NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: April 10, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Draft Intel & Team Planning

With the 2026 NFL Draft fast approaching, league-wide intel suggests several teams are solidifying their priorities, especially in the quarterback market. The Raiders, holding the top pick, are heavily linked to quarterback Fernando Mendoza, a scenario that has quarterback Kirk Cousins publicly stating he only desires to start if he is deemed the team’s best option, drawing parallels to the 2007 pairing of a rookie QB and a first-time head coach in Oakland. Concurrently, the Broncos are navigating a rare draft position, lacking a first-round selection for the third time in five years following the Jaylen Waddle trade, leading Denver to focus on later value, with analysts scouting tight ends for selection No. 62. Elsewhere, the Giants are weighing a cornerback selection at No. 5, while the Browns possess two first-rounders among their nine total picks, fueling speculation about their approach in Pittsburgh.

Further draft maneuvering includes the Vikings keenly observing the wide receiver and running back pools for the 2026 cycle, while the Jets are reportedly prioritizing a specific prospect at the No. 2 slot, also holding nine selections overall. Several top prospects are scheduled to attend the draft in Pittsburgh, with five Ohio State players confirmed among the 16 expected attendees, though notable QB prospect Fernando Mendoza will not be present, unlike teammate Ty Simp. Experts are also analyzing the makeup of the incoming class, with various analysts like Mel Kiper Jr. and Matt Miller compiling 10-man rosters to determine which potential superteams could emerge from the 2026 draftees.

Free Agency Movement & Roster Adjustments

The pace of offseason transactions continued this week as teams fortified lines and added depth ahead of the draft. The San Francisco 49ers agreed to a one-year contract with free agent defensive end Cam Sample, formerly of the Cincinnati Bengals, providing an immediate boost to their pass rush rotation. On the offensive front, the New York Giants secured guard Daniel Faalele on a one-year deal from the Baltimore Ravens, shoring up their interior protection. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons pivoted following the retirement of right tackle Kaleb McGary, quickly signing free agent Gabe Taylor, who joins the team in D.C. where his brother Sean previously starred, with Gabe set to wear No. 21 honoring that legacy.

In other personnel news, the Indianapolis Colts have mutually agreed to seek a trade for veteran cornerback Kenny Moore II, signaling a potential roster reset in the secondary for the AFC South contender. Separately, the Houston Texans exercised the fifth-year options for both quarterback C.J. Stroud and All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson Jr., locking in their core players through the 2027 season, a clear vote of confidence from the front office.

League Business, Legal Matters, & Ownership Shifts

The league faces potential operational shifts as discussions continue surrounding the federal government’s ongoing investigation into the NFL, which could have widespread ramifications for both television networks and the viewing public. Outside of immediate on-field matters, the Broncos ownership group, led by Greg Penner and Carrie Walton Penner, expanded its portfolio by taking a minority stake in the Colorado Rockies baseball team, reportedly purchasing approximately 40% of the franchise. On the coaching side, the NFL's oldest coach, Andy Reid, is utilizing an unusually long offseason to implement necessary changes as he prepares for what is expected to be a bounceback campaign.

The league’s developmental ecosystem is also charting expansion, as UFL co-owner Mike Repole confirmed plans for the spring league to grow its footprint by 2028, identifying Oklahoma City as a confirmed destination, with the second expansion city yet to be announced. In somber news, the football community mourned the passing of former New York Jets and Louisville quarterback Browning Nagle, who died earlier this week at the age of 57.

Player Reflection & Offseason Updates

Quarterback Lamar Jackson reported to offseason workouts looking "reinvigorated," according to the Baltimore Ravens staff, who noted a distinct positive change in the two-time MVP’s demeanor working with the new coaching structure. In Tampa Bay, questions persist regarding the legendary status of former linebacker Lavonte David, whose Hall of Fame credentials were robustly defended by former teammate Gerald McCoy, who stated, "If his career is not Hall of Fame worthy. I don't know whose is." Meanwhile, Falcons pass rusher James Pearce Jr. remains absent from team workouts amid felony charges, as confirmed by coach Kevin Stefanski on Wednesday. On a lighter note, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold celebrated a personal milestone, marrying his fiancée just months after securing a Super Bowl victory.