The 2022 NFL season is over, and now begins an offseason that — like always — figures to feature great intrigue. The offseason is often as entertaining as the regular season, especially in a year like this, when multiple high-profile quarterbacks could find themselves on the move.

In just more than a week, the NFL world will descend on Indianapolis for the scouting combine. Draft evaluations will intensify. Trade discussions and preliminary free-agency talks also will take place.

Before that, on Feb. 21, teams can begin using the franchise tag on key impending free agents. They have until March 7 to make the designation.

Then, starting March 13, teams and the representatives for free agents can begin negotiating contracts in advance of the signing window, which coincides with the start of the league year (4 p.m. ET March 15).

Buckle up for what figures to be a wild and wacky next couple of months!

Here are 10 bold predictions for how the offseason will shake out across the NFL.

 

1. Aaron Rodgers stays with the Packers

Tom Brady was the first quarterback domino to fall this offseason. Will Rodgers be one of the next?

The Packers quarterback will soon emerge from his “darkness retreat” and announce his decision on his future. League insiders aren’t sure what Rodgers will do in 2023. Some predict retirement. Some think he’ll stay with Green Bay. Others believe he’s taking his talents elsewhere.

The Jets have his old pal Nathaniel Hackett as their newly hired offensive coordinator, and people like to project Rodgers to the Raiders, largely because of that Davante Adams connection. But there are rumblings the Jets might want a younger, more long-term option. Meanwhile, the Raiders might not be able to afford Rodgers, and they also have many holes to fill.

And so, we have Rodgers remaining in Green Bay for one more season, hoping a second season with his young cast of receivers helps the Packers jump back into the ranks of contenders. Then, Rodgers, who has discussed the appeal of being a Packer for life, can also achieve that goal.

 

2. Derek Carr to the Jets

The Raiders’ former franchise quarterback refused to waive his no-trade clause and thus became a free agent. It’s rare for a quarterback in his prime to hit the open market, so Carr will have his share of suitors. We already know the Saints have interest, and some have mentioned Tampa Bay as a possible location for Carr. Others believe Carr and Frank Reich would be a good tandem in Carolina.