NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Combine Highlights
Ohio State star Arvell Reese espn.com declared himself an "outside linebacker/edge" rusher during media interviews at the combine Wednesday. NFL rookies espn.com provided valuable advice to draft prospects beginning their combine experience, sharing personal journeys from their own draft days.
Trade Market Buzz
Brian Thomas Jr. and Maxx Crosby espn.com are among the top offseason trade candidates as teams evaluate their rosters. Raiders GM John Spytek espn.com expects star defensive end Maxx Crosby to play for the team in 2026 amid trade speculation, while Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin said a trade involving defensive end Trey Hendrickson could prove challenging.
Quarterback Carousel
Kyler Murray espn.com has not spoken with Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort since the end of the season, refuting earlier statements. Falcons GM Ian Cunningham espn.com informed QB Kirk Cousins that the team will release him March 11, the first day of the league year. Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan espn.com said "everything is on the table" regarding quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, whose representatives confirmed he still wants to play.
Coaching Changes
Broncos coach Sean Payton espn.com announced that offensive coordinator Davis Webb will be Denver's playcaller this season. Panthers coach Dave Canales espn.com is ceding playcalling duties to offensive coordinator Brad Idzik, saying the decision was made without pressure from the GM or owner. Ravens coaching staff espn.com ushers in "a new age" as the team makes its first head coaching change since the inaugural season.
Free Agency Preparations
Tyler Linderbaum espn.com received a "market-setting" proposal from the Ravens as they target contract extensions. Cowboys All-Pro left guard Tyler Smith espn.com had minor cleanup surgery on his right knee but will be 100% ready for the offseason program in April. Bears believe espn.com they should receive draft compensation after the Falcons hired Ian Cunningham as their new general manager.
Contract Extensions
Ravens GM Eric De Costa expressed confidence about a contract extension for QB Lamar Jackson while the team has made a proposal to Tyler Linderbaum. Colts GM Chris Ballard espn.com remains hopeful about reaching deals with receiver Alec Pierce and quarterback Daniel Jones before free agency begins.
Player Returns and Retirements
Lions offensive lineman Taylor Decker espn.com indicated in a social media post that he's putting off retirement to return for his 11th NFL season. Chargers starting center Bradley Bozeman espn.com announced his retirement after eight years in the NFL and 110 starts. Chiefs released veteran defensive end Mike Danna espn.com as they work to get under the salary cap by the start of the new league year.
Rule Changes and International Games
The UFL espn.com will award four points for field goals of at least 60 yards and ban most punts inside of the opponent's 50 for its 2026 season. NFL competition committee espn.com is discussing the possibility of authorizing replay officials to throw flags for non-football acts. Lions will play espn.com an international game in Munich, Germany, for the first time since 2015.
Front Office Updates
Vikings are "exploring all possibilities" espn.com to improve their quarterback play in 2026, executive vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski said Tuesday. Kevin O'Connell and Rob Brzezinski espn.com gave their thoughts at the NFL combine about replacing Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in the Vikings' open GM role.
Team-Specific Developments
Bucs GM Jason Licht and coach Todd Bowles espn.com believe veteran wideout Mike Evans has "earned" the right to explore free agency despite their desire for him to remain with the team. Bills GM Brandon Beane espn.com said the team is challenging embattled WR Keon Coleman to come in with the same attitude he had to start training camp last season. 49ers GM John Lynch espn.com offered a more optimistic view on left tackle Trent Williams' contractual situation after initial reports of struggles.
Draft Preparations
QB Gunner Rivers espn.com, son of NC State legend and eight-time NFL Pro Bowler Philip Rivers, has committed to the Wolfpack. Mel Kiper's latest mock draft espn.com projects the entire first round ahead of the combine. NFL combine schedule espn.com features top draft prospects participating in the 40-yard dash and other drills.
Special Teams Updates
Cowboys have extended an offer espn.com to Brandon Aubrey that would make him the highest-paid kicker in the NFL, though his agent has asked for a deal closer to $10 million per season. NFL competition committee co-chairman Rich Mc Kay espn.com said he is not anticipating an attempt to ban the tush push this year.
Roster Moves
Patriots released running back Antonio Gibson espn.com after two seasons with the team. Cowboys are "leaning" toward using espn.com the franchise tag on Pro Bowl wide receiver George Pickens while being aware of potential fallout. Falcons plan to place espn.com the franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts Sr.
Offensive Line News
Ravens target Jackson extension while working on Tyler Linderbaum deal. Packers GM Brian Gutekunst espn.com hit on several topics including special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia's surprising exit. Steelers GM Omar Khan espn.com hopes for a quick resolution regarding the possible return of Aaron Rodgers as the team's starter next season.
Running Back Situations
Jets will use one of the tags espn.com on running back Breece Hall if they can't reach an agreement before Tuesday's deadline. Tyreek Hill reunion with Chiefs espn.com could make sense as reuniting with Eric Bieniemy and Patrick Mahomes might be just the tonic for Hill.
General Manager Perspectives
Texans GM Nick Caserio espn.com called trade talk regarding quarterback C.J. Stroud "moronic." Cowboys' VP of player personnel Will Mc Clay espn.com discussed draft and free agency plans to upgrade Dallas' roster this offseason. NFL free agency tiers espn.com rank the best QBs, RBs, WRs, TEs and OL based on their potential offseason contracts.