Organized Team Activities are underway around the NFL. Voluntary spring workouts are often a sign of the less impactful period of the league’s calendar, but plenty of noteworthy developments have taken place in recent days. In case you missed any of this week’s top stories, here is a quick recap:
- Stafford Lands Latest Rams Extension: Matthew Stafford was already on the books with guaranteed money for 2026, but the reigning MVP has lined up his newest commitment from the Rams. A one-year extension has been worked out in this case. As such, Stafford is due to collect between $55MM and $60MM in 2027. That total will be combined with the money already set to be paid out to result in up to $105MM being paid out across the next two seasons. Stafford, 38, will continue to face retirement questions over that span. Los Angeles’ succession plan at the quarterback spot will also be a talking point with No. 13 pick Ty Simpson in the fold. Nevertheless, the Rams remain committed to Stafford over the short term, and his immense career earnings figure is set to grow considerably.
- Giants Keeping Schoen Past 2026: With the Giants undergoing a number of organizational changes this offseason, general manager Joe Schoen‘s job security increasingly became a question mark. Instead of having Schoen finish out the final year of his pact, though, New York has authorized an extension. Schoen – who has been in place since 2022 – has overseen just one winning season so far as an NFL GM. The arrival of new head coach John Harbaugh is widely thought to have limited Schoen’s power in the front office, but the two have expressed a willingness to work alongside one another. That will be put to the test over the coming years with the Giants aiming to rebuild around Harbaugh and a number of new core players. Schoen’s status past 2026 will no doubt be tied in large part to the success seen during the upcoming campaign.
- Lions Extend Campbell: The Lions recently chose to decline linebacker Jack Campbell‘s fifth-year option. The decision did not close the door to a long-term pact, though, and one has indeed been finalized. Campbell signed a four-year, $81MM extension which will keep him under team control through 2030. Coming off an All-Pro season, Campbell has moved into second place in terms of average annual compensation at the LB position. The 25-year-old also managed to secure $51.5MM in guarantees, a figure which illustrates Detroit’s level of commitment in this case. Of course, the presence of this pact will lead to questions about whether or not the Lions will be able to also work out long-term extensions with other 2022 draftees Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch. In any case, Campbell will be counted on to anchor the second level of the team’s defense for the foreseeable future.
- Rodgers Plans To Retire After Second Steelers Season: The lengthy wait for Aaron Rodgers to officially re-join the Steelers came to an end in time for OTAs. To no surprise, his new Pittsburgh deal is one year in length. That will set Rodgers up to end his career after the 2026 campaign. During his first media availability since coming back, the future Hall of Famer confirmed he plans to make this season his last. Rodgers will turn 43 late in the 2026 slate, and retirement has been a talking point through the latter stages of his career. His first Steelers season produced a playoff appearance, and expectations for a similar showing will be in place this time around. Pittsburgh has Drew Allar and Will Howard in place as potential successors, but for one more year Rodgers will look to add to his career accolades.
- Chiefs’ Rice Facing Jail Time: Rashee Rice‘s probationary period was recently violated when he tested positive for THC. As a result, the Chiefs wideout has been ordered to serve 30 days in prison. That sentence was originally due to take place at a time of Rice’s choosing, but he is now set to serve it right away. As such, he will miss out on Kansas City’s OTA practices and the team’s mandatory minicamp in June. 2026 represents the final year of Rice’s rookie contract, and he is currently recovering from knee surgery. The Chiefs are not considering an extension at this time, so plenty will be on the line when Rice returns to action following his latest legal matter.
If Rodgers is ‘a shoe in first ballot HoF QB’, my only question is what happens to his peers that doubled him up in SB wins; Ben, & Eli? Eli was denied that honor.
This is why the HoF voting has to change. Bill B is a cheating scoundrel. But he’s right if 6 rings isn’t enough for 1st ballot; then Coughlin, Tomlin, Harbaugh have no chance of even entering the Hall. Same for executives w/ fewer rings.
Frankly, I’m happy Bill was denied; not against him, but against the BS voting, in privacy no less, that the Hall uses.
I remember Peter King openly writing he would never vote for TO to be in the Hall because he didn’t like him as a person. Nothing to do with what he accomplished on the field. Fraud!