NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: March 25, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

Quarterback Market & Veteran Moves

Quarterback Joe Flacco agreed to return to the Cincinnati Bengals for a 19th NFL season on a one-year contract worth $6 million, sources confirmed, despite the veteran voicing his opinion that other teams were "dumb" for passing on him as a starter earlier this week. This influx of veteran talent continues across the league, as the New Orleans Saints finalized their quarterback room by securing a one-year deal with Zach Wilson. Elsewhere in the NFC South, former Dolphin Tua Tagovailoa acknowledged he must "play better football" to secure the starting job in Atlanta, while the Falcons bolstered their rushing attack by signing free agent Brian Robinson to a one-year, $2.5 million pact.

Free Agency Evaluations & Roster Shifts

The evaluation of the initial free agency period revealed varied success across the 32 teams, factoring in signings, trades, and departures as teams attempt to optimize their salary caps for the upcoming draft. For the Denver Broncos, the focus remains on filling key roster holes after maintaining a low profile post-major trades, contrasting with the Seattle Seahawks who matched the Jacksonville Jaguars' offer sheet to retain wide receiver Jake Bobo. In New England, the Patriots released quarterback Joshua Dobbs on Monday, elevating Bailey Zappe (implied, as DeVito is named to the immediate backup role behind Drake Maye. Furthermore, the extension given to Jaxon Smith-Njigba is already creating ripple effects, forcing speculation on how it impacts the contract trajectory for Rams receiver Puka Nacua.

Coaching Changes & Defensive Identity

Coaching staff adjustments are reshaping team identities heading into the summer, most notably in Green Bay where changes under Matt LaFleur are expected to bring back familiar offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, while the defense is anticipated to transition toward a 3-4 base scheme under new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon. The league also saw significant personnel exits, exemplified by linebacker Lavonte David announcing his retirement after a stellar 14-year tenure with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, during which he served as a 12-time captain. The Bucs immediately addressed the linebacker need by signing free agent Christian Rozeboom after he departed the Carolina Panthers.

NFL Business, Rules, and Off-Field Matters

Off the field, the league faces regulatory and litigation challenges, as the NFL, Genius Sports, and Draft Kings are named defendants in a new Pennsylvania lawsuit concerning problem gambling addiction filed Tuesday. Simultaneously, the NFL competition committee is finalizing proposals for rule tweaks designed to account for potential labor disruptions amid ongoing contract negotiations, showing preparation for a possible work stoppage. In franchise news, the Buffalo Bills unveiled new renderings for Highmark Stadium, which will feature three massive stainless steel bison anchoring a new year-round plaza outside the venue.

Fantasy Outlook & Legacy Discussions

As the offseason progresses, fantasy football managers are already assessing the impact of roster moves on their 2025 drafts, with numerous offseason developments warranting attention, even as debate continues over the value of spending heavily on large contracts, based on historical data from 2013 to 2022 megadeals. Player aspirations extend beyond the gridiron, as both Joe Burrow and Robert Griffin III have publicly expressed interest in representing Team USA in the emerging sport of Olympic flag football. Meanwhile, college scouting pipelines remain active, prompting comparisons on rising prospects like Carnell Tate, whose potential as the 2026 wide receiver one is being measured against recent Ohio State first-round picks. In terms of historical recognition, the Pro Football Hall of Fame will honor three assistant coaches, including influential special teams coordinator Mike Westhoff.

Coaching Commentary & Hypotheticals

Former Packers coach Mike McCarthy commented on the speculative possibility of reuniting with quarterback Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh, describing the scenario as a "great story" for the league narrative.