NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Quarterback Moves
The Falcons will release Kirk Cousins espn.com on March 11, with new GM Ian Cunningham informing the veteran QB of the decision. Meanwhile, the Bears have granted Tremaine Edmunds espn.com permission to seek a trade, potentially shaking up the linebacker market. The Vikings are "exploring all possibilities" to improve their quarterback play in 2026, according to executive vice president Rob Brzezinski, while the Dolphins' GM says "everything is on the table" regarding Tua Tagovailoa's future.
Contract Negotiations
The Ravens remain confident about Lamar Jackson espn.com extension talks while making a "market-setting" proposal to Tyler Linderbaum. The Colts are positive on deals espn.com for QB Daniel Jones and WR Alec Pierce before free agency begins. However, Brandon Aubrey's agent has asked for a deal closer to $10 million per season, pushing back against the Cowboys' offer that would make him the highest-paid kicker in the NFL.
Coaching Changes
The Broncos have hired Colorado DC Robert Livingston espn.com as their defensive passing-game coordinator. Panthers coach Dave Canales is ceding playcalling duties to offensive coordinator Brad Idzik, saying the decision was made without pressure from the GM or owner. The Ravens are ushering in "a new age" with their first head coaching change since the franchise's inaugural season.
Combine Developments
Ohio State star Arvell Reese declared himself an "outside linebacker/edge" rusher espn.com during media interviews at the combine. Defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. said no team has mentioned arm length to him during interviews, focusing on his play instead. NFL rookies provided valuable advice to draft prospects beginning their combine experience.
Free Agency Preparations
With massive dead money cap hits over the past two years now behind them, the Broncos enter the 2026 offseason with a clean slate and can be "opportunistically aggressive" in free agency. The Chiefs released veteran defensive end Mike Danna as they work to get under the salary cap by the start of the new league year in two weeks.
Trade Market Speculation
Raiders GM John Spytek said he expects star defensive edge Maxx Crosby to play for the team in 2026 amid trade speculation. Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin said a trade involving defensive end Trey Hendrickson could prove challenging. The Cowboys are aware of potential fallout from using the franchise tag on Pro Bowl wide receiver George Pickens.
International Expansion
The Lions will head to Munich, Germany, for their first international game since 2015, with their opponent and date to be named later. The UFL announced it 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 starting March 27.
Personnel Moves
The Titans released starting center Lloyd Cushenberry III and starting safety Xavier Woods on Wednesday, with Cushenberry's release coming with a failed physical designation. The Patriots released running back Antonio Gibson after two seasons with the team. Chargers starting center Bradley Bozeman announced his retirement after eight years in the NFL and 110 starts.
Rule Changes & Technology
The NFL competition committee is discussing the possibility of authorizing replay officials to throw flags for non-football acts. Sean Payton and Mike Vrabel, both members of the NFL's competition committee, expressed concern this week over replay errors in 1 p.m. games last season.
Draft Prospects
The NFL combine features top draft prospects participating in the 40-yard dash and other drills. Four-star quarterback Gunner Rivers, son of NC State legend and eight-time NFL Pro Bowler Philip Rivers, has committed to the Wolfpack. ESPN's latest mock draft projects where the best players in the 2026 draft class will get picked in April.
Team-Specific Updates
The Bills' GM said the team is challenging embattled WR Keon Coleman to come in with the same attitude he had to start training camp last season. Lions offensive lineman Taylor Decker indicated in a social media post that he's putting off retirement to return for his 11th NFL season. Broncos coach Sean Payton said offensive coordinator Davis Webb will be Denver's playcaller this season.
Management Changes
The Bears believe they should receive draft compensation after the Falcons hired Ian Cunningham as their new general manager last month. The Falcons plan to place the franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., a source told ESPN. Texans GM Nick Caserio called the trade talk regarding quarterback C.J. Stroud "moronic."
Player Health
Tyler Smith, 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.