After a flurry of off-season moves league-wide, it’s time to see how things shake out in all 32 markets — and there’s still plenty of business still to come. From quarterback battles to contract standoffs, we’re highlighting one pressing question for each team. On Wednesday, we looked at the AFC. In this edition, we shift our focus to the NFC.
Philadelphia Eagles: How does revamped D-line look?
Although GM Howie Roseman kept much of his core together this spring, the Super Bowl champs lost a few key members of their lethal pass rush with Josh Sweat and Milton Williams leaving in free agency, and Brandon Graham retiring. How first-rounder Jihaad Campbell looks in camp, and what kind of chemistry the revamped unit strikes up, will be an interesting storyline to watch.
Washington Commanders: Where is Terry McLaurin?
Chemistry watch is on for Jayden Daniels and new receiver Deebo Samuel, but the bigger story is McLaurin’s contract watch. McLaurin, who has led Washington in receiving yards each season since he landed in the league six years ago and played a starring role in Jayden Daniels’ incredible rookie campaign last season, admitted he’s “frustrated” by the ongoing standoff as he seeks a contract worthy of a WR1. He didn’t show up for any team activities or minicamp earlier this summer, and it’s still unclear how he’ll approach camp.
Dallas Cowboys: How does George Pickens fit in?
There are some lofty expectations set for Dallas’ passing game, now that Pickens will suit up alongside CeeDee Lamb, giving Dak Prescott a pair of deep-threat receivers capable of opening up the field. We won’t truly know what this duo can do until the season starts, but camp should give some fun glimpses into what’s to come.
New York Giants: How will this QB room operate, exactly?
Bring Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston and local legend Tommy DeVito together, and you’ve got a QB room with … a lot of personality. Add the Giants’ late first-round pick Jaxson Dart into the mix, and we’ve got ourselves an interesting QB competition. (Surely, we can expect a few strong soundbites.)
Los Angeles Rams: What can we expect from the Stafford-Adams connection?
Matthew Stafford enters 2025 with a new contract and a new veteran receiver, as Davante Adams takes his place opposite Puka Nacua. After a rough tenure in Las Vegas and a short-lived reunion with Aaron Rodgers in New York, it’ll be fun to see what Sean McVay draws up for his new star receiver.
Seattle Seahawks: How does Sam Darnold fit in with Seahawks?
After a career revival under quarterback whisperer Kevin O’Connell in Minnesota, Darnold set out on his own and cashed in with the Seahawks, who shipped out Geno Smith to land the top available QB. Both player and team now endeavor to prove it was the right move.
Arizona Cardinals: Can Marvin Harrison Jr. hit the ground running for Year 2?
Harrison put up respectable receiving numbers in his rookie year, but they didn’t line up with the lofty expectations that accompanied the fourth-overall pick to Arizona. The pro learning curve is real, and now with a full NFL off-season under his belt — and plenty of time to mesh with Kyler Murray — might we see him hit his stride in Year 2?
San Francisco 49ers: Can Christian McCaffrey stay healthy?
Health was San Francisco’s toughest opponent last year, and the biggest reason they dropped from 12-5 and a trip to the Super Bowl in 2023 to a division-worst 6-11 in 2024. And health — most notably, that of star running back McCaffrey, who, when healthy, is an MVP candidate — will likely be the biggest factor in their expected resurgence this year.
Detroit Lions: New coordinators, no problem?
Every contender knows the cost of winning is losing coaches, and this was the Lions’ year to pay up. We’re about to find out how much of the team’s schemes and identity can be credited to Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, and what the new-look Lions will bring to camp this year under new coordinators.
Minnesota Vikings: Right to go all in on J.J. McCarthy?
It’s been almost a year since McCarthy underwent knee surgery after tests revealed a tear ahead of his rookie campaign, and what a year it was. So impressive was Sam Darnold in McCarthy’s place, it was worth wondering whether the club would stick with the veteran instead. We know how that shook out, of course, and now we’ll get our first real glimpse of why the Vikings feel so strongly about McCarthy’s future in purple.
Green Bay Packers: Was Matthew Golden worth the wait?
When the Packers selected Golden 23rd overall in April, it marked the first time in 23 years the team selected a wide receiver in the first round. That break in precedent tells us a lot about the front office’s feelings on the young route-runner. At a time when Christian Watson’s health is still up in the air, Golden has a major opportunity to make his mark ahead of the season.
Chicago Bears: Can Ben Johnson help Caleb Williams hit his stride?
Few general managers were as busy as Bears boss Ryan Poles was this spring, revamping Chicago’s offensive line and bringing in new weapons to help Williams succeed in Year 2. No one will have a bigger influence on his career moving forward than new head coach Johnson, though. That the former Lions offensive coordinator chose Chicago from a long list of interested suitors tells us a lot about what he thinks of Williams’ potential.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: How does first-round receiver Emeka Egbuka fit in?
Once again, Buccaneers GM Jason Licht devoted much of his off-season to keeping his core together — smart move, considering how winnable this division still is. First-round receiver Egbuka, whose route-running and IQ caught the attention of Buccaneers brass, is one of a few new faces. How he fares alongside veterans Mike Evans and Chris Godwin will be a major storyline for the top team in the division.
Atlanta Falcons: This is Michael Penix Jr.’s team now, but what’s going on with Kirk Cousins?
Veteran quarterback — and two-time star of the aptly named Netflix series — Cousins admitted it stung to see the Falcons draft Penix last spring, but his actions tell us he’s prepared to step into a No. 2 role … unless, of course, another team comes calling?
Carolina Panthers: Who is the real Bryce Young?
His rookie-season struggles were well-documented, and just when it looked like he’d fizzled out last year, a well-timed benching gave him the rest and reset he needed. If Young enters camp with the same confidence he displayed during his resurgence down the stretch, the Panthers could be a sneaky-fun story this year.
New Orleans Saints: So, uh … who’s the QB?
Naming all four quarterbacks on New Orleans’ depth chart (no cheating!) might just be the toughest piece of NFL trivia going. Only one — 2024 fifth-rounder Spencer Rattler — has starting experience (he went 0-6 last year) and although 2025 pick Tyler Shough is expected to open camp as the front-runner for the job, the situation under centre looks like one giant question mark.
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