NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Franchise Tag Deadline
NFL teams espn.com made their franchise and transition tag decisions ahead of Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline. The Jets franchised Breece Hall, the Steelers tagged George Pickens, and the Falcons used the tag on Kyle Pitts Sr. The Colts placed the rarely used transition tag espn.com on quarterback Daniel Jones, preserving their right to match any offer sheet.
Free Agency Moves
The Bengals did not use the franchise tag espn.com on defensive end Trey Hendrickson, making the 2024 All-Pro edge rusher available to sign with another team when free agency opens. The Texans released veteran safety Jimmie Ward espn.com, saving $750,000 against the salary cap. Meanwhile, the Bengals retained right guard Dalton Risner espn.com with a one-year deal ahead of free agency.
Quarterback Carousel
The Cardinals informed Kyler Murray espn.com they intend to release him on the first day of the league year next Wednesday, barring a trade. The Vikings are open to trading Jonathan Greenard espn.com as they seek salary cap relief. The Browns face limited options as they scour the quarterback landscape espn.com heading into free agency.
Draft & Combine Updates
Mississippi State's Brenen Thompson clocked a 4.26-second 40-yard dash espn.com at the combine, the third fastest by a wide receiver since 2003. Mel Kiper Jr. picked out 13 standout performers espn.com from the combine workouts. Jordan Reid projected the first two rounds espn.com of his new NFL mock draft with several trades included.
Team Transactions
The Texans traded starting right tackle Tytus Howard espn.com to the Browns for a fifth-round draft pick. The Chiefs have informed Jawaan Taylor espn.com he will be released before the start of the league year, saving $20 million on the cap. The Vikings have informed Aaron Jones and Javon Hargrave espn.com they will be released at the start of the 2026 league year barring a trade.
Player Retirements & Injuries
Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman informed the Bears espn.com he's retiring at age 27 after four seasons with the Falcons and one with Chicago. Cowboys pass rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku underwent hip surgery espn.com five weeks ago and could be out until the start of training camp.
Contract Situations
Sean McVay said the Rams have had "great dialogue" with Matthew Stafford entering the final season of the quarterback's contract. The Texans face looming contract decisions about C.J. Stroud as they head into the offseason espn.com.
Legal & International News
The Commanders have agreed to pay $1 million espn.com to the District of Columbia to settle a 2022 lawsuit alleging collusion to deceive fans under previous ownership. The NFL announced the Falcons would be playing a game in Madrid espn.com, one of nine international games this coming season.
Fantasy & Depth Chart Impact
After deciding to part ways with Montgomery, the Lions traded the running back espn.com to Houston. The Commanders could find help in the draft from Ohio State Buckeyes players, with all four projected top-10 selections potentially making sense for Washington.
Combine Standouts
Beyond Thompson's speed, the combine featured various standout performances and personalities. Chris Brazzell II and Dani Dennis-Sutton were among the players who caught Mel Kiper Jr.'s attention during workouts.