Right now, I could kinda see them working on a way to bring Andrew Lincoln back for the series' back nine. Preferably more than just a glorified cameo, something that at least has Rick back around for the bulk of the final arc of the show and a major player within. Then, follow the source material to the degrees possible in regards to what happens to end things. IOW...
spoilers:end of spoilers
You have Rick finally killed off near the end, but his legacy is secured. Major time skip features what the world is like through the eyes of an adult Judith whom now has a family of her own. I'd be hard pressed to see them pass on giving her a son whom she names Carl. You can still end the main show on that vein while still having a whole swath of in between stuff to utilize for the Daryl/Carol spinoff later.