NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: March 25, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

League Operations & Labor Disputes

Labor negotiations stalled this week between the NFL and the NFL Referees Association as the two sides failed to achieve headway toward a new collective bargaining agreement, leading the league to consider rule tweaks specifically designed for potential replacement officials amid the impasse. Furthermore, the offseason turbulence extended beyond the bargaining table, as the NFL, data partner Genius Sports, and major sportsbooks like Fan Duel and Draft Kings face a new lawsuit in Pennsylvania courts concerning gambling addiction liabilities. Meanwhile, Super Bowl LX champion Seattle will kick off Week 1 play on Wednesday rather than the traditional Thursday night slot due to their scheduled international game in Australia, a schedule shift that impacts early fantasy football planning for many managers.

Contract & Legal Matters

Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett finalized contract modifications with the Cleveland Browns this Tuesday, adjusting language in his existing deal according to league sources. In stark contrast to off-field agreement, Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is currently facing a civil lawsuit in Los Angeles filed by a woman alleging both an "unprovoked antisemitic statement" and a subsequent bite to her shoulder. These legal and contractual maneuvers occur as owners prepare to vote on awarding Super Bowl LXIII, set for after the 2028 season, to Las Vegas, continuing the league's expansion into major market venues.

Quarterback & Roster Movement

The quarterback carousel continued turning this week, with the Saints securing a one-year pact for QB Zach Wilson to round out their signal-caller room, while the Patriots opted to release Joshua Dobbs on Monday, effectively installing Bailey DeVito as the new backup behind the starter. Separately, Joe Flacco, now returning to the Bengals as the backup to Joe Burrow, publicly asserted that teams were "dumb" for passing on him to assume starting duties, even as Burrow and RG III expressed mutual interest in representing Team USA in the upcoming Olympic flag football competition for gold. On the defensive side, veteran linebacker Lavonte David announced his retirement from the Buccaneers after a 14-year tenure where he served as a 12-time captain and once led the league in tackles, while the Bucs simultaneously moved to bolster their linebacker corps by signing free agent Christian Rozeboom.

Player Statements & Personnel Updates

Atlanta Falcons quarterback hopeful Tua Tagovailoa stated plainly on Tuesday that he must "play better football" to earn the starting role over the incumbent, a team that recently bolstered its running back depth by reaching a one-year, $2.5 million deal with Brian Robinson. In Columbus, Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate elected not to re-run the 40-yard dash at his pro day, asserting that the metric is often "overvalued," even as analysts compare his potential to that of former Buckeye Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Elsewhere, former Packers coach Mike McCarthy commented that a potential reunion with Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh would constitute a "great story," while former Broncos players are assessing the team's remaining roster needs following a relatively quiet initial free agency period outside of one major trade.

Coaching & Stadium Developments

Coaching changes in Green Bay will see the offense welcome back a familiar face in Luke Getsy, while the defensive scheme under Jonathan Gannon is anticipated to transition toward a 3-4 base alignment. In league honors, influential special teams coach Mike Westhoff, along with former 49ers offensive line coach Bobb McKittrick and long-time defensive coach Ted Cottrell, will receive recognition from the Pro Football Hall of Fame as assistant coaches. Off the field improvements continue, exemplified by renderings for Highmark Stadium which showcase three massive stainless steel bison statues set to anchor a new year-round plaza outside the venue for the Bills.