Introduction

The 2026 NFL offseason is upon us, and it's set to be one filled with significant developments. Major decisions by star players, along with personnel changes across various teams, will shape the upcoming season. With notable announcements already unfolding—such as Pittsburgh's head coach Mike Tomlin’s resignation—the league's landscape is rapidly changing. This article will delve into the pivotal choices lying ahead, which could lead to substantial transformations within the NFL as teams prepare for the next season.

Pittsburgh's Coaching Shakeup

The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering a new era with the resignation of head coach Mike Tomlin. His departure comes after the team’s consecutive early playoff exits, which have raised questions about the future direction of the franchise. New head coach Mike McCarthy will be looking to help the Steelers regain their superiority in a loaded AFC North. Notably, future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who had a rocky season with the team, may be weighing his options amidst this shakeup.

McCarthy has indicated that he would prefer to keep Rodgers, adding, "Definitely, I mean, I don't see why you wouldn't." However, rumors suggest that Rodgers' commitment to the team may have dimmed following Tomlin's exit, and whether he returns to Pittsburgh remains uncertain. Additionally, the team's new focus may pivot towards developing rookie quarterback Will Howard, who could be seen as part of the Steelers’ future.

Philadelphia Eagles' Uncertainty

The Philadelphia Eagles are also at a crossroads after their disappointing playoff exit for the second time in three years. Changes are already unfolding, starting with the replacement of offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo with Sean Mannion after a lackluster offensive performance in 2025. This raises questions about personnel decisions, particularly regarding wide receiver A.J. Brown.

Though Brown has been a significant asset since joining the Eagles, his performance dipped drastically last season, culminating in frustrations expressed publicly. With a contract running through 2029 and the potential for a hefty return in a trade, the Eagles may consider parting ways with him this offseason.

Arizona's Quarterback Dilemma

Similarly, the Arizona Cardinals face critical decisions regarding quarterback Kyler Murray. After signing a massive $230.5 million extension in 2022, Murray's inconsistent performance and injury struggles have made his future in Arizona uncertain. The team must decide whether to keep him under the new head coach Mike LaFleur or search for a new direction.

Murray's injury history and underwhelming performances—along with the coaching staff's possible intent to move in a different direction—could lead to a trade, especially since the team has a reliable backup in Jacoby Brissett. Any decision regarding Murray is compounded by a hefty dead cap hit if they opt to release him this offseason, directing the Cardinals to explore trade possibilities instead.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Iconic Receiver

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are also facing pivotal choices as their long-time receiver Mike Evans confronts an uncertain future. After suffering through injuries that limited him to just eight games in 2025, Evans now faces potential retirement, re-signing with the Buccaneers at a lower contract, or even joining a different team, a scenario that once seemed far-fetched.

Baker Mayfield believes Evans will return to pursue another season, even if it requires a pay cut, stating, "Mike's too much of a competitor... to end his career without 1,000 yards." The Buccaneers are navigating tight salary cap issues, making Evans' potential return a complex but crucial matter for the team.

Miami Dolphins and Tua Tagovailoa’s Crossroads

The Miami Dolphins have also placed their quarterback Tua Tagovailoa at the center of an offseason dilemma. After being benched last season, the Dolphins must decide if they will continue with Tagovailoa, who has shown flashes of potential, or pivot towards other options, including the possibility of drafting or signing a new quarterback. Compounding this is the recent coaching change, with Jeff Hafley stepping in as head coach after a disappointing season by Mike McDaniel.

Tagovailoa has hinted at the possibility of seeking a new opportunity, adding another layer of intrigue for the Dolphins. With 29 pending free agents and financial constraints, Miami faces challenges in reshaping their roster moving forward.

The Future is Uncertain for Matthew Stafford

Finally, the Los Angeles Rams are contemplating what lies ahead for quarterback Matthew Stafford. After leading the team to numerous accomplishments, he is now considering retirement following another disappointing playoff exit. Despite remaining a top performer at his age, Stafford must weigh the lure of walking away from the game compared to the possibility of contending for another Super Bowl.

Head coach Sean McVay is optimistic about Stafford’s potential return, noting that he’s still an elite athlete. However, with Stetson Bennett IV as the only other quarterback under contract, the Rams may need to explore other options if Stafford opts to retire.

Conclusion

The 2026 NFL offseason promises to be one full of impactful changes that will shape the competitive landscape of the league. With major decisions from players like Aaron Rodgers, A.J. Brown, Kyler Murray, Mike Evans, Tua Tagovailoa, and Matthew Stafford, each team will face critical crossroads. As the offseason progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these high-profile choices will impact teams and the league as a whole.