NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: July 9, 2026, 2:31 AM ET

Player News and Offseason Moves

Free agent cornerback Rasul Douglas is reportedly planning to sign a one-year deal with the Washington Commanders, which could be worth up to $3.8 million. The Commanders are looking to bolster their secondary. Meanwhile, former Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold has cleared waivers after facing legal issues in Florida, making him a free agent. In other defensive news, the Ravens' Calais Campbell tragically lost his mother, and his brother has been charged with murder in connection with her death.

Coaching and Team Dynamics

ESPN senior writer Seth Wickersham spent two weeks with Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton during the team's playoff run last season, offering an inside look at his approach. During that time, Payton notably called for a fourth-down fake punt against the Buffalo Bills. In a significant personal announcement, Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown "hard launched" his engagement with a proposal on a yacht.

League Recognition and Player Rankings

Kicker Adam Vinatieri, who is set to enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame next month, will also be inducted into the Indianapolis Colts' Ring of Honor on October 18. Several position rankings have also emerged, with league executives, coaches, and scouts weighing in on the top players. The annual series includes rankings for edge rushers and cornerbacks Ranking cornerbacks, with decision-makers around the league identifying the best in each category. Additionally, the top 10 running backs for the upcoming season have been ranked with input from league personnel.

Fantasy Football and Future Outlook

As teams prepare for the upcoming season, fantasy football drafts are also on the horizon. A 2026 Fantasy Football Draft Guide offers rankings, projections, and analysis for those looking to get ahead of draft season. Some players are already being highlighted for their potential breakout performances. Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall of the San Francisco 49ers is noted for his breakout potential in his third year, even without a full season played yet. Other young players like Luther Burden III and Calen Bullock are also mentioned as potential breakout candidates in 2026, along with Ashton Jeanty expected to deliver on expectations in his second year. The overall roster strength of every NFL team is also being evaluated, detailing strengths, weaknesses, and X factors for each squad.

Notable Player Transactions and Legal Matters

The Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams sent an autographed jersey to Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago native and the first American-born pope. In a surprising move, the New York Jets traded away Sauce Gardner just four months after making him the highest-paid defensive back in the NFL, leading to questions about the team's secondary outlook. On the legal front, former Titans scout Blaise Taylor was found guilty of murdering his girlfriend and her unborn child in a Nashville courtroom.

Draft Picks and Player Development

The Baltimore Ravens used their No. 14 overall pick on guard Olaivavega Ioane, marking him as only the second guard the Ravens have selected in the first round of the draft. Meanwhile, Rams backup quarterback Ty Simpson is reportedly soaking in the experience and learning opportunities within the team's quarterback room as competition heats up for the backup role Simpson soaking it in.

Entertainment and Celebrity Intersections

In a unique intersection of sports and entertainment, comedian Adam Sandler officiated the wedding of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden. This event follows a history of football meeting Hollywood, with the article noting that "Russ Field" was considered an early power couple long before the Swift-Kelce pairing.