NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: April 9, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

Quarterback Dynamics & Roster Moves

Quarterback situations remain fluid across the league as teams prepare for the 2026 draft, with Kirk Cousins stating he only intends to play for the Las Vegas Raiders if deemed the unquestioned best option, particularly with the team expected to target a signal-caller like Fernando Mendoza. The Raiders hold the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft, which could significantly shape their immediate future, while Mendoza himself has informed the league he will not attend the draft ceremony. Elsewhere, the Baltimore Ravens observed a marked difference in quarterback Lamar Jackson upon his return for offseason workouts, signaling positive momentum following staff changes, while the Houston Texans secured their current franchise quarterback and defensive anchor by exercising the 2027 fifth-year options for C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr.

Roster restructuring continued this week, most notably in Atlanta where the Falcons are pivoting following the unexpected retirement of right tackle Kaleb McGary, prompting the immediate addition of veteran Taylor to stabilize the line. However, the Falcons are also dealing with off-field issues, as pass rusher James Pearce Jr. remains absent from team workouts due to facing three felony charges, according to coach Kevin Stefanski. Shifting to the line in New York, the Giants bolstered their interior protection by securing a one-year agreement with former Ravens guard Daniel Faalele, though trade speculation continues to swirl around star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, despite sources indicating the team is unlikely to honor any trade request at this stage of the calendar despite his presence in draft chatter.

In other league news, tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. demonstrated commitment by signing his franchise tender and reporting to the Falcons' offseason program, while Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold celebrated a personal milestone, marrying his fiancée just months after winning Super Bowl LXI. Furthermore, former 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk faces an uncertain future in San Francisco, with the team currently weighing options to trade, release, or retain the receiver who has not played since October 2024. Off the field, former Chicago Bears defensive tackle and Hall of Famer Steve "Mongo" McMichael passed away in 2025 at age 67 following a five-year battle with ALS, with his family subsequently donating his brain for CTE research.

Pre-Draft Strategy & Prospect Evaluation

As the 2026 draft approaches, teams are deep into final evaluations, with mock draft projections providing clarity on potential first-round selections; Peter Schrager's latest mock details all 32 projected first-round picks based on intel gathered during the recent league meetings. The New York Jets, holding the No. 2 selection, are currently assessing prospects, while the Raiders look to capitalize on their top overall choice with 10 total picks. The Dallas Cowboys possess two first-round selections at Nos. 12 and 20 out of eight total picks, and the Miami Dolphins enter the process holding a substantial 11 total selections, including the No. 11 pick, as they assess their primary team needs entering the draft.

Scouts and executives are wrestling with the league’s most polarizing talents, seeking perfect comparisons for prospects like Fernando Mendoza and others who carry significant question marks despite high talent ceilings as detailed by anonymous sources. Several teams are exploring potential trade scenarios to shake up the top of the board, including hypothetical deals involving quarterback J.J. McCarthy and defensive end Maxx Crosby. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles, who possess nine selections, are hearing buzz regarding potential trade interest in quarterback Tanner McKee, while the Cleveland Browns prepare to utilize their two first-round picks among their total of nine selections in the 2026 class as they host visitors like Concepcion. The New England Patriots are also actively scouting, having recently hosted a local pro day as they evaluate their 11 total draft assets.

Coaching, League History, and Player Development

Chiefs coach Andy Reid is facing a rare scenario: a lengthy offseason allowing him the dedicated time to implement necessary changes, setting the stage for a critical bounce-back campaign after a challenging run. The New Orleans Saints are focused on maximizing their backfield, with coach Kellen Moore expressing confidence that the roster can support both Alvin Kamara and Travis Etienne Jr. sharing backfield opportunities. In terms of league history, a retrospective detailed how the Dallas Cowboys managed to secure quarterback Dak Prescott late in the 2016 draft at pick No. 135, a moment where offensive coordinator Scott Linehan admits he was anxious about another team selecting him first. Finally, former quarterback Colin Kaepernick announced the forthcoming publication of his memoir, The Perilous Fight, set for September 15, promising to provide context behind his decision to kneel.