Barnwell's everything-on-the-line team: 15 players and coaches with the most to gain -- or lose
Briefly

This upcoming NFL season is critical for various players, coaches, and executives with significant career stakes. C.J. Stroud is set for a record quarterback deal, regardless of performance. Many players face life-changing opportunities in free agency depending on their performance, while others' jobs hang in the balance. McCarthy, a rookie quarterback, has a distinct situation as most first-round quarterbacks lead losing teams, but he joins a winning Vikings franchise that won 14 games last season. Players' futures may be determined by their performance in the coming months.
C.J. Stroud is looking at a record deal for a quarterback next offseason, regardless of whether he's the fifth- or 20th-best passer in the league.
This season might determine whether those things occur for players and coaches who have their careers on the line, as well as those seeking life-changing money.
Most first-rounders take over the starting jobs on losing teams, but McCarthy enters one of the most unique situations for a quarterback on a rookie deal.
The Vikings won 14 games last season, and history shows that most first-rounders land with franchises where fans were frustrated with the previous quarterback.
Read at ESPN.com
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