NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 21, 2026, 1:30 PM ET
Quarterback & Offensive Line Movement
The Minnesota Vikings added depth at quarterback by agreeing to terms with Carson Wentz on a one-year contract Thursday, providing insurance in a critical year for the position, and later bolstered their protection by signing tackle Ryan Van Demark to a subsequent one-year pact on Friday. Elsewhere, the San Francisco 49ers are avoiding the guaranteed money associated with offensive tackle Trent Williams' option bonus but maintain ongoing discussions with the veteran about a new agreement, according to sources. In Tennessee, quarterback Cam Ward demonstrated immediate team spirit by crashing wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson’s introductory press conference to offer public support for his new teammate.
Defensive Acquisitions & Contract Management
Defensive personnel maneuvering saw the Atlanta Falcons acquire safety Sydney Brown via a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, a deal which also involved an exchange of later-round draft choices, specifically swapping fourth- and sixth-round selections. In Seattle, the Seahawks exercised their fifth-year options on both promising wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and top cornerback Devon Witherspoon, securing their cost-controlled futures. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht stated publicly that he did not feel "betrayed" by veteran wide receiver Mike Evans' decision to depart, asserting that Evans had "earned the right to make this decision" after his tenure.
Veteran Retirements & League Administration
Two notable careers officially concluded this week as four-time Pro Bowl receiver T.Y. Hilton announced his retirement after ten seasons primarily with the Indianapolis Colts, having last appeared in a game in 2022 with the Dallas Cowboys. Additionally, former Cincinnati Bengals and Cowboys linebacker Logan Wilson confirmed his retirement at age 29 on Wednesday. On the administrative front, the league is preparing for potential disruptions by planning for a significant shift in game oversight, as preliminary plans for using replacement officials this season involve moving substantial responsibility for penalty calls and game administration to the central league office command center.
Ownership Votes & Offseason Grading
NFL owners are scheduled to vote on a proposed succession plan for the Las Vegas Raiders that would grant Silver Lake co-chief executive officer Egon Durban the right to purchase a controlling interest from current owner Mark Davis. Concurrently, the league is considering a substantial rule change proposal put forth by the Cleveland Browns that would allow teams to trade draft picks five years out, extending the current three-year window. In a review of offseason activity, analysts have compiled lists grading transactions, concluding that only sixteen specific signings and trades executed over recent weeks have warranted an 'A' grade for value.
Team Needs & Offseason Additions
The Washington Commanders are still working to address several roster gaps, including needs at wide receiver, cornerback, and center, prompting speculation about potential moves such as acquiring receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Strengthening their defensive front, the Cleveland Browns are signing former Buffalo Bills defensive end AJ Epenesa to a one-year contract carrying a maximum value of $5 million, per sources. Furthermore, the Philadelphia Eagles completed a trade for veteran quarterback Andy Dalton, sending a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for his services sources confirmed.
Off-Field Preparations & League Expansion
As the league focuses on roster building, the city of Pittsburgh is taking extraordinary measures to manage logistics for the upcoming player selection event, with Pittsburgh Public Schools announcing remote operations from April 22nd through the 24th to accommodate the influx associated with the NFL Draft. Beyond the NFL itself, information is emerging regarding the UFL's third season, detailing the new team alignments, logos, coaches, and key players set to take the field when the spring league kicks off on March 27th, with complete game schedules available across various networks for the upcoming season.