NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Combine Updates
Defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. espn.com said no team has mentioned arm length to him during interviews, focusing on his play instead. Ohio State star Arvell Reese espn.com declared himself an "outside linebacker/edge" rusher during media interviews at the combine Wednesday. NFL rookies espn.com provided advice to draft prospects based on their personal journeys as the combine experience begins.
Trade Market Analysis
Brian Thomas Jr. and Maxx Crosby espn.com stack up prominently on the trade market according to recent intel. Raiders GM John Spytek espn.com said he expects star defensive end Maxx Crosby to play for the team in 2026 amid trade speculation. Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin espn.com said a trade involving defensive end Trey Hendrickson could prove challenging.
Quarterback Movement
Falcons GM Ian Cunningham espn.com has informed QB Kirk Cousins that the team will release him March 11, the first day of the league year. Vikings executive vice president Rob Brzezinski espn.com said the team is "exploring all possibilities" to improve their quarterback play in 2026. Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan espn.com said "everything is on the table" regarding quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Coaching Changes
Bengals espn.com made their first head coaching change since the inaugural season. Panthers coach Dave Canales espn.com is ceding playcalling duties to offensive coordinator Brad Idzik without pressure from the GM or owner. Broncos coach Sean Payton espn.com said offensive coordinator Davis Webb will be Denver's playcaller this season.
Free Agency Developments
Cowboys have extended an offer espn.com to Brandon Aubrey that would make him the highest-paid kicker in the NFL, but Aubrey's agent has asked for a deal closer to $10 million per season. Colts general manager Chris Ballard espn.com remains hopeful about deals with receiver Alec Pierce and quarterback Daniel Jones before free agency begins. Bucs GM Jason Licht and coach Todd Bowles espn.com believe veteran wideout Mike Evans has "earned" the right to explore free agency.
Contract Extensions
Ravens GM Eric De Costa espn.com expressed confidence about a contract extension for QB Lamar Jackson while the team has made a "market-setting" proposal to Tyler Linderbaum. Steelers GM Omar Khan espn.com hopes for a quick resolution regarding the possible return of Aaron Rodgers as the team's starter next season. Bills GM Brandon Beane espn.com challenged embattled WR Keon Coleman to return with the same attitude he had at the start of training camp last season.
Roster Moves
Tyler Smith espn.com, the Cowboys' All-Pro left guard, had minor cleanup surgery on his right knee but will be 100% ready for the offseason program in April. Lions offensive lineman Taylor Decker espn.com indicated through social media that he's putting off retirement to return for his 11th NFL season. Chargers starting center Bradley Bozeman espn.com announced his retirement after eight years in the NFL and 110 starts.
Rule Changes
The UFL espn.com will award four points for field goals of at least 60 yards and ban most punts inside of the opponent's 50 for its 2026 season. NFL competition committee espn.com is discussing the possibility of authorizing replay officials to throw flags for non-football acts. NFL competition committee co-chairman Rich Mc Kay espn.com said he is not anticipating an attempt to ban the tush push this year.
Draft Preparation
49ers general manager John Lynch espn.com offered an optimistic view shortly after reports of struggles to find a contractual solution with left tackle Trent Williams. Top NFL prospect Arvell Reese continues to make headlines at the combine. QB Gunner Rivers espn.com, son of NC State legend Philip Rivers, has committed to the Wolfpack.
International Games
Lions espn.com will play an international game in Munich, Germany, for the first time since 2015. The opponent and date will be named later, marking another step in the NFL's global expansion efforts.
Personnel Decisions
Bears believe they should receive draft compensation espn.com after the Falcons hired Ian Cunningham as their new general manager last month. Falcons plan to place the franchise tag espn.com on tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., according to sources. Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones espn.com said the organization is aware of potential fallout as they "lean" toward using the franchise tag on Pro Bowl wide receiver George Pickens.
Team-Specific Updates
Texans GM Nick Caserio espn.com called trade talk regarding quarterback C.J. Stroud "moronic." Jets GM Darren Mougey espn.com said the team will use one of the tags on running back Breece Hall if they can't reach an agreement before the deadline. Chiefs released veteran defensive end Mike Danna espn.com as they work to get under the salary cap by the start of the new league year.