NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Contract Extensions & Retentions
The Rams espn.com locked up All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie with a record four-year, $124 million extension that includes $100 million guaranteed. Meanwhile, the Cardinals espn.com and Pro Bowl running back James Conner agreed to a revised contract to keep him in Arizona for 2026. The Broncos espn.com and linebacker Justin Strnad agreed to a three-year, $18 million deal with $10 million guaranteed, while the Packers espn.com brought back Sean Rhyan on a three-year, $33 million contract.
Free Agency Moves
Linebacker Eric Wilson espn.com is staying with the Minnesota Vikings after agreeing to a three-year, $22.5 million contract ahead of free agency. Nine-time Pro Bowler Khalil Mack espn.com reached a one-year, $18 million deal to remain with the Chargers. The Chargers espn.com also agreed to terms with fullback Alec Ingold, reuniting him with offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.
Trades & Acquisitions
The Raiders espn.com acquired veteran cornerback Taron Johnson from the Bills, sending a sixth-round pick and receiving a seventh-round selection in return. The Packers espn.com sent DT Colby Wooden to the Colts for LB Zaire Franklin as they face potential losses in free agency. The Bears espn.com acquired center Garrett Bradbury from the Patriots in exchange for a 2027 fifth-round pick.
Cap Management
The Vikings espn.com and tight end T.J. Hockenson agreed to restructure his contract, saving the team more than $5 million in cap space. The Browns espn.com restructured quarterback Deshaun Watson's contract again, freeing close to $36 million in cap space. The Saints espn.com got cap compliant with room to spare ahead of the negotiating window opening.
Player Retirements & Departures
Longtime Raiders star Maxx Crosby espn.com, traded to the Ravens, expressed appreciation for his time in Las Vegas. Rams cornerback Darious Williams espn.com retired after 100 regular-season NFL games. Vikings center Ryan Kelly espn.com announced his retirement after 10 seasons following an injury-filled 2025 campaign.
Position Battles & Depth
The Ravens espn.com and backup quarterback Tyler Huntley agreed to a two-year deal worth up to $11 million to keep him in Baltimore. The 49ers espn.com agreed to a four-year, $17 million contract extension with kicker Eddy Piñeiro. The Cowboys espn.com placed a $5.7 million second-round tender on kicker Brandon Aubrey while hoping to sign him to a multiyear extension.
ESPN analysts espn.com provided the latest buzz on top players and teams as NFL free agency nears. Another report espn.com examined potential quarterback options for the Jets in 2026, including Russell Wilson, Tua Tagovailoa, and Geno Smith. A separate analysis espn.com explained why Maxx Crosby fits perfectly with the Ravens' defense and Super Bowl window.
Offseason Developments
The Texans espn.com released veteran running back Joe Mixon after he missed the 2025 season with a foot injury. Offensive lineman Taylor Decker espn.com, the Lions' longest-tenured player, requested his release. The Bills espn.com released veteran corner Taron Johnson, wide receiver Curtis Samuel, safety Taylor Rapp, and cornerback Dane Jackson as they work to get cap compliant.
Draft & Fantasy Outlook
Mike Clay's fantasy football rookie rankings espn.com for 2026 place Jeremiyah Love at the top as the NFL draft approaches. Analysts espn.com identified the NFL's most overrated and underrated free agents, suggesting Travis Etienne Jr. might be a risky signing.