Puka Nacua Extension Not Imminent
Fresh off a Super Bowl-winning campaign in which he took home Offensive Player of the Year honors, Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba agreed to a record-setting extension on Monday. The recipient of a four-year, $168.6MM deal, Smith-Njigba leads his position in total value, guarantees ($120MM-plus) and average salary ($42.15MM). With JSN’s future secure, the Rams’ Puka Nacua is now the highest-profile receiver in the market for an extension.
Based on production, Nacua has a case to approach or surpass Smith-Njigba’s contract this offseason. Since bursting on the scene as a fifth-round pick in 2023, Nacua has averaged 121 catches, 1,619 yards and seven touchdowns per 17 games. Smith-Njigba, a first-rounder in that same draft, has averaged 94/1,184/seven per 17 contests.
Both players posted career-best seasons in 2025. Despite missing one game, Nacua led the NFL in receptions (129) en route to a first-team All-Pro selection and his second Pro Bowl bid. Smith-Njigba paced the league in yards (1,793), leading to a first-team All-Pro pick and Pro Bowl honors for the second time.
Considering the Seahawks already had Smith-Njigba under control via his $23.85MM fifth-year option for 2027, they had plenty of time to reach an extension agreement. The team still acted quickly in locking up its No. 1 receiver. The Rams do not have the same luxury with Nacua, who is ineligible for a fifth-year option and could become a free agent next March. Nevertheless, an extension is not imminent. If it happens, it likely won’t occur until “further into the summer,” per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, who points out that the Rams also have several other extension candidates to worry about.
General manager Les Snead already handed newly acquired cornerback Trent McDuffie a mammoth payday earlier this month. Now, along with Nacua, Snead still has to consider potential new deals for MVP-winning quarterback Matthew Stafford, defensive lineman Kobie Turner, outside linebacker Byron Young, guard Steve Avila and right tackle Warren McClendon. For now, though, Snead is more concerned about other issues.
“I don’t think the Rams are looking to do extensions right now,” an NFL agent told Eric Williams of Fox Sports. “They’re focused on adding to the team only, and players under contract are under contract.”
As the Rams mull an extension for Nacua, they will have to monitor the fallout of an incident that allegedly took place on Dec. 31, 2025, TMZ reports. A woman applied for a temporary restraining order against Nacua and accused him of biting her twice, making an antisemitic remark, and exhibiting “rude or vulgar, threatening, violent, and harassing conduct.”
Levi McCathern, Nacua’s attorney, told TMZ it was just “horseplay,” though he seemingly confirmed Nacua bit the accuser in saying that it “left nothing more than a temporary mark.” He vehemently denied Nacua made antisemitic comments, however, and accused the woman of trying to shake down his client for millions of dollars. A judge denied the alleged victim’s request for a temporary restraining order, but there is a hearing scheduled for April 14.
Giants Add LB Cam Jones, LS Zach Triner
The Giants made a pair of signings on Tuesday, adding linebacker Cam Jones and long snapper Zach Triner, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2. Jones landed a one-year deal, while the length of Triner’s contract is unknown.
Jones piled up 209 tackles and eight sacks during his five-year run at Indiana, but he went undrafted in 2023 after suffering a foot injury in his last season with the Hoosiers. The Chiefs signed Jones, who logged 17-game seasons in his first two years in the NFL. Although Jones made little defensive impact, he was a core special teamer over that span. While Jones was part of a Super Bowl-winning squad as a rookie, a mid-January injury sidelined him for most of the Chiefs’ playoff run.
Kansas City won the AFC again in Jones’ second season, but he did not return for a third year. The Chiefs cut Jones last August, though the Jets quickly scooped him up via waivers. Out of Jones’ 174 snaps with the Jets, 170 came on special teams. Another injury – a hip issue – limited Jones to 10 games. Now switching from the Jets to the Giants, the 26-year-old will reunite with fellow linebacker and former college teammate Micah McFadden.
Triner, 35, has snapped for three teams since entering the league as an undrafted free agent from Assumption in 2015. Almost all of his work has come in Tampa Bay, where he played 81 games over five-plus seasons. Triner combined for four appearances with the Dolphins and Commanders over the past two years.
The Giants’ long snapper job opened when Casey Kreiter, who played in all of their games from 2020-25, signed with the Cardinals in free agency. Triner is now the leading candidate to take over. He could be part of a remade special teams battery in New York, which has also brought in a new kicker (Jason Sanders) and punter (Jordan Stout) this offseason.
In other Giants news, here are some details on several other contracts they have doled out this month:
- Isaiah Likely, TE (three years, $40MM): Likely’s deal comes with a max of $2.4MM in annual incentives based on catches, yards and touchdowns, Dan Duggan of The Athletic relays. The former Raven will also earn an extra $150K each year if he logs a 60% snap share and the Giants make the playoffs.
- Greg Newsome, CB (one year, $8MM): Newsome can make up to $2MM in playing time and team performance incentives, per Duggan.
- Patrick Ricard, FB (two years, $7.63MM): The 300-pounder’s pact comes with a max of $450K per year in playing time incentives, according to Duggan.
- Devin Singletary, RB (one year, $1.3MM): Singletary’s restructured contract features a max of $1MM in performance and playing time incentives (via Duggan).
- Joshua Ezeudu, OL (one year, $1.3MM): Ezeudu’s agreement includes approximately $410K in guarantees and a signing bonus worth $80K, Wilson reports.
Patriots Eyeing OL Depth
The Patriots offensive line drew plenty of criticism for their performance in the postseason. New England has made some changes to the unit ahead of 2026, but the team still lacks notable depth.
That could soon change if the front office has its way. Executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf recently identified OL depth as a position the team is eyeing, per ESPN’s Mike Reiss.
The Patriots have made some changes to their starting lineup. They dealt center Garrett Bradbury to the Bears, allowing Jared Wilson to move to his natural position. That opened a hole at left guard, which the Patriots filled by signing Alijah Vera-Tucker.
Of course, the free agent acquisition has dealt with his fair share of injuries during his career, and 2025 fourth-overall pick Will Campbell struggled mightily in the postseason after returning from a significant knee injury. After ranking sixth last season in snaps played among OL starters, the Patriots should probably expect less luck on that front in 2026.
At the moment, the Patriots don’t have much experienced depth behind their starting grouping (which also includes Morgan Moses and Michael Onwenu). Vederian Lowe filled in admirably for Campbell in 2025 but left for the 49ers in free agency. That leaves Ben Brown as the team’s top backup OL at the moment. The Mississippi product started all 10 of his appearances for New England in 2024 and started four of his 17 appearances in 2025, and the Patriots are clearly content with his ability as a backup. However, Brown is primarily a guard/center, meaning the Patriots still don’t have a contingency plan at OT.
2025 seventh-round pick Marcus Bryant is currently penciled in as the team’s top swing tackle, while Caedan Wallace is still kicking around as a back-of-the-depth-chart option. Considering the age of Moses and Campbell’s occasional struggles in 2025, the Patriots could turn to the draft for some OT depth. However, that option would likely be more relevant for 2027 than 2026.
A backup OTs corps consisting of Bryant and a rookie would be less than desirable. As the Patriots look to build off their surprising run in 2025, it wouldn’t be shocking if they add a veteran to the mix between now and training camp.
WR Odell Beckham Jr. Interested In Resuming NFL Career
TODAY: It sounds like OBJ’s flag football performance did indeed put him back on the NFL radar. According to Jordan Schultz, the wide receiver has received “renewed interest” in recent days.
MARCH 23: Odell Beckham Jr. was among the participants in this weekend’s Fanatics Flag Football Classic. He hopes that will not be the last event of his playing career. 
“Looking forward to hopefully getting an opportunity to play this year, and hopefully, this is kinda just a starting point,” the three-time Pro Bowl receiver said (video link via Kay Adams) when asked about his desire to return to the NFL in 2026.
Beckham made nine appearances in 2024 as a member of the Dolphins. Upon being waived, he did not catch on with another team to close out the campaign. This past season included a six-game PED suspension; upon serving it, Beckham once again did not sign with any team. The Super Bowl winner remains unsigned at this point, and he has not been linked to any suitors so far in free agency.
During his last full campaign, Beckham made 14 appearances with the Ravens in the regular season and another two in the playoffs in 2023. The former Giants star averaged a career-high 16.1 yards per catch during his lone Baltimore campaign, one in which he operated as a secondary option in the passing game. Regardless of where the 33-year-old lands in 2026 – if he works out a deal – he will be viewed as a depth member of his latest team’s passing attack.
The initial wave of free agency has come and gone, and as such many of the top players on the market have their new contracts in hand. The receiver position in particular still has a number of unanswered questions, however, with the likes of Jauan Jennings and Deebo Samuel still unsigned at this point. Trade rumors continue to swirl in the case of A.J. Brown as well, something which may remain the case well into the spring. Teams which come up short adding one of the veterans still available could see Beckham as a contingency option.
Beckham’s Ravens deal contained $15MM guaranteed; that figure fell to $3MM when he joined the Dolphins. Another low-cost investment is no doubt the only way he will set up an NFL comeback for 2026.
WR Rumors: Tyson, Eagles, Waddle, Moore, Giants, Bears, Cowboys, Cards, Colts
One of the wide receivers expected to go off the draft board in Round 1, Jordyn Tyson did not work out at the Combine and will not participate at Arizona State’s pro day Friday. Tyson missed time with a hamstring injury last season, and it has apparently affected his pre-draft timeline. Tyson, however, will work out for teams April 17, ESPN.com’s Field Yates tweets. That said, the former Colorado recruit will only do positional drills that day. As our Ely Allen pointed out in December, Tyson is a high-ceiling prospect but one that carries injury baggage. Knee and collarbone injuries affected Tyson in separate years with the Sun Devils, and this hamstring issue — when coupled with past maladies — could certainly affect his draft stock. But his 1,101-yard 2024 slate should provide a solid first-round floor. NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah ranks Tyson 21st overall in this class.
Here is the latest from the receiver ranks:
- Regardless of their A.J. Brown decision, the Eagles will target a receiver in the draft, The Athletic’s Zach Berman notes. Howie Roseman hit with DeVonta Smith in 2021 but famously missed with Jalen Reagor (Round 1, 2020) and JJ Arcega-Whiteside (Round 2, 2019). A receiver move should be expected early, Berman adds, though he notes optimism exists among decisionmakers Smith can make another jump with a boost in targets. A Brown trade — heavily rumored to be in the works after June 1 — would create a critical need for Philly, but a rookie stepping in alongside Smith and Marquise Brown would stand to bolster the slender WR’s role within the offense.
- Marquise Brown joined the Eagles on a one-year deal worth $5MM in base value, KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson notes. The former Ravens, Cardinals and Chiefs wideout can max out at $6.5MM on the contract. Brown’s $5MM is fully guaranteed, which marks only a slight discount from his 2025 Kansas City terms (one year, $7MM).
- The Broncos have already used Jaylen Waddle‘s contract to create cap space, with Wilson indicating the team converted $15.42MM of the trade pickup’s option bonus to a signing bonus. Waddle is still due $17.24MM in 2026 compensation, 9News’ Mike Klis adds, but his cap number checks in at $4.88MM. That number will jump to $27.1MM in 2027, however, with $15.2MM of Waddle’s ’27 compensation being guaranteed. Acquiring Waddle’s $28.25MM-per-year contract from the Dolphins last week, Broncos hold $18.75MM in 2026 cap space, per OverTheCap.
- The Bills also restructured their WR trade acquisition’s contract, converting $22.19MM in base salary into a signing bonus. This created $17.75MM in cap space, according to OverTheCap. D.J. Moore‘s 2026 cap hit sits at just $6.75MM, though like Waddle, he is due a hefty 2027 guarantee ($15.5MM). Buffalo holds $12.29MM in cap space.
- Already reworking Terence Steele and Malik Hooker‘s contracts, the Cowboys adjusted Jonathan Mingo‘s as well. Mingo accepted a pay cut, per Wilson, who notes the former second-round pick is now on a $1.15MM deal that includes no guaranteed money. After underwhelming on his rookie deal and missing 2025 time due to injury, Mingo will vie for a roster spot. One year remains on his rookie deal.
- Darnell Mooney was tied to a three-year, $39MM Falcons deal, but ESPN.com’s Jordan Raanan notes his one-year Giants pact is worth just $3MM in base value. That figure does come fully guaranteed, per Wilson, who notes the contract can max out at $10MM. Calvin Austin‘s Giants agreement comes in at just $1.5MM, according to OverTheCap, with $400K guaranteed. The slot receiver’s deal can max out at $3MM, per The Athletic’s Dan Duggan, who notes the ex-Steeler’s playing time incentives start at a 45% snap rate; his catch incentives begin at 35, with his yardage escalators starting at 400. Meeting the minimum thresholds in each category would earn Austin $150K.
- Rounding up some other recent WR terms, the Bears are giving Kalif Raymond a one-year deal worth $3.5MM. The contract includes $3MM fully guaranteed, Wilson tweets, and can max out at $5.1MM. The Cardinals’ Devin Duvernay deal is worth $1.85MM in base value, per Wilson, who adds $550K is guaranteed at signing. The Colts will have Nick Westbrook-Ikhine tied to a one-year, $1.4MM deal, Wilson adds, noting $438K is guaranteed at signing.
Minor NFL Transactions: 3/24/26
Today’s minor moves:
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: S Terrell Burgess
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: CB Shemar Jean-Charles
Washington Commanders
- Signed: OT Foster Sarell
Terrell Burgess is returning to New Orleans following a bounce-back showing with the Saints in 2025. After missing the entire 2024 campaign with a hamstring injury, Burgess proceeded to get into 16 games with his new squad. He compiled 22 stops and three passes defended, with 205 of his 320 snaps coming on special teams.
T Yosh Nijman Announces Retirement
In news that flew under our radar during the action-packed first week of free agency, offensive tackle Yosh Nijman announced his retirement on March 11 (via Kassidy Hill of Panthers.com).
“After seven incredible years in the NFL, I’ve decided it’s time to officially step away from the game of football,” Nijman wrote on Instagram.
A free agent when he hung up his cleats, the 30-year-old Nijman divided his career between Green Bay and Carolina. After entering the NFL undrafted in 2019, the Virginia Tech product spent most of his rookie year on the Packers’ practice squad. Nijman did not appear in any games then, but he played in at least 16 in every other season of his career.
While Nijman totaled just 14 offensive snaps over 16 games in 2020, he made eight starts the next year and a career-high 13 in 2022. The Packers kept Nijman around in 2023 after placing a second-round restricted free agent tender on him, but he went on to start in just one of 17 games that season.
Nijman left the Packers for the Panthers’ two-year, $8MM offer in March 2024. With Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton locked in as the Panthers’ top tackles, Nijman filled a reserve role and made seven starts in 32 games. He suited up for 99 contests in his career and started 29.
Raiders Hire Mike Sullivan As QBs Coach
A month and a half since he became the Raiders’ head coach, Klint Kubiak is making another noteworthy addition to his staff. The Raiders are hiring Mike Sullivan as their quarterbacks coach, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
Las Vegas announced its coaching staff on March 1, making this a surprise pickup a little over three weeks later. However, Sullivan was on the Raidars’ radar then. They interviewed Sullivan “a few weeks ago,” per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.
After not coaching last season, the 59-year-old was set to join Rutgers’ staff as a senior offensive assistant in 2026. He will instead work as a QBs coach in the NFL for a fifth time.
Sullivan has twice been a QBs coach with the Giants, first from 2010-11 and again in 2015. He worked with Eli Manning then and won a Super Bowl in 2011. Between those two stints, he served as the Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator from 2012-13. After his second run as the Giants’ QBs coach, they bumped him to OC in 2016. The promotion did not go as planned for the Giants, who let Sullivan’s contract expire after their offense was among the league’s lowest-scoring units in back-to-back seasons under him.
With his time as an O-coordinator up, Sullivan returned to a QBs coach role with the Broncos in 2018. With Case Keenum under center and Vance Joseph in his last season as the Broncos’ head coach, Sullivan was a one-and-done hire. He resurfaced as the Steelers’ QBs coach from 2021-23, during which he paired with Ben Roethlisberger, Mitchell Trubisky and Kenny Pickett. Former head coach Mike Tomlin moved Sullivan to a senior offensive assistant position in 2024.
Now returning as a QBs coach, Sullivan is likely to have a hand in developing the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft. The Raiders are expected to take Heisman Trophy-winning Indiana signal-caller Fernando Mendoza with the top selection. Sullivan will join Kubiak, offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko and pass-game coordinator Nick Holz as coaches who will play key roles in helping Mendoza make a smooth transition to the NFL in 2026.
Eagles To Sign WR Elijah Moore
The Eagles continue to add to their WR depth. After signing Marquise Brown last week, the Eagles have now agreed to a deal with Elijah Moore, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. It’s a one-year deal for the free agent wide receiver.
[RELATED: Eagles, WR Marquise Brown Agree To Deal]
After showing flashes with the Jets and Browns to begin his career, the former second-round pick inked a one-year deal worth up to $5MM with the Bills last offseason. While Moore represented an intriguing piece on a questionable Buffalo WRs depth chart, the acquisition disappointed, hauling in only nine catches for 112 yards in nine games.
Moore was sent packing in late November after the Bills added Brandin Cooks. The wideout later caught on with the Broncos practice squad. His lone appearance with Denver came in the AFC Championship Game, when he hauled in a four-yard catch.
A.J. Brown‘s status looms over the Eagles’ WR acquisitions. However, these recent signings don’t necessarily signal that Brown is destined to play elsewhere in 2026. Hollywood and now Moore are easy fill-ins for Jahan Dotson, who left for the Falcons on a two-year deal. Along with Darius Cooper, the free agent additions are likely eyeing secondary roles in the Eagles offense.
It’s also worth noting that Moore is good friends with A.J. Brown, per NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe. While their respective roster statuses aren’t dependent on each other, this could at least be seen as a good-faith move by the franchise. Moore was also drafted by former Jets GM and current Eagles exec Joe Douglas, so there was surely interest in the free agent regardless of his friendship with the star receiver.
The more significant indicator of Brown’s future with the franchise could come via the draft. We heard recently that Howie Roseman was set to target rookie WRs regardless of Brown’s status, with the front office potentially using an early-round pick at the position. In the scenario where the Eagles keep Brown and add a notable rookie WR, Moore could be fighting for a roster spot come the preseason.
Eagles To Re-Sign OL Fred Johnson
Fred Johnson is sticking in Philly. The veteran offensive lineman is re-signing with the Eagles, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. It will be a one-year deal for the 28-year-old.
A former UDFA out of Florida, Johnson has established himself as a key backup during his multi-year stint in Philly. After catching on with the Eagles practice squad in 2022, Johnson emerged as the team’s backup OT in 2023. He got into 17 games that season, although the majority of his snaps came on special teams.
Johnson saw an even larger role in 2024 while filling in for the likes of Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata, with the backup ultimately starting six of his 17 appearances. He parlayed that performance into a one-year deal with the Jaguars, although he ended up getting dealt back to Philly at the end of the 2025 preseason.
That proved to be a shrewd move for the Eagles, as Johnson proceeded to start a career-high eight games in 2025. Pro Football Focus wasn’t especially fond of his performance, ranking him 64th among 84 qualifying OTs. However, the site was generally bullish on his pass-blocking skills.
Johnson will be back for another season in Philly in 2026, where he’ll be eyeing a similar utility role. As EJ Smith of PHLY Sports notes, the free agent was hoping to garner some starting interest this offseason, but that opportunity never presented itself. Now, he’ll return as the top backup to Johnson and Mailata, although the veteran backup will hear his number called if either of the starters are forced to miss time.