NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: April 1, 2026, 11:31 AM ET

League Meetings & Governance Buzz

The annual NFL owners meeting in Phoenix generated significant news regarding league operations and future scheduling, with 30 reporters sharing last-minute buzz from various teams. On the scheduling front, the Jaguars received unanimous approval to play their 2027 home games in Orlando during the final year of the $1.4 billion Ever Bank Stadium renovation, while the 49ers expressed dissatisfaction as Coach Kyle Shanahan stated there was no tangible benefit for the team in opening the 2026 season with a trip to Australia. Furthermore, commissioner Roger Goodell publicly affirmed his support for the Rooney Rule amid threats of civil litigation from Florida's attorney general, asserting the policy remains "consistent" with current hiring laws.

Owners also addressed officiating concerns and team transactions, with approval granted for two significant replay rule adjustments amid ongoing CBA negotiations with the Referees Association. Alarm over the stalled talks prompted owners to authorize staff to begin the process of hiring and onboarding replacement officials, while simultaneously, a proposal from the Browns to trade draft picks five years out was officially withdrawn after league review. In personnel matters, the Raiders' succession plan was finalized, allowing Silver Lake co-chief executive officer Egon Durban the option to acquire majority stake from Mark Davis.

Quarterback & Roster Declarations

Several high-profile quarterbacks received definitive organizational backing or faced uncertainty during the league meetings. Jets coach Aaron Glenn provided the clearest endorsement, declaring Tuesday that Geno Smith is "the guy that's going to lead us to the promised land," following up on Sunday's confirmation that there was no doubt Smith would start. Conversely, Ravens coach Jesse Minter expressed uncertainty regarding Lamar Jackson's level of participation in the upcoming voluntary offseason workouts, stating he was unsure how much Jackson would attend. Meanwhile, the Browns owner Jimmy Haslam offered a "fresh start" assessment for Deshaun Watson under new coach Todd Monken, claiming the QB has a "great chance" to reclaim the QB1 role, even after Haslam previously labeled the trade for Watson a "big swing-and-miss" one year prior.

In other organizational statements, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones confirmed the team has "long-term plans in mind" for George Pickens but indicated the team would utilize the franchise tag for now, though Coach Brian Schottenheimer later admitted he lacked assurances regarding Pickens' attendance at the offseason program amid the tagging dispute. The Vikings' interim GM Rob Brzezinski confirmed they would exercise the fifth-year option on receiver Jordan Addison's contract on Monday, while the Colts GM Chris Ballard refused to rule out the possibility of Anthony Richardson Sr. remaining with the team through 2026 according to sources.

Coaching Philosophies & Personnel Moves

Coaches across the league expressed varied viewpoints on roster construction and player management as teams prepare for the 2026 season. Titans coach Robert Saleh emphasized the constant need for defensive pressure, stating that when asked about taking a pass rusher at No. 4, "you could always use more edge," indicating defensive depth remains a priority. In Philadelphia, internal friction is reportedly mounting around Jalen Hurts, whose offense requires the star quarterback to significantly evolve his game under pressure. Looking toward the offensive line, Lions coach Dan Campbell revealed he is actively considering moving All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell over to the left tackle position for the upcoming season to solidify protection.

Star receiver situations remain fluid in several markets; the 49ers' management delivered mixed signals, with Coach Kyle Shanahan and owner Jed York presenting differing public assessments regarding Brandon Aiyuk's future. Shanahan also expressed a desire to lighten Christian McCaffrey's substantial workload after injuries forced him to carry the offense last year, aiming for a less burdensome role in 2026. Furthermore, Patriots coach Mike Vrabel did not dismiss the ongoing speculation surrounding a potential trade for Eagles receiver A.J. Brown, refusing to rule out the possibility of acquiring the star wideout, while Eagles GM Howie Roseman offered only a neutral, stock response to all inquiries about Brown at the Sunday meetings to quell media frenzy.

Offseason Developments & League Initiatives

The league took steps to foster new business ventures and manage player relations outside of traditional football operations. The NFL announced a partnership with TMRW Sports, the organization behind the TGL, to develop a professional flag football league for both men and women, which will receive backing from all 32 member clubs. Despite this push, Broncos coach Sean Payton, having experienced the sport firsthand, stated he would be "surprised" if any current NFL players participate on the United States flag football team in the immediate future due to competitive demands. Separately, the NFL issued a directive asking prediction market operators to cease offering trades on events where outcomes can be easily manipulated or determined in advance, citing concerns over the integrity of vulnerable prediction market trades as a preventative measure.

Tragically, the league mourned the passing of former Vikings All-Pro safety Joey Browner, who died Saturday at age 65; Browner was the first defensive back the Vikings selected in the first round and was a member of the team's Ring of Honor, according to team records. Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions' international schedule was confirmed to include a Munich game next season, fulfilling a "dream homecoming" for Lions wide receiver who has German heritage.

Draft Prospects & Early Position Battles

As the 2026 draft cycle gains momentum, scouting focus remains sharp on top talent across positions. Analysts are closely examining film for underrated prospects, with Ben Solak compiling his "All-Film team" based on the best tape in the class at every position, while another projection detailed seven full rounds of picks, running from the Raiders' No. 1 selection down to Mr. Irrelevant in Matt Miller's mock draft. Tight ends are projected to make a first-round comeback, with Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq viewed as the next prospect capable of reaching the high bar set by previous stars like Colston Loveland. In Cleveland, Coach Todd Monken indicated that quarterback reps during the offseason will not be evenly divided among the competition, which includes Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, and Dillon Gabriel, a dynamic Stefanski managed previously, with Sanders electing to switch back to his college number, No. 2, for the upcoming season announced Monday.