Crystal Ball: Conversations we will have in the 2027 Off-Season
Let's take a glance into the future.
There are always storylines in the NFL.
Some are logical, some are completely fabricated, and some are very dramatized.
We are going to take a gander into the future and have come up with some storylines that may be had after the conclusion of the 2026 season.
This is a bit predictive, but that isn't the point.
If it were totally predictive I'd be talking about how Tyler Shough and Jordyn Tyson are the next Montana and Rice.
It's more so an educated guess. We are following patterns and making logical assumptions about what the talking points could be by the end of this upcoming season.
From free agency buzz, to roster blow ups, to QB drama. It happens every year.
So again, these are not predictions. I personally would not guess that all of these come to fruition.
This article is just taking a guess at what will be at the top of the headlines over the course of next offseason.
Let's get into it!
New Eras
Pittsburgh Steelers Reset
Yes, they just hired Mike McCarthy. And yes, people say this every year. I, however, am not one of those people.
I have been on the Steelers and Tomlin train for years. While everyone else says "this is the year the winning record gimmick ends," I have stood strong. Pittsburgh consistently puts together a strong enough roster for Tomlin to get the job done, even if they aren't ultimately true contenders.
And I believe they have done it again. The offense got better, the defense is still solid on paper, they made a few upgrades in free agency.
But Mike Tomlin is gone.
Can Mike McCarthy come in and maintain the culture that Mike T had in Pittsburgh for 2 decades? With a 42 year old at quarterback?
I have my doubts.
Earlier in the offseason, I wrote an article discussing the direction I thought the Steelers should take after Tomlin stepped down.
To summarize, I believed Pittsburgh should hire a young head coach, get rid of any unfavorable contracts, let go of Aaron Rodgers, and see how far a young QB could take them. Not a full tear down, just a reset. They still would have a strong, young core to the roster. I just believed they should have moved forward with a youthful identity, rather than adding expensive veterans to round out the roster. Get younger and cheaper. Set yourselves up for 2027.
Instead, Pittsburgh went in the direction of acquiring veterans to stay afloat in the playoff race. But I believe there's a good chance all of that falls apart with Mike Tomlin on T.V instead of on the sidelines.
By the time Week 18 rolls around, I bet the media is discussing the future of the Steelers. And the talks will be centered around who will be their next franchise QB and new head coach.
I think Mike McCarthy forces them to face reality and recognize that they can't keep this mindset of barely being competitive.
Pittsburgh may be forced into a new era by next January.
Indianapolis Colts Entering a Rebuild
Like Pittsburgh, I have been the Colts biggest fan for a while. I think they have built good rosters and simply haven't had the QB for them to work. Then, when they finally seem to have the QB, his leg blows up.
I like Shane Steichen. I think he's a good head coach and great playcaller. He was a play away from taking Gardner Minshew to the playoffs and had the Colts sitting at 8-2 on their BYE week.
But I don't believe Steichen, and maybe even longtime GM Chris Ballard, can afford another down year, no matter how valid the excuses are. You tied yourself to Daniel Jones, that was a decision they all made. Him having a down year after injury isn't an excuse.
And there are new owners in charge. Legendary owner Jim Irsay left the team to his daughters. They might not have as tight a relationship with Ballard and Steichen, making it easier for them to move on.
Not only do I think the Colts have to win this year to keep this regime intact, but they have multiple notable free agents in 2027. Meaning that a losing season makes it easier to start a new era, as there may be several key pieces departing anyways.
Among those players are DeForest Buckner, Quenton Nelson, Jonathan Taylor, Grover Stewart, and Josh Downs.
That's three All-Pros, a guy who's been in Indianapolis for 10 years, and a good WR who's been there for 4 years.
And you can move off the Daniel Jones contract with fairly little harm after this season.
If Indianapolis can't pull it together in 2026, I wouldn't be surprised if people start talking about key pieces leaving the building by next January. And that will certainly lead to a change in leadership.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Need a Mini-Reset
Baker Mayfield is a free agent. He will be 32 next offseason and has a history of issues with his throwing shoulder. It's clear the Buccaneers are not eager to extend him at the high price he seeks.
Todd Bowles will be 63 years old and this past January, people weren't even sure Bowles was going to be coaching the Bucs in 2026. He's about to have his fifth offensive coordinator in 5 years, albeit for various reasons. He's led the team to just one playoff win in his tenure and has an overall record of just 35-33 with the Buccaneers.
Vita Vea is a free agent. Lavonte David retired. Mike Evans just left to take a discount with the San Francisco 49ers.
The Panthers just won the division and the Saints are on an upward trajectory.
The Buccaneers roster is still in good shape. They seem to have drafted well, really for four straight years now.
But it seems like they are slipping in the wrong direction, while a pair of teams in their division may be surpassing them.
A small reset seems like it could be beneficial.
Now, can you call it a small reset when that reset involves finding a new head coach and a franchise QB? Maybe not, but they should be a desirable destination considering location and roster.
If the Bucs miss the playoffs for a second consecutive year, I have no doubt this will be a conversation. The question would be, where do they find a QB...
Quarterback Drama
Joe Burrow Trade Talks
It has happened for years, mostly without merit. But I feel as though we are reaching a breaking point.
Of course, this is completely contingent on the Bengals missing the playoffs in 2026.
And the front office has finally woken up and realized that Burrow might not be their's for long, and went out and made moves to improve their horrendous defense.
But let us run with the idea that the Bengals miss the playoffs. Because, although they are improved, it's not out of the realm of possibility, even with a healthy Joe Burrow. I'd say there are at least 10 teams who strongly believe they will make the playoffs, maybe 12. Cincinnati is not guaranteed a playoff spot.
Joe Burrow will be 30 years old. He will have missed the playoffs in 4 consecutive seasons. He's torn his ACL and MCL, tore a ligament in his right wrist, and suffered turf toe.
It's tough to throw the "injury prone" label on somebody, so I won't. But it's still a reality that Burrow has been beaten up in his career, and he might not want to wait around to make the playoffs again. He might not get the luxury of playing until he's 40.
I mentioned how these discussions have been had without much merit.
Well, next offseason still might be a tad unrealistic. The trade would have to be made post-June 1, which is rare in the NFL, especially for a QB.
I don't see the Bengals doing that. Especially considering their roster isn't in bad shape, they just aren't an upper echelon organization.
A pre-June 1 trade would save the Bengals just $450k. That's nothing.
So, despite the fact that I implied a 2027 Joe Burrow trade is more realistic, Burrow would likely only be dealt in or after 2028, if ever.
It doesn't make financial sense for Cincinnati, and their roster will still be in decent shape next offseason. Burrow would have to be the one to demand a trade, and I don't see that happening next offseason.
But if the Bengals do miss the playoffs, realistically, the conversation next offseason will revolve around the amount of pressure on Cincinnati to succeed in 2027.
Jalen Hurts is on the Hot Seat
Jalen Hurts is about to have his 10th different offensive coordinator in his last 11 seasons of football. Really 11th in 12 seasons, if we go back to high school.
But this one is different.
New OC Sean Mannion is a former NFL QB, drafted in the 3rd round in 2015 out of Oregon State. He lasted 8 years as a backup, before starting his coaching journey in 2024.
He was the Packers QB coach in 2025.
Here are some notable coaches Mannion played under in his career, whether as a QB coach, OC, or HC:
Sean McVay, Matt LaFleur, Kevin O'Connell, Zac Taylor, Kevin Stefanski, Dave Canales, Klint Kubiak.
This OC is different because it shows the Eagles committing to a new style of offense. Mannion will run his version of the Shanahan offense.
The Eagles went out and traded A.J Brown and drafted Eli Stowers and Makai Lemon. They moved on from their man beating deep threat and brought in guys who excel over the middle. That's textbook Shanahan offense. Lineup under center, utilize motion and play-action, and throw over the middle.
Hurts is unfamiliar with this. And that's not to say it's impossible for him to have success, it's just a massive change. And change is hard in general, let alone for a guy who's 28 years old. It's hard to break habits you've developed for over a decade.
Hurts has never run an offense like this one. It will be a massive change in the trajectory of his career. The reason for this is a few combining factors.
For one, this is the modern NFL. It's about time for the Eagles to adapt a bit.
Second, and most importantly, Hurts needs to adapt a more pocket passer mentality as he ages.
Hurts' legs are already declining. He's put on weight in the NFL, and is slower to get to the edge and beat defenders to the sideline. His best running ability comes when headed downhill. But you don't want to run your 30 year old franchise QB into a pile of 10 guys who weigh 300lbs. That's not good for their career.
Hurts has 3 years left on his deal, 2 years of guaranteed money remaining.
It's clear the Eagles are changing their offensive philosophy. If Hurts does not show signs of adapting to this style of offense, it's unlikely the Eagles will want to extend him next offseason. Hurts will be 31 years old when his next contract begins and the Eagles have young stars to pay.
This would put Hurts on the hot seat going into the 2027 season.
Texans and Panthers Need to Look for Answers
The 1st and 2nd overall selections of the 2023 NFL Draft have had up and down careers to this point. Both Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud had their 5th year options picked up, but it is unlikely they will be extended this offseason. Meaning this year could be make or break for whether or not they get a significant extension.
I don't want to drag on when it comes to what options both the Panthers and Texans have when it comes to paying these guys, but here's a quick look of how I see it.
Stroud:
Return to rookie form and win multiple playoff games(or at least not be the reason Houston loses), get the big 5 year, $50M+ deal
Look like a combination of his Year 2 and 3, he may get offered a 3 year deal. Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield esque(3/100, low guarantees).
Look like he did in the playoffs, no contract offer. Houston looks for an upgrade if Stroud doesn't want to play on an expiring contract.
A 1 year deal, to ensure he doesn't become a UFA, may be on the table as well. Stroud could take this knowing if he plays well at any point, he'll get a long-term extension.
Young:
Take a step forward and turn the month long stretch of good play into a full season and have good production, get the big 5 year, $50m+ deal
Look like how he did after returning from his 2024 benching, Sam Darnold/Baker Mayfield deal is on the table. The idea of a good QB is there, but it doesn't perform in totality.
Have more inconsistent play than good stretches, no contract offer.
Let's discuss Carolina first. This was your 1st overall pick that you traded up for. This is meant to be the franchise savior. And, in spurts, you see it.
Young can playmake, he's capable in the pocket, he's incredibly accurate. And, once he finally had a legitimate WR to throw to, had the best year of his career.
This is a small QB who is still just 24 years old, it naturally was going to take time to iron things out.
But that time is now. Young has to take a step. The offense isn't perfect, but you have a solid OL, a true WR1, and a good playcalling head coach.
The Panthers made the playoffs last season and got better during the offseason, adding legit talents defensively. Bryce Young can not afford to stay stagnant or relapse into a young, scared QB.
If Bryce Young doesn't either take a step towards becoming a more legit NFL QB, or at least keep the Panthers afloat at the top of a bad division, people will be talking about Carolina having to start flirting with other QB options for their future.
The Texans may be in a more delicate situation. While Carolina wants to stay on top of the NFC South, they are a younger team that is still growing a bit.
Houston should be in the Super Bowl next year. Shoot, Houston probably should have been in the Super Bowl this year if not for Stroud completing 42% of his passes and throwing 4 INTs in the Divisional Round.
Houston has to get winning play out of Stroud right now. They have a Super Bowl defense and a fairly steady offensive situation. The offensive line being a work-in-progress during Stroud's rookie contract is not ideal, but the defense being as elite as it is makes up for it.
While it'd be nice to have Stroud return to rookie form, with a touch of veteran intellect added on, all he really has to do is game manage the playoffs.
Sam Darnold was not that great this season from Week 11 and on. He struggled with pressure, completed under 65% of his passes, and had an 8:10 TD to turnover ratio down the stretch of the regular season. But when the playoffs rolled around, he had 0 turnovers. No INTs, not even a fumble. And the defense took over.
The window of Houston having this elite defense won't last too much longer, and they need steady QB play, particularly in the postseason, to capitalize. Stroud has played good football, and I think that has gotten erased because he hasn't matched his elite rookie season and people are so focused on Stroud's extreme playoff lows.
I think the Texans believe they have a good QB, but if Stroud hits rock bottom late in the season once again, 2027 becomes a real make or break year for both Stroud and Houston.
Free Agent Frenzy
George Pickens Sweepstakes
Somehow even the only non-QB relevant piece get tied back to QBs.
George Pickens is a free agent next year after being franchise tagged by the Dallas Cowboys this offseason. It appears both sides are content with playing out this season on the tag. While Dallas can tag him again next offseason, it becomes less likely, as the price of the tag will go up to $32.76m, an increase of 120%.
But the real discussion that will come out of George Pickens' potential free agency is the quarterback of whichever team signs him.
We've seen it for the last decade. A young QB gets a true number one WR to rely on and they make "the leap" into stardom.
Josh Allen got Stefon Diggs, Joe Burrow got rookie Ja'Marr Chase, Jalen Hurts got A.J. Brown, Tua Tagovailoa got Tyreek Hill, the list could go on.
Obviously, more QBs could apply here, but the acquisition of the WR wasn't as notable. Or the QB joined later. Like Sam Darnold. He broke out getting to play with Justin Jefferson, and then continued with Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
But the allure of a superstar like Pickens not only being available, but likely being on the open free agency market?! That's a clear talking point that will be had going into free agency. I feel as though there is already a clear team that people will be hyping up to sign Pickens next offseason, as they have just drafted who they want to be their franchise QB.
The Las Vegas Raiders need a true WR1 for Fernando Mendoza.
This doesn't even feel like a "what-if" scenario, I'd be surprised if it didn't happen, in all honestly. The Raiders, or any team preparing to draft a QB with lots of cap space, will be talked up as a team to sign Pickens. Then, whoever does sign him, we will hear all offseason about how that QB is going to take the leap.
Mac Jones is the Next Sam Darnold
Mac Jones signed a 2 year deal with the 49ers last offseason, that he may be regretting right now. After being traded to Jacksonville to end his rookie contract in 2024, Jones went the route of choosing a place to be a backup before attempting to take a starting job elsewhere.
He signed with the 49ers and Kyle Shanahan. Just like Sam Darnold in 2023, where Darnold claims he "got his PhD in football."
Jones ended up starting 8 games in place of the injured Brock Purdy and threw for 2151 yards, 13 TDs, and 6 INTs on a 69.6% completion rate, going 5-3 in that span. A pretty successful year as a backup.
This is why I said Jones may regret making that two year deal, because he would have hit free agency with a decent amount of suitors. Now, he won't hit free agency until he's 29 years old. It will be harder for him to take the Baker Mayfield/Darnold route of signing a 1 year prove-it deal to be a starter, then signing for 3+ years. After Jones hypothetically signs that prove-it deal, he'll be 30 years old. Not exactly as desirable as the 28 year old Darnold.
I believe this will be the narrative about Jones entering free agency for a few reasons.
For one, the media loves QBs. Just look at this article for proof. They produce infinite talking points. And the media is particularly in love with the redemption, second chance arc so many QBs have had recently, going back to Geno Smith in 2022 in Seattle. As a former 1st rounder, Jones is poised to be next.
But the other reasons are just Jones' on field play. I think he's easily one of the best 32 QBs in the NFL and there's no reason he shouldn't be starting every Sunday.
Here are some stats:
32 starts - 10-22 record - 6789 yards - 65% CMP - 32 TDs - 31 INTs - 6.5 Y/A
25 starts - 15-10 record - 3823 yards - 68% CMP - 35 TDs - 19 INTs - 7.35 Y/A
The first set is Mac Jones' 2022-2024 seasons. His play callers in that time were Matt Patricia(now the Ohio State DC), Bill O'Brien(HC at Boston College), and Doug Pederson(unemployed).
The second set is Mac Jones' rookie year and 2025 season. The only two seasons he has played with OCs still in the NFL, in Josh McDaniels and Kyle Shanahan.
Is it cherrypicking to take from his rookie season? Maybe. But I do believe Jones' Patriots tenure was ended in large part due to a horrendous coaching staff.
And I mean no disrespect to Doug Pederson, but he was clearly on his last legs and Jones was the backup on terrible Jaguars team.
I believe Mac Jones has played well enough to the point where, if you believe in your offensive play caller, you should be willing to give him a shot. And the media loves to hype up a QB redemption arc, so I would bet we see a lot of Insiders talking about who is interested in Mac Jones come next March.
Thanks for reading through the article! I know it was a QB heavy article, but that's what the media has conversations about!
Do you think these are all accurate? Did I completely misfire? Give me your thoughts!
If you have any other ideas for what you think the talking points around the NFL will be by the end of the 2026 season, let me know!
Stay tuned for more NFL and 49ers articles, news, and opinions!
Comments