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Biggest upcoming roster decision for all 32 NFL teams
— -- We took a look this summer at the top roster decisions that faced every NFL team. Now, as we zoom past the halfway point of the season, many of those decisions remain applicable while others have since been addressed or are no longer a concern.
Let's refresh our list and break it down again, by team -- think of this as on a scale that's more macro than micro.
NFC EAST
Dallas Cowboys
The great quarterback quandary: No team's decision on this list hovers more immediately than the Cowboys'. What does the team do when Tony Romo is fully healthy? Dak Prescott has been brilliant, and the team is 6-1. How can Dallas, which won just four games in 2015, take the job out of Prescott's hands given how he is playing? Romo's résumé, however, is not to be ignored. He's a legitimate franchise quarterback, although age (36) and durability are concerns. With three years left on his contract beyond 2016, the Romo question isn't just for when he gets healthy this season -- there's a long-term decision looming.
New York Giants
Giant reinvest in DL again? The Giants spent huge in free agency to lure Olivier Vernon and Damon Harrison to their defensive line group. The team also kept Jason Pierre-Paul on a one-year deal, meaning he'll join Johnathan Hankins as a free agent after this season. Neither player will come at a discount to retain, however. Will the Giants opt to repeat last offseason and spend up to keep a pair of defensive linemen around?
Philadelphia Eagles
Tracking skill players on offense: The Eagles invested significant draft capital to acquire Carson Wentz with the second pick in the 2016 draft, but the next step is surrounding him with better weapons. Specifically, the Eagles need a difference-making wide receiver who can do two things consistently: generate space versus man coverage and catch the football (drops have been an issue in Philly). And although the Eagles have relied on a variety of backs this year, finding a workhorse would take the stress off of Wentz, too.
Washington Redskins
To pay or not to pay? If Kirk Cousins hit the open market, he'd be the most desirable free-agent quarterback this offseason -- and probably by a decent margin. That's leverage for Cousins, but Washington must continue to evaluate whether he is worth the hefty price tag he can command -- in terms of guaranteed money and average annual value. Although not every throw has been perfect, Cousins is a steady fit in this system: He once again is completing more than two-thirds of his passes after completing nearly 70 percent in 2015.
NFC NORTH
Chicago Bears
Cut ties with Cutler? The Jay Cutler era in Chicago could come to a close this offseason, as Cutler has no guaranteed money left to be paid out beyond 2016. The Bears aren't a playoff-caliber team with Cutler on the roster, and they can create eight figures of salary-cap space by moving on. It would seem like a stretch to envision Chicago going into 2017 with him at QB.
Detroit Lions
Looming deal for Stafford: Matthew Stafford has been one of the best quarterbacks in football this season, and he is quickly approaching the time for a new contract. He enters the final year of his deal in 2017 and will be just 29 when the season begins. The question isn't whether Stafford deserves to be paid premium quarterback money, it's how much money will he make? It would make sense for Detroit to start the process of putting that deal together sooner rather than later.
Green Bay Packers
The backfield plan: Because of injuries to Eddie Lacy and James Starks, the Packers have had to be innovative of late with the running back spot. Ty Montgomery has taken on a larger role, and the team has also used Davante Adams out of the backfield as a receiver. Lacy will be a free agent after this season and Green Bay must determine whether the 2013 second-round pick is worth a reinvestment. If not, the team will need to bolster the backfield this offseason through the draft or free agency (almost assuredly the former).
Minnesota Vikings
Another quarterback question: The offensive line is a mess right now, but there might not be an obvious solution to remedy that issue during the 2016 season. Thinking bigger picture, the Vikings could enter the 2017 season with a starting quarterback question: Sam Bradford or Teddy Bridgewater? The exact timetable on Bridgewater's return to the field will affect this. If he isn't going to be ready to take snaps again until close to the start of next regular season, Bradford would seemingly be set up to start the 2017 season opener.
NFC SOUTH
Atlanta Falcons
Player development: Perhaps the biggest difference between this season's Falcons team is an improved pass rush. After finishing with a league-low 19.0 sacks in 2015, the Falcons are already up to 18.0 through eight games this season. The Falcons have done a really solid job of drafting over the past two years and have extensive young talent at the second and third level of their defense that will only get better with more time and experience. Player development is key.
Carolina Panthers
Big money for Short on the horizon? The Panthers have previously engaged defensive tackle Kawann Short on a long-term deal, as he represents a building block for a defense that was as good as almost any other for much of 2015. His sack production is down this season -- just 2.0 through seven games after 11.0 in 2015 -- but he's a player who can cause major havoc on the interior of a defensive line. General manager Dave Gettleman showed last offseason with the Josh Norman situation that he isn't afraid to draw a hard line in negotiations, so we'll see whether the team and Short can eventually come to terms. He would be a franchise tag candidate if not.
New Orleans Saints
Finding cap sustainability: The Saints checked off their most important task when they signed Drew Brees to an extension just before the season began, but now this team must somehow build a more sustainable salary-cap situation. The Saints are carrying over $40 million in dead money on their 2016 cap. I know cap space can be maneuvered, but perpetually sacrificing long-term gain for short-term relief will catch up to a team. New Orleans must shore up the cap.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Getting Aguayo on track: This isn't a decision as much as it is a major need. The Buccaneers bypassed conventional wisdom by using a second-round pick on kicker Roberto Aguayo. The bottom line when making an investment like that is that Aguayo has little margin for error. He essentially needs to be elite from the day he takes the field. So far, he hasn't been -- he has missed seven combined field goals and extra points going into Week 9. Kicking can be a rhythm and confidence component to football. Somehow, someway, Aguayo needs to get on track.
NFC WEST
Arizona Cardinals
About those free agents: The Cardinals have had a disappointing start to their season after many (myself included) forecasted them as a Super Bowl favorite. They're still very much in the NFC West mix, but a notable offseason is just around the corner. The team acquired pass-rusher Chandler Jones, a free agent after the season, in a trade this offseason and now must work hard to retain him (perhaps via the franchise tag), with other key free agents including safety Tony Jefferson and defensive lineman Calais Campbell.
Los Angeles Rams
Go time for Goff? The Rams have been patient with their No. 1 overall pick, but the question of when Jared Goff's tenure as the starter begins in Los Angeles will linger until ... well, until it happens. The team invested major draft capital for the former Cal Bear, and his play on the field will ultimately swing the franchise's fortunes, one way or another. Although Case Keenum has been sufficient at points this season, the on-field evaluation of Goff needs to take place soon.
San Francisco 49ers
Another quarterback dilemma: Coach Chip Kelly could find himself in an unusual spot this offseason. One in which he could target a top-rated quarterback in the draft and make him the centerpiece of the San Francisco offense. Thus far, Kelly has worked with inherited quarterbacks and traded for Sam Bradford, who does not provide the rushing element from the QB spot that contributed to Kelly's success at the collegiate level. It seems unlikely that Colin Kaepernick will be the long-term starter in San Francisco, but is there a quarterback worthy of a top draft pick who would fit the offense the 49ers desire to run under Kelly? The team could pick in the top five.
Seattle Seahawks
How does the offensive line get fixed? The Seahawks have pieced together an offensive line in part by shuffling players from one position to another -- like in the case of center Justin Britt, who was a guard and right tackle in previous seasons -- trying to extract value and tap into the teaching prowess of their excellent offensive line coach Tom Cable. But the talent deficiency has shown through of late, as Seattle's running game has fallen from third in 2015 to 28th in yards per game this season. Russell Wilson's knee injury has limited his mobility, but the group has also not been stellar in pass protection. Remedying this unit is a top priority.
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills
What's the price to keep Alexander and Brown? Buffalo linebackers Lorenzo Alexander and Zach Brown led our recent analysis on the NFL's best under-the-radar free-agent signings. Alexander ranks first in the league in sacks, and Brown has been a sideline-to-sideline tackling machine. After paying just more than $2 million for both combined for the season, the Bills must establish the linebackers' annual value going forward and subsequently evaluate whether they can afford either or both of them long term. Injuries to Shaq Lawson and Reggie Ragland opened the door to larger roles for both veteran players, and while Lawson is now healthy and Ragland will return next season, Alexander and Brown have been so good that bringing either back would be a boost to Buffalo's defense.
Miami Dolphins
The Tannehill evaluation: Quarterback Ryan Tannehill is having an OK season. He's on pace for 16 touchdowns and a matching 16 interceptions to pair with a 65.3 completion percentage, which would be the second best of his five-year career. Miami signed him to a lucrative extension through 2020, but the finer details of the deal show that it essentially becomes a year-to-year commitment beginning in the coming offseason. As things stand, $3.5 million of Tannehill's 2017 base salary is guaranteed, with the rest of his $17.975 million becoming guaranteed on the fifth day of the 2017 league year. Although it seems unlikely Miami will unhinge from Tannehill this offseason, evaluating his standing as the surefire franchise quarterback going forward is unquestionably a top priority.
New England Patriots
Extensions, extensions, extensions: The Patriots' top to-do list item remains the same for the third time. Among New England's notable unrestricted free-agents-to-be are star linebacker Dont'a Hightower, tight end Martellus Bennett, defensive end Jabaal Sheard, offensive tackle Marcus Cannon, cornerback Logan Ryan and safety Duron Harmon. Cornerback Malcolm Butler will be a restricted free agent. Retaining most of these players is critical for the Patriots. With the recent trade of linebacker Jamie Collins to the Browns, the most logical candidate for the franchise tag could be ever-dependable Hightower.
New York Jets
The quarterback quandary, of course: No overthinking this one -- the Jets need to find a quarterback. Is that player on their roster? Ryan Fitzpatrick and Geno Smith have handled the starting duties, but neither appears to be the starter for long -- both will be free agents this offseason. Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg were taken in the top four rounds over the past two drafts; if the Jets believe either has a chance to be a long-term starter, it would behoove the coaching staff to see both quarterbacks in action to put that evaluation to the test. The playoffs, at this point, are quickly growing out of reach.
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens
Locking up Williams: The Ravens don't have many priority free agents of note after the 2017 season, but defensive tackle Brandon Williams has to stick around. He's a massive run-stuffer in the middle of their defense who can make life miserable for opposing interior offensive lines. His role goes beyond what the box score can show. He can eat up opposing blockers, create space for linebackers to operate and burst the bubble of the middle of the pocket. This 2013 third-round pick has earned a lucrative new deal. He and undrafted rookie Michael Pierce have been rock solid in the middle of the Baltimore defense this season.
Cincinnati Bengals
Long-term outlook for Lewis: The Bengals signed coach Marvin Lewis to a one-year extension through the 2017 season this past April, but that means the clock is quickly ticking before questions about another extension arrive. It's uncommon for NFL head coaches to enter a season on the final year of a deal. Although the Bengals haven't won a playoff game since 1990, Lewis has guided the team to a postseason appearance in five straight seasons and six of the past seven. Sustained success in football is so hard to achieve; I'm of the opinion that a long-term contract for Lewis would be merited.
Cleveland Browns
Keeping Collins: The Browns made a major splash by trading for Patriots linebacker Jamie Collins this week, but he's a free agent this offseason. Now Cleveland gets an eight-game window to evaluate him within its system and a head start on negotiating a long-term deal. He's an uncommon athlete who has unique ability to do so much on the field. His price tag will be significant, but the Browns have virtually unlimited cap space with which to work. Keeping Collins should be a priority.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Will the Bell toll? This is the same question that was posed in the offseason, as running back Le'Veon Bell is just months from being an unrestricted free agent. Will Pittsburgh work hard before the new league year to extend the contract of the player many consider the best back in football? For a franchise with an impressive track record of homegrown talent, keeping Bell would seem to be a priority. The franchise tag is also an option.
AFC SOUTH
Houston Texans
Steadying the ship with Osweiler: Let's face it: Brock Osweiler has underwhelmed in his first season with the Texans, and he'll be perpetually viewed through the lens of the guaranteed money in his deal -- $37 million. But Houston didn't give Osweiler that money to cut bait this quickly -- from a cap perspective, cutting Osweiler before the end of the 2017 season makes zero financial sense. Plus, coach Bill O'Brien is an excellent quarterback tutor. I don't view Osweiler as having the tools to be one of the 10 or 12 best QBs in football, but he certainly can be better than what 2016 has shown. Getting there is Houston's tallest task.
Indianapolis Colts
Finding an edge rusher: The Colts have a number of holes on defense, but one that stands out is the lack of a young edge rusher with significant upside. The team simply hasn't drafted well during the tenure of general manager Ryan Grigson, and the defensive struggles have been evident this season. The secondary is strong, but in a league in which it's incredibly hard to hold up for extended stretches in man coverage, Indianapolis must find a way to bolster the pass rush with young talent.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Time to press reset button? I'm a huge proponent of patience in the NFL, as I often feel that teams act hastily when it comes to replacing coaches and general managers. I also know that coach Gus Bradley and general manager David Caldwell are well-respected individuals, but it's no surprise that many are wondering whether team owner Shad Khan will decide to push reset this offseason and hire a new head coach and/or general manager with Jacksonville off to an underwhelming 2-5 start and yet to show improvements in key areas.
Tennessee Titans
Finding wide receivers: I love the trajectory of this franchise. Marcus Mariota is a star young quarterback, and general manager Jon Robinson has quickly built an offense that aligns with the direction coach Mike Mularkey wants to take it. The Titans have a case for one of the best offensive tackle duos in football, as well as one of the best running back duos. But Mariota still needs an explosive receiver to add punch to the passing game. With two first-round picks in 2017, Tennessee is in position to find one.
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos
The quarterback transition plan: The Broncos traded up in the first round to take Paxton Lynch for a reason: They viewed him as their long-term starting quarterback. Trevor Siemian won the starting job over Mark Sanchez entering 2016, but the clock is going to keep ticking until Lynch takes over. Let's suppose that transition takes place this offseason. Would the Broncos consider trading Siemian to acquire potential draft capital, or would they value having him as insurance too much to part ways? General manager John Elway is among the NFL's best and most tactical decision-makers.
Kansas City Chiefs
Defensive stars to get paid? I wrote back in May that the Chiefs faced the proposition of having to pay two key defensive contributors: safety Eric Berry and nose tackle Dontari Poe. Berry, on whom the Chiefs placed the franchise tag this offseason, is not eligible to talk about an extension with the team until after the season. Poe, meanwhile, would be a logical franchise tag candidate absent a long-term deal. A big offseason looms in Kansas City.
Oakland Raiders
Pay Carr after the season? Derek Carr has emerged as one of the best young quarterbacks in the league this season, and he's a legitimate MVP candidate. It also happens that he's eligible for a long-term extension after this season is over. The question for the Raiders isn't whether Carr is worth a deal -- he unquestionably is -- it's whether it makes sense to do a deal sooner rather than later. A couple of dynamics involved beyond the obvious motivation to retain an excellent player long term include managing cash flow and keeping the franchise tag for other free-agents-to-be in the 2018 offseason -- such as guard Gabe Jackson. Keeping Carr is clearly the top priority.
San Diego Chargers
Melvin Ingram extension: The Chargers have a pair of young defensive players who are due for new deals this offseason, as linebacker Manti Te'o joins Ingram. But Ingram needs to be the priority; he's a pass-rusher who has improved steadily and still has plenty of time left in the prime physical years of his career (he'll be 28 in April). He has 15.5 sacks over his past 24 games and has become a reliable playmaker after two injury-riddled seasons in 2013-14. He'll be coveted if he hits the open market.
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