NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: August 6, 2026, 9:28 PM ET

Running Back Market Reshaped by Historic Extensions

The NFL running back market underwent a seismic shift this week as the Detroit Lions made Jahmyr Gibbs the highest-paid running back in league history with a three-year, $67.5 million deal that could reach $75.75 million and includes $51.5 million guaranteed. The Colts followed suit by locking up Jonathan Taylor to a two-year, $44 million extension, signaling their belief they can recapture their early-season magic from 2025. Falcons star Bijan Robinson, who secured his own extension, revealed he spoke with Gibbs about their respective contract negotiations since both began training camp "holding in" with their teams. The running back ripple effect extended to fantasy football, where analysts are debating whether Gibbs is now worth paying more than Robinson in drafts.

Training Camp Battles and Quarterback Competitions

Carson Beck make his NFL starting debut Thursday night in the Hall of Fame Game, showcasing the touch-pass touchdown that lifted the Cardinals over the Panthers in live action. The Browns' quarterback competition between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders has featured seven camp practices focused on pre-snap and post-snap techniques. Browns receiver Jeudy clarified that a gesture in a viral video was directed at his daughter, not a commentary on the team's QB battle. Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart sparked a minor dustup at practice by tossing the ball at cornerback Greg Newsome after scoring, drawing the ire of coach John Harbaugh. Cowboys cut short a planned competition between Tyler Guyton and Nate Thomas for the starting left tackle spot, installing Guyton with the first-team offense full time.

Injuries, Suspensions, and Roster Moves

Saints rookie receiver Brock Rechsteiner was suspended by the NFL for the first six games of the regular season. Texans wide receiver Tank Dell returned to practice Wednesday in a limited capacity, marking his first action since suffering a knee injury in Week 16 of 2024. Falcons edge Jalon Walker will miss the entire 2026 season due to a torn ACL, a loss described as "huge" for the team. Panthers wide Xavier Legette suffered a "stinger" on a hard fall during practice but avoided a concussion. Jets rookie end Kenyon Sadiq is expected to miss time after suffering a setback from hernia surgery in May. Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons threw a punch in a team drill and was sent to a side field for the remainder of practice. Eagles outside Nolan Smith Jr. apologized for his May arrest on charges of speeding and reckless driving, calling his actions "unacceptable."

Contract Extensions and Financial News

The Bears gave star right tackle Darnell Wright a historic four-year, $116 million extension that includes $93 million guaranteed. Texans agreed to a two-year, $16 million extension with linebacker Henry To'oTo'o. The Commanders signed wide receiver Stefon Diggs to a one-year contract worth up to $12 million, raising questions about his fit in Washington's offense. signing his four-year extension, Pro Bowl receiver Zay Flowers expressed hope that quarterback Lamar Jackson can remain with the Ravens equally as long. The Falcons extended Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Matthew Bergeron, though the team still lacks a definitive QB1. Odell Beckham impressing at Giants camp as he tries to revive his career, cited LeBron James as a comparison for maintaining a high level of play.

Hall of Fame Weekend and Legacy Stories

Drew Brees will be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, with those who know him sharing tales about how his success stemmed from more than just arm strength. Larry Fitzgerald to enter the Hall of Fame, said he has not formally or officially stepped away from football and has no plans to do so. An analysis of every active NFL player identified 17 who could retire now and still earn Hall of Fame induction, along with others on track for eventual enshrinement. fan's quest to make the case for Super Bowl MVP Ottis Anderson's Hall of Fame candidacy explores the intersection of history and psychology.

Front Office Changes and Organizational News

The Lions named Richard Haddad, who spent 14 years with the NBA's Pistons, as their new president and CEO. The Miami Dolphins named Daniel Sillman to oversee football operations while team president and CEO Tom Garfinkel stepped down after 13 years. The Chiefs' home stadium will once again be known simply as Arrowhead Stadium. Chiefs offensive Eric Bieniemy has been checking in more frequently during training camp, though it remains unclear when he will return following the shooting incident. Buccaneers GM Jason Licht stated the team has "no plans" to trade Vita Vea and still views Baker Mayfield as a franchise quarterback. Commanders cornerback Witherspoon was placed on the reserve/retired list after two stints on injured reserve last season with the Rams.

Training Camp Intel and Position Battles

Jeremy Fowler Graziano, and Mike Solak gathered intel from training camp visits to 12 teams, including the Bears, Bucs, Chargers, Chiefs, Colts, Commanders, Dolphins, Jaguars, Falcons, Packers, Rams, and Vikings. The Cowboys are buying into Dak Prescott's new "GOTI" (Greatest Offense There mantra, but questions remain about whether they can achieve that status in 2026. Bills safety Gardner-Johnson said he "can't wait" to play the Texans in Week, referencing "lies" from his former team. Parsons said playing against the Cowboys in Week 6 at Lambeau Field is "realistic" as he recovers. New Eagles defensive end AJ Epenesa expressed relief at being in Philadelphia after a one-year deal with the Browns fell through. Falcons undrafted agent quarterback Jack Strand, a Division II All-American, has earned praise for his arm strength while working with the first team. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans used NASA's trip around the moon as inspiration in a passionate speech to rally his team. Mike McCarthy blending sports science with Pittsburgh's steel-making roots to forge a different camp culture with the Steelers.

Fantasy Football and Strategic Analysis

Eric Moody insurance running backs, identifying which backups are must-drafts for fantasy managers seeking upside. Matt Bowen Tristan H. Cockcroft listed 10 fantasy picks who possess the skills but need opportunity to break out. Knockout leagues require a different draft approach due to league depth and the strategic decisions required to win. Five potential trades were proposed that teams should consider before Week 1 as rosters are mostly locked in for 2026. Josh Downs understands his time is now, as the Colts studied his production downturn in 2025 and plan to remedy it. The 49ers face questions about the futures of receivers Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, and Ricky Pearsall, including when Aiyuk might be released and whether he will sign with Washington.

Holdouts and Contract Standoffs

The latest tracking on preseason hold-ins includes the Bucs' Vita Vea and the Chargers' Tuli Tuipulotu as they work through their deals. Untold stories NFL camp holdouts and hold-ins reveal the brutal nature of these standoffs from both sides of the bargaining table. Matthew McConaughey the first person to reach out to Bijan Robinson after news of his extension broke, getting in touch within minutes. One important camp battle was identified for each NFL team as the preseason rolls on.