NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Combine Developments
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs espn.com declared himself the NFL's top defensive prospect, arguing positional value should take a backseat to overall dominance. Former Tennessee cornerback Jermod Mc Coy espn.com confirmed his right knee is fully healed from ACL surgery, expecting "no limits" at his upcoming pro day. Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese espn.com classified himself as an outside linebacker/edge player during combine interviews.
Trade Market Activity
The Jets espn.com acquired defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat from the Titans in exchange for pass rusher Jermaine Johnson. The Bears espn.com granted linebacker Tremaine Edmunds permission to seek a trade. The Falcons espn.com informed Kirk Cousins he'll be released March 11, with plans to franchise tag tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. The Cowboys espn.com are leaning toward tagging George Pickens while remaining aware of potential fallout.
Contract Negotiations
Bengals director Duke Tobin espn.com called a potential Trey Hendrickson trade "complicated." 49ers GM John Lynch espn.com offered optimism about extending left tackle Trent Williams after initial struggles. Ravens GM Eric De Costa espn.com expressed confidence in a Lamar Jackson extension while proposing a "market-setting" deal to Tyler Linderbaum. Bills GM Brandon Beane espn.com challenged receiver Keon Coleman to match his training camp attitude.
Coaching Changes
Broncos coach Sean Payton espn.com announced Davis Webb will call offensive plays this season. Panthers coach Dave Canales espn.com ceded playcalling duties to Brad Idzik without pressure from management. The Ravens espn.com usher in a new coaching era for the first time since their inaugural season. The Lions espn.com may see Taylor Decker return for an 11th season after hinting at unretirement.
Free Agency Preparations
After two years of dead money cap hits espn.com, the Broncos enter free agency with financial flexibility. The Buccaneers espn.com acknowledge Mike Evans has earned the right to test free agency. The Steelers espn.com await a quick resolution on Aaron Rodgers' potential return. The Dolphins espn.com keep all options open regarding Tua Tagovailoa's future.
Veteran Moves
The Titans espn.com released starting center Lloyd Cushenberry III and safety Xavier Woods. The Chiefs espn.com cut defensive end Mike Danna as part of cap trimming. The Patriots espn.com released running back Antonio Gibson after two seasons. Chargers center Bradley Bozeman espn.com announced his retirement after eight NFL years.
Draft Prospects
Defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. espn.com reported teams focused on his play rather than arm length during interviews. ESPN's Mel Kiper espn.com projected the entire first round in his latest mock draft. Top prospects prepare espn.com for combine drills including the 40-yard dash.
Quarterback Situations
The Vikings espn.com explore all options to improve their QB situation. The Colts espn.com remain hopeful about extensions for Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce. The Falcons will release Kirk Cousins when the league year begins. The Texans espn.com called C.J. Stroud trade speculation "moronic."
Special Teams Updates
The UFL espn.com will award four points for 60-plus-yard field goals and ban most punts inside the opponent's 50-yard line. Cowboys All-Pro guard Tyler Smith espn.com underwent minor knee cleanup surgery but expects to be ready for offseason workouts.
Competition Committee Concerns
Sean Payton and Mike Vrabel espn.com expressed concern over replay errors in early games last season. The NFL competition committee discusses allowing replay officials to throw flags for non-football acts.
Personnel Moves
The Broncos espn.com hired Colorado DC Robert Livingston as defensive passing-game coordinator. The Bears espn.com seek draft compensation after the Falcons hired Ian Cunningham as GM. The Falcons espn.com plan to place the franchise tag on Kyle Pitts Sr.
International Games
The Lions espn.com will play in Munich, Germany, for the first time since 2015, with opponent and date TBD.
College Football Updates
Four-star QB Gunner Rivers espn.com, son of Philip Rivers, committed to NC State.