NFC West unanswered questions: How will Brandon Aiyuk saga play out?

Teams have a much clearer picture of where they stand now that free agency and the NFL Draft are in the rearview mirror. That doesn't mean every question has been answered.

As teams continue preparing for training camp in late July, each still faces a key unknown — one that could determine whether it reaches its ceiling this season, whether that's winning the Super Bowl or simply improving on its 2025 record.

With that in mind, let's examine the biggest unanswered question facing each team in the NFC West.

Arizona Cardinals | Who will win the starting QB battle?

Jacoby Brissett only went 1-11 in place of the injured Kyler Murray last season, so there was not exactly a lot of confidence with him going into 2026. Throw in the fact that he was not a participant in the team’s voluntary OTAs amid a contract standoff, and there are some real concerns regarding who the starter will actually be.

Veteran QB Gardner Minshew II, who has made 47 starts in his career, is listed as the team’s backup after only appearing in four games for the Kansas City Chiefs last season and has accounted for more interceptions (11) than TDs (nine) the last two seasons.

Third-round pick Carson Beck offers more upside and would potentially be a safer option, but there is not much to be thrilled with in one of the league's worst QB rooms.

Los Angeles Rams | Can Matthew Stafford stay healthy?

Despite a back issue that sidelined Stafford for part of training camp last season, he ultimately put together arguably his best season to date and won his first MVP award. With that said, the 38-year-old is not getting any younger, and there are some real concerns on this roster if he is not the one under center.

Unlike last season when veteran Jimmy Garoppolo was the team’s backup, the Rams selected Ty Simpson with the 13th pick in the draft and have the unproven Stetson Bennett IV as the third-stringer. Stafford’s health is of the utmost importance, and if the Rams have to turn to one of their backups, they could be in trouble.

San Francisco 49ers | How will the Brandon Aiyuk saga play out?

One of the more bizarre situations in the entire league has been the status of Aiyuk since he tore his ACL, MCL and meniscus in 2024. He has not played since the injury amid rehab issues, contract drama and a recent social media post directed at the organization.

The 2020 first-rounder had a career-high 1,342 receiving yards in 2023, but it is likely just a matter of time until he is officially gone from the Bay Area after the team voided more than $25M in guaranteed money back in November. 

Head coach Kyle Shanahan says the 49ers are in "no rush" to release Aiyuk, while general manager John Lynch claims he has played his final snap for the team. 

Seattle Seahawks | How will the loss of Kenneth Walker III impact the RB room?

Walker had 1,027 rushing yards last season, 135 of which came in his Super Bowl MVP performance against the New England Patriots. After being dealt to the Chiefs in free agency, the Seahawks face some serious questions in the backfield.

Zach Charbonnet’s status is unclear after suffering an ACL tear in the NFC Divisional win over the 49ers. Meanwhile, the Seahawks selected Notre Dame’s Jadarian Price with the 32nd overall pick in the draft, while George Holani is mostly unproven and Emanuel Wilson has primarily served as a backup.