NFL Football 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 21, 2026, 12:30 AM ET
NFC Roster Moves & Option Decisions
The Seattle Seahawks secured two key assets for the immediate future, exercising the fifth-year options for both wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and star cornerback Devon Witherspoon on Friday, locking in their salaries for the 2025 season before contract negotiations intensify. In divisional maneuvering, the Atlanta Falcons acquired safety Sydney Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles, a trade that also involved an exchange of later-round selections, specifically swapping fourth- and sixth-round draft picks. Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers opted against triggering the option bonus for veteran offensive tackle Trent Williams, though sources indicate the team remains actively engaged in discussions to finalize a long-term contract extension with the lineman as front offices finalize roster costs ahead of the draft.
Team Depth & Local Impact
The Minnesota Vikings bolstered their offensive line depth by signing free agent offensive tackle Ryan Van Demark to a fresh one-year contract, adding necessary insurance ahead of the upcoming season. Separately, preparations for the upcoming NFL Draft are causing logistical shifts in Pittsburgh, where the city’s public school system announced remote learning operations for April 22 through April 24 to accommodate the significant influx of traffic and security required for the event.