NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: April 8, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

Quarterback Situations & Roster Moves

The Las Vegas Raiders face immediate quarterback decisions as veteran Kirk Cousins stated publicly he only wants to start if the team determines he is definitively better than any incoming rookie, such as the anticipated selection of Fernando Mendoza. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans secured long-term alignment by exercising fifth-year options for both franchise quarterback C.J. Stroud and All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson Jr., locking them through 2027. Elsewhere, the Baltimore Ravens observed a marked improvement in Lamar Jackson’s disposition as the two-time MVP reported for offseason workouts, with sources noting he seems “reinvigorated” by the new coaching staff.

Offensive line shuffling occurred across the league as the Atlanta Falcons responded to the abrupt retirement of right tackle Kaleb McGary, announced Wednesday by his agent, by immediately bringing in veteran Taylor. In New York, the Giants fortified their interior line by securing a one-year agreement with former Ravens guard Daniel Faalele, though speculation persists regarding the trade viability of star defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence, whom sources suggest the team cannot afford to move at this juncture of the calendar. Furthermore, former 49er wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk’s tenure in San Francisco appears strained, with reports suggesting the team is weighing options to trade, release, or keep the pass-catcher who has not seen game action since late October 2024.

Offseason Workouts & Legal Matters

The Atlanta Falcons are dealing with internal turmoil as pass rusher James Pearce Jr. has officially been absent from the team's offseason workout program due to facing three felony charges, a situation coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed Wednesday. Conversely, tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. reported to workouts after signing his franchise tender, signaling his commitment to the team’s immediate plans. In personal news, Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold celebrated a non-football achievement, adding another ring months after winning Super Bowl LX by marrying his fiancée. Separately, former 49ers defensive tackle and Hall of Famer Steve McMichael was confirmed to have suffered from CTE following his death in 2025 at age 67 after a five-year battle with ALS.

Pre-Draft Intel & Team Strategy

With the 2026 NFL Draft approaching, teams are solidifying their big boards, with the Las Vegas Raiders holding the coveted No. 1 overall pick and possessing ten total selections to reshape their roster according to early intel. The New York Jets are also generating buzz around the second pick, with various projections centering on which quarterback or premium prospect they might select with their nine total picks. Meanwhile, Peter Schrager’s latest mock draft, compiled after the annual league meetings, attempts to project all 32 first-round selections, offering a snapshot of where the league’s top talents, including polarizing prospects with significant underlying questions, might land.

Several teams hold multiple early picks, providing flexibility for trade maneuvers; the Cleveland Browns enter 2026 holding two first-rounders among their nine total selections, while the Dallas Cowboys have two Round 1 selections out of their eight total picks, focusing on the Nos. 12 and 20 slots. Analyst Ben Solak has already begun mapping out potential moves, projecting landing spots for the nine draftable quarterbacks in the class, including proposing 32 hypothetical trades to simulate a dramatic first round. The Miami Dolphins are positioned with the No. 11 pick and hold 11 total selections, while the New England Patriots are hosting a local pro day as they evaluate options with their 11 total picks.

Player Outlooks & Historical Context

The Saints are planning for a potentially crowded backfield, with coach Kellen Moore signaling his approval for a deep running back room, suggesting there will be ample opportunity for both Alvin Kamara and Travis Etienne Jr. to share duties. In related positional analysis, experts are offering player comparisons for the incoming class, identifying perfect matches for prospects like Rueben Bain Jr. and cornerback Avieon Terrell, who is following in the footsteps of his brother, All-Pro A.J. Terrell Jr. In a look back at draft history, an account detailed the dramatic moments surrounding the 2016 Draft when the Cowboys secured Dak Prescott at pick No. 135, narrowly avoiding another team selecting him after the offensive coordinator held his breath. Finally, former quarterback Colin Kaepernick announced that his forthcoming memoir, titled The Perilous Fight, is scheduled for release on September 15 and will provide context for his decision to kneel during the national anthem.