NFL Football 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 21, 2026, 3:30 AM ET
NFL Roster & Contract Moves
The Seattle Seahawks secured their young core by exercising the fifth-year options for both wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and star cornerback Devon Witherspoon on Friday, locking in their contracts through the 2025 season. In contrast, the San Francisco 49ers declined the option bonus for veteran offensive tackle Trent Williams, though sources indicate the team remains optimistic about finalizing a long-term extension soon. Shifting focus to free agency, the Minnesota Vikings bolstered their protection unit by signing offensive tackle Ryan Van Demark to a fresh one-year contract to add crucial depth.
Inter-Team Transactions & City Preparations
In a notable trade executed Friday, the Atlanta Falcons acquired safety Sydney Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles, a deal that also involved an exchange of mid-round selections, specifically swapping fourth- and sixth-round draft choices. Meanwhile, off-field preparations for the upcoming league spectacle are underway in Pennsylvania, where Pittsburgh Public Schools announced a shift to remote learning for students between April 22 and April 24 to accommodate the logistical demands of hosting the NFL Draft downtown.