-
NFL NationESPN
Now that Tremendous Bowl LVI is over and the Los Angeles Rams are the champions, we are able to transfer on from an unpredictable 2021 season and sit up for 2022. And what higher method to do this than with these way-too-early NFL Energy Rankings?
I am certain you might be questioning how our panel views Joe Burrow and the Bengals in 2022. Or the place the Tom Brady-less Tampa Bay Buccaneers will rank. And what about these 9 groups who’ve a brand new coach? Whereas we’re at it, listed below are subsequent season’s Tremendous Bowl odds.
The grind really by no means does cease, and so NFL groups will spend the subsequent six or so months looking for and collect all of the items to a aggressive workforce for when video games resume within the fall. The brand new league yr (and free company) begins on March 16, with the primary spherical of the 2022 NFL draft set for April 28.
Here is how we see subsequent season now — from 1 to 32 — with our NFL Nation writers describing the offseason for the groups they cowl in three or fewer phrases.
How we rank: Our energy panel — a bunch of greater than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities — evaluated how groups stack up all through the season.
Leap to:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LV | LAC | LAR | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
2021 document: 12-5
Offseason in three or fewer phrases: Restore the frenzy
The Chiefs went from eleventh in sacks of their Tremendous Bowl 2019 season to nineteenth in 2020 to twenty ninth this season. They may by no means get the defensive consistency they need with out turning round this pattern, as coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s system relies on getting stress on the opposing quarterback. The Chiefs can construct round Chris Jones, however Melvin Ingram III and Jarran Reed are potential free brokers whereas Frank Clark’s contract is likely to be too costly for the Chiefs to offer him one other season. Some artistic options is likely to be so as, however enhancing the cross rush is a precedence. — Adam Teicher
2021 document: 11-6
Offseason in three or fewer phrases: Enhance drawback areas
There might be no dramatic modifications for the Payments this offseason, with a lot of the roster set to return and the workforce hiring from inside to exchange offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, who accepted a head-coach gig with the Giants. As a substitute, the main focus must be on including to key areas like cornerback and getting extra velocity at receiver. Persevering with to assist quarterback Josh Allen in a wide range of methods is vital, whereas getting artistic with some cap strikes so as to add to the roster. — Alaina Getzenberg
2021 document: 12-5
Offseason in three or fewer phrases: Run it again
The Rams know it is a lot simpler stated than accomplished; look no additional than the 2018 season once they got here off Tremendous Bowl LIII solely to overlook the playoffs in 2019. However with a core of stars scheduled to return, including quarterback Matthew Stafford, receiver Cooper Kupp, defensive lineman Aaron Donald and cornerback Jalen Ramsey, their basis stays intact. As Rams chief working officer Kevin Demoff not too long ago stated, for the Rams to succeed in the head of fandom in Los Angeles — assume Dodgers and Lakers — they will need to have “nice season after nice season after nice decade after nice decade.” Meaning an offseason of no setbacks and solely continued progress and focus to return to the Tremendous Bowl subsequent season. — Lindsey Thiry
2021 document: 13-4
Offseason in three or fewer phrases: Get Rodgers again
Their complete offseason hinges on whether or not Aaron Rodgers needs to return. In that case, then they will do every little thing potential to maintain Davante Adams and as lots of their key gamers as potential whereas nonetheless making it match beneath the wage cap, which they’re at the moment projected to be practically $50 million over. It can take artistic accounting — and sacrificing future cap years — however they will make it work for an additional Tremendous Bowl run with Rodgers. If he is gone, then they might be in a rebuild and may transfer on from a number of veteran gamers. — Rob Demovsky
2021 document: 10-7
Offseason in three or fewer phrases: Shield Joe Burrow
As soon as once more, the Bengals ranked close to the underside of the league in cross block win price. Cincinnati was thirtieth in 2021, an absence of high quality that grew to become obvious when the Bengals entered the postseason and Burrow was most notably sacked 9 occasions within the divisional win over Tennessee. Cincinnati should work out what to do at proper guard and proper deal with. Will Jackson Carman lastly safe the beginning spot that slipped out of his grasp initially of the 2021 season? Will Cincinnati look to re-sign veteran Riley Reiff after a one-year deal? Regardless of the solutions are, the Bengals want to seek out the precise ones. — Ben Child
2021 document: 10-7
Offseason in three or fewer phrases: Get Lance prepared
All indicators level to Trey Lance taking up as beginning quarterback within the offseason, which suggests each transfer the Niners make needs to be about setting him up for achievement. Meaning maximizing the return in a possible Jimmy Garoppolo commerce, preserving key gamers like guard Laken Tomlinson and giving Lance a definitive plan on what to work on when away from the ability. Though he made two begins final season, there are not any ensures on how he’ll fare because the full-time starter. That is the time for the Niners to do what they will to ease his transition. — Nick Wagoner
2021 document: 12-5
Offseason in three or fewer phrases: Higher win now
Mike McCarthy is on the clock, regardless of a 12-5 end and NFC East title in 2021. It is about what the Cowboys did not do in 2021, which was win a minimum of one playoff recreation. Dan Quinn opted to stay with workforce, so possibly he might be the long run Cowboys coach. For the Cowboys to take the subsequent step beneath McCarthy, the offense has to seek out its type. Sure, they had been No. 1 in yards and factors in 2021, however these numbers are a bit hole when checked out extra intently. McCarthy’s experience is on the offensive aspect of the ball. He’ll must get the run recreation again in type and support Kellen Moore when issues should not going completely. — Todd Archer
2021 document: 12-5
Offseason in three or fewer phrases: Nice round Tannehill
The ultimate possession of the Titans’ season ended with a Ryan Tannehill interception that arrange the game-winning area aim for the Bengals. The Titans are dedicated to Tannehill as their quarterback subsequent season. Mike Vrabel has stated as a lot, however added that the Titans need to play nice round Tannehill. Meaning they will want so as to add playmakers on offense. Tannehill already has his favourite goal in A.J. Brown and his chemistry with Julio Jones is rising. Including a dynamic slot receiver and a risk at tight finish would do wonders for the offense. — Turron Davenport
2021 document: 10-7
Offseason in three or fewer phrases: Mac and D
The Patriots must construct round rookie quarterback Mac Jones — probably by giving him a No. 1 possibility just like the Bengals did for Joe Burrow with Ja’Marr Chase — and repair the protection that did not power the Payments to punt in every of the final two video games towards them in 2021. Oh, and get their particular groups again to its traditional dominant standing. — Mike Reiss
2021 document: 11-6
Offseason in three or fewer phrases: Cease the slide
The Cardinals want to determine the best way to keep away from one other second-half collapse subsequent season, in order that needs to be the first focus of their offseason. If meaning tearing every little thing philosophically all the way down to the studs and rebuilding, so be it. If meaning trashing each offseason, preseason and weekly plan to begin recent with new ones, so be it. Apart from free company and the draft, the Cardinals’ focus needs to be on nothing however determining the best way to play a full season of aggressive soccer, which might enable them to play deep into the playoffs. That is it. — Josh Weinfuss
2021 document: 9-8
Offseason in three or fewer phrases: Repair the protection
It was obvious all through the 2021 season that the Chargers’ offense was not the issue. Nevertheless, the protection completed final in third-down conversions allowed (49.5%), was tied for twenty ninth in factors allowed (27.0) and twenty sixth in anticipated factors added (minus-80.49). It allowed 138.9 yards per recreation on the bottom, third worst within the league and probably the most it has allowed since 2003. Towards the tip of the season the Chargers had been higher — in three prime-time video games they held opponents to only 63 dashing yards per recreation — however one thing must be accomplished this offseason to ensure that this workforce to make the playoffs in 2022. — Shelley Smith
2021 document: 8-9
Offseason in three or fewer phrases: All about Lamar
On the sphere, the Ravens want to raised shield quarterback Lamar Jackson, and workforce officers perceive that constructing a greater wall in entrance of him has develop into a precedence. Of their season-ending information conferences, each coach John Harbaugh and basic supervisor Eric DeCosta emphasised the significance of addressing the offensive line, which allowed Jackson to get sacked a career-worst 38 occasions. Off the sphere, Baltimore is engaged on a contract extension with Jackson, who’s coming into his fifth-year possibility. A brand new deal might create $10 million in extra cap house heading into free company. — Jamison Hensley
2021 document: 9-8
Offseason in three or fewer phrases: Who performs quarterback?
You can say the 2022 offseason for the Colts is a repeat of their 2020 and 2021 offseasons. The Colts once more do not know for certain who their beginning quarterback might be subsequent season. Common supervisor Chris Ballard might have ended any suspense by saying Carson Wentz will return because the starter, however he did the other by being noncommittal on the quarterback. The Colts have realized you want a quarterback — like a Patrick Mahomes, Stafford, Burrow or Allen — to make performs when wanted. Wentz did not try this. However the Colts do not have a first-round choose on this yr’s draft and it is not a powerful free-agent group on the place. — Mike Wells
2021 document: 13-4
Offseason in three or fewer phrases: Life after Brady
The Bucs have, in some ways, a roster nonetheless constructed to win. However with no quarterback — and arguably the best of all time at that — what’s going to they do now? Neither coach Bruce Arians nor basic supervisor Jason Licht is looking it a “rebuild.” However they will want the identical kind of magic it took to land Brady — and a few actual salary-cap work — to lure one other prime quarterback and re-sign a number of of their key free brokers. — Jenna Laine
2021 document: 10-7
Offseason in three or fewer phrases: Reload, not rebuild
Raiders proprietor Mark Davis referred to bringing in a brand new regime/tag workforce of GM Dave Ziegler and coach Josh McDaniels as “taking this to the subsequent stage” whereas complimenting Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock for constructing a basis and Wealthy Bisaccia for fostering a optimistic tradition. Nonetheless, the tip recreation is to win video games, proper? And whereas the Raiders simply went 10-7 and appeared within the postseason for simply the second time since 2002, there are nonetheless questions — corresponding to what kind of protection will new DC Patrick Graham deploy round Professional Bowl MVP Maxx Crosby? Largest of all, although, how does Derek Carr, who’s coming into a contract yr, slot in McDaniels’ offensive scheme? — Paul Gutierrez
2021 document: 8-9
Offseason in three or fewer phrases: Determine on quarterback
These playoffs confirmed that elite quarterbacking is required to have any hope of popping out of the AFC, now that includes Burrow, Mahomes and Allen, amongst others. After quarterbacking the Browns to the playoffs in 2020, Baker Mayfield struggled by means of an injury-plagued season, whereas ending twenty seventh within the league in QBR. With a loaded roster on each side of the ball, Cleveland’s championship window is now. That means the Browns need to resolve this offseason in the event that they imagine a wholesome Mayfield can bounce again. Or, if the time has arrived to make an aggressive transfer to accumulate one other passer. — Jake Trotter
2021 document: 9-8
Offseason in three or fewer phrases: Revamp this offense
It did not matter who Miami’s subsequent coach was going to be, the duty this offseason remained the identical: revitalizing the NFL’s Twenty fifth-ranked offense from a season in the past. The Dolphins have probably the most salary-cap house within the league and should use it to construct round quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, which incorporates bolstering the offensive line and including a high-level talent participant. The 2022 season is a call yr for Miami in regard to Tagovailoa’s future. And after spending the fifth general choose on him in 2020, Miami has to do no matter it takes to get a return on its funding. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
2021 document: 9-7-1
Offseason in three or fewer phrases: Make quarterback plan
The one quarterback certainty in 2022 is that Ben Roethlisberger will not be the starter. The Steelers have a plethora of paths ahead, however they’ve to decide on one and construct the 2022 workforce round it. The Steelers might maintain the established order with Mason Rudolph and Dwayne Haskins and a camp arm, or they might signal or commerce for a veteran so as to add to the room. Each choices might get them to a stronger 2023 quarterback draft class. Or there’s the choice of drafting a quarterback within the first spherical this yr. Regardless, the workforce has to make a plan and lay out a blueprint for the way forward for Steelers soccer. — Brooke Pryor
2021 document: 9-8
Offseason in three or fewer phrases: In constructing mode
That is the time period basic supervisor Howie Roseman used at his end-of-season information convention; a step ahead from 2021, which was described by workforce brass as a transition yr. The Eagles have 10 picks in April’s draft, together with three first-rounders, and over $20 million in cap room to play with. These sources might be used to raise the extent of expertise across the likes of Jalen Hurts, DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert. — Tim McManus
2021 document: 8-9
Offseason in three or fewer phrases: Determine Cousins’ future
With a greater image of their management construction in place with basic supervisor Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, the Vikings should resolve what they are going to do at quarterback for 2022. Kirk Cousins enters the ultimate yr of his contract — which comes with a $45 million cap hit — and Minnesota must clear $13 million-14 million in cap house earlier than the beginning of the league yr. The Vikings ought to strategy this one yr at a time, and in the event that they discover a commerce associate that’s keen to not go away them footing an exorbitant quantity to get Cousins off the roster, they need to discover these choices. The brand new teaching workers ought to get a yr to find out whether or not Cousins suits into their plans. — Courtney Cronin
2021 document: 7-10
Offseason in three or fewer phrases: Who’s the quarterback?
The Broncos have employed their fifth totally different head coach previously seven years, changed their offensive coordinator for the fifth time since 2017 and have — once more — introduced a brand new day with new power and new consideration to element, enthusiasm and soccer acumen. And by all accounts Nathaniel Hackett is prepared for the job, works properly with younger gamers and the Broncos have a roster with loads of youthful expertise. However the quarterback place stays an unlimited query mark, and even when the Broncos pull off the offseason blockbuster for Aaron Rodgers, it nonetheless is not going to be the long-term resolution on the place the workforce hasn’t had since John Elway arrived in 1983. — Jeff Legwold
2021 document: 9-8
Offseason in three or fewer phrases: Coach and quarterback
Yeah, yeah — these are the 2 most vital issues for each NFL workforce to get proper. However that is new territory for the Saints, who had it made for thus lengthy with Sean Payton and Drew Brees. In order that they need to nail these two selections above all else with the rent of coach Dennis Allen and a QB but to be named. However they’ve made it clear they do not plan to enter any form of rebuilding mode, regardless of some daunting salary-cap constraints. In actual fact, it would not be stunning to see them goal for the highest of the QB market to pair with one of many NFL’s finest defenses. — Mike Triplett
2021 document: 7-10
Offseason in three or fewer phrases: Retool round Russell
The probabilities of buying and selling Wilson this offseason appear low for a number of causes, one being the problem they’d have to find a viable substitute in a foul quarterback draft. Even when they keep on with Wilson — who has stated he needs to remain — they will have work to do after a 10-loss season and a last-place end in a troublesome NFC West. Along with no matter scheme modifications that Pete Carroll and new coordinator Clint Hurtt make to their protection, they should restock a unit that did not generate sufficient stress or turnovers in 2021. Offensively, they should remedy the third-down concern that plagued them even earlier than Wilson damage his finger. They’re going to have the cap house to seek out upgrades to their cross rush and offensive line in free company, however they do not have a first-round choose. — Brady Henderson
2021 document: 7-10
Offseason in three or fewer phrases: They. Want. Every little thing.
Take a look at a place on the roster, and when it comes to both depth or a starter, they want some assist there earlier than the 2022 season begins — from potential huge overhauls within the cross rush and at huge receiver, to the potential begin of a quarterback succession plan, to determining who’s going to run the ball and block for Matt Ryan. Even the specialists — with kicker Younghoe Koo a restricted free agent and punter Thomas Morstead and snapper Josh Harris unrestricted free brokers — stay considerably unsure. Count on turnover. Lots of it. — Michael Rothstein
2021 document: 7-10
Offseason in three or fewer phrases: One other QB search
Washington has began 32 quarterbacks because it final received the Tremendous Bowl after the 1991 season — and eight passers previously three years. Whereas the Commanders like Taylor Heinicke as a high-end backup, they’re undoubtedly looking for “The Man” this offseason. Since Kirk Cousins left after the 2017 season, Washington has the NFL’s worst complete QBR (36.7). In Ron Rivera’s first two seasons as coach the workforce is thirtieth (35.3). Washington will pursue the massive names who is likely to be accessible, however will probably be troublesome to not solely get groups to conform to a commerce, however then to have quarterbacks corresponding to Russell Wilson or Watson waive no-trade clauses to come back right here. — John Keim
2021 document: 6-11
Offseason in three or fewer phrases: Discover explosive gamers
Earlier than new coach Matt Eberflus has an opportunity to shine, the Bears’ new GM, Ryan Poles, wants to seek out him some playmakers. Quarterback Justin Fields and operating again David Montgomery are a very good begin, however Chicago is void of huge receivers and tight ends who’re true difference-makers. The Bears have a number of No. 2s at these positions, however none who can take over a recreation or beat a double-team persistently. Poles is more likely to give attention to the offensive line — he performed that place — however the Bears might be an unusual offense till they get explosive. That is a phrase Eberflus used a number of occasions when he was launched as the brand new coach. — Jesse Rogers
2021 document: 4-13
Offseason in three or fewer phrases: Reshape the roster
The Giants have a brand new coach, basic supervisor and schemes. They’re additionally over the wage cap coming off a 4-13 season. GM Joe Schoen has already said an intention to shed $40 million in cap house this offseason. That can occur solely with a shakeup of the roster through trades, cuts and new contracts. By the point this new regime is finished, the Giants’ roster can have a really totally different appear and feel. Count on some massive names to depart and maybe near half the roster to show over. — Jordan Raanan
2021 document: 4-13
Offseason in three or fewer phrases: Assist for Wilson
The Jets cannot repeat the sins of earlier regimes, which squandered quarterback potential (see: Sam Darnold) by failing to construct a powerful supporting solid. Zach Wilson, coming off an underwhelming rookie yr, wants one other front-line huge receiver, to not point out a decent finish who could make performs within the passing recreation. The offensive line additionally wants a powerful run-blocker. With 4 picks within the prime 38, and ample cap room, the Jets ought to have the ability to deal with a few of these wants. — Wealthy Cimini
2021 document: 5-12
Offseason in three or fewer phrases: Repair the offense
It is onerous to easily say repair the offensive line, which is a precedence, as a result of the quarterback place is corresponding to mess as properly. Sam Darnold is not the reply, and with weak free-agent and draft lessons, the answer is not straightforward. However even when the Panthers wind up with Darnold because the starter, they want a significant overhaul of the offensive line that was a major issue within the offense rating close to the underside in nearly each main class. If that does not occur, even Tom Brady would not stand an opportunity. — David Newton
2021 document: 3-13-1
Offseason in three or fewer phrases: Discover extra playmakers
Even with a 3-13-1 document this previous season, there is no query that coach Dan Campbell is establishing a hard-nosed tradition in Detroit with guys who play onerous till the tip. Nevertheless, if the Lions need to see it truly come to fruition on the sphere, they desperately want to seek out playmakers, not solely within the NFL draft but in addition by means of free company. The Detroit market is a troublesome promote for many gamers, primarily based on the chilly climate, previous historical past and the shortage of success, however GM Brad Holmes has a watch for expertise, and he might want to hit on some gifted guys, on each side of the ball, who can flat out ball. — Eric Woodyard
2021 document: 4-13
Offseason in three or fewer phrases: Make clear quarterback scenario
It has been greater than a yr since he requested a commerce, and quarterback Deshaun Watson continues to be on the Texans’ roster. He was a wholesome scratch in all 17 video games in the course of the 2021 season after dealing with 22 civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault and inappropriate habits, so the largest query now’s who will begin at quarterback in 2022. Houston might commerce Watson this offseason, however groups might be ready for readability on the lawsuits and any potential legal fees. After a powerful end to the season, it seems to be like rookie third-round choose Davis Mills confirmed sufficient enchancment to be thought-about the starter going into subsequent season. Houston might want to signal a backup quarterback and will select a veteran to compete with Mills for the beginning spot. — Sarah Barshop
2021 document: 3-14
Offseason in three or fewer phrases: Change is sweet
Not solely did the Jaguars rent new head coach Doug Pederson, however proprietor Shad Khan can be dedicated to creating modifications within the entrance workplace construction by including an government vice chairman and one other government beneath GM Trent Baalke. Khan needs extra soccer information within the constructing to beef up their personnel selections, particularly on the draft. Solely eight of the 52 draft picks from 2012 to 2018 signed second contracts with the workforce — together with offensive deal with Cam Robinson taking part in on the franchise tag in 2021. Just one — quarterback Blake Bortles — was taken within the first spherical. — Michael DiRocco