NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: April 1, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

League Governance & Offseason Logistics

The NFL owners concluded their annual meeting in Phoenix on Tuesday, approving several significant operational measures, including a proposal allowing the Jaguars to play their 2027 home games in Orlando during the final year of the $1.4 billion Ever Bank Stadium renovation. Furthermore, ownership rubber-stamped a succession plan for the Raiders, granting Silver Lake co-chief executive officer Egon Durban the option to acquire a majority stake from Mark Davis, while the Browns pulled back a proposal that would have permitted teams to trade draft picks five years out instead of the current three-year limit. These decisions followed commissioner Roger Goodell's defense of the Rooney Rule, which he deemed "consistent" with hiring laws despite threats of civil litigation from Florida's attorney general.

In officiating matters, owners authorized the hiring of replacement referees due to "alarm" over stalled CBA negotiations with the NFL Referees Association, and simultaneously ratified two replay changes, including a contingency plan to centralize officiating oversight should a work stoppage occur. Separately, the league issued a directive asking prediction market operators to cease taking wagers on events easily manipulated or determined in advance, aiming to curb vulnerable trading activity. The league also announced a major business venture, partnering with TMRW Sports—the entity behind the TGL—to develop a professional flag football league for both men and women, backed by all 32 franchises.

Team Personnel & Quarterback Situations

Quarterback stability remains a key focus across the league, evidenced by the Jets' coach Aaron Glenn publicly declaring Geno Smith as the unquestioned starter, stating emphatically, "he's our guy," a sentiment he echoed by claiming Smith will lead the Jets to the "promised land." In Cleveland, owner Jimmy Haslam offered a fresh perspective on Deshaun Watson, noting he has a "great chance" to reclaim the QB1 role under new coach Todd Monken, despite Haslam admitting the initial trade was a "big swing-and-miss" last year; meanwhile, Shedeur Sanders, one of the contenders in the Browns' QB battle, announced he will switch back to the No. 2 jersey for the 2026 season, with coach Kevin Monken confirming that reps will not be divided evenly among Sanders, Watson, and Dillon Gabriel during offseason work Monken: Reps won't be even. The Ravens face uncertainty as coach Jesse Minter remains unsure about Lamar Jackson's participation in voluntary offseason workouts, while the Steelers' Mike McCarthy confirmed that Aaron Rodgers is in a "very positive space" while mulling his future.

In Las Vegas, Raiders coach Klint Kubiak lavished praise on Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, calling the potential top overall pick a "winner" Raiders' Kubiak on QB Mendoza, contrasting with the organizational uncertainty in San Francisco where coach Kyle Shanahan and owner Jed York delivered mixed signals regarding star receiver Brandon Aiyuk's long-term status, despite GM John Lynch believing talks with star left tackle Trent Williams are on the "precipice of something good happening" Talks with Williams have 'intensified'. Elsewhere, the Cowboys are unsure whether franchise-tagged receiver George Pickens will attend the offseason program Cowboys unsure on Pickens' attendance, although owner Jerry Jones stated the team has "long-term plans" in mind and will utilize the franchise tag in the interim Jones: Cowboys have 'long-term'.

Player Movement & Team Strategy

Several teams addressed high-profile players during the league meetings in Arizona. The 49ers' Shanahan expressed dissatisfaction with the upcoming season opener in Australia, stating there is no "benefit" for Niners in the trip, while also wanting to lighten Christian McCaffrey's workload after he carried the offense through injuries last year Shanahan aims to lighten. The Eagles continue to face internal pressure, with reports detailing friction within the offense requiring quarterback Jalen Hurts to evolve, even as GM Howie Roseman offered only a neutral, stock response to all inquiries regarding receiver A.J. Brown Eagles GM offers same reply; speculation linking the Patriots to Brown was not dismissed by coach Mike Vrabel, who did not rule out a trade. In transaction news, the Browns confirmed a potential deal for defensive end A.J. Epenesa was scrapped after the physical, and the Rams acknowledged exploring, but ultimately rejecting, a trade for Davante Adams Rams explored trading Adams.

In contract and roster decisions, the Vikings plan to exercise the fifth-year option on receiver Jordan Addison's deal Vikings to exercise fifth-year, and the team also expects linebacker Jonathan Greenard to remain on the roster despite earlier trade rumors Vikes expect Greenard to stay. The Dolphins GM affirmed that there was "zero effort" made to trade running back De'Von Achane, calling his extension a priority Dolphins GM: 'Zero effort', while the Panthers expect running back Jonathon Brooks to return for offseason workouts following his second ACL surgery Panthers set for RB Brooks' return. The Colts' GM Chris Ballard declined to rule out the possibility of keeping quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. with the team through 2026 GM: Possible Richardson stays.

League Culture & Future Talent Evaluation

As organizational planning continues, Lions coach Dan Campbell is contemplating a major positional shift, considering moving All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell to left tackle for the 2026 campaign Lions considering moving Sewell, while the Saints coach Kellen Moore assured there are sufficient snaps for both running backs Alvin Kamara and Travis Etienne Saints: Enough snaps for both. Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions are set to fulfill a "dream homecoming" for their receiver when they play their international game in Munich next season How a surprise call led. Looking toward the future, NFL analysts are deep into evaluating the 2026 class; for example, projections suggest Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq has a legitimate shot to become the next first-round tight end Are tight ends making, and Ben Solak filled out his All-Film team cataloging underrated prospects to watch across all positions. Furthermore, the UFL concluded its Week 1 action, with the initial power rankings placing familiar teams at the top and naming each team's MVP for the opening round.

The league is also contending with internal challenges, including a lawsuit from former official Robin DeLorenzo, one of the first female referees, who cited open hostility and gender-based scrutiny after her 2025 firing Fired female official sues. Separately, former Vikings All-Pro safety Joey Browner, the first defensive back drafted by the team in the first round and a Ring of Honor member, passed away Saturday at age 65. Coach Sean Payton, after observing the sport closely, stated he would be "surprised" if active NFL players participate on the U.S. team for professional flag football in the near future Payton: Flag football won't draw. Finally, the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks are slated for this summer's "Hard Knocks," with the Patriots set to feature in the 2027 edition.