Rams Not Closing Door On Jimmy Garoppolo
Free agent quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is weighing retirement at the age of 34. Garoppolo spent the past two seasons with the Rams, who seemingly replaced him this week with the surprising selection of No. 13 overall pick Ty Simpson. However, if Garoppolo decides to play in 2026, head coach Sean McVay is not ruling out re-signing the 12-year veteran.
On whether the Rams have closed the door on Garoppolo, McVay said (via Mike Florio of PFT): “I wouldn’t say that. I don’t want to say completely closed, but I would say this. You guys know how much I appreciate Jimmy and what he could really do. I always viewed him as a starting-caliber quarterback.”
McVay added that Simpson’s presence “probably lessens the level of urgency” to address the position. The Rams have an MVP-winning signal-caller in Matthew Stafford, who is nearing an extension ahead of his age-38 season. Unless the Rams re-sign Garoppolo or add another passer, the untested Stetson Bennett is expected to compete with Simpson for the No. 2 job. Bennett joined the Rams as a fourth-rounder in 2023. Three years later, the former Georgia starter and two-time national champion has yet to take a regular-season snap in the NFL.
It goes without saying that Stafford and Simpson are locks for roster spots. It may be preferable to have Garoppolo or another experienced third option over Bennett, though the Rams have rarely needed a Stafford sub in recent seasons. Concussions and a neck injury limited Stafford to nine games in 2022, but he has missed just three since then.
The 2025 campaign was the second 17-game season of Stafford’s superb five-year Rams tenure. That left just 18 snaps for Garoppolo, who went a year without attempting a pass for the first time. While Garoppolo is now one of the most established QBs left on the open market, whether he will re-sign with the Rams or go to another team is up in the air.
Raiders Acquire 101st Pick, Draft Jermod McCoy
The fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft kicked off with a trade on Saturday. The Raiders acquired the 101st pick from the Bills and selected Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy. The Bills received pick 102 and a 2027 seventh-rounder in return, per Albert Breer of SI.com.
The 101st pick changed hands twice. The Bills acquired it from the Titans on Thursday before sending it to the Raiders. Las Vegas used the choice on one of the highest-upside corners in the draft. Once considered a shoo-in to go in the first round (perhaps in the top 10), McCoy’s stock dropped precipitously amid concerns over a cartilage defect in his knee.
McCoy missed all of last season with a torn ACL, but that is not what scared teams away. Rather, he may eventually require surgery to replace a bone plug in the same knee, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Another surgery would likely knock out McCoy for an entire year, according to Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson, who adds that an unsuccessful procedure could end his career.
While there are legitimate fears over McCoy’s longevity, the Raiders are nonetheless taking a mid-round flier on one of the most talented defenders in this class. McCoy was among the 20 best prospects available entering the proceedings, according to Dane Brugler of The Athletic (No. 14) and Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com (No. 19). The 6-foot, 188-pounder combined for six interceptions in a two-year college career split between Oregon State and Tennessee. He was a second-team All-American in 2024, his lone healthy season with the Volunteers.
McCoy is the second noteworthy offseason cornerback pickup for the Raiders, who previously added slot corner Taron Johnson in another trade with the Bills. If healthy, McCoy will join Eric Stokes and 2025 third-rounder Darien Porter among the Raiders’ top options on the outside.
Browns Select QB Taylen Green At No. 182
The Browns are adding another quarterback to the mix. The team will select Arkansas’ Taylen Green with the 182nd pick, insider Jordan Schultz reports.
The Browns spent two picks on quarterbacks a year ago, when they took Dillon Gabriel in the third round and Shedeur Sanders in the fifth. Even though Gabriel went before Sanders, the latter is now higher on the depth chart. Sanders and Deshaun Watson, who missed all of 2025 after re-rupturing his Achilles, are expected to compete for the starting job this summer.
If it is down to Sanders versus Watson, Green could vie with Gabriel for the third-string gig. For now, general manager Andrew Berry intends to move forward with all four signal-callers (via Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN).
Known for his impressive blend of size and athleticism, the 6-foot-6, 227-pound Green put on a show at the Combine. Green’s 4.36-second 40-yard dash, 43 1/2-inch vertical leap and 11-foot-2 broad jump lead all QBs since 2003, per Oyefusi . While Green’s athleticism could translate at another position, Berry has no plans to move him away from his current spot (via Mike Garafolo of NFL Network).
“He’s playing quarterback,” Berry insisted. “He’s playing quarterback.”
With 46 college starts, Green is entering the NFL with a solid amount of experience. He spent his first three years at Boise State before transferring to Arkansas in 2024. As a passer, the 23-year-old wrapped up his college career with a 60.1% completion rate and 59 touchdowns. He was a huge threat on the ground, having averaged 5.2 yards per rush and added 35 scores on 458 attempts.
During Green’s two years with the Razorbacks, he racked up the most plays of 20-plus yards of anyone at the college level. However, he paired his big-play ability with severe turnover issues. Green threw 35 interceptions in college. Twenty of those came at Arkansas, where he also lost 17 fumbles.
Despite his flaws, Green is an intriguing Day 3 dart throw for a Cleveland franchise starved for a solution at the game’s most important position. The Browns were not expected to draft a signal-caller this year, but after addressing other needs with their first eight picks, they deemed Green worthy of a late-round flier.
Packers Acquire 216th Pick, Draft K Trey Smack
The Packers have acquired the 216th selection from the Seahawks, according to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times. The Seahawks received Nos. 236 and 255 in return, per Brady Henderson of ESPN.
Green Bay moved up late on Day 3 to select Florida kicker Trey Smack. With the draft nearing an end, Smack became the first kicker off the board and the second Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst has drafted. Gutekunst previously spent a sixth-rounder on Anders Carlson in 2023, but he only lasted one season with the team.
Smack, who handled field goals in three of four years at Florida, was among the most dependable kickers in college football. A two-time semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award (given to the nation’s best kicker), Smack made 53 of 64 field goals (82.8%) and converted 10 of 13 from 50-plus yards. He also missed just one of 101 extra points with the Gators.
The Packers’ addition of Smack comes just over 13 months after they re-signed kicker Brandon McManus to a three-year, $15.3MM deal in March 2025. McManus went on to miss three games with a quad injury. Lucas Havrisik filled in while he was out. When healthy, McManus hit 24 of 30 FGs (80%) and 32 of 33 PATs. The Packers made it to the playoffs, but McManus’ three misses against the Bears proved costly in a 31-27 wild-card round loss. Along with failing to convert either field goal attempt, he missed one of his four extra points.
With Smack now in the fold, McManus’ job is in obvious jeopardy. Head coach Matt LaFleur said Saturday that the two will compete for the role (via Ryan Wood of USA Today).
Vikings Acquire No. 198, Select RB Demond Claiborne
For the second time in a few minutes, the Patriots have traded down. The defending AFC champions traded No. 191 to the Jaguars and have now moved No. 198 to the Vikings.
Minnesota will send No. 234 and a 2027 sixth-round pick to New England, the Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed tweets. The Vikings are using the 198th choice on Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne.
Claiborne totaled just 14 carries in 2022, his first year with the Demon Deacons, before taking over as their lead back. He had a breakout season in 2024, a 12-game showing in which he rushed for 1,049 yards and 11 touchdowns on 228 attempts. Claiborne added another 254 yards and two scores on 23 catches.
Claiborne amassed fewer carries (179) in a dozen games last season as he dealt with ball security issues. While he finished with five fumbles, he put up 907 yards on 5.1 per tote and recorded 10 TDs. Claiborne also pulled in a personal-best 28 grabs, though his yardage total fell to 140 (a paltry 5.0 per reception).
The 5-foot-10, 188-pound Claiborne possesses 4.37 speed and is similar in size to Dolphins star De’Von Achane (5-9, 191). Between his athleticism and pass-catching skills, Claiborne is “low-calorie” version of Achane, Dane Brugler of The Athletic observes.
Claiborne will begin his NFL career behind Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason, but those two are only under contract for another year. That could give Claiborne a chance to carve out an important role in the Vikings’ offense in the near future.
Lions Add No. 168 From Bills, Draft WR Kendrick Law
The Bills will not end up making back-to-back picks in the fifth round; they sent the second of that set to the Lions.
Buffalo will receive Nos. 181 and 213 from Detroit in exchange for No. 168. The Lions are taking Kentucky wide receiver Kendrick Law with the obtained choice.
Law played the first three years of his college career at Alabama, where he combined for just 33 catches in 34 games. Law lined up on the outside and in the slot, but he struggled to produce while stuck behind the likes of Ryan Williams, Germie Bernard, Jermaine Burton and Isaiah Bond for various portions of his Crimson Tide tenure.
After transferring to Kentucky last year, Law worked almost exclusively as a slot wideout. The 5-foot-11, 203-pounder took on a major role in the Wildcats’ offense, easily leading the team in catches (53) and yards (540). He also added three receiving touchdowns, tripling his output at Alabama.
The speedy Law will now join a Detroit receiving corps that’s settled at the top. Superstar Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams are the Lions’ one-two punch. Isaac TeSlaa and Greg Dortch are also among those in the mix. Brown could compete for a back-end receiver role and also contribute on special teams at the outset of his pro career. He amassed 500-plus ST snaps in college and averaged 22.9 yards on 31 kick returns.
Chiefs Trade Up To No. 161 For Nebraska RB Emmett Johnson
The Chiefs have acquired the No. 161 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft from the Steelers, per NFL insider Jordan Schultz, and used it to select Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson. They also received the 249th pick. The Steelers landed the 169th and 210th choices, per Nick Sloan of KMBC-TV.
After redshirting as a freshman in 2022, Johnson was stuck in a timeshare over the next two seasons. The 5-foot-11, 205-pounder rushed for a solid 1,009 yards on 207 carries over that 25-game span. Johnson took over as Nebraska’s bell cow last season, and his production went through the roof. He amassed 1,451 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 251 attempts (5.8 YPC) in a dozen games. As a pass catcher, he picked up 46 receptions for 370 yards and three more scores.
An All-American and the Big Ten Running Back of the Year, Johnson was the lone FBS player to average at least 150 yards from scrimmage per game in 2025 (via Dane Brugler of The Athletic). Brugler ranked Johnson as the 105th-best prospect in this class. Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com placed him 123rd.
While Johnson was great as a lead back last year, he does not possess high-end speed. He ran a 4.56-second 40-yard dash at the Combine and a 4.49 at his pro day. That may explain why he tumbled down the board in a weak class for running backs.
Regardless, Johnson will open his career as a reserve in Kansas City’s backfield. The Chiefs made a big free agent investment in former Seahawk Kenneth Walker, whom they added on a three-year, $43.05MM deal. Walker is the unquestioned starter, which will leave Johnson to compete for touches with 2025 seventh-rounder Brashard Smith and ex-Cardinal Emari Demercado.
Nikhil Mehta contributed to this post.
Seahawks Acquire 148th Pick, Draft G Beau Stephens
The Seahawks have acquired the 148th overall pick from the Browns for a 2027 fourth-rounder, Tony Grossi of 850 ESPN Cleveland reports. Iowa guard Beau Stephens is going to Seattle.
Stephens spent five years at Iowa, which has a reputation as an offensive line factory. Two of Stephens’ former O-line mates, Logan Jones (No. 57, Bears) and Gennings Dunker (No. 96, Steelers), came off the board earlier. The 6-foot-5, 315-pound Stephens played in 41 games with the Hawkeyes and served as a three-year starter. Stephens worked as a right guard in 2022, but he primarily lined up on the left side. He capped off a 620-snap, 13-game 2025 with first-team All-America and first-team All-Big Ten honors.
Stephens, who did not allow a sack or take a penalty last year, ranked as Pro Football Focus’ fourth-best guard in 2025. Both Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com and Dane Brugler of The Athletic rated him as the 137th prospect in this draft class. There are concerns over Stephens’ lack of length and athleticism, per Brugler, though he adds “coachability and mental maturation” could help make up for it.
Stephens may begin his career as a reserve with the reigning Super Bowl champions, who have 2025 first-rounder Grey Zabel at left guard and Anthony Bradford on the right side. While Zabel is locked in, Stephens could compete with Bradford for a starting job. Even if Bradford remains atop the depth chart, he only has one year left on his contract. Unless the Seahawks extend Bradford before free agency opens next March, Stephens could emerge as a starter by 2027.
Bears Obtain No. 124 From Panthers, Select CB Malik Muhammad
After trading down (via the Jaguars) minutes ago, the Panthers are accumulating more draft picks. They are sending No. 124 to the Bears. The Panthers will receive Nos. 129 and 144 for Nos. 124 and 166, KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson tweets.
The Bears used the pick on Texas cornerback Malik Muhammad. Over 41 games with the Longhorns, the 6-foot, 182-pounder logged three interceptions and deflected 16 passes. After notching a personal-best two INTs and totaling four PDs in 2025, Muhammad earned second-team All-SEC honors.
Muhammad entered the draft as the 104th-best prospect available, per Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com. Dane Brugler of The Athletic is more bullish on Muhammad, whom he ranked 87th overall coming into the draft. Muhammad has a chance to develop into a Greg Newsome-type starter, according to Brugler.
While Muhammad was a starter at outside corner during the majority of his Texas tenure, he may begin his pro career in a depth role. The Bears lost Nahshon Wright to the Jets in free agency, but they still have Jaylon Johnson as their No. 1 corner. Tyrique Stevenson is the frontrunner to start opposite Johnson, though Muhammad could compete for the gig.
Aside from a full season in 2024, Johnson has missed three or more games five times in his six-year career. He sat out 10 games last season. Meanwhile, after starting his career with back-to-back 16-game seasons, Stevenson was on the shelf four times last year. If their injury issues drag into 2026, Muhammad could see plenty of action as a rookie.
Chargers Move Up To 117, Select Travis Burke
The Chargers have acquired the 117th pick from the Texans, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 reports. Houston received the 123rd and 204th choices in return.
The Chargers became the fifth and final team to hold the 117th selection in this draft. Before it went to the Texans, it belonged to the Vikings, Jaguars and Raiders. The Bolts used the pick on Memphis offensive tackle Travis Burke.
The mammoth Burke (6-foot-8, 325 pounds) divided his five college seasons among Gardner-Webb (2021-22), Florida International (2023-24) and Memphis (2025). The four-year starter picked up significant experience at both tackle spots along the way. After working as a full-timer on the left side at FIU, he switched to right tackle at Memphis. Burke played 762 snaps at the position over 11 games last year and finished as Pro Football Focus’ 10th-ranked tackle. He came into the draft as a top-100 prospect, per Dane Brugler of The Athletic (No. 78) and Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com (No. 93).
While Burke has “predictable leverage issues,” he carries a “nasty disposition” and has the potential to develop into an NFL starter, Brugler writes. There should not be an immediate need for Burke to serve as more than a depth option in Los Angeles, which boasts an elite tackle tandem in Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt. Slater missed all of last season with a torn patellar tendon, and Alt sat out all but six games with ankle issues, but they are ahead of schedule in their recoveries.