NFL offseason priorities for 2026: Key dates, storylines

"Now begins the process of building the Super Bowl LXI champions through an offseason that will be characterized, in part, by the usual imbalance of available quarterbacks relative to demand. Nearly a third of the NFL could be seeking a new quarterback this offseason, but the 2026 draft is projected to be particularly light at the position, and no stars are looming in free agency."

"Off the field, the NFL will need to reconcile the concussion rate on its redesigned kickoff and also consider whether to empower replay officials with the authority to throw flags in certain situations. The offseason process will begin accelerating in the coming weeks. Teams can begin using the franchise tag Feb. 17, and the scouting combine opens Feb. 23 in Indianapolis. There are 29 days remaining before NFL teams can (legally) begin contacting pending free agents and 72 days until the NFL draft in Pittsburgh."

"Rodgers, 42, did not commit either way after the Pittsburgh Steelers' wild-card playoff loss, but it's worth noting that the Steelers hired his former Green Bay Packers coach -- Mike McCarthy -- after Mike Tomlin's resignation. Kelce, 36, said he would spend some time after the season talking to his family before deciding whether to return to the Kansas City Chiefs."

Seattle won Super Bowl LX, defeating New England 29-13 despite entering the season with a 1.1% chance per ESPN Analytics. The offseason will feature a pronounced imbalance between quarterback demand and supply as nearly a third of teams could seek new starters while the 2026 draft projects as thin at the position and free agency lacks star options. Potential retirements include Aaron Rodgers and Travis Kelce, which would further shape quarterback availability. League priorities include evaluating concussion rates on the redesigned kickoff and considering granting replay officials authority to throw flags. Key dates: franchise-tag use begins Feb. 17; combine opens Feb. 23; free-agent contact and draft timelines follow.

Read at ESPN.com