NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: August 7, 2026, 12:14 AM ET

Running Back Market Reshaped

The Lions made Jahmyr Gibbs the highest-paid running back in NFL history with a three-year, $67.5 million extension that includes $51.5 million guaranteed and could reach $75.75 million through incentives, according to agent Todd France. The record deal raises questions about who's next for Detroit's financial commitments and what the fantasy impact will be for Gibbs' draft stock this season. The Colts and Jonathan Taylor agreed to a two-year, $44 million extension, continuing the running back spending spree that has swept across the league this offseason. The Falcons extended Bijan Robinson along with Drake London, Kyle Pitts and Matthew Bergeron, though the quarterback position remains unresolved with no definitive QB1 on the roster. Matthew McConaughey was first to congratulate Robinson on his new deal, reaching out within minutes of the news breaking. Robinson and Gibbs talked about their contract negotiations while both held in during training camp, offering each other support through the process. The Bears gave Darnell Wright a historic four-year, $116 million extension with $93 million guaranteed, resetting the right tackle market in the process. The Colts believe they can recapture their 2025 early-season success, and Taylor's extension reflects that optimism as the team invests heavily in its offensive core.

Hall of Fame Weekend

Larry Fitzgerald says he'll never officially retire, even as he prepares to enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, insisting he has no plans to formally step away from the game. Drew Brees' enshrinement comes Saturday as teammates and coaches share tales of his preparation and leadership, revealing that his success wasn't about arm strength but everything else. Barnwell projects future Hall of Famers roster by roster, including 17 active players who could retire now and get in, plus others who still have work to do. One fan makes the case for Super Bowl MVP Ottis Anderson's induction through a journey of history and psychology. Carson Beck will start for the Cardinals in the Hall of Fame Game, making his NFL debut Thursday night after leading Miami to the College Football Playoff final last season.

NFC South Notebook

Kedon Slovis threw a late touchdown pass to Bryson Green, lifting the Cardinals over the Panthers in the Hall of Fame Game. Bucs GM Jason Licht said the team has no plans to trade Vita Vea and still views Baker Mayfield as the franchise quarterback Saints rookie wide receiver Brock Rechsteiner was suspended six games by the NFL for the start of the regular season, according to the league's transaction wire. Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette suffered a stinger on a hard fall during Tuesday's practice but avoided a concussion.

AFC South Updates

C.J. Gardner-Johnson can't wait to play the Texans in Week 1 after what he called "lies" from his former team, setting up a spicy reunion. The Texans and Henry To'oTo'o agreed to a two-year, $16 million extension, locking in a key piece of their linebacker corps. Tank Dell returned to Texans practice Wednesday for the first time since his 2024 knee injury, participating in a limited capacity. DeMeco Ryans used NASA's moon mission as inspiration for a passionate speech about expectations reaching the moon for his team. Josh Downs understands his time is now after his production dipped in 2025, and the Colts have studied ways to remedy his downturn. Jeffery Simmons threw a punch during a team drill and was sent to a side field for the rest of practice, with coach Robert Saleh addressing the incident.

NFC North Notebook

Arrowhead Stadium dropped the GEHA Field naming rights and will once again be known simply as Arrowhead Stadium, the home of the Chiefs. Zay Flowers signed a four-year extension and hopes Lamar Jackson stays with the Ravens equally as long, keeping the Pro Bowl duo together. Richard Haddad was named president and CEO of the Lions after 14 years with the NBA's Pistons, a significant front office addition. Jaxson Dart sparked a practice dustup by tossing the ball at cornerback Greg Newsome after scoring, an action that did not impress coach John Harbaugh. Micah Parsons called playing against the Cowboys in Week 6 "realistic" for his Packers debut at Lambeau Field. Dak Prescott's teammates are buying into his new GOTI (Greatest Offense There Is) mantra, but can they push the offense to new heights in 2026? The Cowboys cut short their left tackle competition, installing Tyler Guyton with the first-team offense full time over Nate Thomas. Eric Bieniemy has been checking in more frequently at Chiefs camp, but his return to the coaching staff remains unclear following the shooting incident.

NFC East Notebook

Stefon Diggs signed a one-year deal worth up to $12 million with the Commanders, raising questions about fit and role in Washington's offense. Odell Beckham Jr. cited LeBron James as a comparison for maintaining a high level of play while impressing at Giants camp as he tries to revive his career. AJ Epenesa is happy to be an Eagle after his one-year deal with the Browns fell through earlier in the offseason. Ahkello Witherspoon was placed on the reserve/retired list by the Commanders after two stints on injured reserve with the Rams last season. Nolan Smith Jr. apologized for his May arrest for speeding and reckless driving at 135 mph, calling his actions "unacceptable."

Coaching & Front Office Moves

The Dolphins named Daniel Sillman to oversee football operations as Tom Garfinkel steps down after 13 years as team president and CEO. Mike McCarthy is blending sports science and Pittsburgh's steel-making roots to forge a different camp culture with the Steelers. Sean McVay said Aaron Donald "looked outstanding" in his workout, though he doesn't know if the defensive tackle will return from retirement this season.

Injuries & Suspensions

The Falcons' Jalon Walker will miss the 2026 season with a torn ACL, a huge loss for Atlanta's pass rush. Jets rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq is expected to miss time after a setback from hernia surgery in May, coach Aaron Glenn said. The 49ers face questions about Brandon Aiyuk's release timeline, Deebo Samuel's role after returning and Ricky Pearsall's development. The Browns' QB competition between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders has featured pre-snap and post-snap technique work over seven camp practices. Jerry Jeudy clarified that his viral gesture was about his daughter, not the Browns' QB competition.

Training Camp Battles & Intel

Our experts picked one important training camp battle for each NFL team to watch as the preseason rolls on. Fowler, Graziano and Solak visited 12 teams' practices and shared the latest intel from Bears, Bucs, Chargers, Chiefs, Colts, Commanders, Dolphins, Jaguars, Falcons, Packers, Rams and Vikings camps. Falcons UDFA quarterback Jack Strand has earned praise for his arm strength and ability to lead while working with the first team. The hold-in tracker shows where Vita Vea and Tuli Tuipulotu stand with their deals. Holdouts can be brutal as players, agents and teams share notable stories from the bargaining table.

Fantasy & Trades

Five NFL trades make too much sense, including win-win deals teams should consider before Week 1 as rosters are mostly locked in for 2026. Matt Bowen and Tristan Cockcroft list 10 fantasy sleepers who just need an opportunity to shine. Eric Moody ranks insurance running backs who are must-drafts for fantasy managers looking for upside. Knockout leagues require a different draft approach due to the depth of the league and the strategy required to win.