After a fast start, David Carr's late-season struggles has left his status as the Texans' starting quarterback in jeopardy. John Iacono/SI

Denver -- The shooting death of cornerback Darrent Williams got the Broncos offseason off to a shocking start, and now Denver has a very unexpected need to fill in its secondary. With Jay Cutler in place at quarterback, Jake Plummer will leave to seek a starting opportunity elsewhere. With Rod Smith's game declining, the Broncos require some much-needed receiving help for Javon Walker.

Detroit -- The early read is that the Lions won't spend their No. 2 draft pick on a quarterback, sticking with veteran Jon Kitna, who threw for more than 4,200 yards this season. But Detroit is in the market for an impact runner, given Kevin Jones' iffy availability with a left foot injury. Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson might fit the bill at No. 2, as could Wisconsin offensive tackle Joe Thomas. As for GM Matt Millen, his job is apparently safe for a seventh season, 24-72 record and all.

Green Bay -- Here we go again: The Brett Favre Retirement Watch, take three, is underway. The Packers believe it'll be a relatively quick process this time around, but nobody can hold the sports world hostage like No. 4. In the meantime, finding a replacement for departed offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski rises to front-burner status for coach Mike McCarthy. Two possible successors are on staff: quarterbacks coach Tom Clements and offensive line coach Joe Philbin.

Houston -- Whether or not the franchise will extend the David Carr era to a sixth season is the foremost question as 2007 begins. Coach Gary Kubiak and general manager Rick Smith are undecided if they'll keep Carr or shop him around the league with two years remaining on his contract. Identifying a No. 1 running back amid the crowd of contenders -- Ron Dayne, Wali Lundy, Chris Taylor, Domanick Davis -- is another priority.

Jacksonville -- Already facing an offseason quarterback decision, the Jaguars further complicated the issue on Sunday when coach Jack Del Rio benched starter David Garrard in the second half and inserted Quinn Gray, who played well. With Byron Leftwich potential trade bait and entering the last year of his contract, the Jags could let Garrard and Gray compete for the top job, or add a veteran passer. Running back Fred Taylor wants a new contract, and safety Deon Grant appears bound for free agency.

Miami -- Limbo is the official state of affairs in Miami, at least until coach Nick Saban decides whether he's staying put or 'Bama bound. Once that topic is put to rest, the Dolphins will again have quarterback questions to delve into. Can they count on Daunte Culpepper to return to form in '07, or could Joey Harrington or Cleo Lemon represent the immediate future? For their sake, the Dolphins hope Jason Taylor's retirement talk was just year-end fatigue.