NFL Football 3 Hours

Last updated: August 16, 2026, 9:59 AM ET

Seahawks Lock Up Witherspoon

The Seattle Seahawks have secured their shutdown cornerback for the long haul. Three-time Pro Bowl cornerback Devon Witherspoon and the Seahawks reached an agreement on a four-year extension worth $132 million, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. The deal, which keeps Witherspoon in Seattle through the 2029 season, averages $33 million per year and includes $100 million in guarantees. Devon Witherspoon becomes the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history, surpassing Sauce Gardner's previous benchmark. The Seahawks' secondary anchor has been instrumental in Seattle's defensive resurgence, and this contract underscores the organization's commitment to building around his elite coverage skills.

Cardinals' Love to Miss Time

Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Jeremiyah Love will be sidelined for at least the next week after suffering a sore ankle during Thursday night's preseason opener against the Raiders. Coach Mike LaFleur confirmed the injury timeline, which impacts the team's backfield depth heading into the regular season. Jeremiyah Love was drafted in the third round earlier this year and was expected to compete for meaningful touches in his rookie campaign. The Cardinals will lean on their veteran runners while Love recovers, though the timeline suggests he could return in time for Week.

McVay Waits on Donald Update

Rams coach Sean McVay addressed the ongoing speculation about Aaron Donald's future, stating he won't pressure his former star defensive tackle to make a retirement decision by any arbitrary deadline. Donald, who requested his release in March after eight seasons in Los Angeles, has been weighing his options while the team moves forward with a revamped defensive line. Aaron Donald remains a future Hall of Famer whose potential return would provide a significant boost to the Rams' pass rush. McVay emphasized that he hopes Donald makes his decision "sooner than later" but understands the weight of such a life-changing choice.

Randle El's Halftime Adjustment Pays Off

Bears assistant head coach Antwaan Randle El took over playcalling duties for the second half of Chicago's preseason opener against the Browns, and his adjustments sparked a dominant 24-0 run that sealed a 34-10 victory. Antwaan Randle El implemented a more aggressive offensive approach that emphasized tempo and creative play design, helping the Bears capitalize on their opportunities. The win showcased Chicago's improved depth and execution, particularly on the offensive line and in the secondary. Randle El's promotion to interim playcaller midway through the game demonstrated the coaching staff's willingness to adapt and trust their support staff.

Watson Shows Sharp Form in Preseason Return

Quarterback Deshaun Watson made his first game appearance since the 2024 season during the Browns' 34-10 preseason loss to the Rams, and his performance offered encouraging signs for Cleveland's offense. Watson completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards and led two scoring drives, accounting for all of the Browns' points in the contest. Deshaun Watson displayed improved timing with his receivers and showed mobility on designed runs, suggesting his rust from extended absence is already dissipating. The Browns are optimistic that Watson's chemistry with Amari Cooper and Jerry Jeudy will continue to develop throughout training camp.

Adams' Preseason Debut Ends in Injury Scare

Veteran safety Jamal Adams suffered a concerning injury during his preseason debut with the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday, requiring transportation to the locker room via cart shortly after entering the game. While the team has not released an official diagnosis, the sight of Adams—known for his physical style of play—being carted off raised immediate concerns among fans and teammates alike. Jamal Adams was acquired by the Vikings in the offseason to bolster their secondary, and his availability for Week 1 remains uncertain pending further evaluation. The injury adds another layer of uncertainty to a Vikings defense that was already navigating roster changes.

Simpson's Statement Preseason Performance

Rams rookie quarterback Ty Simpson, the second quarterback selected in this year's draft, delivered a standout preseason debut against the Chiefs, completing 21 of 25 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns. Ty Simpson demonstrated poise beyond his years, efficiently managing the game and connecting with receivers at all levels of the field. His performance not only solidified his position in the quarterback competition but also provided a glimpse of his potential as a future starter. The Rams' developmental approach appears to be paying dividends early.

Dart's Concussion Protocol Confusion

Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart expressed confusion after being subjected to a concussion protocol evaluation during Saturday's preseason game against the Vikings, stating he was "puzzled" by the timing of the check. Jaxson Dart was evaluated late in the contest but was cleared to return after no issues were detected. The rookie quarterback's candid remarks highlighted the sometimes-ambiguous nature of in-game safety protocols, though the Giants organization emphasized that player welfare remains their top priority regardless of the circumstances.

Titans Turn to Daboll for Ward's Development

The Tennessee Titans have hired former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll to help maximize the potential of rookie quarterback Cam Ward, believing his offensive expertise can accelerate Ward's transition to the NFL. Brian Daboll spent last season working with young quarterbacks in Buffalo and built a strong rapport with Josh Allen during his MVP campaign. The Titans hope that Daboll's experience in developing quarterbacks will translate to similar success with Ward, who was selected with the first overall pick in the 2025 draft.

Patriots Standouts Emerge in Preseason Opener

Several New England Patriots players made strong cases for expanded roles following their performance in the team's preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts. Among those who stood out were defensive back Kyle Williams and linebacker K.J. Britt, both of whom recorded key tackles and showed versatility in coverage. Patriots vs. Colts provided an early look at how the rebuilt defense might function under new coordinator personnel. With training camp battles still unfolding, these performances give the coaching staff confidence in their roster construction heading into the regular season.

Fantasy Football Prep Intensifies

As the 2026 fantasy football season approaches, ESPN has released comprehensive draft resources including updated rankings, cheat sheets, and analysis to help fantasy managers prepare for draft day. Fantasy draft guide features position-by-position breakdowns and expert projections that account for the latest injury updates and roster moves. Additionally, Eric Karabell's "Do Draft" list highlights undervalued players like Derrick Henry and Patrick Mahomes who may be available later than their production warrants. Fantasy cheat sheets offer downloadable and printable formats for quick reference during live drafts, ensuring managers can make informed decisions under time pressure.

Undervalued Talent Worth Targeting

Eric Karabell's "Do Draft" list identifies several players being selected later than their production suggests they should be, including Derrick Henry and Patrick Mahomes. Undervalued fantasy picks provide fantasy managers with an opportunity to capitalize on market inefficiencies before draft day. These players have consistently outperformed their average draft position in recent seasons, making them prime targets for managers looking to build a competitive roster. The list also includes sleepers at key positions who could emerge as weekly starters.

Mets Troll Jayden Daniels

The New York Mets joined the growing list of teams and personalities poking fun at Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels over his jersey number dispute with LSU. Jayden Daniels became the latest subject of social media jabs after refusing to switch from No. 5, the same number he wore at LSU. The Mets' playful dig added fuel to an ongoing debate about player branding and tradition in the NFL. Daniels has remained good-natured about the situation throughout the controversy.

Training Camp Superlatives

As training camps wind down and preseason action heats up, NFL analyst Adam Solak handed out 10 completely made-up awards to recognize standout players, teams, and position battles from the summer. Training camp awards celebrate everything from most improved units to surprising roster battles that have captured attention. These lighthearted honors highlight the energy and competition that define the final stretch before the regular season begins. Several award winners are expected to carry their momentum into Week.