NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: March 31, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

Quarterback Stability & Offseason Workouts

Coaching confirmations regarding starting roles dominated movement across several AFC East franchises this week, even as participation in voluntary workouts remains uncertain for key figures. Jets coach Aaron Glenn publicly declared Tuesday that Geno Smith is "the guy that's going to lead us to the promised land," solidifying the starter status he had previously endorsed Sunday, while in Baltimore, Ravens coach Jesse Minter expressed uncertainty over Lamar Jackson's attendance when the team's voluntary offseason program commences next week. Furthermore, the Jets organization cleared the air regarding last September’s sign-stealing incident, confirming that Glenn and former coach Liam Coen have no lingering animosity stemming from that dustup. In Cleveland, Browns owner Jimmy Haslam suggested Deshaun Watson has a 'fresh start' under new offensive leadership, even after publicly admitting the trade for Watson was a "big swing-and-miss" last year, though the quarterback competition reps will not be evenly divided among Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel during early sessions Monken confirmed.

Team Roster Management & Trade Rumors

Several teams addressed ongoing speculation concerning high-profile players, with varying degrees of commitment expressed by front offices and coaching staffs. The Patriots' Mike Vrabel did not dismiss chatter suggesting New England could pursue a trade for Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown, although Philadelphia GM Howie Roseman offered only a neutral, stock response when fielding every query about Brown at the league meetings Sunday Roseman remained non-committal. Meanwhile, the 49ers delivered mixed signals regarding wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, as coach Kyle Shanahan and owner Jed York provided differing messages on his future Monday, contrasting with the Niners' GM John Lynch confirming that talks with star offensive lineman Trent Williams have "intensified" despite his current lack of guaranteed money heading into the season Lynch expressed optimism. In other personnel news, the Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan reinforced that securing an extension for running back De'Von Achane is a priority, stating that zero effort was made to trade the RB, and in Minnesota, the Vikings plan to exercise the fifth-year option on receiver Jordan Addison’s deal Rob Brzezinski announced Monday.

League Operations & Administrative Developments

NFL owners convened for their annual meetings where significant administrative issues, including labor relations and future scheduling, were addressed. Owners expressed alarm over the state of negotiations with the NFL Referees Association and have authorized staff to begin the process of hiring and onboarding replacement officials Furthermore, the Browns officially withdrew a proposed rule change that would have permitted teams to trade draft picks five years out, instead of the current three-year limit The proposal was rescinded, while the league also contacted prediction market operators, urging them to cease offering wagers on events that are easily manipulated or predetermined The NFL requested cessation. On the scheduling front, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan voiced his displeasure with the decision to open the 2026 season with a trip to Australia, stating there is no tangible benefit for the Niners in the overseas travel.

Coaching Philosophies & Player Outlooks

Coaches across the league provided insight into personnel decisions and strategic considerations as teams prepare for the next campaign, ranging from positional shifts to managing player workloads. Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell revealed he is seriously considering moving All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell over to the left tackle position for the 2026 season, a potentially significant shift for the anchor of their offensive line. In San Francisco, Coach Shanahan intends to lessen Christian McCaffrey’s workload in 2026 after injuries forced the running back to carry an excessive offensive load last year, while the Saints' Kellen Moore assured that there will be sufficient snaps for both Kamara and Etienne in the backfield rotation. Separately, Denver coach Sean Payton, having experienced flag football firsthand, stated he would be "surprised" if any current NFL players join the U.S. team for international competition in the near term Payton expressed doubt, even as the league announced a partnership with TMRW Sports to develop a professional flag football league backed by all 32 clubs The NFL will back TMRW's league.

Player Recovery & Future Projections

News emerged regarding the expected return timelines for injured players and projections for upcoming talent pools as teams look toward the future. Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks, who has undergone two ACL surgeries on his right knee since 2023, is anticipated to participate in offseason workouts as he aims for a comeback. Meanwhile, the Colts' general manager Chris Ballard did not rule out the possibility that quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. could remain with the team heading into 2026 Ballard left the door open, even as experts look ahead to the 2026 draft class, where Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq has the potential to continue the trend of first-round tight end prospects. Following the league meetings, Patriots owner Robert Kraft set expectations for his 2026 squad, noting they face the "hardest schedule" in the league that year.

Historical Notes & Media Visibility

The league also touched upon media visibility and acknowledged a somber historical note this past weekend. The defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks are slated to be featured on this summer's "Hard Knocks," with the Patriots scheduled for the 2027 season, while the Packers' Matt LaFleur acknowledged awareness of internal issues that have hindered the team's pursuit of a Super Bowl run LaFleur accepts survey feedback. Tragically, the NFL community mourned the loss of former Vikings All-Pro safety Joey Browner, the franchise’s first first-round defensive back selection and a member of their Ring of Honor, who passed away Saturday at age 65.