The NFL offseason is officially in full swing, and ESPN’s breaking coverage has once again given fans a glimpse into the chaotic and intriguing landscape of franchise decisions, free agency, and trade speculation. As the franchise tag window opens, the focus shifts to some of the league’s most pivotal decisions, with several star players potentially facing the franchise tag dilemma. Among the top stories: Russell Wilson vs. Justin Fields, the possibility of defensive coordinator Garrett joining the Cowboys, and the intriguing notion of the Vikings retaining Sam Darnold. Here’s a breakdown of the latest developments as the franchise tag window opens and what it could mean for these teams and players.

Russell Wilson vs. Justin Fields: Who Gets the Franchise Tag?

As the franchise tag window officially kicks off, all eyes are on quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, who are each in vastly different positions with their respective teams. Wilson, the veteran and former Super Bowl champion, has long been one of the league’s premier quarterbacks, but rumors have swirled around his future with the Denver Broncos. After a tumultuous season that saw the Broncos fall short of their playoff aspirations, will they use the franchise tag to lock down their quarterback for one more year and see if they can turn things around?

On the other side, Justin Fields has emerged as a dynamic force for the Chicago Bears, but his future is also uncertain. With the Bears in rebuilding mode, the team is weighing the pros and cons of committing to Fields long-term or perhaps trading him away in a move to either bolster their roster or pursue a high-profile quarterback in the draft. The franchise tag decision for Fields will be one of the most fascinating stories to follow this offseason. Do the Bears believe Fields is their long-term solution, or will they use the tag as a bridge to evaluate his performance for another season?

For Wilson, the question is whether the Broncos will commit to him for the long haul after a rocky first season. A franchise tag would essentially buy the Broncos one more year to assess whether Wilson can return to his previous elite form. However, with Wilson’s massive contract and his age, it’s unclear whether the Broncos will feel the tag is worth the investment, or whether they might explore a trade option to move on from their star quarterback.

Garrett to the Cowboys: A Defensive Boost?

One of the most surprising stories to emerge is the possibility of former Cleveland Browns head coach and defensive coordinator, Jason Garrett, making a return to the NFL. This time, Garrett could find himself back in a familiar place—Dallas. The Cowboys, after a disappointing playoff exit, are reportedly eyeing Garrett as a potential defensive coordinator to help bolster a defense that struggled to make an impact when it mattered most in the postseason.

Garrett’s defensive background, while often overshadowed by his tenure as the Cowboys’ head coach, has gained increasing recognition as he has worked in various capacities with other organizations. With Dallas facing increased pressure to contend for a championship, adding Garrett to the coaching staff could provide the defensive stability they need. The Cowboys have one of the most potent offenses in the league, but they have struggled to consistently stop opposing teams, particularly in high-stakes moments. Garrett’s defensive mind could provide the needed support to complement an offense led by Dak Prescott.

Garrett’s experience as a head coach and his familiarity with the Cowboys’ organization could also make him a valuable asset in helping guide the team through the high expectations of the 2024 season. If the Cowboys pull the trigger on this move, it could be a game-changer for their playoff hopes in the coming years.

Vikings Keeping Darnold: A Surprising Move?

The Minnesota Vikings are another team making waves as rumors swirl around their quarterback situation. Despite the emergence of Kirk Cousins as a reliable veteran, the Vikings are reportedly considering keeping Sam Darnold on their roster for the 2024 season. Darnold, who was a former first-round pick with the New York Jets and has spent time with the Carolina Panthers, has been largely inconsistent throughout his career, but he could provide depth and competition for the Vikings’ quarterback room.

While Cousins remains entrenched as the starting quarterback, the Vikings’ interest in Darnold could signal a desire for a backup who can potentially step in if needed, or perhaps serve as a bridge quarterback if the team decides to move on from Cousins in the near future. It would be a surprising move given Darnold’s rollercoaster career, but Minnesota’s front office could see something in him that could unlock a new dimension for the offense.

Darnold’s potential return to the Vikings might not be a headline-grabbing move, but it could play a crucial role in the team’s depth chart and provide insurance should Cousins face any struggles or injuries. Whether Darnold can recapture any of the promise he showed as a rookie with the Jets remains to be seen, but this offseason could offer him an opportunity to prove himself in a fresh setting.

The Bigger Picture: The NFL’s Evolving Landscape

These decisions, as well as countless others, are reshaping the landscape of the NFL. The franchise tag window opens a new chapter in the offseason, where teams have the option to lock down key players or explore the market for trades and free agency. With so much on the line, particularly for teams like the Broncos, Bears, and Cowboys, the moves they make now could have long-lasting consequences.

As the franchise tag window continues, expect more developments to unfold as teams make critical decisions that could define their future. Will the Broncos commit to Wilson for one more season? Can the Bears afford to pass on Fields’ potential? Will Garrett’s return to Dallas be the missing link for a Super Bowl run? And how will Darnold fit into Minnesota’s plans moving forward?

In a league that is always evolving, one thing is clear: the 2024 offseason is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, with blockbuster decisions being made that could set the stage for a new era of NFL football.