NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: April 2, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

Quarterback Buzz & Draft Projections

The focus on top quarterback talent remains intense as the 2026 draft approaches, exemplified by Fernando Mendoza's standout performance at the Indiana pro day, where the expected No. 1 pick threw approximately 56 passes in front of scouts from all 32 teams and over 100 media personnel. Meanwhile, Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak praised Mendoza highly on Tuesday, labeling the Heisman Trophy winner a definitive "winner" as Las Vegas weighs its options for the top selection, which Matt Miller predicted would be Mendoza going first overall in his seven-round mock draft. Elsewhere in the league, Jets coach Aaron Glenn confidently declared that Geno Smith is the quarterback destined to lead the franchise to the "promised land," while the Browns are preparing for an uneven distribution of reps in their quarterback competition between Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, and Dillon Gabriel heading into the offseason workouts; Sanders, for his part, announced he is switching back to jersey No. 2 for the upcoming season.

Team Operations & Personnel Decisions

The concentration of owner activity at the annual league meeting in Phoenix yielded several key organizational updates, including NFL owners approving a succession plan for the Raiders that allows Silver Lake co-chief executive Egon Durban the option to acquire a majority stake from Mark Davis. In Florida, the Jaguars received unanimous approval to relocate their 2027 home games to Orlando while Ever Bank Stadium undergoes its final year of a $1.4 billion renovation, a move contrasted by the 49ers' coach Kyle Shanahan's stated lack of enthusiasm for opening the 2026 season with a trip to Australia. Furthermore, Bears CEO Kevin Warren indicated that a definitive decision regarding the location for the team's new stadium is targeted for "late spring, early summer" this year, while the Colts' GM Chris Ballard did not rule out the possibility of keeping quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. with the team beyond 2026.

Offensive Line & Receiver Situations

Several franchises are evaluating significant personnel shifts on the offensive front and in the receiving corps. The Detroit Lions are actively considering shifting All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell over to the left tackle position next season, a move that coincides with the team fulfilling a "dream homecoming" for an unnamed wide receiver slated to play the international game in Munich, Germany next season. In Dallas, owner Jerry Jones affirmed the Cowboys have "long-term" plans for George Pickens, though negotiations remain absent, meaning the team will rely on the franchise tag for the receiver; however, the Cowboys are reportedly unsure if Pickens will attend the offseason program. Across the league, the Rams acknowledged they explored a trade for Davante Adams but ultimately decided against moving the receiver, while the Vikings confirmed they will exercise the fifth-year option on wide receiver Jordan Addison’s contract.

League Governance & Labor Relations

League governance issues dominated discussions as Commissioner Roger Goodell defended the league's Rooney Rule against threats of civil litigation from Florida's attorney general, asserting its consistency with hiring laws. In labor news, the NFLPA executive director JC Tretter issued a statement emphasizing that player safety mandates the presence of "trained, professional officials on the field" amid ongoing contract negotiations with the NFL Referees Association. Furthermore, owners approved a contingency plan to centralize officiating oversight in the event of a work stoppage while talks continue; this regulatory environment is complicated by a lawsuit filed by former official Robin DeLorenzo, who alleges gender-based scrutiny and open hostility after her 2025 firing. The league also proactively asked prediction market operators to halt offerings on trades related to events that are easily predetermined or manipulated.

Coaching Points & Player Health Updates

Coaching staffs across the league provided updates on player status and philosophy as offseason preparation ramps up. Chiefs coach Andy Reid offered an encouraging prognosis on Patrick Mahomes, stating that bettors should "not bet against Mahomes playing Week 1" as enthusiasm for his injury recovery continues to mount. The Ravens' coach Jesse Minter expressed uncertainty regarding quarterback Lamar Jackson's forthcoming participation level in voluntary offseason workouts, which are slated to commence next week. Separately, the ongoing situation involving Rams receiver Puka Nacua saw his attorney confirm that the player has checked into rehab; this follows a lawsuit filed last month alleging an "unprovoked antisemitic" incident. Additionally, Lions coach Dan Campbell is weighing changes, including potentially moving Sewell from right to left tackle, while the 49ers' Shanahan aims to lighten Christian McCaffrey's workload after heavy usage led to injury issues last season.

Contract Matters & Offseason Strategy

Financial dealings and contract management remained a key area of focus, including the Lions explaining their rationale for requiring Frank Ragnow to repay a portion of his signing bonus, a situation the CEO suggested was necessary despite external criticism. The Cowboys are navigating receiver George Pickens' contract status, with Brian Schottenheimer admitting uncertainty about his attendance for the team's offseason program, while the Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan stressed that extending running back De'Von Achane is a priority, calling him a "foundational player" amid reports of zero effort to trade the back. In Cleveland, owner Jimmy Haslam expressed optimism about Deshaun Watson's "fresh start" under new coach Todd Monken, stating the quarterback has a "great chance" to secure the QB1 role, a year after Haslam admitted the trade for Watson was a major swing-and-miss.

League Expansion & Alternative Football

The NFL ownership group continues to explore new avenues for growth, including a formal partnership with TMRW Sports—the entity behind the TGL—to develop a professional flag football league for both men and women, which will receive backing from all 32 teams. Despite this expansion into the non-tackle game, Broncos coach Sean Payton, having experienced the format, indicated he would be "surprised" if any current NFL players were selected for the United States team in the upcoming flag football international competition. In other league news, the Seahawks, as defending Super Bowl champions, are set to be featured on this summer's "Hard Knocks," followed by the Patriots in the summer of 2027, while the UFL's inaugural week saw familiar teams occupying the top spots in the initial power rankings, with each team's Week 1 MVP also identified.