With Derek Carr sidelined due to injury, Spencer Rattler is poised for a significant year-long audition as the New Orleans Saints' next quarterback. The former first-round pick is expected to benefit from a healthier offensive lineup, including key playmakers like Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and Brandin Cooks. Rattler's previous season was marred by a makeshift receiving corps, making this opportunity crucial for his development.

The Saints' management will closely evaluate whether Rattler can improve upon his rookie season's inconsistencies. His ability to thrive under improved conditions could either solidify his place as the franchise quarterback or lead the team to a higher draft pick next year. The stakes are high, with contrasting projections surrounding Rattler's potential to either fall into mediocrity or unlock his full talent.

Brandin Cooks returns to the New Orleans Saints on a two-year, $13 million deal, marking his first stint with the team since being traded to the New England Patriots in 2017. Cooks, once a top receiver, now assumes a depth role behind primary targets Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. His contract structure features a $1.6 million prorated signing bonus, with a modest salary this year but significant cap hits in the future, allowing the Saints flexibility if his performance falters.

This offseason, the Dallas Cowboys have made strategic moves, adding eight former first- and second-round picks through free agency and trades, showcasing a commitment to building a stronger roster. Among these signings, cornerback Kaiir Elam from Buffalo stands out, as he aims to fill the gap left by Jourdan Lewis. However, questions remain about the Cowboys' ability to replace key players like Trevon Diggs, who is nursing an injury, and the departure of veteran guard Zack Martin.

The defense has seen enhancements with Solomon Thomas, a once high draft pick, joining the ranks alongside Osa Odighizuwa. The landscape at linebacker also shifts with Kenneth Murray's arrival from Tennessee. While the Cowboys have bolstered their defensive front, the offensive line and receiving corps still hold uncertainties, particularly with Brandin Cooks now with the Saints. The upcoming NFL draft will be pivotal in addressing these needs while leveraging the newly acquired talent effectively.

The Dallas Cowboys find themselves in a tight spot concerning their salary cap management, with over $31 million tied up in players like Zack Martin, Michael Gallup, and DeMarcus Lawrence, who are no longer part of the team. Unlike 25 other NFL teams that have collectively cut around $600 million in salaries this offseason, the Cowboys have not released any significant contracts, indicating they continue to carry dead money from past contracts. With Ezekiel Elliott's costly contract still fresh in memory, the team has be wary as they move forward into 2026 with $17 million in dead money still connected to retired players.

This longstanding issue may limit their flexibility in roster management and acquisitions as they head into training camp looking to evaluate the performance of players with sizable base salaries. Players like Donovan Wilson and Malik Hooker may face uncertain futures depending on their performance, which could further impact the Cowboys' salary cap situation.

The Miami Dolphins are committed to keeping star receiver Tyreek Hill amidst recent trade speculation. Coach Mike McDaniel stated they are looking forward with Hill on their roster, emphasizing his importance to the team.

Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills secured cornerback Christian Benford with a lucrative four-year, $76 million contract extension, solidifying their defense for years to come. In other news, the NFL mourns the loss of former New England Patriots safety Matt Stevens, who passed away at age 51. The league also sees some player movements, with former Patriots kicker Joey Slye signing with the Tennessee Titans for one year and the New Orleans Saints adding Brandin Cooks on a two-year deal.