NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Combine Updates & Coaching Moves
Brian Thomas Jr. and Maxx Crosby espn.com headline the top offseason trade candidates as the NFL combine begins. Kirk Cousins' future espn.com remains uncertain with predictions about his next destination circulating. Kevin O'Connell and Rob Brzezinski espn.com addressed the Vikings' open GM role at the combine, while NFL rookies espn.com offered draft prospects advice on navigating their combine experience.
Contract Negotiations & Free Agency
Trent Williams and the 49ers espn.com are reportedly struggling to find a contractual solution despite GM John Lynch's optimistic comments. The Colts espn.com remain positive about reaching deals with QB Daniel Jones and WR Alec Pierce before free agency. Bills GM Brandon Beane espn.com said embattled WR Keon Coleman will get "every chance" to compete. Brandon Aubrey espn.com is pushing for a $10 million per season deal after the Cowboys extended their highest-paid kicker offer.
Trade Speculation & Player Movement
A Bengals trade involving Trey Hendrickson espn.com could prove challenging according to director of player personnel Duke Tobin. The Buccaneers espn.com believe Mike Evans has "earned" the right to explore free agency despite wanting him to stay. Kyler Murray espn.com hasn't spoken with Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort since season's end, contradicting earlier statements. Sean Payton espn.com confirmed Davis Webb will call plays for the Broncos this season.
Player Retirements & Returns
Lions offensive lineman Taylor Decker espn.com indicated he's returning for his 11th NFL season via social media. Brian Gutekunst espn.com discussed Micah Parsons, Josh Jacobs, and special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia's exit. The Vikings espn.com are "exploring all possibilities" to improve quarterback play in 2026 according to executive vice president Rob Brzezinski.
Coaching Changes & Play-Calling
Panthers coach Dave Canales espn.com is ceding playcalling duties to offensive coordinator Brad Idzik without pressure from management. Texans GM Nick Caserio espn.com called trade talk regarding quarterback C.J. Stroud "moronic." The Bears espn.com believe they should receive draft compensation after the Falcons hired Ian Cunningham as their new GM.
Quarterback Situations
Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan espn.com said "everything is on the table" regarding Tua Tagovailoa's future. The Jets espn.com plan to use the franchise tag on running back Breece Hall if they can't reach a deal. Ravens GM Eric De Costa espn.com expressed confidence about extending Lamar Jackson while making a "market-setting" proposal to Tyler Linderbaum.
Roster Moves & Injuries
Cowboys All-Pro left guard Tyler Smith espn.com had minor cleanup surgery on his right knee but will be ready for the offseason program. Steelers GM Omar Khan espn.com hopes for a quick resolution regarding Aaron Rodgers' possible return. Raiders GM John Spytek espn.com expects star defensive end Maxx Crosby to remain with the team amid trade speculation.
Free Agency Developments
New Falcons GM Ian Cunningham espn.com informed Kirk Cousins the team will release him March 11. The UFL espn.com announced rule changes for its 2026 season including four points for 60-yard field goals and banning most punts inside the opponent's 50. Adam Schefter espn.com provided updates from coaches and GMs speaking at the NFL combine.
International Games & League Changes
The Lions espn.com will play their first international game since 2015 in Munich, Germany. The Ravens espn.com are ushering in "a new age" with their first head coaching change since the inaugural season. Questions remain about whether QB Mac Jones espn.com will be on the 49ers' roster next season.
Draft & Combine Coverage
Kiper's latest mock draft espn.com projects the entire first round ahead of the combine. The NFL combine schedule espn.com features top prospects participating in the 40-yard dash and other drills. Four-star quarterback Gunner Rivers espn.com, son of Philip Rivers, committed to NC State.
Roster Cuts & Retirements
The Patriots espn.com released running back Antonio Gibson after two seasons. Chargers center Bradley Bozeman espn.com announced his retirement after eight NFL years and 110 starts. The Chiefs espn.com released veteran defensive end Mike Danna as they work to get under the salary cap.
Rule Changes & Competition Committee
The NFL competition committee espn.com is discussing allowing replay officials to throw flags for non-football acts. The Cowboys espn.com are aware of potential fallout from using the franchise tag on George Pickens. The Falcons espn.com plan to place the franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts Sr.
Potential Reunions & Strategy
A Tyreek Hill reunion with the Chiefs espn.com could make sense given his connection with Eric Bieniemy and Patrick Mahomes. Cowboys VP of player personnel Will Mc Clay espn.com discussed draft and free agency plans in a Q&A session. NFL free agency tiers espn.com rank the best players on offense based on potential offseason contracts.
Competition Committee Updates
NFL competition committee co-chairman Rich Mc Kay espn.com said he's not anticipating an attempt to ban the tush push this year. The combine continues to generate news as teams prepare for the upcoming offseason moves that will shape the 2026 NFL season.