NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: March 26, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Offseason Legal & Contract Updates

Several high-profile legal matters saw developments this week, including Panthers LT Rasheed Walker announcing Thursday that a January gun charge stemming from an arrest at LaGuardia Airport is set for dismissal, providing clarity for the offensive lineman heading into the summer. Contrastingly, Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua faces a civil lawsuit in Los Angeles, where a woman alleges he made an "unprovoked antisemitic statement" and subsequently bit her shoulder, adding off-field turbulence for the receiver whose recent contract extension with Los Angeles now impacts his peer. Furthermore, the league itself faces legal scrutiny, as both the NFL and major sportsbooks like Fan Duel and Draft Kings were named as defendants in a Pennsylvania state court lawsuit concerning gambling addiction claims.

In contract news, the Cleveland Browns and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett finalized modifications to his existing deal language on Tuesday, according to league sources, signaling stability for their defensive anchor. Meanwhile, the offseason labor environment remains strained, as sources confirmed that collective bargaining negotiations between the NFL and the Referees Association abruptly halted earlier than planned this week, failing to secure progress on a new agreement, a situation prompting the competition committee to finalize rule change proposals designed to address potential work stoppages.

Quarterback Room Dynamics & Commentary

The quarterback carousel continues to generate conversation, with former signal-callers voicing strong opinions on their recent career paths. Joe Flacco, now backing up Joe Burrow in Cincinnati, asserted that teams were "dumb" for electing not to sign him as a primary starter, despite ultimately landing a deal with the Bengals. In Atlanta, incoming quarterback Tua Tagovailoa acknowledged publicly that he must "play better football" if he intends to win the Falcons' QB1 job, an organization that recently added depth by securing running back Brian Robinson on a one-year, $2.5 million agreement according to NFL Network. Elsewhere, the Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell has offered inconsistent public updates regarding the management of his crowded four-man quarterback room heading into the league meetings.

League Visibility, Nostalgia, & Future Hosting

Speculation regarding potential comebacks and future league events dominated national headlines. Seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady revealed that he explored the idea of ending his retirement, stating plainly that the NFL leadership did not "like that idea very much." In a separate reflection on high-profile figures, former quarterback Robert Griffin III has received an invitation from USA Football to attend two training camps next month in Chula Vista, California, participating in the push for Team USA's Olympic flag football entry, an aspiration Joe Burrow has also publicly shared. On the administrative front, NFL owners are reportedly set to vote on naming Las Vegas as the host city for Super Bowl LXIII following the conclusion of the 2028 season.

Draft Prospects & College Standouts

As the draft approaches, prospects offered contrasting views on pre-draft metrics and their perceived value. Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson confidently projected himself as an "absolutely" locked-in first-round selection following his performance at the Crimson Tide's pro day in front of NFL scouts. Meanwhile, Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate elected not to run the 40-yard dash at his pro day on Wednesday, arguing that the sprint time can often be "overvalued," a debate relevant given the high expectations placed on him as a potential WR1 in the upcoming draft class compared to previous Ohio State receivers.

Player Milestones & League Adjustments

The league saw significant milestones and scheduling shifts. Longtime Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David officially announced his retirement Tuesday after a 14-year tenure in Tampa Bay, during which he served as a 12-time captain and led the league in tackles across his final seasons. On the scheduling side, the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks will commence their season on a Wednesday in Week, a necessary adjustment made to accommodate their international game played in Australia. Beyond the NFL, UFL co-owner Mike Repole detailed his vision for the league, describing his strategy of using smaller venues and implementing high-scoring elements like the four-point field goal, aiming for a style he likened to "arena football but outdoors."

Coaching Changes & Fantasy Outlook

Coaching staff restructuring continues to impact team outlooks, with the Green Bay Packers offense welcoming back Luke Getsy while new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon appears poised to implement a 3-4 base defensive scheme. Former Packers coach Mike McCarthy commented that a potential reunion with Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh would constitute a "great story" for the league. For those Mike Clay released his latest research detailing 25 trends informing his 2026 fantasy projections, which aligns with general offseason concerns that fantasy players need to monitor amidst roster upheavals through free agency and trades. Finally, the league is set to honor influential special teams specialist Mike Westhoff along with two other assistant coaches with the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Awards of Excellence.