NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: May 18, 2026, 5:48 PM ET

Quarterback Carousel

Aaron Rodgers took the practice field with his Steelers teammates at OTAs on Monday after signing his one-year contract, drawing reactions from teammates who expressed surprise at his return. The four-person quarterback room now presents a conundrum for Mike McCarthy, who typically carries three QBs into Week, leaving one player likely to be the odd man out as the Steelers evaluate their options. The offseason move has sparked debate over whether the Steelers overpaid for the veteran signal-caller, with league analysts questioning if Rodgers still has enough left to make the offense work in 2025 and whether running it back actually presents a viable path to success in Pittsburgh given the questions surrounding his performance.

2026 Schedule Release

The NFL officially announced 272 games for the 2026 season Thursday, with the Patriots and Seahawks kicking off the campaign in a rematch of Super Bowl LX at Lumen Field. Teams across the league unveiled their schedules with creative posts ranging from memes to mini movies as part of the annual reveal tradition. The Chiefs landed a Week 1 primetime game despite Patrick Mahomes' injury, with the league betting on his health by placing Kansas City on the biggest stages early. Analysts are already dissecting strength of schedule implications, particularly for the Bears, Bengals and Chiefs as postseason hopes take shape, while fantasy football managers are identifying which players and teams benefit most from the newly released slate and examining when "Bye-mageddon" might strike across the league.

Roster Moves and Injuries

The Dolphins agreed to a four-year, $64 million extension with running back De'Von Achane, making him the third-highest-paid back in the NFL. Panthers defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton recently underwent neck surgery, with coach Dave Canales confirming the procedure Monday. Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers had a second cleanup procedure on his right knee earlier this offseason, though the team remains hopeful he'll be ready for Week. The Jets added veteran experience to their receiving corps by agreeing to terms with free agent Tim Patrick.

League Business

Minneapolis is expected to be awarded the 2028 NFL draft on Tuesday, with U.S. Bank Stadium serving as a foundational piece of the event. The NFL is defending its expanded lineup of games on streaming platforms amid criticism from President Donald Trump and scrutiny from the U.S. Justice Department. The league ended a mandate that all 32 teams hire a minority coach as an offensive assistant ahead of the 2025 season, with the decision predating recent pressure from Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier. The revamped NFL accelerator program features several notable coaching and general manager candidates, including Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.

Coaching and Front Office Notes

John Harbaugh lightheartedly referenced his firing by the Baltimore Ravens as an example of resilience during a 16-minute commencement speech. Former Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer has lost his grievance against the team regarding receiving the balance of his contract after his 2021 firing, a decision that saves Jacksonville $30 million according to reports.

Player Transactions and Trends

With 14 notable free agents still available, including Deebo Samuel, Joey Bosa, Stefon Diggs and Jadeveon Clowney, potential team fits are being explored across the league. The Rams' success with tight end-heavy sets in 2025 has sparked interest in whether 13 personnel packages will drive offensive innovation around the league. The organization allowed Matthew Stafford time away from the facility last season, which helped the quarterback enter the year fresher than in previous years as he prepares to repeat that approach.

Around the League

Kid Cudi rolled through Bengals practice fresh off a concert in Cincinnati to catch Joe Burrow and the team as they ramp up preparation for the upcoming season. Legendary quarterback Tom Brady made his modeling debut Saturday, walking the catwalk at the Gucci Resort 2027 collection fashion show in New York. Trey Smack, the only kicker drafted in 2026, left lacrosse behind after a single kick of a football. Former NFL defensive lineman Josh Mauro died from an acute combination of fentanyl, cocaine and ethanol intoxication according to medical examiner records.