Top 5 NFL offseason events leading up to the 2024-25 season ft. M.I.A. Aaron Rodgers
The excitement is building as we approach the kickoff of the 2024-25 NFL season on Thursday, September 5th. With preseason already underway, fans finally have some action to enjoy.
But before the regular season begins, let's recap the top five offseason events that kept enthusiasts engaged and sparked plenty of discussions.
Top 5 NFL offseason events leading up to the 2024-25 season
#1. 2024 NFL Draft
It wouldn’t be an offseason without the NFL draft taking up most of the buzz. Caleb Williams was picked first overall to little surprise, as he was the favorite from this draft class. Williams was part of a list of six quarterbacks selected in the first 12 picks.
#2. Rashee Rice Run-Ins with the Law
The rookie Super Bowl winner and Chiefs wide receiver, Rashee Rice, found himself on the wrong side of the law when a car he rented was involved in a traffic accident in Dallas. It was later confirmed that he also fled the scene. The resolution of the situation is still pending as the case is still open. The NFL and Chiefs are reportedly awaiting the final court ruling before giving their verdict.
#3. The Steelers have Two Starting Quarterbacks
The Steelers acquired Russell Wilson for the minimum after he was cut by the Denver Broncos. They also traded for Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears when it was clear they would be drafting Caleb Williams. This has been an ongoing conversation about who will be the QB1 for the Steelers going into the new season.
Coach Mike Tomlin said Wilson would be the starting QB. But with the veteran missing part of training camp due to a calf injury, the question has resurfaced about who will take over the offense, especially if Fields impresses in the preseason.
#4. Aaron Rodgers: M.I.A
With the New York Jets hoping to leave the quarterback woes of last season behind, it was a whole story when Aaron Rodgers didn’t show up for mandatory minicamp back in June. Coach Robert Saleh said the absence was unexcused, and it was later gathered that Rodgers was on a trip to Egypt, raising questions among NFL media and fans about his commitment to the team.
#5. Contract Quagmire Among Teams
It won’t be an offseason without contract talks, free agency moves, and players being cut. But the crème de la crème of this offseason was Ceedee Lamb, Dak Prescott, Trent Williams, and Brandon Aiyuk.
Dallas number-one wide receiver Lamb and franchise QB Prescott have been in extensive contract talks with the Cowboys. Lamb missed part of training camp, and Prescott hinted at the possibility of leaving the team after the 2025 season.
Trent Williams and Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers are also in contract talks, with Aiyuk demanding a trade, as contract negotiations have not been favorable. The 49ers have given him the go-ahead to speak with other teams. Williams, the 49ers' best offensive lineman, also missed training camp amid contract talks.
With the preseason underway and the regular season set to start in a few weeks, fans hope all the drama gets resolved soon so we can enjoy a splendid football season.