Will the NFC East finally have a repeat champ? Where the Cowboys, Commanders, Eagles and Giants stand

If this isn’t the time for optimism around the NFC East, then why bother playing the season?

Sure, times have been tough for what was once one of the more competitive divisions in the NFL, and there does not appear to be a return to the glory days anytime soon. Yet with the offseason program complete until training camps begin in late July, cases can be made for the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders to win the division.

Some are better than others, of course.

Dallas is trying to become the first repeat champion in the NFC East since the Eagles in 2003-04. The Cowboys have a lot of talent returning, including the division’s best quarterback (Dak Prescott) and best defender (Micah Parsons). The Eagles made some upgrades on both sides of the ball and appear intent on helping quarterback Jalen Hurts in his second full season as the starter. The Giants have a new coach in Brian Daboll and added two top-10 picks. The Commanders traded for quarterback Carson Wentz, hoping he can find his 2017 Eagles’ form, and they welcome back pass-rusher Chase Young.

NFL Nation reporters Tim McManus (Eagles), Jordan Raanan (Giants), John Keim (Commanders) and Todd Archer (Cowboys) offer offseason overviews, what awaits in training camp and a predicted order of finish in the NFC East.

Most intriguing position battle: Who will be the starting receiver opposite CeeDee Lamb as Michael Gallup works his way through rehab on his left knee in the summer? James Washington? Jalen Tolbert? Noah Brown? Some unnamed veteran picked up before training camp? Washington has the credentials as a former second-round pick by Pittsburgh, but he caught 24 passes last season. Tolbert, a third-round pick in 2022, needs to be a quick learner. Brown has not been more than a No. 4 in…