NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Blockbuster Trades Shake Up Contenders
Maxx Crosby espn.com is headed to the Ravens in a deal that immediately elevates Baltimore's defensive ceiling while raising questions about the Raiders' future pass rush. The trade framework sent shockwaves through the AFC, with Lamar Jackson's espn.com contract situation now looming even larger for the Ravens as they pivot toward a win-now window. Meanwhile, the Chiefs' decision to trade Trent McDuffie espn.com to the Eagles signals a major philosophical shift, echoing their previous bold moves that led to sustained success. The parallel DJ Moore espn.com trade involving the Bears and Commanders completes a stunning defensive backfield shuffling, reshaping multiple rosters in one weekend.
Roster Churn Across the League
The Patriots made a straightforward swap espn.com for center Garrett Bradbury, acquiring him from Minnesota for a future fifth-round pick. That move preceded the Vikings' confirmation that Ryan Kelly espn.com, their longtime center, has retired after 10 seasons, opening a starting job in Minnesota. In Houston, the Texans released espn.com Joe Mixon following his lost 2025 season to a foot injury, clearing a backfield logjam. Detroit's Taylor Decker espn.com, the Lions' longest-tenured player, formally requested his release, potentially ending an era on the offensive line. Buffalo also cut four veterans espn.com, including cornerback Taron Johnson and receiver Curtis Samuel, as part of a necessary cap-compliance push.
Cap Management and New Deals
The Browns restructured Deshaun Watson's espn.com contract once more, freeing nearly $36 million in cap space and reducing his massive future hit. Houston, meanwhile, invested heavily in its defense by extending Danielle Hunter espn.com to a one-year, $40 million deal, keeping a premier pass rusher off the market. The Patriots locked up quarterback Tommy DeVito espn.com on a two-year, $7.4 million pact, providing depth behind their starter. In the AFC West, the Chargers moved quickly to replace retired center Bradley Bozeman by signing Tyler Biadasz espn.com, while also releasing guard Mekhi Becton to save $9.7 million espn.com against the cap.
Coaching Carousel and Staff Hires
The 49ers added a prominent name to their defensive staff, hiring former Bears head coach Matt Eberflus espn.com to a role under Kyle Shanahan. In the college ranks, former Packers special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia took the same position at Clemson espn.com. These hires come as teams finalize coaching structures ahead of the new league year.
Quarterboard Watch and Draft Buzz
Aaron Rodgers espn.com remains publicly undecided on his playing future for next season, even after the Steelers hired his former mentor Mike McCarthy. That uncertainty clouds Pittsburgh's quarterback plan. On the draft front, Mike Clay's rookie rankings espn.com place Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love at No. 4, with the Titans highlighted as a potential landing spot. The Commanders espn.com, armed with the second overall pick, are expected to aggressively target edge rusher, receiver, and corner in free agency to support Jayden Daniels.
Additional Transactions and Notes
The Saints confirmed Cameron Jordan espn.com will become a free agent, ending a legendary tenure in New Orleans. The Seahawks signed linebacker Drake Thomas espn.com to a two-year, $8 million deal. The Vikings are also expected to release espn.com defensive tackle Jonathan Allen as part of their cap-clearing efforts. The Bears, after acquiring Bradbury, are releasing linebacker Tremaine Edmunds espn.com, creating $15 million in space. The Steelers are moving on from tight end Jonnu Smith espn.com, and the Rams re-signed safety Kam Curl espn.com to a three-year, $36 million contract. The Texans also extended offensive tackle Trent Brown espn.com for one year. The NFL announced the Cardinals and Panthers espn.com will meet in the Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 6. The football world also mourned the passing of former Packers president Bob Harlan espn.com, who was.