NFL Football 24 Hours

Last updated: September 3, 2026, 10:38 PM ET

Quarterback Carousel

The NFL quarterback landscape shifted significantly in the past 24 hours. The Raiders have named Kirk Cousins their Week 1 starter, beating out rookie Fernando Mendoza for the job. Meanwhile, in Indianapolis, Anthony Richardson will enter the 2026 season as the Colts' backup quarterback, a decision coach Shane Steichen confirmed Thursday, months after Richardson requested a trade.

Elsewhere, Giants running back Cam Skattebo revealed on the "Up & Adams Show" that he briefly contemplated retirement after suffering an open fracture to his right ankle during his rookie season. And in Philadelphia, Jalen Hurts confirmed in a GQ interview that he and former teammate A.J. Brown did grow apart last season, echoing Brown's public comments.

Financial and Legal Matters

The Cardinals have locked up young wideout Michael Wilson with a three-year, $75 million extension, per ESPN sources. Kansas City's Travis Kelce, meanwhile, closed on a $5.35M home in Cleveland well before his July wedding to Taylor Swift.

Off the field, former NFL quarterback and Fox broadcaster Mark Sanchez has agreed to plead guilty in connection with an alleged attack on a truck driver in Indianapolis last year. In another legal matter, a Native American development group is suing Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith and his company for misappropriating a $2.5 million loan intended for a solar farm in Texas.

The Athletic also published findings stating that former reporter Dianna Russini's relationship with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel violated newsroom standards, though the investigation found no clear bias toward the coach. In franchise ownership news, the Seattle Seahawks announced the record sale to the Khosla family, now closed, officially concluding the takeover from Paul Allen's estate.

On the Road and the Field

Ahead of their Week 1 matchup in Melbourne, the 49ers dealt with a grueling trip to Australia, traveling a week early on a massive plane with strict biosecurity measures in place. The team landed Thursday for its extended stay against the Rams, giving the club extra time to acclimate before the game.

Season Preview and Fantasy

Analyst Bill Barnwell examined the 22 players with the most at stake this season, from Baker Mayfield and C.J. Stroud playing for big contracts to Jets head coach Aaron Glenn facing pressure. Separately, ESPN lists 11 extension-eligible players who could become trade or free agency factors next offseason if no deals materialize, headlined by Stroud and top cornerbacks.

For fantasy managers, there are 30-plus notes to digest ahead of drafts, while Mike Clay's Playbook part three explains post-draft management to win leagues. The 2026 NFL betting guide includes odds and picks, and a full rundown of all 32 playcallers details what to expect from veterans to first-year coordinators.

In Carolina, the Bryce Young – Brad Idzik partnership is central to their season, while Geno Smith returns to the Jets to author a come-back story after a nine-year absence. The Chiefs, meanwhile, are building a dominant D-line around Chris Jones, relying on rookies.

As the new season approaches, league reaction and transaction cover today's complete run – down of players.