Ian Cunningham: Falcons Will Release QB Kirk Cousins
The Falcons’ recent restructure of Kirk Cousins‘ contract added further to the widespread expectation a release would be coming. New general manager Ian Cunningham confirmed as much on Tuesday. 
While appearing on 92.9 The Game, Cunningham said (via Josh Kendall of The Athletic) Cousins will be released on the first day of the new league year. That means the Pro Bowl quarterback’s Atlanta tenure will come to an end on March 11. Cousins was set to see his 2027 salary (inflated to $67.9MM) vest in full on March 13, but to no surprise that will not be the case. This pending post-June 1 release will generate only $2.1MM in cap savings while creating $22.5MM in dead money charges (which can be spread across two years).
Cousins is therefore on track to reach free agency just before agreements with suitors can be finalized. The 37-year-old wishes to continue his career, and it will be interesting to see how his market takes shape in the near future. Especially if Daniel Jones remains in place with the Colts, free agency will not offer much in the way of starting-caliber veterans at the QB position. Cunningham later said (h/t Kendall) the Falcons will not be re-signing Cousins at a reduced rate, something which would have given them insurance while Michael Penix Jr. recovers.
Penix has yet to receive a full endorsement from Atlanta’s new regime – including Cunningham, president of football operations Matt Ryan and head coach Kevin Stefanski – and his Week 1 availability is uncertain at this time. Penix has endured up-and-down showings while atop the depth chart early in his NFL career, and the former first-rounder has a long injury history dating back to his days in college. Once Cousins is off the books, a new deal in his case will be needed or Atlanta will be in the market for an experienced addition through free agency or trade.
For Cousins, meanwhile, a return to Minnesota will increasingly be something to watch for over the coming weeks. The possibility of a Vikings reunion has picked up steam in league circles recently, and it would of course fit on a number of levels. J.J. McCarthy has missed considerable time during his first two years in the NFL, and his level of play when on the field has left plenty to be desired. That has left Minnesota in the market for QB1 competition, and Cousins would be a familiar face for head coach Kevin O’Connell and Co. after playing with the Vikings from 2018-23.
The lack of a long-term commitment on the part of Minnesota helped lead Cousins to head elsewhere in free agency. His four-year, $160MM Falcons pact seemed to put him on track for multiple years atop the depth chart, but it was quickly followed by the Penix selection. Since then, speculation has lingered about when a parting of ways would take place and leave Penix in place as the clear-cut QB1 (or a passer set to compete with a new arrival for the starting gig). That time will soon arrive.
Malik Willis, Ty Simpson Among QBs Being Evaluated By Browns
The Browns’ quarterback situation could go in a number of directions this offseason. The status quo would see Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson compete for the starting gig, but an outside addition will be explored. 
March will see the free agent and trade markets take shape, and Cleveland will do homework on the top options set to be available. Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com specifically names Malik Willis as a passer on the Browns’ radar at this point. That makes Cleveland one of many potential suitors in his case.
Willis is widely seen as the top quarterback on track for free agency. A Packers departure is expected, as the open market is set to present him with a starting opportunity. Cleveland had already been named as a team to watch on the Willis front, with the same also being true of Pittsburgh and Miami. The Dolphins in particular have Willis connections in the form of new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head Jeff Hafley. The 26-year-old could also be pursued by the Cardinals, provided they move on from Kyler Murray.
As Cabot notes, any veteran addition made by the Browns this offseason will not be a short-term rental but rather a passer viewed as having starting potential beyond 2026. That could certainly be the case for Willis if his market reaches expected levels, despite the fact he has only made six starts in the regular season. Cleveland’s financial situation will once again be impacted by Watson’s heavy cap charge, so it would be difficult for the team to win a bidding war.
That leaves the draft as another route to landing a new QB. On that note, Cabot writes Ty Simpson is among the prospects receiving attention in the Browns’ case. The Alabama product is seen as the second-best passer in this year’s class, owing in large part to Dante Moore‘s decision to remain in school for 2026. Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza is on track to be drafted first overall by the Raiders, but Simpson’s landing spot is much more difficult to project at this point.
Having only made 15 starts in college, Simpson is viewed as having notable upside but will carry risk based on his short track record. The 23-year-old’s 2025 season also did not finish nearly as well as it began, something which could hinder his stock. Nevertheless, the Browns – who own two first-round selections along with one in each of the second and third rounds – will have ample opportunity to make another QB investment in April.
Stephen Jones: Cowboys Will Place Franchise Tag On George Pickens
George Pickens may well have been the top free agent in the NFL had he reached the open market next month. As expected, though, that will not take place. 
Pickens has long loomed as a franchise tag candidate, and the Cowboys have a history of tagging players to prevent free agent departures. Dallas, to no surprise, will go down that route once again in 2026. Executive vice president Stephen Jones confirmed on Monday (via NFL Network’s Judy Battista) Pickens will be tagged shortly.
“We always want guys here,” Jones added (via Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News). “We’ve franchised players before, obviously we want him here working with the team. It will work itself out in the coming weeks.”
The franchise tag for receivers is projected to cost $28.82MM in 2026, making it the most expensive one-year tender at any position other than quarterback. The Cowboys already have massive deals on the books in the form of Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, and their offense recently added another increased cost. Running back Javonte Williams secured a raise with his newest Dallas contract, one which should nevertheless leave room for Pickens to be retained.
Acquired via trade last offseason, Pickens elected not to immediately pursue an extension upon arrival. That decision proved to be worthwhile, as the former Steeler set new career highs across the board. Pickens was among the league’s most productive wideouts, racking up 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns on 93 receptions. A premium deep threat, Pickens will only be 25 at the start of the 2026 season. Expectations will thus be high for continued high-end showings on the tag or a long-term Cowboys pact.
Dallas is currently among the teams slated to be over the cap next season. All franchise tags are guaranteed in full, and the one-year cap charge matches their value. That makes a tag more challenging to absorb than a multi-year agreement, even when one is worth a similar (or slightly higher) amount on an annual basis. Pickens has been connected to an asking price of $30MM per year on a new deal, although team and player are not very deep into the negotiating process at this point.
Questions have been raised about whether or not Pickens will report to offseason workouts in the event he is tagged without a subsequent extension agreement. Beyond voluntary work, attendance during mandatory minicamp and training camp during the summer could become a storyline as well depending on how things play out. Dallas’ preference, based on Jones’ comments, remains a pact stretching well beyond 2026. For now, the team will look to buy time by using the tag in advance of next week’s deadline.
Commanders Re-Sign OL Andrew Wylie
Andrew Wylie was on course for free agency. Instead, he will be remaining in the nation’s capital for at least the next two years. 
Wylie and the Commanders have agreed to a two-year contract, as first reported by Ari Meirov of the 33rd Team. The deal has been confirmed by ESPN’s John Keim, who notes Wylie preferred to re-sign with Washington rather than testing the open market. That will indeed be the case.
According to Meirov, this deal has a base value of $7.5MM. It can reach a maximum of $10.5MM, making this a notable raise compared to Wylie’s most recent contract. In 2025, he took a one-year, $4MM pact to stay in place with the Commanders. The 31-year-old will now be in line to continue serving a notable role along Washington’s offensive line. Wylie will collect a $1.5MM signing bonus, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 adds.
A former undrafted free agent, Wylie found an opportunity for playing time with the Chiefs and established himself as a regular with them. Over the course of five seasons in Kanas City, he totaled 59 starts. That stretch was followed by a three-year, $24MM deal in free agency which sent Wylie to Washington. It allowed the Eastern Michigan product to operate as the Commanders’ starting right tackle.
Things changed last year when Washington drafted Josh Conerly in the first round. Conerly took on right tackle duties during his rookie campaign, and he is in line to continue in that role for 2026. The Oregon alum could be seen as a potential left tackle in the future, but Washington is interested in extending Laremy Tunsil. As long as Tunsil and Conerly are in the fold, Wylie – who drew trade interest in the fall – will be tasked with handling a backup tackle gig; he could also see time at guard, as was the case in 2025.
The Commanders still have a long list of pending free agents whose futures need to be decided on over the coming days. That includes several offensive linemen, but given today’s news Wylie will offer familiarity and a veteran depth presence up front.
Chiefs Release DE Mike Danna
Mike Danna‘s run with the Chiefs has ended. The veteran pass rusher was released on Monday, per a team announcement. 
One year remained on Danna’s contract, but none of his scheduled base salary for 2026 was guaranteed. As a result, this move will free up $8.94MM in cap space. Kansas City will take on a dead money charge of just $2.17MM with this release.
The Chiefs entered Monday as one of the teams projected to be over the cap, and Danna was recently named as a cut candidate. Today’s move thus comes as little surprise. The latest Patrick Mahomes restructure helped free up much-needed space, but there is still more work to be done on this front. In any case, Danna will now get a head start on free agency.
The two-time Super Bowl champion worked as a rotational defender early in his Chiefs career before becoming a regular first-team presence. In all, Danna totaled 49 starts during the regular season, with most coming in the past three seasons. During that span, he saw his production steadily head in the wrong direction. Part of Kansas City’s savings from this release could very well be spent on a perceived upgrade along the edge.
George Karlaftis signed a big-ticket extension in 2025, and he will be counted on as an anchor along the defensive front for years to come. Kansas City has former first-rounder Felix Anudike-Uzomah in the fold as well, but he managed just three sacks across his first two NFL campaigns before missing the entire 2025 season. Without Danna in the fold, the Chiefs will likely find themselves in the market for a veteran pass rush addition next month before targeting at least one rookie via the draft.
Danna, 28, is now one of several experienced edge rushers who will be available in free agency. His most productive season came in 2023 (6.5 sacks, 21 pressures). That led to a three-year, $24MM pact being worked out, but it did not yield the expected results. Team and player will now part ways early as the lead-in to the new league year continues.
Saints’ Cameron Jordan Addresses Pending Free Agency
Cameron Jordan‘s contract is set to void just before the start of free agency. It remains to be seen if his career will continue into a 16th Saints season as a result. 
2025 saw Jordan regain his previous form from a production standpoint. The 2010s All-Decade Team member posted 10.5 sacks, reaching double-digits for the first time in that department since 2021. Seen around the league as a potential trade target leading up to the deadline, the franchise icon remained in place through the end of the campaign.
Now, Jordan is in position to once again negotiate a new Saints deal. Entering his age-37 season, a long-term pact or one near the top of the market should certainly not be expected. Jordan is well aware of that, something he recently made clear when speaking about his future.
“If you get a 10-sack season, if I was 26, I’d be asking for top dollar,” the eight-time Pro Bowler said (via NFL.com). “Things I’ve never asked for is top dollar. All I’ve ever asked for is to be valued.”
In 2023, Jordan inked a two-year, $26.5MM pact which helped set him up to retire as a member of the Saints. A restructure took place in March, but another new contract will now need to be agreed to in order to avoid a departure. Jordan would be seen as an impactful addition on any number of teams, especially considering his strong 2025 showing. The Saints are currently over the cap for 2026, but to much less of an extent than previous years.
New Orleans has Carl Granderson on the books through 2027 thanks to his most recent deal. Chase Young, meanwhile, landed a major raise when re-signing with the Saints last year. Those two figure to play considerable roles along the edge in 2026 regardless of how things play out on this front. Nevertheless, efforts between Jordan and the Saints to work out another short-term arrangement would come as no surprise.
T Rasheed Walker Expected To Draw Interest From Chiefs, Patriots?
Teams are often hard-pressed to find offensive tackles in free agency who are capable of handling starting duties at a high level. When blockers on the blindside in particular become available, there is naturally a strong level of interest.
That will be the case for Rasheed Walker in the event he departs the Packers. Green Bay has long been expected to move on in this case, with 2024 first-rounder Jordan Morgan a strong candidate to be promoted to the role of starting left tackle. That should leave no shortage of suitors for Walker. 
The Browns – who could have an entirely new offensive line in 2026 – were recently named as a potential landing spot for Walker. Cleveland certainly fits the bill as a team in need of stability on the blindside, and a big-money offer in that case would come as no surprise. Winning a bidding war may be needed to secure Walker’s services, though. One salary cap guru who spoke with SportsBoom’s Jason La Canfora predicted a deal averaging $25MM per year will be worked out in this case.
There are currently nine offensive tackles attached to an AAV of $25MM or more. The most recent addition to that list was Charles Cross, who landed a four-year, $104.4MM Seahawks extension in January. Walker could command a similar pact if a sufficient number of suitors emerge. The former seventh-round pick has operated as a full-time starter for the past three years, remaining durable during that time and earning consistent PFF evaluations. Walker has never graded higher than 41st among qualifying tackles, but blockers in their prime often land substantial paydays in free agency.
Entering his age-26 season, Walker is certainly in line to outpace the value of his rookie pact by an enormous amount. La Canfora spoke with multiple general managers who named the Chiefs as a logical suitor in this case. Kansas City’s Kingsley Suamataia draft selection in 2024 did not provide the team with a left tackle, although he settled in at left guard in 2025. The Chiefs’ most recent Day 1 pick was spent on Josh Simmons, who was limited to eight games as a rookie. Simmons may develop into a long-term left tackle solution, but the expected release of Jawaan Taylor will at least create an opening at the right tackle position.
Evaluators also pointed to the Patriots as a team to watch on the Walker front. New England drafted Will Campbell fourth overall in 2025, although New England’s playoff run was marred by poor play up front. Campbell in particular struggled upon returning from a late-season stint on injured reserve, but he received a public endorsement from head coach Mike Vrabel. Keeping Campbell on the blindside is something New England will certainly consider, although with over $40MM in projected cap space the team could certainly afford a high-priced offensive line acquisition in March.
The Chiefs, by contrast, are among the teams currently over the projected 2026 cap. Kansas City will need to shed costs over the coming weeks as a result, but making further additions up front could still be seen as a priority this spring. It will be interesting to see how Walker’s market shakes out with teams vying for a splashy signing on the blindside.
TE Isaiah Likely Open To New Ravens Deal
Isaiah Likely has flashed potential while playing out his rookie contract. A first career trip to free agency looms, but remaining in place with the Ravens could still be on the table. 
Selected in the fourth round of the 2022 draft, Likely emerged as a regular contributor on offense in Baltimore. His most productive season came in 2024 with a 42-477-6 statline. Likely was expected to take another step forward in his walk year, but a preseason foot injury resulted in missed time in the fall. While slowly working his way back to full strength, he managed only 27 receptions and a single score.
Still, Likely could easily generate a strong market in free agency. The 25-year-old could be viewed as an option for an outside team’s primary pass-catching tight end role, something which could price him out of Baltimore. The Ravens signed Mark Andrews to a new deal in December, ensuring the top of their depth chart at the position will remain unchanged through 2026 and beyond. Likely may well need to head elsewhere to take on a full-time starting role as a result.
“With my agent, what I told him was I just want to be able to blossom,” Likely said during an appearance on the Gruden Goes Long podcast. “The last couple years, I’ve had a great vet in Mark Andrews, where he taught me everything to be a star-caliber tight end to the point where it’s like now I just want to be on a team where I can get out there and help a quarterback, help a team be able to put as much points on the board as possible.”
Likely has recorded a catch percentage of at least 72.4% in each of the past three years, and for his career he has averaged 11.6 yards per reception. Interested teams could thus see the Coastal Carolina product as a candidate to break out with an elevated workload. Likely said he is open to re-signing with the Ravens – something which would see him continue to share snaps with Andrews – but added “business is business.”
Baltimore has Andrews along with wideout Rashod Bateman under contract for multiple years. Zay Flowers is coming off his second straight 1,000-yard campaign, and 2026 marks the first offseason in which he is eligible for an extension. Making a big-money commitment to Flowers could leave Baltimore short on available funds in terms of pass-catching options, making Likely a name to watch as free agency approaches.
5 Key Stories: 2/15/26 – 2/22/26
With the countdown to free agency ongoing, teams will increasingly need to make a number of critical roster moves over the coming weeks. Several have already taken place, though. Here is a quick recap of the past week around the NFL:
- Dolphins Begin Cost Shedding: The Dolphins were among the teams set to approach the new league year in the worst shape financially. As such, several cost-cutting moves were due to be made by new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan. Monday brought about several, with wideout Tyreek Hill and edge rusher Bradley Chubb among the players being released. Neither move came as much of a surprise, but they confirmed a major roster overhaul is being undertaken under Sullivan and first-year head coach Jeff Hafley. Hill’s NFL future has been the subject of speculation for several months, but like Chubb he intends to continue playing in 2026. Meanwhile, attention will now increasingly turn to the matter of how Miami proceeds with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
- Evans To Play 13th Season: Pending free agent Mike Evans is known to be nearing the end of his career. However, the Buccaneers icon will play in 2026. This past season was the first in which Evans was unable to reach 1,000 receiving yards, and the injuries which limited him to just eight games will no doubt hinder his market value. Nevertheless, the six-time Pro Bowler could be one of the top wideouts in the upcoming free agent class. A Tampa Bay departure seemed like a possibility the last time Evans was in this situation, and it will be interesting to see if he seriously explores other opportunities in March. At the age of 32, is next Bucs pact – if one is to be worked out – could very well be his last.
- Seahawks On The Market: As expected, the Seahawks will have new ownership in the relatively near future. The Super Bowl LX champions have begun the process of being sold, falling in line with estate requirements of the late Paul Allen. The sale of Allen’s other franchise – the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers – has already been worked out. That produced a price of roughly $4.2 billion, which is a far lower figure than what the Seahawks will fetch. A sale price easily eclipsing the $6.05 billion the Commanders were sold for in 2023 is expected, although no known suitors have emerged so far. That could change over the coming months.
- Williams Lands New Cowboys Deal: Signing with the Cowboys in 2025 allowed Javonte Williams to enjoy a standout season. Instead of testing the open market this time around, the veteran back agreed to a three-year, $24MM deal to remain in Dallas. Williams secured $16MM guaranteed, a healthy bump in pay compared to his first Cowboys pact. The former second-rounder signed for just one year and $3MM last spring, a deal which proved to be quite team-friendly. Williams, 25, set new career highs across the board with Dallas, thriving as part of the team’s high-end offense. He will be expected to do the same with the most lucrative contract of his career in hand.
- Moore Dies At 25: Saturday brought about the tragic news of Rondale Moore‘s passing. The 25-year-old was found dead in a garage of a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound in his hometown of New Albany, Indiana. Moore spent his first three NFL seasons with the Cardinals before being traded to the Falcons. A major knee injury kept him sidelined for the entire 2024 season, leading the Purdue product to free agency for the first time in his career. A one-year Vikings contract was worked out, but during his first preseason action with Minnesota Moore once again suffered a season-ending knee injury. In all, he made 40 combined regular and postseason appearances in the NFL.
Broncos To Re-Hire John Morton
John Morton will once again find himself in Denver for the 2026 campaign. He will occupy a familiar role on Sean Payton‘s staff next season. 
Morton is coming back to the Broncos on a full-time basis, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports. He will once again hold the title of pass-game coordinator. It was in that capacity that Morton worked in Denver during the 2023 and ’24 seasons.
Lats year, Morton was hired by the Lions to serve as Ben Johnson‘s offensive coordinator replacement. Things did not go according to plan in Detroit, to say the least. By the end of the season, head coach Dan Campbell had taken on play-calling duties. That made it no surprise when Morton was dismissed immediately following the conclusion of the regular season.
Morton was not out of work for long, even with his Lions gig coming to an end. The 56-year-old returned to the Broncos in time for their playoff run. As a result, it is certainly not a shock Payton has simply elected to continue having Morton in place on a full-time basis. The most significant difference between Morton’s first Broncos stint and his upcoming one, of course, is the recent change made at the offensive coordinator spot.
Joe Lombardi was fired not long after Denver’s loss in the AFC title game. That paved the way for the highly in-demand Davis Webb to be promoted to OC. It remains to be seen if Payton will hand down play-calling duties to Webb for 2026, but in any case the dynamic between the two will be different than it previously was. Morton, meanwhile, will look to make a seamless transition back to his previous role in Denver. Doing so could help rebuild his stock and lead to future coordinator opportunities.