NFL Football 24 Hours

Last updated: March 31, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

Coaching Dynamics & Offseason Program Notes

Coaching staff relations appear amicable despite past conflicts, as Jets coach Aaron Glenn declared Geno Smith the quarterback destined to lead the franchise to the "promised land," a sentiment contrasting with lingering issues elsewhere. Separately, former rivals Coen & Saleh confirmed no lingering beef stemming from the sign-stealing controversy that escalated last September. Meanwhile, Ravens coach Jesse Minter expressed uncertainty regarding quarterback Lamar Jackson’s commitment to the voluntary offseason workouts scheduled to commence next week, adding a layer of potential distraction for Baltimore.

Quarterback Battles & Roster Evaluations

The Cleveland Browns are navigating a complex quarterback situation, with owner Jimmy Haslam expressing confidence that Deshaun Watson possesses a "great chance" to recapture the QB1 role under new coordinator Todd Monken, especially following a year where the acquisition was deemed a "big swing-and-miss" Haslam gives Watson fresh start. Coach Monken confirmed that practice reps will not be equally distributed among Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel during initial sessions reps won't be even, indicating a clearer pecking order is already forming, a situation reminiscent of the juggling act new Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski managed previously Stefanski juggled QBs. In Pittsburgh, Mike McCarthy stated that Aaron Rodgers is in a "very positive space" while Rodgers mulls his future, signaling ongoing, productive dialogue about the veteran's next steps.

Team Strategy & Personnel Moves

Front office activity revealed varied stances on key players across the league as teams gather for annual meetings. Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan emphatically stated there was "zero effort" made to trade running back De'Von Achane, labeling the player a foundational piece and making his extension a top priority Dolphins GM prioritizes Achane. In contrast, the 49ers saw coach Kyle Shanahan and owner Jed York present diverging messages regarding receiver Brandon Aiyuk's status Shanahan & York send mixed signals. The Vikings announced they will exercise Addison's fifth-year option, securing Jordan Addison’s contractual control, while Colts GM Chris Ballard refused to rule out the possibility that quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. could remain with the team through 2026 Ballard keeps Richardson option open.

Patriots & AFC East Outlook

Speculation regarding major personnel acquisitions continues to swirl around New England, as coach Mike Vrabel did not completely dismiss the notion of the Patriots potentially acquiring A.J. Brown via trade from Philadelphia, despite the organizational noise. Furthermore, the league announced the Hard Knocks schedule, revealing the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks will be featured this summer, followed by the Patriots taking the spotlight in the summer 2027 documentary. Patriots owner Robert Kraft also addressed reporters in Arizona, setting high expectations for the 2026 squad despite facing what he termed the "hardest schedule" Kraft addresses 2026 expectations.

League Initiatives & Player Health

The league is actively exploring new formats, announcing a major partnership with TMRW Sports to develop a professional flag football league for both men and women, which will boast backing from all 32 franchises NFL partners with TMRW Sports. This push toward alternative football formats prompted Sean Payton to state he would be "surprised" if any current NFL players participated on the U.S. team in the near future, based on his recent exposure to the nuances of the flag football game. On the injury front, Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks is expected to return for offseason workouts despite undergoing a second ACL surgery on his right knee since 2023 RB Brooks slated for return.

Roster Adjustments & Future Projections

The Lions are actively considering a significant positional shift for All-Pro offensive lineman Penei Sewell, exploring moving the established right tackle to the left side for the upcoming season Lions weigh moving Sewell to LT. Meanwhile, the Packers’ coach Matt LaFleur acknowledged being aware of the underlying player survey issues that have consistently hampered the team’s ability to reach the Super Bowl LaFleur mulls low player survey grade. In Los Angeles, Sean McVay confirmed that the Rams had seriously explored trading Davante Adams before deciding against the move, while the Giants are reportedly open to exploring a reunion with free agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. Harbaugh open to OBJ reunion. Separately, the Browns withdrew a rule proposal that would have permitted teams to trade draft picks further out, limiting future trading discretion to five years instead of the previously proposed seven Browns pull five-year trade proposal. Fantasy football analysts are already with Mike Clay releasing his initial rankings profiling the top 35 quarterbacks for 2026.