NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: March 31, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

League Operations & Media

The NFL owners, currently gathered for their annual meetings in Arizona, authorized staff to begin hiring replacement officials as negotiations with the NFL Referees Association have reportedly reached an alarming impasse. In related league business, the NFL formally announced a partnership with TMRW Sports, the entity behind TGL, to develop a professional mixed-gender flag football league backed by all 32 franchises. Furthermore, the league office issued a directive asking prediction market operators to cease offering wagers on events that are easily manipulated or determined in advance, indicating a proactive stance against potential integrity issues.

The league’s popular embedded documentary series, “Hard Knocks,” will return this summer featuring the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks, with the Patriots scheduled for the 2027 season. Meanwhile, in a move addressing the league's infrastructure, the Browns officially withdrew their proposal that would have permitted teams to trade draft picks five years out, maintaining the current three-year limit for pick trading.

Quarterback & Offensive Personnel Moves

Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam offered strong backing for quarterback Deshaun Watson, stating he has a “fresh start” under new offensive coordinator Todd Monken, despite admitting the trade made for Watson was a “big swing-and-miss” last year. Browns second-year quarterback Shedeur switches back to the No. 2 jersey for the 2026 campaign, while in the AFC East, Jets coach Aaron Glenn unequivocally declared Geno Smith his “starting QB,” confirming Smith is “our guy” in New York. Elsewhere, speculation regarding Aaron Rodgers’ playing status appears positive, as Steelers coach Mike McCarthy reported the veteran is in a “very positive space,” comfortable with ongoing discussions as he weighs his future.

In Atlanta, new Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski is purportedly drawing on his experience managing a shifting quarterback room—including stints with Flacco, Gabriel, and Sanders—as he prepares to integrate new signal-callers like Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix into the offense. The New York Giants organization is at least “open to looking into adding” free agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. for a potential second tour, as Beckham himself has expressed a desire to return to the team.

Franchise Decisions & Contract Situations

The San Francisco 49ers are facing mixed messages regarding star receiver Brandon Aiyuk, with coach Kyle Shanahan and owner Jed York delivering differing public statements on his long-term outlook just as GM John Lynch confirmed talks with offensive lineman Trent Williams have “intensified,” though Williams currently lacks guaranteed money heading into next season. In Minnesota, interim GM Rob Brzezinski confirmed the team will exercise the fifth-year option on receiver Jordan Addison’s contract, while coach Kevin O’Connell expressed confidence that linebacker Jonathan Greenard, despite earlier trade rumors, is expected to remain on the roster.

In Miami, the Dolphins organization is treating running back De’Von Achane as a core piece, with GM Jon-Eric Sullivan labeling his extension a “priority” and asserting there was “zero effort to trade him.” Conversely, the Rams organization explored a potential blockbuster move, with coach Sean McVay admitting they “explored trading Davante Adams” before ultimately deciding against the move.

Coaching Strategies & Player Management

49ers coach Kyle Shanahan expressed his intention to “lighten Christian McCaffrey’s workload” in 2026 following a season where injuries forced the running back to carry a heavy offensive burden, though Shanahan also voiced his displeasure that the team is slated to open the 2026 season with a trip to Australia. Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell is actively considering a significant positional shift, entertaining the idea of moving All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell over to left tackle for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, Saints coach Kellen Moore assured that the offensive scheme will accommodate both Alvin Kamara and Travis Etienne, stating there will be “enough snaps for both.”

In Green Bay, coach Matt LaFleur acknowledged awareness regarding the issues that have resulted in the Packers failing to reach the Super Bowl, stating he is mulling over the team's “low grade in player survey.” Furthermore, the Dallas Cowboys are reportedly facing uncertainty about receiver George Pickens’ commitment, as coach Brian Schottenheimer stated he has “no assurances on offseason attendance.”

Team Outlooks & Player Health

Colts General Manager Chris Ballard refused to rule out the possibility that quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. could remain with the organization through the 2026 season, indicating some level of commitment to the young signal-caller. In Carolina, the outlook for running back Jonathon Brooks is improving as he is slated to begin participating in offseason workouts while recovering from a second ACL surgery on his right knee since 2023. Commanders leadership maintained confidence in their linebacker corps, even in the potential absence of veteran Bobby Wagner, stating they are comfortable with the players they have added at the position.

Regarding player evaluation and future talent, the Vikings are planning to exercise the fifth-year option on receiver Jordan Addison, while speculation mounts over the next top tight end prospect, with Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq having a chance to follow the high bar set by Colston Loveland and Tyler Warren in previous drafts and potentially become a first-round selection. Owners in Indianapolis, the Irsay sisters are shunning private equity for stadium renovations at Lucas Oil Stadium for the time being, though they acknowledged diversified funding could become necessary for the costly upgrades.

Player Movement & Personnel Uncertainty

The Cleveland Browns experienced a late reversal in free agency, as a source confirmed the team will not be signing defensive end AJ Epenesa after concerns arose following the player’s physical examination. Browns GM Andrew Berry clarified that a recent tweak to Myles Garrett’s contract language is entirely unrelated to any potential trade talks for the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, confirming the change is “not a precursor to a trade.” Separately, Ravens team president Sashi Brown dismissed external criticism following the rescinding of the Maxx Crosby trade, attributing negative press coverage to a “slow news cycle.”

Regarding the draft, Matt Miller released his latest mock projection, forecasting all seven rounds, from the Raiders’ expected selection at No. 1 overall down to Mr. Irrelevant. The Jets’ front office has shown serious interest in Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, meeting with the No. 2 overall prospect in the 2026 class, but it remains unclear if that interest translates into a draft selection.

League Lore & Loss

The NFL community mourned the passing of former Vikings All-Pro safety Joey Browner, who died Saturday at the age of 65; Browner was the first defensive back drafted by the Vikings in the first round and was a member of the team’s Ring of Honor. On the administrative side, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft addressed reporters at the league meetings, setting expectations for the 2026 season by noting the team faces what will be the “hardest schedule in the league.” Finally, the Giants are placing a greater emphasis on improving their special teams units under new coach John Harbaugh, though the direct impact this focus will have on their overall win total remains an open question for the upcoming season.