Week In Review News & Rumors

With the draft in the books, teams around the NFL have turned their attention to spring practices. Plenty of roster and front office movement has already taken place, with more still to come. In case you missed any of the top stories from this past weekend, here is a quick recap:

• Texans, Al-Shaair Reach Extension Agreement: Not long after the Texans worked out a market-setting extension with edge rusher Will Anderson Jr., they secured a long-term deal with linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. The latter agreed to a three-year deal with a base value of $54MM. Al-Shaair landed $34.2MM in new guarantees, so in terms of average annual value and locked-in compensation, he now ranks third among inside linebackers. The 2025 Pro Bowler has been a starter during his two Houston seasons to date, filling the statsheet during that time. Al-Shaair will be expected to remain a key figure on the Texans’ elite defense for the foreseeable future.
• Campbell Reunites With Ravens: Calais Campbell has elected to play a 19th NFL season, and he will do so on a familiar team. A deal with the Ravens has been worked out, meaning Campbell will return to Baltimore after playing there from 2020-22. A coaching change has taken place since then, but a notable workload would come as little surprise upon return from the 2010s All-Decade Team member. Campbell has remained a starter deep into his storied career, and he could play a key role on the Ravens’ defensive interior. Even if Nnamdi Madubuike returns to full health in 2026, improved play along the D-line will be key for Baltimore. Campbell should figure heavily in the team’s efforts to rebound in that regard.
• Steelers’ Rodgers Uncertainty Remains: Once again, the Steelers find themselves uncertain of their starting quarterback situation with Aaron Rodgers yet to sign. A deal allowing the future Hall of Famer to play a second Pittsburgh campaign remains the expectation, but the team has taken the rare route of applying the UFA tender in this case. The Steelers will be eligible for draft compensation in the unlikely event Rodgers signs with another team shortly, while they will have exclusive negotiating rights beyond July 22 if he is still a free agent by that time. This procedural move could set Rodgers up further for a decision on retirement or playing his age-42 season under new Pittsburgh head coach Mike McCarthy, and no changes in stance from team or player are believed to have taken place since it was made.
• Brinker Departs Titans: After a three-year run with the Titans, Chad Brinker has elected to step down from his role as president of football operations. Brinker served as a key figure amidst ongoing front office changes during his time in Tennessee, but he was among the staffers around the league whose tenures came to an end following the draft. The Titans have 2025 hire Mike Borgonzi in place as their general manager at this time. He and Brinker played leading roles in the recent search which resulted in the hiring of head coach Robert Saleh. Borgonzi’s influence in the organization figures to grow moving forward, while Brinker intends to seek out a new personnel role elsewhere in the NFL.
• Commanders Not Eyeing Aiyuk Trade With 49ers: The fate of 49ers wideout Brandon Aiyuk remains uncertain aside from a parting of ways still being anticipated. San Francisco’s preference would be to work out a trade, while suitors continue to wait for an Aiyuk release. Critically, the Commanders are among the teams which are not prepared to part with draft capital and take on the remainder of his through-2028 contract. Washington is instead positioned to sign Aiyuk following his release to a short-term, incentive-laden deal. An arrangement allowing Aiyuk to reunite with quarterback Jayden Daniels and general manager Adam Peters is still something to watch for, but a long wait could be in store if neither team wavers over the coming weeks.

As always, the NFL draft produced a number of interesting developments with rookie selections as well as veteran player movement. In case you missed some of the top stories from around the league this past week, here is a quick recap:

• Draft Produces Rams’ Simpson Pick, Other Surprises: It did not take long for the second quarterback to come off the board on Thursday night, with the Rams taking Ty Simpson 13th overall. Many were surprised by Los Angeles’ decision, one which will provide the team with a Matthew Stafford successor if things pan out. Connections with the Alabama passer persisted through the lead-in to the draft, but the Rams were expected to target more immediate help for an attempted Super Bowl run in 2026. Instead, general manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay agreed to proceed with the Simpson selection. Other notable draft developments included highly-rated cornerback Jermod McCoy dropping to the Raiders in the fourth round due to medical concerns along with several teams making depth QB investments (such as the Steelers with Drew Allar and the Chiefs with Garrett Nussmeier).
• Eagles, Vikings Finalize Greenard Trade: The Eagles were known to be seeking a pass rush addition well before the draft started. During the event’s second day, to little surprise, a trade agreement was reached with the Vikings to acquire the former Pro Bowler. Greenard and a 2026 seventh-round pick went to Philadelphia for a pair of third-rounders (this year and next). Upon arrival with the Eagles, Greenard – who had been seeking a raise in Minnesota – agreed to a four-year, $100MM extension. The 28-year-old is in line to collect $50MM guaranteed as a result of the new deal. Greenard (who totaled 24.5 sacks between the 2023 and ’24 seasons) will be tasked with helping replace the edge rush production lost when Jaelan Phillips departed in free agency.
• No Cowboys Extension, Trade Expected For Pickens: Shortly before the first round began, it was learned the Cowboys will not negotiate with wideout George Pickens on a long-term deal. The franchise tag recipient has until mid-July to sign an extension, but none will be forthcoming unless talks resume. Pickens, 25, is set to sign his tender and thus become eligible for a trade. However, Dallas does not intend to move on in this case. The Cowboys are scheduled to pay Pickens $27.3MM in 2026, making him an expensive partner for CeeDee Lamb next season. Keeping that tandem in place for the long term would cost even more, and it remains to be seen if the team is prepared to do so. Meanwhile, Pickens signing the tag will obligate him to attend events like mandatory minicamp in June and training camp the following month.
• Williams Agrees To New 49ers Deal: The 49ers managed to accomplish their goal of settling the Trent Williams situation in time for the draft. Team and player agreed to a two-year, $50MM extension. The new deal contains $37MM in guarantees and will set up Williams to continue serving as San Francisco’s left tackle through at least 2027. The 12-time Pro Bowler was in line to carry an untenable cap charge for this season without a new agreement, and he managed to secure a notable figure in terms of locked-in compensation once more. Williams is entering his age-38 campaign, but he will be expected to remain one of the league’s top blockers deep into his career. Doing so would go a long way in helping the 49ers return to the playoffs in 2026.
• Reed Lands Packers Extension: Jayden Reed was set to enter 2026 as the final year of his rookie contract. A potential free agent departure will not be taking place, though, with the fourth-year wideout agreeing to a Packers extension. Green Bay authorized $50.25MM in new money on a three-year contract, including $20MM guaranteed. Reed, 26, later this month, is thus under team control through 2029. He was limited to just seven games last season, but a return to full health could see Reed reprise his role as a focal point in Green Bay’s passing game. The Packers traded away Dontayvion Wicks, whereas Reed is joined by Christian Watson as a member of the team’s young receiving corps who has landed a deal beyond his rookie pact.

The lead-up to the draft often sees a number of high-profile developments (through player movement or contract extensions) around the league. 2026 has proven to be no different. In case you missed any of this week’s top stories, here’s a quick recap:

• Bengals Acquire, Extend Lawrence: Dexter Lawrence‘s desire for a change of scenery has resulted in a trade. The Pro Bowl defensive tackle has been dealt from the Giants to the Bengals in a swap sending the 10th overall pick to New York. Upon arrival in Cincinnati, Lawrence has agreed to a one-year, $28MM extension; he is therefore on the books through 2028. The Giants were unable to work out a new deal in this case for the second offseason in a row, leading to a breakdown between team and player. Observers have expressed surprise over the value New York managed to receive, and the team will now enter the draft with two top-10 selections. The Bengals, meanwhile, have continued to substantially reshape their defense in 2026. Lawrence will be counted on occupy a major role for the foreseeable future.
• Anderson Signs Market-Setting Texans Extension: Recent reporting suggested Will Anderson Jr. could reset the pass rush market with his Texans extension and reach the $50MM-per-year mark. He has managed to do just that by agreeing to a three-year, $150MM deal. Anderson expectedly had his fifth-year option picked up earlier this spring, meaning this monster extension will keep him under team control through 2030. The former Defensive Rookie of the Year secured $100MM fully guaranteed on his new contract, and his AAV is comfortably the most in the NFL among edge rushers. Anderson, 24, set a new career high with 12 sacks en route to first-team All-Pro honors in 2025. He will be expected to anchor Houston’s defense for years to come while holding the title of the league’s top earner for non-quarterbacks.
• Brissett Seeking New Cardinals Deal: The Cardinals finished 2025 with Jacoby Brissett atop the quarterback depth chart. That is set to remain the case for next season, with Kyler Murray having been traded and Gardner Minshew in place as a backup. Brissett is currently absent from voluntary offseason work while seeking a deal worth that of a QB1. The 33-year-old is owed $5.44MM for 2026 as things stand, nowhere near the market for mid-level starters. On the other hand, Arizona is seen as a prime landing spot for Ty Simpson, who could be viewed as a candidate to develop as a rookie before taking the reins in 2027. That setup would limit the team’s need to make a new investment in Brissett or its urgency to provide short-term incentives.
• Eagles Still Expected To Trade Brown: An A.J. Brown trade has long been a talking point this offseason, even with the Eagles repeatedly trying to downplay speculation in his case. A swap would be far more feasible after June 1 for cap purposes, and a widespread expectation still exists that Philadelphia will move forward with a trade beyond that date. Philadelphia has added Marquise Brown and Elijah Moore in free agency in addition to acquiring Dontayvion Wicks via trade. Those moves have been seen as precursors to a deal sending A.J. Brown elsewhere, something which would end his decorated (but not scandal-free) tenure as an Eagle. A notable WR investment early in the upcoming draft would certainly point further in the direction of Philadelphia eventually dealing Brown.
• Chargers Likely To Retain Johnston: Quentin Johnston has previously been the subject of trade rumors, but he remains on course to play for the Chargers next season. GM Joe Hortiz stated no calls with outside teams have taken place regarding the wideout’s availability, reducing the chances of any swap being worked out. Johnston has drawn criticism early in his career, though the former first-rounder has increased his yardage and efficiency in each of his three Los Angeles seasons while totaling 16 touchdowns over the past two years. Notably, Hortiz added no final decision has been made on Johnston’s fifth-year option covering 2027. Picking up the option would cost $18.1MM for that season, a sharp raise but something the Bolts may be willing to commit to if they keep him in the fold for now.

The 2026 NFL draft is less than two weeks away. Attention will continue to ramp up during the lead-in to the event, but a number of developments concerning veterans have also taken place in recent days. Here is a quick recap of the past week’s top stories:

• Lawrence Requests Giants Trade: For the second straight offseason, extension talks between Dexter Lawrence and the Giants have not yielded an agreement. Lawrence has responded by requesting a trade, something which would end his seven-year tenure in New York. Calls are expected to be made by interested teams, although a swap would come as a surprise at this point. On the other hand, the Giants are open to entertaining offers in this case. Lawrence, 28, had the least productive season of his career in 2025, something which has hindered the three-time Pro Bowler’s ability to secure a raise. Two years remain on his current contract, and the Giants are not seeking a new agreement. That could leave this situation as one which lingers deep into the offseason.
• Eagles, Packers Complete Wicks Swap: Dontayvion Wicks spent his first three seasons with the Packers, but his rookie deal will not conclude in Green Bay. He has been traded to the Eagles in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2027 sixth-rounder. Wicks was set to be a pending 2027 free agent, but Philadelphia worked out a one-year, $12.5MM extension upon arrival. The former fifth-rounder was unable to emerge as a starting presence in Green Bay’s crowded receiver room, and he will seek out an increase in targets with his new team. This represents the latest WR move pulled off by the Eagles as an A.J. Brown trade remains a major talking point around the league. Dealing Brown in the summer would pave the way for Wicks, entering his age-26 season, to play a key role.
• Falcons’ McGary Retires: The Falcons will be without Kaleb McGary for the second year in a row for 2026. The veteran right tackle announced his retirement following a campaign spent entirely on the sidelines due to injury. McGary joined Atlanta as a first-round pick in 2019, and he racked up 92 starts while serving as a RT mainstay when healthy. Instead of attempting a comeback, the 31-year-old elected to hang up his cleats. The RT position was thin last year, and it could be a high draft priority later this month. In any case, veteran Jawaan Taylor has been signed as a stopgap.
• Moore’s Colts Tenure Likely Over: One year remains on Kenny Moore‘s current Colts contract, but he is unlikely to play it out in Indianapolis. The veteran cornerback has a mutual desire with the team to seek out a trade, one which would leave the Colts without one of their longest-tenured players. Moore has been in place for each of the past nine years, operating as a full-time starter for much of that stretch. He did not fit well in defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo‘s scheme in 2025, however, and a change of scenery could benefit all parties. Moore, 30, is owed $10MM for next year with a scheduled cap charge of $13.11MM. Interested teams could make offers in time for the draft, although a trade would be far more feasible from a financial perspective after June 1 for the Colts. Either way, Moore could be on a new team for the first time in his career relatively soon.
• Achane Skipping Dolphins‘ Offseason Program: Each NFL team with a new head coach has opened its offseason program in recent days. That includes the Dolphins, who are without running back De’Von Achane for the time being. Players seeking an extension often skip voluntary work, and that is indeed the cause for Achane’s absence. The former third-rounder has been an explosive presence in the backfield through his three years in Miami, and he earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2025. Achane set new career highs in several categories last season, and he is positioned to once again operate as a focal point on offense for the rebuilding Dolphins in 2026. That currently represents the final year of his rookie contract, but a notable raise will be in store if negotiations between team and player result in an agreement.

With the annual league meeting now in the books, attention around the NFL will increasingly turn to the upcoming draft. That will bring about several key storylines, but the past few days have been busy as well. Here is a quick recap of the past week’s top stories:

• Walker Lands Jaguars Extension: Talks between Travon Walker and the Jaguars proved to be successful. Team and player agreed to a four-year, $110MM deal which will keep the former No. 1 pick in place through 2030. Walker secured $77MM in total guarantees along with $50MM fully locked in at signing. The 25-year-old saw his sack total drop to 3.5 in 2025 after two straight double-digit campaigns, but he will be counted on as a mainstay along the defensive front for years to come. This deal comes two years after Jacksonville’s previous regime inked Josh Hines-Allen to a big-ticket deal of his own. The Jags are also in negotiations with receiver Parker Washington and tight end Brenton Strange, so it will be interesting to see if agreements can be reached with them prior to the start of the 2026 season.
• Cousins Joins Raiders: Following his Falcons release, Kirk Cousins drew interest from a number of teams. The free agent quarterback elected to join the Raiders, though, setting him up for a stint atop the depth chart early next season. Vegas is still universally expected to draft Fernando Mendoza first overall, and the Heisman winner will of course be viewed as the team’s quarterback of the future. Cousins, 38 in August, nevertheless managed to add further to his impressive total in terms of guaranteed money with this agreement. He will collect $10MM in 2026 (much of which will be Atlanta’s responsibility) while another $10MM is set to be paid out early next offseason as a roster bonus. Cousins’ future past that point is unclear, but he has his next NFL gig lined up.
• Chiefs’ Rice Will Not Be Suspended: Rashee Rice is the subject of a civil lawsuit alleging domestic violence, something which prompted an NFL investigation. The Chiefs wideout will not be subject to a suspension, however, with the league’s probe concluding that the personal conduct policy was not violated in this case. Rice opened the 2025 season with a six-game suspension for his role in a hit-and-run incident, but the coming campaign will begin under different circumstances. The former second-rounder is entering the final year of his rookie contract; a strong showing would provide Kansas City’s offense with a needed playmaker while also increasing his chances of remaining in the fold beyond 2026.
• Rams’ Nacua Staying At Rehab Center: It was recently learned that Rams wideout Puka Nacua checked himself into a rehab facility in Malibu, California in March. He remains there at this time, with a focus on “personal growth” being the target. Nacua, 24, has been involved in multiple off-field matters early in his NFL career, including accusations made by a woman regarding an alleged incident on New Year’s Eve in 2025. Nacua is now the subject of a lawsuit filed by the alleged victim, with a hearing scheduled for next week. Nacua has been one of the NFL’s top receivers since arriving in Los Angeles three years ago, but no extension is imminent in his case as he approaches the final year of his rookie contract.
• Bears Already Planning Williams Extension: As a 2024 draftee, Caleb Williams will not be eligible for an extension until next offseason at the earliest. The Bears will nevertheless devote time this summer to exploring the terms of a new deal for their franchise quarterback. Williams enjoyed a strong first year playing under Ben Johnson in 2025, helping lead Chicago to the divisional round of the playoffs. Especially if the former No. 1 pick delivers a similar showing this year, a monster commitment will likely be in store. In any case, Williams is likely to have his fifth-year option exercised next spring, something which would keep him under team control through 2028.

The coming days will be worth watching closely as aways thanks to the annual league meeting taking place. This past week has nevertheless seen a few notable developments as well, though. Here is a quick recap of the top stories from the past few days:

• Smith-Njigba Lands Record-Breaking Seahawks Extension: One of the top Seahawks priorities for this offseason was extending former first-rounders Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Devon Witherspoon. One of those was taken care of, with Smith-Njigba agreeing to a record-breaking receiver deal. The 2025 Offensive Player of the Year landed $42.15MM in average annual value on a four-year extension. As such, he is on the books with Seattle through 2031. The pact contains over $69MM fully guaranteed at signing and ensures Smith-Njigba, 24, will remain a focal point on offense for years to come. Attention will now turn to Witherspoon, whose next contract could reset the cornerback market.
• Buccaneers Icon David Retires: The Buccaneers will be without a franchise icon at the heart of their defense in 2026. Linebacker Lavonte David announced his retirement at the age of 36, bringing an end to his 14-year career. All of that decorated span was spent with Tampa Bay, and the former second-rounder remained a foundational member of the team’s defense throughout that span. David only collected one Pro Bowl nod and a single appearance on the first All-Pro team, but he will go down as one of the best players in franchise history and one of the most accomplished linebackers of his generation. He won a Super Bowl and collected over $103MM in career earnings. The Bucs will now prepare for a season without David or Mike Evans in the fold.
• Mendoza Preparing For Raiders Selection: Since the Raiders clinched the first overall pick in April’s draft, they have been universally expected to select Fernando Mendoza. Signs continue to point in that direction, with the Heisman-winning quarterback spending time alongside Brian Griese to acclimate to the offense Vegas will be running in 2026. Mendoza has understandably scheduled a top 3o visit with the Raiders, and there will be little need for him to speak with other teams in the build-up to the draft. Vegas is in position to start over at the QB spot, and a new coaching staff along with a revamped roster will soon be officially joined by Mendoza.
• Flacco Staying With Bengals: During the early stages of free agency, Joe Flacco examined his options with respect to an opportunity to compete for a starting gig in 2026. With none presenting themselves, the journeyman made the expected decision to re-sign with the Bengals. Flacco filled in for an injured Joe Burrow midway through this past season. He will be counted on to do the same if Burrow is once again unable to remain healthy. At the age of 41, Flacco will extend his career for at least one more year. The former Super Bowl MVP has racked up 209 career appearances, and a notable QB2 role will once again be in store in his case.
• Jets Among Simpson’s Suitors: Mendoza’s situation is not subject to doubt at this point, but the draft range for fellow quarterback Ty Simpson remains the subject of considerable speculation. The Alabama product recently visited the Jets, a team in position to select a long-term option under center next month. New York owns pick Nos. 2 and 16, so there will be opportunities to bring in Simpson during the first round. Whether or not that will take place remains to be seen, and with the countdown to the draft continuing there is still a wide range of opinions on when his name will be called. Interest from the Jets and other suitors will be worth monitoring closely over the coming weeks.

With the initial wave of free agency in the books, things have slowed down to a large extent around the NFL. Teams remain busy on the roster-building front with plenty of time remaining before the draft, however. Here is a quick recap of this week’s top stories:

• Dolphins Send Waddle To Broncos: In the initial wake of the Dolphins‘ decision to move on from several veterans as part of their rebuild, it appeared as though Jaylen Waddle would remain in place. Instead, a trade agreement was reached with the Broncos. The veteran wideout was exchanged for Denver’s first- and third-round selections in this year’s draft, with 2026 fourth-rounders also changing hands. Waddle will offer a welcomed boost to the Broncos’ receiving corps as they seek increased efficiency and production in the passing game. The 27-year-old is under contract through 2028, so his arrival will overlap with quarterback Bo Nix‘s rookie deal. Having already released Tyreek Hill, meanwhile, Miami’s WR depth chart could use plenty of work during the remainder of the offseason.
• Chiefs Acquire Fields From Jets: Since his midseason benching, Justin Fields was expected to see his Jets tenure come to an end. That proved to be the case when a trade was worked out with the Chiefs. Fields and a seventh-round pick in April’s draft were dealt from New York to Kansas City for a 2027 sixth-rounder. Patrick Mahomes continues to recover from the ACL tear which ended his season late in the 2025 campaign, and his Week 1 availability is in question. This move will give the Chiefs an experienced fill-in starter early in the year, and it will provide Fields with a period leading up to the fall where he handles first-team reps. The former first-rounder has largely struggled through his time in Chicago, Pittsburgh and New York. A brief stint atop the depth chart on his latest team will likely now await.
• Tretter Lands Top NFLPA Job: Months after resigning from the NFL Players Association, J.C. Tretter has returned to lead the organization. The NFLPA’s vote for a new executive director resulted in Tretter winning the full-time position over interim leader David White and American Conference commissioner Tim Pernetti. Tretter and White were considered the contenders leading up to the vote, one which marks a key development for the union as it pertains to pending CBA negotiations. Tretter will aim to rebuild his stock and that of the NFLPA in general upon taking over. Meanwhile, free agent linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin will continue as the union’s president.
• Seahawks Exercise Smith-Njigba, Witherspoon’s Options: First-round picks from the 2023 draft class are subject to fifth-year option decisions this spring. To no surprise, the Seahawks have picked up the option for both of wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba and cornerback Devon Witherspoon. The move ensures the Pro Bowlers will remain in place through at least 2027. Smith-Njigba earned Offensive Player of the Year honors this past season while leading the league in receiving yards. Witherspoon received a second-team All-Pro nod thanks to another high-end campaign as part of Seattle’s elite secondary. The Super Bowl champions can extend both players at any time this offseason. New deals in each case being finalized sometime between the draft and training camp in particular would come as little surprise.
• Wentz Reunites With Vikings: The Vikings made one quarterback splash early in free agency by lining up a one-year deal with Kyler Murray. They were not done adding veteran passers, however, with Carson Wentz returning to Minnesota. In 2025, Wentz made five starts in place of an injured J.J. McCarthy before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery. McCarthy is still in the fold, but the former first-round pick’s Vikings outlook is the subject of considerable speculation. Murray is expected to operate as the team’s starter for 2026, and Wentz will give head coach Kevin O’Connell another veteran option to turn to. It will be interesting to see how McCarthy’s development will be handled this summer coming of a rookie season missed through injury and a 2025 campaign marred by struggles when on the field.

This past week has seen the annual NFL Combine take place in Indianapolis. The event is always an interesting one to follow based on the developments which take place as teams prepare for the new league year. In case you missed any the top stories from the past seven days, here is a quick recap:

• Cowboys Tag Pickens: Well in advance of the deadline for applying the franchise tag, the Cowboys took the expected route of tagging George Pickens. The fifth-year wideout had long been mentioned as a tag candidate, and the non-exclusive tender was applied. That leaves Pickens free to negotiate with other teams, but he is on course to play for Dallas in 2026. Whether or not a long-term pact – something both sides have expressed an openness for – can be worked out by July 15 will now become a storyline to watch closely. A new deal will very likely cost more on an annual basis than the value of the tag ($27.3MM), adding further to the cost of Dallas’ high-octane offense.
• Jets, Titans Agree To Trade: Once the new league year begins in mid-March, the Jets and Titans will finalize a one-for-one player swap. Edge rusher Jermaine Johnson will head to Tennessee, while New York will acquire defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat in return. Scheme changes brought on by the hires of both teams played a role in the deal being agreed to. Johnson is set to play out his fifth-year option, so his level of play upon reuniting with Robert Saleh in Tennessee will go a long way in determining his value for next offseason. Sweat’s rookie contract runs through 2027, and he will look to carve out a run-stopping role with the Jets as they contemplate further trades this spring.
• Pitts Receives Falcons Tag: The other franchise tag decision made so far concerns Kyle Pitts. The Falcons placed the tag on him and by doing so ensured he will play at least a sixth season in Atlanta. The former No. 4 pick will collect $15.05MM next year in the absence of a long-term pact being agreed to. Pitts has seen his production vary quite a bit from one year to the next, but he is coming off a strong campaign. With a completely new group of decision-makers in place for Atlanta, it will be interesting to see if a strong push is made to keep Pitts, 25, in place beyond 2026 or if he again spends the year as a pending free agent.
• Browns Planning QB Competition: New head coach Todd Monken will oversee a quarterback competition during his first year leading the Browns. Cleveland still has Deshaun Watson under contract, and 2025 draftees Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel remain in the fold as well. Outside options (via free agency and/or the draft) will receive consideration as well, though, while Gabriel has been mentioned as a trade candidate. The Watson trade has proven to be a disaster for Cleveland, while Sanders’ NFL ceiling remains to be seen. Major improvement will be needed on offense in 2026, but that could include a signal-caller not currently on the roster.
• NFLPA Exec. Director Finalists Emerge: Since Lloyd Howell‘s resignation, the NFL Players Association has operated with David White as its interim executive director. White is one of three finalists for the full-time position. The list also contains J.C. Tretter – who previously worked as the union’s president and chief strategy officer before himself resigning under controversial circumstances – and American Conference commissioner Tim Pernetti. March will see the NFLPA’s annual meeting for its 32 player reps take place. At that point, further clarity will emerge regarding who has the best odds of leading the embattled organization and when a final vote will take place.

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.

Today marks the first Sunday of the NFL offseason. The coming months will see plenty of notable changes, though, and recent days have also produced a number of headlines. Here is a quick recap of the past week:

• Raiders Hire Kubiak, Promote Leonard: As Klint Kubiak oversaw Seattle’s offense during the Super Bowl, it was widely known he would be departing for a head coaching gig. Indeed, the one-year Seahawks offensive coordinator was officially hired as the new head coach of the Raiders shortly after the big game. Kubiak’s stock has risen in recent years, but the 38-year-old has never been a head coach at any level. He will play a leading role in leading Vegas’ rebuild, one which will no doubt soon include the selection of quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick of the draft. Kubiak has elected to promote from within by tapping Rob Leonard as defensive coordinator; meanwhile, veteran staffer Joe DeCamillis will serve as his special teams coordinator.
• Carr Contemplating Comeback: Last spring, Derek Carr ended his Saints tenure by announcing his retirement. His injured throwing shoulder left an in-season return unfeasible, but things could be different now. Carr’s shoulder has healed, and he is open to resuming his career under the right circumstances. The four-time Pro Bowler is, to no surprise, interested in joining a Super Bowl-caliber team and will thus be picky when considering his options. Carr, 34, is a veteran of 11 seasons and 169 starts in the NFL. During an offseason where demand will again outweigh supply at the QB spot, Carr could be seen as a viable free agent option for at least some suitors.
• Rams’ Havenstein Retires: Throughout his 11 years with the Rams, Rob Havenstein operated as the team’s starting right tackle. That streak will not continue into 2026, however, with the veteran announcing his retirement. Injuries were present through much of Havenstein’s NFL tenure (which included time in St. Louis and Los Angeles), and he was limited to just seven games in 2025. Instead of testing the open market this spring, the 33-year-old will turn his attention to his post-playing days. The Rams will need to find a replacement starter at the right tackle spot, and the team will of course hope for a sustained run of play at the level Havenstein provided.
• Taylor Promoted To Bears OC: The Bears saw Declan Doyle depart to join the Ravens as their new offensive coordinator as part of this year’s hiring cycle. That left Chicago in need of a new OC for head coach Ben Johnson‘s second season at the helm. Instead of going outside the organization, the Bears have promoted Press Taylor to the offensive coordinator role. Zac Taylor‘s brother has OC experience at the NFL level, having held that title for three seasons during his tenure in Jacksonville. Taylor will not call plays, as Johnson will retain those responsibilities for 2026. Nevertheless, he will occupy a key role as the Bears aim to duplicate their 2025 success.
• Seahawks Could Produce Record-Breaking Sale: The Seahawks continue to celebrate their Super Bowl victory, but this offseason could prove to be busy on a number of fronts. One of those could be a sale of the franchise, and that process is expected to begin shortly. Once Jody Allen has completed the process of lining up a buyer, a new record in terms of valuation is expected. The Seahawks could generate a price tag between $9 and $11 billion, something which would shatter the record regarding the sale of a North American sports franchise. The Commanders sold for just over $6 billion in 2023, but the ongoing surge in values for NFL teams could easily see that figure eclipsed. The league is looking to get the sales process underway shortly, and next month’s league meetings could see further developments emerge.