NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: May 17, 2026, 8:49 PM ET

NFL Schedule Release

The NFL officially unveiled its 2026 schedule Thursday, with the Seahawks hosting the Patriots in a Super Bowl LX rematch at Lumen Field to kick off the season one of 272 games announced. Teams rolled out their schedules with creative videos, continuing the league's transformation of what was once a mundane announcement into a springtime social media spectacle designed to generate buzz and fan engagement. Early betting lines are out, with the Chiefs receiving a Week 1 primetime slot despite Patrick Mahomes' injury concerns, signaling the league's confidence in his availability. Fantasy managers are already analyzing the schedule for potential pitfalls, including when "Bye-maggedon" might strike and which players benefit from favorable or difficult stretches based on their team's slate.

Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers

The Steelers' decision to bring back Aaron Rodgers for 2026 raises serious questions about whether the 41-year-old quarterback has anything left, especially after a disappointing 2025 season. Pittsburgh now finds itself with a quarterback room that includes Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, and Justin Fields, creating a dilemma since Mike McCarthy typically carries only three QBs into Week 1 — leaving one player likely to be cut or traded. The offseason move is receiving mixed grades, with analysts questioning whether Pittsburgh overpaid for a quarterback who showed declining performance and arm strength in his first season with the team.

Contract Extensions and Roster Moves

The Dolphins made De'Von Achane the third-highest-paid running back in the NFL, agreeing to a four-year, $64 million extension that reflects the escalating market for elite ball carriers. Meanwhile, the Jets addressed their need for veteran receiver depth by agreeing to terms with free agent Tim Patrick, adding a reliable target to a room that has lacked experience. The Jets receiving corps gets a boost from the 6-foot-4 Patrick, who brings size and contested-catch ability to a developing group.

Injury Updates

Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers underwent a second procedure on his right knee earlier this offseason, though the team remains hopeful he'll be ready for Week. The former LSU star's availability is critical for a Giants offense that will lean heavily on its passing game. The Chiefs, meanwhile, are betting Mahomes will be healthy for their Week 1 primetime assignment, with the league scheduling Kansas City on the biggest stage despite the star quarterback's injury status.

Coaching Carousel

The NFL's revamped accelerator program features Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, along with several notable head coaching and general manager candidates, highlighting the league's efforts to develop diverse leadership pipelines. The 49ers hired Raheem Morris as their new defensive coordinator because of Kyle Shanahan's past experience working with him, bringing in a veteran coach to oversee a defense that struggled in 2025. However, the league ended its minority offensive assistant mandate ahead of the 2025 season — a decision that predated recent pressure from Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who has now issued an investigative subpoena to the league as he continues his push against the Rooney Rule.

Rookie Developments

Former Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders endured what his father Deion described as "hell" during the draft process, facing criticism and what he called untruthful reporting during his predraft journey and rookie season with the Browns. The younger Sanders matured spiritually through the adversity, according to his father. Meanwhile, the Bills' rookie draft class got their first opportunity to impress new coaching staff, with first-round pick Jamal Bell handling Buffalo's first practice with poise. Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans preached culture to his 2026 draft class, emphasizing acclimation to the program the staff had built. And Trey Smack, the only kicker drafted in 2026, left lacrosse behind after a single kick of a football, pivoting to the NFL as the league's newest specialist.

Around the League

Legendary quarterback Tom Brady added modeling to his résumé, walking the runway at the Gucci Resort 2027 collection fashion show in New York on Saturday. Former NFL defensive lineman Josh Mauro died from an accidental drug overdose, with the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner ruling the death an acute combination of fentanyl, cocaine and ethanol intoxication. The NFL is defending its expanded streaming platform lineup amid criticism from President Donald Trump and scrutiny from the U.S. Justice Department. The league also announced a record international slate featuring nine games, the most outside the United States in NFL history, including a Steelers-Saints matchup in Paris as part of the global expansion.