The 2026 NFL offseason is underway following the Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl LX victory over the New England Patriots in early February 2026. With free agency looming in March, the draft in late April, and teams already making coaching hires and roster decisions, the next few months will reshape the league. From quarterback uncertainty to high-profile trades, cap crunches, and scheme shifts, here are 10 burning questions that will drive the narrative and determine contenders for Super Bowl LXI in February 2027.
1. Will A.J. Brown Stay with the Eagles or Be Traded Amid Recruitment Drama?
The Philadelphia Eagles face pivotal decisions after a disappointing 2025-26 season that saw offensive struggles despite elite talent. Star wide receiver A.J. Brown, with his $23.4 million cap hit in 2026, has been the subject of bold public recruitment by former teammate Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens. Henry’s comments during Super Bowl week—”Come on over… Let’s go get this ring”—highlighted potential dissatisfaction in Philly, where Brown’s production dipped amid sideline frustrations.
Under new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, the Eagles could revamp around Jalen Hurts with timing routes and playmakers like Romeo Doubs. Trading Brown post-June 1 could save cap space for extensions (e.g., Jalen Carter) or additions. Baltimore’s interest, paired with Lamar Jackson’s preferences, makes a trade realistic. If Brown stays, his influence could force roster tweaks; if he goes, it signals a reset. This saga tests Howie Roseman’s willingness to move on from stars.
2. Can Chris Kuper Succeed as the Eagles’ New OL Coach After Vikings Struggles?
The Eagles replaced longtime OL coach Jeff Stoutland with Chris Kuper, a former Vikings assistant let go after poor line performance in Minnesota (high sacks, low block win rates). Kuper’s wide-zone expertise aligns with Mannion’s scheme influences, and Philly’s talent (Jordan Mailata, Cam Jurgens) offers a better foundation than Minnesota’s injury-plagued unit.
This hire represents redemption potential: Will Kuper thrive with elite pieces, or prove Vikings issues were coaching-related? Success means reduced sacks and strong run support for Hurts, boosting Eagles’ +1300 Super Bowl LXI odds. Failure could spark quick turnover in Philly’s high-pressure environment.
3. How Will the QB Carousel Shake Out with Uncertain Starters and Bridges?
The offseason revolves around quarterback decisions. Teams like the Vikings (J.J. McCarthy competition), Browns (post-Shedeur Sanders options), and others seek upgrades. Veterans like Matthew Stafford’s future, Russell Wilson bridges, or draft prospects (Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson) dominate discussions.
With 10+ teams needing QB help and limited supply, trades, signings, or extensions will cascade. The market lacks elite free agents, pushing reliance on drafts or restructures. This question defines parity vs. powerhouses in 2026.
4. Will the Eagles Import Familiar Playmakers for Mannion’s Scheme?
Sean Mannion’s arrival from Green Bay opens doors to reunions. Targets like Romeo Doubs (Packers connection) could replace or complement potential Brown departures. Tight end Dallas Goedert’s free agency adds urgency—re-sign or replace with blocking/receiving fits?
If Mannion lures connections, Philly’s offense could rebound quickly, elevating them among NFC favorites (+650 NFC odds in some books). This tests how familiarity accelerates transitions in a revamped attack.
5. Can the Ravens Restructure Lamar Jackson’s Deal to Fuel Free Agency?
Baltimore’s $74.5 million cap hit for Jackson in 2026 limits moves without an extension. With $8.4 million projected space, restructuring or renegotiating is essential for additions (edge rusher, guard, DT needs).
Henry’s Brown recruitment ties in—if Jackson gets cap relief, Baltimore becomes aggressive. A new deal sets the market and determines if the Ravens chase contention or rebuild subtly.
6. What Will the Wide Receiver Market Look Like with Potential Tags and Trades?
Stars like George Pickens (Cowboys tag likely), Zay Flowers, Jordan Addison, and others could hit free agency or be extended. The class lacks depth, making tags common and trades valuable.
For contenders like the Eagles (if Brown moves) or Ravens, landing a WR1 could be transformative. This market shapes passing attacks league-wide.
7. How Do Defending Champs Seahawks Build on Their Title?
As +950 co-favorites for Super Bowl LXI (tied with Rams), Seattle must sustain momentum. With Klint Kubiak possibly departing (Raiders HC rumors), OC stability and pass-catcher additions are key.
Their defense dominated; offense needs tweaks for repeat. Questions linger on roster depth and cap management post-championship.
8. Will Matthew Stafford Return, and What Does It Mean for the Rams?
Stafford’s future post-Super Bowl LX loss dominates LA’s plans. At +950 odds, the Rams need clarity—retirement opens QB questions; return boosts contention with home Super Bowl advantage.
This decision ripples through the NFC West and draft.
9. Which Teams Will Be Hit Hardest by Free Agency Losses?
Clubs like the Vikings ($40M+ over cap), Chiefs, and others face tough cuts or tags. Honorable mentions include Minnesota’s limited departures but cap woes.
Decisions on safeties (Reed Blankenship Eagles?), edges (Jaelan Phillips), and others define rosters.
10. How Will Coaching Changes and Scheme Fits Impact Contenders?
From Mannion in Philly to potential Ravens tweaks and league-wide carousel (49 openings), new voices bring uncertainty and upside.
Eagles’ reset, Chargers’ Mike McDaniel hire for Justin Herbert, and others test adaptation speed. These shifts could elevate teams like Philly toward +1300 odds or expose flaws.
The 2026 offseason promises volatility. With free agency starting March 11 and the draft following, answers to these questions will separate contenders from pretenders en route to Super Bowl LXI.
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