NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: April 3, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

League Governance & Offseason Moves

The NFL concluded its annual league meetings this week in Phoenix generating significant buzz across several key areas, including executive mandates and player conduct. Commissioner Roger Goodell voiced his support for the Rooney Rule despite receiving threats of civil litigation from Florida's attorney general regarding the rule's compliance with hiring laws. Furthermore, owners approved a Raiders succession plan that grants Silver Lake co-chief executive officer Egon Durban the option to acquire a majority stake from current owner Mark Davis, solidifying the future leadership structure in Las Vegas.

In disciplinary matters, the league announced Friday it cleared Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice following an internal review, concluding that the player "has not engaged in conduct that violates the personal conduct policy," thereby avoiding immediate suspension. Meanwhile, the league's broader focus on player welfare surfaced as the NFLPA demanded trained, professional officials be utilized, citing player safety concerns amid ongoing negotiations with the referees' union.

Contract Extensions & Player Movement

Franchises engaged in major financial commitments this week, with the Jacksonville Jaguars securing defensive end Travon Walker on a massive four-year, $110 million contract extension, according to his agency. This significant investment at the defensive edge position comes as teams, like the Titans, continue to stress the need for more pass-rushing talent, with Coach Saleh asserting one "could always use more edge" even holding the fourth overall pick. On the free agent front, quarterback Kirk Cousins finalized an agreement with the Raiders, bringing the veteran presence to Las Vegas where he is expected to serve as a mentor for rookie signal-caller Fernando Mendoza.

The Raiders further solidified their offensive line by making center Tyler Linderbaum the highest-paid interior lineman, a move GM John Spytek defended at the league meetings by citing long-term value. In other defensive personnel changes, former two-time All-Pro and 2019 Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore formally announced his retirement, while linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. also confirmed his departure from the NFL Thursday. Adding depth to a different AFC secondary, safety Kyle Dugger signed a one-year contract with the Bengals, ensuring he remains within the AFC North division in 2026.

Draft Preparations & Team Outlooks

As the 2026 draft cycle intensifies, draft analysts released updated projections, with four experts—Kiper, Miller, Reid, and Yates—rotating through mock selections across the first three rounds. While the top quarterback prospects face scrutiny regarding potential flaws that could impede their professional development as detailed in recent analysis, top signal-caller prospect Fernando Mendoza put on an impressive display Wednesday at his Indiana pro day, throwing approximately 56 passes in front of scouts from all 32 clubs. For teams looking beyond the immediate draft, the Vikings are reportedly nearing a decision on their next General Manager following the meetings in Phoenix.

In team-specific news, the Atlanta Falcons unveiled a new uniform set for the upcoming 2026 season, prominently featuring the franchise’s favored primary red color as the base hue. Simultaneously, friction was reported within the Philadelphia Eagles' offense, where quarterback Jalen Hurts is reportedly facing internal challenges requiring him to evolve his game to better suit the star-studded unit. Separately, the Chicago Bears indicated that a final decision on the location for their new stadium is expected in the "late spring, early summer," according to President and CEO Kevin Warren as the process nears conclusion.

Player Status & League Expansion

The NFLPA's focus on player well-being extended beyond officiating, as Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua entered a rehabilitation program according to his attorney, following a lawsuit filed last month in Los Angeles. On the administrative side, the league saw a major consolidation in collectibles, as Fanatics assumed the exclusive NFL trading card license under a new 20-year agreement that unifies rights held by the league and the players' union. to administrative scheduling, the dates for the 2026 offseason workout programs, including mandatory minicamps across all 32 teams, have been set for June.

The league is also witnessing growth in ancillary football avenues. The Kansas City Chiefs initiated a petition drive to bring girls' flag football to the high school level in Kansas, with the state association scheduled to vote on the measure April 23. While the NFL season remains months away, fantasy analysts are already releasing comprehensive rankings for running backs, with Mike Clay providing detailed breakdowns for the top 45 players. Finally, early performance in the UFL is being evaluated, with Week 1 winners topping the initial power rankings, each featuring a designated team MVP from the opening slate.