NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: July 9, 2026, 8:33 PM ET

League News and Player Happenings

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown announced his to his girlfriend on a yacht decorated with flowers. The couple shared the news via social media. Across the league, Washington Commanders are planning to retire the No. 44 jersey of Hall of Fame running back John Riggins. Kicker Adam Vinatieri, a future Hall of Famer, will be inducted into the Indianapolis Colts' Ring of Honor on October 18. In a unique gesture, Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams to Pope Leo XIV, who is a Chicago native.

Team Roster and Player Rankings

ESPN's NFL executive, coach, and scout rankings are rolling out, offering insights into the league's top talent. Interior defensive linemen are ranked starting with an impact player from the Super Bowl champion Seahawks. Edge rushers are also evaluated for their top 10 status. Decision-makers around the league have 10 cornerbacks. For the running back position, league evaluators have ranked the top 10 for the upcoming season. The Baltimore Ravens selected Olaivavega Ioane with the 14th overall pick, making him only the second guard drafted by the team in the first round. The roster strength of all NFL teams has been assessed and ranked, detailing strengths, weaknesses, and key factors.

Coaching and Quarterback Room Dynamics

Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton was the subject of extensive behind-the-scenes access during the playoffs for an ESPN piece. This access provided a look at his coaching style and decisions, such as a fourth-down fake punt attempt against the Bills. Year 2 for Ben Johnson as offensive coordinator for the Lions carries a different atmosphere, with success from the previous year setting higher expectations. In Los Angeles, Rams backup quarterback Ty Simpson is immersed in the team's quarterback room, which is expected to be a competitive position battle in training camp.

Future Stars and League Health

to 2026, several players are identified as potential breakout candidates. Luther Burden III, Calen Bullock, Nic Scourton, and Ashton Jeanty are among those poised for significant development. A recent study released on Wednesday indicates that NFL players are four times more likely than the general population to diseases like dementia and Parkinson's.

Notable Off-Field and Miscellaneous News

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye made a surprise appearance at a Noah Kahan concert in Boston. In a celebrity crossover, comedian Adam Sandler officiated the wedding of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. Free agent cornerback Rasul Douglas is reportedly signing a one-year deal with the Washington Commanders worth up to $3.8 million. Former Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold cleared waivers and is now a free agent following legal issues. The question of whether a first-round quarterback is necessary for Super Bowl success, along with the importance of investing in top receivers and edge rushers, is analyzed in a guide examining the rosters of the past 15 Super Bowl participants.