NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: August 6, 2026, 10:45 PM ET

Running Back Market Reshaped by Historic Extensions

The NFL running back market has been completely transformed over the past 72 hours, with three of the league's top young backs securing massive extensions that reset the financial landscape at the position. The Indianapolis Colts and Jonathan Taylor agreed to terms on a two-year, $44 million extension, a deal that reflects the organization's optimism about recapturing their early-season magic from 2025. Taylor's agent confirmed the agreement to ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, solidifying the star back's future in Indianapolis. The Detroit Lions then went even bigger, making 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. Gibbs' agent Todd France negotiated the record-setting agreement, which immediately raises questions about who might be next for the Lions and what the fantasy football impact will be. The Atlanta Falcons followed suit by extending Bijan Robinson, locking in their offensive core alongside Drake London, Kyle Pitts and Matthew Bergeron, though they still lack a settled QB1. Robinson and Gibbs had spoken about their respective contract negotiations during their "hold-ins" at training camp, with both players monitoring each other's situations closely. When word got out about Robinson's new extension, actor Matthew McConaughey was the first person to reach out, contacting the Falcons star within minutes of the news breaking.

Other Major Contract Extensions Across the League

Beyond the running back frenzy, several other significant extensions were finalized across the NFL. The Chicago Bears gave star right tackle Darnell Wright a historic four-year, $116 million extension that includes $93 million guaranteed, according to sources who spoke with ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and NFL Network. The Houston Texans and linebacker Henry To'oTo'o agreed to a two-year, $16 million extension, adding to a busy week of roster moves in Houston. The Washington Commanders signed veteran receiver Stefon Diggs to a one-year contract worth up to $12 million, raising questions about how he will fit into the team's offensive scheme. Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowl receiver Zay Flowers signed his four-year extension and expressed hope that quarterback Lamar Jackson will remain with the team equally as long. The Lions also made a front-office move, naming Richard Haddad, who spent the past 14 years with the NBA's Pistons, as their new president and CEO.

Hall of Fame Weekend Takes Center Stage

The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony is set for Saturday, and two legendary figures are drawing significant attention. Drew Brees will be enshrined, and those who know him say the secret to his success wasn't arm strength but rather everything else — his preparation, leadership and football intelligence. Larry Fitzgerald, who will also enter the Hall of Fame, revealed he has never formally or officially stepped away from football or the Cardinals, and he has no plans to do so. The Cardinals used the Hall of Fame Game as a platform for their rookie quarterback, with Carson Beck making his NFL starting debut Thursday night. Beck, who led the Miami Hurricanes to the College Football Playoff final last season, will get his first professional action in Canton.

Training Camp Incidents and Controversies

Training camps across the league have produced their share of drama and physical altercations. Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons threw a punch during a team drill Tuesday and spent the rest of practice working on a side field, with coach Robert Saleh addressing the incident afterward. New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart sparked a minor dustup at practice by tossing the ball at cornerback Greg Newsome after scoring, an action that did not impress coach John Harbaugh. Cleveland Browns receiver Jerry Jeudy clarified that a gesture he made in a viral video was in reference to his daughter, not the team's quarterback competition. Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette suffered a "stinger" on a hard fall during Tuesday's practice but avoided a concussion. New Eagles defensive end AJ Epenesa expressed gratitude for being in Philadelphia after a one-year deal with the Browns earlier in the offseason fell through.

Team News and Front Office Changes

Several teams made significant organizational announcements during the past three days. 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 Kansas City Chiefs revealed that their home will once again be known simply as Arrowhead Stadium, dropping the corporate naming rights. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made it clear they have "no plans" to trade Vita Vea and still view Baker Mayfield as their franchise quarterback, according to GM Jason Licht. The Washington Commanders placed cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon on the reserve/retired list after he spent two stints on injured reserve last season with the Rams. 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. The Falcons suffered a major blow when edge rusher Jalon Walker was ruled out for the 2026 season with a torn ACL.

Quarterback Competitions and Position Battles

The league's quarterback situations remain fluid as training camps progress. The Cleveland Browns are evaluating Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders, who have spent seven camp practices focused on pre-snap and post-snap techniques. The Falcons are working undrafted free agent quarterback Jack Strand with the first team, a Division II All-American who has earned praise for his arm strength and leadership. The Dallas 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. Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott's teammates are buying into his new "GOTI" (Greatest Offense There Is) mantra, though The Cowboys also got encouraging news when Micah Parsons said playing against them in Week 6 at Lambeau Field is "realistic" as he recovers from injury.

Injury Updates and Player Returns

Several players are working their way back from significant injuries, while others are dealing with new setbacks. Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell returned to practice Wednesday in a limited capacity, marking his first time on the field since suffering a knee injury in Week 16 of 2024. New York Jets rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq is expected to miss time after suffering a setback from hernia surgery in May. Panthers receiver Xavier Legette's "stinger" was the most recent injury concern, though he avoided a concussion. Odell Beckham Jr. continues to impress 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. The Saints announced that rookie wide receiver Brock Rechsteiner was suspended by the NFL for the first six games of the regular season.

Rivalries and Scheduling Notes

A notable subplot emerged involving the Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans as their Week 1 matchup approaches. Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson said he "can't wait" to play the Texans — one of his former teams — when Buffalo visits Houston in Week. The Texans' DeMeco Ryans delivered a passionate speech to his team, using NASA's trip around the moon as inspiration to rally his squad for the upcoming season. Eagles outside linebacker Nolan Smith Jr. apologized Monday for his arrest in May for speeding and reckless driving, calling the incident "unacceptable."

Fantasy Football and Draft Strategy

Fantasy football analysts are already preparing for the upcoming season with detailed draft strategies. Matt Bowen and Tristan H. Cockcroft identified 10 fantasy picks who have the skills but need an opportunity to showcase their talents. Eric Moody ranked insurance running backs, listing which backups are must-drafts for fantasy managers seeking upside at the position. Knockout leagues require a different draft approach due to the depth of the league and the strategy required to win, according to analysts who conducted a mock draft. The record-breaking running back contracts have significant fantasy implications, particularly for Gibbs and Robinson's draft values.

Training Camp Observations and League-Wide Notes

ESPN reporters have been traveling to training camps across the league, gathering intel from 12 different teams. Observations from Bears Bucs, Chargers, Chiefs, Colts, Commanders, Dolphins, Jaguars, Falcons, Packers, Rams and Vikings practices provided valuable insight into each team's progress. The Colts are studying Josh Downs' production downturn in 2025 and plan to remedy it, with the receiver understanding that his time to step up is now. Mike McCarthy is implementing a new vision for the Steelers, blending sports science and the city's steel-making roots to forge a different camp culture in Pittsburgh. The 49ers are still determining the future of receivers Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel and Ricky Pearsall, with questions remaining about Aiyuk's release and potential signing with Washington. Analysts have identified five potential win-win trades teams should consider before Week, as rosters are mostly locked in for 2026.