NFL Football 24-Hour Briefing
×Contract Negotiations & Free Agency
Colts general manager Chris Ballard espn.com said he remains hopeful about reaching deals with receiver Alec Pierce and quarterback Daniel Jones before free agency begins. The Cowboys espn.com have extended an offer to Brandon Aubrey that would make him the highest-paid kicker in the NFL, though his agent is seeking closer to $10 million per season. Bucs GM Jason Licht espn.com and coach Todd Bowles believe veteran wideout Mike Evans has "earned" the right to explore free agency despite their desire for him to remain with the team.
Quarterback Updates
Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort espn.com said he has spoken with quarterback Kyler Murray, but a source indicates the two haven't talked since the end of the season. Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan espn.com said "everything is on the table" regarding quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, whose representatives confirmed to the GM that Tagovailoa still wants to play. 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.
Coaching & Playcalling 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. Texans GM Nick Caserio espn.com called trade speculation about quarterback C.J. Stroud "moronic."
Player Status & Team Moves
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. 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. Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin espn.com said a trade involving defensive end Trey Hendrickson could prove challenging.
International & League Developments
The Lions espn.com will play an international game in Munich, Germany, for the first time since 2015, with their opponent and date to be named later. The UFL espn.com will award four points for field goals of at least 60 yards and ban most punts inside the opponent's 50 for its 2026 season starting March 27.
Team-Specific Updates
Ravens GM Eric De Costa espn.com said he's confident about a contract extension for QB Lamar Jackson while the team has made a "market-setting" proposal 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. 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.
Administrative & Personnel Matters
The Bears espn.com believe they should receive draft compensation after the Falcons hired Ian Cunningham as their new general manager last month. 49ers general manager John Lynch espn.com offered a more optimistic outlook on left tackle Trent Williams' contractual situation after initial reports suggested struggles to find a solution. Vikings executive vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski espn.com said the team is "exploring all possibilities" to improve their quarterback play in 2026.