NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 12, 2026, 3:46 AM ET
Jets QB Smith’s Redemption Arc Continues espn.com
Pete Carroll, now jet coach, took responsibility for Geno Smith’s uneven 2025 campaign espn.com, citing a “learning curve” in his first post-firing interview. Meanwhile, Smith reunited with the Jets espn.com, agreeing to a symbolic one-year deal to “reset expectations” after a rocky tenure in Las Vegas. Carroll emphasized the QB’s “elite decision-making” despite a 62.4% completion rate and six turnovers last season.
Giants Double Down on Neal espn.com
Despite four straight underwhelming seasons—including being a healthy scratch for 11 games—the Giants re-signed OT Evan Neal espn.com to a three-year, $45 million extension. General manager Joe Gettleman defended the move, calling the 2022 first-rounder “a cornerstone” for future offensive schemes. Neal’s 2025 performance saw him allow 38 sacks but earn praise for versatility in zone coverage.
Cowboys Ship Odighizuwa for 2026 Pick espn.com
Dallas traded defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa espn.com to the 49ers for a 2026 third-round selection, signaling a rebuild pivot. The move freed $4.2 million in cap space, while the 49ers added depth to their interior line. Dallas also swapped Solomon Thomas espn.com with the Titans for a seventh-rounder, prioritizing cap flexibility over immediate impact.
Texans Secure Moreau at TE espn.com
Houston signed Foster Moreau espn.com to a two-year, $14 million deal, addressing a hole at tight end after Dalton Schultz’s injury. Moreau, a two-time Pro Bowler, brings experience blocking and short-yardage receiving, though his 2025 production dipped to 457 receiving yards.
Packers Land Hargrave espn.com
Green Bay inked Javon Hargrave espn.com to a two-year, $23 million pact, bolstering a defensive line thin after Kenny Clark’s trade. Hargrave, a three-time Pro Bowl nose tackle, projects to anchor the middle against mobile quarterbacks. His 2025 sack total (12. led the league, justifying the investment.
Commanders Add Okonkwo and Cross espn.com
Washington inked TE Chig Okonkwo espn.com to a three-year, $27 million contract and signed safety Ronnie Cross espn.com for $12 million. Okonkwo, a 2023 breakout, offers red-zone reliability, while Cross, a 2024 All-Pro, aims to revive his career after a rough 2025 season with the Browns.
Texans Sign CB Gilmore espn.com
The Jets added cornerback Dylan Parham espn.com to a two-year, $20 million deal, addressing secondary instability after three straight seasons of top-10 coverage. Parham’s 2025 stats included 28 passes defended and three interceptions, though his coverage grade (68. lagged league leaders.
Buffalo locked in edge rusher Bradley Chubb espn.com with a three-year, $43.5 million deal, banking on his pass-rush versatility. Chubb, recorded 14 sacks and 29 QB hits in 2025 but struggled with consistency in coverage. The Bills plan to pair him with younger defenders like Ed Oliver.
Vikings Restructure Jones’ Deal espn.com
Minnesota restructured Aaron Jones’ contract espn.com, converting $1.2 million in dead cap to 2026. The 31-year-old RB, who rushed for 680 yards last season, will remain a secondary option behind Jordan Hicks. Analysts question his role in a committee system.
Ravens Restructure Jackson’s Contract espn.com
Baltimore reworked Lamar Jackson’s deal espn.com to create $40 million in cap space, potentially clearing room for defensive upgrades. Jackson, entering Year, averaged 9.8 yards per carry in 2025 but faces questions about long-term durability.
Colts Commit to Jones espn.com
Indianapolis signed QB Daniel Jones espn.com to a two-year, $88 million deal, doubling down on his 2025 resurgence (2,400 yards, 12 . The move sidelines rookie Drake Maye, who’ll compete for the backup role.
Chargers Retain Pipkins espn.com
Los Angeles re-signed OT Trey Pipkins III espn.com to a two-year, $10 million contract, preserving cap space for pass-rushers. Pipkins, a 2024 starter, allowed just 3 sacks in 2025 but struggled against All-Pro edges.
NFL Restarts Accelerator Program espn.com
The league reinstated its front office accelerator espn.com, expanding diversity initiatives after pausing the program in 2025. The initiative will now include nonminority participants, sparking debate over its impact on hiring practices.
New England landed Kevin Byard espn.com, the NFL’s 2025 interceptions leader (14), to a one-year, $9 million deal. The 30-year-old safety, known for his coverage IQ, replaces J.C. Jackson and could anchor a top-5 secondary.
Giants Address CB Need with Newsome espn.com
New York signed Greg Newsome II espn.com to a one-year, $10 million deal, shoring up a secondary that allowed 240 passing yards per game in 2025. Newsome, a 2023 second-rounder, offers speed but lacks elite press-man coverage skills.
Green Bay signed CB Benjamin St-Juste espn.com to a two-year, $10 million deal, strengthening a unit that allowed 22 TD passes in 2025. The 25-year-old, a 2022 second-rounder, thrives in man coverage but lacks closing speed.
Washington signed Odafe Oweh espn.com to a four-year, $100 million deal, transforming their pass rush. The 27-year-old DE, with 17.5 sacks since 2024, projects as a top-10 rusher alongside Chase Young.
Falcons Release Mooney espn.com
Atlanta cut WR Darnell Mooney espn.com, freeing $7.4 million in cap space. Mooney, a 2023 second-rounder, caught 32 passes for 412 yards in 2025 but struggled with consistency.
Cowboys Sign Thompson espn.com
Dallas added S Jalen Thompson espn.com to a three-year, $33 million deal, addressing safety depth. Thompson, a 2024 All-Pro with the Bears, brings leadership but carries a $2.1 million dead cap hit.
Browns Bolster O-Line with Johnson espn.com
Cleveland signed G Zion Johnson espn.com to a three-year, $49.5 million deal, locking in a Pro Bowl guard. Johnson, allowed just 12 pressures in 2025 and could anchor a shaky offensive line.
Commanders Re-sign Mariota espn.com
Washington brought back Marcus Mariota espn.com to a one-year, $7 million deal, providing depth behind Jayden Daniels. Mariota, started two games in 2025 but struggled with turnovers.
Cardinals Sign Allgeier espn.com
Arizona inked RB Tyler Allgeier espn.com to a two-year, $12.5 million deal, adding a physical runner to pair with James Conner. Allgeier, rushed for 980 yards in 2025 but lacks elite speed.
Pittsburgh signed CB Jamel Dean espn.com to a three-year, $36.75 million deal, upgrading their secondary. Dean, a 2023 third-rounder, recorded 11 passes defended in 2025 but struggled in