NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: April 2, 2026, 8:35 AM ET

League Meetings & Administration

The annual NFL league meetings concluded in Phoenix this week, yielding several administrative decisions and setting the stage for personnel movements, including the ongoing search for the Vikings' next General Manager. Owners also approved a significant Raiders succession plan, granting Silver Lake co-chief executive Egon Durban the option to acquire a majority stake from current owner Mark Davis. Furthermore, Jacksonville secured approval to temporarily relocate its home games, as the Jaguars successfully proposed playing their 2027 home slate in Orlando while Ever Bank Stadium undergoes its $1.4 billion renovation.

Commissioner Roger Goodell defended the league's commitment to diversity hiring, stating the Rooney Rule remains "consistent" with hiring laws despite facing potential civil litigation threats from Florida's attorney general regarding the policy's enforcement. Concurrently, off-field labor issues surfaced, with the NFLPA demanding "trained, professional officials" amid ongoing contract negotiations with the league. Adding legal complexity, former official Robin DeLorenzo filed a lawsuit citing gender-based hostilities after her 2025 firing, alleging open hostility and scrutiny.

Owners also addressed operational matters, giving the green light to two significant replay rule changes and approving a contingency plan to centralize officiating supervision should labor disputes lead to a work stoppage. Separately, the league took action against outside interference, formally asking prediction market operators to stop offering trades on easily manipulated events. In franchise development, Chicago Bears CEO Kevin Warren indicated the team is targeting "late spring, early summer" to finalize the location decision for their new stadium project.

Quarterback & Draft Speculation

The draft quarterback class remains a central focus, with top prospect Fernando Mendoza putting on a strong showing at his Indiana pro day, throwing approximately 56 passes under the gaze of all 32 team scouts. Despite the impressive performance, analysts caution that each of the top signal-callers possesses distinct flaws that could impede their NFL ascent. The Raiders, who hold a high draft selection, showed immediate interest, as Head Coach Klint Kubiak praised Mendoza on Tuesday, labeling the Heisman winner a definitive "winner". Looking further ahead, analysts have already compiled extensive positional rankings, with one breakdown profiling the top 35 quarterbacks projected for the 2026 draft class.

Team executives offered updates on their current signal-callers while meeting in Arizona. Steelers coach Mike McCarthy confirmed that Aaron Rodgers is in a "very positive space" as he weighs his future intentions, while the Jets' Aaron Glenn expressed unwavering confidence, declaring Geno Smith is the QB who will "lead us to the promised land". Conversely, the Browns owner Jimmy Haslam suggested Deshaun Watson has a "fresh start" and a "great chance" to reclaim his QB1 role under new coach Todd Monken, a year after admitting the acquisition was a "big swing-and-miss."

Several teams addressed their QB situations regarding participation and long-term planning. The Ravens' new coach, Jesse Minter, expressed uncertainty regarding Lamar Jackson's voluntary offseason workout participation. In Indianapolis, GM Chris Ballard left open the possibility that Anthony Richardson Sr. could remain with the Colts through 2026. Meanwhile, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski indicated that juggling multiple quarterbacks last year, including Flacco, Gabriel, and Sanders, has prepared him for the challenge of managing the situation in Atlanta.

Team Movements & Personnel Moves

Offseason maneuvering continued across the league, highlighted by several key meetings and declarations. Odell Beckham Jr. met with the Giants coaching staff during the league meetings regarding a potential reunion in New York sources confirmed Monday. The 49ers leadership offered conflicting views on wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk's status, with Coach Kyle Shanahan and owner Jed York delivering mixed signals on his future. Furthermore, Shanahan expressed displeasure about the 49ers being scheduled to open the 2026 season with a trip to Australia, aiming to lighten Christian McCaffrey's heavy workload this coming year.

In Detroit, Coach Dan Campbell is actively considering a major positional shift, exploring moving All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell over to the left tackle position for 2026. The Lions CEO also offered context regarding a bonus repayment by center Frank Ragnow, suggesting the move had precedent, even referencing a situation involving Barry Sanders' financial history. The Vikings confirmed they will exercise the fifth-year option on receiver Jordan Addison's contract, while they anticipate linebacker Jonathan Greenard remaining on the roster despite earlier trade speculation.

The Tennessee Titans, holding the No. 4 overall pick, appear focused on defense, as new coach Robert Saleh stated "you could always use more edge" when questioned about drafting a pass rusher early. In Cleveland, the addition of new quarterback Shedeur Sanders will see him switch back to his college number, No. 2, for the upcoming season, though reps in the QB battle won't be divided evenly between him, Watson, and Gabriel. The Rams acknowledged they explored trading star receiver Davante Adams but ultimately decided against the move.

Officiating, Player Safety & Media

The NFL's relationship with officials drew scrutiny during the meetings, particularly as the league faces litigation threats and CBA negotiations. The NFLPA emphasized that player safety requires trained, pro refs to ensure proper on-field standards. Separately, the league has taken steps to manage external financial markets, asking operators to cease trading on prediction markets related to outcomes that are easily manipulated. The league also announced that the 2026 season of HBO’s "Hard Knocks" will feature the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks, followed by the Patriots in the summer of 2027.

In player news, Rams receiver Puka Nacua has reportedly checked himself into rehab, according to his attorney, following a recent lawsuit filed against him in Los Angeles. Regarding player participation, Broncos coach Sean Payton, after experiencing flag football firsthand, said he would be surprised if any current NFL players participate in the initial pro flag league. This comes as the NFL partnered with TMRW Sports to develop a professional flag football league backed by all 32 teams. The Dallas Cowboys remain uncertain if franchise-tagged receiver George Pickens will attend the team's offseason program, though owner Jerry Jones insists they have long-term plans in mind for the pass catcher.