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Jeremy Fowler
Making ambitious predictions for an upcoming NFL season is no easy task. It resembles the draft; reaching on 40-50% of first-round selections is remarkably difficult.
At ESPN, we relish the challenge so much that each January, we reach out to industry insiders to forecast the upcoming season. The potential outcomes are endless: trades, free agency moves, retirements, potential contenders, and MVP frontrunners.
The previous year’s predictions serve as a reminder of how swiftly the NFL landscape can shift. whether or not the idea is accurate—like DK Metcalf’s potential trade—you might select the wrong team (Chargers instead of Steelers). While we anticipated Sam Darnold going to the Raiders, it was actually Geno Smith, the player he replaced in Seattle, who moved instead. It is a league where unpredictability reigns, thriving on dramatic twists and turns. The offseason’s ripple effects are just beginning, especially with the coaching changes that have been anything but tame, including openings for elite coaches like Mike Tomlin (who stepped down), John Harbaugh, and Sean McDermott.
We’re still weeks away from a robust trade market and quarterback relocations. but, even if it proves futile, here are several bold predictions put forth by league executives, coaches, and scouts.
Ravens trade Lamar Jackson to the Raiders
This intriguing possibility has circulated through the rumor mill, and multiple sources I talked to have used their bold prediction for this exercise to suggest Jackson will join the Raiders.
If we take Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti at his word, it implies Jackson will continue in Baltimore. Bisciotti has clearly expressed his desire for a contract extension for Jackson by March.
But if we’re going bold…
“There seems to be some unease between Lamar and the Ravens, and this would undoubtedly be the quintessential Mark Davis move,” stated an NFL personnel evaluator. “I’m not sure everyone in Vegas would support this idea, but it would immediately resolve their quarterback dilemma.”
Given the chemistry issues with the prior coaching staff and questions surrounding his availability, Jackson’s relationship with the Ravens appears strained. The team likely understands that having a two-time MVP is preferable to not having him, suggesting a substantial contract offer is forthcoming. still, this situation warrants close observation, especially with how Jackson meshed with the new head coach.
Eagles trade A.J. Brown to the Bills
Brown’s enthusiasm for being in Philly is reportedly very low. While he’s a fantastic player, great talents are tough to replace. The Eagles have never shied away from making moves considering salary cap ramifications. They could save $7 million on the cap by trading Brown post June 1.
It feels like the right moment. Some league executives have sensed this since October.
“The Bills need to improve their receiving corps—their best receiver is Khalil Shakir, who is solid but not elite,” an NFL personnel evaluator remarked. “Brown would offer a significant upgrade and he’s still relatively young [turning 29 in June]. The Eagles could then reshape their passing game around DeVonta Smith and a premium draft pick.”
Other potential candidates, according to NFL scouts: Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, and Las Vegas Raiders.
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The belief has been strong that Cousins’ tenure in Atlanta will be brief, especially since both parties restructured his contract, which includes a staggering $67.9 million in salary due in 2027, vesting on March 13. The Falcons will likely want to avoid that figure. but, contracts can be modified, or players can be released and then re-signed, and the appointment of coach Kevin Stefanski might make retaining Cousins more appealing as a transitional option.
Stefanski, who was Cousins’ offensive coordinator in Minnesota in 2019, witnessed Cousins achieving nearly 70% completion, passing for 3,603 yards with 26 touchdowns and only 6 interceptions. Cousins is familiar with Stefanski’s wide-zone scheme.
“[The Falcons] took a gamble that Michael Penix wouldn’t get injured, and he did,” noted an NFC executive, about Penix’s fifth surgery on his left knee last November.
“They’ll need someone to step in early in the season due to the injury, and Cousins performed adequately for them late last year. There seems to be mutual respect between Cousins and Kevin. Both sides have a viable option to consider.”
On the flip side, Cousins may desire to leave after two years of uncertainty in Atlanta, and his contract revision gives him that option. He may also wish to make himself available to Minnesota or other teams.
Malik Willis to the Dolphins or Browns
Should Daniel Jones return to the Indianapolis Colts as anticipated, Willis could become a top free agent quarterback.
Willis impressed during his time filling in for Jordan Love in Green Bay, showcasing his dual-threat potential that a new offensive strategist could capitalize on.
“I just don’t see the Browns going into the season with Shedeur [Sanders] as their starting option,” said an NFC personnel evaluator. “Securing the right quarterback in the draft isn’t a certainty given their draft position.”
The Browns have the Nos. 6 and 24 draft picks in April’s first round.
No organization will be more familiar with Willis’ strengths than Miami, which has just hired a new leadership team of GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley from Green Bay, where Willis’ potential was highly valued, and Miami could reap the rewards of that effort.
Colts win AFC South for the first time since 2014
The NFL’s parity renders the Colts’ 11-year drought without a divisional title perplexing, especially given the talent on their roster and the four winning seasons during that timeframe.
They seemed poised for a breakout after starting 8-2 in 2025 before injuries derailed their efforts, leading to a reunion with 44-year-old Philip Rivers to fill in at quarterback.
“They displayed potential with what they had through 10 games,” remarked an AFC executive. “Daniel Jones performed well. The roster holds talent. They are closer than many realize.”
First, Indy must re-sign several key free agents, including Jones, wide receiver Alec Pierce, and right tackle Braden Smith.
Pitts had his best professional season thus far, recording 88 catches for 928 yards and 5 touchdowns.
The franchise tag for tight ends is projected to be $15.9 million.
“This figure is reasonable and serves as a solid foundation for a long-term agreement,” noted an AFC executive. “Uncertain regarding Drake London, but retaining Pitts appears to be a smart strategy at this juncture.”
George Pickens’ situation in Dallas becomes complicated
The Cowboys are likely to franchise-tag Pickens, which would offer him around $28 million for the upcoming season. but, Pickens may seek a long-term contract exceeding that amount, and if Dallas opts against it, questions loom over whether he might stay away from the team for a significant part of the offseason, including training camp.
“Given his impressive season, I can’t see him welcoming the tag positively,” remarked a veteran AFC coach.
If tagged, both sides have until July 15 to strike a deal. Pickens could decide not to sign the tag as a bargaining tactic.
Geno Smith, Tua Tagovailoa, and Kyler Murray are all available—specifically for the Jets
This concept isn’t particularly bold—each of these quarterbacks seems unlikely to fit into their teams’ long-term plans. still, they are all former Pro Bowl players, and several teams annually find themselves in desperate need of a quarterback.
“The real question is whether the Jets secure one of those three,” commented an AFC executive. “They might opt for youth and prepare for the 2027 quarterback draft, but with head coach Aaron Glenn needing wins, he may require more stability at that position.”
Miami and Arizona are burdened with substantial guaranteed contracts for Tagovailoa and Murray, respectively. While Murray would make more sense for New York due to Tagovailoa’s AFC East connections, not everyone believes Arizona’s owner, Michael Bidwill, would be willing to cover a significant portion of Murray’s $37 million in guarantees should he not continue there. Smith’s contract is more manageable, with $18.5 million already secured for 2026 (with an additional $8 million becoming fully guaranteed shortly after the new league year begins). The 35-year-old previously spent four seasons with the Jets, throwing 28 touchdowns against 36 interceptions before moving on.
The Jets will need to develop substantial plans for a veteran quarterback moving forward.
