NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: April 2, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

League Meetings & Front Office Moves

The annual league meetings in Phoenix generated considerable buzz this week, including the NFL owners unanimously approving the Jacksonville Jaguars' proposal to play their 2027 home games in Orlando while Ever Bank Stadium undergoes its $1.4 billion renovation. Furthermore, owners ratified a succession plan for the Raiders, granting Silver Lake co-chief executive Egon Durban the option to acquire a majority stake from Mark Davis. Separately, Commissioner Roger Goodell voiced his support for the Rooney Rule, affirming its consistency with employment laws despite threats of civil litigation from Florida's attorney general regarding potential challenges to the policy.

Offseason activity saw Kirk Cousins agree to terms with the Raiders, as announced by his agent, positioning the veteran quarterback potentially as a mentor for rising talent like Mendoza. Meanwhile, the New York Jets' new coach Aaron Glenn declared firmly that Geno Smith is the quarterback capable of leading the franchise to "the promised land," while Ravens coach Jesse Minter expressed uncertainty over Lamar Jackson's forthcoming participation in voluntary offseason workouts beginning next week. In personnel news, former two-time All-Pro and 2019 Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore formally announced his retirement from the league, followed by linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. who also confirmed his departure on Thursday, stating, "'Thank you football'".

Other league movements included safety Kyle Dugger securing a deal with the Cincinnati Bengals on a one-year contract, keeping him within the AFC North division through the 2026 season. The Cowboys confirmed they have "long-term" plans for receiver George Pickens but will utilize the franchise tag for now, as no contract negotiations have begun. Additionally, Odell Beckham Jr. reportedly met with the Giants during the meetings regarding a potential reunion, as sources indicated he spoke with coach John Harbaugh about joining the New York club.

Draft Buzz & Player Evaluations

The focus on the upcoming draft intensified as analysts released their composite rankings, with four major experts projecting the first three rounds of picks. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, widely projected as the No. 1 overall selection, put on a throwing clinic at his Indiana pro day, completing approximately 56 passes in front of scouts from all 32 teams. Raiders coach Klint Kubiak praised Mendoza on Tuesday, calling the Heisman winner a "winner", although the team has already secured Cousins as an established presence. Concerns remain for top quarterback prospects, as analysts noted specific flaws that could hinder their immediate impact at the professional level.

Scouting efforts are also focused on underrated talent, as Ben Solak filled out his "All-Film team," identifying prospects whose tape jumps out despite perhaps lower draft projections. Elsewhere, the Titans’ new coach, Robert Saleh, suggested that the team could always benefit from adding more edge rushers, noting that "you could always use more edge" when questioned about selecting a pass rusher with the fourth overall pick. Meanwhile, Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown's upcoming international game in Munich next season will fulfill a dream for the star receiver, stemming from a surprise call made to orchestrate the homecoming.

League Operations & Off-Field Matters

Two significant procedural changes regarding replay reviews were approved by owners on Tuesday, including a contingency plan to centralize officiating duties should a work stoppage complicate the ongoing CBA negotiations with the NFL Referees Association. This development comes as the NFLPA executive director, JC Tretter, issued a statement asserting that player safety necessitates the presence of "trained, professional officials on the field". Adding to the league's legal concerns, a former female official, Robin DeLorenzo, filed a lawsuit against the NFL after her 2025 termination, alleging gender-based scrutiny and open hostility during her tenure.

Off the field, Fanatics officially assumed control of the exclusive NFL trading card license, kicking off a comprehensive 20-year agreement that consolidates the league's and the players' union's licensing rights under the single entity. In Chicago, the Bears' president, Kevin Warren, indicated that the team is targeting the "late spring, early summer" timeframe to announce a final decision regarding the location for the franchise's new stadium. Furthermore, Patriots owner Robert Kraft addressed reporters in Arizona, stating his expectations for the 2026 squad would be tempered by what he characterized as the "hardest schedule".

The league is also seeing developments in player health and team culture; Rams receiver Puka Nacua has reportedly checked into rehab, according to his attorney, following a lawsuit filed against him last month. Regarding team dynamics, ESPN reported on the internal friction affecting the star-studded Eagles offense, suggesting that quarterback Jalen Hurts must undergo an evolution in his play style. In Cleveland, new coach Kevin Stefanski is reportedly hoping his experience juggling quarterbacks like Flacco, Gabriel, and Sanders will better prepare him for managing the combination of Tua Tagovailoa and rookie Penix.

Culture & Program Updates

The NFL continues to support the growth of grassroots football, as the Kansas City Chiefs organization launched a petition urging the Kansas State High School Activities Association to sanction girls' flag football ahead of their critical April 23 vote. Meanwhile, Broncos coach Sean Payton, after experiencing flag football firsthand, expressed doubt that any current NFL players would participate on the U.S. team in the near future, stating he would be "surprised". In terms of media programming, the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks are slated to be the subject of this summer’s "Hard Knocks," with the Patriots scheduled for the 2027 edition.

Team branding updates are also underway, as the Atlanta Falcons unveiled new uniforms for the 2026 season, prominently returning the franchise's foundational primary red color to the base design. In team management matters, Lions CEO provided justification for the team's decision to require Frank Ragnow to repay a portion of his signing bonus, referencing the precedent set by historical figures like Barry Sanders. Finally, the first UFL Power Rankings following Week 1 placed familiar teams at the top, with each franchise’s respective MVP also being named.