Biggest Offseason Questions for Every NFL Team - All 32 Franchises

Biggest Offseason Questions for Every NFL Team - All 32 Franchises

With free agency in full swing and the NFL Draft just a month away, it is time to identify what question each NFL team must answer before the 2025 regular season.

Arizona Cardinals

Question: Will Marvin Harrison Jr. reach his full potential?

The Cardinals selected Marvin Harrison Jr. with the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Harrison flashed elite upside at times but struggled to remain consistent. He only tallied at least 60 yards in six contests and fell below 50 in 10 games. Harrison needs to emerge as a high-end wide receiver if the Cardinals want to take the next step.

Atlanta Faclons

Question: Is Michael Penix Jr. a franchise quarterback?

After Kirk Cousins stumbled in the second half of the season, the Falcons turned to their former first round selection to lead their playoff push. However, the Falcons ultimately fell short. In these three games, Penix averaged 245 passing yards per game with a 3:3 TD:INT ratio. If the Falcons can strengthen their offensive line, Penix could enjoy a successful sophomore campaign with elite weapons around him such as Drake London and Bijan Robinson.

Baltimore Ravens

Question: Did the Ravens do enough to improve their defense?

The Ravens claimed another AFC North Championship but their secondary did little to help them. During the regular season, they allowed the second-most passing yards per game. However, their rushing defense allowed the fewest rushing yards per game. In order for Baltimore to compete in the AFC, they will need a stronger secondary.

Buffalo Bills

Question: Does Josh Allen have enough around him to win a Super Bowl?

The Buffalo Bills have been a Super Bowl contender for the past five seasons but have fallen short in the postseason. After letting Stefon Diggs walk last spring, the Bills were able to design an offense to bring Buffalo back to the postseason. However, they ultimately fell short to Kansas City. In free agency, Buffalo brought in Josh Palmer to add another weapon to the wide receiver room and extended Khalil Shakir. However, were these moves enough to keep up with the other heavyweights in the conference?

Carolina Panthers

Question: Can Bryce Young live up to his draft selection?

After a rough start to the 2024 season, Bryce Young began to find his footing during the second half of the season. Over his final seven contests, Young threw 11 scores and added five on the ground. During this span, he averaged 226 passing yards per game with 25 rushing yards per game. However, the Panthers did not make significant moves in free agency on offense and Young will have to continue his development with a sub-par pass-catching room.

Chicago Bears

Question: Can Ben Johnson turn Caleb Williams into a franchise QB?

In one of the first moves of the offseason, the Bears hired former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Last season, Johnson was the mind behind one of the best offensive units in league history. Now, Johnson will have the task to get Caleb Williams back on track. Last season, Williams was sacked the most times in football and won just five games.

Cincinnati Bengals

Question: Can the Bengals defense improve in 2025?

There was no doubt the Cincinnati offense played at an elite level all season. However, they fell short of a playoff birth due to their defense, which allowed the seventh-most PPG. They may face a greater challenge in 2025 as star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson has begun to seek a trade partner. In free agency, the Bengals extended defensive tackle B.J. Hill but did little to improve the secondary.

Cleveland Browns

Question: Who is their QB1?

After making one of the worst trades in NFL history to acquire Deshaun Watson from Houston, the Browns are looking to return to the postseason but do not have a proven option under center. Watson suffered an Achilles injury and will likely miss most of the 2025 season. They traded for Kenny Pickett earlier in the offseason but he has never enjoyed extended success as a starter. This could suggest the Browns are waiting until the draft to address this position.

Dallas Cowboys

Question: Can the Cowboys still compete in the NFC East?

The Cowboys spent most of their free agency cap space on extending defensive lineman Osa Odighizuwa to a four-year $80 million contract. There were other sizable moves such as reshaping their running back room by bringing in Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders on one-year contracts. However, most of the pressure will be on QB Dak Prescott returning from a season-ending hamstring injury. Will Prescott be able to compete with a rising star in Jayden Daniels and the reigning Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles.

Denver Broncos

Question: Who will lead an empty backfield?

The Denver Broncos addressed a position of need by bringing in tight end Evan Engram. However, their running back room lacks a proven option. Javonte Williams inked a one-year deal with Dallas, leaving Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime as the top options on the depth chart. If the Broncos target a top running back prospect in the draft, they could emerge as serious contenders in the AFC.

Detroit Lions

Question: Can the Detroit offense remain dominant without Ben Johnson

The Detroit Lions boasted one of the best offensive units in NFL history during the 2024 season. They scored 33.4 points per game while averaging 146.6 rushing yards and 263.4 passing yards per game. However, their offensive gameplan will now need to continue progressing without offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. If the Detroit offense takes a step back, they could be due for massive regression in 2025.

Green Bay Packers

Question: Who will emerge as Jordan Love’s No. 1 wide receiver?

The Green Bay Packers leaned heavily on their rushing attack during the 2024 season as the Packers could not find much rhythm in their passing game. However, in order for their team to compete in the NFC, the Packers will need a legit No. 1 wide receiver. Jayden Reed showed flashes at times but was not consistent. Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks have enjoyed short stints of success but have never enjoyed a true breakout season.

Houston Texans

Question: Can the Texans protect C.J. Stroud?

The Houston Texans allowed the fourth-most sacks last season (54). While the Texans were still productive as they captured the AFC South title, their weak offensive line was prevalent in their playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Texans already have begun to reshape their line during free agency.

Indianapolis Colts

Question: Is Anthony Richardson worth building a franchise around?

Anthony Richardson suffered a season-ending injury during his rookie season and opened the 2024 season as their QB1. However, after a slow start, he was benched in favor of Joe Flacco. He returned to the lineup in Weeks 11 through 16 and scored nine touchdowns with five interceptions. The Colts brought in Daniel Jones to add some competition at the position. The Colts will need to learn if Richardson is a true QB1 in 2025.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Question: Can Liam Coen turn Trevor Lawrence’s career around?

Trevor Lawrence threw for 4,000 yards during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. However, in 2024, Lawrence battled injuries and the entire team took a step back as they won just four games. In the offseason, they brought in former Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen to get their franchise back on track.

Kansas City Chiefs

Question: Can Isiah Pacheco return to form in 2025?

Isiah Pacheco averaged just under 100 yards per game during the first two weeks of the 2024 season. However, he suffered a fractured fibula which kept him sidelined for most of the season. When he returned late in the campaign, Pacheco averaged a poor 3.5 yards per carry and did not find the end zone. The Chiefs will need Pacheco to bounce-back if they want to repeat as AFC champions.

Las Vegas Raiders

Question: Can Geno Smith bring the Raiders back to playoff contention?

After falling just short of the postseason with Seattle, Geno Smith will take his talents to Las Vegas. Shortly before free agency, the Raiders traded for Smith. Smith will now take over QB1 duties in Las Vegas. In 2024, the Raiders won just four games and had underwhelming QB play all season. The 34-year-old will look to bring Las Vegas back into the playoff picture.

Los Angeles Chargers

Question: Who will be Justin Herbert’s No. 2 pass-catcher?

Rookie Ladd McConkey emerged as one of the league’s top wide receivers during the final stretch of the 2024 regular season. However, the Chargers lacked a proven No. 2 option opposite of McConkey. During free agency, the Chargers reunited with Mike Williams and let go of Joshua Palmer. If Mike Williams can enjoy the previous success he had with Los Angeles, the Chargers’ offence could reach a new level.

Los Angeles Rams

Question: Can Kyren Williams improve his ball control?

Even though Williams ran for over 1,000 yards in the second straight season, his ball control tarnished his success. During the regular season, Williams fumbled the ball five times and lost three of them. During their playoff loss to the Eagles, Williams also lost a fumble. The Rams have a sophomore running back behind him who could step into his role if he continues to struggle.

Miami Dolphins

Question: Can Tua Tagovailoa lead the Dolphins back to the postseason?

When Tua Tagovailoa was on the field, the Miami Dolphins were quite productive. However, the Miami offense struggled when he missed time due to a concussion. The Dolphins fell short of the postseason due to these poor stretches of play. During the 2023 season, Tagovailoa and the Miami offense averaged the most yards per game. If the Miami offensive line can protect Tagovailoa, they should be in prime position to return to the postseason.

Minnesota Vikings

Question: Can J.J. McCarthy return to form after injury?

J.J. McCarthy was competing for the starting role in training camp but suffered a season-ending Achilles injury. This opened the way for Sam Darnold to operate as the QB1 and enjoy a career-season. However, with Darnold now in Seattle, McCarthy is expected to be Minnesota’s QB1 based on the current depth chart.

New England Patriots

Question: Who is catching passes from Drake Maye?

The New England Patriots spent a lot of their cap space on improving their offensive line and defense during free agency. However, this team still lacks proven pass-catching options for Drake Maye. Last season, Demario Douglas led the wide receiver room in receptions with just 66. While an improved offensive line will help the overall offense, Maye will need better receivers to take the next step in his development.

New Orleans Saints

Question: Can Derek Carr bounce-back after a disappointing 2025?

The New Orleans Saints enjoyed an impressive start to the 2024 season but then got bit by the injury bug. Quarterback Derek Carr missed seven games during the regular season and the entire offense significantly declined while he was out. Carr restructured his contract with the Saints during the offseason to add more cap flexibility. Carr will be given QB1 duties again in 2025 without an intriguing option behind him and will look to bounce-back.

New York Giants

Question: How can the Giants save Malik Nabers in his prime years?

Malik Nabers enjoyed one of the most impressive rookie seasons by a wide receiver. Nabers caught 109 passes for 1,20 yards with seven touchdowns. He only dropped 10 passes and posted three games in which he tallied more than 100 yards. However, the Giants have significant questions under center and cannot afford to waste Nabers’ elite production. With the Giants not addressing this position in free agency, they will likely find their QB in the draft.

New York Jets

Question: Can Justin Fields save this “core” of the New York Jets?

The New York Jets had one of the most impressive “core” of players, including Breece Hall, Garret Wilson, and Sauce Gardner. When they brought in Aaron Rodgers, the team had high expectations and was viewed as a contender in the AFC. However, after Rodgers suffered a season-ending injury in 2023, he could not perform consistently in 2024. In free agency, the Jets signed Justin Fields to a two-year deal. Can Field bring the Jets back to the postseason?

Philadelphia Eagles

Question: How can the Eagles pull off the repeat?

The Philadelphia Eagles will look to pull off the repeat without their offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who will now be the head coach of the New Orleans Saints. Moore’s rushing attack paved the way for Saquon Barkley to have one of the most productive seasons in NFL history. The Eagles will look to enjoy similar success with Kevin Patullo running the offense.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Question: How can the Steelers escape mediocrity?

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been one of the most consistent teams over the past 20 years. However, they have not won a playoff game since the 2015 season. During free agency, the Steelers acquired star wide receiver DK Metcalf but released running back Najee Harris who signed with the Chargers. Currently, the Steelers do not have an option under center. Will their eventual QB1 bring them to the next level?

San Francisco 49ers

Question: Can the 49ers return to the top of the NFC?

The 49ers dealt with many injuries on both sides of the ball, derailing their 2024 season. Running back Christian McCaffrey, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, and defensive end Nick Bosa all missed most of the campaign. The 49ers have already begun to part ways with several key contributors in hopes of shedding cap. Can Brock Purdy bring the 49ers back to the postseason with a remodeled wide receiver room?

Seattle Seahawks

Question: Can Sam Darnold be their franchise QB?

After just falling short of the postseason in 2024, the Seahawks made a big splash in free agency by signing quarterback Sam Darnold to a massive three-year $100.5 million contract. Darnold enjoyed a career-season in Minnesota last fall, throwing for 4,319 yards with 35 passing scores. Darnold will now look to enjoy similar success with a much-weaker pass-catching room in Seattle.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Question: Can the Buccaneers run-it-back without OC?

Liam Coen was able to get Baker Mayfield’s career back on track in Tampa Bay. Last season, Mayfield threw for a career-high 4,5000 yards with 41 passing scores. However, Coen is now the head coach in Jacksonville. Mayfield will now look to enjoy similar success with a new offensive gameplan. Fortunately, he will have all his pass-catchers returning, led by future Hall of Famer Mike Evans.

Tennessee Titans

Question: Who will the Titans draft at No. 1?

The Tennessee Titans hold the top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Last season, the Titans gave quarterback Will Levis several opportunities to be their franchise quarterback, but he was very inconsistent. He held an underwhelming 12:13 TD:INT. During free agency, the Titans did not re-sign No. 2 quarterback Mason Rudolph, which suggests they will likely target this position in the draft.

Washington Commanders

Question: How can the Commanders take the next step in 2025?

The Washington Commanders surprised many last season as they made the playoffs and won two playoff games, including dismantling the No.1 seed Detroit Lions. Even though they fell short in the NFC Championship Game, the Commanders are shaping up to take the next step in 2025. During the offseason, they have already begun to improve their roster, bringing in a proven No. 2 wide receiver in Deebo Samuel and a star left tackle in Laremy Tunsil.