USA TODAY International Edition
Brady, labor deal top offseason questions
MIAMI – The NFL’s 100th season officially has come to a close. Now awaits an offseason that by all indications will feature great intrigue.
Quarterback comings and goings, franchise resets, labor negotiations and the ever- compelling draft rank among the pending elements of intrigue.
Here are five of the biggest questions facing the league this offseason.
Can NFL and NFLPA reach a deal?
The owners badly want to reach an agreement on a collective bargaining agreement by the spring. The players don’t feel the same sense of urgency and are determined not to settle for a second- rate deal. The NFL Players Association hosted player reps during Super Bowl week so the members of
the executive committee could update them on the state of the negotiations, then reps could return to their locker rooms and update teammates. Now, negotiations will resume. Some within the league believe a deal could be reached by the time the NFL scouting combine rolls around in late February. However, with the two sides still significantly apart on revenue sharing, a proposed 17game season and a modified drug policy, this could drag out much longer. The closer the league gets to the fall without an agreement, the more likely a work stoppage happens.
Can Patriots hold it together?
For the first time in a decade, New England’s season ended with a firstround playoff exit. Now, great uncertainty looms over the franchise. Is this the end of the dynasty, or can the Patriots find a way to extend this run? This team needs to get more explosive on offense while making important decisions about defensive standouts. Meanwhile, Tom Brady’s contract is expiring, and New England can’t use the franchise tag to retain his services. Brady at one point this offseason sounded like a man who wanted to return to Foxborough for a 21st season. But does Bill Belichick want him back or prefer to start over with a younger, more affordable option?
Will Derrick Henry get paid?
This year’s free agency shopping period could have a heavy quarterback theme, but there are other big names in line for big paydays. Coming off a career year ( 1,540 yards and the league rushing title), Titans running back Derrick Henry is an unrestricted free agent. Will the Titans reward him with a long- term deal? Henry will likely look to top the six- year, $ 90 million deal Dallas gave Ezekiel Elliott in September. But teams tend to hesitate to commit big money to running backs because of their short shelf life, and so Tennessee could wind up using the franchise tag to retain Henry’s services.
Can Rams regroup?
Sean McVay and the Rams were one of the league’s hottest teams for two seasons but couldn’t avoid the Super Bowl hangover and missed the playoffs. Meanwhile, the NFC West Division improved around them as the 49ers and the Seahawks reached the postseason. McVay has already hired new coordinators, and general manager Les Snead could be gearing up for another aggressive offseason to upgrade the roster around LA’s core players. The Rams are opening a new stadium next season. As they continue to try to win over a fickle fan base, they can’t afford further steps backward.
Will Dolphins control draft?
Miami stockpiled draft picks last season in hopes of rebuilding the roster with a load of talented players. The Dolphins’ needs abound, with quarterback ranking high on the list, and general manager Chris Grier will have options. He currently has three first- round selections ( the fifth pick, the 18th pick and the 26th pick) and two second- round picks. He could either stand pat and add five cornerstones to the roster, or he could use some of those picks to move up to acquire a highly coveted piece or two.