{"id":58166,"date":"2018-02-06T09:03:07","date_gmt":"2018-02-06T09:03:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.biphoo.com\/bipnews\/?p=58166"},"modified":"2018-02-06T09:03:07","modified_gmt":"2018-02-06T09:03:07","slug":"10-biggest-questions-for-the-2018-nfl-offseason","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.biphoo.com\/bipnews\/sports\/10-biggest-questions-for-the-2018-nfl-offseason.html","title":{"rendered":"10 biggest questions for the 2018 NFL offseason"},"content":{"rendered":"

10 biggest questions for the 2018 NFL offseason<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

As Bill Belichick might put it: It\u2019s on to next season.<\/span><\/p>\n

Super Bowl LII provided the crowning moment for one season and the kickoff to another. Here a few items to ponder from the NFL\u2019s offseason landscape.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Where will Kirk Cousins land?<\/span><\/p>\n

With Dan Snyder and Co. poised to capture another \u201coffseason championship\u201d in obtaining Alex Smith from the Chiefs, Washington has boldly addressed its quarterback situation \u2013 leaving Cousins to hit the open market and collect his biggest payday yet. The Cardinals and Broncos, who already have a lot of pieces in place, would be intriguing options. The Jets and Browns might offer more cash \u2026 and more rebuilding.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. When will the Carolina Panthers get a new owner?<\/span><\/p>\n

Although the deal could fetch a multi-billion sale price, it\u2019s not inconceivable the Panthers could change hands before the start of next season. Whoever emerges as the next owner \u2013 Jerry Richardson put the franchise on the market after Sports Illustrated revealed he\u2019s been accused of workplace misconduct, including alleged sexual harassment \u2013 probably hasn\u2019t been publicly identified, as legitimate suitors typically work behind the scenes.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Will Andrew Luck return to form?<\/span><\/p>\n

After missing the entire season following shoulder surgery, the Colts franchise quarterback hopes to be on track to resume his career next season, which would include a new chapter with expected coach Josh McDaniels. But there were assurances that he would return during the 2017 season, and those never panned out. Now it\u2019s worth wondering whether he\u2019ll be the same player after surgery. Until that\u2019s confirmed with performance, Indianapolis will be on edge.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Who will be the first pick in the draft?<\/span><\/p>\n

The Browns are on the clock, a familiar position. Also familiar: the presence of a new GM, in John Dorsey, and the need to land a franchise quarterback. In the two previous drafts, the Browns passed on opportunities to grab Deshaun Watson and Carson Wentz. Now they can have their pick between Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen or Josh Allen. The Browns also have the fourth pick \u2014 could they land Penn State running back Saquon Barkley \u2014 maybe the best prospect in the draft \u2014\u2013 to go with a franchise quarterback?<\/span><\/p>\n

5. How will Bill Belichick ever catch up?<\/span><\/p>\n

A day after the epic Super Bowl comeback against the Falcons last year, the Patriots coach grumbled that he was a few weeks behind with his offseason work. He was only half-kidding. And, yes, he caught up. This time, the offseason challenge for Belichick includes replacing both of his coordinators, with McDaniels set to join the Colts while D-coordinator Matt Patricia will lead the Lions. That’s the price of success: Short offseasons and promotions for key assistants.<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Can the league fix the catch rule?<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s an NFL version of Same Time Next Year. With a few fresh head-scratching examples to consider, the competition committee will once again weigh tweaking the rule that constitutes a catch. As the rule is written now, the officials generally are making the correct call by the book. But that doesn\u2019t always overlap with common sense. New language is needed. So figure on the catch rule headlining the battery of rulebook adjustments.<\/span><\/p>\n

7. Will Le\u2019Veon Bell get the contract of his dreams?<\/span><\/p>\n

The Steelers’ versatile star running back was a no-show during the bulk of the offseason and during training camp as he waited to sign his franchise tag tender. After he ultimately reported, it took a while for a well-conditioned Bell to regain the rhythm and flow in the offense. What he really wants is a sizable long-term contract, which might start to approach quarterback money.<\/span><\/p>\n

8. How will Jon Gruden get a jump-start on grand expectations?<\/span><\/p>\n

For $100 million on a 10-year contract, you\u2019d think Gruden would be expected to guide the Raiders to a Super Bowl crown, ASAP. No doubt, he\u2019ll be trying. But first things first. How Gruden meshes with quarterback Derek Carr in installing his new system will be crucial. Never mind the buzz about whether a personality clash looms \u2014 they\u2019ll deal. The crux of the matter revolves around Gruden taking his young quarterback\u2019s game to the next level.<\/span><\/p>\n

9. Can Roger Goodell restore credibility with the Rooney Rule?<\/span><\/p>\n

Add Goodell\u2019s determination that the Raiders complied with the rule mandating that teams interview minority candidates before hiring a new coach on the list of situations that weaken his credibility. In the Raiders case, not only did team owner Mark Davis publicly admit to a timeline that seemingly violated the rule, but it is believed that he didn\u2019t personally interview the minority candidates as he did Gruden, which also would be an issue. Goodell needs to back up the lip service by tightening the Rooney Rule \u2014 and then enforcing it. Another credibility test looms, too, with the manner in which the league investigates one of its own, Richardson, even as the Panthers being sold.<\/span><\/p>\n

10. Which Vikings quarterback will wind up elsewhere?<\/span><\/p>\n

With Sam Bradford and Teddy Bridgewater in the process of rebounding from significant injuries, while fill-in Case Keenum proved to be better than projected, the Vikings seemingly have an abundance of riches at quarterback \u2013 albeit three quarterbacks who all are without contracts for next season. Who stays? Who starts? The odd man out might be the front-runner somewhere else, so that\u2019s not the worst consolation prize.<\/span><\/p>\n

Source:-\u00a0https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/story\/sports\/nfl\/columnist\/bell\/2018\/02\/05\/nfl-offseason-2018-free-agency-draft\/305416002\/<\/span><\/p>\n

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