NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Player Movement & Trade Updates
The Dolphins espn.com topped the NFLPA survey for the third straight year while the Steelers finished last. Colts GM Chris Ballard espn.com remains optimistic about extending QB Daniel Jones and WR Alec Pierce before free agency. Bears granted LB Tremaine Edmunds espn.com permission to seek a trade, while Colts gave Richardson Sr. espn.com the same opportunity. The Raiders expect Maxx Crosby espn.com to stay despite trade rumors, and the Bengals called a Hendrickson deal espn.com complicated. Falcons GM Ian Cunningham espn.com informed Kirk Cousins he'll be released March 11, while Texans GM Nick Caserio espn.com called C.J. Stroud trade speculation "moronic."
Coaching & Staff Changes
Broncos OC Davis Webb espn.com will call plays this season under Sean Payton. Panthers coach Dave Canales espn.com ceded playcalling to OC Brad Idzik without pressure from management. The Lions' Taylor Decker espn.com indicated he'll return for an 11th season via social media. Bucs GM Jason Licht espn.com said Mike Evans has "earned" the right to explore free agency despite the team's desire to retain him. Vikings exploring all QB options espn.com for 2026, with Rob Brzezinski saying they're considering every possibility.
Contract & Cap Moves
Ravens GM Eric De Costa espn.com expressed confidence in extending Lamar Jackson while making a "market-setting" offer to Tyler Linderbaum. The Cowboys extended an offer espn.com to Brandon Aubrey that would make him the highest-paid kicker, though his agent seeks closer to $10 million annually. Jets GM Darren Mougey espn.com plans to use a tag on Breece Hall if no extension is reached by the deadline. The Steelers hope for a quick resolution espn.com on Aaron Rodgers' potential return, with GM Omar Khan saying "he knows how we feel."
Combine & Draft News
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs espn.com declared himself the best defender in the draft class. Top CB prospect Jermod Mc Coy espn.com said his knee is fully healed from ACL surgery with "no limits" expected. Arvell Reese espn.com identified himself as an outside linebacker/edge rusher during combine interviews. Defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. espn.com noted teams focused on his play rather than arm length during meetings. ESPN's Mel Kiper espn.com projected the first round of the 2026 NFL draft as prospects began combine workouts.
League Operations & Rules
NFL coaches Sean Payton and Mike Vrabel espn.com expressed concern over replay errors in early games last season. The UFL announced rule changes espn.com for 2026, including four points for 60-yard field goals and banning most punts inside the opponent's 50. The Lions will play in Munich espn.com for their first international game since 2015, with opponent and date TBD. 49ers GM John Lynch espn.com offered optimism about reaching a contract solution with left tackle Trent Williams after earlier reports of struggles.
Other Notable Moves
The Titans released starters espn.com Lloyd Cushenberry III and Xavier Woods, with Cushenberry's release coming with a failed physical designation. Chiefs cut DE Mike Danna espn.com as they continue trimming salary cap. Patriots released RB Antonio Gibson espn.com after two seasons. Chargers C Bradley Bozeman espn.com announced his retirement after eight NFL seasons and 110 starts. Four-star QB Gunner Rivers espn.com committed to NC State, following his father Philip's legendary path with the Wolfpack.