All 32 NFL teams will enter training camp in a few weeks with several questions to address, but there are a few hot button issues that are of big interest league wide.
Brett Favre's name will continue to dominate the news until he gives the Vikings a decision on whether he will play for Minnesota in 2009. And all indications are he will go right down to the wire before the Vikings open camp July 30.
Recovering from surgery on his right arm, Favre only wants to play if he believes the arm is close to 100 percent. He is increasing his throwing sessions, a few of which have been performed in front of Vikings personnel - including offensive coordinator and Favre friend Darrell Bevell.
Another player on the fence is Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason. The 35-year-old announced on a website that shares an office building with his agent that he will retire. However, he has yet to file official paperwork and some believe Mason may ultimately decide to return for another season.
The Ravens certainly hope so. They didn't upgrade their mediocre receiving corps much during the offseason, and a sudden departure by Mason would leave oft-injured Demetrius Williams as the likely starter opposite Mark Clayton.
One of the receivers Baltimore might have been able to pursue during the offseason was Brandon Marshall. He wants out of Denver, but did say this week that he will not holdout and be subject to a daily $14,000 fine.
Marshall would appear to be an excellent fit in Broncos coach Josh McDaniels' offense, which he brings over from New England. But it has been a tumultuous offseason in Denver to say the least, and Marshall has made it abundantly clear he would prefer to ply his trade elsewhere.
If Mason follows through and indeed retires, expect Marshall's name to pop up as a possible replacement. The Ravens view themselves as a Super Bowl contender, but those aspirations would be made significantly more difficult without the ultra-consistent Mason working downfield for second-year quarterback Joe Flacco.
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