Texans, C.J. Stroud Yet To Conduct Extension Talks?
Earlier this offseason, signs pointed to hesitancy on the part of the Texans regarding a C.J. Stroud extension being worked out in 2026. It appears a deal is still not imminent in this case.
ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime reports there have yet to be “serious extension talks” at this point. Houston made the obvious decision of picking up Stroud’s fifth-year option this spring, doing the same for edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. The latter recently inked a massive second contract, one carrying a non-QB record average annual value of $50MM.
The Texans’ attention could now turn to Stroud if their goal is to work out a long-term contract before the latest inevitable jump in the quarterback market. On the other hand, the former No. 2 pick’s statistical regression over the past two years compared to his stellar rookie campaign led to some executives Bien-Aime spoke with recommending a patient approach from Houston. As a result of the option decision, Stroud will be under team control through at least 2027.
The franchise tag looms as another means of keeping Stroud in the fold for the short term, although using it would involve considerable up front cap commitments. A long-term extension, by contrast, would presumably carry a much larger AAV but allow Houston to spread out the cap charges over an extended period. In any case, finding common ground on the value of a potential second contract will be a central task for team and player.
10 quarterbacks are currently attached to deals averaging between $51MM and $60MM per season. Players from the 2023 draft are eligible to join that list, although the No. 1 pick in Stroud’s class (Bryce Young) is far from certain to land a big-money commitment from the Panthers. Anthony Richardson, taken fourth overall, remains a trade candidate as the Colts prepare to move forward with Daniel Jones as their QB1.
Stroud has outperformed both Young and Richardson early in their respective NFL careers. The Texans have reached the divisional round during each of the past three years. This past postseason in particular, however, highlighted concerns related to turnovers in Stroud’s case. The 24-year-old also missed three games in 2025 due to a concussion. Those factors, along with an inability to replicate the efficiency of his rookie season, could lead general manager Nick Caserio and Co. to wait before authorizing an extension.
The Texans have a young core anchored by their elite defense, and expectations will remain high for the team moving forward. Another renovation project along the offensive line, coupled with the acquisition of David Montgomery as a new lead running back, should help Stroud’s performances in 2026. If he is to enter next season with a new deal in hand, though, there appears to be plenty of work still to be done on the negotiating front.
TE David Njoku Arranges Chargers Visit
David Njoku‘s free agent spell has lasted well into the offseason. With the draft now complete, though, he is among the veterans positioned to find a new home shortly.
Njoku has arranged a visit with the Chargers, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. He adds it will take place on Monday. Njoku is among the most accomplished tight ends still on the market as teams around the league begin their spring practice programs.
A first-round pick of the Browns in 2017, Njoku was held in high regard by the team throughout his Cleveland tenure. Expectations did not always match production in his case, but he surpassed 500 yards on four occasions. Njoku was a focal point on offense for much of his Browns stint, receiving 123 targets in 2023. The play of Harold Fannin Jr. as a rookie this past season set him up to operate as the Browns’ top tight end for years to come, however.
That made it little surprise when Cleveland elected not to retain Njoku in free agency. The 29-year-old is a veteran of 118 games, and he will offer a pass-catching presence to his next team. Njoku lined up a visit with the Ravens in March, but that did not result in a Baltimore deal. Other potential suitors waited until the draft took place to consider circling back to this situation.
The Chargers have already made a number of decisions at the tight end spot this offseason. Will Dissly and Tucker Fisk are unsigned at this point, while Tyler Conklin departed in free agency. Charlie Kolar was added on the open market, and the former Raven could be in store for an uptick in offensive usage on his new team. The Bolts did not add a tight end during the draft, leaving potential room for a late-spring signing.
The Chargers remain near the top of the league in terms of cap space with over $45MM available. A deal in Njoku’s case will no doubt consist of a short-term agreement and one worth less than the $13.69MM AAV of his second Browns contract. Finances will certainly not be an issue if the Chargers eye a deal following his visit.
Vikings To Use Search Firm For GM Hire; Rob Brzezinski Interested In Full-Time Gig
The Vikings have made it through free agency and the draft with a temporary front office setup in place. The search for Kwesi Adofo-Mensah‘s full-time general manager replacement is now underway.
The team recently announced TurnkeyZRG has been hired to assist in the process. Using search firms is common in the NFL, and Minnesota will take that route as well. Over the course of multiple weeks, candidates will be interviewed before a hire is made. The announcement also states candidates will not be publicly named.
Few developments may emerge over the coming days regarding the outside options the Vikings explore as a result. In any case, the future of interim GM Rob Brzezinski will be worth watching closely. The longtime Minnesota executive has been mentioned as a candidate to land the general manager gig on a full-time basis, although his interest on that front has been a question mark until recently. Tom Pelissero of NFL Network notes Brzezinski has indeed thrown his hat into the ring with the Vikings search getting started.
Brzezinski took over once Adofo-Mensah’s four-year run came to an abrupt end in January. He oversaw free agency, a period during which a reduction in spending was sought out. Finances were also a key factor in the recent Jonathan Greenard trade, one which sent the Pro Bowl edge rusher to the Eagles. Brzezinski remained in place through the draft, as planned, and the Vikings will hope a new group of cost-controlled players helps bring about a return to the playoffs in 2026.
Front office personnel who spoke with SportsBoom’s Jason La Canfora expressed support for the Vikings handing the full-time GM title to Brzezinski. The veteran NFL staffer has been with the Vikings since 1999, holding multiple positions in the team’s front office since then. Brzezinski became Minnesota’s executive vice president of football operations in 2014, positioning him as a logical choice for interim GM duties over the early portions of the offseason.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert notes (video link) the Vikings should not be expected to maintain their existing front office structure in the event an outside hire is made. The potential for Brzezinski taking a president of football operations role to oversee a new GM was recently mentioned, and it will be interesting to see owners Zygi and Mark Wilf consider such a setup. Otherwise, a shake-up brought about by a new arrival or the continuation of the status quo though Brzezinski being handed the reins will be in store.
Russell Wilson Considering CBS Gig?
As things stand, Russell Wilson remains a free agent. He is nevertheless still interested in continuing his playing career, as shown by a recent visit with the Jets.
In the event Wilson does not land a new deal as a player, though, it appears he has a transition to broadcasting lined up. Andrew Marchand of The Athletic reports Wilson is “in deep discussions” to take on a television gig. He adds CBS Sports’ The NFL Today is Wilson’s expected landing spot.
Wilson has previously appeared on CBS broadcasts, including during the Giants’ bye week in 2025. A deal allowing him to join The NFL Today, CBS’ Sunday pregame program, would see Wilson replace Matt Ryan. Ryan recently departed his broadcasting role to take on the top front office position for the Falcons. Another high-profile former quarterback would take his place if the talks involving Wilson result in a deal being struck.
From 2012-21, Wilson served as the Seahawks’ starting quarterback. That span included two straight Super Bowl appearances (with one win) and underscored the height of his career. Since the blockbuster trade which sent the 10-time Pro Bowler to the Broncos, however, things have not gone according to plan. Wilson was in place for just two years in Denver, and his time atop the depth chart was over before Sean Payton‘s first year as head coach had ended.
Upon being released, Wilson took a one-year pact with the Steelers. The 37-yearold missed time early in the season before taking over from Justin Fields and remaining atop the depth chart through Pittsburgh’s wild-card round loss. The Giants inked Wilson to a one-year deal last spring, setting him up for a brief spell as New York’s QB1. The Giants have Jaxson Dart and Jameis Winston in the fold as carryovers from 2025, and it has long been clear another change of scenery would be needed for Wilson to meet his goal of continuing to play.
In January, Wilson changed agents; he is now represented by David Mulugheta as a result. That move has not yielded a contract before or immediately after the draft, leaving him to no doubt give further consideration to a TV gig. Wilson’s plans for 2026 will be worth watching as the offseason continues to unfold.
Packers Add 10 UDFAs
The Packers have unveiled their undrafted free agent class. These 10 players will be taking part in Green Bay’s minicamp:
- Dylan Barrett, G (Iowa State)
- Kyron Drones, QB (Virginia Tech)
- Josh Gesky, G (Illinois)
- Nyjalik Kelly, EDGE (Central Florida)
- Murvin Kenion, S (Nevada)
- RJ Maryland, TE (SMU)
- Jaden Nixon, RB (Central Florida)
- T.J. Quinn, LB (Louisville)
- J. Michael Sturdivant, WR (Florida)
- Dillon Wade, G Auburn)
Quinn secured a notable financial commitment from Green Bay. Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 notes the Packers gave him a deal including $150K in base salary and a $20K signing bonus. Quinn will no doubt receive a long look during training camp as he competes for a depth role.
The Packers’ draft class did not include a quarterback despite the organization’s long-running philosophy of targeting at least late-round additions at the position on a regular basis. Still, a rookie passer will be in the fold thanks to the Drones signing. After two years at Baylor, Drones transferred to Virginia Tech and spent three years as the Hokies’ starter.
Kelly played in a depth role during his two-year stint at Miami. An in-state transfer saw him join UCF, and his first season there resulted in a 5.5-sack campaign. Kelly added another three sacks in 2025, and across his two years at Central Florida he racked up 17 tackles for loss. He will look to carve out a spot at the end of the roster as part of Green Bay’s pass rush rotation or at least secure a place on the Packers’ practice squad.
Cowboys Sign S Caleb Downs, Five Other Draft Picks
The Cowboys are among the teams which have moved quickly in signing the bulk of their draft classes. All but one of Dallas’ draft picks are now under contract.
The team announced on Friday that safety Caleb Downs has been signed. The same is also true for each of the Cowboys’ other draftees except for fellow first-rounder Malachi Lawrence. Downs and Co. will take part in Dallas’ rookie minicamp this weekend.
Downs – who will collect $28.9MM guaranteed – spent the entire pre-draft process as one of the most highly-regarded prospects from this year’s class. As was the case for many others, though, the matter of positional value threated a drop down the first-rounder order. Downs slid out of the top 10, something which promoted the Cowboys to move up one spot and select him after executing a trade with the Dolphins.
Known for his production and high football IQ, Downs will be counted to play an immediate role within Dallas’ new-look secondary. The Cowboys still have Malik Hooker in place, but the team added Jalen Thompson and P.J. Locke in free agency. An All-American in both of his Ohio State seasons, Downs will be expected to serve as an impact member of that group right away and for several years to come.
In addition to Downs, third-round edge rusher Jaishawn Barham, fourth-round tackle Drew Shelton, fourth-round cornerback Devin Moore, fourth-round edge rusher LT Overton and seventh-round receiver Anthony Smith have each inked their rookie contracts. Each of those deals will be four years in length. Downs’ pact will also run through 2029, but the team will eventually have a fifth-year option decision to make in his case.
Lawrence was drafted 23rd overall after Dallas moved down the board from No. 20. ESPN’s Todd Archer notes his contract should be finalized once more players selected in a similar range wind up being signed, adding no issues are anticipated. Lawrence could take part in rookie camp without a contract in place, but in any event his pact can be expected to be signed shortly.
Panthers RT Taylor Moton Not Weighing Retirement
Last summer, Taylor Moton agreed to a two-year Panthers extension. The team’s right tackle stalwart is under contract through 2027 as a result, and no thought is currently being given to hanging up his cleats.
“Retirement’s not on my mind right now,” Moton said (via Joe Person of The Athletic). “I feel great running around with all the young guys. I’m feeling young. I feel like I’m moving well and I’m feeling like, shoot, I’m still in my prime, right? I don’t feel like I’m slowing down.”
Moton was a backup during his rookie season, but he took on starting right tackle duties in 2018. Since then, he has been a mainstay up front, racking up 128 starts and missing just four games along the way. Moton’s future has been a talking point while he has played through knee issues, and his only absences have come in the past two seasons. That, coupled with the Panthers’ current offensive tackle setup, could result in further speculation regarding his outlook beyond 2026.
Carolina added Rasheed Walker in free agency on a one-year deal. The team then spent its first-round pick in the draft on Monroe Freeling. The Georgia product could operate as the Panthers’ swing tackle as a rookie before becoming a starter somewhere on the offensive line. Ikem Ekwonu is also in the fold, but he is recovering from a torn patellar tendon which threatens to see him miss considerable time this season.
2026 marks Ekwonu’s fifth-year option campaign, so the Panthers will need to decide on a long-term commitment in his case relatively soon. The former No. 6 pick has been a full-time starter when healthy, and he hopes to remain in Carolina beyond the current campaign. A new deal for Ekwonu would of course increase the chances of Walker departing after one season, but Moton’s status will also be key in determining when (and where) Freeling will find himself playing once he takes on first-team duties.
Moton, 32 in August, is due roughly $14.2MM in 2026 and $21.5MM the following year. With none of his base salary for 2027 guaranteed at this point, though, the possibility of his Panthers tenure ending will no doubt be raised next offseason. If that were to take place, Moton may look to continue his career elsewhere based on his current stance regarding retirement.
Commanders Not Interested In Trading For 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk
The draft came and went without a Brandon Aiyuk resolution emerging. A parting of ways with the 49ers is still expected in his case, with the Commanders looming as his likeliest destination.
Aiyuk has three years remaining on his contract, one which no longer includes any guaranteed salary. San Francisco’s preference would be to execute a trade and by doing so recoup draft capital for player who received a $30MM-per-year investment from the team in 2024. Suitors, on the other hand, are positioned to wait for a release and approach Aiyuk as a free agent.
Washington is among them in that regard. Matt Barrows and Nicku Jhabvala of The Athletic report the Commanders are viewed around the league as being “steadfast in their unwillingness” to work out a trade for Aiyuk. The team’s plan remains a free agent signing of the 28-year-old. Barrows and Jhabvala unsurpisingly add Washington is eyeing a short-term deal laden with incentives if/when Aiyuk hits the open market.
The former first-rounder will obviously not be able to match the four-year, $120MM pact he landed in 2024 when his next contract is worked out. Nevertheless, Aiyuk could offer a boost to a Washington offense which still has Terry McLaurin in the fold but remains on track to lose Deebo Samuel. Commanders general manager Adam Peters was in the 49ers’ front office when Aiyuk was drafted. A signing would allow for a reunion on that front along with one between Aiyuk and quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Aiyuk seemed at various points to be on track for a return to the fold in 2025 after his previous season had been cut short by ACL and MCL tears. He never returned to the team, however, a factor which contributed to the rift which has become clearer over time. The 49ers have engaged in trade talks regarding Aiyuk, but Barrows and Jhabvala confirm the team is no rush to proceed with a release at this time. It could be until well into the summer before Aiyuk becomes available depending on the how willing the Commanders are to avoid a trade agreement.
During a recent Pat McAfee Show appearance, ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted the 49ers have still had difficulties getting in touch with Aiyuk. Notably, he added the same is also true of other teams which could be interested in acquiring him. Communication with the Commanders in particular could go a long way in bringing this saga toward its conclusion, and it will be interesting to see if things pick up soon in that regard.
NFL Mailbag: Rams, Simpson, Steelers, Panthers, Draft
This week's edition of the PFR Mailbag touches on a few draft-related topics. Questions regarding the Panthers' offensive line situation, among others, are also answered.
Luke asks:
Will the Rams benefit from taking [Ty] Simpson or could they have gotten a veteran QB down the line and replaced [Matthew] Stafford without sacrificing the No. 13 pick?
I feel safe in predicting there will be some benefit for the Rams with Simpson. The question is obviously when that will be the case and whether or not his presence (for 2026 and beyond) will outweigh the impact of another player Los Angeles could have taken.
Dolphins Part Ways With Champ Kelly
With the draft now in the books, the Dolphins are among the teams undergoing changes in their front office. The most notable departure has come in the form of new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan‘s predecessor.
Miami has parted ways with Champ Kelly, CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones reports. Kelly held the title of senior personnel executive but also served as the Dolphins’ interim GM after Chris Grier‘s in-season dismissal. Miami was one of the teams in need of a new general manager during the 2026 hiring cycle, something which ultimately resulted in Sullivan’s hire and consultant Troy Aikman securing a semi-permanent role in the organization.
When the Dolphins narrowed their GM candidates list to four, Kelly was still in the running. He had just joined the team near the start of the prior league year after three-year tenure in Las Vegas that started with his first opportunity in an assistant general manager role before moving him into an interim role in place of fired Raiders general manager Dave Ziegler. The former Broncos and Bears staffer’s knowledge of both college and pro scouting helped him quickly climb up to even be in position for multiple interim GM opportunities.
Joining Kelly in departure are pro scouts J.P. Correia and Andy Howell. Correia came out of the UMass front office in 2017, serving a short pro personnel internship with the Giants before joining the Dolphins as a scouting assistant. Corriea worked as a player personnel scout for the next three years before spent the past four seasons in his most recent role.
Howell started as a scouting assistant with the Browns in 2012, spent two years going from pro personnel intern to assistant with the Jets, and spent a season as the director of player personnel/recruiting coordinator at Western Michigan before joining the Dolphins in 2016. He only spent one season as a player personnel scout before moving in a the pro scout position for the past eight seasons.
Ely Allen contributed to this post.