The Daily Briefing Tuesday, November 15, 2022

If The Season Ended Today in the NFC:

Philadelphia        East        8-1             1          5-1

Minnesota          North      8-1             1          6-1

Seattle                West       6-4             1          4-4

Tampa Bay        South     5-5             1          5-2

NY Giants          WC1       7-2             2          3-2

Dallas                 WC2      6-3              3          5-3

San Francisco    WC3      5-4             2          4-2

Washington                      5-5             4          3-4

Green Bay                        4-6             2          3-4

Atlanta                              4-6             2          3-4

Arizona                             4-6             3          3-5

Losses by the Eagles, Seahawks and Cowboys tightened things up in the NFC.

The Eagles stay ahead of the Vikings with a head-to-head win.

Tampa Bay would have the tiebreaker if they are indeed to be tied with the Seahawks, thanks to their win in Munich.

San Francisco won its first meeting with the Seahawks as well.

 It should be noted that each of the five team not shown have 3 wins and could be on this board in a week or two.

– – –

We saw this on Twitter from former NFL receiver Braylon Edwards, can it possibly be true?

@OfficialBraylon

Never knew this about @NFL Overtime:

-If the receiving team maintains possession of the ball for the entirety of the 10 mins they are credited with a win!!!!

This, from the NFL rulebook, would seem to say it is a tie –

There shall be a maximum of one 10-minute period, even if the second team has not had an opportunity to possess the ball or if its initial possession has not ended. If the score is tied at the end of the period, the game shall result in a tie.

A more knotty problem would be the receiving team keeping the ball for the full 10 minutes and kicking a field goal as time expires.  No possession for the kicking team, although that is mitigated by the fact it couldn’t stop the receiving team for an entire 10 minutes.  And at the end of the period, the score was not tied.

NFC NORTH

MINNESOTA

The Bills benefited from significant officiating blunders on two key late-game plays Sunday – and still lost.  Remember the first down play after WR JUSTIN JEFFERSON’s catch.  The one where the Bills swarmed RB DARWIN COOK for a 3-yard loss.  They had some help from the officials on that one.  Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com:

The Buffalo Bills had 12 men on the field when they made a critical defensive play in overtime in their wild game Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.

The play occurred with 5 minutes, 17 seconds remaining in the overtime period, just after the Vikings had completed a 24-yard pass to receiver Justin Jefferson to set up a first-and-goal at the Bills’ 2-yard line.

On the next play, Vikings tailback Dalvin Cook was tackled for a 3-yard loss. Minnesota coach Kevin O’Connell said afterward that “I do believe there was 12 players on the field” on that play but said he wanted to confirm that via tape. An ESPN review of the game video clearly shows 12 defensive players.

Had it been flagged, the Vikings would have had first down at the 1-yard line instead of second-and-goal at the 5.

Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins took a sack on second down and threw an incompletion on third down, leading to a field goal that allowed the Bills to have a possession.

“I know it’s moving pretty fast out there sometimes,” O’Connell said.

Earlier, the NFL’s on-site replay booth failed to initiate a review on what was ruled a completed 20-yard catch by Bills receiver Gabe Davis with 17 seconds remaining in regulation. Walt Anderson, NFL senior vice president of officiating, later told a pool reporter that the play should have been reviewed and that it would have been reversed to incomplete if it had been.

That completion put the Bills in position to tie the game and send it into overtime.

NFC EAST

WASHINGTON

The Commanders subjugated the Eagles without the services of EDGE CHASE YOUNG.  And now, Young is likely to be back come Sunday in Houston.  John Keim ofESPN.com:

Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young is expected to be activated this week to play Sunday against the Houston Texans, his first game since tearing his right ACL and MCL last November, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Young, the No. 2 pick in the 2020 draft who was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, was injured in a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Nov. 14, 2021. He returned to practice on Nov. 2, giving the Commanders (5-5) 21 days to activate him off the physically unable to perform list.

There had been hope that Young would be able to return for Monday’s 32-21 win over the Eagles in Philadelphia, but on Friday defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio said Young was still not doing everything at full speed.

Washington coach Ron Rivera stressed on Saturday that the Commanders did not want Young back unless they were absolutely sure of his knee and said they were taking the long-term view with his situation.

“We won’t play him unless we feel he’s ready to roll,” Rivera said. “There are some things he’s not comfortable doing. … You can see his frustration because he wants it to happen now.”

The Commanders wanted to see how Young held up over a full week before playing him, to build up his conditioning and test his knee against an offensive lineman’s block attempt. When Young was held out of practice Thursday because it had moved indoors, it was considered a crucial lost day in his return, and it was one reason he was not activated to play at Philadelphia.

NFC SOUTH

CAROLINA

This week will see the return of QB BAKER MAYFIELD to the Panthers starting lineup.  David Newton of ESPN.com:

Quarterback Baker Mayfield will return to the starting lineup for the Carolina Panthers on Sunday after an MRI taken over the weekend revealed that PJ Walker suffered a high ankle sprain in Thursday night’s victory over the Atlanta Falcons.

Sam Darnold, who lost the open competition to Mayfield for the starting job during training camp, will be the backup for the Week 11 game against the Baltimore Ravens.

This will be Mayfield’s first start since he suffered an ankle sprain in a Week 5 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. He was replaced by Walker the next week against the Los Angeles Rams and had remained the backup the past four games despite being healthy enough to play.

Mayfield’s only playing time the past month came in the second half of a 35-17 blowout loss at the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7 in which he led three scoring drives, going 14-for-20 passing for 155 yards and two touchdowns.

Mayfield struggled to a 15.3 Total QBR during a 1-4 start that was the lowest in the NFL this season and the worst since ESPN began using the statistic in 2006. He had four interceptions and four touchdown passes during that stretch.

Interim coach Steve Wilks said the No. 1 thing Mayfield has to do against the Ravens is “protect the football.”

Having a solid running game led by D’Onta Foreman should take some pressure off Mayfield, who was the top overall pick of the 2018 NFL draft. The Panthers rushed for a season-high 232 yards against Atlanta and have averaged 159.5 yards rushing the past four games since trading star back Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers. They averaged 89.9 yards rushing the first five games with Mayfield starting.

“Everything starts up front,” said Wilks, who has committed to the running game since Matt Rhule was fired after a 1-4 start. “We’ve got to do a great job of really establishing the run game, and when we do pass, we’ve got to do a great job of giving him a clean pocket so he can go through his progressions and get the ball down the field.”

With Darnold returning last week from injured reserve and Walker playing well, the Panthers had been looking at all options at quarterback, including a possible release of Mayfield, according to a league source.

NEW ORLEANS

Back to QB JAMEIS WINSTON? Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com:

The New Orleans Saints are considering making a quarterback switch, according to coach Dennis Allen.

Allen said that Jameis Winston is a candidate to start against the Los Angeles Rams, but a decision hasn’t been made yet.

“I think we’ve gotta look at everything,” Allen said. “Yeah, I think we’ve gotta look at everything. And that will be a process we go through today and tomorrow as we get ready for the Rams.”

The Saints have started Andy Dalton for the last seven games, but Allen hinted his starting job was contingent on the offense continuing to perform well. The Saints (3-7) have scored only 23 total points in back-to-back losses.

“And we haven’t been doing as well the last couple weeks,” Allen said. “So, I think we’ve gotta evaluate that. I think that’s something that we need to look at.”

Winston was named the starter going into the season but injured his back in Week 1 and struggled to play through his injuries for the next two games. Allen initially sat Winston for the game against the Minnesota Vikings in London to allow him to heal, but eventually decided to go with Dalton full-time.

Allen said at the time of the switch that Winston was healthy enough to play, and he eventually was not on the injury report, but admitted it’s unlikely Winston, who also had a foot injury this season, will be 100%. He said Winston’s health will factor into his decision.

“I feel like I think we probably have to visit with him a little bit in terms of that or visit with the medical staff in terms of that,” Allen said. “And I think Jameis said this the other day, I don’t know that he’s ever gonna be 100% healthy this season. But he’s in here every day, he’s in here every morning working with the trainers, getting himself ready. And I feel like he’s closer to being there.”

Allen also said the health of the offensive line is another factor. The Saints placed starting center Erik McCoy on injured reserve before their loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers this weekend and did not play starting right guard Andrus Peat. Starting left tackle James Hurst left the game with a concussion, leaving the Saints to play backup guards Calvin Throckmorton and Lewis Kidd, backup center Josh Andrews and backup tackle Landon Young.

“I think everything goes into the decision,” Allen said. “I don’t think any decisions are made in a vacuum. But we’ve gotta try to do what we feel like gives our team the best chance to win. So that’s ultimately what the decision will come down to.”

NFC WEST

ARIZONA

Huh?

@AdamSchefter

A roster surprise: Cardinals have informed RB Eno Benjamin – who started for them when James Conner was hurt this season – that they are releasing him, per source.

– – –

After beating the Rams, Kliff Kingsbury is more likely to win a game in which his team is the underdog than when it is a favorite.  A note from Field Yates:

@FieldYates

Quirky note after Week 10: Kliff Kingsbury is now 17-16-1 outright when his team is an underdog and 11-14 outright when his team is a favorite.

He’s the only head coach in the Super Bowl era with a winning record as an underdog and a losing record as a favorite (min. 15 games).

– – –

The Cardinals will be moving forward without TE ZACH ERTZ whose season (and career?) is over after a knee injury.  Bryan D’Ardo of CBSSports.com:

Zach Ertz will miss the remainder of the 2022 season after the Cardinals tight end suffered a knee injury during Sunday’s win over the Rams, according to NFL Media and confirmed by CBS Sports NFL insider Josina Anderson.

A three-time Pro Bowler who won a Super Bowl ring with the Eagles in 2017, Ertz was in the middle of his first season with the Cardinals after being traded from Philadelphia last season. He currently leads the Cardinals with 47 receptions and four touchdown catches and is third on the team with 406 receiving yards.

Trey McBride and Stephen Anderson, the two other tight ends on the Cardinals’ depth chart, caught a combined five of six targets during the Cardinals’ first 10 games.

Injuries have plagued the Cardinals as of late. Marquise Brown has been sidelined since suffering a foot injury last month and quarterback Kyler Murray missed Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury. Despite these injuries, the Cardinals managed to defeat a Matthew Stafford-less Rams team while improving to 4-6 on the season.

– – –

An act of kindness by EDGE J.J. WATT to a bettor foiled by referee Clete Blakeman.  Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com:

Another day, another generous act by J.J. Watt.

On Monday morning, a fan tweeted a screenshot of a failed bet to Watt, showing him how the decision by referee Clete Blakeman to blow dead a play in which Watt was about to return a fumble unimpeded for a touchdown would have paid him $1,000 as part of a three-leg parlay.

“they blew that play dead but you would’ve walked in the endzone…should’ve won $1000, wanna help a brotha out?” the accompanying tweet read with two tears of joy emojis.

The man’s parlay included the Arizona Cardinals winning the moneyline, a James Conner touchdown and a defensive touchdown. He hit on the first two.

About a half-hour later, Watt responded, offering to send the man the grand.

The play in question happened late in the second quarter. Cardinals linebacker Myjai Sanders sacked Los Angeles Rams quarterback John Wolford, knocking the ball loose. Watt recovered the fumble and had open field between him and the end zone but Blakeman blew the play dead as an incomplete pass. A review overturned the play to a fumble, giving the Cardinals possession at the Rams’ 30, which they turned into a touchdown.

“He just said he screwed up,” Watt said of Blakeman. “He apologized and said there’s nothing he can do but say sorry.”

In the third quarter of the Cardinals’ 27-17 win, Watt was flagged for a delay of game penalty after spiking the ball following another play being called dead. He picked up a loose ball after one of Wolford’s passes was batted down and started taking off with it but Blakeman ruled the play an incomplete pass again.

“I don’t know what happened on the second one but I was just frustrated with the whole situation and there were a few holding calls that he wasn’t calling,” Watt said. “So, I mean, I like Clete. Clete’s a good referee.

“But obviously [Sunday] was a frustrating one from that standpoint.”

LOS ANGELES RAMS

Add WR COOPER KUPP to the list of Rams wounded.  Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com:

Testing showed that Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp suffered a high right ankle sprain in Sunday’s loss to the Arizona Cardinals, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday.

There was no immediate word on how much time the star receiver will miss.

After Sunday’s game, Rams coach Sean McVay said the injury “didn’t look good” and “didn’t sound good.”

Kupp left the Rams’ Week 10 loss in the fourth quarter after injuring the ankle while attempting to catch a pass from quarterback John Wolford. Kupp appeared to grab his right ankle after the play and was helped to the bench by the team’s medical staff.

Entering the game, Kupp accounted for 35.7% of the Rams’ catches this season, which is the highest mark by any player in the league. The receiver finished the game with three catches for a career-worst minus-1 yard.

Kupp entered the game with 72 receptions, for a pace of 153 over a 17-game season. The NFL single-season record is 149 set by the New Orleans Saints’ Michael Thomas in 2019.

Kupp has missed 10 games in his six NFL seasons, eight of them in 2018 when he tore his ACL.

AFC WEST

DENVER

The grading at Pro Football Focus, which presumably factors out the impact of receiver quality, is not favorable to QB RUSSELL WILSON:

Sam Monson

@PFF_Sam

Russell Wilson now ranks 32nd out of 39 qualifying QBs in PFF grade this season.

Last year he ranked 16th and played badly for half the year.

Year before that he was 5th

Year before that, 1st.

Absurd decline.

LAS VEGAS

There seems to be an undercurrent in the media trying to make Josh McDaniels a one-and-done Raiders coach, but he gets a ringing endorsement from owner Mark Davis.  Ed Graney of the Las Vegas Review-Journal:

One person definitely satisfied with the job Josh McDaniels has done so far as coach of the Raiders is the most important one.

Team owner Mark Davis on Monday gave a resounding vote of confidence to his first-year coach, whose team fell to 2-7 after a 25-20 loss to Indianapolis on Sunday at Allegiant Stadium.

“As far as Josh goes, I have no issues,” Davis said. “I’m getting to know him a lot better. When you sign someone to a contract, don’t you expect him to fulfill the contract? I like Josh. I think he’s doing a fantastic job. You have to look at where we came from and where we’re going.

“We had a coach (Jon Gruden) with a 10-year contract and a 10-year plan, He had to leave the team last year. So we did an exhaustive search and found the person we believe is going to bring the Raiders to greatness in the future.”

Gruden resigned in October 2021 following reports that, over a 10-year period, he wrote emails that included racist, misogynistic and homophobic language.

Asked is he believes McDaniels is the long-term answer at coach, Davis replied: “Why wouldn’t I?”

The coach also spoke about his relationship with Davis at a weekly news conference Monday.

“He’s been great,” McDaniels said. “He has the same urgency that that we all do, if not more. He’s been here a long time. He’s seen this when it’s been good, and he wants to win as bad or worse than anybody else does. And he feels the frustration at the same time.

“But we’re all here because of him, and we want to do well for him. And we want to do right by him. And so, whatever he feels, I want to know what it is. I think that’s my role, my job. I hope I always understand where he’s at, and he doesn’t hide anything from us.”

McDaniels said he appreciates Davis’ enthusiastic support.

 “You feel his urgency to try to do whatever he can do to help us get to where we want to be as fast as we can be there,” McDaniels said. “I don’t know what else I could ask from him.”

Davis and McDaniels meet shortly after the conclusion of each game, including the preseason. It’s not as if, the coach said Monday, there has been some sort of “clandestine” meeting about the future of the team as it stumbled to its record after nine games.

“I’m going to control what I can control and do the best I can at my job,” McDaniels said.

He said part of his job is to be thinking about next year and beyond and how best to construct the Raiders into a consistent winner. Davis is on the same page.

“We’re in the process of building something,” Davis said. “Life isn’t static. It’s fluid. You want to win at the end of the year and be the one holding the trophy. Obviously, we’re not there yet. I know it’s frustrating for the fan base. I feel for them. I’m a fan as well.”

– – –

The Raiders were first in on former first-rounder DT JERRY TILLERY, cut by the Chargers.  Grant Gordon of NFL.com:

2019 first-round pick Jerry Tillery is moving on from the Los Angeles Chargers, but he’s not venturing all that far.

The Las Vegas Raiders have claimed Tillery, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday, per a source. The team subsequently announced the transaction.

The Chargers announced Thursday night they had waived Tillery, whom they took 28th overall four years ago. Tillery now is headed to an AFC West rival.

Tillery drew trade interest earlier in the season, Rapoport reported, including from the Raiders, who will now look to the defensive lineman to hopefully add a spark to a struggling defense.

Tillery wasn’t a fit with the Chargers, who will potentially see their former defensive tackle in short order, as Las Vegas hosts Los Angeles in three weeks on Dec. 4.

The Raiders have lost three in a row and among their issues is a defense ranked 28th overall. Tillery portends to get reps in a hurry with Bilal Nichols and Andrew Billings currently leading the way on the interior of a defensive line that has failed to rush the quarterback consistently, as evidenced by Vegas being dead last in the NFL with 10 sacks.

Tillery’s fifth-year option was declined this spring by the Chargers. He was set to make $2.05 million in base salary in 2022, so the Raiders will be on the hook for the remainder of his current salary.

AFC NORTH

BALTIMORE

TE MARK ANDREWS may be back this week.  Clifton Brown of BaltimoreRavens.com:

The Ravens returned to practice Monday following their bye week, and Head Coach John Harbaugh gave updates on several injured players.

Tight end Mark Andrews (knee/shoulder) and running back Gus Edwards (hamstring) did not play Week 9 against the Saints, wide receiver DeSean Jackson (hamstring) did not play in the second half, while pass rusher Jason Pierre-Paul is dealing with an ankle issue.

Harbaugh said all those players have a chance to play Sunday when the Ravens host the Carolina Panthers.

“You talk to Mark [Andrews], he sounds very positive – obviously – about it, and the trainers, as well,” Harbaugh said. “We’ll see how it progresses throughout the rest of the week. It’ll be the same answer for Gus. JPP (Pierre-Paul) was out there today. DeSean, all those guys, we’ll just see how they look on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. They all have a really good chance.”

AFC SOUTH

INDIANAPOLIS

Bill Cowher had an extended critique of Jeff Saturday’s hiring on CBS Sunday.

“I am speaking on behalf of the coaching profession: I know for a fact that Jeff Saturday was offered an opportunity to become an assistant coach with the Indianapolis Colts multiple times within the past four years,” Cowher said. “He declined, citing he had a TV job and wanted to spend more time with family. I get it. Coaching is about commitment and sacrifice. It’s not just a job, it is a lifestyle. That being said, Jeff Saturday has taken the position this year as a consultant for the Colts, and he’s talked to them weekly from his home in Atlanta.

“Now to find out in a short period of time that he’s the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts and overseeing a staff he chose not to choose because of a lifestyle — Jeff Saturday talked about in press conference the fact that he’s going to use this as a chance to build his resume and to see if he can coach in the future. I say to that, what about the assistants on the staff right now? The guys that were there in training camp and there early in the mornings and late at night? …Don’t they deserve the opportunity? For an owner to hire a coach who has never been an assistant at the college or pro level and overseeing a lot of qualified candidates to build a resume, it’s a disgrace to the coaching profession. In regards to how this played out, what happened in Indianapolis is a travesty.”

And he added this afterwards to a print reporter:

“It’s something that hits close to home, and I felt an obligation to speak on behalf of the coaching profession,” Cowher said on Sunday night. “I felt I needed to make a statement. Everyone (in the cast) was very respectful. Everyone had an opinion on it. But (“NFL Today” producer) Drew (Kaliski) was great about making that segment a little bit longer to allow some extra time. Being here for 16 years at CBS, the one thing I’ll say is they will give you the time to be able to express your thinking.”

“Devin McCourty is here straight from the locker room,” Cowher continued. “Nate (Burleson) isn’t long from coming off the field. We have a great opportunity to get a cross-section of opinions on how this may or may not play out. But the bottom line is, I’m the one coach that’s up here. I spent five years as a player, seven years as an assistant coach, and 15 years as a head coach. I have great respect for the coaching profession and understand all the things that go on when people lose their jobs. It’s never easy, but it’s part of a profession we get into. But there’s certain ways of doing certain things and commitments that people make that when things are not done properly, it needs to be pointed out. Regardless of how this plays, it was a travesty in terms of how this unfolded.”

Radio host Jeff Mans, armed with a blue checkmark, had this rebuttal:

@Jeff_Mans

My question here is:

What experience did Bill have in broadcasting before he got that job?

How about many former coaches/athletes that get promoted to the top of the broadcast profession bypassing others who’ve worked their whole lives to get there?

Is that ok? Or no?

Liz Roscher of YahooSports.com has more on the hiring process or lack thereof – and why the quarterbacks coach wasn’t calling the plays.

According to Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, several top Colts executives, including Pete Ward and general manager Chris Ballard, tried to talk owner Jim Irsay out of hiring Saturday, but were not able to convince him to hire someone with coaching experience above a Catholic high school in Georgia.

Irsay was described as “hellbent” on hiring Saturday, but he may have done so without considering the ramifications — not just among players, but the coaching staff as well. Without Reich, who handled play-calling duties, and offensive coordinator Marcus Brady, who was fired several weeks ago, there was no one to call offensive plays.

The Colts eventually settled on 30-year-old pass game specialist/assistant quarterbacks coach Parks Frazier as their play-caller, even though he has never called plays in the NFL.

Apparently Frazier wasn’t their first choice. According to Pelissero and Rapoport, quarterbacks coach Scott Milanovich was the first pick for that job, but Milanovich turned it down after they offered it to him with no revision to his current contract.

AFC EAST

NEW YORK JETS

This:

@RichCimini

Connor McGovern says he has “ultimate confidence” in Zach Wilson.

Braxton Berrios used the words “extreme confidence.”

Which is greater, ultimate or extreme?🤔 #Jets

Gotta be ultimate, right?

THIS AND THAT

EUROPA

At the rate the NFL is thinking, every team will be playing an international game each season.

The NFL wants to keep its European tour going now that Germany has joined Britain in hosting games.

Spain and France are atop the league’s wish list as it continues to look internationally for revenue growth.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Seattle Seahawks 21-16 on Sunday at Allianz Arena — a first for Germany as part of a four-year deal that the league hopes will extend long-term. London has hosted regular-season games since 2007.

Beyond Germany, which could also get additional games soon, the league’s analysis of fan growth and commercial potential puts Spain and France “very much on our radar,” Brett Gosper, NFL head of U.K. and Europe, told The Associated Press in an interview.

“We need to do our homework to make sure that there is the possibility of a place to land any games in those markets, gauge interest of the host stadia, gauge interest of the host city, even the government, as to their enthusiasm to help us bring a game,” Gosper said.

Spain has a slight edge because the Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins now have “home marketing” rights in the country. The NFL has divvied up international rights to interested teams covering 10 countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Ghana, Mexico and the U.K. No teams have rights in France.

“When you know that there are teams operating in [the international rights program], you want to look at the prospect and the viability of potentially having games in those markets at some point,” Gosper said.

There are five international games this season: three in London, one in Munich and one in Mexico City on Monday when the Arizona Cardinals play the San Francisco 49ers.

International expansion was one reason the NFL added a 17th game to the schedule. The league has committed to playing four international games each season, and teams are required to play a “home” game abroad once every eight seasons.

Outside of that commitment, a team with rights in a country can opt to play home games there, as the Jacksonville Jaguars do in London. The Jags have played nine times in the British capital and currently have a three-year deal to play an annual “home” game at the 90,000-seat Wembley Stadium.

“A team might choose to do that. That’s a real possibility but again not imminent,” Gosper said.

“Certainly, in next six months to 12 months we’ll be really testing the viability of our options from a stadium point of view — not just in Europe but elsewhere — and then at the same time in parallel seeing what the appetite is for clubs to potentially exploit those markets with a game.”

In Spain, Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is undergoing major renovations that will include a soccer pitch that retracts to make way for an artificial turf field that can be used for American football with a capacity of over 80,000. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which has a long-term deal with the NFL to host London games, has a similar system. Atlético Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano Stadium seats 68,000.

Camp Nou is Europe’s largest soccer stadium with a capacity of 99,000, but Barcelona plans to begin a long-delayed renovation project that will last into 2026. The city’s Montjuic Olympic Stadium seats about 56,000 and was a former home to the Barcelona Dragons of the NFL Europe league.

Gosper said there are “a lot of synergies” with Spain considering the NFL’s large Spanish-speaking fan base. Nine teams have marketing rights in Mexico.

The Stade de France just north of Paris has a capacity of just over 80,000 for soccer games.

“France is a little bit outside of that, and it’s its own market and culture,” Gosper said, “but at the same time it’s an incredibly strong sports media market where returns could be higher and faster than Spain.

“They’re two very healthy media markets, healthy sports markets, some strong indicators from our streaming platform as well as from our consumer sales. When you mine the data a little bit, they certainly are two markets with high potential.”

Elsewhere in Europe, the Nordic markets would be next and “Sweden in particular,” Gosper said. The country’s largest stadium, Friends Arena, tops out at 50,000 fans.

In August 1988, the Bears played the Minnesota Vikings in a preseason game at Ullevi stadium in Gothenburg.

So – let’s say 4 in England each year, 2 in Germany each year (Munich and Frankfurt), 1 in Paris, 1 in Madrid, 2 in Mexico – we are up to 10.  We need six more.  We would add a true regular season Hall of Fame Game in Canton (say on Thursday night in Week 3 to start the induction weekend), 1 in Australia, 1 in China/Japan/Korea.  Three to go.

How about a College Classic each year, rotating thru the great college stadiums in non-NFL states like Lincoln, Norman, Tuscaloosa.

Two to go.  Canada?  A Bills game in Toronto every other year, a Seahawks game in Vancouver every other year.

One short.  A game in St. Louis every year?  Featuring either the Rams or Cardinals.

2023 NEEDS

ESPN.com’s writers go right past the rest of 2022 and start dissecting the 2023 offseason.  When assessing the biggest need for the 32 teams, QB is listed for 8, including 5 teams in the two South divisions:

NFC EAST

Dallas Cowboys

Biggest offseason need: Wide receiver. Even with CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup on the outside, it’s clear the Cowboys need another playmaker in the pass game. The free agent and draft pools aren’t as loaded at wide receiver as they’ve been in recent years. There are, however, options in April’s draft who could open up the downfield passing game and provide them with an option on the third level. Jalin Hyatt (Tennessee) and Josh Downs (North Carolina) are explosive targets whose skills differ from what Dallas has on its roster, and they might be available on Day 2. — Jordan Reid

Contract situation to monitor: Ezekiel Elliott, RB (signed through 2026, $15 million APY). The guaranteed money portion of Elliott’s contract ends after this season. The Cowboys can save $10.9 million next year by designating him as a post-June 1 cut but have more than $8 million hit the 2024 cap. Elliott’s running mate, Tony Pollard, is set to be a free agent, too. Is it possible to keep both if Elliott reworks his contract? The Cowboys made it work with defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence in the 2022 offseason. Another player to watch? Offensive tackle Tyron Smith. He is signed through 2023 but has not played a full season since 2015, and rookie Tyler Smith has filled in capably this season. — Todd Archer

New York Giants

Biggest offseason need: Quarterback. Daniel Jones, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2019 draft, has played his best football this season, but he hasn’t played well enough to be rewarded with a massive new contract. If the Giants like the incoming rookie class, this could be the time for general manager Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll to pick their guy at the position. — Matt Miller

Contract situation to monitor: Daniel Jones, QB (free agent). The Giants declined his fifth-year option earlier this year, which means he’ll hit the market in 2023. This leaves a massive decision for first-year GM Schoen, who said last week that with nine games remaining it’s an “ongoing evaluation” for Jones and fellow impending free agent Saquon Barkley. New York already seems to know Jones is a quality starter, but does it want to build around him? Jones must prove he can stay healthy and play a full season for the first time in his career. — Jordan Raanan

Philadelphia Eagles

Biggest offseason need: Defensive line. General manager Howie Roseman has done an excellent job of adding high-end talent and supplementing it with depth at multiple positions. With seven defensive starters on one-year deals, the franchise has key decisions to make at defensive tackle, as Fletcher Cox and Javon Hargrave are both set to become free agents. With two first-round selections, defensive tackle and edge rusher are positions the team could opt to address with either or both selections. Philly owns the Saints’ top pick, which could end up in the top 10. — Reid

Contract situation to monitor: Jalen Hurts, QB (signed through 2023, $1.5 million APY). The question used to be whether the Eagles would extend Hurts’ contract. After an MVP-caliber first half of the season, it now seems to be a matter of when they pay him big money. He’s eligible for an extension after this season, and it will be no surprise if the two sides engage in talks to see if their vision for a second contract align. Philadelphia typically likes to lock up core players as early as possible, knowing the salaries in the NFL are consistently climbing. — Tim McManus

Washington Commanders

Biggest offseason need: Quarterback. No disrespect to Taylor Heinicke, but the Commanders clearly missed on the Carson Wentz trade and need a restart at the position with a premium prospect. With at least three quarterbacks projected as potential top-10 selections, they have to be aggressive in finding a long-term answer. — Miller

Contract situation to monitor: Carson Wentz, QB (signed through 2024, $26.7 million APY). If the Commanders decide to cut Wentz next offseason, it will free up a lot of money to pursue other players or sign guys such as defensive tackle Daron Payne to an extension. Washington could cut Wentz without any cap penalty, but if it keeps him that will limit what else it can do in the offseason. Wentz needs to prove he’s worthy of occupying that sort of cap space, which has not yet happened. The Commanders want to keep Payne and other players, such as safety Kam Curl, end Montez Sweat and running back Antonio Gibson, who will be up for extensions in the spring. — John Keim

NFC NORTH

Chicago Bears

Biggest offseason need: Offensive tackle. Despite admirable play from patchwork players along the offensive line, the Bears must start to build a reputable unit in front of second-year quarterback Justin Fields. With a projected top-10 selection, general manager Ryan Poles can tap into his days as a starting lineman for Boston College to find a blindside bookend for his Bears. — Miller

Contract situation to monitor: Eddie Jackson, S (signed through 2024, $14.6 million APY). Jackson has made the most of the clean slate he was given from a new staff and scheme that allows him to roam at free safety. It has led to a spike in production he lacked in 2020 and ’21. For the first time since signing his four-year extension in 2020, Jackson’s dead money ($9.6 million) is less than his cap hit ($17.1 million) in 2023. If the Bears’ front office doesn’t believe his production is sustainable, it has shown no qualms about acquiring a hefty amount of dead cap and moving on from players who are not part of the long-term plan. — Courtney Cronin

Detroit Lions

Biggest offseason need: Quarterback. The Lions are aiming to accumulate talent at multiple positions as they try to exit the foundation stage of their rebuild. The acquisition of Jared Goff was aimed to give the team time to run the course of adding prospects at key positions, but the trial period of that seems to be nearing an end. Quarterback is the key piece of every team’s rebuild, and Detroit — which is projected to have a top-five pick in the draft — could be searching for that important piece to the puzzle. — Reid

Contract situation to monitor: Jared Goff, QB (signed through 2024, $33.5 million APY). The Lions’ front office will have a big decision to make with Goff in the final guaranteed year of his contract. They would incur a $10 million dead cap hit if they release him after the season, meaning they could do so without much financial consequence. Additionally, Detroit has two first-round picks in this draft — the last pick from the Rams in the Goff deal — and has the capital to make a move for a signal-caller it likes. — Eric Woodyard

Green Bay Packers

Biggest offseason need: Wide receiver. The offensive struggles in Green Bay can be attributed to many factors, but one that can’t be ignored is the lack of talent at wide receiver. Even after adding Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs in the 2022 draft, the Packers need a dynamic playmaker who can own the WR1 spot. While Watson and Doubs both have potential, neither projects as a true star who can consistently win one-on-one matchups (though Watson’s three-TD game on Sunday was a huge step in the right direction). As the Packers build out a 2023 offseason plan, a wide receiver should be atop the list of needs. — Miller

Contract situation to monitor: Aaron Rodgers, QB (signed through 2024, $50.3 million APY). Everything the Packers will do this offseason revolves around Rodgers and the three-year, $150 million extension he signed in March. If the two sides decide to part ways, it will have massive ramifications on the salary cap unless Rodgers simply retires. In that case, however, he’d be walking away from $59 million. — Rob Demovsky

Minnesota Vikings

Biggest offseason need: Interior defensive line. When healthy, Dalvin Tomlinson has been one of the best players on this defense, but he’s scheduled to become a free agent after the season, and the team lacks depth. The Vikings could address the help they need along the interior. Minnesota plays primarily in an odd-front, 3-4 defense, and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will be in search of powerful defenders who are dependable at the point of attack. — Reid

Contract situation to monitor: Justin Jefferson, WR (signed through 2023, $3.3 million APY). The Vikings will almost certainly pick up Jefferson’s fifth-year option, in which case he would be signed through 2024. But he’ll be eligible for a contract extension after the 2022 season, and given the skyrocketing nature of receiver contracts, the Vikings would be well-advised to begin negotiations immediately. — Kevin Seifert

NFC SOUTH

Atlanta Falcons

Biggest offseason need: Defensive line. The Falcons have a clear need up front on defense, though this roster lacks talent throughout. Outside of tackle Grady Jarrett, there isn’t much to get excited about up front. The franchise could elect to address the interior or solve their woes on the edge. — Reid

Contract situation to monitor: Chris Lindstrom, G (signed through 2023, $13.2 million APY). Atlanta is expected to have a lot of cap space this offseason, perhaps close to $100 million, depending on where the salary cap lands. They’ll be able to do a multitude of things, from tying up potential franchise cornerstones to pursuing high-level free agents. Unlike the past two years, there isn’t a contract that needs to be reworked or unloaded. Lindstrom is the most obvious guy who could get a long-term deal. He has been one of the league’s most consistent interior linemen, and with coach Arthur Smith showing this season how much he’d like to run on offense, locking up Lindstrom makes sense. — Michael Rothstein

Carolina Panthers

Biggest offseason need: Quarterback. The Panthers have failed to find a franchise quarterback, even after multiple trades. Now, the pressure is on general manager Scott Fitterer to acquire the superstar quarterback that has alluded this franchise (and hire a new coach, too). The good news is the 2023 draft class is rich at the position, and the Panthers are projected to own one of the top picks. The opportunity is there for Carolina to finally find a passer it can build around. — Miller

Contract situation to monitor: Brian Burns, DE (free agent). The Panthers might have given Burns an open checkbook after they turned down two first-round picks for him before the trade deadline. They have no choice but to give him a huge deal or franchise tag him. The Dolphins helped set the market for young, elite pass-rushers when they gave Bradley Chubb a five-year, $110 million deal earlier this month. Burns, on his way to a second Pro Bowl, might top that. — David Newton

New Orleans Saints

Biggest offseason need: Quarterback. The Saints don’t own their first-round selection after the April trade with the Eagles that saw them add a 2022 pick. That takes them out of the running for one of the top signal-callers in this draft class. With the team playing a game of musical chairs between Andy Dalton and Jameis Winston, it’s time to find a quarterback for the future. New Orleans needs to find its guy via free agency or on Day 2 of the draft. — Reid

Contract situation to monitor: Michael Thomas, WR (signed through 2024, $19.3 million APY). The Saints are going to have to decide if they want to roll the dice on Thomas’ health for a fourth-straight season, as he has played 10 games since the start of 2020. The Saints would have minimal cap savings of $2.8 million in 2023 if he’s not designated as a post-June 1 cut, but any release would not be about the money but instead about his injury issues. — Katherine Terrell

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Biggest offseason need: Quarterback. Tom Brady, who will be 46 at the start of next season, can’t be factored into the future for this team, and the jury is still out on 2021 second-round pick Kyle Trask. If the Buccaneers are in a position to draft a premier prospect in Round 1, that opportunity can’t be ignored. The secondary and defensive line need a refresh, but a quarterback has to come first. — Miller

Contract situation to monitor: Tom Brady, QB (free agent). The Bucs likely will keep Brady as long as he wants to be in Tampa. Most assumed this would be his last season in the NFL, but no one truly knows what his future holds now, which could put the Bucs in a bind. The only quarterback under contract on the active roster going into 2023 is Kyle Trask, as backup Blaine Gabbert is on a one-year deal.– Jenna Laine

NFC WEST

Arizona Cardinals

Biggest offseason need: Offensive line. For all the faults of the Cardinals offense, so much boils down to timing and protection. Finding a starting guard or right tackle in Round 1 of the draft would instantly upgrade the entire offense (especially if that lineman was quick and agile). With a potential top-10 pick incoming, Arizona will be in a position for an upgrade. — Miller

Contract situation to monitor: DeAndre Hopkins, WR (signed through 2024, $27.3 million APY). Hopkins is due $19.5 million next season but comes with a $30.9 million cap hit, so something’s got to give. Either he’ll restructure his deal to lower his cap number, or the Cardinals could decide he won’t be worth the cash or cap space. Hopkins’ play this season — since his return from a six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy — might make Arizona lean toward needing him again. His salary and cap numbers drop slightly in 2024 to $14.9 million and $26.2 million, respectively. — Josh Weinfuss

Los Angeles Rams

Biggest offseason need: Offensive line. The Rams’ line has struggled this season, partially due to the retirement of tackle Andrew Whitworth after the Super Bowl title. Every spot could be addressed after the season. The Rams historically have gravitated toward drafting blockers with upside, but that strategy hasn’t always paid off. Without a first-round selection and with limited cap space, they won’t have the chance to add high-end talent. — Reid

Contract situation to monitor: Jalen Ramsey, CB (signed through 2025, $20 million APY). The Rams’ front office took care of several core players last offseason with reworked contracts or extensions — quarterback Matthew Stafford, defensive tackle Aaron Donald and wide receiver Cooper Kupp — and Ramsey could be next. The three-time All-Pro cornerback signed a contract extension in September 2020 that made him the highest-paid corner in NFL history, but that is no longer the case. He still has three more seasons after this one under contract, but L.A. could choose to pay him early. When he was asked about a new deal during training camp, Ramsey said, “When the time [is] right, things will happen.” — Sarah Barshop

San Francisco 49ers

Biggest offseason need: Right tackle. The 49ers won’t make a draft pick until the third round due to trades for quarterback Trey Lance and running back Christian McCaffrey, but finding a replacement for free agent, Mike McGlinchey should take precedence when they’re up to select. McGlinchey has been average since being the No. 9 pick in the 2018 draft and might not be signed to a new deal. — Miller

Contract situation to monitor: Jimmy Garoppolo, QB (free agent). If Garoppolo plays well, stays healthy and the Niners make a deep postseason run, they are going to have to pay a premium if they want to bring him back (he can’t be franchise tagged). If Garoppolo leaves, they will have to decide their level of faith in Lance, who will be coming off a season-ending ankle injury. Given the uncertainty that still comes with Lance and his injury history, It’s hard to imagine San Francisco not making another significant investment at quarterback in the offseason, whether it’s on Garoppolo or someone else. — Nick Wagoner

Seattle Seahawks

Biggest offseason need: Defensive line. The early returns on the Seahawks’ rookie draft class have been phenomenal, but the defensive line still is in need of an infuse of talent. With six picks in the first two days of the draft, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the organization take multiple linemen. — Reid

Contract situation to monitor: Geno Smith, QB (free agent). Smith returned to Seattle on a one-year, $3.5 million deal last April, but after what’s shaping up to be a Pro Bowl season, it’ll cost the team much more to re-sign him in 2023. Smith signed several minimum-salary deals while spending most of the past seven seasons as a backup, and now he’s due for a big raise. With the dead money from the Russell Wilson trade coming off their books, the Seahawks will have plenty of cap space and shouldn’t have trouble keeping Smith via a long-term deal or a franchise tag. — Brady Henderson

AFC EAST

Buffalo Bills

Biggest offseason need: Guard. With arguably the best roster in the NFL from top to bottom, the Bills don’t have many holes. Guard Rodger Saffold is a free agent after the season, though, and they could bring him back while also looking for a long-term solution elsewhere, too. The interior offensive line group in the draft class isn’t top-heavy, but Buffalo could opt to take a prospect with interior flexibility with experience at both guard and center on Days 2 or 3 of the draft. — Reid

Contract situation to monitor: Tremaine Edmunds, LB (free agent). The Bills have a couple of big free-agent decisions to make (including with safety Jordan Poyer), but Edmunds will be just 24 when he hits free agency this spring. The Bills have been pleased with the 2018 first-round pick’s production, but he has struggled to make splash plays consistently over the course of his career (6.5 career sacks and two forced fumbles). — Alaina Getzenberg

Miami Dolphins

Biggest offseason need: Running back. It’s a testament to how well-built this team is that the biggest need moving forward is a running back. The Dolphins’ front office has attacked needs at wide receiver and defensive end via the draft and free agency, adding wideouts Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill on offense and edge rushers Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb on defense. Heading into the offseason without a first-round selection, the Dolphins can continue to patch together a bargain-filled backfield — or they could swing for the fences with a back such as Jahmyr Gibbs (Alabama) in Round 2. — Miller

Contract situation to monitor: Byron Jones, CB (signed through 2024, $16.5 million APY). Jones’ contract was a topic of conversation even before the 2022 season, but it’s even more prevalent now, considering he has not participated in football activities since his Achilles surgery in March. Considering the play of undrafted rookie Kader Kohou in Jones’ place, the Dolphins have a big decision to make. Designating Jones as a post-June 1 cut would save them $14.1 million in 2023 but would count for $10 million of dead cap space in 2024; moving him before June 1 would result in a $14.8 million dead-cap hit but saves them $4 million in 2023. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

New England Patriots

Biggest offseason need: Offensive tackle. The Patriots have lacked consistency along the edges of the offensive line; it has been one of the weak points of this offense. With Trent Brown and Isaiah Wynn playing up and down, the team is in need of depth. Wynn is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the season, which means a young upgrade will be needed. With the draft class rich in early offensive tackle talent, Georgia’s Broderick Jones is a prospect who could be a target in the top 20. — Reid

Contract situation to monitor: Jakobi Meyers, WR (free agent). He was tendered at the second-round level as a restricted free agent and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career. He leads the team in receptions, which is no surprise considering he led the team in receptions in both 2020 (59) and 2021 (83). — Mike Reiss

New York Jets

Biggest offseason need: Offensive tackle. The Jets spent a top-10 pick in general manager Joe Douglas’ first draft on offensive tackle Mekhi Becton, but injuries have severely limited his last two seasons, and he can’t be counted on as a reliable long-term solution. As Jordan mentioned above, this draft has a handful of great first-round talents who could fit the Jets’ needs. — Miller

Contract situation to monitor: C.J. Mosley, LB (signed through 2024, $17 million APY). Mosley is a valuable player, but he will be 31 next year, and his $21.5 million cap charge won’t be palatable. The Jets have to rework his deal or find a new middle linebacker; cutting him before June 1 would mean a $14.9 million dead charge. Another big contract issue: Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, signed through 2023 (fifth-year option), will be up for a huge extension. — Rich Cimini

AFC NORTH

Baltimore Ravens

Biggest offseason need: Wide receiver. It’s a good sign when a third-rounder such as Devin Duvernay becomes a team’s most reliable wide receiver, but after spending multiple early-round picks on the position, the Ravens still lack a true No. 1. Rashod Bateman has shown flashes of becoming that player, but there is room on the roster to add a premier wideout. With quarterback Lamar Jackson and linebacker Roquan Smith set to hit free agency, spending in free agency might not be possible, but finding a late Round 1 target at wide receiver is likely. — Miller

Contract situation to monitor: Lamar Jackson, QB (free agent). His contract situation is not only the biggest storyline for the Ravens but perhaps the entire NFL. Jackson is in the final year of his rookie deal, and he and the Ravens decided to suspend talks until the end of the season. Sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Jackson turned down an offer worth about $250 million because his wish is for a fully guaranteed deal similar to Deshaun Watson’s record-setting $230 fully guaranteed contract. If the sides can’t reach an agreement by March, the Ravens will place the franchise tag on Jackson to keep him from becoming a free agent. — Jamison Hensley

Cincinnati Bengals

Biggest offseason need: Cornerback. The Bengals’ lack of corner depth has shown up this season, as injuries and poor performances have contributed to the defense’s step back. With this draft class rich in talent at the position, the franchise could add more high-end talent at the position. — Reid

Contract situation to monitor: Joe Burrow, QB (signed through 2023, $9 million APY). The days of enjoying the discounts of a rookie quarterback contract are officially on the clock for the Bengals. Burrow will be eligible for an extension for the first time. Bengals team president Mike Brown told reporters in the summer that the front office understands Burrow’s value to the franchise. Cincinnati hasn’t been shy about paying quality passers high-end money, and Burrow could be the player who resets the QB market. — Ben Baby

Cleveland Browns

Biggest offseason need: Defensive tackle. The middle of the Browns’ defensive line is weak against the run and rarely a factor against the pass. Cleveland doesn’t have a first-round pick, so tackle could be a priority in Round 2, where the Browns can find an interior pass-rusher to lock in place next to Myles Garrett. — Miller

Contract situation to monitor: Deshaun Watson, QB (signed through 2026, $46 million APY). At some point, the Browns are going to have to rework Watson’s record-setting contract to prevent their salary cap from becoming a quagmire. It might not happen this upcoming offseason, but it will need to happen at some point, or Cleveland will eventually be forced to shed several of its other key long-term pieces. Watson hasn’t played for the team yet, but he’s eligible to start in Week 13 after serving an 11-game suspension after he was accused by more than two dozen women of sexual assault and inappropriate sexual misconduct during massage sessions. — Jake Trotter

Pittsburgh Steelers

Biggest offseason need: Offensive tackle. There are several positions that fit here for the Steelers, as the roster lacks high-end talent. Offensive line and cornerback are the two biggest glaring holes on the roster, but the talent near the top of the draft could force them to address the defensive front. If they get in range of top pass-rushers Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama) or Jalen Carter (Georgia), the Steelers shouldn’t pass up on either of the two best players in the draft, but they also must address the offensive line. After investing a first-round pick in quarterback Kenny Pickett last April, finding protection for him is the next step. — Reid

Contract situation to monitor: Terrell Edmunds, S (free agent). Unlike the last couple of seasons, the Steelers don’t have a big-ticket contract or a particularly difficult decision on the horizon. They locked up edge rusher T.J. Watt and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to record-setting multi-year deals, they have a quarterback on a rookie contract and wideout Chase Claypool (a free agent in 2024) was traded to the Bears. Edmunds returned to the Steelers on a one-year deal after testing free agency, and he has been a solid complement to Fitzpatrick. Keeping him around would help the stability of the secondary. — Brooke Pryor

AFC SOUTH

Houston Texans

Biggest offseason need: Quarterback. Davis Mills has shown flashes in spurts, but that shouldn’t keep the franchise away from adding the most important position to its rebuild. The Texans are in the driver’s seat for the No. 1 overall pick, and it’s time to find the quarterback of the future. Bryce Young (Alabama), C.J. Stroud (Ohio State) or Will Levis (Kentucky) likely will be the option for the team at the top of the draft. — Reid

Contract situation to monitor: Tytus Howard, OT (signed through 2023, $7.7 million APY). Entering Week 10, Howard had allowed 19 pressures, tied for the 15th-fewest among tackles, and only allowed one sack, tied for the second-fewest. The Texans need to lock up Howard to a long-term deal because the prices will only go up if they wait. As of now, he’ll play the 2023 season on his fifth-year option, which Houston picked up in the spring. — DJ Bien-Aime

Indianapolis Colts

Biggest offseason need: Quarterback. It’s obvious the Colts have not handled the quarterback position well since the surprise retirement of Andrew Luck before the 2019 season. Now, instead of trying again to pick up a veteran via the trade market, the organization should be all-in on the draft class via a projected top-five selection. — Miller

Contract situation to monitor: Matt Ryan, QB (signed through 2023, $30 million APY). The whirlwind in Indianapolis has changed everything about Ryan’s status. The Colts re-negotiated his contract upon trading for him in March, but that kicked some of the deal’s guaranteed money to 2023. Now, the team is on the hook for $35 million if he’s on the roster next season or $18 million if it cuts him before the 2023 league year. — Stephen Holder

Jacksonville Jaguars

Biggest offseason need: Wide receiver. Even after trading for Calvin Ridley, the Jaguars should look to continue to add talent on the perimeter. Big-body pass catchers who dominate at the catch point (Tee Higgins/Justyn Ross) were the types of wideout Trevor Lawrence had the most success with while at Clemson. Jacksonville should add that type of target to the roster. One option in Round 1 of the draft who fits the mold: Quentin Johnston (TCU). — Reid

Contract situation to monitor: Josh Allen, OLB (signed through 2023, $7.6 million APY). The Jaguars have to decide whether Allen — who will play 2023 on his fifth-year option — is part of their long-term plan. The problem is he hasn’t become the dominant pass-rusher they expected when they took him No. 7 overall in 2019. He’s among the league leaders in pressures this season but only has three sacks through 10 games. He has been a solid player and is good against the run, but that’s not going to get him a big-money deal. The Jaguars could try to get him on a reasonable deal — if Allen would be amenable — or let him test the market in 2024. — Michael DiRocco

Tennessee Titans

Biggest offseason need: Offensive tackle. The long-term future of Taylor Lewan is in serious question after a season-ending knee injury, and the lack of durability in recent seasons — he has played a full schedule just twice in his career — makes this position a priority in Nashville. The Titans have pieced together a solid offensive line, especially on the interior, but there is no long-term answer for the most important position on the offensive line on the roster. Whether it’s via free agency or the early rounds of the 2023 draft, the Titans must address the position. — Miller

Contract situation to monitor: Jeffery Simmons, DL (signed through 2023, $6.5 million APY). The Titans know that Simmons playing on the fifth-year option is not in the cards; he didn’t practice at mandatory minicamp sessions over the summer. Simmons, however, is the biggest example of their “effort-and-finish” culture, and the team is fully aware of his value and understands that getting a deal done will be an uphill battle. The expectation is Simmons will become the highest-paid interior defensive lineman in the NFL when he signs a new deal. — Turron Davenport

AFC WEST

Denver Broncos

Biggest offseason need: Offensive line. Pick your spot, and the Broncos could use help along the offensive line due to injuries, poor play and upcoming free agency for guard Dalton Risner. With their own first-round pick traded to Seattle, the Broncos will use the 49ers’ first-round selection (acquired via Miami) to bolster the line. A right tackle in the 20s of the draft would be huge for the offense. — Miller

Contract situation to monitor: Dre’Mont Jones, DE (free agent). The Broncos have a long list of starters who are scheduled to be free agents next March, including Risner, safety Kareem Jackson and running back Melvin Gordon III, but general manager George Paton has called Jones a “core player.” A third-round pick in 2019, Jones is tied for the team lead in sacks with 5.5 and has shown the rare physical attributes for a 281-pounder who can force the issue on the interior in both run defense and the pass rush. Consistency had been his hurdle in previous seasons, but he has blossomed this season. — Jeff Legwold

Kansas City Chiefs

Biggest offseason need: Offensive tackle. With the ongoing contract dispute of Orlando Brown Jr. and inconsistencies of Andrew Wylie, a tackle is at the top of the team’s needs. The Chiefs could target the position at the back end of the first round or continue to draft help along the edges of the defensive line early and then look to address offensive tackle on Day 2. Matthew Bergeron (Syracuse) and Anton Harrison (Oklahoma) could be second-round possibilities who could fill in early at left tackle. — Reid

Contract situation to monitor: JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR (free agent). After betting on himself by taking a one-year contract in free agency, Smith-Schuster is playing himself into a lucrative long-term deal — and perhaps out of Kansas City. The Chiefs won’t be able to re-sign both him and Mecole Hardman, who is in the final season of his contract, and might not re-sign either. The recent trade for Kadarius Toney was an acknowledgment the Chiefs could lose one player or both. — Adam Teicher

Las Vegas Raiders

Biggest offseason need: Offensive tackle. Kolton Miller is solid at left tackle and the team has locked him up long-term, but the rest of the Raiders’ line is a mess after bad drafting and free-agent moves. With a pick projected in the top five, the Raiders could be looking at quarterbacks due to the talent available in this class. That could push the offensive line to a top of Round 2 need in a class that has solid depth through the top 50 picks. — Miller

Contract situation to monitor: Derek Carr, QB (signed through 2025, $40.5 million APY). His three-year, $121.5 million extension, signed this past offseason, does not kick in until next year and includes a no-trade clause, which should give the ninth-year vet some security. The kicker? Should things continue going south for the Raiders, and the new regime of coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler don’t see Carr as their guy and choose to move on, Las Vegas has a three-day window at the conclusion of the Super Bowl to cut Carr for a relatively cheap salary cap hit of $5.6 million. That would be a seismic move, as Carr holds virtually every passing record in franchise history. — Paul Gutierrez

Los Angeles Chargers

Biggest offseason need: Offensive tackle. Yes, another O-line need for an AFC West team. Could the Chargers address their line in the first round for the third straight year? With potential franchise signal-caller Justin Herbert, it shouldn’t be out of the question. With rookie Jamaree Salyer continuing to look promising, his performance could allow the Chargers to slide him over to right tackle or transition him inside to left guard. Keeping Herbert upright should be the main objective. — Reid

Contract situation to monitor: Justin Herbert, QB (signed through 2023, $4.2 million APY). It remains a formality that the Chargers will pick up the fifth-year option on his rookie deal to keep him under contract through 2024. The bigger question is when they will sign him to a long-term extension. There’s no question they want to keep him around, but it becomes a matter of how quickly they want to get a deal done and how much they’re willing to pay him — keeping in mind that Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, who played in a Super Bowl in his second season, and Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa also are in line to sign extensions. Will the Chargers try to get a deal done quickly to beat the market? Or will they be forced to match or exceed what other 2020 quarterbacks receive? — Lindsey Thiry