Super Bowl LIX is fast approaching, presenting a significant moment for NFL fans as the Philadelphia Eagles prepare to face the Kansas City Chiefs in what will be the most critical game of the 2024-25 season. Concurrently, NFL supporters are on the brink of the offseason, heralding a period of reduced activity across the league. With the subsequent major event on the NFL calendar being free agency, which unofficially opens with the legal-contact window on March 10, fans are set to experience a month free of meaningful NFL games and the anticipation of new player acquisitions. However, the offseason is not without its own narratives, as several key developments are expected to unfold between the conclusion of Super Bowl LIX and the onset of free agency.

As NFL teams transition into the offseason, seven franchises are seeking to fill their head coaching vacancies. Six of these teams—the Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders, New England Patriots, and New York Jets—have successfully appointed new head coaches. This leaves the New Orleans Saints as the lone team still in search of a head coach by the time Super Bowl Sunday arrives. With the championship game taking place in New Orleans, it is plausible that the Saints’ next head coach is already in the city, poised to remain beyond the conclusion of the Big Game. Reports indicate that Kellen Moore, the Eagles’ offensive coordinator, is set to become the Saints’ coach shortly after Super Bowl LIX, as noted by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Schefter stated, 'The Saints are doing everything they can to obey the rules and make sure they don't do anything illegal or that the Eagles could come after them on.' The outcome of this hiring process could close the coaching cycle and leave head coaching hopefuls waiting until 2026 for new opportunities.

Another significant storyline will revolve around Myles Garrett, who may be the most prominent player to appear on the 2025 trade market. The talented pass-rusher, a four-time first-team All-Pro and the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year, has expressed a desire to be traded from the Cleveland Browns. Garrett's trade request became official earlier in the week, leading him to discuss his situation publicly. 'I have a lot of love for Cleveland, but it's always for me been about [competing] for championships, winning those big games and winning Lombardis,' Garrett remarked. Although the Browns have stated they will not trade Garrett, the standoff may worsen if unresolved. Should the Browns fail to act, they could face a situation in which Garrett does not report or play in 2025. If a resolution is reached, Garrett could attract significant interest from teams seeking pass-rushing talent, with the potential for the Browns to rebuild their roster or even find a successor to their quarterback.

The Minnesota Vikings are also poised to make critical decisions as they approach the 2025 free agency. Specifically, their choice regarding quarterback Sam Darnold could send ripples throughout the quarterback market. While Darnold may not be classified as an elite quarterback, he was a Pro Bowler in 2024 and will be 28 in June. Under different circumstances, the Vikings would likely offer Darnold an extension or franchise tag before the deadline on March 4. However, Minnesota's investment in Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who missed his entire rookie season due to injury, complicates their strategy. They must decide whether to hand over control of the offense to a quarterback who has not yet seen regular-season action or retain Darnold as a veteran alternative. Head coach Kevin O'Connell indicated that negotiations with Darnold are ongoing, stating, 'So he's earned the right to be a free agent, but we will continue to have ongoing dialogue and discussions with him and his representation.'

The Pittsburgh Steelers may also enter the quarterback market in 2025, having reached the playoffs in 2024. The team began the season with Justin Fields, later transitioning to Russell Wilson once he recovered from an injury. With both quarterbacks set to become free agents, the Steelers find themselves divided on whether to retain Wilson or Fields. Reports suggest a split in sentiment regarding their future. The Steelers could choose to extend one of their quarterbacks or pursue a free agent like Darnold or Jameis Winston. This decision could significantly impact the competitive landscape of the offseason as the Steelers aim for continued playoff contention. Both Fields and Wilson hold potential value in the market, with Fields showcasing efficient play and Wilson viewed as a suitable bridge option for franchises eager to win in the near term.

The offseason free-agent market will also be influenced by contracts signed prior to March 10, such as the Cincinnati Bengals’ ongoing negotiations with Ja'Marr Chase. As the reigning triple crown champion in receiving, Chase is expected to command a deal exceeding the $35 million annually awarded to Justin Jefferson. While another receiver may not secure a more lucrative contract before Chase’s potential extension, the Bengals view Jefferson's deal as a foundation for negotiations. Bengals personnel director Duke Tobin stated, 'It's a priority for us.' The outcome of these discussions could impact the market for other impending free agents, including Tee Higgins and Chris Godwin, depending on how high Chase's contract ultimately climbs.

Dallas Cowboys pass-rusher Micah Parsons faces a similar contractual situation, expected to surpass Nick Bosa’s record contract worth $34 million annually. Jerry Jones, the Cowboys’ owner and general manager, hinted at forthcoming negotiations regarding Parsons' extension, referencing past successful contracts granted to other players. An extension for Parsons not only seems imminent but could also influence the compensation expected for emerging pass-rushers in the league. As Parsons’ price tag grows, it will set a precedent for contracts awarded to players like Azeez Ojulari and Khalil Mack, as well as for pass-rushers entering their contract years, such as T.J. Watt. The dynamics of the edge-rusher market will likely change in response to Parsons’ impending deal.

Amidst these coaching decisions and potential trades, the NFL Scouting Combine will occur from February 27 to March 2. Although the event may not draw significant attention from casual fans, it remains a pivotal moment in the pre-draft process. While many top prospects have elected not to participate in workouts, teams will have opportunities to interview players and share insights. As March approaches, clarity regarding the leading quarterback prospect in the 2025 draft class should begin to emerge. Currently, the consensus ranks Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Miami’s Cam Ward as top-tier options, as several teams in need of quarterbacks prepare to make their selections. Identifying whether either player will solidify their status as the top quarterback choice could greatly influence how teams such as the Tennessee Titans, Browns, and Giants navigate the free-agent and trade markets.

Overall, the period following Super Bowl LIX is set to be filled with numerous storylines as the NFL offseason unfolds. From head coaching appointments to potential trades and pivotal negotiations regarding key players, fans and analysts alike will have much to follow. The decisions made in the coming weeks will have lasting implications for the franchises involved and impact the competitive landscape as teams look to strengthen their rosters ahead of the 2025 season.