With the initial wave of free agency in the books, things have slowed down to a large extent around the NFL. Teams remain busy on the roster-building front with plenty of time remaining before the draft, however. Here is a quick recap of this week’s top stories:
- Dolphins Send Waddle To Broncos: In the initial wake of the Dolphins‘ decision to move on from several veterans as part of their rebuild, it appeared as though Jaylen Waddle would remain in place. Instead, a trade agreement was reached with the Broncos. The veteran wideout was exchanged for Denver’s first- and third-round selections in this year’s draft, with 2026 fourth-rounders also changing hands. Waddle will offer a welcomed boost to the Broncos’ receiving corps as they seek increased efficiency and production in the passing game. The 27-year-old is under contract through 2028, so his arrival will overlap with quarterback Bo Nix‘s rookie deal. Having already released Tyreek Hill, meanwhile, Miami’s WR depth chart could use plenty of work during the remainder of the offseason.
- Chiefs Acquire Fields From Jets: Since his midseason benching, Justin Fields was expected to see his Jets tenure come to an end. That proved to be the case when a trade was worked out with the Chiefs. Fields and a seventh-round pick in April’s draft were dealt from New York to Kansas City for a 2027 sixth-rounder. Patrick Mahomes continues to recover from the ACL tear which ended his season late in the 2025 campaign, and his Week 1 availability is in question. This move will give the Chiefs an experienced fill-in starter early in the year, and it will provide Fields with a period leading up to the fall where he handles first-team reps. The former first-rounder has largely struggled through his time in Chicago, Pittsburgh and New York. A brief stint atop the depth chart on his latest team will likely now await.
- Tretter Lands Top NFLPA Job: Months after resigning from the NFL Players Association, J.C. Tretter has returned to lead the organization. The NFLPA’s vote for a new executive director resulted in Tretter winning the full-time position over interim leader David White and American Conference commissioner Tim Pernetti. Tretter and White were considered the contenders leading up to the vote, one which marks a key development for the union as it pertains to pending CBA negotiations. Tretter will aim to rebuild his stock and that of the NFLPA in general upon taking over. Meanwhile, free agent linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin will continue as the union’s president.
- Seahawks Exercise Smith-Njigba, Witherspoon’s Options: First-round picks from the 2023 draft class are subject to fifth-year option decisions this spring. To no surprise, the Seahawks have picked up the option for both of wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba and cornerback Devon Witherspoon. The move ensures the Pro Bowlers will remain in place through at least 2027. Smith-Njigba earned Offensive Player of the Year honors this past season while leading the league in receiving yards. Witherspoon received a second-team All-Pro nod thanks to another high-end campaign as part of Seattle’s elite secondary. The Super Bowl champions can extend both players at any time this offseason. New deals in each case being finalized sometime between the draft and training camp in particular would come as little surprise.
- Wentz Reunites With Vikings: The Vikings made one quarterback splash early in free agency by lining up a one-year deal with Kyler Murray. They were not done adding veteran passers, however, with Carson Wentz returning to Minnesota. In 2025, Wentz made five starts in place of an injured J.J. McCarthy before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery. McCarthy is still in the fold, but the former first-round pick’s Vikings outlook is the subject of considerable speculation. Murray is expected to operate as the team’s starter for 2026, and Wentz will give head coach Kevin O’Connell another veteran option to turn to. It will be interesting to see how McCarthy’s development will be handled this summer coming of a rookie season missed through injury and a 2025 campaign marred by struggles when on the field.