NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: April 3, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

League Business & Personnel Moves

The annual NFL league meetings concluded in Phoenix this week, yielding several key developments spanning ownership structures and league rules. Owners formally approved the Raiders succession plan, granting Silver Lake co-chief executive Egon Durban the option to acquire a majority stake from current owner Mark Davis. Furthermore, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell defended the league's Rooney Rule, asserting its consistency with hiring laws despite facing a threat of civil litigation from Florida’s attorney general over the policy's legality. In personnel action, veteran linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. announced his retirement on Thursday, while two-time All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore, the 2019 Defensive Player of the Year, also confirmed his departure from the league via a farewell message.

The Raiders, active during the meetings, finalized a significant deal by bringing in quarterback Kirk Cousins, with agent announcements confirming the agreement, intended to serve as a potential mentor figure for their younger signal-caller Mendoza. This move comes as Raiders GM John Spytek defended the team’s decision to make center Tyler Linderbaum the highest-paid interior lineman in the league, emphasizing the investment in foundational offensive pieces. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys have "long-term" plans for receiver George Pickens, though owner Jerry Jones confirmed that negotiations are stalled and the team intends to utilize the franchise tag for now.

Draft Prospects & Team Strategy

Scouting buzz remains intense ahead of the draft, particularly surrounding top quarterback prospect Fernando Mendoza, who reportedly threw approximately 56 passes at his Indiana pro day in front of scouts from all 32 teams and over 100 media members on Wednesday. Despite the strong showing, analysts caution that flaws observed during his college career could temper expectations for top QBs entering the league. Draft prognosticators are also weighing in heavily, with four leading analysts—Mel Kiper Jr., Matt Miller, Jordan Reid, and Field Yates—collaboratively projecting the first three rounds, suggesting where top prospects might land in the initial 100 selections. For teams looking toward the edge rush, new Titans coach Saleh indicated they "could always use more edge" when questioned about potentially drafting a premier pass rusher with the No. 4 overall pick.

Player Movement & Team Updates

The free-agency period saw safety Kyle Dugger make a divisional move, signing a one-year contract to stay within the AFC North by joining the Cincinnati Bengals from the Steelers. Off the field, the league is preparing for the 2026 offseason training schedule, with mandatory minicamps for all 32 teams slated to commence in June according to the newly released OTA and minicamp dates. In team branding news, the Atlanta Falcons unveiled their new uniforms, which strategically reintroduce the franchise’s primary deep red as the base color for the upcoming season. The Chicago Bears are targeting a "late spring, early summer" window to announce the final location for their new stadium project.

Off-Field & League Expansion

The infrastructure supporting the NFL continues to evolve, marked by Fanatics officially assuming the exclusive 20-year NFL trading card license, consolidating rights previously held separately by the league and the players' union. Player advocacy also remains a focus, as the NFLPA executive director JC Tretter issued a statement asserting that player safety necessitates trained, professional officials amid ongoing contract disputes with the NFL Referees Association. Meanwhile, the league is actively supporting grassroots expansion; the Chiefs organization has initiated a petition to bring high school girls' flag football to Kansas, with the Kansas State High School Activities Association scheduled to vote on the matter on April 23. The Jaguars also secured approval to play their 2027 home games in Orlando while Ever Bank Stadium undergoes its final year of a $1.4 billion renovation.

Fantasy Outlook & Internal Dynamics

As the focus shifts toward future roster construction, fantasy football analysts are already profiling the top talent, with Mike Clay releasing his initial rankings that include detailed breakdowns of the top 45 available running backs for 2026. On the player relations front, reports surfaced detailing internal friction within the Philadelphia Eagles offense, where quarterback Jalen Hurts faces pressure to evolve his playing style amid challenges within the star-studded unit. Separately, the Detroit Lions organization defended its decision regarding a contract structure, explaining to the public that the team had valid reasons for requiring Frank Ragnow to repay a portion of his signing bonus.