The conclusion of the 2025 NFL draft has recalibrated expectations across the league, solidifying the pecking order for many teams while revealing significant challenges for others. While some organizations are well-positioned for success, some notable teams face steep uphill battles as the new season approaches. These challenges stem from various factors, including roster upheaval, quarterback uncertainty, salary cap constraints, and questionable organizational direction. Navigating these hurdles will test coaching staffs, front offices, and players alike, making the 2025 season a pivotal one for several franchises striving to find solid footing in a competitive landscape.
Saints Grapple with a Messy Situation: Ranking last in the league at number 32, the New Orleans Saints appear to be in disarray. Veteran quarterback Derek Carr is dealing with a shoulder injury that could affect his availability, complicated by reports suggesting he might be faking the severity, which led to a public outburst from Carr. Beyond the quarterback controversy, the team faces significant financial constraints, with the salary cap situation described as “37 kinds of jacked up”. Their perceived solution at quarterback involves Tyler Shough, a rookie who will be approaching 30 by the end of his initial contract. Analysts question the team’s overall direction and plan under General Manager Mickey Loomis, specially given these multifaceted issues on both sides of the ball. Despite having some established veterans, the Saints are currently viewed as lacking seriousness as an organization.
Titans Reset with the First Overall Pick: The Titans, ranked 31st, are undergoing a major overhaul after finishing last season as the league’s worst team. They responded by choosing Miami quarterback Cam Ward as the first overall pick in the 2025 draft, marking the beginning of a new era. Ward is expected to start immediately. The team’s decision reflected the understanding that addressing the quarterback position is crucial for long-term competitiveness in a conference featuring elite signal-callers like Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson. The front office focused the offseason on supporting Ward by attempting to improve the offensive line and a pass-catching group that was considered among the league’s weakest – at least on paper. While the Titans should show improvement, analysts believe there’s a large gap between “improved” and “good,” and Ward is likely to face struggles in his rookie campaign. These factors have contributed to lower expectations in early projections for NFL win totals, where Tennessee currently sits near the bottom.
Browns Navigate a Crowded Quarterback Room: Ranked 29th, the Cleveland Browns have created one of the league’s most perplexing quarterback situations following the 2025 draft. The team made several head-turning moves, including trading the rights to draft Travis Hunter to Jacksonville for a package including a 2026 first-rounder. They then selected Dillon Gabriel in Round 3, a move considered a significant reach, before doubling down under center by drafting Shedeur Sanders in Round 5. This leaves the Browns with a quarterback room consisting of Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Gabriel, and Sanders. Coach Kevin Stefanski indicated the team has a plan for managing repetitions, though Flacco and Pickett’s NFL experience gives them an initial edge on the depth chart. Some analysts suspect ownership influence behind the Sanders pick and see the earlier trade of Hunter’s rights as a sign the front office didn’t plan to contend for the playoffs this season.
Dolphins Facing Uncertainty and Financial Headaches: The Miami Dolphins, ranked 21st, find themselves on thin ice after both head coach Mike McDaniel and General Manager Chris Grier were held responsible as the team’s offense sputtered in 2024. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa continued to struggle with staying on the field last season. Adding to the team’s woes are rumors that McDaniel may have lost the locker room, with veteran players reportedly requesting trades. The team’s draft drew criticism, with the selection of defensive tackle Kenneth Grant at number 13 labeled as a significant reach. Analysts highlight Tagovailoa’s substantial cap hit of over $50 million in 2026 and a nearly $100 million dead cap hit, making his release financially prohibitive. This situation suggests the Dolphins may be headed for a mediocre season, a potential regime change, and a future General Manager inheriting a challenging quarterback contract.
49ers Undergo Post-Peak Roster Changes: Ranked 16th, the San Francisco 49ers endured a difficult 2024 season, followed by an offseason marked by significant roster turnover. With Brock Purdy’s contract extension looming, the team executed what was described as a “massive roster purge,” resulting in numerous starters leaving for other organizations. Despite these departures, General Manager John Lynch stated that the moves were part of a long-term plan to create future salary cap flexibility. Analysts, however, point to potential issues at linebacker, in the secondary, and on the interior offensive line.
The Roster Turnover: The “massive roster purge” saw key contributors depart, including wide receiver Deebo Samuel, linebacker Dre Greenlaw, safety Talanoa Hufanga, guard Aaron Banks, cornerback Charvarius Ward, edge-rusher Leonard Floyd, and tackle Jaylon Moore.
Running back Christian McCaffrey, who turns 29 in June, is also coming off another major injury. This significant loss of talent presents a challenge for the team aiming to maintain its competitive edge.
Organizational Strategy vs. Reality: While the front office emphasizes forecasting and maintaining financial flexibility for future commitments, such as Purdy’s extension, the analyst’s perspective suggests the current reality might not align with the team’s reputation as a perennial contender.
The significant roster changes and remaining weaknesses indicate that overcoming last year’s “injury-riddled disaster” and returning to Super Bowl contention will be an uphill climb.
Vikings Face a Quarterback Conundrum: The Minnesota Vikings, ranked 11th, face a substantial obstacle heading into the 2025 season: their quarterback room is considered the NFL’s fourth-worst. Despite winning 14 games last year, that success came with Sam Darnold, who has since departed for Seattle. Now, the team is expected to turn to J.J. McCarthy, who missed his entire rookie season due to an ACL tear. Veteran teammates like Aaron Jones have expressed confidence in McCarthy’s progress.
The Quarterback Deficit: The lack of a clearly established top-tier quarterback poses a “significant hurdle” and a “formidable obstacle” to the Vikings’ playoff aspirations. This deficiency is seen as potentially disrupting the offensive rhythm and requiring the coaching staff to make in-game adjustments to compensate. It underscores how a weakness at this critical position can hold back otherwise talented units.
Strategic Responses and Hope: In response to the quarterback challenge, the coaching staff is actively evaluating adjustments and exploring both established tactics and innovative game plans. The situation is viewed as an opportunity for emerging players to step up and for the team’s strategic versatility to be tested under pressure. The team also added veteran backup Sam Howell, potentially ending rumors about Aaron Rodgers joining the team. The expectation, fueled by last season’s success, is for McCarthy to lead the team to the postseason, despite the acknowledged uphill battle.
Franchises in Flux: The 2025 NFL season looms as a defining chapter for several franchises navigating turmoil, transitions, and uncertain quarterback play. From the Saints’ organizational disarray to the Titans’ high-risk rebuild, and the Browns’ crowded QB room to the Dolphins’ looming cap crisis, the pressure is mounting. Even traditionally stable teams like the 49ers and Vikings face pivotal tests of identity and resilience. Each of these storylines underscores the unforgiving nature of the NFL, where front office decisions and player performance collide under a national spotlight. How these teams respond may ultimately reshape the league’s competitive balance in the seasons to come.
