NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Free Agency Moves
The Commanders espn.com are expected to be aggressive in free agency, targeting players at edge rusher, receiver, and cornerback positions to support quarterback Jayden Daniels. Meanwhile, the Patriots espn.com will release Stefon Diggs after one season, saving cap space and putting their wide receiver position back in question. The Giants espn.com are also releasing starting middle linebacker Bobby Okereke, freeing up $9 million in salary cap space.
Veteran Departures
The Steelers espn.com are releasing veteran tight end Jonnu Smith, who arrived in Pittsburgh via a trade with the Dolphins last summer. The Vikings espn.com are expected to release defensive tackle Jonathan Allen as they continue to whittle down their salary cap deficit. The Texans espn.com will release veteran safety Jimmie Ward, saving $750,000 against the cap.
Contract Decisions
The Colts espn.com placed the rarely used transition tag on quarterback Daniel Jones, preserving their right to match any offer sheet in free agency. The Bengals espn.com did not use the franchise tag on defensive end Trey Hendrickson, making the 2024 All-Pro edge rusher available to sign with another team when free agency opens. The Falcons espn.com will play a game in Madrid as part of the NFL's nine international games this coming season.
Quarterback Updates
Aaron Rodgers espn.com says he remains undecided on his playing status for next season despite the Steelers hiring Mike McCarthy, with whom he won a Super Bowl in Green Bay. The Cardinals espn.com informed quarterback Kyler Murray that they intend to release him on the first day of the league year next Wednesday, barring a trade between now and then. The Vikings espn.com are open to trading outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard as the team seeks relief from being more than $43 million over the salary cap.
Legal Issues
Browns star Myles Garrett espn.com was issued a citation for speeding -- his ninth since entering the NFL in 2017 -- after he was clocked going 94 mph in a 70 mph zone. The Commanders espn.com have agreed to pay $1 million to the District of Columbia to settle a lawsuit from 2022 that alleged the NFL team under previous ownership colluded to deceive fans.
Personnel Changes
Former Packers special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia espn.com will take on the same role at the college ranks with Clemson. The Chargers espn.com released guard Mekhi Becton in a move that saved them $9.7 million against the salary cap. The Bears espn.com center Drew Dalman has informed the team that he's retiring at age 27 after four seasons with the Atlanta Falcons and one with Chicago.
Upcoming Events
The Arizona Cardinals espn.com will take on the Carolina Panthers in the annual Hall of Fame exhibition game on Aug. 6 as part of enshrinement week, with Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald and Panthers great Luke Kuechly expected to be honored. The NFL espn.com free agency opens with the legal negotiating window on March 9, with teams preparing for the annual player movement period.
Draft and Combine Insights
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love espn.com has impressed teams at the combine, with the Titans showing particular interest in the electrifying prospect. The Commanders espn.com could benefit from Ohio State prospects in the upcoming draft, with all four Buckeyes players projected as possible top-10 selections potentially making sense for Washington. Jordan Reid espn.com projects the first two rounds of the 2026 NFL draft following the combine and a big Rams-Chiefs trade.
Player Movement
The Texans espn.com acquired running back David Montgomery from the Lions in a trade after Detroit decided to part ways with the veteran back. The Commanders espn.com have informed cornerback Marshon Lattimore that they intend to release him before the new league year begins next week. The Vikings espn.com are open to trading outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard as they seek salary cap relief.