NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: August 6, 2026, 10:00 PM ET

Running Back Market Reshaped by Historic Deals

The Detroit Lions made Jahmyr Gibbs the highest-paid running back in NFL history with a three-year, $67.5 million extension that could reach $75.75 million and includes $51.5 million guaranteed, agent Todd France told ESPN's Adam Schefter. The deal raises key questions about whether Gibbs is worth paying more than Bijan Robinson, who signed his own lucrative extension with Atlanta, and what it means for the Lions' cap flexibility Falcons running Bijan Robinson confirmed he has spoken with Gibbs about their respective contract negotiations, noting both began training camp "holding in" with their teams before reaching agreements. The Indianapolis Colts also locked up their star back, agreeing with Jonathan Taylor on a two-year, $44 million extension, according to his agent. The Colts believe they can recapture their early-season magic from 2025, but they couldn't do it without Taylor, whose new deal reflects that optimism. The Falcons extended not only Robinson but also Drake London, Kyle Pitts and Matthew Bergeron, yet they still don't have a QB1, putting the spotlight squarely on their quarterback situation. When word out about Robinson's new extension, Matthew McConaughey got in touch within minutes, making the actor one of the first to congratulate the running back.

Hall of Fame Weekend Approaches

Drew Brees will be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, and those who know him say the secret to his success wasn't arm strength — it was everything else, from preparation to precision. Larry Fitzgerald also entering the Hall of Fame, but he has not formally or officially stepped away from football or the Cardinals, and he has no plans to do so. One fan has embarked on a journey through history and psychology to make an impassioned case for Ottis Anderson, the Super Bowl MVP he believes deserves enshrinement. ESPN went by roster to identify every active NFL player who could make the Hall of Fame, including 17 who could retire now and get in.

Training Camp Battles and QB Competitions

The Cleveland Browns' quarterback competition between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders has featured seven camp practices focused on pre-snap and post-snap techniques, with the coaching staff evaluating both signal-callers closely. Jerry Jeudy that the gesture he made in a viral video was in reference to his daughter, not the Browns' QB competition, putting the controversy to rest. The Cowboys cut short a planned competition between Tyler Guyton and Nate Thomas for the starting left tackle spot, installing Guyton to practice full time with the first-team offense. Prescott's teammates are buying into his new saying about achieving GOTI — Greatest Offense There Is — status in 2026, though The Giants' Jaxson Dart sparked a minor dustup at practice by tossing the ball at cornerback Greg Newsome after scoring, an action that did not impress New York coach John Harbaugh. Falcons UDFA Jack Strand, a Division II All-American, has earned praise for his arm strength and ability to lead while working with the first team.

Training Camp Intel from Around the League

ESPN's Jeremy Dan Graziano and Ben Solak visited 12 teams' training camps, gathering intel from the Bears, Bucs, Chargers, Chiefs, Colts, Commanders, Dolphins, Jaguars, Falcons, Packers, Rams and Vikings. Odell Beckham Jr. has impressed at Giants training camp as he tries to revive his career, citing LeBron James as a comparison for maintaining a high level of play at an advanced age. Parsons likes his chances of playing in the Packers' Week 6 game against the Cowboys at Lambeau Field, calling it a "realistic" goal. Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has been checking in more frequently with the team during training camp, but it remains unclear when he will return to the coaching staff following the shooting incident. Steelers coach McCarthy is blending sports science and the city's steel-making roots to forge a different camp culture in Pittsburgh, a vision he describes as "tempered."

Injuries and Roster Moves

Falcons edge rusher Jalon Walker will miss the 2026 season because of a torn ACL, a "huge loss" for the Atlanta defense. Texans wide Tank Dell, who missed last season after a knee injury in Week 16 of 2024, returned to practice Wednesday in a limited capacity. Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette suffered a "stinger" on a hard fall during Tuesday's practice but does not have a concussion. Jets rookie end Kenyon Sadiq is expected to miss time after suffering a setback from hernia surgery in May, coach Aaron Glenn said Tuesday. Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons threw a punch in a team drill Tuesday and spent the rest of practice working on a side field, with coach Robert Saleh addressing the incident afterward. Saints rookie receiver Brock Rechsteiner was suspended by the NFL for the first six games of the regular season, according to the league's transaction wire. Commanders cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon, who spent two stints on injured reserve last season with the Rams, was placed on the reserve/retired list Tuesday. Eagles outside Nolan Smith Jr. apologized Monday for his arrest in May for speeding and reckless driving, calling his actions "unacceptable."

Front Office and League News

The Miami Dolphins named Daniel Sillman to oversee football operations and announced that team president and CEO Tom Garfinkel is stepping down after 13 years in that role. The Lions named Richard Haddad, who spent the past 14 years with the NBA's Pistons, as their new president and CEO. The home of the Kansas City Chiefs will once again be known simply as Arrowhead Stadium, returning to its classic name. The Buccaneers have "no plans" to trade Vita Vea and still view Baker Mayfield as a franchise quarterback, according to GM Jason Licht. Bills safety Gardner-Johnson said he "can't wait" to play the Texans — one of his former teams — when the Bills visit Houston in Week, citing "lies" from his time there.

Contract Extensions and Signings

Texans linebacker Henry To'oTo'o agreed Thursday to a two-year, $16 million extension, according to sources. The Commanders signed Stefon Diggs to a one-year contract worth up to $12 million, and the move raises questions about his fit in Washington's offense. The Bears gave star right tackle Darnell Wright a historic four-year, $116 million extension that includes $93 million guaranteed, according to sources. Pro Bowl receiver Zay Flowers signed his four-year extension with the Ravens and said he hopes quarterback Lamar Jackson can be with Baltimore equally as long. Eagles defensive end AJ Epenesa said he's "happy" he's not a Brown after a one-year deal with Cleveland earlier in the offseason fell through. The Buccaneers' Vita Vea and the Chargers' Tuli Tuipulotu remain in hold-in situations as they await new deals. Holdouts can be brutal, and ESPN has collected notable stories from each side of the bargaining table.

Preseason Kicks Off

Cardinals rookie quarterback Carson Beck, who led the Miami Hurricanes to the College Football Playoff final last season, made his NFL starting debut Thursday night in the Hall of Fame Game against the Panthers. showed off with a touch-pass touchdown to lift the Cardinals over the Panthers in the preseason opener. The 49ers' receiver situation remains fluid, with questions about when Brandon Aiyuk will be released, whether he'll sign with Washington, and what Deebo Samuel's role is after returning to San Francisco. ESPN's Matt and Tristan H. Cockcroft listed players they are most excited about in fantasy football, focusing on 10 picks who just need an opportunity. Eric Moody ranked insurance running backs, identifying which backups are must-drafts for fantasy owners. leagues require a different draft approach due to the depth of the league and the strategy required to win, according to ESPN's mock draft analysis.

Trades and Team Needs

NFL rosters are mostly locked in for 2026, but ESPN crafted five potential win-win deals teams should consider making before Week. Downs understands his time is now with the Colts, as his production took a downturn in 2025 — one the Colts studied and plan to remedy. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans used NASA's trip around the moon as inspiration to rally his team, saying "expectations" have reached the moon for Houston. ESPN also out one important training camp battle for each NFL team to as the preseason rolls on.