The Super Bowl XXIX matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots is capturing national attention, but as the excitement builds, attention also turns to the impending offseason when several teams will be looking to make impactful changes. National reporters Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano have spent the week in San Francisco gathering insights from executives, coaches, agents, and players about potential moves in the league.
One of the critical issues being discussed is the futures of players on the Super Bowl teams. Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, in particular, faces a decision point with a $15 million roster bonus becoming guaranteed if he remains on the team beyond February 13. Despite the pressure this creates, Darnold’s performance helped Seattle reach the Super Bowl in his first season, prompting expectations that the team will likely opt to keep him. However, this raises questions around the Seahawks’ willingness to extend his contract, given their historical reluctance to guarantee lengthy contracts for veteran players.
Additionally, the Seahawks face decisions regarding running backs Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet. With Walker poised to hit free agency and Charbonnet recovering from an ACL injury, Seattle may find itself in a tricky position balancing financial commitment and roster building, especially as they also eye potential extensions for other key players like wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and cornerback Devon Witherspoon.
On the coaching side, there are impending changes in Seattle, particularly with Klint Kubiak expected to head to Las Vegas, leaving an opening for an offensive coordinator. Andrew Janocko, who has served as the quarterbacks coach, emerges as a strong candidate due to his previous connections with Kubiak.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles are facing their own coaching upheaval after the resignation of offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, a significant loss given his 13 years of service and valuable contributions to the team’s successes. Discussions regarding potential retirements of key players such as right tackle Lane Johnson and left guard Landon Dickerson have added to the uncertainty for Philadelphia’s offensive line.
Moreover, the offseason promises activity in free agency, where the Cincinnati Bengals are reportedly contemplating attempts to retain defensive end Trey Hendrickson, although the potential tag would come at a hefty price. The Colts are also poised to pursue quarterback Daniel Jones, reflecting the ongoing shifts in quarterback availability across the league.
Trade buzz surrounds edge rusher Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders, with numerous teams reportedly expressing interest in acquiring the impactful defensive player. Meanwhile, the NFL Players Association is in the midst of selecting a new executive director, with the pressure mounting as discussions about contract terms and league expansions remain pivotal for the future of the players.
As the Super Bowl concludes and the offseason unfolds, teams will be working diligently to make strategic decisions that can set the stage for the year ahead, establishing themselves as contenders or reshaping their rosters for the future. The insights gleaned from Super Bowl week are likely to pave the way for important changes across the league, signaling a dynamic period ahead for all 32 teams.