NFL Football 3 Days

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

Quarterback Carousel & Team Declarations

Several teams made definitive statements regarding their starting quarterbacks while others navigated internal QB competitions. The Jets organization publicly declared Geno Smith as their undisputed starter, with Coach Aaron Glenn stating emphatically that Smith is "our guy" who will "lead us to the promised land" 6, 43. Conversely, the Browns owner signaled a fresh start for Deshaun Watson under new offensive coordinator Todd Monken, despite acknowledging the prior trade acquisition was a "big swing-and-miss," while confirming that reps in the QB battle between Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel will not be evenly divided 11, 20, 24. Meanwhile, the Ravens remain uncertain about Lamar Jackson's involvement in voluntary workouts starting next week 8, and in New England, the Patriots did not dismiss trade speculation involving acquiring wide receiver A.J. Brown from the Eagles, though Philadelphia's GM offered only neutral responses to queries on the matter 41.

Offensive Line & Receiver Management

Front offices spent time addressing key offensive personnel, ranging from long-term commitments to immediate positional shifts. The Cowboys confirmed they have "long-term plans" for receiver George Pickens but have initiated no contract talks, meaning the team is prepared to use the franchise tag in the interim, though attendance at offseason programs remains uncertain 1, 33. In San Francisco, management delivered conflicting messages regarding Brandon Aiyuk's future 23, while GM John Lynch expressed optimism about being on the "precipice of something good happening" with star offensive tackle Trent Williams, who currently has no guaranteed money heading into the next season 45. Furthermore, the Lions are actively considering shifting All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell over to the left side for the 2026 campaign, and the Vikings confirmed they will exercise the fifth-year option on receiver Jordan Addison's contract 18.

Coaching Commentary & Offseason Philosophies

Coaches shared insights on their offseason strategies and resolved past conflicts as team meetings concluded. Chiefs coach Andy Reid provided another positive update on Patrick Mahomes, suggesting bettors should "Don't bet against Mahomes playing Week 1" 4. In Denver, Sean Payton, having experienced flag football, stated he would be "surprised" if active NFL players participated on the U.S. team in upcoming international events 10. Separately, the tension from last September's sign-stealing issue appears resolved, as Jets coach Robert Saleh and Liam Coen confirmed there is "no beef" remaining between them 7. The 49ers are preparing for an early-season challenge, as Coach Kyle Shanahan expressed dissatisfaction with the team opening the 2026 season with a trip to Australia 34, though Shanahan did confirm efforts to lessen Christian McCaffrey's workload after a heavy usage year.

Legal Issues & Officiating Contingencies

The league faced both internal legal challenges and proactive measures concerning labor relations. Owners approved a contingency plan Tuesday to centralize officiating duties should negotiations with the NFL Referees Association fail, with sources indicating owners are "alarmed" enough to begin hiring and onboarding replacement officials 40. Adding to the administrative turbulence, Robin DeLorenzo, one of the NFL's initial female officials, filed a lawsuit against the league alleging gender-based scrutiny and open hostility leading to her 2025 firing 3. Furthermore, the NFL has formally requested that prediction market operators cease offering bets on events easily manipulated, such as in-game outcomes 36.

Draft Profiles & Team Futures

Focus shifted toward the upcoming draft class and long-term roster planning across the league. Raiders coach Klint Kubiak offered effusive praise for potential No. 1 overall pick quarterback Fernando Mendoza, calling the Heisman winner a "winner" 2, while the Jets organization is reportedly showing strong interest in meeting with No. 2 quarterback prospect Ty Simpson 49. In Cleveland, second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders announced he will be switching back to his college number, No. 2, for the 2026 season 24, as the team's GM confirmed that the recent modification to Myles Garrett's contract is not a precursor to a trade 46. The Colts general manager declined to rule out the possibility of keeping quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. with the team through 2026 17, while the Commanders expressed confidence in their linebacker core even if veteran Bobby Wagner departs 50.

League Business & Player Personnel Moves

League business included a finalized partnership for a new professional flag football circuit and several player status updates. The NFL announced a collaboration with TMRW Sports to establish a professional men's and women's flag league, backed by all 32 teams 19. The Ravens attempted to manage negative press after rescinding a Maxx Crosby trade, with team president Sashi Brown blaming the fallout on a "slow news cycle" 21. In sad news, former Vikings All-Pro safety Joey Browner, the first defensive back drafted by the team in the first round, passed away Saturday at age 65. Meanwhile, the Rams acknowledged exploring a trade for Davante Adams but ultimately decided against moving the star receiver 28.