Now that the NFL season is officially over, it’s time to look to the offseason. Here are the most interesting people to keep track of over the next several months.
Jimmy Garoppolo
As well as Garoppolo handled the 49ers drafting of Trey Lance, it had to bother him at least a bit. And despite leading San Fran to the NFC Championship game, all signs point to Lance being under center next season.
The Niners will look for the best trade offer and should have some suitors. Jimmy G works best in an environment where he’s supported by a strong run game and a stout defense.
Some of the biggest players in free agency this offseason come from the broadcast booth, not the field.
Troy Aikman and Sean Payton
Two of the biggest names in television could be jumping ship over the next several months. Aikman’s contract with Fox has expired and many executives are wondering if he’s ready for a change. He’s been rumored to be mulling an offer from Amazon, who will have exclusive rights to Thursday Night Football.
If Aikman does decide to leave Fox, they have a replacement in mind. That replacement is none other than Sean Payton. The long-time Saints head coach will have to decide if calling games is what he wants. He’ll also need to think about how long he wants to have a break from coaching. A studio role with ESPN might be a better fit if he has designs on a return to the sidelines.
.@SeanPayton has important advice for new Saints HC Dennis Allen. pic.twitter.com/BQCQlhbjpt
— Jim Rome (@jimrome) February 11, 2022
Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers is the most interesting man in the NFL, and he knows it. He’s coming off the fourth MVP season of his career and could be playing for a new team soon. Over the last year, he’s voiced his displeasure with the Packers and faced backlash for lying about his vaccine status. His team also suffered a crushing playoff loss for the third straight year.
Rodgers then watched his offensive coordinator, Nathaniel Hackett, walk out of the door to coach Denver. It only makes sense for A-Rod to follow and see if the Rocky Mountains can take him higher.
Carson Wentz
Reports that the Colts will try to trade or cut Wentz in the next month aren’t altogether unsurprising. Under his leadership, Indianapolis went from the team nobody wanted to face in the playoffs to one that couldn’t beat anyone (including Jacksonville) to get in.
.@ColinCowherd continues to boost Carson Wentz’s trade value for #Colts ?? pic.twitter.com/ozQbYtygtL
— Locked On Colts Podcast (@LockedOnColts) February 17, 2022
Since leading Philadelphia to an 11-2 start in 2017, Wentz has had a hard time staying on the field. There have also been reports about his lack of maturity. He was unhappy with the Eagles drafting and eventually, playing Jalen Hurts in 2020 and reacted by ceasing communication with then-coach Doug Pederson.
Mike McCarthy/Dak Prescott
No team’s season ended in a more bizarre fashion than that of the Cowboys. With 14 seconds remaining, a QB draw was called and Prescott dashed through the middle of the defense. He stayed upright for a tick or two too long and time expired before another snap of the ball.
His boss openly suggested one of his coordinators was head coaching material for the @dallascowboys and then there’s all the Sean Payton rumors.
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) February 15, 2022
How does all this sit with Mike McCarthy and has he talked with Jerry Jones about it??@richeisen asked him point blank today: pic.twitter.com/EGTGcZVNhE
As much criticism as McCarthy took after his first season in Big D, it may have been louder this year. There were many folks who speculated that he could be fired and replaced with Payton. While his job seems secure for now, the perception is that he’ll need to go deeper to get to year four.
Prescott also took his share of the blame after failing to get down in time. He then fanned the flames by supporting fans who threw objects at officials following the game. Dak has played at a high level since his season-ending injury in 2020. He’ll need to learn to be more intelligent when it comes to clock management and public relations.
Al Michaels
Circling back to the broadcast booth, Michaels made some headlines when he introduced Cris Collinsworth for “one final time”. While he hasn’t announced he’s leaving the network or retiring, his contract with NBC has expired.
So, we could have a new personality at Fox, NBC, and a prominent new employee at Amazon and/or ESPN.
Josh McDaniels
Many people thought that McDaniels would never get another coaching opportunity after leaving the Colts “at the alter” in 2018. Another group assumed he was being groomed for the Patriots head coach position once Bill Belichick retires.
“What a collection of talent I was privileged to work with here.”
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) February 16, 2022
Josh McDaniels thanks Patriots organization and fans: https://t.co/X9j56GS8II
Instead, he’s headed to Sin City to lead one of the most storied franchises in league history. And in the year after legendary coach John Madden passed away. No pressure.
Matt Rhule
When the Carolina Panthers gave Rhule a seven-year, $62 million contract in 2020 it’s fair to say they expected steady growth. What they’ve gotten are steady lows. After starting 3-2 in 2020, Carolina slumped to a 5-11 finish. This past season, after racing out to a 3-0 start, the Panthers won just two more games and finished 5-12.
Sam Darnold was supposed to be the answer at quarterback, it’s quite clear that he is not. Two years into this expensive experiment, the owner is embarrassed, the most important position is a wasteland and the pressures are mounting.
Whatever happens between now and the start of next season, make sure to keep tabs on these people. Some of them will be in different places and that will give the 2022 season a new look and feel.
