NFL Football 24 Hours

Last updated: August 8, 2026, 9:21 AM ET

Hall of Fame Watch

As the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremonies near, ESPN's Bill Barnwell examines every team's roster to identify which current players are on track for Canton, and his list includes 17 active players who could retire today and still be elected. One of the most debated cases is Russell Wilson, who looked like a lock after 10 stellar seasons but has seen his Hall of Fame candidacy complicated by a rough final stretch. Meanwhile, Larry Fitzgerald's college career at Pittsburgh redefined the wide receiver position — a college career that helped set the stage for his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction. Fitzgerald himself says he doesn't believe in retirement and remains unretired from the game. And in a personal essay, one fan makes an impassioned case for Super Bowl MVP Ottis Anderson, who is not in the Hall of Fame.

Contract News and Signings

Several teams made notable financial commitments, including the Saints adding veteran linebacker Deion Jones on a one-year deal. The Titans made a massive investment up front, signing guard Peter Skoronski to a four-year, $100 million extension that makes him the highest-paid guard in NFL history. The Bills locked in right guard O'Cyrus Torrence with a four-year, $78.4 million deal that includes $46 million guaranteed. And the Colts secured star running back Jonathan Taylor with a two-year, $44 million extension through the 2028 season.

Training Camp and Preseason Buzz

The preseason is underway and camps are heating up, as Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is unlikely to play in the preseason opener, per Andy Reid, though he has practiced fully. Emotions flared in Raiders camp when Kirk Cousins and Maxx Crosby scuffled at practice before teammates separated them. The Vikings are still evaluating their quarterback competition, with Kyler Murray favored over rookie J.J. McCarthy. Cowboys defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, acquired last season, hopes to make an even bigger impact in 2026 and is looking for a long-term extension. Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving delivered a message to doubters as he looks to bounce back in Year 3, saying "I've been doubted my whole life." Texans receiver Tank Dell is going for it after missing nearly two years due to injury. In Cleveland, Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders are locked in a QB competition with a focus on pre-snap and post-snap techniques. Rams coach Sean McVay said Aaron Donald looked outstanding in a recent workout, though he didn't commit to a return. Cardinals rookie Carson Beck impressed in his preseason debut, completing 15 of 19 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown for a 125.4 quarterback rating in a 33-30 Hall of Fame Game loss. Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson said he can't wait to face the Texans in Week, claiming he was fed "lies" during his previous stint. Seahawks linebacker DeMarcus Lawrence admitted he nearly retired after winning the Super Bowl but is ready for the challenge of defending the title.

Suspensions

The NFL handed down discipline to two players Friday, as Colts cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt was suspended one game without pay for violating the league's conduct policy and will miss the season opener. Saints rookie wide receiver Brock Rechsteiner received a six-game suspension, according to the league's transaction wire.