NFL Football 24 Hours

Last updated: May 27, 2026, 8:57 AM ET

Free Agency & Contract Moves

The offseason spending spree continued with several notable extensions. The Chargers re-signed Derwin James Jr. to a three-year, $75.6 million deal, making him the highest-paid safety for the second time in his career, his agent David Mulugheta told ESPN. Across the league, the Texans gave Nico Collins a reworked contract that guarantees his salary through next season and includes a $9 million cash bump this year, rewarding the two-time Pro Bowl receiver for his consistent production. On the injury front, Bucky Irving is expected to be ready by summer after rehabbing from offseason shoulder surgery, according to a source, giving the Buccaneers a reliable option at running back once training camp opens.

Legal Battles & Off-Field Turmoil

Off the field, the NFL faces mounting legal pressure. The Supreme Court declined to intervene in former Dolphins coach Brian Flores' discrimination lawsuit against the league, allowing the case to move toward trial after the NFL had sought to settle the matter privately. Meanwhile, Packers running back Josh Jacobs was arrested and booked on several domestic violence charges Tuesday, a serious development that could complicate Green Bay's backfield plans this season. For the Cardinals, quarterback Jacoby Brissett did not report to OTAs as his holdout over a new deal continues, leaving the team without its starting QB as organized workouts get underway.

Quarterback Development & OTAs

The quarterback picture took shape at several camps this week. Patrick Mahomes returned to the field with his teammates Tuesday for the first time since tearing his ACL and LCL in his left knee, a promising sign for a Chiefs team that will rely heavily on its franchise signal-caller during his recovery. In Jacksonville, Trevor Lawrence's family expressed relief after his trademark flowing blonde hair disappeared in the team's schedule reveal video, suggesting the quarterback is fully committed to the new look as he enters another season. Over in Carolina, Bryce Young has emerged as a more vocal leader entering Year 4, a shift the Panthers hope translates to more decisive play on the field. And new parents Jordan Love and Ronika Stone welcomed their daughter a month ago, adding a personal chapter to the Packers' offseason.

Rising Stars & Trade Buzz

Several young players are drawing attention ahead of next season. Nik Bonitto set a career high with 14 sacks last year but expects more double-teams and chips in 2026 as defenses prepare for his continued ascent. ESPN's trade simulation explored potential deals for Keon Coleman, Cole Kmet, Anthony Richardson Sr. and Kayvon Thibodeaux, asking whether any of these players could be on the move this offseason. to the draft, next year's quarterback class should be loaded with prospects like Arch Manning, Dante Moore, CJ Carr and Trinidad Chambliss, giving teams a deep pool of options at the position. The Las Vegas Raiders plan to put significant pressure on their star running back if Klint Kubiak's offense is going to function properly, signaling the team expects more from that position this year.

League Culture & Historical Remembrance

The NFL also marked a somber moment as Manny Fernandez, a two-time Super Bowl-winning defensive lineman with the Dolphins, died at age 79, closing a chapter on one of the franchise's most storied defenders from the 1972 undefeated season. In Florida, the state signed the 'Teddy Bridgewater Act' into law, allowing high school coaches to use their own money to help players with expenses like food and transportation, a measure designed to ease the financial burden on young athletes. Meanwhile, Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said his team wants to 'run it forward' as they look to repeat as Super Bowl champions, a phrase that captures Seattle's ambitious mindset heading into the new season. Back in New York, linebacker Abdul Carter and other Giants players shut down speculation of a locker room rift after Jaxson Dart introduced Donald Trump at a pep rally, putting the controversy to rest publicly before the season begins.