The Steelers are hoping Rodgers makes a decision in the coming weeks
The NFL follows a pretty straightforward, cyclical calendar after the Super Bowl ends in February. A few weeks later is the NFL combine. March is for free agency and trades, April is for the NFL Draft and in May we have the schedule release. It’s a bit quieter in June with OTAs and mandatory minicamp (and who does and doesn’t report) being the highlights. By the end of July, training camps are in full swing.
With the calendar flipping to April, the draft is the dominant story. Teams are neck deep in draft preparation, aiming to piece together all the information they’ve gathered on every prospect possible and assessing their best courses of action come April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
But focusing solely on the draft would mean missing out on several other notable big questions that still must be answered — and often are answered — this month, too. Here are some of the biggest ones:
1. Does George Pickens get a long-term deal?
George Pickens is coming off a magnificent season (93 catches, 1,429 yards, nine touchdowns) and just turned 25 years old. That makes him a prime candidate to get a long-term deal done to remain a pillar of the Cowboys’ offense alongside Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb.
But it hasn’t come to fruition yet. In early February, Pickens said he’d love to stay in Dallas but wanted the “ultimate best deal” that made sense for both sides. It didn’t happen, and he received the franchise tag.
The Cowboys and Pickens have until July 15 to try to work out a new deal, and given Jerry Jones’ lack of urgency, historically, to get big deals done, perhaps it’s wisest to assume Pickens will play on the tag, or the Cowboys will drag this out right up to the deadline.
But maybe, finally, Jones is a little bit more proactive. He’s 83 years old, and in December, he admitted his management “has played a big role” in the franchise’s 30-year Super Bowl drought. The Cowboys have two first-round picks. There’s a chance they could make a jump, but only if Pickens is along for the ride.
Brian Schottenheimer said he’s unsure if Pickens will attend offseason workouts absent a new deal. If Jones and the Cowboys really want to have their best shot at a Super Bowl this coming season, they’ll get a deal done.
2. Does Lamar Jackson get an extension and/or report to offseason workouts?
Speaking of offseason workouts, there’s quite a bit more short-term interest regarding Lamar Jackson’s attendance. Because they hired a new coach (Jesse Minter) this offseason, the Ravens can begin their offseason workout program April 6. Minter isn’t sure if Jackson will be part of it.
“I know Lamar’s excited. I think he is excited about some of the changes,” Minter said at NFL league meetings, per ESPN. “We’ve had a lot of good connection points, but the offseason program is voluntary. We’re excited to get a chance to work with all the guys, whoever wants to show up. We feel confident that a lot of guys will be there.”
The Ravens restructured Jackson’s deal to free up cap space this offseason, but really, he’s in the market for an extension; his current deal expires after the 2027 season. Jackson’s offseason participation has been inconsistent at best. With a new coach, new offensive coordinator (Declan Doyle) and new center after Tyler Linderbaum’s departure, the Ravens would love to have him.
3. Does Aaron Rodgers make a decision, and if so, what is it?
For a second straight offseason, Aaron Rodgers is keeping the Steelers in limbo. Last year, it took until June 5 for him to decide he’d keep playing and sign a one-year deal with Pittsburgh.
So far this offseason, the Steelers have brought in Mike McCarthy — who coached Rodgers in Green Bay — as coach. In his introductory press conference, McCarthy said he’d “definitely” want to coach Rodgers in 2026. Rodgers said in early March that the Steelers have stayed in contact. Pittsburgh also acquired Michael Pittman Jr., adding a much-needed wide receiver opposite DK Metcalf. At league meetings, Steelers president Art Rooney II said he expects an answer from Rodgers by the NFL Draft.
If Rodgers doesn’t return, the Steelers — who currently have Mason Rudolph and Will Howard as their quarterbacks — would have to make a major change in plans. Regardless, they’d love to at least know, one way or the other, in the coming weeks.
4. What are the Vikings’ plans at GM and with Jonathan Greenard?
The Vikings made some of the biggest headlines in January when they fired GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and in March, when they signed Kyler Murray. Could they again produce a major storyline in April?
First, they still haven’t found a full-time replacement for Adofo-Mensah. Executive vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski is serving as interim GM, and he will continue to do so through the draft. Only then will a full search begin. But Brzezinski has made several big calls this offseason, including signing Murray and exercising Jordan Addison’s fifth-year option.
He also has big calls to make. Obviously the draft will be crucial, but there’s also the potential for a Jonathan Greenard deal. Minnesota has been open to trading the 28-year-old pass rusher. The Vikings are just barely salary cap-compliant right now, even after releasing Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave and bringing back Aaron Jones on a cheaper deal. Greenard carries a cap hit of over $22 million each of the next two seasons. Perhaps the Vikings, having not found a trade partner in March, hold steady. Or perhaps April — maybe during the draft — is when the 2024 Pro Bowler finds a new home.
5. What are the next free agent moves and/or trades?
The initial waves of free agency and blockbuster trades are in the rearview mirror, but there are still plenty of notable veterans who could change teams between now and the end of the month.
April of 2024 featured Stefon Diggs (Bills to Texans), L’Jarius Sneed (Chiefs to Titans). April of 2023 had the Rodgers trade from the Packers to the Jets. And that’s not to mention the handful of notable free agent signings that happen every April.
There are still difference-makers on the open market. Jauan Jennings is the most notable one. A physical wide receiver who helps keep the chains moving, Jennings is only 28. He has 132 catches for 1,618 yards and 15 touchdowns over the past two seasons. He helps in the blocking game as well as any player at his position. He’s likely disappointed he hasn’t received the offer he wants, but that could change soon. There are plenty of other notable names, too, including Diggs and Deebo Samuel at wide receiver.
Between now and the draft, teams will continue scouring the free agency landscape, and as their draft plans firm up, they may look to free agents to solidify their roster.