NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: March 28, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

League Operations & Offseason Moves

Labor negotiations between the NFL and the NFL Referees Association stalled this week as the parties failed to secure progress toward a new collective bargaining agreement, marking a significant hurdle for operational stability ahead of the season. Meanwhile, the league continued to address player contract details, with the Browns and Myles Garrett modifying language on the reigning Defensive Player of the Year’s existing contract following discussions earlier this week. In team personnel news, the Buffalo Bills fortified their offensive line by signing veterans Austin Corbett and Lloyd Cushenberry III on Thursday, addressing depth concerns following the conclusion of the main free agency period.

The NFL continues to secure future major event locations, as league owners are expected to formally vote to award Super Bowl LXIII, slated for after the 2028 season, to Las Vegas. On the field, Seattle, fresh off their Super Bowl LX championship, will kick off the upcoming season on a Wednesday in Week 1 due to their commitment to play a game in Australia, opening their defense before the traditional Thursday night slate begins. Furthermore, former quarterback Tom Brady revealed that when he considered returning from retirement, the league’s administration did not favor that move, suggesting the NFL preferred his absence.

Player Legal Matters & Personal Updates

Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Rasheed Walker stated this week that a January gun charge stemming from an arrest at LaGuardia Airport is facing dismissal, providing a positive update on his legal status. In contrast, Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is facing a civil lawsuit in Los Angeles alleging he made an "unprovoked antisemitic statement" and subsequently bit the plaintiff on the shoulder, according to court filings. Separately, the league mourned the loss of former Raiders center Barret Robbins, who passed away at the age of 52.

Team Rebuilding & Roster Construction

The Buffalo Bills demonstrated commitment to a key player by re-signing safety Damar Hamlin to a new one-year contract, bringing him back after his 2025 season was unfortunately curtailed by injury. Elsewhere, Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell has offered mixed commentary throughout the offseason regarding the management of his crowded four-man quarterback room as the team prepares for the draft. In personnel evaluation, Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson expressed firm confidence in his standing, asserting that he is "'absolutely' a first-round pick" following a strong showing at his pro day witnessed by league scouts.

Draft Prep & Player Marketability

Ahead of the draft, Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate chose not to run the 40-yard dash at his pro day on Wednesday, arguing that the time is often "overvalued" by evaluators. Meanwhile, former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III received an invitation from USA Football to attend two training camps in Chula Vista, California, next month as he explores participation with the Team USA flag football squad. For those already established, Joe Flacco, who has returned to the Bengals as Joe Burrow's backup, maintained that teams were "dumb" for not signing him outright to be their primary starting quarterback.

Coaching Changes & League Structure Evolution

The new United Football League (UFL) is actively integrating familiar faces into its coaching ranks, as Ted Ginn Jr., AJ McCarron, and Chris Redman are beginning their professional coaching tenures in familiar college markets such as Columbus, Louisville, and Birmingham. UFL architect Mike Repole is driving structural changes within the spring league, implementing elements like smaller venue capacities and the controversial four-point field goal, describing the product as "'arena football but outdoors'". On the sidelines, the New York Giants are placing a pronounced emphasis on improving their special teams unit under new direction, though the ultimate impact on their win total remains an open question.

External Scrutiny & Celebrity Culture

Florida’s Attorney General formally sent a letter to Commissioner Roger Goodell expressing concern that the NFL's Rooney Rule constitutes "blatant race and sex discrimination," demanding its abolition and advocating for hiring decisions based strictly on merit. In non-football related celebrity news, Taylor Swift and fiancé Travis Kelce made a joint appearance at the iHeart Radio Music Awards, where Swift verbally acknowledged Kelce after Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu presented the Artist of the Year award. For fantasy managers preparing for the 2026 season, analysts have compiled a list of 25 essential trends to consider during the offseason, alongside other key takeaways regarding the shifting player values.