NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: April 8, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

NFL Offseason Maneuvering & Player Status

The relationship between the Giants & star DT Dexter Lawrence appears fractured, as sources confirmed the defensive lineman formally requested a trade after seven seasons in New York, though the team is reportedly unlikely to honor that request at this stage of the calendar, especially given his importance to the defensive line's structure per sources. Meanwhile, drama continues in San Francisco, where wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk’s tenure may end, as the receiver has not played an NFL contest since October 20, 2024, prompting speculation regarding a potential trade or release this offseason. In stark contrast to players seeking new scenery, tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. signed his tender and reported promptly for the start of the Falcons' offseason workout program, signaling commitment despite the franchise tag designation.

Draft Speculation & Prospect Profiles

Anticipation for the upcoming draft remains high, with analysts beginning to solidify their final projections; Peter Schrager, leveraging intel gathered at the league meetings, released a final mock draft detailing all 32 projected first-round selections. The focus on edge rushers is intense, as the proprietary Sack SEER model offered its projections, estimating which top prospects will accumulate the most sacks over their initial five NFL campaigns based on its algorithm. Furthermore, experts are providing direct comparisons for top names, offering ideal professional blueprints for prospects like Rueben Bain Jr., Jermod McCoy, and quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who is opting out of attending the draft. The draft class also features compelling storylines, such as cornerback Avieon Terrell, who is projected as a first-rounder and openly cites his older brother, veteran Pro Bowler A.J. Terrell Jr., as his mentor.

Team Building & Veteran Updates

The New Orleans Saints are planning roster construction around a potentially loaded running back room, with coach Kellen Moore expressing confidence that there will be sufficient offensive touches to accommodate both Alvin Kamara and Travis Etienne Jr. sharing the workload. Elsewhere, the Cowboys hosted running back E.J. Smith, son of franchise legend Emmitt Smith, for a visit, as the team evaluates depth behind their primary options. While the league prepares for the draft, long-time quarterback Colin Kaepernick announced that his forthcoming memoir, titled "The Perilous Fight," is scheduled for release on September 15 and promises to offer detailed context regarding the events that precipitated his decision to take a knee during the anthem Kaepernick stated in a release.

League Health & Legacy

Tragically, the league mourned the loss of Hall of Famer Steve "Mongo" McMichael, who passed away in 2025 at age 67 following a protracted, five-year struggle with ALS; his wife, Misty, honored his legacy by donating his brain for research into chronic traumatic encephalopathy McMichael's CTE diagnosis was confirmed. On the analytical side, fantasy experts are already delving into the metrics for the next season, with Mike Clay providing in-depth profiles and rankings for more than 60 wide receivers Clay released his 2026 projections. Teams are also aggressively testing the market for talent, with one exercise proposing trades for every single first-round pick, including simulated blockbuster deals involving prospects like J.J. McCarthy and established stars such as Maxx Crosby.