2026 NFL Offseason: A Period of Major Transition

The 2026 NFL offseason has been defined by significant change, featuring a major coaching cycle, extensive player movement in free agency, and strategic preparations for the upcoming draft. This follows the conclusion of the 2025 season, which highlighted key trends in team-building and quarterback development.

2025 Season Conclusion & Super Bowl LX

The 2025 NFL season concluded with the Seattle Seahawks defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX.

The Seahawks' victory was anchored by a dominant defense, a theme among the season's most successful teams. The Seahawks, Houston Texans, Denver Broncos, and Patriots all ranked in the top four in scoring defense and advanced to the divisional round.

Key trends from the season underscored the value of defensive investment and patience with quarterback development. Sam Darnold's Super Bowl win with his fifth team and the progress of young quarterbacks like Bryce Young and Caleb Williams were notable storylines.

• Individual Pursuit: Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett finished the regular season one sack away from the single-season record of 22.5.
• Coach of the Year: The award race was considered highly competitive, with candidates including Kyle Shanahan (49ers), Mike Macdonald (Seahawks), Ben Johnson (Bears), Mike Vrabel (Patriots), Liam Coen (Jaguars), Sean Payton (Broncos), and DeMeco Ryans (Texans).

Coaching & Front Office Changes

The offseason featured a substantial number of coaching changes across the league.

• New Head Coach Hires: Key hires included Klint Kubiak (Raiders), Joe Brady (Bills), Todd Monken (Browns), and John Harbaugh (Giants).
• Staff Assemblies: New Giants coach John Harbaugh assembled a staff with extensive play-calling experience. The New York Jets underwent significant offensive and defensive staff changes under head coach Aaron Glenn.
• Departures and Resignations: Long-time Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland departed the team. Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz resigned after not being promoted to head coach and is expected to take a year off.
• Front Office Moves: The Atlanta Falcons hired Ian Cunningham as general manager. The Minnesota Vikings dismissed GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah; a replacement is not expected to be hired until May.

Player Movement & Contract Situations

Free agency and trade discussions have reshaped numerous rosters, with focus on quarterbacks, pass rushers, and offensive linemen.

The market is characterized by a limited draft class and several veterans available via trade or free agency.

• Draft Prospects: Indiana's Fernando Mendoza is widely projected to be the first overall pick. Evaluations suggest only Mendoza and Alabama's Ty Simpson may be selected in the first three rounds.
• Veteran Movements:
  • Tua Tagovailoa signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons.
  • Malik Willis agreed to a three-year contract with the Miami Dolphins.
  • Kyler Murray was released by the Arizona Cardinals and later signed with the Minnesota Vikings.
  • Daniel Jones received the transition tag from the Indianapolis Colts and is negotiating a long-term deal.
• Trade Candidates: Mac Jones (49ers) and Anthony Richardson (Colts) have been mentioned as potential trade candidates.

The Las Vegas Raiders traded star defensive end Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens for two first-round draft picks (2026 14th overall and a 2027 first-rounder).

• A.J. Brown: The Philadelphia Eagles have created salary cap flexibility, making a post-June 1 trade of the wide receiver a possibility. The reported asking price is a first-round pick plus additional compensation.
• Key Free Agent Contracts:
  • Tyler Linderbaum (C): Raiders, 3 years, $81 million.
  • Jaelan Phillips (EDGE): Panthers, 4 years, $120 million.
  • Alec Pierce (WR): Colts, 4 years, $116 million.
  • Kenneth Walker III (RB): Chiefs, 3 years, $43.05 million.
  • Devin Lloyd (LB): Panthers, 3 years, $45 million.
• Other Notable Moves: The Tennessee Titans were highly active, signing WR Wan'Dale Robinson, DL John Franklin-Myers, and CBs Alontae Taylor and Cordale Flott. The Buffalo Bills traded for WR DJ Moore and re-signed C Connor McGovern. The Pittsburgh Steelers acquired WR Michael Pittman Jr. via trade.

• Franchise Tags: George Pickens (WR) received the tag from the Dallas Cowboys. Alec Pierce (WR) was transition-tagged by the Colts before signing his long-term deal.
• Contract Extensions:
  • Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR) signed a four-year, $168.6 million extension with the Seattle Seahawks.
  • Will Anderson Jr. (DE) is a candidate for an extension with the Houston Texans that could approach $50 million annually.

Upcoming 2026 NFL Draft

The draft is scheduled to begin in the coming days, with teams finalizing their boards and exploring trade scenarios.

• New York Jets (Pick 2): The Jets are considering Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey and Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese. The selection is viewed as critical for a team that traded key defenders last season.
• Trade Activity: Several teams picking early, including the Cardinals, Titans, Giants, Browns, and Commanders, are reportedly open to trading down. Players like Arvell Reese and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love could motivate teams to trade up.
• Prospect Evaluations:
  • Caleb Downs (S, Alabama): Noted for high football IQ, but historical data shows safeties are rarely selected in the top five.
  • Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE, Miami): NFL teams have been aware of a March 2024 car accident involving the prospect; it is not expected to significantly impact his draft position.
  • Other Top Prospects: Ohio State WR Carnell Tate, Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor, and Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq.

League & Off-Field Notes

• Viewership Growth: The NFL reported strong viewership gains in 2025, attributed to competitive games, international expansion, and efforts to broaden its audience demographic.
• Rooney Rule Discussion: The effectiveness of the rule in promoting diversity in coaching ranks continues to be debated, with a focus on developing a pipeline for minority candidates for coordinator positions.
• Ownership and Epstein Files: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is scheduled to address the involvement of NFL owners named in the Jeffrey Epstein files during his annual Super Bowl press conference.