Three Potential Moves That Could Shake Up the NFC

The NFC is wide open.

Ten teams enter 2026 with projected win totals of 10.5, tied for the league’s highest mark. The Lions, Packers, Eagles, Rams, Seahawks and 49ers are all clustered near the top. There is no overwhelming favorite. No team is separating itself from the pack.

That makes this offseason even more important. In a conference this tight, one decisive move can tilt the balance. Here are three that could reshape the race.

The Bears Fully Lean Into Caleb Williams’ Rookie Contract Window

Chicago is ahead of schedule under first-time head coach Ben Johnson. The Bears won 11 games last year, reached the NFC Divisional Round and nearly knocked off the Rams. That was not a fluke. It was a signal that the rebuild has reached a different phase.

Quarterback Caleb Williams is still on his rookie deal. That is the most valuable asset in the league. When your quarterback is affordable and ascending, you press. You spend. You trade picks for proven talent. You fix weaknesses aggressively.

Chicago still has holes. The pass rush needs juice. The offensive line needs stability, especially with Ozzy Trapilo expected to miss most of the season. The secondary could use depth.

General manager Ryan Poles should act boldly over the next few months. The Bears are close enough that standing still would be the bigger risk. A targeted veteran addition on defense or along the line could push the Bears over the top. There are multiple reports that receiver D.J. Moore is available.

The rookie contract clock is ticking and the Bears are poised for a splash move.

Dallas Strengthens Its Major Weakness

Dallas does not need to reinvent itself.

The offense is already one of the most explosive in football. Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens form a top-tier trio. Pickens is expected to play under the franchise tag after his 1,429-yard season. The Cowboys can score with anyone.

The issue last season was finishing. Defensive lapses and big-play giveaways showed up against quality offenses. But new defensive coordinator Christian Parker is installing a 3-4 system built on pressure, disguise and versatility. The goal is simple. Force one-on-one protection. Create cleaner rush lanes. Get off the field and let the Cowboys offense run more plays.

This is where Dallas can make a statement. Add another edge rusher. Reinforce the linebacker group and build depth that holds up late in the season.

The Cowboys are closer to contending than most realize.

Minnesota Decides What It Really Is

The Vikings are in a different place.

Two seasons ago, they won 14 games and looked like a team on the rise. Last year did not follow that script. Now they must clear roughly $43 million in cap space just to get compliant, before even addressing quarterback uncertainty. That tough reality shapes everything. Minnesota did not expect to be in this situation.

Restructures can buy time and veteran cuts can create space. All of this is to reduce the Vikings’ cap hit. None of it answers the bigger question about direction. Is this roster one piece away from being complete, or is it at a pivot point?

The most practical move for Minnesota is extending right tackle Brian O’Neill to lower his $23 million cap hit. An extension would create immediate cap relief while keeping a core player in place. It would not solve everything, but it would give the Vikings flexibility to address quarterback and other needs without tearing apart the roster.

Chicago and Dallas can lean forward with clarity. Minnesota first has to determine whether pushing forward makes sense.

In a conference this compressed, hesitation can be as costly as a bad move. All these teams are going to try to be competitive, considering how wide open the NFC is.