NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Player Movement & Free Agency
The Patriots espn.com will release Stefon Diggs after one season, saving cap space and putting the receiver position back in question. The Steelers espn.com are releasing veteran tight end Jonnu Smith after he arrived via trade with the Dolphins last summer. The Vikings espn.com are expected to release defensive tackle Jonathan Allen as they continue to whittle down their salary cap deficit and reduce cash commitments. The Texans espn.com will release veteran safety Jimmie Ward in a move to create additional cap flexibility.
Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore espn.com has been informed he will be released before the new league year begins next week. The Giants espn.com are releasing starting middle linebacker Bobby Okereke, freeing up $9 million in salary cap space. The Chargers espn.com released guard Mekhi Becton in a move that saved them $9.7 million against the cap. The Bengals espn.com did not use the franchise tag on defensive end Trey Hendrickson, making the 2024 All-Pro edge rusher available to sign with another team when free agency opens.
Contract & Tag Updates
Breece Hall, George Pickens, and Kyle Pitts Sr. espn.com were franchise-tagged, while the Colts espn.com placed the rarely used transition tag on quarterback Daniel Jones, preserving their right to match any offer sheet in free agency. The Texans espn.com face looming contract decisions about quarterback C.J. Stroud as they head into the offseason.
Trade Activity
The Chiefs espn.com have agreed to a blockbuster trade with the Rams to send All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie to Los Angeles for four draft picks, including the 29th pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft. The Texans espn.com have agreed to trade starting right tackle Tytus Howard to the Browns for a fifth-round draft pick. The Lions espn.com traded running back Jahmyr Gibbs to Houston after deciding to part ways with him.
Player Updates & Retirements
Browns star Myles Garrett espn.com was issued his ninth speeding ticket since entering the NFL in 2017 after being clocked going 94 mph in a 70 mph zone. Cowboys pass rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku espn.com underwent hip surgery to repair a labrum tear five weeks ago and could be out until the start of training camp. Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman espn.com has informed the Bears that he's retiring at age 27 after four seasons with the Falcons and one with Chicago.
Quarterback News
Veteran QB Aaron Rodgers espn.com says he remains undecided on his playing status for next season despite the Steelers hiring Mike McCarthy, with whom he won a Super Bowl in Green Bay. The Cardinals espn.com informed quarterback Kyler Murray that they intend to release him on the first day of the league year next Wednesday, barring a trade. Murray espn.com should become a sought-after QB in free agency, with the Vikings among teams needing help at the position.
Coaching & Staff Moves
Former Green Bay Packers special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia espn.com will take on the same role at the college ranks with Clemson. Sean McVay espn.com said the Rams have had "great dialogue" with Matthew Stafford entering the final season of the QB's contract.
Schedule & Events
The Arizona Cardinals espn.com will take on the Carolina Panthers in the annual Hall of Fame exhibition game on Aug. 6 as part of enshrinement week, with Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald and Panthers great Luke Kuechly expected to attend. The Falcons espn.com will play a game in Madrid as part of the NFL's nine international games this coming season.
Draft & Combine Updates
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love espn.com impressed Tennessee at the combine, potentially positioning him as a top draft prospect. Mel Kiper Jr. espn.com picked out 13 players who caught his attention during combine workouts, including Chris Brazzell II and Dani Dennis-Sutton. Todd Mc Shay espn.com projects how the first two rounds could shake out now that the 2026 combine is in the books.
Legal & Financial Matters
The Commanders espn.com have agreed to pay $1 million to the District of Columbia to settle a 2022 lawsuit that alleged the NFL team under previous ownership colluded to deceive fans. The Chiefs espn.com have informed offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor that he will be released before the start of the league year, barring a trade, in a move that would save $20 million on the cap.
College Football Connections
All four Ohio State Buckeyes players espn.com projected as possible top-10 selections could make sense for Washington in the upcoming draft. Former Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson espn.com faces questions about whether he can make things work in the NFL after years of adjusting to different offensive systems.