NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: August 6, 2026, 11:39 PM ET

Running Back Market Reshaped by Historic Deals

The NFL's running back market underwent a seismic shift this week as the Lions made Jahmyr Gibbs the highest-paid running back in league history with a three-year, $67.5 million deal that could be worth up to $75.75 million and includes $51.5 million guaranteed, according to agent Todd France. The Colts followed suit by agreeing with Jonathan Taylor on a two-year, $44 million extension, marking the latest in a wave of lucrative deals for the position's top talents. The Falcons extended Bijan Robinson as part of a broader commitment to their offensive core that also locked up Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Matthew Bergeron, though the team still lacks a definitive QB1. 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. When word got out about Robinson's new extension with the Falcons, actor Matthew McConaughey got in touch within minutes to congratulate him. The Colts believe they can recapture their early-season success from 2025, but they couldn't do it without Taylor, whose deal reflects that optimism.

Contract Extensions Across the League

The Bears made a historic commitment up front, giving star right tackle Darnell Wright a four-year, $116 million extension that includes $93 million guaranteed, sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and NFL Network. The Texans locked up linebacker Henry To'oTo'o on a two-year, $16 million extension, sources told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport. The Commanders signed Stefon Diggs to a one-year contract worth up to $12 million, raising questions about how he will fit in Washington's offense. After signing his four-year extension, Pro Bowl receiver Zay Flowers said he hopes quarterback Lamar Jackson can be with the Ravens equally as long.

Hold-Ins, Trade Rumors, and the Vea Situation

Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht said the team has "no plans" to trade Vita Vea and still views Baker Mayfield as a franchise quarterback, putting to rest speculation about the star defensive tackle's future. The latest on Bucs' Vea and the Chargers' Tuli Tuipulotu shows both players remain in hold-in situations as they await resolution on their deals. NFL rosters are mostly locked in for 2026, but analysts have crafted five potential win-win trades teams should consider making before Week. Rams coach Sean McVay said he doesn't have an answer to whether Aaron Donald will come out of retirement this season but said their former defensive tackle "looked outstanding" during his workout with the team.

Hall of Fame Weekend Approaching

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. Former quarterback Drew Brees will be enshrined on Saturday, and those who know him share tales revealing that his success wasn't about arm strength but rather everything else — preparation, anticipation, and football IQ. One fan has made an impassioned case for Super Bowl MVP Ottis Anderson, taking a journey through history and psychology to argue for his enshrinement. Analysts went roster by roster to identify every active NFL player on track to make the Hall of Fame one day, including 17 who could retire now and get in.

Training Camp Quarterback Battles

Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders have spent seven camp practices focused on pre-snap and post-snap techniques as the Browns evaluate their quarterback competition. Jerry Jeudy clarified that the gesture he made in a viral video was in reference to his daughter, not the Browns' QB competition. Giants quarterback Jaxson 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. Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Carson Beck, who led the Miami Hurricanes to the College Football Playoff final last season, will make his NFL starting debut Thursday night in the Hall of Fame Game. 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.

Offensive Line Battles and Position Competitions

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. Analysts chose the top position battles to as training camp and the preseason roll on for every NFL team. Dak Prescott's teammates are buying into his new saying about achieving GOTI (Greatest Offense There Is) status, but questions remain whether they will push the offense to new heights in 2026.

Injuries and Setbacks

Falcons edge rusher Jalon Walker will miss the 2026 season because of a torn ACL, a devastating blow to Atlanta's defense. 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. Panthers wide receiver 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, coach Aaron Glenn said Tuesday. Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, who threw a punch in a team drill Tuesday, spent the rest of the Tennessee Titans' practice working on a side field, and coach Robert Saleh told reporters afterward the matter was being handled internally.

Front Office Moves and Team 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. Richard Haddad, who spent the past 14 years with the NBA's Pistons, has been named the president and CEO of the Lions, the team announced Wednesday. The home of the Kansas City Chiefs will once again be known simply as Arrowhead Stadium, restoring the iconic name. 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 his recent absence.

Player News and Notes

Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson said he "can't wait" to play the Texans — one of his former teams — when the Bills visit Houston in Week, citing past "lies" as motivation. New 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. Odell Beckham Jr. who has impressed at Giants training camp as he tries to revive his career, cited LeBron James as a comparison for being able to maintain a high level of play. Micah Parsons likes his chances of playing in the Packers' Week 6 game against the Cowboys at Lambeau Field, calling it a "realistic" target. Saints wide 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 put on the reserve/retired list Tuesday. Eagles outside linebacker Nolan Smith Jr. apologized Monday for his arrest in May for speeding and reckless driving, calling his actions "unacceptable."

Fantasy Football and Analysis

Answering key questions about Gibbs' record contract extension reveals who's next for the Lions in terms of extensions, the fantasy impact of the deal, and more. Matt Bowen and Tristan H. Cockcroft list players they are most excited about if and when opportunity knocks, identifying 10 fantasy picks who just need a chance. Eric Moody ranks the backup running backs with the most potential for those looking for insurance or just 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, as demonstrated in a recent mock draft. Colts receiver Josh Downs understands his time is now, as his production took a downturn in 2025 — one the Colts studied and plan to remedy.

Training Camp Culture and Coaching

Pittsburgh's new coach Mike McCarthy is blending sports science and the city's steel-making roots to forge a different camp culture, describing his approach as "tempered." Houston's coach DeMeco Ryans used NASA's trip around the moon as inspiration to rally his team, telling them "expectations" reach the moon. 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, as well as Samuel's role after returning to San Francisco.

Notable Camp Storylines

The Buccaneers' Vita Vea and the Chargers' Tuli Tuipulotu remain the focus of hold-in tracking as their contract situations continue to develop. Holdouts can be brutal, and notable stories from each side of the bargaining table offer insight into the dynamics of NFL contract disputes. The latest intel from NFL training camps includes what reporters learned at practices for the Bears, Bucs, Chargers, Chiefs, Colts, Commanders, Dolphins, Jaguars, Falcons, Packers, Rams, and Vikings.