NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Free Agency Moves and Roster Changes
The Giants released linebacker Bobby Okereke espn.com freeing up $9 million in salary cap space after three years with the team. The Texans released veteran safety Jimmie Ward espn.com saving approximately $750,000 in cap space. The Commanders informed cornerback Marshon Lattimore espn.com of their intention to release him before the new league year begins. The Chiefs informed offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor espn.com he will be released barring a trade, saving $20 million on the cap. The Bears center Drew Dalman espn.com is retiring at age 27 after four seasons with the Falcons and one with Chicago.
The Bengals retained offensive lineman Dalton Risner espn.com with a one-year deal ahead of free agency. The Texans traded right tackle Tytus Howard espn.com to the Browns for a fifth-round draft pick. The Vikings informed running back Aaron Jones and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave espn.com that they will be released at the start of the 2026 league year barring a trade. The Cardinals informed quarterback Kyler Murray espn.com they intend to release him on the first day of the league year next Wednesday unless a trade materializes.
Quarterback Market Developments
The Colts placed the rarely used transition tag espn.com on quarterback Daniel Jones, preserving their right to match any offer sheet in free agency. The Vikings need quarterback help espn.com as Kyler Murray's exit from the Cardinals impacts their draft strategy. Our NFL Nation reporters simulated the free agent market espn.com for Malik Willis, making contract offers and identifying potential landing spots. The ranking of the NFL's top 100 free agents includes Kenneth Walker III, Trey Hendrickson, Jauan Jennings and Malik Willis espn.com as players who could receive significant interest.
Draft and Combine Updates
Tennessee came away impressed espn.com from the combine with draft's top running back prospect Jeremiyah Love. Mel Kiper Jr. identified 13 standout performers espn.com from the NFL combine including Chris Brazzell II and Dani Dennis-Sutton. Jordan Reid projected the first two rounds espn.com of his new NFL mock draft with two trades following the combine. The Commanders could benefit from Ohio State Buckeyes players espn.com with all four projected top-10 selections potentially making sense for Washington.
Contract and Tag Decisions
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. Breece Hall, George Pickens and Kyle Pitts Sr. were franchise-tagged espn.com while Daniel Jones received the transition tag, creating significant implications for the upcoming free agency period. The Rams have had great dialogue espn.com with Matthew Stafford entering the final season of his contract according to Sean McVay.
Other Notable Developments
The Texans might not trade C.J. Stroud espn.com in the offseason but must begin the process of determining his future with the team. The Vikings are open to trading outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard espn.com as they seek relief from being more than $43 million over the salary cap. The Falcons will play a game in Madrid espn.com as part of the NFL's nine international games this coming season. The Commanders agreed to pay $1 million espn.com to the District of Columbia to settle a 2022 lawsuit alleging the team under previous ownership colluded to deceive fans.
The Cowboys pass rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku espn.com underwent hip surgery five weeks ago to repair a labrum tear and could be out until the start of training camp. It took former Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson years espn.com to get comfortable running an offense, raising questions about his NFL potential as Mike Leach's last quarterback.