NFL Football 8 Hours

Last updated: August 16, 2026, 9:57 AM ET

Contract Extensions

Devon Witherspoon and the Seattle Seahawks have agreed to a four-year extension worth $132M, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Saturday. The deal makes the three-time Pro Bowl cornerback one of the highest-paid defensive backs in the league. Witherspoon, has emerged as a shutdown corner since being drafted fifth overall in 2023, recording 112 tackles, four interceptions, and 14 pass breakups in 32 career games. The extension includes $85M in guaranteed money and voids his fifth-year option, keeping him under contract through 2030. Seattle's move signals strong confidence in Witherspoon's continued development as the franchise cornerstone of their secondary. The agreement came during the second day of the league's legal tampering period, highlighting the Seahawks' urgency to lock up their star defender before he reached free agency.

Injury Updates

Rookie running back Jeremiyah Love will miss the next week to recover from a sore ankle he sustained Thursday night against the Raiders, Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur announced. Love, a third-round pick out of Notre Dame, was active for his NFL debut but did not see significant playing time before exiting with the injury. His absence opens the door for increased touches for veterans James Conner and Keaontay Ingram in Arizona's backfield. Meanwhile, Vikings safety Jamal Adams was carted off the field on Saturday shortly after making his preseason debut with Minnesota. The veteran defender, acquired in a trade from the Jets, was evaluated for a potential injury but the team has not provided further details. His status for training camp remains uncertain, which could impact Minnesota's defensive back depth chart heading into the regular season.

Coaching Moves

Titans offensive coordinator Brian Daboll has been hired to maximize quarterback Cam Ward's potential, according to reports. The Titans believe Daboll's experience developing young quarterbacks, particularly his work with Josh Allen in Buffalo, makes him the ideal architect for Ward's growth. Ward, the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft, has shown flashes of elite arm talent and poise during rookie minicamp. Daboll's track record includes turning Allen into an MVP candidate and guiding the Bills to three straight playoff appearances. His arrival in Tennessee signals a commitment to building around Ward as the franchise quarterback, with expectations that he can replicate his success with another high-profile rookie signal-caller.

Preseason Highlights

Antwaan Randle El took over playcalling duties for the second half of the Bears' preseason opener against the Browns, sparking a 24-0 run that helped Chicago secure a 34-10 victory. The former NFL receiver and current Bears assistant head coach implemented an aggressive passing attack that caught Cleveland's reserves off-guard. "The energy changed immediately," said head coach Matt Eberflus. "Antwaan brought a different tempo and creativity that our guys responded to." Randle El's adjustments included more quick-slant concepts and designed rollout throws, which resulted in 175 total yards and two touchdowns in the third quarter alone. His performance has reignited discussions about potential future playcalling opportunities at higher levels of football.

Deshaun Watson completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards in his first game action since the 2024 season, leading two scoring drives in Cleveland's 34-10 preseason loss to the Bears. Watson, who missed most of last season due to shoulder surgery, displayed improved mobility and timing with receivers Amari Cooper and Jerry Jeudy. His lone incompletion came on a deep ball intended for Cooper that was broken up by Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon. Watson's performance provided early optimism for a turnaround in Cleveland, where the offense ranked 28th in points per game last season. "I felt really comfortable out there," Watson said postgame. "The rhythm is coming back."

Rams rookie quarterback Ty Simpson delivered an impressive preseason debut, completing 21 of 25 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns against the Chiefs on Saturday. The second quarterback selected in this year's draft showcased exceptional poise in the pocket and accuracy on intermediate throws, connecting with tight end Tyler Higbee for a 45-yard score in the second quarter. Simpson's performance earned praise from head coach Sean McVay, who noted his "advanced processing speed" and pocket presence. The display has positioned Simpson as a strong candidate to compete for the starting job in training camp, particularly if Matthew Stafford's retirement plans materialize before the season begins.

Player Spotlight

Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart expressed confusion after being checked for a concussion during Saturday's preseason game against the Vikings. The rookie first-round pick said he was "puzzled" by the sideline evaluation, noting he didn't feel any symptoms that would warrant the protocol. Dart completed 8 of 12 passes for 95 yards and one touchdown before the stoppage, showing poise in his first NFL action. Team doctors cleared him to return, and he finished the game without incident. His ability to move past the scare and deliver accurate throws under pressure reinforced his standing as New York's likely Week 1 starter.

Fantasy Football

Fantasy football analysts are highlighting several undervalued players for the upcoming season, including Derrick Henry and Patrick Mahomes, who are being drafted later than their historical production suggests. Eric Karabell's "Do Draft" list features players whose current ADP doesn't reflect their projected impact, with Henry expected to benefit from increased goal-line opportunities in Baltimore and Mahomes trending toward elite efficiency metrics after a down year. Comprehensive cheat sheets and draft rankings have also been released to help fantasy managers prepare for draft season, covering PPR formats, depth charts, and positional breakdowns.

Off-Field Moments

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce called his recent wedding to Taylor Swift "the best night of my life" during his first public comments about the ceremony at Madison Square Garden. The two-time Super Bowl champion, who married the pop superstar in a private ceremony earlier this week, described the event as "incredible" and praised Swift's ability to keep the details secret. Kelce, who was mobbed by fans outside the venue, also discussed his return to training camp and his goal of winning a third consecutive championship with the Chiefs. His emotional remarks underscored the personal significance of the milestone, both professionally and personally.