NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: August 7, 2026, 1:52 PM ET

Running Back Market Reset

The NFL's running back market experienced a seismic shift this week as the Detroit Lions signed Jahmyr Gibbs to a record extension, making him the highest-paid player at his position and answering five key questions about the deal's fantasy impact. The Indianapolis Colts followed suit by agreeing to a two-year, $44 million extension with star running back Jonathan Taylor, a deal that reflects the team's optimism about recapturing their 2025 magic. Falcons running back Bijan Robinson revealed he has spoken with Gibbs about their negotiations, as both players began training camp holding in with their respective teams before securing their paydays. Robinson's own extension with Atlanta came shortly after, and the first person to congratulate him was Matthew McConaughey, who called within minutes of the news breaking.

More Key Extensions and Signings

The Chicago Bears made a historic commitment to their offensive line, agreeing with right tackle Darnell Wright on a four-year, $116 million extension that includes $93 million guaranteed, a record for offensive linemen. The Buffalo Bills locked up their own protection, reaching a four-year, $78.4 million deal with right guard O'Cyrus Torrence that includes $46 million guaranteed. The Houston Texans extended linebacker Henry To'oTo'o on a two-year, $16 million deal, while the Washington Commanders signed Stefon Diggs to a one-year contract worth up to $12 million, answering five key questions about his fit in the nation's capital. The Baltimore Ravens' Pro Bowl receiver Zay Flowers signed his four-year extension and immediately expressed hope that quarterback Lamar Jackson will remain with the team equally as long.

Quarterback Competitions and Debuts

The Cleveland Browns' quarterback competition between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders has featured seven camp practices focused on pre-snap techniques, with the team still evaluating both signal-callers. The Minnesota Vikings are nearing a decision in their own battle, with the latest buzz suggesting Kyler Murray is favored over J.J. McCarthy to lead the offense. Arizona Cardinals rookie Carson Beck made his NFL starting debut in the Hall of Fame Game, completing 15 of 19 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown with a 125.4 quarterback rating in a 33-30 loss to the Panthers. Beck's performance was called a "good first steppingstone" as he led the Cardinals, though Kedon Slovis' touchdown pass to Bryson Green ultimately lifted the Cardinals over the Panthers late. The Falcons have turned to undrafted free agent quarterback Jack Strand with the first-team offense, as the Division II All-American has earned praise for his arm strength and leadership.

Training Camp Incidents and Updates

Tennessee 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. 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. Odell Beckham Jr. has impressed at Giants training camp as he tries to revive his career, and he cited LeBron James as a comparison for maintaining a high level of play. Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette suffered a "stinger" on a hard fall during Tuesday's practice but avoided a concussion. The Jets' rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq is expected to miss time after suffering a setback from hernia surgery in May.

Injury News and Roster Moves

The Falcons suffered a significant blow as edge rusher Jalon Walker will miss the 2026 season because of a torn ACL, a loss that could impact their defensive depth. Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell returned to practice Wednesday in a limited capacity for the first time since his knee injury in Week 16 of 2024. The Saints will be without rookie wide receiver Brock Rechsteiner for the first six games of the regular season due to an NFL suspension. New Eagles defensive end AJ Epenesa expressed relief about being in Philadelphia after his one-year deal with the Browns fell through earlier in the offseason.

Hall of Fame Weekend

As the Pro Football Hall of Fame prepares to enshrine its newest class, Larry Fitzgerald explained why he'll never retire, saying he has no plans to formally step away from football or the Cardinals. Drew Brees will be enshrined Saturday, and those who know him share that the secret to his success wasn't arm strength but everything else about his preparation and leadership. One fan's quest to make the case for Ottis Anderson's Hall of Fame candidacy explores the history and psychology behind his favorite Super Bowl MVP. Bill Barnwell went roster by roster to project every active NFL player who could make the Hall of Fame, including 17 who could retire now and get in.

Team News and Front Office Moves

The Detroit Lions named Richard Haddad as their new president and CEO, bringing him over after 14 years with the NBA's Pistons. 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. The Kansas City Chiefs' home will once again be known as simply Arrowhead Stadium after dropping the GEHA Field naming rights. Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has been checking in more frequently with the team during training camp, but it remains unclear when he will fully return to the coaching staff.

Position Battles and Outlooks

The Cowboys cut short their planned competition at left tackle, installing Tyler Guyton with the first-team offense full time after giving him all the reps. Tampa Bay's third-year running back Bucky Irving sent a message to his doubters entering Year, saying "I've been doubted my whole life." Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht confirmed there are no plans to trade Vita Vea and that Baker Mayfield remains the franchise quarterback. Jerry Jeudy clarified his viral video gesture was in reference to his daughter, not the Browns' quarterback competition. The Cowboys are buying into Dak Prescott's new "GOTI" saying, but the question remains whether they can achieve Greatest Offense There Is status in 2026.

Around the League

Rams coach Sean McVay said former All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald "looked outstanding" in a workout, though he doesn't have an answer on whether Donald will come out of retirement. Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson said he can't wait to play the Texans in Week 1, one of his former teams, after what he called "lies." Micah Parsons likes his chances of playing in the Packers' Week 6 game against the Cowboys at Lambeau Field. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans used NASA's trip around the moon as inspiration to rally his team, saying "expectations" have reached the moon in Houston.

Fantasy and Analysis

Matt Bowen and Tristan H. Cockcroft list players they are most excited about, identifying 10 fantasy picks who just need a chance when opportunity knocks. Eric Moody ranks the must-draft insurance running backs for fantasy managers looking for upside at the position. A knockout league mock draft reveals how strategy and depth affect picks early and often in this unique format. We also picked out one important training camp battle for each NFL team to as the preseason rolls on, and crafted five NFL trades that make too much sense for teams to consider before Week.