NFL teams can build a playoff contender in a short period of time or take years to reach the postseason after changes in the front office or coaching ranks. The new regimes can expedite the process with sound decisions in the first year of taking over a franchise.
Among a long list of roster decisions, incoming general managers must iron out wrinkles with disgruntled veterans who may want a new contract or a change of scenery. New head coaches must find ways to elevate the play of an experienced quarterback or prepare a rookie to start in his first season.
With those major personnel evaluations in mind, we've highlighted three roster question marks for six teams that hired a new general manager or head coach this offseason. Based on roster position and recent player production, the queries below should rank atop each club's list of inquiries in need of a solution in 2023.
Arizona Cardinals
Does DeAndre Hopkins stay or go?
DeAndre Hopkins heard his name in swirling trade rumors this offseason. Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said, "I'm not sure. We're evaluating everyone," when asked about Hopkins' status at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
At this point, the Cardinals wouldn't get an immediate return for Hopkins unless they swapped him for another player. The three-time All-Pro wideout doesn't seem ready to leave Arizona. General manager Monti Ossenfort should keep the wide receiver around for a rebuild.
Is it time to pay or trade Budda Baker?
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Budda Baker informed the Cardinals that he wants the team to make him the highest-paid safety in the league, or grant his trade request. With that ultimatum, Arizona would have to reset the market with a deal that surpasses Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr.'s four-year, $72 million contract ($42 million guaranteed).
The Cardinals will likely experience a rough start to the season. Gannon said quarterback Kyler Murray "is a long way away" in his recovery from a torn ACL. Arizona isn't likely to be in contention to compete for a playoff spot in a tough NFC West division. The club should trade Baker for draft capital.
What's the best way to maximize Isaiah Simmons' skill set?
The Cardinals declined the fifth-year option in Isaiah Simmons' rookie contract, which means he'll become a free agent at the end of the 2023 season. The 2020 first-rounder has recorded 258 tackles, 13 for loss, 7.5 sacks, 16 pass breakups, four interceptions and seven forced fumbles, but he hasn't played at the level of a top-eight draft pick with consistency.
Simmons has lined up at both safety spots and in the slot. Gannon, who called plays for the Philadelphia Eagles' top-10 defense (in total yards) in the previous two seasons can significantly improve Arizona's unit (21st in yards last year) by helping Simmons reach his full potential.
Carolina Panthers
When will Bryce Young be ready to start?
The Carolina Panthers made an aggressive move up from ninth to the No. 1 spot in the 2023 draft for Bryce Young. As always, the top pick (especially a quarterback) will receive the most attention through the offseason.
Head coach Frank Reich said that quarterback Andy Dalton will get first-team reps with Young getting work as "the new guy." Don't expect Carolina to follow that pecking order for long. For any player, the best practice is on the field with live snaps during the regular season. Even if Dalton starts Week 1, Young will likely take over no later than the team's Week 7 bye.
Can Miles Sanders make an impact in the passing game?
The Panthers didn't break the bank to sign running back Miles Sanders, but he did sign the biggest deal among players at his position this offseason, inking a four-year, $25 million contract ($13 million guaranteed).
Per ESPN's David Newton, the Panthers want to get Sanders involved in the passing game to aid Young's development. As a rookie, Sanders caught 50 passes, but he saw his targets and receptions drop significantly in the following three campaigns with the Philadelphia Eagles.