NFL Football 3d Briefing
×NFL Free Agency & Roster Moves
The Minnesota Vikings have informed running back Aaron Jones espn.com and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave that they will be released at the start of the 2026 league year unless traded, sources told ESPN. The Cleveland Browns espn.com face limited quarterback options as they head into free agency, while the Dallas Cowboys espn.com owner Jerry Jones promised fans change after the team's championship drought, starting with a new approach to free agency spending.
NFL Combine Highlights
Mississippi State's Brenen Thompson espn.com clocked a 4.26-second 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, the third-fastest by a wide receiver since 2003. Top-10 quarterback prospect Taylen Green espn.com set several positional combine records during Saturday's workout in Indianapolis. Francis Mauigoa espn.com, the top offensive line prospect, said he's open to a position change and credited battles with teammates Reuben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor for his development. Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love espn.com, No. 2 on ESPN's Big Board, plans to participate in all combine drills including the 40-yard dash. Diego Pavia espn.com, a polarizing quarterback prospect, said he won't tone down his approach as he approaches the NFL draft.
Quarterback Market Analysis
Former Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson espn.com told NFL talent evaluators at the combine that he's prepared to prove he's a "franchise quarterback." ESPN ranked every quarterback picked in Round 1 from 2021 to 2025 based on predraft evaluations and slotted in the expected No. 1 pick for 2026, analyzing where Fernando Mendoza espn.com would rank among them. The combine provided new intel on the quarterback market, potential trades, and top free agents, with questions about what the Vikings, Cardinals, Colts, and Dolphins will do at the position.
NFL Business & Labor
The NFL salary cap has topped $300 million for the first time in league history, landing at 301.2 million dollars espn.com for 2026. The NFL Players Association has narrowed its search for a permanent executive director, with current interim David White espn.com and former player president JC Tretter among the finalists. The Atlanta Falcons dismissed assistant defensive line coach La Troy Lewis espn.com following sexual assault allegations. The Green Bay Packers announced they've hired Cam Achord espn.com as their new special teams coordinator.
NFL Draft & Team Needs
ESPN's experts identified risers and standouts at every position from the combine, with Spencer Fano espn.com impressing in the 40-yard dash and strong offensive line prospects emerging. The publication also found free agent fits for all 32 NFL teams, suggesting moves like Mike Evans espn.com to the Bills and Malik Willis to the Jets. Questions remain about whether the Seahawks will re-sign Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III espn.com, who could become only the fourth player to win the award and begin the next season on another team.
League Investigations
ESPN's Dan Wetzel espn.com examined the NFL's fact-finding mission regarding Giants owner John Tisch, questioning what evidence executives might present if claiming there's "nothing to see" regarding the situation.