The NFL offseason unfolds with intense focus, racing from the Super Bowl directly into the combine, free agency, trades, and draft in rapid succession.

By mid-May, supporters glance back and question developments. "Hold up, wasn't my squad meant to bolster the wide receivers?" "Wasn't that key player slated for a new deal?"

This recurring feature addresses those hanging queries - the moves we anticipated but have yet to materialize (for now). Several have explanations, and we have compiled insights for 10 of them. We begin with a franchise that offloaded or released nearly everyone during a rebuild - except its premier running back.

Jump to:
CLE | DAL | HOU | LAR | MIA
MIN | NYG | PIT | SF | SEA

Why didn't the Dolphins trade De'Von Achane?

Miami seems firmly in rebuild territory, slashing high salaries, absorbing $99 million in dead cap from releasing QB Tua Tagovailoa, and shipping elite WR Jaylen Waddle to the Broncos prior to the draft. Achane enters his final rookie year at $5.767 million without an extension. Over his initial three NFL seasons, he has posted 1,445 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns annually. He won't hit 25 until October.

With backs like Kenneth Walker III securing over $14 million yearly and Breece Hall topping $15 million, Achane's sub-$6 million price tag looks like prime trade fodder for contenders - especially for a pick-hoarding team.

Conversations with Dolphins insiders this offseason reveal they regard Achane, C Aaron Brewer, and LB Jordyn Brooks as cornerstone pieces primed for extensions, not trades. Yes, Miami eyes the horizon, but newcomers coach Jeff Hafley and GM Jon-Eric Sullivan resist a total teardown in year one. They require anchors to develop around, pinpointing Achane as a long-haul asset.

That said, combine chatter suggested Waddle was future-core too, so his trade tempers optimism. Still, absent a first-round offer like Denver's for Waddle, Achane stays. No squad is parting first-rounders for RBs demanding hefty extensions. Expect Miami to lock Achane up soon.

Why didn't the Cowboys want to extend George Pickens?

Pickens dominated in his Dallas debut, hauling in 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine scores. Acquired from Pittsburgh for a third-rounder last offseason, he exceeded expectations. Free agency loomed, but Dallas slapped the franchise tag to retain him.

Pre-draft, they declared no long-term talks this year, anticipating tag play at a guaranteed $27.298 million for 2026. Post-draft, Pickens inked the tender, signaling compliance.

Dallas seeks a repeat before big bucks. WR CeeDee Lamb averages $34 million annually, so dual elite receivers strain the cap. Per team president Stephen Jones, Pickens' Dallas tenure is brief - lacking the draft-developed loyalty.

Low trade cost from Steelers and no offer sheets post-tag trace to Pittsburgh consistency concerns. Dallas' 2025 was solid, but waiting one more year before mega-deal makes sense.

What if Pickens repeats and Lamb battles injuries? Priorities might shift next offseason. For now, tag suffices.

Why didn't the Giants draft Caleb Downs with the 10th pick?

Ohio State's Arvell Reese dropped to Giants at No. 5. Caleb Downs waited at 10, after Dallas eyed trading to nine fearing New York. Grabbing both could secure defensive pillars for years.

Giants pivoted to OT Francis Mauigoa. Dallas snagged Downs at 10. New York now faces him biannually.

They deemed Reese their defense at five. Perhaps Downs at five sans Reese. Post-draft intel shows commitment to offense in top-10 for sophomore QB Jaxson Dart - maybe RB Jeremiyah Love at five or WRs Carnell Tate/Jordyn Tyson at 10. Mauigoa was top OL target.

Tennessee and New Orleans mirrored, taking Tate/Tyson first-round for young QBs. Bolstering signal-callers trumps extra D.

Why didn't the Vikings trade J.J. McCarthy?

McCarthy's 2025 tanked as 2024's No. 10 pick. Minnesota freed Sam Darnold post-14 wins, installing McCarthy who faltered amid injuries, sinking playoff hopes. Year three pits him against ex-Cardinals No. 1 Kyler Murray.

Murray likely starts. Success spells doom for McCarthy, whose fifth-year option looms next May. Strong Murray year means minimal snaps in years one/three.

Trading lacks logic. 70% rookie pay sunk; return pales draft cost. Recent faith in his franchise potential lingers. Murray's no sure thing - one healthy year in five, Arizona foots $36 million.

Insiders say Vikings retain McCarthy hope; Murray jolts focus. Long odds, but trade yields little. Murray's one-year deal bars tag. Postseason, reassess. No rush now.

Why didn't the Steelers try harder to upgrade at quarterback?

Valid query. Post-Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh underinvests QB. They valued Aaron Rodgers' 2025 output, expect encore, prefer familiarity. Rodgers unsigned, timeline unclear, but quirks known.

Steelers cherish steady: no losing since 2003, 17 playoff berths this century, most Super Bowls. Consistent stakes every game. Offseason shifts include Tomlin's exit after 19 years - mutual.

Fans crave elevation. No playoff win since 2017, 10+ wins absent since 2020, no Super Bowl trip in 15 years. Time to chase franchise QB beyond patch.

Will Howard/Drew Allar? Unlikely sans reach. Tank for 2027? Plan fail. They bet on 42-year-old Rodgers' competence over top-20 QBR drought since 2021.

Why didn't the Browns cut Deshaun Watson?

This recurs yearly: cap obligation. Final year of five-year fully guaranteed deal from 2022 Houston trade. $46 million guaranteed, rostered or not.