NFL Football 24 Hours

Last updated: March 31, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Quarterback Situations & Roster Decisions

Offseason quarterback assessments remain central across the league, with the Raiders receiving high praise for potential top pick Fernando Mendoza, whom Coach Klint Kubiak characterized as a definitive "winner." In contrast, the Jets received an emphatic endorsement for their incumbent starter, as Coach Aaron Glenn declared that Geno Smith is precisely "the guy that's going to lead us to the promised land". Meanwhile, Ravens Coach Jesse Minter expressed uncertainty regarding Lamar Jackson's involvement in upcoming voluntary workouts, stating he does not know the level of participation, while in Cleveland, new offensive coordinator Ken Monken confirmed that practice reps will not be distributed equally among Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, and Dillon Gabriel during the QB competition.

Several other established quarterbacks received public backing or trade speculation. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones confirmed the franchise has "long-term plans in mind" for receiver George Pickens but indicated that contract negotiations have not commenced, meaning the team is prepared to use the franchise tag. Elsewhere, the 49ers ownership and coaching staff delivered somewhat conflicting messages concerning Brandon Aiyuk's future, creating immediate speculation. In New England, Mike Vrabel did not entirely dismiss the possibility of pursuing a trade for Eagles receiver A.J. Brown amid swirling rumors, contrasting with the Vikings' front office, which confirmed they will exercise the fifth-year option on receiver Jordan Addison’s contract.

Quarterback futures are also being cemented in several other key markets. Browns owner Jimmy Haslam offered strong support for Deshaun Watson, suggesting he has a "great chance" to reclaim the QB1 role under new coach Todd Monken, despite acknowledging the initial trade was a "big swing-and-miss" a year prior. Colts GM Chris Ballard refused to eliminate the possibility that Anthony Richardson Sr. could remain with the team through 2026, and Steelers coach Mike McCarthy noted that Aaron Rodgers is in a "very positive space" while contemplating his next career move.

League Operations, Legal Matters, and Media

NFL owners finalized operational contingency measures during their meetings, approving a plan to centralize officiating protocols in case of a future work stoppage while CBA talks with the Referees Association remain active. This administrative action follows a significant legal filing, as Robin DeLorenzo, one of the league’s pioneering female officials, filed a lawsuit against the NFL alleging gender-based humiliation and hostility following her 2025 termination. Separately, Chiefs Coach Andy Reid provided an optimistic outlook on Patrick Mahomes’ recovery, stating explicitly that owners should "Don't bet against Mahomes playing Week 1".

Media deals and league expansion into new formats also occupied the news cycle. The league announced a partnership with TMRW Sports, the entity behind the TGL golf league, to develop a professional flag football circuit backed by all 32 franchises for both men and women. However, Broncos Coach Sean Payton, after recent exposure to the sport, expressed surprise that any current NFL players would participate on the U.S. national flag football team in the immediate future. On the media front, the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks have been selected for this summer’s edition of "Hard Knocks," with the Patriots slated to feature in the 2027 installment.

Coaching Dynamics and Personnel Philosophy

Coaching relationships appear largely settled following past controversies, as Liam Coen and Robert Saleh confirmed there is no lingering bad blood stemming from last September’s sign-stealing incident. Meanwhile, personnel management philosophies varied across teams. Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan emphatically stated that "zero effort" was expended in attempting to trade running back De'Von Achane, reinforcing the belief that the back is a foundational asset deserving of an extension. Finally, Patriots owner Robert Kraft addressed reporters in Arizona, setting expectations for the upcoming season which features what he described as the "hardest schedule" on the docket.