NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: May 22, 2026, 8:47 AM ET

Quarterback Business & Contract Moves

The NFL's quarterback market stayed busy as the league's two highest-paid signal-callers locked in new deals. Reigning MVP Matthew Stafford signed a one-year, $55 million extension with the Rams, tying himself to Los Angeles through the 2027 season and replacing his previous contract structure. Across the league, Aaron Rodgers announced he will retire after the 2026 season, ending months of speculation about whether the 39-year-old would suit up for a fourth year in Pittsburgh. The Steelers welcomed Rodgers to OTAs on Monday after he signed his one-year deal, though Steelers staff expressed mixed reactions, with some saying they were "little shocked" by his return. Analyst Solak questioned whether Rodgers has anything left and whether Pittsburgh's offense can replicate the 2025 version that propelled them to the division title. The Lions, meanwhile, gave All-Pro linebacker Jack Campbell a four-year, $81 million deal with $51.5 million guaranteed through 2030, securing their defensive anchor well past the 2026 campaign.

Front Office Stability & Injury Concerns

Detroit's camp was not the only franchise tightening its grip on key personnel. The Giants extended general manager Joe Schoen to a multiyear deal, keeping the architect of their recent rebuild in place for the long term. But the same organization faces a major question mark on the field, as coach John Harbaugh told reporters the team remains unsure when star wide receiver Malik Nabers will return from what he called "not a simple knee" injury. The Bengals, meanwhile, are leaning into optimism. Quarterback Joe Burrow called this year's roster the most talented of his era, and the team welcomed unexpected visitor Kid Cudi to practice, underscoring the offbeat energy surrounding Cincinnati's 2026 campaign.

Roster Uncertainty & QB Competition

Several teams are grappling with unsettled depth charts as training camps approach. Kyle Shanahan wants to reduce his star running back's carries, but the options behind him remain unproven, leaving the 49ers to figure out who steps into the backfield role. The Browns are in a similar bind, with 30-year-old Deshaun Watson competing with Shedeur Sanders for the starting job and coach Todd Monken praising Sanders for having "come a long way". Both QBs are vying for the same role in a competition that will define Cleveland's 2026 offense. The Titans addressed a different kind of roster issue by announcing quarterback Cam Ward has lost close to 10 pounds this offseason through diet changes, while the Falcons' Michael Penix Jr. said his goal remains returning for Week 1 after ACL surgery in November.

Off-Field Moments & AFC Offseason Grades

Not all news came from the field. Eagles star wide receiver A.J. Brown tied the knot in an oceanfront ceremony at Montage Laguna Beach, capping a busy offseason for Philadelphia's receiving corps. That same organization, however, faced a legal headache when linebacker Nolan Smith Jr. was arrested for speeding at 135 mph in Georgia. On the evaluation front, analysts graded the AFC's best and worst offseason moves, with the Steelers' signing of cornerback Jamel Dean earning praise and the Colts' decision to guarantee big money to Daniel Jones drawing criticism.

League-Wide Developments

The league itself moved on multiple fronts. NFL owners approved up to 10 international games per season starting in 2027 and eliminated protections that shielded teams from being scheduled abroad. In legal news, Brian Flores' discrimination lawsuit intensified after his lawyers subpoenaed 25 NFL teams and filed more than 1,000 discovery requests. The Bears reiterated they plan to leave Chicago after exhausting stadium options in the city, eyeing sites in suburban Illinois or Hammond, Indiana. The Colts' Charvarius Ward opted to return after two seasons of heartbreak and injury, saying he is in a better headspace after pondering retirement. In Tampa, new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson plans to use his top three receivers interchangeably, with rookie Ted Hurst's size and speed drawing attention. The 2026 schedule was revealed for all 32 teams with creative video packages, and analysts predicted the top rookies in 10 statistical categories for the upcoming season. Raiders coach Klint Kubiak praised quarterback Fernando Mendoza as "as advertised" after a strong first month, while the Titans hired Dave Gardi as executive VP of football operations from the Commanders. Bills receiver Keon Coleman called his third season "make or break", and Jaxon Smith-Njigba posted a video addressing his mislabeled AP Offensive Player of the Year trophy. Ravens coach John Harbaugh joked about being fired by the Ravens during a speech, while Denver's rookie rusher's pass protection skills could determine his role in the backfield.