NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: April 4, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Offseason Personnel Moves & League Business

The NFL calendar is accelerating with offseason workouts set to commence, as the league *released OTA and minicamp dates for all 32 teams, with mandatory sessions scheduled to kick off in June. Off the field, the league *concluded its investigation into Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice, determining he did not violate the personal conduct policy, allowing him to avoid league discipline. Meanwhile, the league continues to see player movement, as defensive tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches rejoins Tampa Bay on a one-year contract, while safety Kyle Dugger signs with the Bengals for a one-year deal, keeping him within the AFC North division.

Veteran quarterback movement dominated headlines, with Kirk Cousins agreeing to terms with the Raiders, positioning him as a potential mentor for rookie signal-caller Fernando Mendoza, who recently put on a strong showing at his Indiana pro day in front of scouts from every franchise. This aggressive spending on veteran leadership contrasts with the evaluation of incoming talent, as analysts are mapping out the top 100 picks across the first three rounds of the draft while simultaneously identifying potential flaws that could stall the ascents of the top quarterback prospects during their rookie campaigns.*

Organizational decisions regarding infrastructure and team identity were also finalized, as the *Falcons unveiled new uniforms for the 2026 season, returning the franchise's classic primary red as the base color. In personnel management, Dolphins brass detailed plans for Malik Willis's fit and the future of Chop Robinson following the trade of Jaylen Waddle. Furthermore, Raiders GM John Spytek *explained the significant investment in center Tyler Linderbaum, making him the highest-paid interior lineman in the league, a move signaling a commitment to protecting their quarterback investments.

Retirements and Player Milestones

The league witnessed the conclusion of two prominent defensive careers, as two-time All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore announced his retirement after a stellar run that included a 2019 Defensive Player of the Year award. Linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. also retired this week, thanking football in his announcement. These departures create immediate openings for new talent, even as franchises begin focusing on the incoming rookie class, with analysts profiling the top 45 running backs for 2026 fantasy football* rankings ahead of the draft.**

Draft Evaluation and Position Trends

The focus remains heavily on the upcoming talent pool, particularly at the running back position where *projections and comparisons are being made for top prospects, ranging from highly touted runners like Jeremiyah Love to late-round sleepers. This focus on the running back class comes as the NFL increasingly favors *tandem backfields over feature backs, suggesting NFL teams are comfortable splitting carries among skilled players rather than relying on one primary rusher. In Jacksonville, second-year defensive end Travon Walker immediately grasped coaching points after head coach Liam Coen used an Aaron Donald comparison during their end-of-season review, indicating a push for elite performance from young stars.

League Visibility and Off-Field Issues

On the administrative front, Fanatics officially took over the exclusive NFL card license, consolidating trading card rights under a 20-year agreement with the league and the players' union. Off the field, the Jets now possess the longest active playoff drought in North American professional sports following the Buffalo Sabres' recent berth, leaving New York without a postseason appearance for 14 seasons across the major leagues. Meanwhile, the Chiefs organization *launched a petition in Kansas to sanction high school girls' flag football, awaiting a vote by the State High School Activities Association on April 23. In other legal news, Rams receiver Puka Nacua entered rehab following a recent lawsuit filing in Los Angeles.

Coaching Outlooks

Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans expressed considerable optimism regarding his quarterback situation, stating he is "excited to see C.J. Stroud's growth next season* as the young QB heads into his fourth year after a challenging finish to the previous campaign. Elsewhere, the Vikings organization continued vetting candidates for their next General Manager* during the annual league meetings in Phoenix, where discussions also touched upon the status of Kyler Murray and J.J.