NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Quarterback Carousel
Kyler Murray espn.com has not spoken with Cardinals management since the season ended, directly contradicting GM Monti Ossenfort's public statement. In Atlanta, new Falcons GM Ian Cunningham espn.com confirmed quarterback Kirk Cousins will be released on the first day of the new league year, March 11. The Vikings espn.com are "exploring all possibilities" for their 2026 quarterback, per executive Rob Brzezinski, while Houston's Nick Caserio espn.com dismissed any C.J. Stroud trade speculation as "moronic."
Offensive Staffing Moves
Sean Payton espn.com confirmed offensive coordinator Davis Webb will call plays for the Broncos this season. In Carolina, coach Dave Canales espn.com is ceding playcalling duties to OC Brad Idzik, a decision he said was made independently. The Packers espn.com are also addressing staff changes after special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia's surprising exit.
Free Agency & Franchise Tags
The Buccaneers espn.com believe Mike Evans has "earned" the right to test free agency despite wanting him back. The Jets espn.com plan to use a franchise tag on running back Breece Hall if a deal isn't reached. The Cowboys espn.com are "leaning" toward tagging wide receiver George Pickens while acknowledging potential fallout. The Falcons espn.com will place the franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts.
General Manager Roundup
Miami's Jon-Eric Sullivan espn.com said "everything is on the table" regarding quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who still wants to play. Baltimore's Eric De Costa espn.com is confident about a Lamar Jackson extension and made a "market-setting" proposal for center Tyler Linderbaum. Pittsburgh's Omar Khan espn.com said Aaron Rodgers "knows how we feel" about a potential return. Las Vegas' John Spytek espn.com expects Maxx Crosby to remain with the Raiders amid trade rumors.
Player Movement & Contracts
Taylor Decker espn.com indicated on social media he will return for an 11th season with the Lions, who also announced a Munich game for 2026. Antonio Gibson espn.com was released by the Patriots. Bradley Bozeman espn.com retired after eight seasons as the Chargers' starting center. The Chiefs espn.com released defensive end Mike Danna as they work to get under the cap.
Injury Updates
Cowboys All-Pro guard Tyler Smith espn.com had minor knee surgery but is expected to be ready for the April offseason program.
League Business & Combine
The NFL espn.com competition committee is discussing allowing replay officials to throw flags. Rich Mc Kay espn.com said he doesn't expect a proposal to ban the tush push this year. The UFL espn.com will award four points for 60-plus yard field goals and ban most punts inside the opponent's 50 for its 2026 season. The NFL Combine espn.com is underway, with the 2026 draft espn.com class's top prospects participating. Gunner Rivers espn.com, son of Philip Rivers, committed to NC State.
Draft & Future Planning
The Raiders espn.com hold the No. 1 pick, and executives are debating the best prospect and whether Las Vegas might trade down. The 49ers espn.com aren't planning to trade Mac Jones but would listen to offers. The Bears espn.com believe they deserve draft compensation after the Falcons hired Ian Cunningham as GM. The Ravens espn.com are undergoing a new coaching era, the first head coach change in franchise history.
Coaching Perspectives
De Meco Ryans espn.com continues to exceed expectations entering his fourth year with the Texans. Will Mc Clay espn.com of the Cowboys discussed draft and free agency plans. An analysis suggests a Tyreek Hill espn.com reunion with the Chiefs could make sense given his prior connection to Eric Bieniemy and Patrick Mahomes.