NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Combine Updates
Defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. espn.com said no team has mentioned arm length to him during his interviews, focusing on his play instead. Ohio State star Arvell Reese espn.com declared himself an "outside linebacker/edge" rusher during media interviews at the combine Wednesday. As draft prospects begin their combine experience, NFL rookies espn.com provide advice based on their personal journeys.
Free Agency & Trades
The Cowboys have extended an offer to Brandon Aubrey that would make him the highest-paid kicker in the NFL, but Aubrey's agent has asked for a deal closer to $10 million per season. The Jets will use one of the tags at their disposal on running back Breece Hall if they can't reach an agreement before Tuesday's deadline. Raiders GM John Spytek espn.com said he 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.
Quarterback Moves
New Falcons GM Ian Cunningham has informed QB Kirk Cousins that the team will release him March 11, the first day of the league year. Texans GM Nick Caserio espn.com called the trade talk regarding quarterback C.J. Stroud "moronic." Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan espn.com said "everything is on the table" regarding quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. 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.
Coaching & Staff Changes
Broncos coach Sean Payton espn.com said Tuesday 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. Lions offensive lineman Taylor Decker espn.com indicated in a social media post Tuesday that he's putting off retirement to return for his 11th NFL season. Lions will head to Munich espn.com for international game.
Contract Extensions & Deals
Colts general manager Chris Ballard espn.com said he remains hopeful that the team can get deals done with receiver Alec Pierce and quarterback Daniel Jones before free agency begins. Bucs GM Jason Licht espn.com and coach Todd Bowles believe veteran wideout Mike Evans has "earned" the right to explore free agency. Steelers GM Omar Khan espn.com is hoping for a quick resolution when it comes to the possible return of Aaron Rodgers. Sources espn.com told ESPN that Tyler Smith, the Cowboys' All-Pro left guard, had minor cleanup surgery on his right knee but will be 100% ready for the offseason program in April.
Rule Changes & League News
The UFL 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. The NFL competition committee is discussing the possibility of authorizing replay officials to throw flags for non-football acts. NFL competition committee co-chairman Rich Mc Kay espn.com said Sunday that he is not anticipating an attempt to ban the tush push this year.
Team-Specific Updates
Executive vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski espn.com said the Vikings are "exploring all possibilities" to improve their quarterback play in 2026. Coach Sean Payton and the Broncos have named Davis Webb as their offensive playcaller. Coach Dave Canales has ceded playcalling duties to offensive coordinator Brad Idzik in Carolina. The Bears believe they should receive draft compensation after the Falcons hired Ian Cunningham as their new general manager last month.
Player Retirements & Cuts
Chargers starting center Bradley Bozeman espn.com has announced his retirement after eight years in the NFL and 110 starts. The Chiefs released veteran defensive end Mike Danna on Monday as they work to get under the salary cap. The Patriots have released running back Antonio Gibson after two seasons with the team.
Combine Analysis & Draft
How do Brian Thomas Jr. and Maxx Crosby espn.com stack up on the NFL offseason trade market? Will Kirk Cousins go back to Minnesota espn.com? Could Kyler Murray join the AFC? Let's predict who will start for every NFL team in the 2026 season. Four-star quarterback Gunner Rivers espn.com, son of NC State legend and eight-time NFL Pro Bowler Philip Rivers, has committed to the Wolfpack.
Veteran Players
General manager John Lynch espn.com offered a more optimistic view on Trent Williams' contract situation with the 49ers. 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. Lions offensive lineman Taylor Decker indicated he's putting off retirement to return for his 11th NFL season.