Jets, Cardinals Could Have Similar Approach To Top Of Draft
Crowded together at the top of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Jets and Cardinals find themselves in a bittersweet situation. With the second and third overall picks in the first round, each franchise has a great opportunity to add an elite talent, but while both squads have a need at the sport’s most important position, this year’s draft is not lining up to reward them with one to select with their top draft picks.
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is widely considered the consensus QB2 of the draft class behind Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, who is expected to go No.1 overall to the Raiders. Unfortunately for Simpson and both teams, taking the Crimson Tide passer at Nos. 2 or 3 overall would be seen as a huge reach, so if either team were interested in landing the second-best quarterback prospect, it might require some maneuvering for another slot in the first round.
The Jets currently hold pick Nos. 2, 16, 33, and according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, there’s belief New York will exit the second round of the draft with a pass rusher and a quarterback, but that could happen in several different ways. Per Rapoport, the Jets are widely expected to select a pass rusher with the second overall pick. Versatile Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese has been a popular projection for New York there, but Texas Tech’s David Bailey also recently met with the team.
Rapoport also expects them to do their homework on all the possible options available at No. 2. They recently hosted Reese’s running mate in the Buckeyes’ linebacking corps, Sonny Styles, for a top 30 visit. Per Rapoport, Styles, also an expected top 10 pick, has plans to visit the Bengals, as well, though his trip to Cincinnati will be a considered a local visit, not a top 30.
To address the quarterback position, a lot rides on where exactly the Jets value Simpson. If they value him enough, they could chance him being around for their 16th overall pick in the first round. If things are trending in a direction that feels as if Simpson won’t make it that far, they could utilize their first overall pick of the second round to potentially try to trade up and land the quarterback. Alternatively, if using the 16th pick still feels like a stretch for Simpson, New York may explore increasing their collection of draft picks with a move further back in the first round.
As for the Cardinals, Rapoport claims it would surprise him if they drafted Simpson third overall, but at the same time, he acknowledges that we’ve seen the precedent for it in the past. He asserts that Arizona could simply fall in love with Simpson enough to select him that early. More likely, though, the Cardinals may look back just a year to an example set by the Giants. Following the approach New York used to add an elite pass rusher before trading back into the first round for a quarterback, the Cardinals may opt to do the same.
Where Simpson could fall in the first round (or later) has been a huge topic of debate. Early conjecture speculated that it might be prudent to move up past the Steelers at 21 to land Simpson, while further evaluation suggested trading into the back end of the first round, just ahead of the Dolphins at 30, would be the likely move. In recent weeks, Simpson’s chances of landing with either team in the first round have gone way down. In a mid-March episode of The McShay Show podcast, Todd McShay of The Ringer guaranteed that Simpson would “for a fact” not be the Steelers’ pick at No. 21, suggesting the team has more of a third-round value on the Crimson Tide quarterback.
Though Simpson recently visited Miami, ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald) did “not believe (the) Dolphins are in the mix for him.” Additionally, all four teams have done homework on other passers in the draft. Notably, since March 21, Miami quarterback Carson Beck has met with each team. Beck and the other projected mid-round quarterbacks offer secondary options for the teams that don’t land Simpson and may end up being preferred options if their draft slot more appropriately fits their value.
These represent just a few of several possibilities that could play out at the end of the month. There is no shortage of quarterback needs in the NFL, but seeing the Giants land their potential franchise passer later on in the first round a year ago has opened the door for a number of mind games to play out. We’ll see how well these draft day decision makers can play poker down the stretch as we await the final weekend in April.
Goodell: NFL Players Expected To Participate In 2028 Olympics
Last May, owners voted to allow NFL players to participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. That has been followed by interest shown on the part of several notable players, leading to the expectation they will indeed be taking part in the Games.
Particulars have yet to worked out regarding NFL participation, but the remaining issues on that front are not likely to prove to be too much of a hurdle. Meanwhile, the success of Team USA in the recent Fanatics Flag Football Classic has led to renewed skepticism about pro football players being the best suited for flag football’s Olympic debut. Nevertheless, commissioner Roger Goodell remains confident NFLers will be taking part.
[RELATED: Robert Griffin III Joins American Flag Football Roster]
“I think we’ll see NFL players in the Olympics,” Goodell said (via Fox Sports’ Eric Williams) during a press conference following the recent league meeting. “They want to play. We just had a player here who wants to compete in the Olympics… I think it will be great for football. I think it will be great for the fans.”
Goodell’s comments come in the wake of an important update regarding the creation of new professional men’s and women’s flag football leagues. TMRW Sports has been selected as the NFL’s partner for launching the leagues, and a notable list of investors has already been generated. Growing flag football has long been a major priority for the NFL, including its push to have that version of the game granted Olympic status. The new pro leagues are set to begin before the Los Angeles Games.
Logistics will no doubt be a talking point regarding NFL participation. The Olympics – and the preparation which will precede it – will take place around the time of training camps around the league. Accommodations will need to be made on that front, and concerns related to injuries and other factors will of course remain in place. Confidence clearly remains high that the goal of NFL participation will be realized, however.
Giants Eyeing OL, DL Free Agent Additions
The Giants have managed to retain a number of offensive linemen so far in free agency. Most notably, Jermaine Eluemunor and Evan Neal have inked new deals with the team.
New York has lost Austin Schlottmann and James Hudson on the open market, while two-year right guard starter Greg Van Roten remains unsigned at this point. A new agreement with Van Roten is something to watch for, but one or more outside additions are being considered as well.
When speaking at this week’s league meeting, Giants general manager Joe Schoen said (via ESPN’s Jordan Raanan) the team is still in contact with agents at a number of positions. Offensive linemen are among those on New York’s radar. Given the team’s financial situation, however, a notable investment is not feasible.
The Giants sit near the bottom of the league in terms of cap space at the moment. The team already has 79 players on its roster, and money will need to be set aside for its incoming rookie class. Schoen admitted a lack of spending power is a factor in New York’s approach to the secondary waves of free agency. On the other hand, many of the veterans available at this point of the offseason will likely not require a big-ticket contract regardless of when they sign their next deal.
Schoen also said defensive line additions are something of interest to the Giants. Rakeem Nunez-Roches and D.J. Davidson have left during free agency, while New York has brought in Sam Roberts. The team’s defensive interior will once again be anchored by Dexter Lawrence for 2026 and likely beyond, but improving against the run will be critical for Year 1 of the John Harbaugh era. The Giants finished 31st in that respect last season.
New York currently owns seven picks in this month’s draft. It would come as no surprise if some of those were used to make additions along the offensive and defensive lines based on Schoen’s comments. Free agency could also yield low-cost options, though, and it will be interesting to see if any moves are made in the coming weeks.
Early Look At Seahawks’ Sale Reveals Name Of Interest
Another NFL franchise is up for sale, and once again, record numbers are being circulated as likely valuations. The process of selling the Seahawks franchise is still extremely young, but early information indicates that the final number will almost certainly set a record for the sale of an NFL franchise.
The most recent change of ownership that required a sale was that of the Commanders in 2023. Current majority owner Josh Harris acquired the franchise and Northwest Stadium from Dan Snyder with the help of a 20-member group of limited partners for $6.05BB. According to Jonathan Jones of NFL on CBS, the Seahawks’ sale is expected to “without a doubt” reach at least $7BB.
This figure is much more in line with the original perceived value — approximately $6.59BB, per Sportico — and far under speculation following the team’s Super Bowl LX victory of somewhere from $9BB to $11BB. Over at SportsBoom, Jason La Canfora also challenged any figure in the double-digit billions. Citing opposing executives as his source, he ventured that, under the right circumstances, the sale may come close to $8.5BB, but even that would be a stretch.
Both reporters maintained that several names have been connected as potential bidders, but who those names belong to has been difficult information to come by. Jones, though, reportedly heard the name of Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer from two sources. Ballmer, the longtime Microsoft CEO, owns property in the Seattle area, and with a net worth over $120BB, he’d certainly be capable of covering the asking price. Another source cautioned Jones from going down that road, though, suggesting that Ballmer is “really a hoops guy” who isn’t expected to be interested in obtaining an NFL franchise.
In a bit of unrelated news, La Canfora teased that, after the Seahawks, the Ravens are reportedly “widely viewed as the team most likely to hit the market.” He reports that Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti has openly expressed interest in selling “while he is still young enough to enjoy the spoils,” and he does not intend to pass the franchise down to his family.
Ravens Add Punter To Roster
The Ravens filled a literal hole in their roster today, adding a punter to their special teams room. After Jordan Stout departed for New York in free agency alongside three teammates and their former head coach, Baltimore didn’t have a punter under contract. There will likely be further additions to serve as competition, but per Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2, Luke Elzinga will be signed as the first new specialist to come in for a chance at succeeding Stout.
Elzinga went undrafted out of Oklahoma last year. He did receive some scouting interest, participating in the Shrine Bowl and receiving an invitation to Titans rookie minicamp, but it looks like things have been quiet for him since then. Elzinga began his collegiate career at Central Michigan, redshirting a year before earning All-MAC honors in each of his next three seasons with the Chippewas. Elzinga entered the transfer portal with two years of eligibility remaining and opted to walk on for the Sooners.
Over the first half of his first season in Norman, Elzinga was used in tandem with another punter, taking short-field duties requiring accuracy to pin returners deep without touchbacks. By the second half of the season, he had assumed all punting and holding duties, and he ended the year with only two touchbacks. After a fifth season of collegiate play, he declared for the draft.
Elzinga seems like a promising candidate to compete for the Ravens’ (currently unopposed) job. He has a big leg, ending every season but one with a longest punt measuring over 62 yards, including a 76-yarder in his first game as a Chippewa, and impressive distance control, logging only 14 touchbacks in five years. As an added bonus, Elzinga has some experience throwing the football at both collegiate stops, completing all four of his only pass attempts for 86 yards. Former Ravens long-time punter Sam Koch famously maintained a perfect completion percentage, going seven-for-seven, up until the final year of career.
Again, the Ravens will likely add competition for Elzinga at some point in the offseason, so nothing is guaranteed for the new signee. Elzinga will have a head start on anyone who comes in to compete, though, as the default first name atop the depth chart.
NFL Injury Updates: Trapilo, Horton, Hunter
Things were looking up for the Bears as they finished the season with a winning record for the first time since 2018, made the playoffs for the first time since 2020, and won a playoff game for the first time since 2010. They also seemed to have found a possible answer to their long-standing questions at left tackle, as well, but the team’s trip to the postseason threw a bump in the road for that answer when rookie second-round tackle Ozzy Trapilo suffered a torn patellar tendon, ending his postseason and guaranteeing at least some missed games in 2026 but possibly all of them, according to Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times.
Trapilo was patient as a rookie. Starting out on special teams duty, the Boston College product was asked to fill in at right tackle when starting left tackle Braxton Jones went down with injury and right tackle Theo Benedet, filling in for an injured Darnell Wright, flipped over to cover the blind side. Wright was able to return the next week to spell Trapilo after he had a rough outing in his first opportunity at extended time on the first-team offense. By Week 12 of the season, though, Trapilo got his second chance at a starting opportunity and was ready for it. Mainly a right tackle in college, Trapilo was asked to try his hand at the left tackle spot, and the team saw immediate results. Not having manned the spot with a consistently reliable name since Charles Leno, Jr.‘s six-year run ended in 2020, it seemed sunshine had broken through the clouds before Trapilo went down in the playoffs.
We were aware that Trapilo was expected to miss time in 2026, and expectations had grown to speculation of a lengthy absence, but head coach Ben Johnson‘s comments this week changed that picture a bit. Per Finley, the second-year head coach informed the media that the team isn’t sure if they “will get…Trapilo back at all (for the 2026) season.” The Bears have some options to utilize as they bridge the gap until Trapilo’s return, recently adding former Browns starting left tackle Jedrick Wills to the pair that started the season at the position last year, Jones and Benedet.
Here are a couple other injury updates from around the NFL:
- A promising rookie campaign for Seahawks fifth-round wide receiver Tory Horton was unceremoniously cut short when he suffered a shin injury and missed the second half of the season. According to general manager John Schneider (via ESPN’s Brady Henderson), Horton is still going to be limited for spring workouts, but he is expected to be ready to return in time for training camp. The second-year Colorado State product will be returning to a receiving corps that still includes Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba, former triple crown-winner Cooper Kupp, and — added since the last time Horton played — the dangerous, speedy Rashid Shaheed.
- Lastly, a much-anticipated rookie year for Jaguars second-overall pick Travis Hunter was similarly cut short after only seven games when he underwent a season-ending LCL repair procedure. According to Ryan O’Halloran of The Florida Times-Union, head coach Liam Coen relayed to the media this week that Hunter is “very well ahead of where he’s supposed to be,” in regard to his injury rehabilitation. He added that “the docs and athletic trainers feel really good about him.” Primarily working as a wide receiver in Year 1 and playing off the bench at cornerback, the two-way player is expected to play more defense upon his return from injury, receiving fewer offensive snaps next year, as a result.
G Kenyon Green To Work Out For Bucs
Former first-round pick Kenyon Green‘s four-year NFL career has not gone according to plan, but a fourth organization could soon give the free guard another chance. Green will work out for the Buccaneers next Thursday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 reports.
Although Green was a two-time consensus All-American at Texas A&M, his dominance with the Aggies has not transferred to the pros since the Texans chose him 15th overall in 2022. The 6-foot-4, 323-pounder started 14 of 15 games as a rookie, but Pro Football Focus rated him the worst full-time guard in the league during a penalty-happy debut in which he struggled to protect quarterback Davis Mills.
The rest of Green’s Texans tenure didn’t go any better. After missing his entire second season with a torn labrum, a dislocated shoulder limited Green to 12 games (nine starts) in 2024. At the time the Texans placed him on IR, Green had allowed the most pressures (27) and sacks (five) among guards.
Houston pulled the plug on Green when it traded him to Philadelphia for safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson as part of a late-round pick swap a year ago. The move was a swing and a miss for both sides. The Eagles cut Green before the season, while the Texans released the mercurial Gardner-Johnson last September after he groused about his role and feuded with teammates. Green caught on with the Ravens’ practice squad at the end of September, but they did not elevate him for any games.
Hoping to play his age-25 season in 2026, Green could compete for a backup spot in Tampa Bay if the team signs him. Green has played all his snaps at left guard, where the Buccaneers have a full-time starter in Ben Bredeson. Meanwhile, Cody Mauch is entrenched at right guard, though he and Bredeson missed a combined 21 games with injuries last season. With that in mind, it is no surprise the Buccaneers are eyeing guard depth. The Bucs brought back reserve interior lineman Dan Feeney last month, but backup guard Michael Jordan remains unsigned on the heels of an 11-game, nine-start season.
Roger Goodell Defends Rooney Rule, Addresses NFLRA Standoff
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell defended the Rooney Rule this week, indicating that the league will push back against an attack from Florida attorney general James Uthmeier.
“One thing that doesn’t change is our values, and we believe that diversity has been a benefit to the National Football League,” Goodell said (via ESPN’s Ben Baby). “We are well aware of the laws and where the laws are changing or evolving. We think the Rooney Rule is consistent with those.”
Goodell specifically noted that, contrary to Uthmeier’s assertion, the rule is not a mandate that forces teams to hire minorities. It merely requires that minority candidates be considered for top coaching and executive positions.
“The clubs make those decisions individually,” he added.
The Rooney Rule has resulted in expanded opportunities for minority coaches, though this year’s hiring cycle proved that it is still an imperfect system. Only one of the 10 open head coaching jobs went to a minority, which somewhat flies in the face of Uthmeier’s criticism.
“It’s intended to try to help, and it’s been used by industries far beyond football and far beyond the United States to help identify candidates, and a diverse set of candidates bring in better talent and give us an opportunity to hire the best talent, ultimately,” Goodell said.
The longtime commissioner also addressed the league’s ongoing standoff with the NFL Referees Association. He is hoping to reach a labor deal with the union soon, but is willing to use replacement officials if necessary.
“We will be prepared to play,” Goodell said. “We are taking appropriate steps to be ready, but we’re also keenly focused on negotiation. So we’d like to get a negotiated deal, and we certainly are focused on that.”
Makai Lemon Sets Up Four More Visits
As one of the best wide receivers in this year’s draft class, USC’s Makai Lemon has a chance to come off the board in the top half of the first round. Several teams with high picks have met or will meet with Lemon, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. In addition to the previously reported Titans (No. 4), Commanders (seventh) and Saints (eighth), the Jets (second and 16th), Giants (fifth), Chiefs (ninth) and Dolphins (11th and 30th) are on the list.
The 5-foot-11, 192-pound Lemon lined up in the slot over 75% of the time during his three-year run in college. He got off to a quiet start with the Trojans in 2023, quarterback Caleb Williams‘ last season at the helm. Lemon caught just six passes in nine games, but he made significant progress in his final two seasons at USC.
After hauling in 52 passes for 754 yards and three touchdowns in 12 games in 2024, those numbers soared to 79-1,156-six in a dozen contests last year. Lemon earned the Fred Biletnikoff Award, which is given to the best receiver in college football, and finished his USC tenure with just four drops in 33 games.
Whether Lemon is the best receiver in this year’s class is up for debate, especially with Ohio State’s Carnell Tate in the mix. But Lemon at least appears to be a surefire first-rounder. In ranking Lemon as the No. 12 prospect available, Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com writes that comparisons to Lions superstar and fellow USC product Amon-Ra St. Brown are “warranted.” Considering St. Brown has amassed a record 547 receptions in his first five seasons, that’s lofty praise.
Expecting a St. Brown-like impact may be unrealistic, but Lemon should provide an upgrade to his next team’s receiving corps. He is probably not a candidate for the Jets at No. 2 overall, but if Lemon is still on the board for their second pick, they could grab him as a much-needed Garrett Wilson complement. In heading to the Giants, Lemon would replace departed slot target Wan’Dale Robinson and partner with No. 1 receiver Malik Nabers.
We learned Friday that Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice will not face a suspension for domestic violence allegations, but off-field issues and injuries have held him out of 23 games in his three-year career. Rice also has just one year left on his rookie contract. Regardless of whether he is part of the Chiefs’ long-term plans, their receiving corps could stand to improve around Rice and 2024 first-rounder Xavier Worthy.
Meanwhile, having traded Jaylen Waddle to the Broncos, the Dolphins clearly have the least talented cast of receivers in this bunch. Adding Lemon would give newly signed starting quarterback Malik Willis a second exciting weapon to pair with running back De’Von Achane.
Florida DT Caleb Banks Up To Eight Pre-Draft Visits
Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks has already completed pre-draft visits with the Chiefs, Ravens, and Cardinals, per Zach Goodall of 247 Sports. Remaining on the docket are the Lions, Titans, Broncos, Falcons, and Chargers.
The 23-year-old flew up draft boards after an impressive performance at the Combine, which featured a 5.04-second 40-yard dash and a 9-foot-6 broad jump at 327 pounds. The hype around Banks cooled after a pre-draft visit revealed a foot fracture suffered the night before he took the field in Indianapolis. Testing well on a broken foot is impressive, but after Banks missed most of the 2025 season due to a foot injury, teams are understandably wary of using a top pick on him. Banks underwent surgery in mid-March and is expected to miss some of his first NFL offseason program.
Medical concerns are almost certainly the driver behind his busy schedule. Teams will need to be comfortable with the state of his foot, especially given the multiple injuries.
But as far as talent and long-term upside goes, Banks is up there with the top defensive prospects in the draft. He checks every physical box with a 6-foot-6, 327-pound frame with 35-inch arms. His power and athleticism overwhelmed most college offensive linemen and led to constant disruption in the trenches. Banks will need to shore up his technique in the NFL, where he will not be as much of a size outlier, but he has all the tools to succeed.
It remains to be seen if Banks’ injury will drop him out of the first round. Teams are certainly interested, and it only takes one to be comfortable enough with his foot to lock him down as early as possible.