Explore the latest developments concerning NFL offseason priorities.
NFL offseason priorities for 2026: Key dates, storylines
Peter Schrager and Stephen A. Smith agree the Patriots should not be viewed as the AFC favorites entering next season. (1:53)
Super Bowl LX is in the books. The Seattle Seahawks, who entered the season with a 1.1% chance to win the Super Bowl based on ESPN Analytics projections, beat the New England Patriots 29-13 to take home the Lombardi Trophy.
Now begins the process of building the Super Bowl LXI champions through an offseason that will be characterized, in part, by the usual imbalance of available quarterbacks relative to demand. Nearly a third of the NFL could be seeking a new quarterback this offseason, but the 2026 draft is projected to be particularly light at the position, and no stars are looming in free agency.
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Firstly, club personnel and invited draft prospects will mingle in 13 days in Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine, which runs Feb. 23-March 2. Then, on March 11, the new league year will launch, opening the contract-signing period for free agents. And in 2.5 months (72 days) the offseason will peak at the 2026 NFL Draft.
The annual event that brings the next class of college standouts into the pros is practically the offseason Super Bowl. The phase beforehand, however — the several weeks that see many veterans switch teams — is equally if not more relevant to the immediate success of a franchise. See: Seattle and New England.
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One roster move each AFC team should make during the 2026 NFL offseason
While the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks prepare for Super Bowl LX, 30 other franchises are already planning for the offseason.
With free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft forthcoming, here's one move each AFC team should make.
Hiring Jesse Minter immediately upgrades the Baltimore defense. The secondary has pieces to play Minter’s match coverages, but the pass rush needs help. The Ravens didn’t have a single player with more than 30 QB pressures in 2025, per Next Gen Stats, and defensive tackle Travis Jones led the club with five sacks. That won’t do. Minter doesn’t often bring extra rushers, with the Chargers blitzing at just a 20.4% rate last season, third-lowest in the NFL. Adding multiple edge rushers is a must to get the most out of Minter’s scheme.
For more detailed information, explore updates concerning NFL offseason priorities.
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