Front Office NFL Chat
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Sam Robinson
2:01
Hey everyone, we now have the schedule...let's get started!
Big Apple Brad
2:13
Will the Giants emerge as a playoff contender during all these primetime games, or will 2026 be more of a building year?
Sam Robinson
2:13
Brad, the hiring of a 63-year-old HC -- one who required considerable power to lure -- does not make a building year sensible. But we are talking about a team that has won seven games over the past two seasons and lost double-digit contests in all but one year over the past nine. I don't quite see a surefire contender.

The Giants' defense ranked 31st in run stoppage and 25th in EPA/play with Dexter Lawrence. I have real concerns about their D-line now that he's gone. I don't think their bevy of edge rushers will have the kind of opportunities they got with Lawrence in uniform. Though, I also see improvement.

Philly and Dallas look like better teams, while Washington should bounce back -- to a degree, at least -- with Daniels returning. There are things to like about the Giants' offseason, though, and the back eight on defense is kind of stacked. I'm not quite as high on Jaxson Dart yet. I like Big Blue to be better than 4-13, but contention will be difficult out of what should be an imposing NFC East
Overseas Games
2:21
What are your overall thoughts on international games and the NFL's continued expansion of games played outside the U.S.?
Sam Robinson
2:21
I'm staunchly against moving a team to Europe and am glad that noise has quieted in recent years. But I like the league's efforts to hold games overseas.

The Germany game annually brings a tremendous atmosphere, and it is good to see other countries being given opportunities to host. The league continues to add broadcast windows to flood its U.S. footprint -- I'm fine with that, too, by the way; the NFL dilutes its product when so many 1pm games are scheduled -- and the international games are certainly a plus for overseas growth.

Will be interested to see if we reach the 16-game number the NFL seeks. That would balance the schedule, though how would the Jags' London arrangement work in that scenario?
Roger
2:30
Hi Sam. If you had to pick right now, who wins the AFC North? I like the Bengals over the Ravens. Steelers are average at best. Browns, no chance.
Sam Robinson
2:30
Hi Roger, if Joe Burrow could be counted on to stay healthy, I think I'd agree with you. The Bengals have wisely aimed their offseason around defensive upgrades. Al Golden has more options than he did last year, though will we get a linebacker move as well?

Pro Football Focus ranked Cincy's O-line -- a perennial issue -- 28th last year, and they return the same group. That's dicey given Burrow's health history. I like Cincy's ceiling, but I'll take Baltimore for now.

Minter did plenty with minimal investments on defense in L.A.; the Ravens' defense could improve significantly. Declan Doyle is unproven, but learning from Sean Payton and Ben Johnson represents a solid developmental program. Lamar's injury past scares too, but I like the Ioane and Zion Young picks. A veteran C should be expected at some point as well.
walterj23
2:43
Will there steelers  be trading any of their outside LB before training camp ?
Sam Robinson
2:43
Hey Walterj, I think they ride out this surplus. There was notable pushback to the buzz Highsmith could be traded. And having three quality edge rushers is a good problem. With no big QB salary in place or on tap -- regardless of Rodgers' latest decision -- the Steelers can afford this.

The recent mention of Watt as a potential trade chip is interesting. If the Steelers want to have the best chance of securing draft real estate they never get, dangling their best player is logical -- especially when that player is entering an age-32 season. The Browns seem to be open to moving Garrett. That will be a market to watch, but I certainly like Cleveland to have a better draft slot than Pittsburgh in 2027. Moving Watt for a picks package is something to consider. I just don't see it happening -- or a Herbig/Highsmith trade -- before camp.
Bring Back The Coyotes
2:55
The Cardinals are the underdogs in every game this year. Do you think they'll finish last and get the number 1 pick? Arch or Moore QBing an offense with Love, McBride, Harrison, and Wilson would be pretty interesting.
Sam Robinson
2:55
The NFL does not join the other major American sports in using a lottery; it should consider it. The Raiders are the latest team to show the advantage gained with strategic losses. It looks like the Cardinals and Dolphins -- and possibly the Jets and Browns -- are candidates to follow suit.

The Brissett-Minshew-Beck plan does not inspire, hence the underdog status you mentioned, and six games against the SEA-LA-SF trio could stake Arizona to a valuable deficit. Getting the AFC West too has the Cards with the toughest schedule entering the season.

I like the roster talent here over Miami; would the Cardinals consider in-season trades (maybe Baker or Sweat or even Michael Wilson?) to deplete their roster as a seller? The Dolphins draw the AFC West and NFC North. I'll take Miami for last, but Arizona has major issues and will be in the running for Arch/Moore/TBD 2026 QB riser for sure
Sam Robinson
3:00
We will wrap it here for today. Thanks for the questions, everyone. Look forward to scrutinizing the schedule in the coming days. Have a good weekend!
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