NFL Football 8-Hour Briefing
×Offensive Line Shifts
The Texans bolstered their offensive line by agreeing to a two-year, $25 million contract with free agent tackle Braden Smith, a deal that includes $13.5 million fully guaranteed. This move follows a similar Browns signing of guard/center Elgton Jenkins to a two-year pact just one day after his release from the Packers. Meanwhile, the Browns themselves re-signed guard Teven Jenkins amid a broader offensive line overhaul, securing a player who appeared in all 17 games last season.
Defensive Front Seven Moves
In a significant turnabout, the Ravens backed out of a Maxx Crosby trade after medical concerns arose during the five-time Pro Bowl defensive end's physical, scuttling a deal that would have sent a major pass-rush addition to Baltimore. The Steelers, meanwhile, retained defensive captain Cameron Heyward on a one-year extension, keeping their 11-time Pro Bowl interior lineman. Elsewhere, the Commanders added linebacker Leo Chenal on a reported three-year, $24.75 million deal, while the Saints reunited with Kaden Elliss on a three-year, $33 million contract for the linebacker originally drafted by New Orleans. The Jets acquired cornerback Nahshon Wright on a one-year deal worth up to $5.5 million.
Skill Positions & Special Teams
The Giants signed former Ravens fullback Patrick Ricard to a two-year deal, reuniting the Pro Bowler with coach John Harbaugh's former offensive coordinator, now New York's head coach. The Packers added kick returner Skyy Moore on a one-year contract, seeking to improve their return game. The Patriots made a major wide receiver splash by agreeing to a four-year deal worth up to $80 million with former Packers Romeo Doubs. The Lions signed running back Isiah Pacheco to pair with Jahmyr Gibbs, adding a former Super Bowl champion to their backfield. The Texans made kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn the highest-paid in NFL history on a two-year, $13 million extension.
Quarterback Movement & Legacy
The Jets executed a trade for quarterback Geno Smith, acquiring the former second-round pick from the Raiders and reuniting him with the team that drafted him in 2013. In a separate human interest story, Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce credited fiancée Taylor Swift as a significant influence on his decision to return for a 14th NFL season. The NFL also mourned the passing of Jets legend Matt Snell, the three-time Pro Bowl fullback who scored the only touchdown in New York's Super Bowl III victory, who died at age.