The NFL offseason is still in full swing. The bulk of free agency has come and gone, with many of the top players available finding homes, and the NFL Draft is in the rearview, as well. There are still some notable free agents out there who have yet to be signed, however, and others might be on the move. Here’s the latest look at some of the most notable rumors around the NFL. [2026 NFL Free Agency: Top 100 Players Available and Potential Fits] June 16 George Pickens is not only back with the Dallas Cowboys for mandatory minicamp, but he’s also prepared to play for America’s Team this season. Pickens confirmed to reporters that he’ll play on the franchise tag for the 2026 season. “What’s important to me is winning,” Pickens said. “Like I said from the beginning, I always wanna bring a Super Bowl to a group of guys that never had that feeling. That’s really the most important part to me.” The Pro Bowl wide receiver skipped the voluntary portion of the offseason after receiving the franchise tag. But Pickens’ presence was expected once he signed the $27.3 million franchise tag and became subject to fines for missing the three-day minicamp that started Tuesday or training camp that opens next month in California. Coach Brian Schottenheimer said Pickens would be limited in on-field work at the team’s practice facility. He said that wouldn’t necessarily mean Pickens would need time to ramp up when camp starts in late July. “Fired up to have him back. He’s fired up to be here,” Schottenheimer said. “He’ll do all the mock. He’ll do all the individual. We’ll just keep him out of team. Just let him watch. He’ll be Coach Pickens today.” Pickens waited two months before signing the one-year contract that’s worth three times what the 25-year-old earned on his four-year rookie contract. Pickens told the Cowboys before the draft in April that he intended to sign the franchise tag, prompting speculation that Dallas might try to trade him. The Cowboys made it clear they had no such plans. He signed the tag about a week later. Acquired last year in a trade with Pittsburgh, Pickens thrived alongside CeeDee Lamb, finishing with career highs in catches (93), yards receiving (1,429) and touchdowns (nine) for one of the best offenses in the NFL last season. Lamb is going into the second year of a $136 million, four-year contract that ranks him fourth among NFL receivers with an average annual value of $34 million. Owner and general manager Jerry Jones has said the club has long-term plans for Pickens, who has spent time in the offseason with quarterback Dak Prescott. June 14 The New York Jets and guard Joe Tippmann have agreed to a four-year, $66.4 million extension, NFL Media reported on Monday. The deal includes $34.9 million guaranteed. The move keeps the versatile and durable Tippmann, a second-round draft pick in 2023, with the Jets through the 2030 season. It also continues a recent trend by general manager Darren Mougey of signing the team’s young, promising players to long-term deals. The 25-year-old Tippmann, who was entering the final year of his rookie deal, was a starter at center in his first season after being drafted out of Wisconsin. He moved from center to right guard because of injuries on the offensive line during the 2024 season and was the full-time starter at right guard last year. Tippmann, an Indiana native, has missed just one game in his first three NFL seasons while starting 48 of 50 games during that span. He has developed into a key piece of the Jets’ long-term plans on the offensive line, along with left tackle Olu Fashanu, a first-rounder in 2024, and right tackle Armand Membou, a first-rounder last year. Center Josh Myers was signed late last season to a two-year, $11 million extension, and the Jets brought in free agent left guard Dylan Parham on a two-year deal worth $16 million in March. June 11 The Carolina Panthers’ wide receiver room, long a source of uncertainty, now looks far more stable than it has in years. The team has agreed to a three-year, $35 million extension with Jalen Coker, per NFL Network. Panthers coach Dave Canales declared late last season that Coker, signed as an undrafted free agent out of Holy Cross in 2024, would be the team’s starting wide receiver moving forward. Canales and the Panthers reaffirmed their commitment to him with the deal. It’s rare when teams extend exclusive rights free agents, but the Panthers were convinced Coker is a valuable part of their future. He had 43 catches for 394 yards and three touchdowns last season after missing the first month of the season with an injury. He came on strong toward the end of the year and eventually replaced Xavier Legette, Carolina’s first-round pick in 2024, in the starting lineup alongside Tetairoa McMillan, last year’s AP Offensive Rookie of the Year. Coker had a breakout performance in Carolina’s NFC wild-card playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams with nine catches for 124 yards and a touchdown. Coker didn’t receive much attention from top level Division I college programs coming out of high school and settled on attending Holy Cross. He promised his mother he would not transfer and would stick it out there and get his degree. He played four years at Holy Cross and caught 163 passes for 2,684 yards and a school-record 31 touchdowns. Sean Payton isn’t going anywhere. The Denver Broncos have signed their head coach to a five-year extension, the team announced. “Sean Payton has led an impressive turnaround over the past three seasons, instilling a winning culture with high expectations,” Broncos Owner and CEO Greg Penner said in a statement. “I appreciate the close partnership he shares with George Paton along with the alignment and stability across our football operations. “We’re thrilled for Sean to continue leading our team as head coach, building on our progress during such an exciting time for the Broncos.” Payton and Broncos general manager George Paton are now each under contract through the 2030 NFL season. Denver is coming off a 14-3 campaign that saw it earn the No. 1 seed in the AFC and reach the AFC Championship before losing to the New England Patriots in said round. Over Payton’s three seasons as Denver’s head coach (2023-25), the Broncos are 32-19 in the regular season and 1-2 in the postseason; they’ve won double-digit games and reached the playoffs in each of the last two seasons. The Broncos acquired Payton from the New Orleans Saints in 2023 after the head coach took a year off from coaching, which came after 15 seasons as the Saints’ head coach (2006-11 and 2013-21). June 10 The Miami Dolphins and veteran center Aaron Brewer have agreed to a three-year contract extension, a person familiar with the deal said Wednesday. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Dolphins had not announced the extension or financial details. Brewer’s deal is worth $52.5 million with $37 million guaranteed, per Spotrac.com. According to the website, Brewer’s average salary of $17.5 million through 2029 makes him the third-highest-paid center in the NFL behind Las Vegas’ Tyler Linderbaum ($27 million) and Kansas City’s Creed Humphrey ($18 million). Brewer, an undrafted free agent out of Texas State in 2020, has started 33 games for Miami over the past two seasons and earned second-team All-Pro honors last season. He was also a finalist for the NFL’s inaugural Protector of the Year award given to the league’s best offensive lineman. He was in the final year of his deal and was set to make $1.22 million in 2026. ESPN first reported the extension. Brewer, 28, played his first four NFL seasons with the Tennessee Titans before signing with Miami in 2024. Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce faces a new return timeline following his recent ankle surgery, per ESPN. Pierce recently signed a massive four-year, $114 million extension with the Colts on March 9. Pierce’s ankle injury lingered throughout the 2024 season and the majority of last season, which forced him to get surgery in March. Following the procedure, Pierce still faces weeks of recovery, which keeps him out of training camp and possibly preseason games scheduled for the beginning of August. Last season, Pierce recorded career-high numbers, notching 1,003 receiving yards on 47 receptions and six touchdowns. The Green Bay Packers are close to getting one of their top offensive weapons back on the field in tight end Tucker Kraft. He expects to be ready for Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings and does not anticipate being on a pitch count, per The Athletic. Kraft is recovering from a torn ACL suffered in November, leaving questions about his availability for the start of the season. If he returns without restrictions, it would provide a much-needed boost to Green Bay’s offense. Before the injury, Kraft was on track for a career year. He hauled in 32 receptions for 489 yards and six touchdowns while averaging 15.3 yards per catch in eight games for the Packers last season. There has been consistent chatter regarding whether New York Giants star wide receiver Malik Nabers — who tore his right ACL in Week 4 of last season — will be ready for the 2026 season. Giants general manager Joe Schoen provided an update on the matter. “I still think he’ll be fine Week 1,” Schoen said about Nabers in an interview with Yahoo Sports. “So, we’ll see. He’s trending in the right direction. Again, these things take time, so it’s not instant. Every patient is different.” Nabers set the Giants’ single-season record with 109 receptions in his 2024 rookie campaign, a season that also saw the former LSU star tally 1,204 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns, while earning a Pro Bowl nod. New York recently signed veteran wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. — who reunites with the franchise he starred for from 2014-18 — JuJu Smith-Schuster and Braxton Berrios. These moves came in the wake of wide receiver Gunner Olszewski tearing his right Achilles tendon, which will keep him off the field next season, and fellow receiver Darius Slayton undergoing core-muscle surgery, which should sideline him until training camp. June 9 Veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett was at the Arizona Cardinals’ practice on Tuesday, walking around wearing a black hooded sweatshirt in the hot desert sun. Edge rusher Josh Sweat was on the field as well, chatting with some of the other defensive players as he watched while they went through their workout. The good news for the Cardinals is that two of their most important players decided to report for the team’s mandatory minicamp after missing voluntary workouts earlier in the summer. The problem is it’s unclear if the questions surrounding their status for the upcoming NFL season have been resolved. “It was good to see both those guys,” Cardinals first-year coach Mike LaFleur said. “We’ll just take it one day at a time. You guys saw what it was today and we’ll re-evaluate.” Brissett is seeking a re-worked contract after starting the final 12 games of last season while Sweat is reportedly unhappy with the direction of the franchise after the Cardinals finished with a 3-14 record and fired coach Jonathan Gannon, who was close with the edge rusher. Brissett stepped in for the injured Kyler Murray last season and put up big numbers, completing more than 64% of his passes for a career-high 3,366 yards and 23 touchdowns over 12 starts. But a decent chunk of that production was essentially meaningless, coming when the Cardinals were trailing by large margins. The Cincinnati Bengals have restructured the contract of franchise quarterback Joe Burrow, a person familiar with the move told The Associated Press on Tuesday. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the move was not announced. The restructured deal was first reported by ESPN and NFL Network. Cincinnati gains around $10 million in cap space by spreading out some of his base salary over the final three years of the deal (2027 through ’29). Burrow signed a five-year, $275-million extension in 2023. The Bengals found themselves low on cap space after acquiring defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants before the NFL draft and signing him to a one-year extension worth $28 million. Cincinnati is also trying to get some of its key players from its 2023 draft class still under rookie deal signed to extensions before the start of training camp. That group includes DE Myles Murphy, RB Chase Brown, and defensive backs Jordan Battle, DJ Turner and Dax Hill. Burrow, the top overall pick in the 2023 draft, is going into his seventh season. He led the Bengals to a Super Bowl appearance in the 2021 season and the AFC championship game the following year, but Cincinnati has missed the playoffs the last three seasons. Burrow played in only eight games last season. He suffered a turf toe injury in a Week 2 win over Jacksonville and was out until late November. He threw for 1,809 yards with 17 touchdowns and five interceptions that included three pick-6s. Joel Bitonio announced his retirement on Tuesday after 12 seasons with the Cleveland Browns. The offensive guard played his entire career in Cleveland after he was selected in the second round (35th overall) of the 2014 draft. Bitonio said in a statement released through the team that he was fairly confident he was going to retire at the end of last season. However, he was still coming into the team facility during the offseason to rehab from injuries. “I was contemplating my decision, thinking about how I have been playing football for 23 years of my life — including 12 in the NFL. But there was never a need to rush the decision,” he said. “The Browns and AB [general manager Andrew Berry] were very understanding. They acknowledged what I had done for the team and understood it was a tough decision, and they assured me that they would be there when I was ready to discuss. And that’s why we extended our void date on our contract. We were giving it time, and I wanted to make sure I was making the right decision. By the time free agency started, me and AB had already had the discussion, and I told him I am most likely retiring here.” Bitonio started all 17 games last season and played 1,027 offensive snaps. His 178 games — all starts — are ninth in franchise history. He has made the most starts in orange and brown since the franchise’s return to Cleveland in 1999. Bitonio was a two-time All-Pro pick and selected seven times for the Pro Bowl. June 8 After trading one standout cornerback who helped them win multiple Super Bowls earlier this offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs are bringing back another notable cornerback who played a key role on multiple title-winning teams. The Chiefs are signing cornerback L’Jarius Snead to a one-year deal reportedly worth up to $5 million. Snead, 29, was a part of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl-winning squads in 2022 and 2023, logging 10 interceptions in four seasons (2020-23) with the team. After the 2023 season, the Chiefs placed the franchise tag on Snead and traded him to the Tennessee Titans for a 2025 third-round pick. Snead signed a four-year, $76.4 million deal with the Titans shortly after the trade. However, he struggled in Tennessee, failing to record an interception as he played just 12 games over two seasons due to injury. Tennessee released him in March. The Chiefs have remade their secondary in a big way this offseason. They traded All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams for four draft picks, including a first-round selection. But they signed safety Alohi Gilman before using the sixth pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane. June 6 Detroit Lions’ fifth-round pick Kendrick Law suffered a torn ACL in OTA’s this week and will be out for the season, per ESPN. A wide receiver out of Kentucky, Law was selected 168th overall after Detroit traded up 13 spots for the rookie. After transferring from Alabama to Kentucky in 2025, Law led the offense in receiving yards with 540. Law was the Lions’ second offensive pick in the Draft after offensive tackle Blake Miller from Clemson. June 5 The Dallas Cowboys signed first-round pick Malachi Lawrence on Friday, putting all seven of their draft choices under contract. Lawrence, the 23rd overall pick out of UCF in April, agreed to a $20.2 million, four-year contract at the end of the first week of voluntary offseason practices. Workouts resume Monday. Safety Caleb Downs out of Ohio State was the 11th pick of the first round and signed his $28.95 million, four-year deal on May 1, the day rookie minicamp started. The Cowboys have fifth-year options on both contracts, and must make those decisions during the 2029 offseason. The other Dallas draft picks signed at the same time as Downs. They included third-round linebacker Jaishawn Barham and three fourth-round choices in offensive lineman Drew Shelton, cornerback Devin Moore and defensive end LT Overton. Receiver Anthony Smith was the last Dallas pick in the seventh round. June 4 The Green Bay Packers have signed wide receiver Christian Watson to a four-year, $110.5 million extension, per ESPN. The deal includes a $31 million signing bonus. Watson signed a one-year, $13.25 million extension last offseason, a deal which expires after the 2026 season. Watson, whom Green Bay selected with the No. 34 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, totaled 35 receptions for 611 yards and six touchdowns across 10 regular-season games in 2025; he missed seven games due to knee and shoulder injuries, respectively. Injuries have been an unfortunate trend for Watson, who missed eight games in 2023 due to a hamstring injury and has never played more than 15 games in a single season over his four-year career. When healthy, though, Watson is an explosive game-changer, with the soon-to-be fifth-year receiver averaging 17.0 yards per reception for his career. June 3 The Pittsburgh Steelers are continuing their busy offseason by locking down tight end Darnell Washington, per ESPN. Washington is signing a four-year, $42 million contract extension that includes $21 million in guaranteed money. Washington’s extension reflects a growing NFL trend of franchises investing heavily in premium blocking tight ends, driven by the league-wide increase in 13 personnel. His traditional stats from last season were modest, totaling 31 receptions for 364 yards and one touchdown. However, his primary value remains his dominant presence in the run-blocking game. June 2 The Atlanta Falcons and wide receiver Drake London have agreed to a four-year extension, worth up to $150 million ($100 million guaranteed), per Ian Rapoport. London was entering the final year of his rookie contract, and will now be linked to Atlanta through the 2030 season. The Falcons selected London with the eighth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He’s improved with each season, despite navigating tumult at the quarterback position. In 2024, he had 100 catches, for 1,251 yards and nine touchdowns. He was on track to increase those yards and touchown numbers, until a PCL injury cost him five weeks. The Pittsburgh Steelers are securing their defensive front, agreeing to a four-year, $100 million contract extension with edge rusher Nick Herbig, per ESPN. The deal includes $42 million in guaranteed money. After being selected in the fourth round of the 2023 draft out of Wisconsin, Herbig enjoyed a breakout season with Pittsburgh. He stuffed the stat sheet with 30 tackles, 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and an interception. The Seattle Seahawks are keeping part of their defensive core intact, as pass rusher Derick Hall has agreed to a three-year, $42 million extension, per ESPN. The deal could be worth up to $46.5 million and includes $21 million guaranteed. With Boye Mafe gone in free agency and questions surrounding DeMarcus Lawrence and Uchenna Nwosu, the Seahawks are investing in Derick Hall early. Hall played a rotational role on the defensive line but is expected to see more snaps this season. Since being selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Hall has appeared in 48 games for the Seahawks. He’s recorded 105 tackles, 10 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two pass deflections over his first three seasons. June 1 Free agent quarterback Russell Wilson is putting his NFL career on hold, as he is finalizing a deal to be a sports analyst for CBS Sports, per ESPN. The 10-year veteran and Super Bowl winner had options within the NFL as a veteran free agent QB, but has chosen to move onto television instead. According to Wilson himself back in May, by way of the New York Post, he was deciding between joining the New York Jets to serve as Geno Smith’s backup, or moving into an analyst role. CBS Sports reached out to Wilson about becoming a studio analyst, according to The Athletic, and that is the direction Wilson inevitably chose. While the Jets don’t lack quarterbacks on the roster, NFL experience is another matter. Bailey Zappe and Brady Cook have a combined 13 starts in the league, while the fourth QB on the roster is 2026 draft selection, Cade Klubnik, whom the Jets picked in the fourth round. Wilson began the 2025 season as the New York Giants’ quarterback but was benched in favor of 2025 first-round pick, Jaxson Dart, after an 0-3 start. Smith was already Wilson’s teammate before on the Seattle Seahawks, and per ESPN recommended bringing Wilson on board. The 37-year-old Wilson – who will be 38 in November – appeared in six games (three starts) in 2025, throwing for 831 yards with three touchdowns and interceptions each. As FOX Sports’ Eric D. Williams wrote last season after the veteran QB was benched in favor of Dart, “Wilson’s arguably one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in league history, ranking 15th all-time in passing yards, 12th in passing touchdowns and fifth in passer rating. However, since the 10-time Pro Bowler left Seattle in a blockbuster trade to the Denver Broncos during the 2022 offseason, Wilson’s career has been on a downward trajectory.” May 30 The Minnesota Vikings have hired Seattle Seahawks assistant general manager Nolan Teasley as their new general manager, according to NFL Network. The 42-year-old Teasley spent the previous 13 seasons with the Seahawks, who are coming off winning Super Bowl LX, most recently serving as their assistant general manager since 2023. He was previously Seattle’s director of pro personnel from 2018-22, an assistant director of pro personnel in 2017, a pro personnel scout from 2014-16 and an intern in the team’s scouting department in 2013. Teasley takes over a Vikings team that’s entering their fifth season with head coach Kevin O’Connell. Minnesota is coming off a 2025 campaign that saw it miss the playoffs at 9-8 and fire general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah after four seasons. May 29 New York Giants wide receiver Gunner Olszewski was carted off at organized team activities (OTA’s) with a potential torn achilles, ESPN reported. Olszewski will go through further testing to confirm the injury. Olszewski joined the Giants halfway through the 2023 season from the Pittsburgh Steelers, but missed the entire 2024 season due to a severe groin injury. However, Olszewski returned last season and appeared in 16 games, completing 10 receptions for 145 receiving yards and one touchdown. Olszewski is part of a talented wide receiver room under first-year head coach John Harbaugh, which includes Malik Nabers and Darnell Mooney from free agency. May 28 New York Jets rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq recently had surgery to repair a hernia, but coach Aaron Glenn said Thursday the first-round draft pick will be ready to participate in training camp in July. Sadiq, the 16th overall selection in April out of Oregon, was the second of the Jets’ three first-round picks this year and is expected to have a big role in offensive coordinator Frank Reich’s offense as a pass-catching threat for quarterback Geno Smith. “Sadiq had a minor procedure, so he won’t be out at practice today,” said Glenn, whose team began voluntary organized team activities on Wednesday. “It’s something that he dealt with — and we knew about — going to his last year of college, and he dealt with it during rookie minicamp [in early May]. “And we wanted to make sure we got that done right after rookie minicamp so he’ll be ready to go during training camp.” The 6-foot-3, 241-pound Sadiq set an Oregon record last season for tight ends with 51 receptions. He’s considered a versatile tight end with terrific athleticism and joins Jeremy Ruckert and Mason Taylor — the Jets’ second-round pick last year — among those on the roster at the position. It’s safe to say that star linebacker Trey Hendrickson is fitting in with his new team. “He’s an extremely well-defined technical rusher. So, he uses his hands really, really well,” Baltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter said about Hendrickson at the Ravens’ OTAs, according to NFL.com. “He can bend really well. He’s really good at seeing the snap count and being able to do that. He knows how to attack different tackles based on how they set, things like that. “But man, [it’s] just how he plays. He brings it every play. I think he’s done a great job learning some different techniques that maybe he hasn’t done before and playing the run and doing things like that. So, I am just very excited, and very, very, very pleased with Trey up to this point, and I am excited to have him on our side.” Hendrickson signed a four-year, $112 million deal with the Ravens after spending the previous five seasons with the AFC North-rival Cincinnati Bengals (2021-25) — a signing that came mere hours after Baltimore’s blockbuster trade for Las Vegas Raiders star pass rusher Maxx Crosby fell through due to long-term medical concerns. Prior to his 2025 campaign being cut short after seven games due to a hip injury, Hendrickson totaled 17.5 sacks in back-to-back seasons (2023-24), was a 2024 All-Pro and a Pro Bowler in four consecutive seasons (2021-24). Hendrickson joins a Ravens’ defense that was tied for 28th in the NFL in sacks last season (30.0). “He’s an unbelievable leader in the edge room,” Minter said of Hendrickson. “He’s really helping bring those young guys along as well. I think it was a lot of third-down [work] at the end of practice, and that’s why he’s here — to help close out those situations for us on defense.” The New York Giants restructured left tackle Andrew Thomas’ contract, creating $6.46 million in cap space, according to ESPN. Thomas subsequently converted the base salary into a signing bonus; he’s entering the second season of a five-year, $117.5 million deal. Thomas, whom the Giants selected with the No. 4 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Georgia, ranked fourth among offensive tackles with a 90.3 overall grade last season, according to Pro Football Focus. That said, he was limited to 13 games due to recovery from a Lisfranc injury in his right foot that he suffered in 2024 — which limited him to six games in said season — and a late-season hamstring injury. Barring injury, Thomas has been New York’s starting left tackle since his 2020 rookie campaign. May 27 The Minnesota Vikings officially signed wide receiver Jauan Jennings on May 7, but the move still feels surreal for Jennings. After participating in his first OTA practice with the team, Jennings spoke openly about the talent in Minnesota’s wide receiver room. Jennings even compared himself to NBA superstar Kevin Durant. “I feel like Kevin Durant and the Warriors,” Jennings said. “It’s a big three, man. There’s a lot of talent over here.” Jennings joins a talented Vikings receiver room led by All-Pro Justin Jefferson and 2023 first-round pick Jordan Addison. While Minnesota already boasts one of the league’s top receiving groups, Jennings could be the piece that elevates the offense even further. With the Indianapolis Colts locking up quarterback Daniel Jones this offseason, attention now shifts to the backup quarterback battle between Riley Leonard and Anthony Richardson. Head coach Shane Steichen revealed Wednesday that neither player currently holds the edge. However, many have speculated that the job could be Leonard’s to lose, with Richardson’s name surfacing in trade rumors throughout the offseason. For now, Richardson remains with the Colts after not being moved following his trade request. Despite requesting a trade earlier this offseason, Richardson said there’s no awkwardness surrounding the situation. “I don’t think so,” Richardson said. “I signed a contract. I was still on this team regardless, before the trade stuff. I got an obligation to this team.” Richardson hasn’t started a game since 2024, when he appeared in 11 games for the Colts. He completed 47.7% of his passes for 1,814 yards, eight touchdowns and 12 interceptions while posting a 44.1 QBR. May 26 The Los Angeles Chargers remain fully committed to safety Derwin James after making him the league’s highest-paid safety. The two sides agreed to a three-year, $75.6 million extension worth an average of $25.2 million per season, per NFL Network. James surpassed Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton, who signed a $25.1 million per year deal last August, to become the highest-paid safety in the league. He is now locked in long term and is expected to remain a cornerstone of coach Jim Harbaugh’s defense for the foreseeable future. He is coming off a strong season in which he recorded 94 total tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble, and three interceptions across 16 games for the Chargers. Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving is rehabbing from his shoulder surgery and should be ready this summer, per ESPN. Irving sustained a shoulder injury that kept him out Week 5-12 of the 2026 season. He returned in Week 13, taking on a normal workload, but proceeded to undergo surgery after the season ended. Irving is not expected to participate in mini-camp in a few weeks, but will likely be ready at some point during training camp. Tampa Bay boosted the depth in its running back room, adding Kenneth Gainwell in the offseason. Gainwell had a career-high 114 rushing attempts for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2026, so he could help alleviate the load on Irving. The Houston Texans and wide receiver Nico Collins have agreed to restructure his contract for the next two seasons, per ESPN. The revised deal guarantees his salary over the next two seasons and includes a $9 million incentive for 2027 and an $8 million incentive for 2028. The structure of the agreement effectively ensures Collins remains with the Texans through the 2028 season. Collins is coming off a strong season with the Texans, recording 71 receptions for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games. He also averaged 15.7 yards per reception, ranking sixth among all receivers last season. With Collins locked in for the next two seasons, the Texans continue to build around one of quarterback C.J. Stroud’s top offensive weapons as they aim to remain a contender in the AFC. May 22 Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward is about 10 pounds lighter as he works to connect with his sixth offensive coordinator in as many seasons. He also has a pair of new wide receivers as well. Better yet? The shoulder injury that knocked him out of the finale of his rookie season is not an issue during the team’s offseason program. “His arm’s perfectly healthy,” new coach Robert Saleh said Thursday. “He’s slinging the ball. I mean, he’s got some good velocity on it. And just like everyone else, learning the system. But so far, so good.” The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft started every game as a rookie for the Titans, throwing for 3,169 yards, setting a rookie franchise record. He had 15 touchdown passes with seven interceptions — including only one pick over the final nine games of the season — with his 1.3% interception rate a single-season franchise mark. Ward hurt his throwing shoulder on a touchdown run at Jacksonville, however. He needed only time and not surgery, though that didn’t calm fans worried about the quarterback’s health going into his second season. Ward has been busy in the team’s offseason program. He said he believes the injury is past him even as he works to strengthen his shoulder to help protect it. “And then just try to not have it happen again,” Ward said. May 21 The Philadelphia Eagles have high expectations for rookie wide receiver Makai Lemon. Along with his first-round draft pedigree, newly hired offensive coordinator Sean Mannion has repeatedly praised Lemon’s work habits and approach to the game. “Makai’s [Lemon] been a lot of fun to work with,” Mannion said. “He’s a tremendous young talent. He practices really hard, studies hard, takes a lot of pride in the little details. That’s the sign of a true pro.” Lemon was selected with the No. 20 overall pick in the NFL Draft and is expected to make an immediate impact alongside wide receiver DeVonta Smith following the eventual trade of A.J. Brown. The former Trojans football standout is coming off a breakout junior season that earned him the Biletnikoff Award. Lemon hauled in 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns in 12 games. The Los Angeles Chargers have one of the youngest receiving corps in the NFL, but veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen could still return. Rumors earlier this offseason connected Allen to the Kansas City Chiefs as a possible veteran addition if he didn’t come back to the Chargers. General manager Joe Hortiz said Thursday on the Up and Adams show that the team has had discussions with Allen’s representatives about a potential reunion. “Right now, we’re in a spot where we’re looking at the roster and letting these young guys get a chance,” Hortiz said. “I’ve had some communication with Keenan’s [Allen] representation and we talk.” Still, the Chargers have not ruled out adding another proven target for quarterback Justin Herbert as the offense continues to take shape heading into next season. “Our guys that we have here, we’re letting them grow and develop,” Hortiz said. “Nothing but love for Keenan. That door has not closed and wouldn’t like to see him in the red. The doors not closed and we talk.” Allen is coming off another productive season with the Chargers, the franchise where he has spent 12 of his 13 NFL seasons. He recorded 81 receptions for 777 yards and four touchdowns across 17 games last season. The Detroit Lions and linebacker Jack Campbell have agreed to a four-year contract extension that will run through the 2030 season, announced through the team’s social media page. The Lions had declined to exercise the fifth-year option for the 2027 season on Campbell’s rookie contract in May. The option would have been worth an estimated $21.925 million. Now Detroit has inked Campbell to an extension, of which the financial details have yet to be announced. The Lions selected Campbell with the 18th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He’s improved over each season, tallying a career-high 176 tackles, nine tackles for loss and three forced fumbles to earn his first Pro Bowl appearance in 2025. Campbell’s achievements led to this pay day, which will kick in after the 2026 season. May 19 The New York Giants have dominated headlines all offseason following the hiring of coach Jim Harbaugh and the development of quarterback Jaxson Dart. However, another one of the team’s young stars could be nearing a return to the field sooner than expected. Second-year running back Cam Skattebo spoke at a team town hall event at the Beacon Theatre on Monday night and provided an update on his recovery from the gruesome leg injury that ended his season. “Obviously, there’s ups and downs in the injury process and coming back and rehabbing, but the mental battle has been the hardest part: making sure that I trust it fully,” Skattebo said. “I’m a little ways out. Not too far, but I’ll be ready to go. Week 1, I’ll be ready to go.” Skattebo put together a strong rookie season before suffering the injury. He rushed for 410 yards and averaged 4.1 yards per carry with eight touchdowns, while also recording 24 receptions for 207 yards and two receiving touchdowns across eight games. May 18 The Arizona Cardinals are kicking off organized team activities (OTAs) on Monday, but starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett is not in attendance, per NFL Network. Brissett is holding out as he seeks a new contract and a pay raise for the 2026 season. Brissett, 33, is currently under a two-year, $12.5 million deal and is set to become an unrestricted free agent next offseason. He is also coming off a career year with Arizona after taking over for quarterback Kyler Murray in Week 6. Last season, Brissett completed 64.9% of his passes for 3,366 yards, 23 touchdowns, and eight interceptions The New Orleans Saints and wide receiver Chris Olave have been engaged in contract talks dating back to last offseason. After putting together a career year in New Orleans, discussions surrounding an extension are expected to intensify. Saints Executive Vice President and General Manager Mickey Loomis provided an update on negotiations Monday morning. While Loomis said both sides would like to get a deal done sooner rather than later, they are still not close at this time, per ESPN. “Obviously, we’d love to have something done sooner rather than later, and I’m sure Chris would as well, but we’re not there yet,” Loomis said. Olave is coming off a career season in which he recorded 100 receptions for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns. He is playing this season on his fifth-year option and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. The New Orleans Saints made a major splash this offseason by signing running back Travis Etienne. The move immediately shifted attention toward All-Pro running back Alvin Kamara and raised questions about his future in New Orleans. Mickey Loomis, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the New Orleans Saints, remained noncommittal Monday morning when asked about Kamara’s future, per the New Orleans Times-Picayune. “We’re just trying to see how he’s gonna fit on our roster,” Loomis said. “Obviously, there’s a resource management element. We’ll get to that over the next week or two.” Kamara is coming off an injury-plagued season in which he posted career lows in both rushing yards and touchdowns. He rushed for just 471 yards and one touchdown on 3.6 yards per carry while adding 33 receptions for 186 yards in the passing game. Aaron Rodgers didn’t waste time getting his 22nd NFL season started. The four-time NFL MVP was on the field for voluntary organized team activities in Pittsburgh on Monday just minutes after signing a one-year deal with the Steelers. The signing reunites Rodgers with first-year Pittsburgh coach Mike McCarthy. The two worked closely together during a long partnership in Green Bay earlier in their respective careers, including a Super Bowl victory over Pittsburgh after the 2010 season. The 42-year-old Rodgers guided Pittsburgh to an AFC North title last season, throwing for 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He seemed to embrace playing for a team whose football roots run deep, much as he did in Green Bay, and now he’ll be back to try and help the Steelers end a playoff victory drought that is nearly a decade old. May 14 The Atlanta Falcons have officially signed second-round pick Avieon Terrell to a four-year, $10.3 million fully guaranteed contract, per NFL Network. After being selected No. 48 overall, Terrell is the lowest-drafted player in NFL history to receive a fully guaranteed rookie deal. The deal was negotiated by David Mulugheta of Athletes First. Terrell, another Clemson product, will now join his brother, A.J. Terrell, in Atlanta’s revamped secondary under recently hired coach Kevin Stefanski. He is expected to compete for immediate playing time as a versatile cover corner. May 13 The Miami Dolphins and running back De’Von Achane have agreed to a four-year contract extension worth up to $68 million, including $32 million guaranteed, per Ian Rapoport. The $17 million average annual value of Achane’s new contract now ranks third among all NFL running backs, trailing only Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey. New Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan made it clear throughout the offseason that securing Achane’s long-term future was a major priority, and he has now made that happen. In 2025, Achane rushed for 1,350 yards and eight touchdowns while averaging a league-high 5.7 yards per carry. He also added 67 catches for 488 yards and four touchdowns through the air. Achane ranked fifth in the NFL in rushing yards and fourth among running backs in receiving yards despite playing one fewer game than the players ahead of him. Achane is now primed to be the focal point of the Dolphins’ offense in 2026 under first-year head coach Jeff Hafley. The New York Jets are expected to sign wide receiver Tim Patrick, per ESPN. Patrick has spent six NFL seasons with the Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions and Jacksonville Jaguars after going undrafted in the 2017 NFL Draft. Patrick has appeared in 87 career games, hauling in 191 receptions for 2,590 yards and 18 touchdowns. The Jets already have Garrett Wilson and first-round pick Omar Cooper Jr. alongside Adonai Mitchell in the wide receiver room. Patrick should compete for an immediate role, likely battling l for the No. 3 or No. 4 receiver spot. New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers underwent a second knee surgery to remove scar tissue that was causing stiffness, per The Athletic. He is continuing to recover from a season-ending ACL and meniscus tear suffered in October. The second surgery took place multiple weeks ago and was a cleanup procedure following his knee injury last season. The procedure is not expected to impact Nabers’ recovery timeline and the Giants remain optimistic he will be ready for the start of the season. Nabers finished last season with 18 catches for 271 yards and two touchdowns across four games before the injury. The Giants open their season on September 12, when they host the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football. The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Drew Allar in the third round of last month’s NFL Draft as a long-term developmental project. That development is already underway under coach Mike McCarthy, who is reportedly starting from scratch with Allar’s mechanics. McCarthy is “uninstalling” everything Allar learned at Penn State, per ESPN. The coaching staff is now implementing its own methods, fundamentals and mechanics as it works to improve Allar’s footwork. McCarthy spoke to reporters on May 9 about the adjustments Allar is making as he transitions into the Steelers’offensive system. “Yeah, I think it makes a difference,” McCarthy said. “It gives you the ability to play faster, gives you the ability to transition in and out of the challenges that occur throughout quarterback play. We’re teaching him different than the way he’s played before. He hasn’t spent a lot of time under center. He’s a run-and-shoot guy in high school. He’s played from nine yards deep. So, there’s just a lot of newness to him.” May 12 The Miami Dolphins are placing former Texas A&M Aggies football standout running back Le’Veon Moss on the reserve/retired list, per The Miami Herald. Moss signed with the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent last month. Moss was expected to compete for a depth role in Miami’s crowded running back room and had an opportunity to earn a roster spot during training camp. His retirement comes as a surprise, given the production he delivered during his four-year career at Texas A&M. Moss rushed for 1,767 yards and 22 touchdowns during his time in College Station, establishing himself as one of the Aggies’ most productive backs during that span. The Dolphins’ running back room is now expected to feature De’Von Achane, Jaylen Wright, Ollie Gordon, Donovan Edwards, and undrafted Oregon State rookie Anthony Hankerson. The Carolina Panthers picked up quarterback Bryce Young’s fifth-year option this offseason, and a long-term extension could soon follow. General manager Dan Morgan appeared on The Rich Eisen Show on Tuesday and discussed the possibility of an extension. “We just picked up his fifth-year and I think contract-wise, in terms of long-term contract, we’ll keep talking about that internally,” Morgan said. “We’ll get it done at the right time, you know, if we’re going to do it… Obviously, we believe in Bryce.” Young showed progress last season, helping lead the Panthers to their first NFC South title since 2015. His development gave the organization confidence that he can become the franchise quarterback they envisioned when selecting him No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. “He’s gotten better every single year,” Morgan continued. “He’s developing as a leader and has such a good grasp of coach Canales and Brad Idzik’s offense. He’s just getting better every single day. We’re obviously really excited about him and the team and the direction we’re headed.” May 11 The Buffalo Bills have agreed to terms with former Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Mike Danna on a one-year deal, according to ESPN. The move appears to be more about adding depth and competition to the edge room than bringing in an immediate starter. Danna is expected to compete for snaps behind Greg Rousseau and Bradley Chubb, while also joining a crowded rotation that now includes second-round pick T. J. Parker. As a two-time Super Bowl champion, Danna spent the first six seasons of his career in Kansas City. Although he played primarily as a defensive end with the Chiefs, he is expected to transition to outside linebacker in Buffalo. The Bills are expected to shift to a 3-4 scheme under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. The Minnesota Vikings are expected to induct Adrian Peterson into the franchise’s Ring of Honor, per ESPN. Peterson will become the 27th member of the group, joining franchise legends such as Bud Grant, Randy Moss, Cris Carter and John Randle. The Vikings Ring of Honor is a prestigious, permanent display established in 1998 at U.S. Bank Stadium to honor the most legendary players, coaches, and executives in franchise history. Peterson was selected by the Vikings with the No. 7 pick in the 2007 NFL Draft and spent 10 of his 15 NFL seasons in Minnesota. He finished his Vikings career as the franchise’s all-time leader in rushing yards (11,747) and rushing touchdowns (97). In addition to being inducted into the Vikings Ring of Honor, Peterson will also become eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2027. The Pittsburgh Steelers have agreed to terms with kicker Chris Boswell on a four-year contract extension, per ESPN. The deal is reportedly worth $28 million, will keep Boswell in Pittsburgh through the 2030 season, and ties him as the NFL’s highest-paid kicker at $7 million annually. He now shares that distinction with Brandon Aubrey, who signed an identical deal with the Dallas Cowboys. Boswell has become one of the league’s most reliable kickers since his resurgence in 2023, connecting on 90.6% of his field goal attempts during that span. He has also drilled 52 career field goals from 50-plus yards. That total includes a career-long and franchise-record 60-yarder that lifted the Steelers to a win over the New York Jets in last season’s opener. The Chargers have added a tight end through free agency, signing longtime Browns’ veteran David Njoku to a one-year, $8 million deal, per NFL Network. Njoku has played with Cleveland for his entire pro career, since he was drafted in 2017 29th overall by the Browns. The 2023 Pro Bowl selection played in 12 games last season, but was targeted just 48 times while making 33 catches for 8.9 yards per reception. Njaku’s career-best for receiving yards came in ’23, when he had 882 on 81 receptions with career-bests in touchdowns (six) and first downs (39). Cleveland voided Njoku’s deal in February, the final season of a four-year, $54.75 million contract, as he missed the final four games of the season with a knee injury and was replaced in the lineup by rookie Harold Fannin Jr. Now, Njoku goes from the unsettled QB situation in Cleveland to Justin Herbert and the Chargers in Los Angeles in an attempt to rebuild value on the market a year from now. May 10 The Denver Broncos and general manager George Paton have agreed to a five-year contract extension that will keep him with the organization through the 2030 season. Paton had just one year remaining on his deal. There was growing speculation that other teams could pursue Paton next offseason, but owner and CEO Greg Penner put that to rest with the extension. The move also solidifies the long-term partnership between Paton and head coach Sean Payton in Denver. “I’ve enjoyed working with George [Paton] over the last four seasons and appreciate the alignment we share in positioning the Broncos for sustained success,” Penner said. May 8 The New York Jets signed running back Breece Hall to a three-year, $45.8 million deal, per NFL Media. Hall was set to play on the $14.3 million non-exclusive franchise tag before signing the reported deal. This contract puts Hall third among NFL running backs with a $15.3 million average annual salary. Hall, who has spent his entire NFL career in New York (2022-25), rushed for a career-high 1,065 yards and four touchdowns on 4.4 yards per carry across 16 games last season. He also totaled 36 receptions for 350 yards and one touchdown. May 7 Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts officially signed his franchise tender on Thursday morning, per NFL Network. The franchise tender is worth $15.045 million, making Pitts one of the league’s highest-paid tight ends. Both sides now have until July 15 to reach a long-term agreement, otherwise Pitts will play next season under the franchise tag. Atlanta has made Pitts a major part of its offense, and a long-term extension would keep one of the league’s top young tight ends in place for the future. Pitts is coming off a career season in Atlanta, where he hauled in 88 receptions for 928 yards and five touchdowns. Former NFL and UFL quarterback Taylor Heinicke officially announced his retirement from football at age 33 on Thursday afternoon. He shared the news on Instagram, reflecting on his journey and thanking those who supported him throughout his career. “For 25 years, I had the pleasure to play this great sport of football,” Heinicke wrote. “It has taught me a lot, not only about myself but about life as well. Many ups and downs throughout the years, but the ups outweigh the downs tenfold. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would’ve been able to live this life.” Heinicke built a reputation as one of football’s ultimate underdog stories after entering the league as an undrafted quarterback out of Old Dominion. “Thank you to all who have supported me in this journey,” Heinicke wrote. “Thank you all who have believed in me. And thank you to those who gave me the opportunity to live out my childhood dream. Excited for this next chapter of my life!” During his seven-year NFL career, Heinicke played for the Houston Texans, Carolina Panthers, Minnesota Vikings, Washington Commanders, Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Chargers. He finished his NFL career with 6,663 passing yards, 39 touchdowns and 28 interceptions. Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II wanted a change of scenery, so he asked for a trade. Now he’s a free agent. After being unable to find a trade partner and using the draft to possibly find a faster replacement, the Colts released the 2021 Pro Bowler on Thursday to give him more time to find a new team. Moore’s request went public in early April. The Colts spent the past month looking for a team that wanted to take the 30-year-old Moore, a multiyear team captain who earned the respect of his teammates by going from undrafted rookie in 2017 to one of the NFL’s best slot cornerbacks. He was scheduled to earn $9.49 million in salary this season. Moore successfully navigated multiple defensive coordinator changes but as injuries mounted in recent seasons, his productivity declined. Moore had 649 tackles, 68 breakups and returned four of his 21 interceptions for scores during his nine seasons with the Colts. He also returned a fumble for a touchdown in 2024. Indy also released safety Nasir Adderley, a free agent who signed in mid-April, and linebacker John Bullock. Adderley started 44 of his 50 games with the Los Angeles Chargers but had not played since 2022. Bullock was claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay in January after making 10 special teams tackles with the Buccaneers as a rookie. April 29 The Carolina Panthers signed the fifth-year option on quarterback Bryce Young’s rookie contract on Wednesday, keeping the 2023 No. 1 pick with the team through the 2027 season. General manager Dan Morgan first mentioned on SiriusXM’s “Mad Dog Sports Radio” that he was planning to sign the contract and later confirmed to the The Associated Press that he had signed the deal. Under the terms of the fifth-year option, Young would make $29.5 million for the 2027 season. However, Morgan repeatedly has said the team is pleased with Young’s progress and the goal would be to sign the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner from Alabama to a long-term deal, although the team still has plenty of time to get that done. Young is set to cost $12 million under the Panthers’ salary cap this coming season. Young, who turns 25 in July, is just 14-30 as the team’s starting quarterback, but he is coming off his best season, posting career highs in yards passing (3,011), touchdown passes (23) and completion percentage (63.6%) while leading the Panthers to the playoffs for the first time to 2017. Carolina lost 34-31 to the Los Angeles Rams in the wild-card game. April 28 Titans president of football operations Chad Brinker said he’s leaving the organization to pursue other opportunities. Brinker joined the Titans in 2023 and was elevated to president of football operations the following year. During Brinker’s time in Nashville, the Titans went 12-39, including 3-14 each of the last two seasons. “It has been an honor to serve as president of football operations of the Tennessee Titans,” Brinker said in a statement. “Over the years, I’ve understood and embraced my role as the leader of the football strategy, but as I’ve spent less time in personnel, I have a renewed conviction that it is time to return to what I love and move towards my next chapter.’ In January, the Titans streamlined the roles for Brinker and general manager Mike Borgonzi as the team prepared to hire Robert Saleh as head coach. Borgonzi led the search that culminated in hiring Saleh. In a message to fans at the time, controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk said Borgonzi would serve as general manager “in the most traditional sense — pick and support the players, oversee the coaching staff — while Chad will continue to lead everything else about the football team.” Strunk thanked Brinker for his time with the franchise. “When we first met Chad, it was clear he was an exceptional talent with deep knowledge of the game and the ability to connect big-picture strategy to execution,” Strunk said in a statement. “While it is difficult to lose him, I understand his decision and will do whatever I can to support him.” The Los Angeles Chargers exercised the fifth-year option on wide receiver Quentin Johnston. Johnston was selected 21st overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, and while he hasn’t been the stud that first-round draft capital would warrant, he has gradually improved over each season. In 2025, he had a career-high 735 yards and eight touchdowns. He’s now under contract with Los Angeles through the end of the 2027 season. The Philadelphia Eagles made a pair of expected moves official on Monday. They picked up the fifth-year options for defensive tackle Jalen Carter and linebacker Nolan Smith. With the moves, both Carter and Smith will remain under team control through the end of the 2027 season, which is when their rookie contracts expire. Carter, 25, has been one of the league’s top interior defensive linemen over the last couple of seasons, logging 13.5 sacks. Smith has also been a solid contributor to Philadelphia’s success over the last couple of seasons. He had 10.5 sacks and 50 total pressures (per Pro Football Focus) in 2024 (regular season and postseason combined). The Buffalo Bills made upgrading their wide receiver room a priority this offseason under new coach Joe Brady, but the team still continues to show confidence in Keon Coleman despite the added competition. General manager Brandon Beane spoke to local media after the NFL Draft and said the Bills never seriously entertained the idea of trading Coleman. He added that the organization quickly shut down any trade interest in the wide receiver. “We shut those down,” Beane said. “Our intention is for Keon to be here, so the word was out, so no calls this weekend. We’ve hit the reset button with him and hopefully the fanbase and everyone is behind him. I think his best year is yet to come here in 2026.” Coleman, 22, is entering his third NFL season with the Bills but has yet to fully break out since being selected No. 33 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Through 26 career games, he has recorded 67 receptions for 960 yards and eight touchdowns. The challenge only grows from here. Buffalo added more talent to the position group this offseason, including a trade for DJ Moore and the selection of UConn wide receiver Skyler Bell in the fourth round of the draft. With a more crowded depth chart heading into training camp, Coleman will need to stand out in a highly competitive battle for targets and playing time. The Minnesota Vikings are officially locking down wide receiver Jordan Addison for the next two seasons after picking up his fifth-year option on Monday afternoon. Executive vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski said last month the team would make the move. As a result, Addison will earn $18 million in 2027 and look to bounce back from last season’s struggles. Addison will also be adjusting to a new quarterback in the offense following the Vikings’ signing of former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray. He is coming off a season in which he posted career lows with 42 receptions, 610 receiving yards, and three touchdowns. The Vikings will enter next season with All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson, Addison and last year’s third-round pick Tai Felton. The group will look to lead the passing attack after the departure of Jalen Nailor, who signed with the Las Vegas Raiders earlier in the offseason. Now under contract for two more seasons, the Vikings are betting on Addison to stabilize his production and take a step forward as a key piece of the offense moving forward. The team ultimately hopes that continued development will lead to a long-term extension. The Atlanta Falcons’ offseason has been defined by the hiring of coach Kevin Stefanski and major front office changes. Edge rusher James Pearce Jr.’s offseason arrest also remained a major storyline as it reached a resolution Thursday afternoon. He agreed to enter a pretrial intervention program that his attorneys said would resolve three felony charges stemming from what police described as a domestic dispute on Feb. 7 with his ex-girlfriend and WNBA player Rickea Jackson. “Mr. Pearce Jr. will be entering a six-month diversion program. Upon completion of the six months without violation, the state will dismiss all felony and misdemeanor charges,” one of Pearce’s attorneys, Jacob Nunez, said Thursday in a statement provided to The Associated Press. “James is focused on moving forward, rejoining his teammates and the Atlanta Falcons organization as a whole, performing at the highest level, and continuing to be a team player on and off the field,” Nunez and fellow attorney Yale Sanford said in a separate statement. While Pearce Jr.’s legal situation has been resolved, his football future has now become the next focal point. The first-round pick from last year’s NFL Draft appeared in all 17 games during his rookie season, recording 26 total tackles, 10.5 sacks and one forced fumble. Despite the legal resolution, questions still remain about Pearce Jr.’s long-term future in the NFL and with the Falcons. He could still face potential discipline under the NFL’s personal conduct policy, which operates independently of the legal process. The Chicago Bears exercised their fifth-year option for 2027 on right tackle Darnell Wright’s rookie contract and will try to sign him to an extension, general manager Ryan Poles said on Tuesday. The No. 10 overall pick in the 2023 draft, Wright was second-team All-Pro last season. He was a key player on a line that went from being one of the NFL’s worst in 2024 to one of the best, with guard Joe Thuney and now-retired center Drew Dalman earning Pro Bowl honors. The Bears went 11-6 in winning their first NFC North championship since 2018. They advanced in the playoffs for the first time in 15 years by beating rival Green Bay in a wild-card game before losing in overtime to the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round. Jimmy Garoppolo has served as the backup to quarterback Matthew Stafford over the past two seasons with the Los Angeles Rams. After re-signing with the team this offseason, Garoppolo is now considering retirement, according to NFL Network. Garoppolo was selected in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots out of Eastern Illinois and has since built a 12-year NFL career. He has also spent time with the San Francisco 49ers, Las Vegas Raiders and most recently the Rams. He completed 67.4% of his passes for 15,828 yards, 96 touchdowns and 52 interceptions during his career. He also played a pivotal role in the 49ers’ resurgence under head coach Kyle Shanahan. Garoppolo posted a 38–17 record as a starter under Shanahan, helping lead the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance in 2019. His steadiness and ability to manage games were key factors in the 49ers’ return to contention during that stretch. His potential retirement would mark the end of a 12-year career that included multiple stops and a steady role as a longtime NFL starter. The Dallas Cowboys and kicker Brandon Aubrey made history on Monday morning, agreeing to a long-term extension that will make Aubrey the highest-paid kicker in NFL history, per his agency. Aubrey is expected to sign a four-year, $28 million deal that will pay him $7 million annually, making him the first kicker in NFL history to reach that mark. The contract also includes $20 million in guaranteed money, securing his future in Dallas for the foreseeable future. For as strong a start to his NFL career as Aubrey has had, his path to the league is one of the most unusual. He had no kicking experience in high school or college, instead transitioning to the NFL after a career as a professional soccer player and software engineer. Since signing with the Cowboys in 2023, Aubrey has become a three-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro while converting 88.2% of his field goals. He has also set multiple NFL records, including becoming the first kicker in league history with three 60-plus-yard field goals in a season, three 50-plus-yard field goals in a single game and 10 or more 50-yard field goals across three seasons. Aubrey’s rapid rise has made him one of the most reliable and historically productive kickers the league has ever seen, and the extension now reflects that. The San Francisco 49ers and offensive tackle Trent Williams have resolved their offseason standoff, reaching an agreement on a two-year, $50 million extension. The deal keeps Williams in San Francisco through the 2027 season, per his agency. The extension includes $37 million fully guaranteed and a $22 million signing bonus. With the new deal, Williams also will become the first non-quarterback in NFL history to surpass $400 million in total contract value and $225 million in guaranteed money. Williams has played 15 seasons in the league, including nine with the Washington Commanders and the last six with the 49ers. During his time in San Francisco, he earned three consecutive First-Team All-Pro selections from 2021 to 2023 and has made three Pro Bowls. The new deal for Williams follows an offseason full of uncertainty, as the 49ers declined Williams’ $10 million option at the beginning of the new league year. The decision sparked speculation, per ESPN, about a potential trade or release before they ultimately agreed to an extension. Williams still remains one of the league’s most accomplished offensive linemen, continuing to anchor the left side of the 49ers’ offensive line. The agreement also resolves a prolonged offseason situation and secures his place on the roster for the next two seasons. Jacoby Brissett holding out Brissett isn’t attending Phase 1 of the Arizona Cardinals’ offseason program as he seeks a new contract, per NFL Media. The 33-year-old quarterback is entering the final season of a two-year, $12.5 million contract and has just $1.5 million remaining in guarantees. Brissett is coming off arguably the best season of his NFL career. Across 12 starts (14 overall appearances), he totaled 3,366 passing yards, 23 passing touchdowns, eight interceptions and a 94.1 passer rating, while completing 64.9% of his passes. The Cardinals’ quarterback room also includes veteran Gardner Minshew and Kedon Slovis. Arizona owns the No. 3, 34 and 65 selections, among other picks, in the 2026 NFL Draft. Bijan Robinson option picked up The Atlanta Falcons may be entering an offseason of change under new head coach Kevin Stefanski, but their star running back isn’t going anywhere. On Friday afternoon, the Falcons picked up Robinson’s fifth-year option, per ESPN. This move sets the stage for a potential long-term extension for Robinson. Even with the option in place and extension talks looming, Robinson told ESPN in March that he’s not focused on his contractual future in Atlanta. “I’m going to leave that one to my agent and the guys upstairs, and we’ll see where it goes from there,” Robinson said. Robinson, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Texas, has been remarkably durable, appearing in every game across his first two seasons. He has totaled 3,910 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns while averaging 4.9 yards per carry, establishing himself as one of the NFL’s most complete and versatile running backs. As a receiver, Robinson has added 198 receptions for 1,738 yards and four touchdowns. This past season (2025), Robinson was a finalist for AP Offensive Player of the Year and earned Pro Bowl honors along with AP First and Second Team All-Pro nods. Texans expected to pick up Stroud, Anderson options The Houston Texans are coming off another strong playoff run and are now looking to lock in two franchise-caliber players. The team is expected to pick up the fifth-year options for edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. and quarterback C.J. Stroud, per ESPN. The fifth-year option salary cap figures have been released, with Stroud set to earn $25.904 million in 2027 and Anderson for $21.512 million. The Texans selected Stroud with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and then traded for the very next pick for Anderson. Both players have been key to Houston’s rebuild under coach DeMeco Ryans since entering the league. Anderson has put together a strong showing since being drafted out of Alabama. He won the 2023 Defensive Rookie of the Year award, was named a First Team All-Pro selection in 2025 and has totaled 136 tackles, 30 sacks and four forced fumbles over his first three seasons. Stroud hasn’t matched Anderson’s statistical impact, but he’s shown enough for Ryan and his staff to pick up his option and give him a chance at a long-term deal. While Stroud hasn’t fully lived up to his rookie season, three consecutive playoff appearances are hard to ignore. He completed 64.5% of his passes for 3,041 yards and 19 touchdowns against eight interceptions last season. Stroud might not have eye-popping stats, but he finished the campaign strong, with the 11th-overall quarterback rating in the league. Zay Flowers looking to sign extension with Ravens, not beat Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s contract number After Jaxon Smith-Njigba became the NFL’s highest-paid wide receiver, Baltimore Ravens star Zay Flowers became one of the next receivers in line to receive a new deal. But as Smith-Njigba’s four-year, $168.6 million contract with $120 million guaranteed sets a new benchmark, Flowers’ focus with his potential extension with the Ravens isn’t the contract number, but staying in Baltimore. “Absolutely,” Flowers told reporters, via Ravens.com. “I don’t want to go nowhere else.” The two receivers have quickly developed into key pieces for their offenses, each taking on a larger role early in their careers. Now, with Smith-Njigba pushing the market forward, Flowers is in position to follow that trend. “Congrats to him,” Flowers said. “He did that one. I ain’t really paying attention to (my contract), if I’m being honest. I go train every day. I let my agents handle that.” That mindset has shown up on the field. Flowers is coming off a career year with 86 receptions for 1,211 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 14.1 yards per catch. It marked his second straight 1,000-yard season, further solidifying his role in Baltimore’s offense as the team is expected to pick up his fifth-year option. For now, Flowers remains focused on his performance as Baltimore’s offseason continues with the NFL Draft approaching. But with the market reset, the foundation is in place for a deal that could materialize sooner rather than later. Falcons Starting RT Kaleb McGary retires, team signs Jaawan Taylor Not only are the Atlanta Falcons navigating major offseason changes with the hiring of coach Kevin Stefanski, but they are also set to lose one of their most experienced veterans. Offensive tackle Kaleb McGary will retire from the NFL, per his agent, Collin Roberts. At just 31, McGary retired following a serious knee and lower left leg injury he suffered last August in training camp, which caused him to miss the entire season McGary had been a seven-year starter for the Falcons since being selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Washington. He blocked for the team’s president of football operations, Matt Ryan, for three seasons (2019-2021). Ryan released a statement on McGary’s retirement on Wednesday afternoon. “I truly enjoyed my time playing alongside Kaleb,” Ryan said in a statement released by the Falcons. “He was an outstanding teammate and had a tremendous career as a Falcon. We are grateful for the impact he made on this organization, and we wish him nothing but the best in retirement.” Over his seven seasons with Atlanta, McGary appeared in 92 games and started all but one, establishing himself as a cornerstone of the Falcons’ offensive line. McGary played right tackle, leaving a key blindside spot for left-handed quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix. The team moved quickly to fill the gap, signing offensive tackle Jaawan Taylor shortly after McGary’s retirement was announced. James Pearce Jr. not at Falcons’ voluntary workouts James Pearce Jr. did not report to the Atlanta Falcons’ voluntary offseason workouts, coach Kevin Stefanski said Wednesday. “I will tell you guys, James Pearce is not here,’ Stefanski said. “We’ve been in constant communication with his representation.’ Pearce was arrested near Miami on Feb. 7 after an incident involving his former girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson. He faces three felony charges, including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police and resisting an officer with violence, in addition to a misdemeanor stalking charge. The new Falcons coach emphasized that the training program is voluntary and that he wouldn’t be sharing additional details about which players reported. “It’s a voluntary program, so that’s up to each individual player to make those decisions,” Stefanski said. ‘I would also add that we’ve had great discussions with his (Pearce’s) representation. I don’t want to get into the specifics of that.” Pearce’s status with the Falcons has been in question since the arrest. The Falcons’ front office and coaching staff, which is largely full of new faces this season, has remained tight-lipped during the active investigation. “Obviously, we’re aware of the most recent articles and things that have come out regarding James Pearce,” Falcons GM Ian Cunningham said in March. “Those are concerning, right, to say the least, but outside of that, I’ll just keep it just very similar to what we said at the combine. We’re not going to comment on an open legal matter here moving forward.” Pearce led the Falcons with 10.5 sacks in 2025. He also had 26 total tackles, five pass deflections, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. The Falcons’ pass rush saw significant improvement with Pearce in the lineup in 2025, setting a team record with 57 sacks, 26 more than the year before. Kyle Shanahan leaving coaching? The San Francisco 49ers head coach responded to speculation that he might soon leave coaching for a network studio gig. Could a television stint be in his future? “I’m good coaching,” Shanahan said at the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting in Phoenix. “I love coaching. Even though I look like I’ve aged 10 years … because I physically have aged 10 years, I still feel good.” Rashee Rice won’t face discipline from NFL The NFL announced on April 3 that it has closed its investigation into assault allegations against the Chiefs wide receiver and that he won’t face any discipline by the league. “There was insufficient evidence to support a finding that he violated the personal conduct policy,” the league said in a statement obtained by NFL.com. The 25-year-old previously missed the first six games of last season following an NFL suspension for his role in a high-speed car crash during the 2024 offseason. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail and five years probation after pleading guilty. Jaguars extend Travon Walker on massive deal Walker, the first overall pick in 2022, has signed a massive four-year deal with the Jaguars worth $110 million ($77 million in total guarantees, $50 million fully guaranteed at signing and $27.5 million average annual salary). The 25-year-old has posted two double-digit sack seasons over his four years in Jacksonville, with 27.5 career sacks. Stephon Gilmore announces retirement One of the top cornerbacks in the NFL over the last decade-plus is walking away from the game. Stephon Gilmore announced his retirement from the league, ending his career after 13 seasons. Gilmore, 35, didn’t play in 2025, remaining unsigned after a one-year stint with the Minnesota Vikings. While Gilmore became a journeyman later in his career, he rose to prominence in the late 2010s during his stint with the New England Patriots. He helped the team win Super Bowl LIII in 2018 before being named Defensive Player of the Year in 2019. Gilmore was named first-team All-Pro in both of those seasons, and was also a Pro Bowler in three of his four years in New England. Gilmore finished his career with five Pro Bowl nods, earning his first when he was a member of the Buffalo Bills in 2016 and again when he was with the Carolina Panthers in 2021. Gilmore also played with the Dallas Cowboys and Indianapolis Colts, spending a season with each team. He began his NFL career in 2012, when the Bills took him with the 10th overall pick in that season’s draft. Klint Kubiak doesn’t want a rookie Week 1 starting QB Fernando Mendoza won’t start right away for the Las Vegas Raiders if coach Klint Kubiak has his way. The Raiders are expected to select the Heisman Trophy winner with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft next month. Mendoza led Indiana to its first national championship and became the overwhelming favorite to go first. “Ideally, you don’t want him to start from day one,” Kubiak said Tuesday. “You’d love him to be able to learn behind somebody. That’s in a perfect world. It doesn’t always work out that way. Sometimes they have to play from day one and it’s our job as coaches to get them ready to go. I think it does help the player if they can sit behind a mature adult and watch how they run the show.” Aidan O’Connell is the only other quarterback currently on the Raiders after the team traded Geno Smith and Kenny Pickett. Kirk Cousins, Jimmy Garoppolo and Russell Wilson are among the veterans who remain unsigned. Kubiak, who was the offensive coordinator for Super Bowl champion Seattle, replaced Pete Carroll and aims to rebuild a franchise that hasn’t won a playoff game since the AFC championship game following the 2002 season. It starts with landing a franchise quarterback. “He’s a national champion, he’s a winner,” Kubiak said of Mendoza. “He’s quick. He’s intelligent.” Shedeur Sanders to switch jersey number Shedeur Sanders will have a new look in 2026. The Cleveland Browns quarterback will switch his jersey number to No. 2 next season, the team announced. Sanders previously wore No. 12. Sanders actually wore No. 2 during his college career, but he couldn’t wear that jersey number during his rookie season with the Browns. Wide receiver DeAndre Carter had possession of the jersey number when Cleveland selected him in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. As for on-field matters, Sanders seems in line to compete for the starting quarterback job in 2026. Browns general manager Andrew Berry previously said that Sanders, Deshaun Watson and other quarterbacks on their roster will get the opportunity to potentially win the starting job. Sanders started the final seven games for the Browns in 2025, posting a 3-4 record. He threw for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions to go with 169 rushing yards and a rushing score last season. Safety Damar Hamlin returns to Buffalo Safety Damar Hamlin is returning to Buffalo for a sixth season after signing a one-year contract with the team on Friday. Hamlin was a free agent after his one-year contract expired. And he’s staying in Buffalo where the 28-year-old has served as an inspiration for perseverance following his remarkable comeback after a near-death experience three years ago. Hamlin has shown no signs of a setback since he went into cardiac arrest and needed to be resuscitated on the field during a game at Cincinnati in January 2023. Though he was eased back into action in being limited to playing five games the following season, Hamlin had a career-high 14 starts in 2024. He was relegated to a backup role last season and limited to just five games after landing on injured reserve because of a pectoral injury sustained in practice. Hamlin is expected to compete for a backup spot on a team and defense in transition. Jim Leonhard takes over as coordinator under new coach Joe Brady, who was promoted in January after Sean McDermott was fired. The Bills have since signed free-agent safeties C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Geno Stone, who are anticipated to compete for the starting job opposite Cole Bishop. Buffalo selected Hamlin in the sixth round of the 2021 draft out of Pittsburgh. He has two interceptions in 53 career games, including 27 starts. Tommy DeVito new backup for Patriots After QB Josh Dobbs’s release, Tommy DeVito is in line to be the New England Patriots backup quarterback under Drake Maye in this upcoming season. In 2024, DeVito was released by the New York Giants, being the odd man out in a competitive QB pool with players like Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, and first-round pick Jaxson Dart. The season prior, he played three games, completing 70.5% of his passing attempts. After signing with the Patriots, he aims to provide support at quarterback and help support Maye. Trent Williams update The San Francisco 49ers opted not to exercise the $10 million option bonus on their star left tackle, per ESPN. Williams, who has no remaining guaranteed money on a three-year, $82.7 million deal with the 49ers past 2026, is set to count for roughly $47 million on San Francisco’s 2026 payroll, but the team reportedly plans to discuss altering the terms of his contract. Williams, a three-time All-Pro and 12-time Pro Bowler, will be 38 at the start of the 2026 season. Chargers extend edge rusher Khalil Mack Nine-time Pro-Bowler Mack agreed to a one-year, $18 million deal to remain with the Chargers. That figure is fully guaranteed. The 35-year-old will officially return for his 13th NFL season. Mack missed time early in 2025 with a dislocated elbow but still finished the season with 5.5 sacks, 32 tackles, four forced fumbles and a safety. Eagles extend DT Jordan Davis Philadelphia has extended Davis to a three-year, $78 million deal that includes $65 million guaranteed, with the $26 million average annual value an NFL record for a nose tackle. Last season, Davis totaled a career-high in sacks (4.5), passes defended (six) and combined tackles (72). Davis hasn’t missed a game since his 2022 rookie campaign. Bills retain C Connor McGovern The Bills have re-signed McGovern on a four-year, $52 million deal, according to ESPN. The deal includes $32 million guaranteed. McGovern, a 2024 Pro Bowler, has spent the last three seasons in Buffalo (2023-25). Cowboys tender K Brandon Aubrey Dallas has placed a second-round tender worth $5.76 million on its star kicker, per ESPN. Aubrey can now sign an offer sheet with another team, but the Cowboys have the right to match any deal. If Aubrey signs a contract with another team and Dallas doesn’t match the deal, the Cowboys will receive a second-round pick. Aubrey, a one-time All-Pro and Pro Bowler in each of his three seasons in the NFL (2023-25), was 36 of 42 on field goal attempts in 2025 (85.7%), including 11 of 17 on kicks of 50 or more yards (64.7%). He holds the NFL record with six made field goals from 60 or more yards. Texans cut RB Joe Mixon, extend TE Dalton Schultz Houston is releasing Mixon in a move which saves it $8 million, per ESPN. Mixon, a two-time Pro Bowler, spent the first six seasons of his NFL career with the Bengals (2017-23) before being acquired by the Texans in 2024. In 2024, the veteran back rushed for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns on 4.1 yards per carry across 14 regular-season games for the Texans, while tallying 309 receiving yards. Mixon didn’t play in 2025 due to a foot injury. Meanwhile, Houston recently acquired veteran running back David Montgomery from the Lions. Meanwhile, Houston has extended its starting tight end on a one-year, $12.6 million deal. He had one season remaining on a three-year, $36 million deal. Last season, Schultz, who has spent the last three years in Houston after a five-year stint with the Cowboys, totaled a career-high 82 receptions for 777 yards and three touchdowns. Patriots trade starting center to Bears The Bears have their new center. Chicago has reportedly acquired center Garrett Bradbury from the Patriots in exchange for a fifth-round pick. Bradbury started every game for New England last season. The deal comes days after Bears center Drew Dalman surprisingly retired at 27 years old. Bradbury, 30, just finished his seventh NFL season after starting his career with six years in Minnesota. Browns alter QB Deshaun Watson’s contract Cleveland restructured Watson’s contract, clearing roughly $36 million in cap space. Watson, a three-time Pro Bowler who hasn’t played since Oct. 2024 due to injury, is entering the final season of a five-year, $230 million deal. Rams keep S Kamren Curl Los Angeles has re-signed Curl to a three-year, $36 million deal, with a maximum value of $39 million. Curl, who has spent the last two seasons with the Rams (2024-25), totaled two interceptions, 2.0 sacks and 122 combined tackles in the 2025 regular season. He then had one interception and 27 combined tackles in the postseason. Chargers sign new center Los Angeles has signed Tyler Biadasz to a three-year, $30 million deal, per NFL Media. Biadasz, a 2022 Pro Bowler with the Cowboys, was released by the Commanders last week after two seasons in the nation’s capital. Commanders to release CB Marshon Lattimore The Commanders are the latest team to make a cap-clearing move in the week ahead of free agency, releasing Lattimore. The move will clear $18.5 million in cap space for Washington, which will now have nearly $90 million available in cap space this offseason, per Over The Cap. Lattimore ranked 17th in Greg Auman’s top cap casualty candidates entering the offseason. He’s played just 18 games over the last two years, dealing with multiple injuries. Browns land RT Tytus Howard from Texans The Browns are getting some much-needed help along their offensive line, making a deal that could also have ramifications at the top of the 2026 NFL Draft. The Texans are trading Howard to the Browns for a fifth-round pick. Howard will also reportedly receive a three-year, $63 million extension as part of the deal. Cleveland’s O-line was among the worst in the league in 2025, with Pro Football Focus ranking the group the second-worst offensive line last season. Offensive tackle Dawand Jones was also the Browns’ only Week 1 starter on their offensive line who was under contract for the 2026 season. With the Browns in desperate need of O-line help, many mock drafts projected them to select an offensive tackle with the sixth overall pick. Monday’s trade, which can’t be made official until March 11, might allow the Browns to address other needs at the top of the draft, like wide receiver. Von Miller the general manager? The two-time Super Bowl champion, three-time All-Pro and Super Bowl MVP reportedly spent time at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine learning the ropes of what it takes to be an NFL general manager. The 36-year-old Miller, an eight-time Pro Bowler, spent last season with the Commanders, totaling 9.0 sacks and 26 combined tackles. NFL salary cap number revealed The NFL announced that the 2026 salary cap will be $301.2 million. This is a $22 million increase from 2025. Agents of NFL free agents can begin negotiating contracts with teams at noon ET on March 9, with NFL free agency officially opening at 4 p.m. ET on March 11. Commanders release OL Tyler Biadasz Biadasz had one year remaining on a three-year, $29.2 million deal, and his release will incur a $10.9 million cap hit and leave $8.1 million in dead cap. Biadasz was a key part of Washington’s NFC championship run last season. He was a Pro Bowler for the Cowboys in 2022. He’s now an unrestricted free agent. Colts QB Anthony Richardson cleared to seek trade The Colts have granted Richardson permission to seek a trade, according to ESPN. Richardson, who was selected by the Colts with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has started just 15 games in his NFL career; he suffered shoulder and head injuries in 2023, was benched during 2024 and lost his starting job to veteran Daniel Jones last summer while also dealing with an eye injury in 2025. Jets, Titans make a trade New York is sending defensive end and 2022 first-round pick Jermaine Johnson to Tennessee for nose tackle and 2024 second-round pick T’Vondre Sweat, per NFL Media. Johnson, a 2023 Pro Bowler, totaled three sacks and 43 combined tackles in 14 games in 2025. Meanwhile, over the first two seasons of his career (2024-25), Sweat has averaged 1.5 sacks and 42.5 combined tackles per season. Eagles RT Lane Johnson coming back Philadelphia’s longtime right tackle will return for a 14th NFL season, Johnson told The Philadelphia Inquirer. Johnson, a two-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowler, missed the Eagles’ past eight combined games in 2025 (seven regular-season games and one playoff game) due to a foot injury. Following its Super Bowl LIX triumph, Philadelphia won the NFC East at 11-6 last season but lost to the San Francisco 49ers in the wild-card round. Chiefs restructure QB Patrick Mahomes’ deal Kansas City has restructured Mahomes’ contract, bringing his 2026 salary down from $78.2 million to $34.65 million and creating $43.56 million in cap space. The Chiefs are currently over the cap. Mahomes’ 2025 campaign ended in Week 15 after he tore both his ACL and LCL, but the three-time Super Bowl MVP is targeting a Week 1 return. Dolphins release edge rusher Bradley Chubb The Dolphins are already making some roster moves, releasing veteran edge rusher Chubb, NFL Media reported on Feb. 16. Chubb, who’ll turn 30 in June, had a productive season in 2025, logging 8.5 sacks. However, he was set to have a cap hit of over $31 million in the 2026 and 2027 seasons. Miami was also over the salary cap when the offseason began, and cutting him cleared $7.34 million in cap space, per Over The Cap. NFL wins grievance, bans “team report cards” An arbitrator determined that the NFL Players Association violated the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the NFL by distributing annual “team report cards” and ordered the union to stop making public any future reports, per ESPN. “We are pleased with the decision from the arbitrator, upholding the parties’ collective bargaining agreement and prohibiting the NFLPA from disparaging our clubs and individuals through ‘report cards’ allegedly based on data and methodologies that it has steadfastly refused to disclose,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said. “We remain committed to working in partnership with the NFLPA and an independent survey company to develop and administer a scientifically valid survey to solicit accurate and reliable player feedback as the parties agreed in the CBA.” Decision looming on Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa General manager Jon-Eric Sullivan provided somewhat of an update on the future of the team’s current starter. “I don’t know what the future holds right now, and I told Tua that,” he revealed on Feb. 12. “We’re working through some things. What I can tell you is that we’re going to infuse competition into that room — whether Tua is part of the room [or not]. … Tua knows where we are. We’ve been very honest and upfront, and Tua also knows that he will be the first to know when we make a decision. … We’re getting close to a decision, and when we do, we’ll let Tua know whether he’s going to be part of this or not, and we’ll move forward.” Tagovailoa is entering the second season of a four-year, $212.4 million deal with the Dolphins, who have a new general manager in Sullivan and a new head coach in Jeff Hafley. Last season, Tagovailoa, a 2023 Pro Bowler, threw a career-high 15 interceptions in 14 starts, while posting an 88.5 passer rating, his lowest mark since 2020. If the Dolphins release Tagovailoa, they would incur an NFL-record $99.2 million dead cap hit. Rams extend HC Sean McVay, GM Les Snead McVay and Snead have agreed to multiyear extensions to stay with the Rams, the team announced on Feb. 2. The pair have led the Rams through one of the longest stretches of success in franchise history. The Rams are 92–57 in the regular season and 10-6 in the playoffs since Snead and owner Stan Kroenke hired a then-30-year-old McVay in 2017, one year after the franchise returned home from St. Louis. The Rams immediately ended a 12-year playoff absence and reached the Super Bowl one year later before winning the franchise’s second Super Bowl title in February 2022. Los Angeles has had eight winning seasons, seven playoff berths and four NFC West titles in nine years under McVay, the youngest coach to reach the Super Bowl and to win it. The Rams went 12-5 this season before winning two road playoff games to reach the NFC championship game, where they lost to the Seahawks. McVay said the Rams are optimistic that quarterback Matthew Stafford will return for an 18th NFL season, but the team will wait for the quarterback to make his own announcement. McVay said the Rams would love to stick with Stafford if he wants to come back after his MVP-caliber season in 2025. McVay also confirmed he has hired Bubba Ventrone as his new special teams coordinator. He hasn’t decided who will become his offensive coordinator after Mike LaFleur left to become the Cardinals’ head coach. Packers add former HC as DC Ex-Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon is joining the Packers’ staff as defensive coordinator, the team announced on Feb. 2. Gannon will take over for Jeff Hafley, who left after two seasons when the Dolphins hired him to be their next head coach. “He possesses tremendous experience as an NFL coordinator and head coach,” Matt LaFleur said in a statement. “I am confident that he will be an outstanding addition to our organization, as well as a strong leader of our defense.” The Cardinals fired Gannon the day after their season ended with a ninth consecutive loss. Gannon went 15-36 in three years, including a 3-14 record this past season. Gannon had been the Eagles’ defensive coordinator for two seasons before Arizona hired him. In his second season in Philadelphia, the Eagles ranked second in the NFL in total defense and won the NFC championship before losing 38-35 to the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII. The Eagles had a franchise-record 70.0 sacks — 15 more than any other NFL team — in 2022. They also had 27 takeaways that season to rank fourth in the league. Gannon takes over a defense that ranked 12th in yards allowed per game (311.8), ninth in yards allowed per play (5.0) and 11th in points allowed per game (21.2) this past season. Green Bay’s defense ranked higher earlier in the season but struggled after season-ending injuries to All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons and defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt. Eagles DC Vic Fangio considered retirement The Eagles nearly had to make two coordinator changes this offseason. Fangio informed the team shortly after their season ended that he planned to retire before the Eagles convinced him to return, PhillyVoice reported on Feb. 1. If Fangio had held firm in his decision to retire, the Eagles were planning to contact former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon and Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, according to PhillyVoice. Gannon was the Eagles’ defensive coordinator for two seasons (2021-22) before leaving for Arizona in 2023. Fangio has been widely regarded as one of the top defensive minds in the NFL for several years. The Eagles’ defense has also been one of the game’s top defensive units since Fangio joined the team in 2024, ranking in the top five in scoring in each of the last two years. The Eagles hired Packers quarterbacks coach Sean Mannion to be their next offensive coordinator after parting ways with Kevin Patullo. Packers extend coach, multiple executives Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst and executive vice president/director of football operations Russ Ball have joined coach Matt LaFleur in signing multi-year contract extensions. Packers president/CEO Ed Policy announced the extensions for all three on Friday. The extensions come after the Packers went 9-8-1 and made their third straight playoff appearance, and sixth in the last seven years. A 31-27 loss at Chicago in the NFC wild-card playoff round capped a five-game skid that ended Green Bay’s season, though one of those defeats came when the Packers rested their starters in their regular-season finale. “We are excited to extend our commitment to Brian, Matt and Russ as the leaders of our football operations,” Policy said in a statement. “Their steadfast dedication, passion and collaboration have remained constant in our drive to compete at the highest level. While we are all disappointed with the way this season ended, we remain aligned in purpose and have spent considerable time over the past weeks collaborating on a path forward. “I am exceedingly confident we have the right people to achieve our goal. The entire Packers organization looks forward to supporting every effort to bring our community and fans another championship that they very much deserve.” LaFleur owns a 76-40-1 regular-season record and has led Green Bay to the playoffs in all but one of his seven years on the job. That includes NFC championship game appearances in the 2019 and 2020 seasons. Green Bay has been the NFC’s seventh and final playoff seed each of the last three seasons. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
2026 NFL Offseason Buzz: Cowboys WR George Pickens To Play On Franchise Tag
Jan 29, 2026 | 11:06 PM