NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: March 31, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

League Governance & Offseason Proceedings

The league's annual meeting in Phoenix concluded Tuesday with owners approving two significant replay changes and greenlighting the Jacksonville Jaguars' proposal to relocate their 2027 home games to Orlando while Ever Bank Stadium undergoes a $1.4 billion renovation. Furthermore, ownership formally endorsed the Raiders' succession plan, allowing Silver Lake co-chief executive Egon Durban the option to eventually acquire a majority stake from Mark Davis, marking a major transition in Las Vegas ownership structure. These collective decisions, shared among reports from over 25 teams, signal forward momentum on infrastructure and operational adjustments despite ongoing labor tensions as contingency plans were authorized for officiating in case of a work stoppage.

Commissioner Roger Goodell defended the Rooney Rule against threats of civil litigation from Florida’s attorney general, asserting the policy remains "consistent" with employment laws, even as the league faces internal legal challenges. Adding to the governance concerns, the NFL issued a directive to prediction markets, demanding they cease offering trades on outcomes easily manipulated or predetermined, underscoring an effort to protect competitive integrity amid expanding betting avenues. Meanwhile, the league also announced a new partnership with TMRW Sports to develop a professional flag football circuit for both men and women, backed by all 32 franchises, indicating a push into alternative formats while facing scrutiny over existing hiring practices.

Team Personnel & Contract Status

Ownership groups addressed several high-profile personnel situations during the meetings, including the unanimous approval of the Jaguars' temporary stadium move and the Raiders' succession plan. The Dallas Cowboys confirmed long-term intentions for receiver George Pickens, stating they plan to utilize the franchise tag while avoiding immediate negotiations on a long-term pact, though coach Brian Schottenheimer admitted he lacks assurances regarding Pickens' offseason program attendance. In New England, coach Mike Vrabel declined to dismiss trade speculation involving acquiring A.J. Brown from the Eagles, a sentiment mirrored by Eagles GM Howie Roseman who offered only neutral, stock responses regarding Brown’s status.

The Detroit Lions are reportedly considering a major shift by moving All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell across the line to the left tackle position for the 2026 season, while the San Francisco 49ers’ leadership offered conflicting messages regarding Brandon Aiyuk’s future, with Coach Kyle Shanahan and GM John Lynch presenting differing viewpoints. In Cleveland, owner Jimmy Haslam expressed confidence in Deshaun Watson, calling the quarterback’s situation a "fresh start" under new coach Todd Monken, contrasting with the team’s withdrawal of a proposal that would have allowed trading picks five years out. Additionally, the Vikings stated they will exercise the fifth-year option on receiver Jordan Addison’s contract, while the Rams acknowledged exploring, but ultimately rejecting, a trade for Davante Adams.

Quarterback and Offensive Outlooks

Coaching staffs provided updates on their starting quarterbacks, with Chiefs coach Andy Reid expressing optimism, stating there should be "no bet against Mahomes playing Week 1" following his injury recovery. The New York Jets organization showed full support for Geno Smith; Coach Aaron Glenn publicly declared Smith is "the guy that's going to lead us to the promised land", a declaration he confirmed again Sunday. Conversely, Ravens coach Jesse Minter expressed uncertainty regarding Lamar Jackson’s participation level in the upcoming voluntary offseason workouts. In Cleveland, Coach Todd Monken indicated that reps during the quarterback competition between Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, and Dillon Gabriel will not be allocated evenly, with Sanders taking back his No. 2 jersey for the new season.

The future of several quarterbacks remains in flux or under review. Giants personnel met with free agent Odell Beckham Jr. during the league meetings to discuss a potential reunion, while the 49ers acknowledged that talks with star offensive lineman Trent Williams have "intensified" as he approaches the season without guaranteed money. The Colts’ GM declined to rule out quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. remaining with the team in 2026, whereas the Jets brass traveled to Tuscaloosa to evaluate No. 2 quarterback prospect Ty Simpson. Furthermore, the Steelers’ Mike McCarthy confirmed Aaron Rodgers is in a "very positive space" as he contemplates his future role.

Coaching Strategy & Player Workloads

Coaching philosophies regarding player management and game planning were central topics, particularly concerning workload distribution. 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan indicated a desire to lighten Christian McCaffrey’s workload in 2026 following a season where injuries necessitated heavy usage, though Shanahan also expressed displeasure about the team being scheduled to open the season with a trip to Australia. In New Orleans, Coach Kellen Moore assured reporters that there are "enough snaps to go around" for both running backs Alvin Kamara and Travis Etienne, while Panthers RB Jonathon Brooks is expected to return for offseason workouts following two ACL surgeries since 2023.

Regarding player movement and league activities, new Browns coach Kevin Stefanski suggested his experience juggling multiple quarterbacks last season—including Flacco, Gabriel, and Sanders—has prepared him for the challenges ahead, potentially mirroring his anticipated management of Tagovailoa and rookie Penix in Atlanta. On the administrative side, former Broncos coach Sean Payton, after observing flag football, stated he would be "surprised" if current NFL players participate on the U.S. team in the near future. Finally, the league mourned the passing of former Vikings All-Pro safety Joey Browner, who died Saturday at age 65.

Officiating, Litigation, and Media

Legal and media issues surfaced concurrent with the business meetings. A former female official, Robin DeLorenzo, filed a lawsuit against the NFL, citing gender-based scrutiny and open hostility leading to her 2025 firing, adding to the league’s ongoing compliance headaches. Simultaneously, the NFL owners authorized staff to commence hiring replacement officials due to "alarm" over the slow pace of negotiations with the NFL Referees Association. In media programming news, the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks will be featured on this summer’s "Hard Knocks," with the Patriots scheduled for the 2027 edition. Also, Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown’s upcoming international game in Munich next season was secured following a "surprise call," fulfilling a personal dream for the player.