NFL offseason priorities for 2026: Key dates, storylines
Kevin Seifert, February 10, 2026
The NFL offseason is a critical period for teams to build their championship-winning rosters, with a focus on quarterbacks, free agents, and draft prospects. Here's a breakdown of the key priorities and storylines for the 2026 offseason:
Retirement and Free Agency:
- Aaron Rodgers and Travis Kelce: Two likely Hall of Fame players are considering retirement. Rodgers, 42, and Kelce, 36, will make decisions that will impact the quarterback market.
- Matthew Stafford: Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, 38, plans to play in 2026.
- Free Agent Quarterbacks: At least six teams will seek starting-caliber quarterbacks, with the Raiders, Vikings, and others in the market.
Quarterback Movement:
- Las Vegas Raiders: Expected to draft Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick.
- Free Agents: Top pending free agents include Rodgers, Daniel Jones, Malik Willis, Gardner Minshew, and Jimmy Garoppolo.
- Potential Trades: Arizona Cardinals' Kyler Murray and Miami Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa are potential trade candidates.
- 2026 Draft: The quarterback class is deep, with Mendoza and others expected to be top picks.
Offseason Timeline:
- February 17: Teams can begin using the franchise tag.
- February 23: Scouting combine opens in Indianapolis.
- Free Agency and Trades: Teams can start contacting pending free agents 29 days after the scouting combine.
- NFL Draft: 72 days after the scouting combine.
Coaching Changes:
- Offensive Coordinators: Nearly two-thirds of teams will have new offensive coordinators, impacting playcalling.
- Inclusivity: The NFL aims to improve diversity with new head coaches, but progress is slow.
Replay Officials and Kickoff Rules:
- Replay Authority: Owners debate allowing replay officials to throw flags in certain situations.
- Concussion Concerns: The NFL revisits kickoff rules to reduce concussion rates, with mixed results in 2025.
Legal Challenges:
- Jon Gruden and Brian Flores: Former and current coaches have active litigation against the NFL, challenging arbitration processes.
- Tush Push Play: Despite a near-ban, some teams continued using the play in 2025.
18-Game Season and International Expansion:
- Labor Peace: NFL owners aim to expand international games to keep long-term labor peace and share higher revenues.
- NFLPA Response: The NFLPA opposes an 18-game season, and negotiations are ongoing.
