NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: August 6, 2026, 10:08 PM ET

Running Back Market Reshaped by Historic Extensions

The Detroit Lions have made Jahmyr Gibbs the highest-paid running back in NFL history with a three-year, $67.5 million deal that could be worth up to $75.75 million and includes $51.5 million guaranteed. The Indianapolis Colts followed suit by agreeing with Jonathan Taylor on a two-year, $44 million extension, according to the star running back's agent. The Colts believe they can recapture their early-season success from 2025, but they couldn't do it without Jonathan Taylor. Falcons running Bijan Robinson said he has spoken with Gibbs, his Lions counterpart, about their respective contract negotiations, as both began training camp "holding in" with their teams. extended Robinson along with Drake London, Kyle Pitts and Matthew Bergeron, but they still don't have a QB1. When word got out about Robinson's new extension with the Falcons, it didn't take long for actor Matthew McConaughey to get in touch — in fact, it was only a matter of minutes. The Bears also made a historic investment in the offensive line, giving star right tackle Darnell Wright a four-year, $116 million extension that includes $93 million guaranteed.

Hall of Fame Weekend Brings Tributes and Debates

Drew Brees will be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, and those who know him share tales that his success wasn't based on arm strength but everything else. As he prepares to enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Larry Fitzgerald has not formally or officially stepped away from football or the Cardinals, and he has no plans to do so. ESPN went roster by roster to pick out the NFL players who are on track to make the Hall of Fame one day, including 17 who could retire now and get in. One fan an impassioned case for Super Bowl MVP Ottis Anderson through a journey through history and psychology.

Training Camp Notebook: Key Storylines Across the League

The Arizona Cardinals will start rookie quarterback Carson Beck in Thursday night's Hall of Fame Game, with the Miami Hurricanes product making his NFL starting debut. showed off with a touch-pass touchdown to lift the Cardinals over the Panthers in the preseason opener. Texans wide receiver Tank Dell, who missed last season after a knee injury in Week 16 of 2024, returned to practice Wednesday in a limited capacity. Giants quarterback Dart sparked a minor dustup at practice Tuesday by tossing the ball at cornerback Greg Newsome after scoring, an action that did not impress New York coach John Harbaugh. Titans defensive Jeffery Simmons threw a punch in a team drill Tuesday and spent the rest of practice working on a side field. Falcons edge rusher Jalon Walker will miss the 2026 season because of a torn ACL. Panthers wide Xavier Legette suffered a "stinger" on a hard fall during Tuesday's practice but does not have a concussion. Jets rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq is expected to miss time after suffering a setback from hernia surgery in May. Odell Beckham impressed at Giants training camp as he tries to revive his career, citing LeBron James as a comparison for being able to maintain a high level of play. Parsons likes his chances of playing in the Packers' Week 6 game against the Cowboys at Lambeau Field. The Cowboys cut short a planned competition between Tyler Guyton and Nate Thomas for the starting left tackle spot, with Guyton installed to practice full time with the first-team offense. Jerry Jeudy the gesture he made in a viral video was in reference to his daughter, not the Browns' quarterback competition.

Training Camp Intel and Position Battles

reporters Jeremy Fowler, Dan Graziano and Matt Solak shared what they learned on the road at training camp for the Bears, Bucs, Chargers, Chiefs, Colts, Commanders, Dolphins, Jaguars, Falcons, Packers, Rams and Vikings. Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders have spent seven camp practices focused on pre-snap and post-snap techniques in the Browns' quarterback competition. ESPN selected the top position battles to as training camp and the preseason roll on for every NFL team. Falcons undrafted free agent quarterback Jack Strand, a Division II All-American, has earned praise for his arm strength and ability to lead while working with the first team. Steelers coach Mike McCarthy is blending sports science and the city's steel-making roots to forge a different camp culture. 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. Colts receiver Downs understands his time is now, as his production took a downturn in 2025, one the Colts studied and plan to remedy.

Transactions and Signings Across the League

Texans linebacker Henry To'oTo'o agreed Thursday to a two-year, $16 million extension. The Commanders have signed Stefon Diggs to a one-year contract worth up to $12 million. signing his four-year extension, Pro Bowl receiver Zay Flowers said he hopes quarterback Lamar Jackson can be with the Ravens equally as long. The Buccaneers have "no plans" to trade Vita Vea and still view Baker Mayfield as a franchise QB, according to GM Jason Licht. 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. Richard Haddad spent the past 14 years with the NBA's Pistons, has been named the president and CEO of the Lions. The home of the Kansas City Chiefs will once again be known simply as Arrowhead Stadium. Eagles outside linebacker Nolan Smith Jr. apologized Monday for his arrest in May for speeding and reckless driving. Commanders cornerback Witherspoon, who spent two stints on injured reserve last season with the Rams, was put on the reserve/retired list Tuesday. Saints wide receiver Brock Rechsteiner was suspended by the NFL for the first six games of the regular season. Eagles defensive end AJ Epenesa is grateful to be in Philadelphia after a one-year deal with the Browns earlier in the offseason fell through.

Fantasy Football and Strategy

analysts Matt Bowen and Tristan H. Cockcroft list players they are most excited about if and when opportunity knocks for fantasy drafts. Eric Moody insurance running backs with the most potential for those looking for upside at the position. Knockout leagues require a different draft approach due to the depth of the league and the strategy required to win. Prescott's teammates are buying into his new saying about becoming the "Greatest Offense There Is," but will they push the offense to new heights in 2026?

Preseason Storylines and Holdouts

Here is the latest on the Bucs' Vita Vea and the Chargers' Tuli Tuipulotu and where they stand with their deals amid NFL preseason hold-ins. Holdouts can be brutal, and ESPN shared notable stories from each side of the bargaining table. 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." Houston's coach DeMeco Ryans used NASA's trip around the moon as inspiration to rally his team, saying "expectations reach the moon." NFL rosters are mostly locked in for 2026, but ESPN crafted five potential win-win deals teams should consider making before Week.