Ryan Jensen's retirement left a significant void in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offensive line, particularly at the center position. Robert Hainsey stepped in during Jensen's absence, but the team sought a long-term solution by selecting Graham Barton from Duke with the 26th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Though Barton was expected to transition smoothly from guard to center due to his raw talent, his rookie season was a struggle, as he earned a Pro Football Focus grade of just 55.8, ranking him as one of the league's least effective centers.

With Barton's performance raising concerns, the Buccaneers may need to reassess their options heading into the next season. The team will have to decide whether to stick with Barton, who has potential, or explore other alternatives in free agency or through the draft to bolster their offensive line. The pressure to protect quarterback Baker Mayfield and enhance the run game will be paramount as they look to improve from a subpar offensive season.

The NFL landscape is rife with uncertainty regarding starting quarterbacks, as injuries have become a common occurrence impacting teams significantly each season. The 2024 season saw prominent quarterbacks like Dak Prescott, Jordan Love, and Trevor Lawrence sidelined, throwing potential playoff ambitions into jeopardy. With this backdrop, the question arises: which teams are best equipped to handle a quarterback's absence? A comprehensive review of backups across the league reveals ten teams positioned to manage such a crisis effectively.

Highlighted among these are the Minnesota Vikings with Sam Howell, who, although inexperienced, offers a fresh perspective under top coaching staff and talented players. The San Francisco 49ers have Mac Jones, who brings familiarity with head coach Kyle Shanahan's system. The Washington Commanders feature Marcus Mariota, blending dual-threat capability with experience, while the Green Bay Packers' Malik Willis has shown promise when stepping in for Jordan Love. The list includes several other teams that have solid backup options, revealing that preparation and talent depth are paramount in the unforgiving world of the NFL.

The Cincinnati Bengals have officially unveiled the jersey numbers for their free-agent signings this offseason, focusing primarily on maintaining their core players. Notable re-signings include B.J. Hill and Mike Gesicki, while the newest additions feature a limited number of new faces.

Among the changes, running back Samaje Perine will wear number 34, linebacker Oren Burks will don number 42, and linebacker Joe Giles-Harris will take number 53. Other significant numbers include guard Lucas Patrick at 62, wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley at 82, defensive tackle T.J. Slaton Jr. at 98, cornerback Marco Wilson at 24, and center Matt Lee in 65. This roster reshaping aims to solidify Cincinnati's competitiveness as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Joe Giles-Harris, formerly a linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars, has signed a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals after the Jaguars opted not to tender him a contract. Giles-Harris, who entered the NFL as an undrafted rookie out of Duke, has had a varied career path, previously spending time with the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots. His time with the Jaguars saw him primarily contributing on special teams, where he logged over 400 snaps.

With the Bengals, Giles-Harris aims to carve out a more significant role, especially after the Jaguars made substantial changes to their roster in the offseason, including signing ten outside free agents and releasing several key players. The Bengals' decision to bring him aboard reflects their ongoing efforts to strengthen their defensive lineup.

In a thrilling ceremony in New Orleans, Josh Allen was awarded the NFL MVP title, narrowly beating out Lamar Jackson. Allen, who plays quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, expressed his pride in the achievement while also emphasizing the importance of winning a Super Bowl to solidify his legacy. Presenting the award was Hall of Famer Kurt Warner, who shared insights from his own career, stressing that true greatness is measured by success in crucial moments against top competition.

Warner's words resonated deeply, highlighting that while the MVP award signifies remarkable performance, it won't define Allen unless he can lead his team to a championship. As the Bills prepare for the upcoming season, the pressure on Allen intensifies to elevate his game in playoff situations, a testament to the competitive nature of the NFL.