NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: May 20, 2026, 5:50 AM ET

LEAGUE OPERATIONS & SCHEDULE

NFL owners Tuesday approved expanding international games to a maximum of 10 per season starting in 2027, eliminating team protections that previously allowed franchises to block certain opponents from traveling abroad. The decision, part of a broader push into global markets, coincided with the release of the 2026 schedule reveals, which saw all 32 teams employ creative marketing—from memes to mini-movies—to unveil their upcoming fixtures. The league is simultaneously defending its streaming strategy amid political criticism, arguing that expanded digital access aligns with long-term fan growth despite pushback from traditional broadcast partners.

LEGAL & DISCIPLINARY MATTERS

Brian Flores' discrimination lawsuit escalated dramatically as court filings revealed his legal team served subpoenas on 25 NFL teams and issued over 1,000 discovery requests in a sweeping attempt to obtain internal league documents. Separately, former Jaguars coach Urban Meyer lost his $30 million grievance against Jacksonville, saving the team a significant financial obligation after his 2021 midseason firing. These legal battles underscore ongoing tensions between the league's front offices and former personnel over employment practices and contractual terms.

PLAYER HEALTH & RETURNS

Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr., recovering from November ACL surgery, confirmed he is a limited participant in OTAs with the goal of starting Week. In Pittsburgh, the return of Aaron Rodgers at OTAs created an immediate quarterback room conundrum, as Coach Mike McCarthy typically carries only three quarterbacks, leaving the team to assess the odd man out among Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, and Mason Rudolph. Meanwhile, Panthers defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton underwent neck surgery, casting uncertainty over his availability for the season, while Saints coach Kellen Moore stated the team is letting the Alvin Kamara situation play out as the 30-year-old running back's future remains unresolved.

CONTROVERSIES & OFF-FIELD ISSUES

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the reigning AP Offensive Player of the Year, called out a trophy gaffe on social media, posting video evidence that his award was incorrectly inscribed. In Arizona, the Cardinals opened OTAs without quarterback Jacoby Brissett as his contract holdout lingered, with new coach Mike LaFleur indicating discussions had not progressed. The league also mourned the death of former defensive lineman Josh Mauro, as authorities confirmed an accidental drug overdose involving fentanyl, cocaine, and ethanol.

QUARTERBACK LANDSCAPE

The Steelers' acquisition of Aaron Rodgers sparked analysis of the offense's potential fit, with questions about whether the future Hall of Famer has enough left in the tank and if "running it back" with the current roster can succeed. In Cleveland, the Browns are giving Deshaun Watson another chance to compete with rookie Shedeur Sanders for the starting job in 2026, a high-stakes decision for the 30-year-old former franchise quarterback. Meanwhile, the Cardinals' Brissett holdout and the Steelers' crowded quarterback room highlight the volatile nature of NFL depth charts this offseason.

ROOKIES & FREE AGENTS

Analysts are predicting the top rookies for 2026 impact, projecting leaders in rushing yards, touchdowns, and sacks, while teams continue to find perfect fits for remaining free agents, including high-profile names like Stefon Diggs and Jadeveon Clowery. For Broncos rookie running back, pass protection is seen as the key to earning playing time, a critical developmental area for a player accomplished as a rusher in college. The lone kicker drafted, Trey Smack, transitioned from lacrosse after one football kick, illustrating the unique paths players take to the NFL.

MISCELLANEOUS

Ravens coach John Harbaugh lightheartedly referenced his own firing in a speech about resilience, a nod to his unexpected dismissal by Baltimore last year. Fresh off a concert in Cincinnati, rapper Kid Cudi attended Bengals practice to watch Joe Burrow and the team ramp up preparations. Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel joined the NFL's accelerator program, joining other notable head coaching and GM candidates. The league is expected to award the 2028 draft to Minneapolis, with U.S. Bank Stadium as the centerpiece. Finally, Tom Brady made his modeling debut at a Gucci fashion show in New York, adding another venture to his post-playing portfolio.