NFL Football 24-Hour Briefing
×Contract Negotiations & Free Agency
Colts GM Chris Ballard espn.com said he remains hopeful about deals with receiver Alec Pierce and quarterback Daniel Jones before free agency begins. Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey espn.com is pushing for a $10 million per season contract after the team extended their highest-paid kicker offer. Buccaneers GM Jason Licht espn.com believes veteran wideout Mike Evans has "earned" the right to explore free agency despite the team's desire for him to stay.
Coaching Changes & Play-Calling
Broncos coach Sean Payton espn.com announced offensive coordinator Davis Webb will call plays this season. Panthers coach Dave Canales espn.com is ceding playcalling duties to offensive coordinator Brad Idzik without pressure from management. Ravens espn.com are ushering in "a new age" with their first head coaching change since the inaugural season.
Quarterback Updates
Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort espn.com said he's spoken with Kyler Murray, though sources indicate they haven't talked since season's end. Falcons GM Ian Cunningham espn.com informed Kirk Cousins the team will release him March 11. Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan espn.com said "everything is on the table" regarding Tua Tagovailoa's future. Vikings executive vice president Rob Brzezinski espn.com said the team is "exploring all possibilities" to improve quarterback play in 2026.
Player Health & Status
Cowboys All-Pro left guard Tyler Smith espn.com had minor cleanup surgery on his right knee but will be 100% ready for April's offseason program. Lions offensive lineman Taylor Decker espn.com indicated via social media he's returning for his 11th NFL season, postponing retirement. Bills GM Brandon Beane espn.com said the team is challenging embattled wide receiver Keon Coleman to maintain his training camp attitude.
Trade Speculation & Extensions
Ravens GM Eric De Costa espn.com expressed confidence about a contract extension for quarterback Lamar Jackson while proposing a "market-setting" deal to Tyler Linderbaum. Raiders GM John Spytek espn.com expects star defensive end Maxx Crosby to play for the team in 2026 amid trade speculation. Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin espn.com said a trade involving defensive end Trey Hendrickson could prove challenging.
International Games & League Updates
Lions espn.com will play an international game in Munich, Germany, their first since 2015. The UFL announced rule changes espn.com for its 2026 season, including four points for field goals of at least 60 yards and banning most punts inside the opponent's 50-yard line.
Front Office Moves
Bears espn.com believe they should receive draft compensation after the Falcons hired Ian Cunningham as their new general manager. Texans GM Nick Caserio espn.com called trade talk regarding quarterback C.J. Stroud "moronic." Steelers GM Omar Khan espn.com hopes for a quick resolution regarding Aaron Rodgers' possible return as the team's starter.
Combine Developments
49ers GM John Lynch espn.com offered a more optimistic view on contract negotiations with left tackle Trent Williams after ESPN reported the two sides are "struggling to find a contractual solution." The NFL combine continues with coaches and GMs speaking to media, while top prospects prepare for drills and the 40-yard dash.