bucs |
A tricky finish to the common season — Tampa Bay misplaced seven of its final 9 video games — may result in a number of powerful conversations in Tampa Bay. The staff should enhance in key areas, however retaining still-productive veteran WR Mike Evans and LB Lavonte David is the good name. Which may not be really easy, nevertheless, with Evans telling ESPN’s Jenna Laine on the finish of the common season he’ll resolve on his future in “possibly a month or two.” David, who turns 36 on Jan. 23, continues to be one of many league’s extra constant linebackers however told reporters he has “no thought” if he’ll play subsequent season. — Eric Smithling

AFC East

BUFFALO BILLS (12-5) | With themselves about receiving weapons for Josh Allen | Allen doesn’t need to undergo Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson or Joe Burrow this postseason, however that is arguably the worst supporting forged he has had in Buffalo. RB James Prepare dinner has put up profession numbers speeding (1,621 yards), however the staff’s main receiver, Khalil Shakir, solely has 719 yards and 4 TDs. The entrance workplace should do higher.

MIAMI DOLPHINS (7-10) | With QB Tua Tagovailoa | One season after signing a four-year, $212.4M extension in July 2024, Tagovailoa threw the second-most interceptions within the league (15) and posted the 26th-ranked QBR (37). Miami, which fired HC Mike McDaniel on Thursday, benched him for rookie Quinn Ewers for the ultimate three video games; Tagovailoa is totally assured $54M subsequent season, placing the group in a dilemma after a second consecutive dropping season.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (14-3) | With scouts about enhancing cross rush | First-year Patriots HC Mike Vrabel has carried out an distinctive job turning New England again right into a contender, however one of many few flaws on this staff has been its incapacity to stress QBs. New England is tied for Twenty second in sacks recorded (35), making {that a} clear space of focus for a staff exceeding expectations this season.

NEW YORK JETS (3-14) | With each potential QB candidate |The Jets grew to become the first team since 1933 with out an interception in a season, however their offense was simply as dismal, rating twenty ninth in factors per recreation (17.6 PPG). The Jets went via three QBs; none is a long-term possibility. Justin Fields is barely below contract via 2026, whereas Tyrod Taylor is ready to develop into a free agent, and Brady Prepare dinner is 0-5 as a starter with seven interceptions. No matter new QBs are within the combine — a vet or draft decide — New York should have eye-opening conversations with every in regards to the woeful state of the staff. — Colby Colwell

AFC West

DENVER BRONCOS (14-3) | With RB J.Okay. Dobbins | Dobbins, who’s a free agent this offseason, has missed seven straight video games due to a left foot subject, hurting his possibilities of Denver re-signing him. (Head coach Sean Payton has hinted the RB might return through the postseason.) Dobbins has been Denver’s best runner this season, speeding for a team-leading 772 yards in 10 video games.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (6-11) | With TE Travis Kelce | Kelce, who turns 37 on Oct. 5, is figuring out how his physique feels earlier than deciding whether or not he ought to retire. If the long run Corridor of Famer needs to return in 2026, the Chiefs ought to contemplate letting him stroll in free company. The TE is clearly declining after logging 851 receiving yards in 17 video games this season, the third consecutive season he has didn’t tally 1,000 or extra.

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (3-14) | With DE Maxx Crosby |
If the Raiders can’t win with Crosby (28 tackles for loss, No. 2 within the NFL), why are they holding him? They may ship the DE to a staff seeking to bolster its cross rush (Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys) for a number of draft picks. Vegas, which has the No. 1 general decide within the 2026 NFL Draft, may then use these to construct round a rookie QB, maybe Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza.  

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (11-6) | With OC Greg Roman | Accidents to offensive tackles Joe Alt (ankle) and Rashawn Slater (knee) are accountable for QB Justin Herbert taking a career-high 54 sacks in 16 regular-season video games. Roman’s scheme, nevertheless, isn’t offering sufficient cross safety for the QB, neither is it maximizing his arm. Herbert has averaged 232.9 passing yards per recreation (3,727 yards), the second-lowest mark of his six-year profession. — Clark Dalton

AFC North

BALTIMORE RAVENS (8-9) | With a brand new coach about fixing their cross rush | The Ravens took care of 1 huge dialog after they fired HC John Harbaugh. Now, their focus should shift to how they repair the protection, particularly a nonexistent cross rush that grew to become an enormous legal responsibility and was unable to disrupt 42-year-old Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers with their season on the road. QB Lamar Jackson and RB Derrick Henry can put up factors, however they want any person to make a cease on protection. 

CINCINNATI BENGALS (6-11) | With QB Joe Burrow | The Bengals should decide whether or not Burrow is really glad with the group — and if he isn’t, work out how you can change that. They haven’t persistently gained throughout his tenure, haven’t reliably protected him alongside the offensive line and have watched the protection deteriorate over the previous three seasons. Two playoff appearances in seven years with a quarterback of his caliber is unacceptable, and it’s cheap to wonder if his endurance is carrying skinny.

CLEVELAND BROWNS  (5-12) | With a brand new coach about QB Shedeur Sanders |
Sanders began seven video games for the Browns, who’re looking for a brand new HC. He appeared each promising and overwhelmed at completely different instances. Did he present them sufficient to be keen to enter subsequent season with him as their starter, opening the door for them to make use of their two first-round picks on different areas of want, or is QB once more going to be a focus?
 
PITTSBURGH STEELERS (10-7) | With HC Mike Tomlin | This dialog can be simpler if the Steelers win a playoff recreation or two, however Tomlin’s future ought to very a lot be a dialogue level as he approaches his twentieth season with the franchise. Followers have been chanting for him to be fired lower than two months in the past, solely to look at the staff rally with wins in 5 of its previous six video games to clinch the AFC North. Which will have cooled feelings a bit, but when the playoff win drought continues for one more season, a dialogue should be had.  — Adam Gretz

AFC South

HOUSTON TEXANS (12-5) | With RB Joe Mixon | Mixon missed all of 2025 with a foot damage he suffered through the offseason. The Texans made the playoffs anyway, and Mixon is a logical minimize candidate with his $10.5M salary-cap hit for 2026. Although he was productive final season with 1,016 speeding yards and 11 speeding touchdowns, Mixon will probably need to take a pay minimize if he needs to stay round in Houston.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS | (8-9) | With QB Anthony Richardson Sr. | Daniel Jones had been having fun with a profession revival earlier than he suffered a torn Achilles in December. He’s now set to develop into a free agent as he faces an extended rehab, which has as soon as once more left the Colts with QB questions. Richardson has fallen out of favor and handled accidents of his personal, however Indy may need to maintain the 23-year-old 2023 No. 4 general decide for one more season.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS  (13-4) | With CB/WR Travis Hunter |
Hunter was set on enjoying each cornerback and vast receiver throughout his rookie NFL season, and the Jaguars allowed him to do this. The Heisman Trophy winner wound up being shut down for the season after he suffered a non-contact damage throughout apply in October. On condition that Hunter was unable to make it via a full season, it is likely to be sensible for the Jaguars to talk with their two-way star about enjoying just one approach in 2026 and past.

TENNESSEE TITANS (3-14) | With these within the draft room | The Titans completed with the identical document this season because the one which landed them the No. 1 general decide final season (QB Cam Ward). They’ve the No. 4 general decide within the 2026 NFL Draft, so Tennessee’s decision-makers should resolve whether or not they really consider Ward is a franchise cornerstone. If there are distinguished voices throughout the entrance workplace who’re unconvinced, one other QB might be in play for the Titans within the draft. — Steve DelVecchio