NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Free Agency Moves
Sources espn.com indicate the Chargers plan to release guard Mekhi Becton, saving $9.7 million against the salary cap. The Giants espn.com are releasing starting middle linebacker Bobby Okereke, freeing up $9 million in cap space. The Texans espn.com will release veteran safety Jimmie Ward, saving $750,000. The Chiefs espn.com have informed offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor that he will be released before the league year begins, saving $20 million on the cap.
Contract Developments
The Colts espn.com placed the rarely used transition tag on quarterback Daniel Jones, preserving their right to match any offer sheet. The Bengals espn.com retained offensive lineman Dalton Risner with a one-year deal ahead of free agency. The Cardinals espn.com informed quarterback Kyler Murray they intend to release him next Wednesday barring a trade.
Trade Activity
The Texans espn.com agreed to trade starting right tackle Tytus Howard to the Browns for a fifth-round draft pick. The Commanders espn.com have informed cornerback Marshon Lattimore they intend to release him before the new league year. The Vikings espn.com are open to trading outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard as they seek salary cap relief.
Draft and Combine Updates
Jeremiyah Love espn.com emerged as a top prospect after impressing Tennessee at the combine. Sawyer Robertson espn.com, Mike Leach's last quarterback, faces questions about his NFL readiness after years developing his offensive comfort. Mel Kiper Jr. espn.com highlighted 13 standout performers from the combine workouts.
Team-Specific News
The Bears espn.com received notice that Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman is retiring at age 27 after four seasons. The Commanders espn.com agreed to pay $1 million to settle a 2022 lawsuit alleging collusion to deceive fans. The Falcons espn.com will play an international game in Madrid as part of the NFL's nine-game overseas schedule.
Salary Cap Challenges
The Vikings espn.com informed running back Aaron Jones and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave they will be released at the start of the league year barring trades. The Vikings seek relief from being more than $43 million over the salary cap. The Bengals espn.com did not use the franchise tag on defensive end Trey Hendrickson, making the 2024 All-Pro available in free agency.
Coaching and Personnel
Rams coach Sean McVay espn.com said the team has had "great dialogue" with Matthew Stafford entering the final season of his contract. The Texans espn.com face looming contract decisions about quarterback C.J. Stroud as they head into the offseason. The Commanders espn.com could find value in Ohio State prospects projected as possible top-10 selections.
Free Agency Analysis
ESPN's NFL Nation reporters espn.com simulated the free agent market for Malik Willis, offering contract scenarios for the quarterback. Analysts espn.com ranked the top 100 free agents, considering which players might land big contracts. The NFL franchise and transition tag deadline espn.com saw Breece Hall, George Pickens and Kyle Pitts Sr. receive franchise tags while Daniel Jones got the transition tag.
International Expansion
The NFL announced nine international games for the coming season, including the Falcons' matchup in Madrid. This continues the league's push to grow its global footprint with regular-season games in Europe and elsewhere.