NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Cap Moves & Roster Cuts
The Chargers plan to release guard Mekhi Becton espn.com in a move that will save them $9.7 million against the salary cap, a source told ESPN. The Giants are also releasing starting middle linebacker Bobby Okereke espn.com, freeing up $9 million in cap space. Meanwhile, the Texans will release veteran safety Jimmie Ward espn.com, saving $750,000, while the Chiefs have informed offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor espn.com that he will be released before the league year begins, potentially saving $20 million.
Free Agency & Contract News
The Colts placed the rarely used transition tag on quarterback Daniel Jones espn.com, preserving their right to match any offer sheet in free agency. The Bengals did not use the franchise tag on defensive end Trey Hendrickson espn.com, making the 2024 All-Pro edge rusher available to sign with another team. The Cardinals informed quarterback Kyler Murray espn.com that they intend to release him on the first day of the league year next Wednesday, barring a trade. Murray's exit from Arizona could significantly impact the Vikings' quarterback situation, as they need help at the position.
Draft & Combine Updates
Tennessee came away impressed from the combine with the draft's top running back prospect, Jeremiyah Love espn.com, who could potentially go as high as No. 4 overall. Mel Kiper Jr. picked out 13 players who caught his attention during combine workouts, including Chris Brazzell II espn.com and Dani Dennis-Sutton. Jordan Reid projects the first two rounds of the draft with two trades following the combine shakeups. The Commanders could benefit from Ohio State Buckeyes players, as all four Buckeyes projected as possible top-10 selections could make sense for Washington.
Trades & Player Movement
The Vikings are open to trading outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard espn.com as the team seeks relief from being more than $43 million over the salary cap. The Texans have agreed to trade starting right tackle Tytus Howard espn.com to the Browns for a fifth-round draft pick. The Montgomery trade has fantasy and depth chart impacts for both the Lions and Texans after Detroit decided to part ways with the running back. The Vikings have informed running back Aaron Jones espn.com and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave that, barring a trade, they will be released at the start of the 2026 league year.
International & League News
The NFL announced that the Falcons would be playing a game in Madrid, one of the league's nine international games this coming season. The Commanders have agreed to pay $1 million to the District of Columbia to settle a lawsuit from 2022 that alleged the NFL team under previous ownership colluded to deceive fans. Sean McVay said the Rams have had "great dialogue" with Matthew Stafford entering the final season of the quarterback's contract.
Retirement & Career Moves
Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman espn.com has informed the Bears that he's retiring at age 27 after four seasons with the Atlanta Falcons and one with Chicago. The Commanders have informed cornerback Marshon Lattimore espn.com that they intend to release him before the new league year begins next week. The Bengals retained one of their best offensive linemen ahead of the start of free agency, signing right guard Dalton Risner espn.com to a one-year deal.
Combine Highlights & Player Analysis
Speed and strength headlined the NFL combine, but personality powered the biggest impressions according to the superlatives coverage. The curious case of Sawyer Robertson espn.com, Mike Leach's last quarterback, continues as it took the former Baylor signal-caller years to get comfortable running an offense. Our NFL Nation reporters played GM and made contract offers for free agent quarterback Malik Willis espn.com, analyzing which teams can make the best case to land him.