As the NFL playoffs roll on, people are already speculating about the next team to be featured on HBO’s ‘Hard Knocks.’ The NFL has rules about which teams can be on the show. Teams with a first-year head coach, a recent playoff appearance, or those featured on ‘Hard Knocks’ in the last decade can’t be forced to participate. They could volunteer, but many teams find the constant attention and cameras distracting, so volunteering is rare.
This leaves only three teams that can be chosen for the upcoming season: the Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, and New Orleans Saints. Among these, the Bears seem like the top contenders. They have the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and might select quarterback Caleb Williams, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner, to replace Justin Fields. Even if they trade the pick, the Bears would likely have two top-10 draft picks and are a historically significant franchise.
There are just three teams that the NFL could force to do Hard Knocks this summer. ⬇️https://t.co/BnPMFNOVfU
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 19, 2024
The Broncos have the ongoing drama with Russell Wilson, but it looks like he might be released this offseason. They might also have a rookie quarterback, along with the intriguing personality of head coach Sean Payton.
The Saints appear to be the least exciting option as they’ve decided to keep head coach Dennis Allen and quarterback Derek Carr. However, the storyline of both men fighting to retain their roles heading into the 2024 season could be worth following over the summer.
