Attempting to answer the biggest questions of the 2026 NFL offseason
As the NFL offseason looms, all eyes are once again on Aaron Rodgers, whose uncertain future highlights a free agency period filled with blockbuster trade rumors, high-profile pass rushers, and potential franchise-altering quarterback moves.
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The offseason for the National Football League (NFL) is fast approaching, with the new league year and free agency opening on Mar. 11, 2026. Teams have already begun to make roster moves, with the Detroit Lions and Houston Texans agreeing to terms regarding the trade of running back David Montgomery (in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick in 2026 and a seventh in 2027). Before the next season truly begins and teams begin to build towards the future, questions about the landing spots of the top free agents are plenty: what teams will make the biggest splashes, and where will these athletes land?
A new era begins in Las Vegas under Klint Kubiak, the former Super Bowl-winning offensive coordinator from Seattle; however, they may soon be without their star pass-rusher. During the final weeks of the 2025 regular season, Maxx Crosby was benched for the last two games, helping the Raiders secure the top pick in the NFL draft. Crosby reportedly informed the Raiders that he was seeking a trade, and that he will “never play for the Raiders again.” Though the Raiders’ asking price is high, with the team asking for two first-round picks for the pass-rusher, several teams are interested in Crosby.
The teams potentially in the mix to land Maxx Crosby include Chicago, who are coming off an overachieving season; Dallas, who still needs pass-rush help following the Micah Parsons trade last year; and Tennessee, who have ample salary space and hired defensive mind Robert Saleh as head coach. Maxx Crosby, despite his age, still possesses game-wrecking abilities. If the Raiders decide to trade Crosby, expect him to go to a contender or a team with just the right pieces to get into playoff contention.
One of the longest-running stories of last offseason was with Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman Trey Hendrickson. Both sides struggled to find an agreement on a trade deal or a contract extension, with an ultimate agreement of a one-year, 14 million dollar raise being granted to Hendrickson. With the Bengals reportedly not using the franchise tag on Hendrickson (as of Mar. 3), Hendrickson is expected to enter the free agent market this offseason.
Despite concerns about his durability and age (Hendrickson is 31 years old and missed a majority of last season with injury), the 2024 sack leader is still an exciting prospect for teams desperate for defensive help. Many outlets, including CBS, project the best potential landing spot for free-agent Hendrickson to be with the Indianapolis Colts, a team in need of pass-rush help, and with a defense currently coached by Lou Anarumo, with whom Hendrickson had previous success. With few free agent pass-rush prospects this offseason, expect major swings to be made for Trey Hendrickson and Maxx Crosby.
After being traded to the Green Bay Packers by his former team, the Tennessee Titans, Malik Willis has had a career resurgence serving as the backup to starting quarterback Jordan Love. In a 2025 regular-season game against the Baltimore Ravens, Willis played exceptionally, despite losing in a 41-24 blowout. The former third-round pick completed 18 of 21 passes for 288 yards and one touchdown, running in two more for 60 yards. This offseason, interest from teams in need of a quarterback is high, and Willis is reportedly expected to receive a contract with a minimum of 30 million dollars.
Several teams are interested in having Malik Willis as a starter, including the Arizona Cardinals and New York Jets. Arizona recently hired Mike LaFleur as head coach, and currently boasts great offensive talent in tight end Trey McBride and receiver Michael Wilson. New York is currently in rebuild mode, in possession of two first-round picks, and in desperate need of a starter following an abysmal season from Justin Fields. Wherever he lands, any future team can have faith in the steady hand Malik Willis has proven to have.
Aaron Rodgers once again enters the offseason cycle. The former Super Bowl-winning quarterback signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025, and stated that his campaign in the Steel City was to be the last of his NFL career. This offseason, the rumors around Rodgers began to circulate again, with belief from many, including within the Steelers, that Rodgers will return for the 2026 season. Whether he stays in Pittsburgh is a question that remains to be answered.
Remaining in Pittsburgh will reunite Aaron Rodgers with former coach Mike McCarthy. The former Packers and Dallas Cowboys head coach previously won a Super Bowl with Rodgers during the 2010 season, and coached Rodgers to two of his four Most Valuable Player honors. Other rumors, however, place Rodgers in talks with the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings appear to want quarterback competition for starter J.J. McCarthy, and rumblings of Rodgers returning to the National Football Conference (NFC) North date back to last offseason. Though he can still play, putting up solid numbers during his stay in Pittsburgh, no one except Aaron Rodgers can predict what the legendary quarterback will decide to do this offseason.