Here are some top stories from the NFL offseason to let us know what we're in for this coming season. You might want to keep some of these things in mind when making your critical Fantasy draft choices.
The return of Ben Roethlisberger
After his second off the field incident in less than a year, it looks like Ben Roethlisberger will continue to play football for the Steelers. The NFL suspended Roethlisberger for four games and the Steelers dropped Santonio Holmes for his own off-field issues. It will be interesting to see how the Steelers coaching staff re-integrates Roethlisberger to the team.
Farve- not retired. Yet.
Farve underwent ankle surgery this offseason and returned quickly to throw to his summertime receivers at Oak Grove. He won't be returning to practice with the Viking's until mid August, but for the Viking's, it will most likely be worth the wait- based on how Farve played during his 2009 season.
Jets' reality show kicks off
After the restrictions placed on them by the uncapped season, the Jets have loaded up their roster with big-talking names that will make their new reality series 'Hard Knock' more interesting. The HBO reality show will document the Jets' training camp when it kicks off in just a couple of weeks.
Does Leinart have what it takes?
With Kurt Warner retired, Matt Leinart is now been left in the driver's seat of the explosive Cardinals offense. The question remains: will coach Ken Whisenhunt actually let him play? Whisenhunt has never fully embraced Leinart as the go-to QB, so it's anyone's guess how this will play out.
Will Haynesworth be a distraction
The grumpiest $30 million defensive tackle of all time won't make Mike Shanahan's job any easier. The new Redskins coach has to teach his offense to McNabb, rebuild an entire offensive line, revive three running backs, and transition his defense to a new 3-4 scheme. Getting Haynesworth to take part in this program will be a test for Shanahan. Haynesworth has skipped the offseason thus far, sulking over an expected role that will include more grunt work and less pass rushing. It's not for certain how his team will take to him when he returns.
Where will T.O. end up?
T.O. is no longer the number 1 receiver, but someone really needs to inform him of that. He is demanding a much higher salary than his desire, ability, and high maintenance personality will most likely be able to get him. He'll probably end up settling for about $2-3 million on a team like Oakland, Cincinnati, or Jacksonville.
Tebow's movin on up.
Denver's surprising first-round pick, Tim Tebow, started the offseason on the fourth string but quickly jumped ahead of Tom Brandstater. Making it to the top however won't be so easy. Tebow has Kyle Orton to go through, which me most likely will not surpass during this preseason. He'll need a strong performance during the preseason, which could earn him some consideration if the Broncos season heads south.
Carroll tries out his act on the Northwest.
Mantras, motivational tools, and boundless energy worked for Pete Carroll in college- but will they work for grown men? Carroll wants to change the Seahawks culture. Will he succeed in turning quite possibly the worst team in the league around and putting them back on their feet? Time will tell.
Mad Mike tries to save Lovie's job
A decade ago, Mike Martz was the coach of the defending champion St. Louis Rams, with Lovie Smith his trusty defensive coordinator. Now the roles are reversed, with Martz brought to Chicago to save the Bears offense and his old friend's job. Martz wasn't Bears G.M. Jerry Angelo's first pick, but it will be interesting to see the two try to work some magic with Jay Cutler at the helm.
Patriots in transition
Bill Belichick hasn't coached a team like this in nearly a decade. No longer the AFC East favorites, camp competition exists on the Patriots at nearly every position. Up to ten starting jobs are up for grabs, including six on defense. Even Tom Brady is restless. After a stale '09 season, you get the sense Belichick wouldn't have it any other way.
