NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: April 1, 2026, 11:35 PM ET

Quarterback Buzz & Scouting Reports

The focus on top quarterback talent continued this week, with expected No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza impressing scouts at his Indiana pro day, where he reportedly threw around 56 passes in front of representatives from all 32 clubs. Meanwhile, the Raiders' new head coach Klint Kubiak offered glowing praise for the Heisman winner, labeling him a "winner" just days after a mock draft projected him going first overall to Las Vegas Miller's mock draft. In other quarterback news, Jets coach Aaron Glenn declared Geno Smith the leader destined to take the team to the "promised land," while Ravens coach Jesse Minter expressed uncertainty regarding Lamar Jackson's upcoming participation in voluntary offseason workouts.

Team Management & Offseason Strategy

NFL owners concluded their annual meetings Tuesday, approving several key administrative and competitive items, including a contingency plan to centralize officiating should CBA negotiations with the NFL Referees Association falter. The league office also received a proposal from the Browns to allow trading draft picks five years out, though Cleveland subsequently withdrew the measure, which currently limits trades to three years. On the personnel side, the Raiders' succession plan received owner approval, giving Egon Durban an option to acquire a majority stake from Mark Davis, while the Jaguars secured unanimous consent to play their 2027 home games in Orlando during stadium renovations.

Coaching Circles & Personnel Dynamics

Coaching staffs are solidifying expectations for the upcoming season, though several high-profile player situations remain fluid; 49ers leadership presented mixed signals regarding Brandon Aiyuk’s future, with coach Kyle Shanahan also expressing displeasure about the team opening the 2026 season with a trip to Australia Shanahan is unenthusiastic. In Dallas, George Pickens will play under the franchise tag, as the Cowboys have "long-term plans" but have made no progress on a deal, leaving Dallas unsure of attendance for offseason activities. Separately, Lions coach Dan Campbell confirmed he is evaluating a major positional shift, considering moving All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell to the left side for 2026.

League Governance & Off-Field Issues

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reaffirmed his support for the Rooney Rule during the league meetings, stating it remains "consistent" with hiring laws despite threats of civil litigation from Florida’s attorney general Goodell backs the policy. The NFLPA, through executive director JC Tretter, asserted that player safety necessitates the use of "trained, professional officials" amid ongoing negotiations with the league office Player safety demands pro refs. Adding to the league's legal challenges, a former female official, Robin DeLorenzo, filed a lawsuit against the NFL, alleging she faced gender-based scrutiny and open hostility before her 2025 firing.

Team Operations, Player Status, and Financial Details

The Chicago Bears are targeting "late spring, early summer" to make a final determination on the site of their new stadium, according to team President and CEO Kevin Warren Bears stadium decision nears. In Detroit, the organization explained that the decision to require Frank Ragnow to repay part of his signing bonus, which drew criticism, followed specific internal reasoning Lions CEO defends bonus clawback. Meanwhile, on the player conduct front, Rams receiver Puka Nacua has entered rehab, as confirmed by his attorney following a recent lawsuit filed against the player last month Nacua enters rehabilitation facility.

Roster Construction & Player Commitments

Coaches are defining roles for established players while navigating the remainder of the offseason maneuvering. Titans coach Brian Saleh indicated the team could "always use more edge," suggesting a high probability of targeting a pass rusher with the No. 4 pick Saleh emphasizes edge rush depth. In the backfield, Miami’s GM Jon-Eric Sullivan stressed that extending De'Von Achane remains a priority, dismissing reports that the team made any effort to trade the running back. Furthermore, the Vikings stated their expectation that linebacker Jonathan Greenard will remain with the team Minnesota plans for Greenard's return despite earlier trade speculation this offseason.

League Partnerships & Future Development

The NFL announced a new partnership with TMRW Sports, the entity behind the TGL, to develop a professional co-ed flag football league that will receive backing from all 32 franchises NFL backs new flag league. Despite this push toward alternative football formats, Broncos Coach Sean Payton, having experienced flag football firsthand, expressed doubt that any current NFL players would feature on the U.S. team in the near future Payton doubts current NFL participation. In terms of media visibility, the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks will be the subject of this summer’s "Hard Knocks" installment, with the Patriots scheduled for the 2027 season Seahawks selected for 'Hard Knocks'.

Contract Management & Injury Updates

The Vikings plan to exercise the fifth-year option on wide receiver Jordan Addison’s contract, General Manager Rob Brzezinski confirmed Monday Vikings secure Addison's fifth year. The Cowboys are proceeding with the franchise tag for receiver George Pickens, though they remain uncertain if he will attend the team's offseason program Dallas is uncertain of Pickens' attendance. On the injury front, Chiefs coach Andy Reid provided an optimistic assessment of Patrick Mahomes, asserting that observers should "not bet against" their quarterback being ready for Week 1 Reid expresses confidence in Mahomes.