NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Major Trades and Free Agency Moves
Maxx Crosby espn.com is heading to the Ravens in a blockbuster trade that reshapes both teams' futures. The Raiders receive draft capital while Baltimore adds a premier pass rusher to bolster their Super Bowl aspirations. The Patriots espn.com traded center Garrett Bradbury to the Bears for a 2027 fifth-round pick, while the Texans espn.com released veteran running back Joe Mixon after he missed the entire 2025 season with a foot injury.
Defensive end Danielle Hunter espn.com agreed to a one-year, $40 million extension with the Texans, securing their pass rush. The Bears espn.com are releasing linebacker Tremaine Edmunds to create $15 million in cap space, while the Rams espn.com re-signed safety Kam Curl to a three-year, $36 million deal. The Seahawks espn.com reached agreement with inside linebacker Drake Thomas on a two-year, $8 million contract.
Contract Restructurings and Cap Moves
The Browns espn.com restructured Deshaun Watson's contract again, freeing up approximately $36 million in cap space and lowering what was the largest cap hit in the league. The Chargers espn.com signed free agent center Tyler Biadasz to replace retired Bradley Bozeman, while the Bills espn.com released veteran nickel corner Taron Johnson, wide receiver Curtis Samuel, safety Taylor Rapp, and cornerback Dane Jackson to get under the salary cap.
The Patriots espn.com and restricted free agent quarterback Tommy DeVito agreed to a two-year deal worth up to $7.4 million. The Texans espn.com reached agreement with offensive tackle Trent Brown on a one-year extension worth up to $7 million.
Player Retirements and Requests
Longtime NFL center Ryan Kelly espn.com announced his retirement Friday after 10 seasons in the league, following an injury-plagued 2025 season with the Vikings. Offensive lineman Taylor Decker espn.com, the Lions' longest-tenured player, requested his release through social media. Bradley Bozeman retired from the Chargers last week, creating an opening at center that Tyler Biadasz will fill.
Coaching Changes and Staff Additions
Former Bears head coach Matt Eberflus espn.com is joining the 49ers' defensive staff under Kyle Shanahan. Former Packers special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia espn.com will take on the same role at Clemson, moving to the college ranks. The Steelers hired Mike McCarthy as their new head coach, though quarterback Aaron Rodgers espn.com remains undecided on his playing status for next season despite the hiring.
Preseason Schedule and Hall of Fame
The Cardinals and Panthers espn.com will open the preseason with the Hall of Fame Game on August 6 in Canton, Ohio, as part of enshrinement week. Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald and Panthers great Luke Kuechly are among those being honored.
Legal and Off-Field Issues
Browns star Myles Garrett espn.com was issued his ninth speeding ticket since entering the NFL in 2017 after being clocked at 94 mph in a 70 mph zone. Veteran tight end Jonnu Smith espn.com is being released by the Steelers after arriving via trade with the Dolphins last summer. The Vikings espn.com are expected to release defensive tackle Jonathan Allen as they continue to address their salary cap deficit.
Combine and Draft Analysis
Mike Clay's rookie rankings espn.com place Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love at the top of his list for 2026, with Tennessee showing particular interest in the electrifying running back. The Titans espn.com came away impressed from the combine with Love, who could be available at No. 4 overall. Our NFL Nation reporters espn.com simulated the free agent market for quarterback Malik Willis, playing GM to make contract offers for the former second-round pick.
Team-Specific Outlooks
Cameron Jordan espn.com will become a free agent when the new league year begins next week, with the Saints defensive end still deciding his future. The Chiefs espn.com traded away cornerback Trent McDuffie, their last similar-caliber trade resulted in three straight Super Bowl appearances. The Bengals espn.com face a crucial offseason after quarterback Joe Burrow challenged the organization to make meaningful changes. The Commanders espn.com are expected to be aggressive in free agency, particularly pursuing edge rusher, receiver, and cornerback help for second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Patriots and Receiver Market
The Patriots espn.com will release receiver Stefon Diggs after one season, saving cap space and creating uncertainty at the position. Free agency buzz espn.com suggests Diggs could find a new home quickly, with several teams needing veteran receiving help. The Bucs espn.com are waiting on decisions regarding Lavonte David while exploring wide receiver futures and other offseason moves.