NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: April 1, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

League Governance & Legal Matters

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell affirmed support for the Rooney Rule during the annual meetings, stating his belief that the hiring guideline remains "consistent" with employment laws, especially following threats of civil litigation from Florida's attorney general. These governance discussions occurred as the league confronts other legal challenges, including a lawsuit filed by former female official Robin DeLorenzo, who cites gender-based scrutiny and open hostility leading to her 2025 termination alleging wrongful firing. Furthermore, owners moved to centralize officiating authority by approving a contingency plan for centralized command in case of a work stoppage during ongoing CBA negotiations with the NFL Referees Association, with sources indicating owners are "alarmed" enough to authorize hiring replacement officials.

Franchise Ownership & Facility Updates

Owners convened in Phoenix this week, approving several key franchise motions, including a succession plan for the Las Vegas Raiders that grants Silver Lake co-chief executive Egon Durban the option to acquire a controlling stake from owner Mark Davis. Concurrently, the Jacksonville Jaguars secured approval to relocate their 2027 home games to Orlando during the final year of the $1.4 billion renovation of Ever Bank Stadium, ensuring continuity for the team while their primary venue is upgraded. In contrast to reports of potential outside investment, the Indianapolis Colts leadership confirmed they are shunning private equity for now, opting for diversified funding sources to manage the costly renovations at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Player Personnel & Contract Status

Offseason maneuvering saw mixed signals emerge from San Francisco regarding star offensive lineman Trent Williams, as GM John Lynch stated talks have "intensified" regarding an extension, despite Williams currently having no guaranteed money heading into the next season addressing Williams' future. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys confirmed they have "long-term plans" for wide receiver George Pickens but will rely on the franchise tag for now, though coach Brian Schottenheimer expressed uncertainty about Pickens attending offseason workouts. In Cleveland, owner Jimmy Haslam offered encouragement to quarterback Deshaun Watson, noting the QB has a "fresh start" under new coach Todd Monken after the previous year was deemed a "big swing-and-miss" expressing faith in Watson, while that same organization withdrew a proposal that would have allowed teams to trade draft picks five years out instead of the current three-year limit pulling the trade proposal.

Coaching Decisions & Quarterback Battles

Several teams publicly backed their current quarterbacks during the league meetings, with Jets coach Aaron Glenn unequivocally declaring Geno Smith "the guy that's going to lead us to the promised land" naming Smith starter, a sentiment he had previously expressed publicly confirming Smith's role. In Cleveland, new Browns coach Todd Monken indicated that reps during the quarterback competition involving Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, and Dillon Gabriel will not be divided equally during early workouts stating uneven reps, with Sanders already switching back to his college No. 2 jersey for the upcoming season changing jersey number. Attention also turned to veteran status, as Chiefs coach Andy Reid provided a positive update on Patrick Mahomes, asserting that bettors should "don't bet against Mahomes playing Week 1" predicting Week 1 return.

Team Strategy & Roster Adjustments

The Detroit Lions are actively evaluating strategic shifts on their offensive line, with coach Dan Campbell confirming consideration of moving All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell over to left tackle for the 2026 campaign mulling Sewell's shift, while the team simultaneously secured a "dream homecoming" for WR Amon-Ra St. Brown as they prepare to play an international game in Munich next season planning Munich game. On the trade front, Rams coach Sean McVay disclosed that the team explored moving veteran receiver Davante Adams but ultimately decided against the transaction exploring Adams trade, while the Patriots' Mike Vrabel did not dismiss swirling trade chatter regarding acquiring Eagles receiver A.J. Brown not ruling out Brown trade, though Eagles GM Howie Roseman maintained a neutral response when questioned about Brown's status offering neutral reply.

Offseason Programs & Player Participation

Participation levels in voluntary offseason workouts remain a key topic, as Ravens coach Jesse Minter expressed uncertainty regarding quarterback Lamar Jackson's commitment to the program beginning next week questioning Jackson's attendance, while the Vikings expect linebacker Jonathan Greenard to remain with the team despite earlier trade speculation planning for Greenard. The Vikings also acted to secure young talent, confirming they will exercise the fifth-year option on receiver Jordan Addison's contract. Concurrently, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan voiced his displeasure about the team's upcoming season opener in Australia, stating there is "no benefit" for the team in making the long travel disapproving Australia trip, even as the team works to manage the workload of Christian McCaffrey next season aiming to lighten workload.

League Development & Media

The league announced a partnership with TMRW Sports, the entity behind the TGL golf league, to develop a professional flag football league for both men and women, which will receive backing from all 32 franchises partnering on flag league; however, Broncos coach Sean Payton suggested he would be "surprised" if any current NFL players participate on the U.S. team in the near future after experiencing the sport firsthand doubtful NFL player involvement. On the media side, the NFL revealed that the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks will be featured on this summer's "Hard Knocks," with the New England Patriots slated to be the focus of the 2027 edition announcing Hard Knocks teams. Finally, the league took action against external betting markets, requesting operators refrain from offering wagers on events that can be easily manipulated or determined in advance, aiming to "Stop vulnerable prediction market trades" asking to halt wagers.