Brock Purdy is getting a vote of confidence from someone who knew him before the San Francisco 49ers did. Xavier Hutchinson, who played receiver alongside Purdy at Iowa State, says his former college teammate belongs in the top-10 quarterback conversation.
Asked directly whether he believes Purdy is a top-10 quarterback in the league, Hutchinson didn't hesitate.
"Yeah, I don't see why not," Hutchinson said on Good Morning Football. "You have to prove it every single season, and every single game. And I think that's exactly what he's done. I'm super excited for him because I don't even think this is the best that we've seen of him. And I know that he believes that himself, too. There's so many areas that he has to work on. And I'm excited to see him put it all together. I just wish him the best, man. That's my guy."
The 26-year-old has thrown 84 career touchdown passes and 11,685 passing yards since taking over as the 49ers' starter as a rookie in 2022. His 2025 season was limited to nine starts because of toe and shoulder injuries, but he still threw for 2,167 yards, 20 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in that span, along with three rushing touchdowns.
Hutchinson's comments come as Purdy heads into a pivotal fourth full season as San Francisco's starter, one that carries heavy expectations after last year's injury-shortened campaign. The 49ers spent the offseason retooling around him, and for the first time in years, Purdy could open a season with a healthy offensive line in front of him.
Running back Christian McCaffrey returns as the offense's centerpiece, and San Francisco added veteran receiver Mike Evans in free agency to give Purdy a true No. 1 target on the outside. Tight end George Kittle, who is working back from a torn Achilles suffered in the postseason, remains a question mark for the start of the year, but his eventual return would give Purdy a full complement of weapons for the first time since 2023.
With the pieces in place, 2026 shapes up as a defining season for Purdy, one where health and continuity, not talent, may determine whether he validates the top-10 billing from those who know him best.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have long lived and died on the hill that their linebackers have built over the years. When their defense has been dominant, the play of their linebackers has led the charge. However, as we saw in 2025, when they do not have the depth or high-level play, they are at the mercy of opposing offenses.
Now, going into 2026, the team has revamped its group after the retirement of Lavonte David. They brought in Alex Anzalone in free agency and drafted Josiah Trotter. Both of them should bring new energy to the position, but it leaves SirVocea Dennis out in the cold.
That is where a trade now makes sense for the young linebacker.
Bleacher Report's Moe Moton recently wrote up one trade every NFL team should consider making and he mentioned the Bucs need to move on from Dennis. He writes, "Tampa Bay revamped its linebacker unit with the addition of Alex Anzalone, Christian Rozeboom and rookie second-rounder Josiah Trotter. Although Dennis started in 16 games, logging 101 tackles (10 for loss), three sacks and an interception with the club in the previous season, he may be expendable because of the new acquisitions. It's also worth noting the three-year pro allowed a 122 passer rating last year. Dennis' limitations on passing downs could cost him a roster spot."
Dennis has a role somewhere in 2026, it just shouldn't be with the Bucs based on their depth chart.
The NFL's annual Top 100 Players ranking isn't perfect, but more often than not, it has rewarded consistency. We may disagree with the order in which players are often stacked (see Lamar Jackson's finish this year), but most thought the Baltimore Ravens would be well represented.
That's exactly why Roquan Smith's latest appearance matters. Don't look now, but one of the Ravens' defensive captains cracks the list again. He lands at 65. It's another reminder that one of football's most dependable defenders continues earning the respect of those who compete against him every Sunday.
Roquan Smith continues building a remarkable resume
Every summer, new stars emerge while others disappear from the list entirely. Injuries, production, and team success all influence where players ultimately land, making longevity one of the most impressive accomplishments the ranking can recognize.
Smith's NFL journey has been defined by excellence from the very beginning. Selected eighth overall by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, he immediately established himself as one of the league's premier young linebackers, earning PFWA All-Rookie Team honors during his first professional season. Since then, the accolades have continued piling up.
Smith has been named a first-team All-Pro three consecutive seasons from 2022 through 2024 after earning second-team All-Pro recognition in both 2020 and 2021. He's also appeared in four straight Pro Bowls while capturing the professional Butkus Award twice, cementing his reputation as one of the NFL's premier off-ball linebackers.
That success has continued in Baltimore, where Smith has become far more than an elite tackler.
Baltimore's defensive identity starts with No. 0
The Ravens feature stars at every level of their defense. Kyle Hamilton remains one of football's most versatile defensive backs. Marlon Humphrey continues leading the secondary, while Trey Hendrickson strengthens an already dangerous pass rush. Even with all that talent, Smith remains the defense's heartbeat.
His leadership, communication, and instincts consistently place teammates in a position to succeed before the football is ever snapped. Those qualities rarely appear on a stat sheet, but they remain essential to Baltimore's defensive identity. Landing at No. 65 won't generate the same headlines as some of the league's offensive stars, and that's perfectly fitting. Smith has never built his career around attention. He's built it around consistency. Year after year, season after season, he continues proving why teammates, opponents, and fellow NFL players still view him as one of football's premier defensive leaders.
The Minnesota Vikings roster underwent a bit of an overhaul this offseason, leaving quite a few holes to be filled. While some will likely be filled with some of their free agent signings, Minnesota will need its rookies to step up in a big way in 2026. With opportunities to be had, are there any rookies who have a shot at starting this upcoming season?
Kevin Seifert of ESPN looked at all the rookies on the Vikings roster and went over their chances of starting this season. While starting multiple rookies could be dangerous, Seifert believes that both rookie defensive tackles, Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange, have real chances to be on the field in week one. Jake Golday and Jakobe Thomas could also see early work for Minnesota, with Thomas potentially being in the mix to replace Harrison Smith.
Minnesota made a concerted effort to get a little younger this offseason, and it worked. Now, it is time to see if the youth movement will pay off, especially on defense. This Brian Flores scheme is not one easily learned, but if the young pups can pick it up fast, Minnesota should find themself in a similar spot in the team defense rankings from a year ago.
The San Francisco 49ers are set to enter training camp with arguably the best situation at quarterback of any team in the league, as they have a strong starter in Brock Purdy, a more-than-capable backup in Mac Jones, a veteran third-string option in Adrian Martinez and a developmental piece in Kurtis Rourke.
We saw how important quarterback depth was last year in San Francisco, as Purdy missed eight games, Jones played through injuries and Rourke spent the season on NFI while recovering from a torn ACL.
With that, it's been frequently suggested that the 49ers should trade Jones this offseason, but general manager John Lynch has yet to pull the trigger, with reports that their asking price was too high.
Now, with less than two months before the start of the season, Bleacher Report's Moe Moton has urged the 49ers to trade Jones, but only if they can get a second-round pick in return.
San Francisco could possibly get up to a conditional third-round pick in the 2028 NFL draft if Jones leaves in free agency next offseason, so securing a second-round pick, possibly in the 2027 NFL draft, would be better compensation.
However, it's unclear if any team is willing to offer that at the moment. The 49ers may have to wait until a team loses their starter to a long-term injury before someone is willing to part with a second-round pick.
There's also a chance that the 49ers want to keep Jones around for the insurance in case Purdy gets hurt again. We've seen what he looks like in this offense, and he seems to be a great teammate, so there's really no downside to keeping him.
As there's zero chance the Cowboys are going to give Pickens a raise at this point, the fifth-year wideout is set to earn $27.3 million in salary; a mountain in comparison to what he earned across the four seasons of his second-round rookie contract signed with his original team, the Pittsburgh Steelers. And with that, Phase No. 3 of the Cowboys acquisition of Pickens is now complete. On to Phase No. 4.
First was the initial acquisition, sending a third-round pick and a fifth-round pick to acquire the former University of Georgia star. Next was getting him an opportunity to perform with a top-tier quarterback like Dak Prescott, unleashing a 1,400-yard, nine-score seasons. The third phase was slapping the franchise tag on Pickens, effectively using the same tool as a fifth-year option that is often placed on first-round draft picks.
On a recent appearance on Crown Global Media's Doing Alright podcast, NFL beat writer Jane Slater stated multiple times, the thing that gave the Cowboys pause in hitching their wagons was the breaking of team rules during their trip to face the Las Vegas Raiders, and the fact that he roped in the player whom they already paid the big contract to, CeeDee Lamb.
The pause had the Cowboys do a smart thing, placing the non-exclusive tag on Pickens and having the rest of the league prove to the player and his agent that his reputation was still in play. His performance on its own would've validated a team agreeing to a deal with Pickens and offering the Cowboys high-pedigree trade compensation, but no offers came.
Certainly, there were teams that would've paid the money by itself, but the trade kicker was too much, giving the Cowboys the upper hand for these next few phases.
The Cowboys have as much contractual control over Pickens they could want and can keep Pickens on the roster for several years at less than market value.
Combined with his $3.6 million price tag last season, the Cowboys got two years of All-Pro receiver play (projecting a similar output in 2026) for a third-round pick and $15.5 million a season.
That Average Annual Value (AAV) would rank 29th among NFL wideouts if it were a two-year deal. Even adding in a second tag in 2027, which would be for 120% or $32.8 million, Pickens would still be far below the current going rate. $63.7 million across three years is still just a $21.2 million AAV.
That's still outside the Top 20 of current wideout averages.
Puka Nacua may take that top slot, but he checked himself into rehab this spring. Is Chris Olave that guy? Likely not going to move the needle that much ahead. $47.2 million for Pickens would be outrageous in that light. But from the perspective of how much Dallas would have paid across four years since the trade?
$111 million. That's still just a $27.7 million average across four seasons.
Even if one were to look at new money from this point forward, excluding the rookie-deal 2025 salary, three franchise tags still comes up to $107.3 million across three years, or a $35.8 million average. That's steep, and clearly higher than Dallas may want to venture, but it's a year-by-year deal where there's never a commitment to future years.
Two tags? No brainer at $60 million total, $30 million per season. Would they love to spread out the cap hit across future seasons? Of course, but of all the teams who know how to manage the single-year big tag hit, it's the Cowboys.
The Cowboys can get off of the ride at anytime. They can allow Pickens to reach free agency next year, knowing his next contract would guarantee a shot at a top-100 pick in compensatory return. They can tag Pickens again next spring, have him return for 2027 or work out a trade for anything better than that comp pick; and the exchange would almost certainly be much, much better. They can even tag him a third time and keep him for 2028 if they are willing to carry that much cap hit for one player.
That isn't likely to be in the cards, but it does exist in the hand the Cowboys are holding.
We are entering one of the best times on the football calendar: training camps. But this also means that you are likely preparing for your home league's fantasy football draft, which is almost as beloved as the start of camp. We spend all this time researching, looking at rankings, and trying to decide the roster we want to target for week one. While Justin Jefferson is always a target, are there any late-round fliers worth taking?
Alex Kay of Bleacher Report went over ideal late-round quarterbacks to target in fantasy football drafts for 2026 and listed Kyler Murray at the top of the list. Murray currently sits as QB17 with an ADP of 112. Here is part of what Kay had to say:
At his best, Murray is a dynamic dual-threat weapon who can dissect defenses with his arm and rack up yardage and scores with his legs. He boasts a career 67.1 percent completion rate with 20,460 yards and 121 touchdowns through the air in 87 contests. Murray's scrambling ability is what truly separates him in fantasy football, as he's picked up 400-plus rushing yards and scored at least five touchdowns on the ground in each of the four seasons he missed three or fewer games during.
Although he's only being drafted as a backup in most leagues, Murray will have a legitimate shot at putting together his best season yet. He'll be working under a renowned quarterback whisperer in Kevin O'Connell while playing alongside some of the league's top pass-catching weapons such as Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and Jauan Jennings.
Yes, Murray is likely not going to be anyone's first quarterback taken. However, if you are in a 2QB league or playing with SuperFlex, Murray is a very good flier to take. He is surrounded by the most talented he has had, with the best offensive line and coaching staff to support him. If there was a time to find the old Murray, it's this year with the Minnesota Vikings.
As we are now in the month of July, that means training camps are set to begin, and movement is about to begin in the NFL. Depth charts will shuffle, waivers will be used, and it all will lead to some new visions for teams developing.
Until then, we get to look at some final power rankings before all that shuffling begins. The latest we are looking at is from Bleacher Report's NFL department. They ranked the Bucs 16th after an offseason that was confusing, yet predictable, at times.
Their Brent Sobleski writes, "One way or another, 2026 is going to be a pivotal season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They looked like one of the top teams in the NFC early last season before a rash of significant injuries led to a late-season slide. . .Tampa will have to stay healthy, adequately replace its departed stars, and get the good version of Mayfield to reclaim its spot atop the NFC South. If those things don't happen, we could see significant changes next offseason."
The rest of the NFC South shaped up, with the Carolina Panthers being ranked 20th after their moves. The rest of the division has the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons being ranked 23rd and 26th, respectively.
Each offseason, the NFL counts down its top 100 players from the previous season. This leads to some fun conversation and like any list, plenty of debate and controversy.
Recently, Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton was revealed as the No. 68 best player in the league in 2025. That's not offensive players, that's the best overall players. This news was likely received in many different ways. Plenty of fans were probably mystified, while those within Broncos Country were likely thrilled to see Sutton finally get some respect on a larger level.
Last season, Sutton caught 74 passes, the second-most in any season in his career, for 1,017 yards and seven touchdowns. Those numbers helped him get selected to the Pro Bowl for the second time in his career. Still, was he really the 68th-best player in the whole league last season? There may even be some Broncos fans who question that.
That will be put into further question when you consider some of the names on the list behind him, such as Lamar Jackson (69), his own teammate Zach Allen (72), Baker Mayfield (77), A.J. Brown (80), Jeffery Simmons (83) and Brock Purdy (85).
However, it's important to keep in mind that the players vote on these rankings. It's easy for those sitting on the sidelines who analyze the game to question the voting process, but the fact that these rankings are created by the players who compete against these guys is hard to argue against.
Sutton has been the consummate professional in Denver. He's overcome tough injuries to become one of the best receivers in Broncos history, but he is rarely recognized on a national scale despite being the team's No. 1 wide receiver for several seasons now.
Sutton will move into the No. 2 role this season with Jaylen Waddle joining the team, but he may be even more effective in that role as he is much better suited for it at this stage in his career.
There are going to be critics who feel that Sutton is way too high on this list, seeing him as an average possession receiver who is good, but not great. That is how he has been viewed for the majority of his career.
However, Sutton will have no apologies to make for receiving this recognition and the fact that he got it should send him into the upcoming season with his confidence riding a mile high.
Nov 8, 2025; Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Montreal Alouettes quarterback Davis Alexander (10) throws a pass against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Eastern Final at Hamilton Stadium. John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The first six weeks of the CFL season have given us a lot of interesting information, and stacking the teams is a difficult task.
The 2026 CFL season is six weeks old, and after Week 7, one-third of the Canadian Football League schedule will already be complete. Ranking all 9 clubs is getting both easier and more difficult at the same time. Multiple teams are pulling away from the pack in both directions, but even at the top of the league, there is genuine confusion about who should be at the top. Winning a head-to-head matchup doesn’t automatically mean a team ranks higher when you have 5 games of evidence to weigh. Here’s where every CFL team stands going into Week 7.
Table of contents
9. Ottawa Redblacks
8. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
7. BC Lions
6. Toronto Argonauts
5. Calgary Stampeders
4. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
3. Edmonton Elks
2. Saskatchewan Roughriders
1. Montreal Alouettes
9. Ottawa Redblacks
Coach Ryan Dinwiddie has not done enough to take this team to the next level. The hope was that quarterback Jake Maier, combined with free agent investments like running back Greg Bell and Micah Awe, would push the Redblacks toward .500 at the end of the season. That hasn’t happened, as Ottawa sits at 0-5. Dinwiddie is finding out that a high-priced running back doesn’t mean much without an offensive line to open lanes.
Maier isn't attacking downfield enough, instead throwing short before the sticks, and failing to bail the team out when things get murky. Even when the Redblacks grabbed a 10-0 lead against the Saskatchewan Roughriders thanks to a couple of turnovers, they couldn’t sustain it. Now that Dru Brown has shown he can be successful with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, the question lingers: did Dinwiddie make the right call? I’m not convinced.
8. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
A couple of weeks ago, Hamilton would have been ranked 1st or 2nd. Bo Levi Mitchell was cooking, throwing as many touchdowns as incompletions across a 2-week stretch. He broke and/or dislocated his ankle against the Blue Bombers, which required surgery, and everything changed.
Jake Dolegala got the start against Saskatchewan and was terrible. The game was 18-7 at the beginning of the fourth quarter before it spiraled out of control with multiple turnovers. Coach Scott Milanovich seems confident Mitchell could return by season’s end, but if the Tiger-Cats don’t weather the storm, the playoffs won’t even be within their grasp. Despite signing this offseason to be the No. 2, Trey Ford wan't trusted enough to start, as the team chose Dolegala over him. Until Hamilton finds stability at quarterback, things will likely get worse.
7. BC Lions
Nathan Rourke has done a solid job trying to keep this team afloat despite a defense that has been dreadful. The Lions are 5th in points scored but 6th in points allowed, and that gap of scoring 30.8 while surrendering 34.3 is frustrating. Much of that damage came in a blowout loss to the Tiger-Cats, while a rouge against Saskatchewan in the season opener cost them a potential game-tying field goal. The defense needs to stop giving up big plays. If it can stabilize, Rourke, the 2025 Most Outstanding Player and Most Outstanding Canadian, should be able to carry the offense with James Butler, Keon Hatcher, and Justin McInnis flanking him.
The Argonauts are higher on this list than they would be on most because of what Chad Kelly is doing offensively. He is attacking vertically and exploiting coverages down the field. Unfortunately, he’s making too many mistakes and has thrown almost as many interceptions as touchdowns. Even so, the explosive passing game is this team’s calling card.
The offense is second in the league at 34.2 points per game, while the defense is the league’s worst at 36.6. If Toronto can get that number of points allowed down to around 30, the Argonauts can go on a run. It doesn't help that they won’t play a home game for another 3 weeks. Their first 7 games are all on the road, a brutal stretch partly self-inflicted by ownership’s unwillingness to invest in an alternate venue due to displacement from the World Cup.
5. Calgary Stampeders
The Stampeders have been inconsistent despite that massive game from Vernon Adams Jr. against the Argonauts, as he scored 7 total touchdowns, something Doug Flutie never did in Calgary. They are the No. 1 scoring offense, but No. 7 in scoring defense, and that inconsistency is what keeps them down this low. Right now, the Stampeders are coming off a loss to the Montreal Alouettes. The defensive line, led by Clarence Hicks, Folarin Orimolade, and Jalen Hutchings, needs to generate more pressure to make life easier on the secondary. If they put it all together, they’re a real Grey Cup contender.
This ranking is higher than it would have been before the Dru Brown game. When Brown stepped in, he was excellent: 25-of-31 for over 300 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. He would have had a second touchdown if not for a fumble inside the 5-yard line by Pokey Wilson on the opening drive.
Brown threw with touch, zip, precision, and timing. With Zach Collaros at quarterback, he wasn't doing any of those things. Winnipeg is last in the league in points scored at 22 per game. Brown’s one start? 31 points. Collaros went down with a neck injury against the Tiger-Cats, and it looks like more of a neck strain since he’s already back at practice. This defense is tied for second in the CFL at 24.4 points allowed per game. If Brown can provide offensive consistency alongside Brady Oliveira and those receivers, the Bombers are still a Grey Cup contender.
3. Edmonton Elks
Coach Mark Killam has done an outstanding job. In previous years, the Elks were starting in brutal fashion, including a 1-7 start last year. Killam’s mandate was to stop the slow starts that forced late-season surges, and he delivered. Edmonton beat the defending Grey Cup runner-up, Montreal Alouettes, and started 4-1. Cody Fajardo is not the most dynamic quarterback, but he leads an offense that is capable, gutsy, and makes the right decisions. Justin Rankin could become the first CFL player ever to record 1,000 receiving and rushing yards in the same season. The energy around this team is different. They are explosive, gritty, and mentally tough. The Elks are real Grey Cup contenders.
Edmonton Elk's RB Justin Rankin is running wild against Montreal tonight.
— Last of the Fullbacks (@TheLastFullback) June 20, 2026
2. Saskatchewan Roughriders
At 40 years old, quarterback Trevor Harris is still finding receivers down the field and attacking small windows. Kian Shaffer-Baker, Samuel Emilus, and Keshawn Johnson are arguably the best wide receiver trio in the league. A.J. Ouellette is back, and his return made a noticeable difference against the Tiger-Cats with a major explosion in the fourth quarter. The defense is third in points allowed and fourth in points scored, though it will allow opponents to sustain drives a little too often. Because so much of Harris’ game is built on pocket savvy and evasion rather than scrambling, interior pressure could be the blueprint to slow Saskatchewan down.
1. Montreal Alouettes
Davis Alexander might be winning Most Outstanding Player this year. He has been dynamite in every game, attacking vertically and finding Tyson Philpot, who has nearly 800 yards receiving through 5 games and is on pace to break records. Travis Theis has stepped up at running back, Alexander Hollins has been a capable receiver, and Tyler Snead looks like an alpha on the outside, which makes that wide receiver corps dangerous.
Defensively, Montreal is average, allowing 30.8 points per game and ranking 5th in the CFL, which is down from their previous seasons. The Alouettes are the No. 3 offense at 34 points per game, and that has been enough to win football games, mainly due to Alexander's explosive passing. They have made things harder on themselves than necessary, including needing a late stop against Ottawa in a 27-22 win. The defense, led by Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund, needs to maintain leads more consistently. Even so, this is the best team in the CFL, and it shouldn’t be much of a surprise.
Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins is going to have a new look ahead of the 2026 NFL season.
Dawkins told USA TODAY's Ralphie Aversa at the 2026 ESPYs he was feeling "good" ahead of the upcoming season. The 32-year-old tackle acknowledged that was because of a key change he made for the campaign.
"I've told [everyone] in the world that this will be the lightest season that I ever play," Dawkins said.
Dawkins was listed as weighing 320 pounds by the Bills during the 2025 NFL season. The 6-5 tackle acknowledged he had dropped 45 pounds since his peak, though it wasn't clear whether his peak was his listed weight.
What was Dawkins' goal in dropping that weight?
"To play a little faster, play a little better because something is not getting us over that hump," Dawkins said. "So I want to be at the best that I could possibly be. So I said, (expletive) it, let's lose some weight."
Dawkins noted he was still confident in his athleticism playing at a heavier weight. Still, he thought changing things up could benefit the Bills as they seek the right combination to get the team to the Super Bowl for the first time since 1994.
"I am fast heavy," Dawkins explained, "but I might be just a little bit faster, lighter. And that might be what Josh [Allen] needs to get us over that hump."
Of course, Dawkins also detailed that Allen hadn't yet seen him at the lighter weight.
"He'll probably see me and be like, 'All right, Dion, it's time to eat a little bit,'" Dawkins said. "But I would rather have that than all right Dion's time to lose a little bit. So I'd rather start super light and see how it goes."
The good news for the veteran tackle? First-year Bills coach Joe Brady is on board with his plan to drop weight.
"If I come in lighter, I get a couple of the touchdown passes," Dawkins joked when asked about Brady. "So we'll see."
Verse played a key role for the Rams in his first two NFL seasons, winning Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2024. But the Rams chose to part ways with the 25-year-old to acquire the league’s most elite defensive player.
The Rams traded Jared Verse to the Browns for defensive star Myles Garrett. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Though Verse was traded by the Rams in the offseason, he recalled a hilarious moment between him and 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams during his rookie year.
On NFL Network, Verse shared his welcome-to-the-NFL moment in which Williams played a leading role.
“It was against Trent Williams at SoFi Stadium. He didn’t throw me in the ground or nothing like that. He got to my outside shoulder, and usually if somebody gets on my outside shoulder I’m able to just throw him off, move him out the way, drop him to the ground,” Verse said.
49ers star Trent Williams is entering his 16th NFL season. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“You can’t do that with Trent. I tried to move his hands, it was like moving cinder blocks. I literally like move his hands, chopping, doing all this stuff to get his hands off. And I literally said like, ‘Trent, get off of me.’
“Trent’s got like a deep-ass voice. He literally just starts laughing and was like, ‘You so funny, Verse.'”
Jared Verse spent the first two seasons of his NFL career with the Rams. Bill Kostroun/New York Post
The New England Patriots would probably love to have Kayshon Boutte on their roster for the 2026 season, but at the same time, they want to do right by the player.
Doing right by Boutte might mean shipping him to a different team entirely.
NFL insider Albert Breer has mentioned multiple times that Boutte could have been had for a fifth-round draft pick during the 2026 NFL Draft, but an offer never materialized for the team. Boutte sticking around after the Patriots acquired Romeo Doubs in free agency and A.J. Brown in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles would give the team one of the best receiver rooms in the NFL.
However, it would also put a cap on Boutte's opportunities in an offense where he'd probably be the No. 3 option, at best. That's a bad situation for a player hoping to run up the stat sheet and maximize his value after fulfilling the final year of his rookie contract.
"I think the plan all along has been to do right by Kayshon Boutte, and I think there was a realization when they went and traded for A.J. Brown," Breer said, via NBC Sports Boston. "That's not only bringing another receiver into the room. That's bringing an X-receiver in, and that's what Kayshon Boutte was. This, again, comes back to the climate within the building. It was so good last year, and it was such a good thing.
"Do you want a guy who now is about to play the most important season of his life, because this is where he gets the life-changing money, and you are basically screwing up his value? They've tried to do their best to find a new home for him. I've said it before, if somebody called them with a fifth-round pick over draft weekend, he's gone. Those offers just weren't there. I do think, eventually, he's going to be somewhere else."
All eyes will be on Boutte's status ahead of training camp.
Will a trade be on the horizon, or will he still be on the roster when the team returns to the practice field? More importantly, will he be willing to participate in practices if he's on the team?
The manner of England’s World Cup exit against Argentina was historic, and it has some NFL fans thinking of another monumental collapse.
England were minutes away from reaching a first World Cup final in 60 years, but a remontada for the ages from the defending world champions means the Three Lions go home without the trophy once again.
Argentina summoned their usual black magic to score twice in quick succession with the clock winding down, becoming only the second team this century to come from behind and win a World Cup semi-final.
It’s drawing comparisons to another famous collapse, from the team whose NFL stadium hosted England vs Argentina on Wednesday afternoon.
Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images
England vs Argentina compared to Atlanta Falcons 28-3 Super Bowl collapse
After full-time, social media was abuzz with breakdowns of what we all just witnessed. Messi magic, a screamer from Enzo Fernandez, and post-match scenes of jubilation and despair.
One NFL enthusiast realized this all felt similar to the Atlanta Falcons infamously choking a 25-point lead at Super Bowl LI, only for Tom Brady and the New England Patriots to mount one of the greatest comebacks in sports history.
Broadcaster Jason Hagholm posted to X: “England collapse in the home of North America’s biggest collapse franchise, the Atlanta Falcons.”
Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
Funnily enough, it’s not the first time the 28-3 comeback has been referenced at this World Cup.
A few weeks ago, when Argentina beat even tougher odds to come from two behind against Egypt, the man behind the Super Bowl heroics, Tom Brady, made the comparison.
He said: “Yeah so that might top 28-3.”
After the semi-final, Brady again took to X, but it was a simpler reaction. He wrote: “Oh my god.”
This Argentina team has a habit of defying the odds. Their journey to the final has been far from smooth, and there were multiple occasions where they could have been sent packing, but mentality — and Messi — have got them through.
Next up is Spain, who will be favorites to win in New York on Sunday. But you can’t rule out another Patriots-style remontada from the current title holders, if that’s how events unfold.
Joe Flacco and T.J. Watt have squared off just seven times during their respective careers. And in those games, the Pittsburgh Steelers star edge defender has only sacked Flacco one time. But Watt did get one of Flacco's biggest hits of his career last season while Flacco was the quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals.
Flacco is one of the quarterbacks on this season of Netflix's Quarterback and in the most recent episode, he recalled the huge hit Watt laid on him last season and didn't mince words about the play, even hinting that Watt might have laid a dirty hit on him.
Joe Flacco after a hit by TJ Watt:
"Man he fucked me up. He knew what he was doing too. Oh I think so, but he fucked me up. It was on my left side, but man the way he bent me up this area right here.”#steelerspic.twitter.com/1s2OzmKtKf
The Arizona Cardinals have 14 opponents in 2026. Their Week 17 opponents are the Las Vegas Raiders, whom they face at State Farm Stadium. The Raiders, like the Cardinals, went 3-14 in 2025. They fired their coaching staff, traded their starting quarterback, acquired a veteran and selected a quarterback first overall in the 2026 NFL draft.
In a new episode of the podcast, as part of the opponent preview series, Raiders Wire lead writer Levi Damien joined me to preview the Raiders.
We spoke about their 2025 season, the coaching change, their moves in free agency, their selections in the draft and expectations for the 2026 season. We also find out what Raiders fans view that Week 17 matching with the Cardinals.
(1:00) The Raiders' 2025 season - what went well and not so well
(14:40) Hiring Klint Kubiak, moves in free agency and 2026 NFL draft picks
(27:09) Expectations for the Raiders in 2026
Enjoy the show!
Enjoy the show with the embedded player above or by subscribing to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss a show. Make sure as well to give it a five-star rating!
Las Vegas Raiders star Brock Bowers was considered arguably the best tight end in the NFL as a rookie in 2024. The injury bug took its toll on him last season, but Bowers is perched atop power rankings for NFL tight ends, but also in the fantasy football sphere.
According to the FantasyPros Staff, Bowers is considered the top overall tight end for dynasty leagues this year by experts Scott Bogman and Pat Fitzmaurice.
Pat Fitzmaurice argued that Bowers has a ceiling unlike any other tight end in fantasy football. Even after an injury-marred second season that never quite found its rhythm, he believes Bowers remains capable of producing like an elite wide receiver rather than simply the top tight end.
Bowers has the youth at 23 years old, the prowess as a proven 1,000-yard receiver, and a favorable situation in Las Vegas as the team’s primary weapon in the receiving game to be the first tight end taken off the board in dynasty leagues, for team managers looking to set their teams up for potentially the next decade.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes isn't all that worried about being ranked as the second-best quarterback in the NFL by an ESPN poll of various NFL executive and coaches shared this week.
Mahomes got ranked second in the annual poll behind Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, which is understandable as the former is coming off an ACL injury and a down season (by his standards) with the Chiefs.
While talking with Yahoo Sports Daily about the ranking, Mahomes understood why he was where he was... which is, you know, still pretty dang good if you ask anyone else.
"You understand it, I mean, coming off injury," Mahomes told Yahoo Sports Daily about the poll. "We didn't play as well as we wanted to the last few years. You're going to drop in the rankings of some sort... at the same time, there's a lot of good quarterbacks on that list. I'm just happy to be a part of it."
"You understand it." 🤷
.@PatrickMahomes isn't bothered by being ranked as the NFL's No. 2 quarterback.
The three-time Super Bowl winner is obviously still one of the best quarterbacks of all time, so a second-place ranking on one poll doesn't really mean anything. He's still a lethal talent on the field who can change any game he's in just by making those plays that only he can. Allen is the best quarterback right now, but Mahomes can regain that.
Alvin Kamara isn't going anywhere. The longtime Saints running back will remain in New Orleans for the 2026 season on a reworked contract, ending months of uncertainty surrounding the veteran's future, sources tell Saints Wire. Former Saints left tackle Terron Armstead officially announced the news on his podcast and YouTube show The Set with NewOrleans.Football's Nick Underhill.
Kamara is entering the final year of his contract, and while the Saints signed Travis Etienne Jr. to a four-year deal earlier this offseason, the tandem has drawn comparisons to the one Kamara formed with Mark Ingram II several years ago. The addition fueled speculation that the Saints could release or trade Kamara, or that he could retire before playing another season in New Orleans.
Instead, Kamara will return for his 10th season with the franchise that selected him in the third round of the 2017 NFL draft. He has repeatedly expressed that he doesn't want to play anywhere else, and he'll now get another opportunity to play in black and gold.
Kamara's return gives head coach Kellen Moore two proven playmakers in the backfield. Etienne can handle a significant portion of the rushing workload, while Kamara continues contributing as one of the league's most versatile receiving backs.
The tandem should allow the Saints to manage Kamara's workload after injuries limited him to 11 games last season. The 30-year-old averaged 3.6 yards per carry in 2025.
This story is developing. It will be updated with more details when they become available.
Expectations continue to rise for Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie Rueben Bain Jr. before he's even played his first NFL snap.
In a recent article highlighting the projected roles for every first-round rookie, Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox listed Bain's initial role as the Buccaneers' starting edge rusher. Knox noted that Bain entered the 2026 NFL Draft as the top-ranked edge defender and the fifth-ranked overall prospect on Bleacher Report's draft board before unexpectedly sliding to Tampa Bay with the 15th overall pick.
Knox pointed to Tampa Bay's current edge rotation, which includes Yaya Diaby, Anthony Nelson, Al-Quadin Muhammad, and Chris Braswell, but believes Bain has already separated himself enough to earn a starting job. He also cited the early praise Bain has received from head coach Todd Bowles during offseason workouts.
That projection aligns with how the Buccaneers' current depth chart is shaping up. Bain is listed as the starting left outside linebacker opposite Diaby, giving Tampa Bay a pair of young pass rushers to build around. Veteran Anthony Nelson provides experienced depth behind Bain, while Braswell and Al-Quadin Muhammad round out one of the deeper edge groups the Buccaneers have assembled in recent years.
Knox also noted that Bain recorded 9.5 sacks during his final collegiate season and believes he has the talent to quickly become the centerpiece of Tampa Bay's pass rush. If his strong offseason continues into training camp, the rookie appears well on his way to opening Week 1 exactly where many expected him to be when the Buccaneers drafted him in the first round.
The Pittsburgh Steelers made a major change over the offseason, with veteran head coach Mike Tomlin stepping down after nearly two decades at the helm of the franchise and being replaced by former Super Bowl champion Mike McCarthy. And after a long stretch of the team's peak seemingly being narrowly advancing to the postseason followed by an early exit, fans are hoping things might get back on track.
One piece of last year's team who is returning is veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who will be back for his second season in Pittsburgh and the final of his NFL career. He will reunite with McCarthy for one final time after the pair won a Super Bowl earlier in their careers in Green Bay, and many are picturing a final grandiose run back to that stage for the duo. But one former Steelers star doesn't see it happening.
Ryan Clark, who played in Pittsburgh from 2006-2013, is now an NFL analyst with ESPN, and he recently was asked during an appearance on the network what the expectations should be for the Steelers this year. And for those fans who wanted to see Tomlin gone due to the recent string of early postseason exits, they will not be happy if the assessment comes to fruition.
"This team can be slightly above average. Aaron Rodgers can get this team to nine wins or 10 wins, and you maybe sneak into the playoffs."
"This team can be slightly above average," Clark said. "Aaron Rodgers can get this team to nine wins or 10 wins, and you maybe sneak into the playoffs."
After so many years of lackluster performances that saw the Steelers barely advance to the postseason and lose early, many fans felt a change in leadership was necessary this offseason, and they got it. So a return to the same level of play in the first year, particularly with a legendary quarterback already familiar with his head coach, would certainly be underwhelming and a disappointment for fans.
Whether they can do better than that or not will be one of the biggest storylines entering the 2026 season.
Isaac TeSlaa had a solid rookie season, reeling in 16 catches for 239 yards with six touchdown grabs. The Arkansas product came on late in the season and demonstrated the ability to come up with some tough, contested catches throughout the 2025 season.
But, the Lions are looking for more from TeSlaa in 2026 to pair with its two star receivers, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams.
Lions associate head coach and wide receivers coach Scottie Montgomery is excited about TeSlaa's added athleticism heading into the 2026 season.
"He's done a good job of going and getting the football since he's been here and then now at the top of his breaks, they're so much cleaner. He's so much stronger. What I like to do is I like to watch where we were, especially from an athleticism standpoint, to where he is now. It's not even close," Montgomery said.
A third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, TeSlaa finished last season by registering eight catches for 119 yards and two touchdowns in the season's final three weeks.
Montgomery and the Lions think that TeSlaa's added athleticism will help him get off the line more fluidly and help him become a more available target for quarterback Jared Goff.
"That gives him the ability in those one-on-one situations and not just win with length, but to win with quickness and length," Montgomery said. "That gives, of course, (Goff) just an even bigger window to throw the football."
The Dallas Cowboys have no shortage of expectations entering the 2026 NFL season. After another offseason filled with optimism, head coach Brian Schottenheimer has made it clear that simply reaching the playoffs won’t be enough for his team. Appearing on the Twins Take Podcast, Schottenheimer made a bold prediction about what he believes lies ahead for the Cowboys.
Jan 4, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer looks on before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
Schottenheimer didn’t shy away from setting lofty expectations. During the interview, the Cowboys head coach expressed confidence that Dallas will be playing in the Super Bowl this season, making it clear that’s the standard the organization is striving for.
It’s an ambitious statement, especially considering the Cowboys have spent years trying to get over the postseason hump. While regular-season success has often followed the franchise, deep playoff runs have been much harder to come by.
Schottenheimer is hoping to change that narrative in his second season leading America’s Team.
Confidence or Pressure?
Nov 17, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Dallas head coach Brian Schottenheimer, wearing a t-shirt honoring Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland who tragically passed on November 6th, gestures on the sideline against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Making a prediction like that inevitably creates additional pressure. Cowboys fans already expect their team to contend every season, and now their head coach has publicly raised the bar even higher.
If Dallas gets off to a fast start, Schottenheimer’s comments will only add to the excitement surrounding the franchise.
However, if the team struggles early, those same remarks will quickly become a talking point for critics questioning whether the Cowboys were too confident heading into the season.
High Expectations in Dallas
Regardless of whether Schottenheimer made the prediction publicly, competing for a Super Bowl has always been the expectation in Dallas.
The Cowboys possess one of the league’s most recognizable brands and consistently enter seasons believing they have a roster capable of making a championship run.
Now, their head coach has openly embraced those expectations instead of trying to temper them. Only time will tell whether Dallas can back up Schottenheimer’s confidence on the field.
For now, though, one thing is certain: the Cowboys aren’t aiming to simply make the playoffs. According to their head coach, the goal is to be playing on the NFL’s biggest stage when the 2026-27 season comes to an end.
The Carolina Panthers have improved on defense so much that they're starting to get some actual buzz from the national media.
This offseason, it's become a common refrain for some analysts—including The Athletic's Ted Nguyen and ESPN's Mina Kimes—to predict that the Panthers will even have a top-10 scoring defense in 2026. One person, though, is going even further.
In a recent episode of NFL Live, ESPN commentator and former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky forecasted that the Panthers could even have a top-five defense. Take a listen . . .
That would be quite an improvement from 2025, when they finished 16th en route to the franchise's first division title in a decade. And that'd be a near-miracle when looking back to 2024, when Carolina ranked 32nd and allowed the most points in league history.
As good as they look on paper—thanks to the free-agent additions of Pro Bowl linebacker Devin Lloyd and pass rusher Jaelan Phillips—the Panthers still have a few holes to fill on this side of the ball. If they could find upgrades over Trevin Wallace at linebacker and Nick Scott at safety, then we definitely wouldn't rule out a top-five finish.
But those are two big ifs—and for now, the organization doesn't seem to be in a hurry to replace either one.
Even elite NFL players, starters and award-winners at their positions- and therefore among the premier athletes on the planet- get starstruck, just like the rest of us. Sometimes it's by guys who do the exact same job.
A perfect example played out this week at the OL Masterminds Summit held in Frisco and hosted by offensive line guru Duke Manyweather. The annual event, now in its ninth year, brings together the game's current top offensive linemen and adds some of the best to ever do it for an intensive, hands-on clinic meant to raise the level of play across the board for guards, tackles, and centers of every team.
And everyone in attendance, it seemed, had someone else they were hoping to meet. Cowboys right tackle Terence Steele, for example, explained that he was looking forward to spending some time with the Eagles' Lane Johnson.
For Quinn Meinerz, it was Cowboys legend Zack Martin.
Meinerz, of course, isn't just some random fanboy. The sixth-year Broncos guard is himself a two-time first-team All-Pro, one of the 10 highest-earning guards in the league, and was a finalist for the NFL Protector of the Year award last season.
But when he learned Martin, the nine-time Pro Bowler who retired after the 2024 season, would be leading some of the content at this year's summit, Meinerz came prepared. A video shared on social media shows Meinerz autographing one of his jerseys and presenting it to Martin in what was a very cool moment for both players.
"I wanted to give you one of my jerseys," he tells Martin. "We never got to do a proper jersey swap."
#QuinnMeinerz (@Broncos) never got to swap with Zack Martin @thegob70 before he retired from the @dallascowboys . So they made it happen at OL Masterminds. This is what it's all about!
9x All-Pro meets 2x First-Team All-Pro. One generation honoring another. Who would you swap… pic.twitter.com/ZZ7iMfx983
Martin was clearly touched by the gesture, commenting on Meinerz's selection of the Broncos' "Orange Crush" throwback jersey and promising to return the favor with a signed Cowboys No. 70 from his own closet.
That brotherhood and camaraderie shared by offensive linemen is unique in the NFL, and a big part of why events like the OL Masterminds Summit have become so successful.
Speaking with D Magazine's Mike Piellucci and Mike Marshall at this year's gathering, Martin explained how simply being around established, top-notch offensive linemen after he joined the Cowboys as a first-round draft pick in 2014 accelerated his own growth and raised the standard for the entire group.
"I tell people all the time: what we had in our room, we had a ton of competition. Inter-room competition," Martin said on the StrongSide podcast. "When you're in there and you're watching Tyron Smith and Travis [Frederick] and Ron Leary and Doug [Free], all these guys, it's like, 'Man, I've got to do my job. I've got to pick it up a little bit; these guys are killing people.' I think the inter-competition we had in our room really brought the best out of everyone."
That's what the Masterminds Summit is doing now for linemen from all 32 locker rooms.
Not to mention giving some of them, like Quinn Meinerz, a chance to meet their heroes.
Jon Gruden has coached Hall of Famers, developed elite offenses, and spent decades around some of the NFL's biggest stars. Even so, one unrealized opportunity still stands out.
Speaking with Pittsburgh Steelers veteran Cameron Heyward on his "Not Just Football with Cam Heyward" podcast, Gruden admitted that his failed attempt to coach former Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown remains "one of my biggest regrets."
The Raiders acquired Brown from Pittsburgh in 2019, believing the four-time All-Pro could transform Gruden's offense. Instead, Brown never appeared in a regular-season game for the then-Oakland Raiders after a turbulent offseason filled with off-field distractions.
Looking back, Gruden said he remains convinced the move could have paid off.
"The two or three OTAs that we had him on the field, Cam, and he was running our routes, running my stuff," Gruden said. "I went home one night, opened a bottle of Asti Spumante and drank it all. I thought we were going to complete every pass."
Gruden was blown away by Brown's precision as a route runner.
"Holy s**t, I mean, this guy's running my routes better than they've ever been run before," he said.
Despite the issues that ultimately derailed the partnership, Gruden said his belief in Brown never wavered.
"I just knew he could be spectacular in our offense," Gruden said. "But what a disappointment for me."
The veteran coach acknowledged there were warning signs, saying Brown "was I think distracted by other things," but that didn't diminish his desire to make the partnership work.
Reflecting on the experience, Gruden reiterated how much the missed opportunity still lingers.
"It's one of my biggest regrets, honestly, in my career that that didn't work out," he said before later adding, "It's one of my biggest regrets, of never getting to coach him."
For Steelers fans, Brown's career will always be remembered for both extraordinary production and an abrupt ending in Pittsburgh. Gruden's comments offer another perspective, revealing just how highly one veteran coach regarded Brown's talent, and how deeply he still regrets never getting the chance to see it on Sundays.
The Miami Dolphins, after moving on from several experienced veterans, brought in a ton of new players this offseason, including a group of 13 rookies through the 2026 NFL draft.
Miami got offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor and cornerback Chris Johnson in the first round. On Day 2, they added linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, wide receiver Caleb Douglas, tight end Will Kacmarek and wide receiver Chris Bell. They then wrapped up the three-day process by taking defensive end Trey Moore, linebacker Kyle Louis, safety Michael Taaffe, wide receiver Kevin Coleman Jr., tight end Seydou Traore, guard DJ Campbell and defensive end Max Llewellyn.
With training camp rapidly approaching, here's how we're ranking Miami's rookie draft picks by their potential impact during their first season with the team and first season under new head coach Jeff Hafley.
13. OL DJ Campbell
The 22-year-old spent the last four years at Texas, earning All-SEC honors once. He appeared in 49 games and started 42 for the Longhorns. In an ideal world, Campbell will serve as nothing more than a backup guard and maybe play some special teams during his rookie season.
12. DE Max Llewellyn
The 23-year-old spent five years at Iowa, appearing in 43 games and recording 64 tackles (20.5 for a loss), 14.5 sacks, 10 passes defensed, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries with the Hawkeyes. While Chop Robinson is really the only player in the group of edge rushers to get guaranteed reps this year, Llewellyn would have to really prove himself to make the team and earn opportunities in 2026.
11. TE Seydou Traore
Traore comes from London, England, but he spent two years at Arkansas State, where he earned All-Sun Belt honors once, and three years at Mississippi State. In 46 games, he recorded 126 receptions for 1,404 yards and 10 touchdowns. The 23-year-old will likely be fighting for the third spot in the tight end room, but with other options ahead of him, he could be fourth this year.
10. DB Michael Taaffe
Taaffe spent five seasons at Texas, recording 222 tackles (9.5 for a loss), 14 passes defensed, seven interceptions, three sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in 53 career games. He earned All-SEC honors once and All-American honors twice. The Dolphins may need help at safety in 2026, but the 23-year-old has veterans that he'll need to beat out for playing time.
9. DE Trey Moore
Moore, 23, played at UTSA for three seasons, earning All-AAC honors and winning AAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2023, before transferring to Texas for the final two years of his career. In 57 games between the two schools, he recorded 175 tackles (50 for a loss), 30.5 sacks, 13 passes defensed, five forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries and one interception. The fourth-round pick has some positional versatility to play on the edge or off the ball, so he could see some depth opportunities or special teams reps.
8. WR Kevin Coleman Jr.
Coleman was well traveled in college, spending one year each at Jackson State, Louisville, Mississippi State and Missouri. The 2022 SWAC Freshman of the Year recorded 199 receptions for 2,536 yards and 12 touchdowns in 51 games between the four schools. As the third wide receiver taken in the draft, he has a lot of work to do to move up the depth chart in training camp.
7. WR Chris Bell
Bell spent the last four years at Louisville, earning All-ACC honors in 2025. In 47 games with the Cardinals, he caught 151 passes for 2,166 yards and 12 touchdowns. The 22-year-old probably has the most potential of the drafted trio of wideouts, but it's unclear how much he'll play in 2026, as he recovers from a torn ACL.
6. DB Kyle Louis
Louis played at Pittsburgh from 2022-25, earning All-ACC honors twice and All-American honors once. In 37 games for the Panthers, he recorded 201 tackles (25.5 for a loss), 10 sacks, six interceptions, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. The 22-year-old will probably start off as the fourth off-ball linebacker on the depth chart, but his ability to play safety as well could make him more impactful earlier.
5. TE Will Kacmarek
After spending three years at Ohio, Kacmarek transferred to Ohio State for the final two years of his collegiate career. In 53 games between the schools, he caught 59 passes for 713 yards and four touchdowns. Primarily a blocking tight end, he'll likely hold a similar role in the NFL. However, if he can catch the ball regularly, he could pass Ben Sims for the second spot on the depth chart.
4. WR Caleb Douglas
Douglas, 22, played at Florida from 2022-23 and at Texas Tech from 2024-25. He earned All-Big 12 honors once and in 39 career games between the two schools, he caught 135 passes for 2,031 yards and 16 touchdowns. As the top drafted wide receiver for the Dolphins, he has the best shot of finding a role in a thin room right away.
3. LB Jacob Rodriguez
Rodriguez began his collegiate career as a quarterback at Virginia before transferring to Texas Tech for the last four years and moving to linebacker. He earned All-Big 12 honors twice and All-American honors once, while also winning Big-12 Defensive Player of the Year, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Butkus Award, Lombardi Award and Chuck Bednarik Award in 2025. In 56 games, he recorded 317 tackles (25.5 for a loss), 13 forced fumbles, 12 passes defensed, six sacks, six interceptions and five fumble recoveries. The 23-year-old will probably begin his camp behind Jordyn Brooks and Tyrel Dodson, but it wouldn't surprise anyone to see him starting by Week 1.
2. CB Chris Johnson
Johnson, 21, played at San Diego State from 2022-25, where he earned All-Mountain West honors once and All-American honors once. He was also named Mountain West co-Defensive Player of the Year in 2025. In 47 games with the Aztecs, he recorded 152 tackles, 14 passes defensed, six interceptions, five forced fumbles and one sack. After the team picked him in the first round, he's expected to be their top cornerback as a rookie, meaning he'll be on the field for most of their defensive snaps.
1. OL Kadyn Proctor
Proctor, 21, spent the last three seasons at Alabama, earning All-SEC honors once and All-American honors once. The 21-year-old started 39 games at left tackle for the Crimson Tide, but with the Dolphins, he's moving to left guard, where he's expected to start in Week 1.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue to receive recognition for one of the strengths of their roster heading into the 2026 season.
In his rankings of the NFL's best offensive tackle duos, Sports Illustrated's Gilberto Manzano placed Tampa Bay's pairing of Tristan Wirfs and Luke Goedeke at No. 3 in the league. Much of that recognition starts with Wirfs, who has already built one of the most decorated résumés among active offensive linemen.
As Manzano pointed out, Wirfs is the only player in NFL history to earn Associated Press First-Team All-Pro honors at both right tackle and left tackle. After helping to protect Tom Brady during Tampa Bay's Super Bowl-winning 2020 season, Wirfs has seamlessly transitioned to protecting Baker Mayfield's blindside while continuing to perform at an elite level.
Manzano also noted that, according to Pro Football Focus, Wirfs earned top-five grades as both a pass blocker and run blocker last season, further cementing his status as one of the league's premier offensive linemen.
While Wirfs headlines the duo, Goedeke has quietly developed into a dependable starter on the right side. Since moving into the starting lineup, he has steadily improved his consistency and helped solidify one of the better tackle pairings in football. His continued development has allowed Tampa Bay to field quality protection on both edges of the offensive line rather than relying on one standout player.
With Mayfield entering a contract year and the Buccaneers looking to rebound in 2026, the offensive line will once again play a major role in the team's success. Having one of the NFL's highest-ranked tackle duos gives Tampa Bay a strong foundation as it looks to return to the postseason.
The former NFL head coach and commentator has gotten a front row seat to the next generation of quarterbacks for years, whether that was via scouting or his "Gruden's QB Camp" show ahead of the NFL draft. And he isn't a fan of what he's seeing come through the college ranks.
"I'm worried about the game to be honest with you," Gruden said. "A lot of people think the game is evolving. I think the game is dissolving."
In Gruden's mind, the main culprit is a lack of communication.
"We're just not communicating," Gruden said. "I always use these three letters 'RCE.' You got to recognize the defense, recognize the coverage, and then you start to communicate. You can change the play, you can stay with the play, but you got to be a great communicator. And if you can recognize defenses, communicate what you want to do, you got a chance to execute."
The former coach has specifically taken issue with the absence of a cadence at the college level, pointing to the installation of a clap to snap the ball. It became the subject of a viral clip prior to the 2025 NFL Draft with now-New York Giants' quarterback, Jaxson Dart.
"When you just run up to the line of scrimmage, clap your hands, and hope for the best. I can't take all these RPO bubble screens and high turbo tempo offenses with six false starts a game and no communication.
"I'd rather slam my hand in a car door than watch some of this."
As for the root of the problem, Gruden pointed to player movement in college.
"A lot of these guys are on four or five different colleges," Gruden said. "I mean they transfer from one college to another. There's no continuity and you know repetition is the mother of learning. You had to get into the same stance, do the same drills and the same defense for a period of years. And that's how you master the techniques."
Given that perspective and Gruden's desire to coach, it would seemingly make sense for him to take a job in the college ranks. The former Raiders' coach is currently in the midst of a lawsuit against the NFL, alleging that the league deliberately leaked disparaging emails he wrote.
Gruden eventually resigned from his post with the Raiders and now works for Barstool Sports.
When asked if he would consider making the transition to coaching college, Gruden left the door open and admitted he has thought about it a little bit.
"I'll be honest. I met with a couple colleges," Gruden said. "I don't know about college football, honestly, with the NIL if that's for me. I don't know if I want to spend a lot of time raising money, but who knows?
Perhaps that door to coaching on the sidelines eventually opens again. If it does, Gruden said he'll be ready for it.
"I would love to get into a locker room and start putting together some game plans again," Gruden said. "I miss it, man. But, we'll take one day at a time and and all you can do is prepare yourself for somebody to toss you the chalk and interview you.
When Robert Saleh left the San Francisco 49ers for the Tennessee Titans' head coaching job this past January, Kyle Shanahan drew a clear line around one member of his defensive staff. K.J. Wright, San Francisco's defensive quality control coach from 2024 and 2025, wasn't going with him.
"It was an understanding from the beginning," Saleh told ESPN's Nick Wagoner. "Off limits."
Shanahan wanted to keep Wright, who turns 37 this month, for two reasons: He wanted to promote him to linebackers coach in 2026 and had a good feeling he'd become a top assistant for San Francisco this season and, ideally, beyond.
"He's going to be a coordinator really quick," Saleh said. "I could see him easily progressing the way DeMeco [Ryans] did. He's got the same mindset. He's got the same respect from his players. K.J.'s going to be really good."
Wright's coaching arc has mirrored Ryans' in more than one way. Both spent lengthy playing careers at linebacker before transitioning to coaching almost immediately, and both moved from quality control to a linebackers coach role within a couple of seasons. Ryans eventually rode that path from the 49ers' defensive coordinator chair to a head coaching job for the Houston Texans.
Wright, for his part, isn't ready to lean into the comparison. Wright made clear his focus stays fixed on the job in front of him rather than any long-range projection tied to Ryans' rise.
"I do want to be a really good linebackers coach, and I do know I want to be a defensive coordinator," Wright said. "I for sure know that. And so I'm working toward that. And we'll see. We'll see once it gets past that point. Ask me again once I become defensive coordinator."
For now, Shanahan's plan keeps Wright developing inside the building. Whether Wright's path continues in San Francisco after this season remains to be seen, but the 49ers made sure Saleh couldn't take a shot at finding out first.
Ya-Sin was truly a rock in 2025, having played in all 17 games. He suffered cramps on multiple occasions, but was otherwise healthy. The only concern medically is his age, which has crossed over 30.
These were Ya-Sin’s defensive snap counts the final four games of the season
Week 14 - 89%
Week 15 - 97%
Week 16 - 98%
Week 17 - 96%
These snap counts were the highest of any Lion CB, including Reed. Ya-Sin basically had become the Lions #1 CB by the end of the season.
OUTLOOK: With his proven performance from last season, Ya-Sin likely gets a starting CB job. This knowledge probably helps him get his cramping issues under control as he can get his body properly prepared.
This 5th-round rookie is very medically clean with only a possible minor hand injury in his college career.
OUTLOOK: Many considered Abney to be a steal in the draft. We’ll see about that, but hopes are certainly high that this extremely young player can be a long-term solution somewhere in the secondary.
Given his youth, health, and cheap 4-year contract, the Lions will give Abney every chance to earn a significant role - likely as the slot CB.
The Chicago Bears are gearing up for training camp later this month, with everyone reporting to Halas Hall by July 28 for the second summer with head coach Ben Johnson.
The Bears previously announced 10 open practices to the public, with the first scheduled for July 31, and joint practices with the Cincinnati Bengals and Tennessee Titans, both on the road ahead of their respective preseason contests. Now, they're adding another event to the calendar for fans.
Chicago announced their "Varsity Bears" initiative, where the team will hold a workout at Stevenson High School in nearby Lincolnshire, Ill., which will consist of a walkthrough practice and an array of attractions. The practice will take place Monday, Aug. 10 at 11 a.m. CT. Tickets go on sale Thursday, July 16.
Bears 2026 training camp schedule (public practices)
Friday, July 31
Saturday, August 1 (Kids Day)
Tuesday, August 4
Wednesday, August 5
Thursday, August 6
Saturday, August 8 (Celebrating Women & Girls in Sports Day)
Sunday, August 9 (Vamos Bears Day)
Monday, August 10 (Varsity Bears at Stevenson High School)
Thursday, August 13
Tuesday, August 18
Tuesday, August 25
Joint practices with Bengals, Titans
The Bears will have two joint practices this summer with a pair of preseason opponents, starting with the Cincinnati Bengals on Aug. 20, and concluding with the Tennessee Titans on Aug. 27. Both joint practices will be on the road before their respective preseason contests.
Yesterday we broke down how much the Atlanta Falcons are spending at each position on offense. The short version is that they're splurging on their offensive line, where they rank fifth in spending. At quarterback, running back, wide receiver and tight end they're not spending any more than average, though.
Let's see how Atlanta is investing its resources on the other side of the ball. Here's what the Falcons are spending at each defensive position in 2026 and where it ranks compared to the rest of the NFL.
Edge: $15.03 million - ranks 28th
Both Jalon Walker and James Pearce are on their rookie contracts, making this arguably the best bargain combo at the position right now. Walker's cap hit is just north of $4.67 million, while Pearce's is around $3.81 million. Samson Ebukam's one-year deal has a $2.63 million cap hit, Bralen Trice is around $1.34 million, while Azeez Ojulari signed for the veteran minimum ($1.2 million).
Defensive line: $21.79 million - ranks 24th
The biggest cap hit here belongs to Da'Shawn Hand, whose cap hit is just $3 million. However, the top performner for this group is Brandon Dorlus, who's giving the Falcons a sweetheart deal on his rookie contract - coming in with a cap hit of just $1.16 million in 2026. Veteran Zach Harrison is only costing them slightly more ($1,265,556) and incoming trade acquisition Maason Smith is at just $1,523,964.
Linebacker: $17.38 million - ranks 23rd
In the absence of Kaden Elliss, Atlanta's top off-ball linebacker is now Divine Deablo, who carries a cap hit of $8.92 million this year- roughly half of the team's total at the position. Their other projected starter is Christian Harris, who will be costing the Falcons $2.66 million on his one-year deal. Rookies Kendal Daniels and Harold Perkins Jr. are a little over and a little under $1 million, respectively.
Cornerback: $34.09 million - ranks 9th
The Falcons are actually paying out at cornerback, where A.J. Terrell has a team-high cap number of $13.5 million in 2026. For now, veteran Mike Hughes is at the other boundary spot, where he'll cost Atlanta $5.46 million. Terrell's younger brother Avieon will only cost $1.87 million in his rookie season. Starting nickelback Billy Bowman Jr. comes in at just $1.25 million.
Safety: $31.28 million - ranks 3rd
Finally we come to safety, where Atlanta is paying for - and getting one of the NFL's best units. Most of that amount is going to paying Jessie Bates III, who comes in with a 2026 cap number of $24.77 million. According to Over the Cap, the Falcons could save over $10 million in cap space this year by extending him. By comparison, Xavier Watts will only cost the Falcons $1.4 million in the second year of his rookie deal.
The New York Giants have significant excitement surrounding their offense ahead of the 2026 season and beyond, particularly with the new coaching staff led by John Harbaugh.
As quarterback Jaxson Dart enters his sophomore season and first full year under center for Big Blue, many observers will closely watch two of his key weapons: wide receiver Malik Nabers and running back Cam Skattebo, both of whom are returning from injuries suffered last season.
CBS Sports recently published a ranking of NFL triplets, defined as each team’s best quarterback, running back, and wide receiver. The Giants landed at No. 22, with their trio consisting of Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo, and Malik Nabers.
This is just too high for the Giants, who are benefiting from Dart's fantasy-football prowess, Skattebo's endearing style and Nabers' sparkling rookie year. Skattebo averaged just 4.1 yards per carry during his rookie season and is coming off a gruesome ankle injury. Nabers didn't get to play much with Dart during his second season before suffering a torn ACL, but the reports surrounding that rehab have been dreadful. There are major questions surrounding this group, especially with Matt Nagy and Greg Roman in charge of the offense in Dart's second year.
Despite the ranking, there is palpable excitement around these three young potential stars on the offensive side of the ball. Nabers played less than a full game alongside Dart before his sophomore season was cut short by injury. Meanwhile, Skattebo showed flashes of brilliance as a rookie, though his severe ankle injury remains a concern heading into 2026.
Notably, CBS Sports selected Skattebo over Tyrone Tracy Jr. as the featured running back for the list.
The Giants' triplets have the potential to climb the rankings after the upcoming season. Nabers was drafted in 2024, while Dart and Skattebo were part of the 2025 draft class. Although they checked in at 22nd, the group can improve quickly and emerge as one of the league’s best. Time will tell how different the offense looks in 2026 under the new coaching staff.
The New York Sack Exchange (not to be confused with the New York Stock Exchange) remains one of the NFL's most iconic nicknames. Mark Gastineau, Joe Klecko, Marty Lyons, and Abdul Salaam didn't simply terrorize quarterbacks. They helped the New York Jets redefine what dominant defensive line play looked like.
No one is suggesting today's New York Jets are ready to join that conversation. They have far too much to prove first. Still, after a disappointing 2025 season, it's clear the organization has made rebuilding its pass rush one of its top priorities.
The Jets managed just 26 sacks, fewer than two per game, while struggling to affect opposing quarterbacks consistently. Will McDonald IV led the team with eight sacks, but the defense rarely generated the relentless pressure necessary to compete with the AFC's better offenses. As a result, the front office responded aggressively.
Veteran additions Joseph Ossai, Kingsley Enagbare and T'Vondre Sweat immediately strengthened the defensive front, while rookies David Bailey and Darrell Jackson Jr. added youth and upside to the rotation. Each move addressed a different need. Some were designed to improve the run defense. Others were made with one objective in mind.
Get after the quarterback.
The Jets' foundation appears stronger than it did a year ago
No one expects this group to suddenly recreate the magic of the New York Sack Exchange (but it would be nice if they eventually did. That would be an unfair comparison to one of the greatest defensive fronts in franchise history.
What the Jets can reasonably expect is progress. McDonald continues developing into a productive edge rusher. Bailey brings intriguing pass-rushing potential, while Ossai and Enagbare provide experienced depth that can keep the rotation fresh throughout a long season.
Sweat and Jackson should also help create more favorable pass-rushing situations by strengthening the interior of the defensive line. The names may be different, and the expectations should remain realistic. Still, for the first time in a while, the Jets appear to be building their defensive front with purpose rather than patching it together one offseason at a time.
Whether this group develops into one of the league's better pass-rushing units remains to be seen, but the commitment is obvious. The New York Sack Exchange earned its legendary reputation over years of dominant football. The current Jets have a long way to go before entering that conversation, but if this rebuilt defensive front performs the way New York hopes, it could become the first step toward restoring one of the franchise's proudest defensive traditions.
Jets Wire will continue to provide updates throughout the 2026 offseason.
The 100 best player ratings have surfaced for the next installment of the NFL game. As one of the consensus top teams heading into the 2026 NFL season, the Bills should see a few players in that bunch, right?
As of now, there are one two: Quarterback Josh Allen and running back James Cook.
It was already known Allen is among the game's prestigious "99 club." That is the best rating a player can have in the game and Buffalo's QB is just one of four players in "Madden 27" that will have that number attached to them.
On the Cook front, he lands at a 94 rating after leading the NFL in rushing yards last season:
The Buffalo Bills have 2 players ranked in the top 100 in Madden 27 ratings per @MUTLeaksXXVII
That still begs the question, did Buffalo's team deserve another player or two among the top 100?
The lowest rating rounding out the list is multiple players from around the NFL with an 89 overall. While players such as offensive tackle Dion Dawkins or defensive lineman Ed Oliver might be worth such a number, no other member of the Bills earned such a game standing as of now.
Bills Wire will continue to provide updates throughout the 2026 offseason.
Gronk is in that camp having been wowed by Haaland’s physicality, which is something that is not necessarily common in soccer.
“They asked me who my comp is in the World Cup, and it’s an easy answer, it’s Erling Haaland. He’s the only guy that is compared to me and replicates what I did on the football field and what he does on the football field,” Gronk said on The Late Run podcast.
“His size, his endurance, his strength. The way he scores goals as well, it’s similar to the way I played American Football. When that ball is near the end zone or near the goal, the red light lights up and we know that’s ours to get the job done and score.”
The Norway striker ended the World Cup with a total of six goals, but was unable to find the back of the net in the quarter-final clash against England.
With training camp drawing closer for the Indianapolis Colts, we typically put together a 53-man roster prediction based on what we learned during offseason programs.
We will still be doing that, but the format will be different. Rather than cramming every position group into one article, we'll devote an entire article to one unit before compiling our predictions at the end.
Roster locks: Bernhard Raimann, Quenton Nelson, Tanor Bortolini, Matt Goncalves, Jalen Travis, Jalen Farmer, Dalton Tucker
Of course, there is the Colts' projected starting five, and also a part of this group is Jalen Farmer, whom the team took in the fourth round of this year's draft.
Having Tucker as a roster lock may be a bit aggressive, but the Colts do not have an obvious backup center on the roster, and he could be the favorite to fill that role. Tucker also has experience, and there's not a lot of that on the roster beyond the starters.
Offensive tackle depth in question
Tucker and Farmer provide depth along the interior offensive line, but the tackle depth is a question mark. Freeland has played over 700 snaps, but just about all of those came in 2023. He also missed all of last season with an injury.
Tenuta played 28 snaps last season off the bench, but has played just 35 snaps in total since entering the NFL in 2022.
Nolan Rucci is an intriguing prospect, but assuming a UDFA can step in at a moment's notice comes with obvious risks.
How many offensive linemen will the Colts roster?
A lot of teams keep nine, while some will go heavy and keep 10, which the Colts have done in the past. That said, my guess is that Chris Ballard only rosters nine players this year -- I just don't think the depth is strong enough to justify keeping 10 players.
Predicting the Colts' 53-man roster at the offensive line before training camp
Bernhard Raimann, Quenton Nelson, Tanor Bortolini, Matt Goncalves, Jalen Travis, Jalen Farmer, Dalton Tucker, Luke Tenuta, Blake Freeland
I do think that Rucci could push one of Freeland or Tenuta for a roster spot. In each of the last two years, we've seen Ballard take a swing on upside and roster a UDFA. That said, for now, I'll give Tenuta and Freeland the advantage, given their experience. We need to see more from Rucci before assuming he'll earn a roster spot.
The Baltimore Ravens are talented enough that several players who would make other rosters comfortably may have to fight through August to secure their place.
That is the reality of a deep team with championship expectations. The starters are largely established, but the back end of the roster remains unsettled at several important spots. Wide receiver, running back, cornerback, edge rusher, and defensive line all feature players with legitimate NFL talent, but the numbers will not work for everyone. That makes preseason games more than a formality for the Ravens. They will help determine which players are trusted, which players are protected, and which players could be squeezed when the final 53-man roster is assembled.
Devontez Walker
Devontez Walker enters the preseason with a real opportunity, but also with more pressure than he had a year ago. Baltimore’s official post-draft depth chart listed Walker among the backup wide receivers behind Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, but the additions of Ja’Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt have changed the shape of the room and increased the competition for meaningful snaps.
Walker has the size and athletic traits to become a useful outside receiver, and the Ravens need someone behind Flowers and Bateman to become a consistent part of the passing game. His preseason should be about more than making an occasional downfield catch. He must show he can separate, finish contested opportunities, block with effort, and earn Lamar Jackson’s trust. If Walker plays well, he can strengthen his case as one of Baltimore’s top four receivers. If he is quiet while the rookies flash, the receiver math could become much more uncomfortable.
LaJohntay Wester
LaJohntay Wester’s path is different from Walker’s because his game is built more around quickness, special teams value, and the ability to create space in smaller areas. That gives him a defined route to the roster, but it also means he has to be one of the Ravens’ most useful players in those specific categories.
The preseason will matter because Baltimore has multiple young receivers trying to occupy similar depth roles. Wester does not need to become a high-volume offensive weapon to protect his spot, but he does need to prove he can help the Ravens on game day. That means clean route running, reliable hands, return value if asked, and enough toughness to handle traffic over the middle. If he becomes a trusted special teams piece while giving the offense a change-of-pace option, he can make a strong case to stay.
Rasheen Ali
Rasheen Ali may face one of the more direct roster challenges on the offense. Derrick Henry remains the center of the running game, and Justice Hill gives Baltimore a trusted veteran with third-down and special teams value. That leaves Ali battling to prove he should be part of the next layer of the backfield.
His preseason workload could be significant, and it needs to be productive. Ali must run decisively, protect the football, and show value in pass protection, because reserve running backs have to do more than carry the ball in the second half of preseason games. Baltimore also added competition to the room, and the No. 3 running back battle has been identified as one of the team’s important roster decisions. If Ali can combine burst with reliability, he can protect his spot. If he struggles with assignments or ball security, the Ravens could look elsewhere for depth.
Adisa Isaac
Adisa Isaac needs a strong preseason because Baltimore’s edge room has become more crowded and more competitive. The Ravens have invested in pass rushers, and the arrival of Trey Hendrickson changes the top of the rotation. That leaves players behind the established names competing for snaps, special teams work, and roster security.
Isaac’s challenge is proving that he can be more than a developmental edge defender. He needs to show he can set the edge against the run, convert speed into pressure, and handle special teams assignments with consistency. Preseason games are particularly important for pass rushers because splash plays can change evaluations quickly. If Isaac creates pressure and plays with discipline against the run, he can remind the coaching staff why his traits are worth keeping. If he disappears, Baltimore’s depth could work against him.
Backup cornerbacks
The Ravens’ backup cornerback competition may be one of the most important roster battles on the team. Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins, and Chidobe Awuzie give Baltimore a strong foundation, but the depth behind them remains crowded and unsettled. ESPN’s depth chart lists several corners behind the top group, and Baltimore Beatdown identified the backup cornerback competition as a key battle involving young players such as Bilhal Kone, Robert Longerbeam, Keyon Martin, and Chandler Rivers.
This battle will not be decided by coverage alone. The Ravens need backup corners who can tackle, cover kicks, handle nickel or outside responsibilities, and survive preseason snaps against receivers fighting for jobs. Keyon Martin has already shown he can make a roster, and Kone has the size teams like on the outside, but no player in this group can afford a quiet August. Baltimore’s secondary has high-end talent, but the final cornerback spots may come down to who provides the best combination of coverage ability, special teams value, and dependability.
Broderick Washington
Broderick Washington is not a typical roster-bubble name, but he still needs a strong preseason to protect his role and reestablish his place in the defensive line rotation. Injuries limited him last season, and Baltimore has enough bodies up front to create legitimate competition behind the leading defensive linemen.
Washington’s value has always been tied to physicality, toughness, and the ability to absorb dirty work inside. That still matters, but the Ravens have younger linemen pushing for snaps and a front seven that could evolve with Hendrickson, Calais Campbell, Nnamdi Madubuike, Travis Jones, and others shaping the rotation. Washington does not need to produce highlight plays every week, but he does need to look healthy, hold up against the run, and prove he remains one of Baltimore’s most reliable interior depth pieces. A strong preseason would make the staff more comfortable keeping him in the rotation. A quiet one could allow younger, cheaper options to gain momentum.
The bottom line
The Ravens’ roster strength creates pressure in places that might otherwise feel settled. Walker and Wester have to hold off a deeper receiver room. Ali must prove he belongs in a crowded running back competition. Isaac needs to show his edge traits can translate into real preseason production. The backup cornerbacks have to separate through coverage and special teams. Washington must remind the Ravens that he still belongs in the defensive line rotation.
That is what preseason football is supposed to decide. The Ravens already know who their stars are. August will help determine which players are trusted to support them when the regular season begins.
Aaron Rodgers has committed to one final NFL season after signing a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers for 2026. The contract is worth up to $25 million, with $22 million guaranteed, and Rodgers has made it clear this will end his 22-year career.
Rodgers’ return followed Pittsburgh’s hiring of former Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy, who reunited with the quarterback for one last championship attempt.
Rodgers also embraced the moment publicly. During an offseason trip with teammates, he posted photos on Instagram with the caption, “Last Rodeo.” The Steelers hope that final run produces more than another playoff appearance after winning the AFC North before an early postseason exit last season.
Still, former Steelers safety Ryan Clark believes expectations should remain realistic despite Rodgers’ arrival.
Ryan Clark sees familiar limits for Pittsburgh
Atlanta, Georgia, USA; ESPN MNF broadcaster Ryan Clark at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Speaking on NFL on ESPN, Clark questioned whether Rodgers changes Pittsburgh’s long-term outlook. “The ceiling for this team is what we’ve been seeing the last few years, right?” Clark said. “Aaron Rodgers could get this team to nine wins or ten wins, and you maybe sneak into the playoffs or you’re fighting for a wild card.”
Clark also argued the Steelers are not built to challenge the AFC’s strongest contenders. “Nobody expects this team to compete with the New England Patriots, the Buffalo Bills, the Denver Broncos, some of the top rosters in the AFC,” he said.
His comments reflected broader concerns about Pittsburgh’s roster. Clark noted, “This team offensively still has holes. This team, from a defensive standpoint, has to get better at the linebacker position.”
Aaron Rodgers is now 42 years old
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) looks to throw at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
That assessment carries weight despite Rodgers’ decorated career. The 42-year-old remains one of the league’s smartest quarterbacks, but he cannot erase weaknesses across the roster. Pittsburgh chose to delay a rebuild by pursuing experienced quarterbacks instead of investing heavily in a long-term successor.
Rodgers still has meaningful goals ahead. He enters the season with 527 career touchdown passes and needs 13 more to pass Peyton Manning for third on the NFL’s all-time list. However, individual milestones will not define Pittsburgh’s season.
Clark summed up the bigger picture clearly. “We’ll be home by the divisional round thinking to themselves, ‘Are we stuck in quarterback purgatory, or is our next guy in the draft in 2027?'” Unless the supporting cast improves, Rodgers may raise the floor without lifting the Steelers beyond their familiar playoff ceiling.
Chicago Bears training camp is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start looking ahead at the roster the team is bringing to Lake Forest this month.
Rookies and quarterbacks are set to report to Halas Hall on July 25 with veterans following on July 28. But before that, we're unveiling our Bears 2026 training camp position previews, where we're breaking down every player by position and examining the biggest question facing the group.
One of the most important positions is in the spotlight here: Offensive line, where quarterback Caleb Williams was able to take a huge step in his development because of the protection in front of him. Injuries and retirements have opened the door for new opportunities for some young and veteran players alike, where the unit can not afford any slip ups in production. Let’s take a look at the Bears' offensive line heading into training camp:
Joe Thuney
The NFL's Protector of the Year last season, Joe Thuney was one of the biggest acquisitions in recent franchise history and carried the offensive line, and the offense, in Ben Johnson's first season last year. The Bears need to keep Thuney on the field as he turns 34 this season, which is not old by any means, but the offensive as a whole feels it will only keep improving and progressing as long as the veteran offensive guard is on the field.
Darnell Wright
Darnell Wright has become a cornerstone for the Bears offensive line and offensive unit as a whole. Ben Johnson and the coaching staff could've explored the idea of moving Wright to the left tackle spot given the lack of strength and consistency but the anchor that he brings on the right side of the offensive line is undeniable. Wright is one of multiple strong pieces in place on the offensive line, and in a league where the left tackle usually gets all the attention, he has earned the deserved distinction of one of, if not the best right tackle in the NFL.
Jonah Jackson
One of the best things about Jonah Jackson is his name is not often brought up last season, which is usually a great sign for offensive linemen. In the massive change that Chicago's unit took in 2025, Jackson is a veteran who came in having familiarity with Ben Johnson and was able to bring in consistency at the right guard position, while sharing his experience to help mold the offensive line together because of his time with Johnson.
Braxton Jones
The presumed starter at left tackle, Braxton Jones has plenty of motivation behind him to earn his old starting job back with the injury to Ozzy Trapilo keeping the door open. Jones has always been a respectable starter at the left tackle spot, but has been unable to reach that mark of a cornerstone offensive lineman, similar to his teammate on the other side, Darnell Wright at right tackle. Jones has had the job before, and he should be able to get the job back due to the door being left wide open.
Garrett Bradbury
A veteran who is immediately on notice, Garrett Bradbury was acquired to come in and take over after the abrupt retirement of center Drew Dalman this offseason. However, the Bears brought in a rookie at the same position who will ultimately compete with Bradbury in one of the most intriguing battles on the entire roster during training camp and the preseason. Bradbury comes to Chicago on a one-year deal and will have to step up in order to get a starting role.
Ozzy Trapilo
Ozzy Trapilo is a very talented young player who came in and waited for his opportunity as a rookie, only to have it end in disappointing fashion by way of a ruptured patellar tendon in the wild-card playoffs. Trapilo showed potential of becoming a cornerstone at left tackle, but he'll now have to play catchup as he recovers physically, and it could be a tough task to find a way to get him back in the starting lineup once healthy. Hopefully the injury does not derail the long-term potential of Trapilo, who the Bears have seemed to have high hopes for.
Jordan McFadden
Jordan McFadden showed his value to the organization when injuries derailed them in the playoffs, he stepped into the starting lineup and impressed. McFadden is the perfect type of veteran that every NFL team needs, he is ready when called upon and showed position versatility to be used wherever he is needed.
Logan Jones
The most intriguing player on the offensive line because as a second-round pick in this year's draft, Logan Jones could make a major impact on the Bears starting lineup this pre season. If Jones can beat out Bradbury for the starting job, it would show not only the level of talent he has, but his ability to learn Ben Johnson's offense quickly, and build trust with Caleb Williams as a rookie, would be a very big deal for this area on the football field.
Jedrick Wills Jr.
A veteran brought in to compete with Braxton Jones and others at the left tackle position, Wills is on a one-year deal for depth and insurance purposes more than anything. Wills does have the talent, when healthy, to start at the left tackle spot, so the battle could come down between him and Jones during training camp.
Kiran Amegadjie
One of the very few question marks on the offensive line, Kiran Amegadjie has not lived up to his billing as a former third-round pick. Amegadjie should be considered a depth and insurance piece in this current group of offensive linemen, and he might get a look inside this summer.
Theo Benedet
A fan favorite who is a versatile linemen with potential, Theo Benedet could be in line to find his name in the mix at the left tackle battle, but is also viewed as depth behind Darnell Wright at right tackle. "The Canadian Eagle" has shown plenty of his personality, but he'll need some things to open up for him to get more opportunities on the field.
Luke Newman
A sixth-round pick in last year's draft, Luke Newman is a depth piece for the interior offensive line, and with another year in Ben Johnson's offense, he could be a good bench piece to rely on if needed.
Caden Barnett
Known virally on social media as "The Vanilla Gorilla," Caden Barnett was signed to the Bears as an undrafted free agent this year, and has garnered a lot of hype this offseason. Given the contract Chicago signed him to, with guaranteed money, Barnett feels like he's primed for a spot on the 53-man roster.
Jaren Kump
Of all the undrafted free agents and young players on the offensive line, Jaren Kump might be one of the most intriguing players the Bears have. Throughout his six-year collegiate career, Kump played all five positions on the offensive line which continues to show the team's commitment to having versatile linemen across the roster.
Kyle Hergel
A member of the Bears practice squad who was added late in the season last year, Kyle Hergel will likely be back on the practice squad for the team this year, unless an injury elsewhere elevates him.
Mason Murphy
Another undrafted free agent signing from this year, Mason Murphy started in all 12 games for the Auburn Tigers, he's a practice squad candidate for this season.
The Tennessee Titans made one of the biggest coaching hires of the offseason when they brought in Brian Daboll to lead their offense. While the move was praised from the start, ESPN believes the pairing between Daboll and quarterback Cam Ward could be one of the NFL's best new coach-player fits entering the 2026 season.
In a recent breakdown of the league's top new-coach-player scheme pairings, ESPN's Ben Solak highlighted Daboll and Ward as a match capable of elevating both the quarterback and the Titans' offense.
Ward enters his second NFL season after showing flashes of becoming the franchise quarterback Tennessee believed in when they selected him with the number one overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Now, he'll have one of football's most respected offensive minds guiding his development
Titans built the offense around their quarterback
Throughout Daboll's career, he has helped maximize the strengths of several passers by tailoring his offense to their skill sets. His ability to blend creative play design with quarterback-friendly concepts has made him one of the NFL's best offensive coordinators.
As a rookie, Ward flashed elite arm talent, mobility, and creativity outside the pocket. However, he also showed the inconsistency that first-year quarterbacks often have, including the 2024 No. 1 overall pick, Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears.
Similar to Bears head coach and playcaller Ben Johnson's last season, Daboll's challenge will be refining those raw tools while allowing Ward to continue playing with confidence and aggression. Also, the Bears added wide receiver help in the draft, selecting Rome Odunze and Luther Burden II in back-to-back top-two-round selections.
The Titans drafted wide receiver Carnell Tate with the No. 4 overall pick in this past draft. That, along with other additions and returnees, should allow Daboll to open up the playbook while placing Ward in situations where he can succeed.
ESPN's recognition reflects a growing belief around the league that Tennessee is finally on the right track with its coaching staff and personnel around its most important player. If Ward takes the leap Solak expects, the Titans will become an AFC competitor quicker than expected.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins will need to produce under center in 2026. Fernando Mendoza’s presence in Las Vegas takes some pressure off of Cousins for next season, though in the event that the latter is named the starting QB, he will still carry major expectations on the year.
Before the injury, Cousins was somewhat like Sam Darnold, whom Klint Kubiak really did well with last year. Can he still be somewhat similar to that, even if a step down? … They'll (the Raiders) hope Tyler Linderbaum helps elevate the unit as a whole, but Cousins behind an iffy line is a scary proposition. Expect a heavy dose of Bowers. Cousins found a good connection with Pitts last year; he'll feed his standout tight end.
Cousins is looking to bounce back from injuries that slowed him down for the last two years. The Raiders have an improved roster for next season, particularly on offense, with an upgraded offensive line and more depth in the backfield. The 37-year-old Cousins is expected to orchestrate that unit and be a mentor to Mendoza regardless of who gets the start in Week 1.
With the different ways that Cousins will be looked at to make an impact on the team in 2026 and set the tone for the franchise, he approaches a year that carries major implications for himself and the Raiders.
Prior to the release of ADPs four months ago, I discussed the Packers’ biggest fantasy bargain, bust, and wild card. Where do things stand as we approach the first preseason games?
The longer Matthew Golden can remain under fantasy radars, the better for managers seeking a middle-round WR bargain. The 2025 first-round pick possesses a ceiling far above his WR50 ADP. Despite a rough rookie campaign, he was picking up steam in the first half of the season when Christian Watson made his season debut. This increasingly crowded receiving corps made it difficult for Golden to find his footing. With Dontayvion Wick and Romeo Doubs gone, the door is open for Golden.
Whether or not off-the-field issues curtail Josh Jacobs’ 2026 season, the writing might be on the wall for an aging workhorse running back who’s benefited immensely from 30 touchdowns since 2024. This franchise has already paid his contractually obligated guaranteed money, meaning he could be cut after this year without too much cap pain. While it might sound absurd, MarShawn Lloyd is waiting in the wings, and Jacobs has less room for error than at any time in his career.
That makes Lloyd the biggest wild card at his RB63 ADP. It’s been nearly two years since the 2024 third-round pick has taken the field. He has only seven touches since Thanksgiving 2023, right after wrapping up his college career at the University of Southern California. If he looks the part in camp, Lloyd could be a steal. But he also has the potential to lose the handcuff job to Chris Brooks.
Evans enters the 49ers offense on the back of an unprecedented streak that finally snapped last season. Evans surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first 11 NFL seasons before falling short of the mark in 2025 while dealing with injuries that limited him to a career-low eight games.
Despite the down year, Solak believes Evans is positioned to make an immediate impact in Shanahan's scheme — and not just as a size mismatch.
Solak notes that Evans breaks the mold of every receiver Shanahan has previously featured. The tallest receivers to see real playing time in a Shanahan offense have topped out around 6-foot-3, whether that was Julio Jones, Josh Gordon or Jauan Jennings — and even Jennings, Solak points out, functioned more as a big slot receiver than a true outside pass-catcher. Evans, at 6-foot-5, 231 pounds with arms longer than 35 inches, fits a mold Shanahan has never had.
That size translates directly to production in contested situations, according to Solak, who highlights that Evans ranks third in the NFL in touchdowns on plays inside the 10-yard line over the past three seasons — most of them coming on tight-window throws with no separation.
But Solak's larger point is that Evans isn't just a jump-ball specialist. He notes Evans ranks third in the league in yards per route run on deep in-breaking routes over the last two seasons, the exact concepts, like digs and crossers, that anchor Shanahan's passing game.
Solak also points to Evans' 2024 season under then-Buccaneers coordinator Liam Coen as a blueprint, when Evans set career highs in slot usage, catch rate and yards per route run while producing well against two-high safety shells for the first time in his career — suggesting Shanahan could unlock a similarly expanded role in San Francisco.
Either way, the addition of Evans gives Shanahan and Purdy a tried-and-true pass-catcher that is both a redzone/endzone threat and someone who can make catches all over the field at any point of attack. It'll be exciting to see exactly how the 49ers deploy Evans in 2026.
DeShon Elliott was one of the most promising defenders on the Pittsburgh Steelers roster in 2024, but he scarcely played last season due to a multitude of significant injuries. But on a completely re-loaded defensive roster, there's hope that Elliott will bounce back in a huge way in 2026.
From now until the start of the regular season, we at Steelers Wire will be analyzing every player on the roster. Here's a look at Elliott and what could be in store for his 2026 season.
At a glance
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 210 pounds
Age: 29 years old
NFL experience: 9
Career with the Steelers
Elliott signed with the Steelers on a two-year deal worth $6 million in March 2024. After a successful debut season with Pittsburgh, Elliott signed a two-year extension worth $12.5 million in June 2025. His second season with the Steelers didn't exactly go as planned, however, as the talented safety suffered a sprained MCL in the Week 1 matchup against the New York Jets and was forced to miss time. He then suffered a season-ending hamstring tear after he hyperextended his knee against the Green Bay Packers in Week 8.
What's next in 2026?
Elliott is expected to remain the Steelers' starting strong safety option in 2026, opposite newly acquired safety Jaquan Brisker. Elliott and Brisker possess a similar skill set in that they're both tackling machines with relentless motors, game-changers in run defense. But Elliott can honestly do it all and should be in for a big year with a new defensive system led by DC Patrick Graham.
For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any offseason moves, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
In his latest collaboration with Coors Light, three-time Super Bowl champion and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes includes a longtime member of Chiefs Kingdom for an important role.
In Coors Light's new "Mahomeses" campaign, Mahomes takes on the role of producer to cast a replacement to star in the new commercial. After a casting process that proves replacing a three-time Super Bowl champion isn't easy, he ultimately taps longtime friend, two-time Emmy Award winner, and die-hard Chiefs fan Eric Stonestreet to step into the spotlight. Stonestreet recently sat down with Chiefs Wire's Ed Easton Jr. for an interview discussing his involvement in the campaign.
"Well, it started by getting invited to Patrick's golf tournament for his foundation, '15 and the Mahomies' out in Vegas, and then meeting the Coors Light people. Then we just stayed in touch," said Stonestreet. "At some point, 'Hey, we have this idea that we've always wanted to do. We think it's funny, and we'd love it if you did it. They sent me the storyboards, and I was like, 'Yes, hilarious and really fun, really creative idea.'"
"Obviously, getting to spend time with Patrick and any time that you get to do that, you want to say yes. I was in town, available, and excited. I'm a fan of the brand," said Stonestreet. "I try to stick to things that I actually really like, so I'm just not a big liar to everybody. It worked out great, and it starts with the idea and the nugget, which is what gets me interested."
Chiefs fans can get their hands on a limited-edition collectible poster featuring Stonestreet in character, signed by the star actor and Mahomes himself.
"Luckily, I didn't have to become Patrick Mahomes on the field. I just had to become Patrick Mahomes for him in an ad for Coors Light, which I was happy to do," said Stonestreet. "So those skills came a little bit more naturally to me than dropping back and scanning the field and trying to hit Rashee Rice over the middle, so I'm thankful for that. I had to emulate Patrick on a set and not on a field."
Available exclusively at shop.coorslight.com, just 15 posters will drop on July 16 and another 35 on July 17 at 12 pm ET. Proceeds will benefit Patrick's '15 and the Mahomies Foundation'.
While we wait for players to return to team facilities next week, it's the perfect time to start talking about fantasy football. Fantasy managers are already preparing for their upcoming drafts, researching players, scouring news reports, and ultimately waiting to see what happens in training camp before finalizing their desired draft order.
The quarterback position is a major difference-maker on rosters throughout fantasy leagues; it can make or break your whole season. A recent CBS Sports article breaks down the NFL's starting quarterbacks into tiers based on previous fantasy performance and current potential. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (1) is the only player in Tier 1, and for good reason. Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels landed in Tier 2 despite a down year in 2025.
Tier 2 quarterbacks included Lamar Jackson (2), Drake Maye (3), Joe Burrow (4), Caleb Williams (5), Jalen Hurts (6), and Daniels (7).
The potential for variance feels even higher for Jalen Hurts and Jayden Daniels. Both have MVP-caliber seasons in them, but they're coming off disappointing campaigns and are playing in new offenses. The Commanders have not improved Daniels' weaponry this offseason as much as I hoped they would, while Hurts' receiving corps has a much different look in 2026. We know Daniels is electric when healthy, and Hurts has finished among the top seven QBs in FPPG in each of the last five seasons. These two have rare ability in fantasy and real football. I wouldn't want to be caught overpaying for them in 2026, though.
That Daniels is even in the top 10 after an injury-riddled season is telling about how fantasy managers should view him. Managers should also consider the impact of David Blough as the Commanders' offensive coordinator and what it means for Daniels. In the past, he's shown that he can use both his arms and his legs to move the ball down the field. Under Blough, the playcalling will be different, and he will spend more time slinging the ball down the field than he will running with it. He will be under center more in 2026, which will lead to more play-action opportunities.
When it comes to fantasy, how a quarterback plays matters. In most leagues, 10 rushing or receiving yards equals one point. A quarterback has to have 25 passing yards before a point is awarded. Touchdowns are six points across the board. So, if Daniels has 300 passing yards, 50 rushing yards, and two touchdowns in a game, his manager is awarded 29 points. A running back or receiver would need 170 yards and two touchdowns, or 110 yards and three touchdowns to get there.
This is why quarterbacks can make or break your fantasy season. Daniels is one of those quarterbacks you want on your side.
The Buffalo Bills enter a new era in 2026 for a multitude of reasons.
The Bills will begin playing in their new Highmark Stadium home that has opened.
More specifically, it's about the Joe Brady chapter that is starting on the field with him being named as head coach.
During an offseason lookahead, ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky focused on that when discussing Buffalo next season. He's curious about what is to come from the Bills under Brady's watch when he has free reign to do whatever he pleases on offense.
"Who are they?" Orlovsky said. "I just want to see what this offense is going to be identity wise."
Orlovsky specifically noted the differences he noted in Brady's offense over the past few seasons in Buffalo as well.
The full ESPN clip of Orlovsky can be found below:
"Who are they? What's the identity of this offense?"@danorlovsky7 is curious what the Bills will look like under head coach Joe Brady 🤔 pic.twitter.com/P0hk7eg4yC
The Baltimore Ravens Top 100 countdown enters the top 30 with a collection of players who helped define some of the franchise's most successful teams of the past two decades. Ranked between Nos. 30 and 21 are playoff performers, defensive standouts, and emerging stars whose impact helped keep Baltimore among the NFL's elite organizations.
No. 30 belongs to Dannell Ellerbe, who checks in after emerging as one of the defensive leaders on Baltimore's 2012 championship team. Ellerbe's athleticism and ability to play sideline to sideline allowed him to thrive in the middle of the defense, and his postseason performance helped the Ravens capture their second Lombardi Trophy.
Dannell Ellerbe checks in at No. 29 after emerging as one of the defensive leaders on Baltimore's championship team in 2012. Ellerbe's athleticism and ability to play sideline to sideline allowed him to thrive in the middle of the defense, and his postseason performance helped the Ravens capture their second Lombardi Trophy.
At No. 28 is Roquan Smith, whose arrival dramatically altered the trajectory of Baltimore's defense. Acquired midway through the 2022 season, Smith immediately elevated every level of the unit with his range, instincts, and leadership. He has since earned multiple All-Pro selections while becoming the emotional and strategic centerpiece of one of the NFL's most dominant defenses.
Ronnie Stanley lands at No. 27. When healthy, Stanley has been one of the finest offensive tackles in franchise history. The first true All-Pro left tackle developed by Baltimore, Stanley, anchored the offensive line during Lamar Jackson's rise and helped redefine the franchise's offensive ceiling. Despite battling significant injuries, his talent and impact remain undeniable, and his place among the organization's top players is secure.
No. 26 belongs to Lardarius Webb, one of the most dynamic defensive backs of the John Harbaugh era. Webb's ability to play cornerback, nickel, and safety made him invaluable to multiple defensive coordinators. Injuries prevented him from reaching even greater heights, but he still earned an All-Pro selection and finished his career with 15 interceptions and countless impact plays.
Za'Darius Smith checks in at No. 25 after developing from a fourth-round draft pick into one of the NFL's most disruptive pass rushers. Smith's breakout in Baltimore laid the foundation for a highly successful career and showcased the Ravens' ability to develop defensive talent.
No. 24 belongs to Vonta Leach, one of the greatest fullbacks of his era and a key figure in Baltimore's physical offensive identity. Acquired from Houston before the 2011 season, Leach earned three consecutive Pro Bowl selections with the Ravens and was named a first-team All-Pro in 2011. His dominant blocking helped pave the way for Ray Rice's most productive seasons and played a critical role during Baltimore's Super Bowl XLVII championship run.
Zay Flowers ranks No. 23 after making an immediate impact following his selection in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Flowers quickly developed into one of Lamar Jackson's most dynamic weapons, earning Pro Bowl recognition and establishing himself as a cornerstone of Baltimore's offensive future. Flowers is the first Pro Bowl wide receiver in franchise history.
Tyler Linderbaum lands at No. 22 after developing into the best center in franchise history. Linderbaum, a 2022 first-round pick out of Iowa (25th overall), has been named to the Pro Bowl three times. In 2025, Linderbaum remained one of the best run-blocking centers in the NFL. His 83.1 PFF run-blocking grade ranked fourth at the position.
Kyle Hamilton rounds out the group at No. 21. Already a two-time All-Pro and widely regarded as one of the league's premier defensive players, Hamilton has transformed the Ravens defense through his versatility, instincts, and playmaking ability. Although his career remains far from complete, his impact has been so significant that he has already earned a place among the most influential defenders in franchise history.
Final analysis
The players ranked between 30 and 21 reflect both Baltimore's recent success and its ability to continually develop talent. Some helped win championships, others revived careers in Baltimore, and several remain central figures in the franchise's future as the countdown approaches the top 20.
The Dallas Cowboys have a strong track record of finding undrafted free agents who not only make the roster but also find ways to contribute early. This year appears to be no different, and one player to keep an eye on is defensive tackle Tommy Dunn Jr. Dunn Jr. stands out because of his motor and ability to create pressure from the interior. Those traits alone make him an intriguing prospect for Dallas. The biggest question mark is his size. If he wants to make the roster, he'll have to prove he can hold up against double teams and be reliable against the run. If not, he could be a prime practice squad candidate.
On offense, Michael Trigg may have the best shot of any UDFA to make the Cowboys' final 53-man roster. Trigg brings something different to the tight end room with his ability to stretch the field vertically. His combination of size and speed can create matchup problems for linebackers and safeties, giving Dallas a weapon they don't really have at the position behind starter Jake Ferguson. Trigg's biggest competition for a roster spot is likely Princeton Fant and fellow rookie DJ Rogers, with Fant being his toughest competition. If Trigg doesn't make the roster, the Cowboys run the risk of another team claiming him because of his upside. That's why it wouldn't be surprising to see Dallas keep him on the 53-man roster rather than try to sneak him onto the practice squad. The talent is there, and the Cowboys may not want to gamble on losing it.
Dallas Cowboys Top Headlines
UDFA Tommy Dunn Jr. faces long odds on crowded Cowboys D-line :: Cowboys Wire (Link)
Role Call: Michael Trigg's path to the 53-man roster seems clear:: DallasCowboys.com (Link)
NFL world says Dak Prescott is top-2 NFC quarterback :: Inside The Star (Link)
Mailbag: Too much hype for new defense? :: DallasCowboys.com (Link)
Top 10 Dallas Cowboys of 2026: Rashan Gary is complete EDGE team needed :: Sports Illustrated (Link)
Cowboys to start season short-handed at OLB; newcomer suspended 3 games by commissioner :: Cowboys Wire (Link)
Cowboys have far more than meets the eye in key veteran backup :: The Landry Hat (Link)
Most intriguing newcomer on each team Cowboys will face in 2026 :: Blogging The Boys (Link)
Which offense are you most interested in seeing take the field: Cowboys or Steelers? | 'GMFB' :: NFL.com (Link)
No.10) Which position is the most pressing need? :: DallasCowboys.com (Link)
Jerry Jones has done wonders to erase a typical Cowboys offseason nightmare :: SportDFW (Link)
Cowboys are quietly being vindicated for polarizing draft pick :: The Landry Hat (Link)
Do the Cowboys have the best offensive guard duo in football? :: Inside The Star (Link)
Role Call: Michael Trigg's path to the 53-man roster seems clear:: DallasCowboys.com (Link)
The Cowboys players who will likely exceed expectations in 2026 :: Blogging The Boys (Link)
Cowboys' secret weapon on coaching staff could push team over the hump :: Sports Illustrated (Link)
Cowboys’ edge rush in ‘wait and see’ mode until training camp :: Cowboys Wire (Link)
News & Headlines Around the NFC East
Eagles 2026 Training Camp Position Preview: Safety :: PhiladelphiaEagles.com (Link)
Commanders veteran could make cutting him feel like a genuine risk :: Riggo's Rag (Link)
NY Giants Andrew Thomas ranks No. 8 among offensive tackles by ESPN :: Big Blue View (Link)
Eagles veteran may make the final depth chart conversation more complicated :: Inside The Iggles (Link)
Tyler’s Take - Preseason offensive and defensive MVP predictions for the Commanders :: Hogs Haven (Link)
Giants' John Harbaugh not worried about Jaxson Dart protecting himself :: NFL.com (Link)
News & Headlines Around the NFL
Execs, coaches rank top NFL off-ball linebackers for 2026 :: ESPN.com (Link)
Tony Romo: My only regret is not winning the Cowboys a Super Bowl :: NFL.com (Link)
Late for Work: Pundits call out absurdity of Lamar Jackson's low placement in 'NFL Top 100' :: BaltimoreRavens.com (Link)
Patriots' Kevin Byard: WR like A.J. Brown 'shifts your philosophy on how you want to play defense' :: NFL.com (Link)
2026 NFL season: New coach-player scheme pairings to watch :: ESPN.com (Link)
Ranking all eight NFL divisions entering 2026 season :: NFL.com (Link)
You can follow Terence on X at @Watson703. Also, follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans and the rest of the @TheCowboysWire crew on X for more news and notes on your Dallas Cowboys.
Tuten finished his career with 3,768 yards rushing and 77 touchdowns on 429 carries. In addition, he caught 35 passes in his career for 437 yards and seven touchdowns, and returned three kicks and one punt for touchdowns.
Bhayshul Tuten continued his scoring tear in college
Tuten started off his college career at North Carolina A&T. He played there in 2021 and 2022. He rushed 37 times for 215 yards with three touchdowns as a freshman. He rushed for 1,363 yards on 208 carries with 13 touchdowns as a sophomore.
After the 2022 season, Tuten transferred to Virginia Tech. During his junior year in 2023, Tuten started all 13 games and rushed 173 times for 863 yards and 10 touchdowns. As a senior, he rushed 183 times for 1,159 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Tuten rushed for 307 yards with five touchdowns while also tallying 79 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Bhayshul Tuten has plenty of competition at RB for Jaguars
While Tuten is currently listed as the team’s lead running back, offseason signee Chris Rodriguez Jr. is expected to shoulder a heavy workload, as well.
Allen, as mentioned earlier, is listed at No. 3. He saw limited but regular action last season, primarily as a kick returner, appearing in all 17 games.
Veterans Ameer Abdullah and Deejay Dallas are on the depth chart, as is 2026 draftee J’Mari Taylor.
With the Washington Commanders set to begin training camp in two weeks, the talk becomes: will they sign a veteran wide receiver?
Already this week, we've heard ESPN insiders Adam Schefter and Jeremy Fowler give updates on receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Stefon Diggs. Both Schefter and Fowler agreed that Aiyuk may have talked his way out of an opportunity with the Commanders. Of course, Aiyuk remains under contract with the 49ers for now.
As for Diggs, Schefter and Fowler seemed more optimistic about him landing in Washington.
"We talked about Washington and Brandon Aiyuk, and most people thought Aiyuk would go there," Schefter said Tuesday on his podcast. "And it may turn out to be that Brandon Aiyuk's social media posts created an opening for Stefon Diggs, who played at Maryland, to go back to that area, take the spot that Brandon Aiyuk might've had."
Fowler made an appearance on the "Sports Junkies" on Tuesday and named another free-agent receiver who could interest Washington.
"Washington has been on the radar for a receiver; it's been hard to identify which one," Fowler said.
Fowler mentioned Diggs and Aiyuk, then reiterated what he had said earlier this week: the Commanders were looking for a speed guy. He acknowledged there were few of those types available, then mentioned another available veteran that we've discussed a few times: Keenan Allen.
"I've heard Washington implicated to Keenan Allen a little bit over the last few weeks, but it sounds like nothing is going on there."
As Fowler stated, Allen is more of a slot guy. That's not really what Washington needs. The Commanders can play rookie Antonio Williams in the slot, as well as Luke McCaffrey.
You can't argue with Allen's success. The 34-year-old has played 13 NFL seasons, caught 1,055 passes, 70 touchdowns and is a six-time Pro Bowler. Just last season, Allen played in all 17 games, finishing with 81 receptions for 777 yards and four touchdowns. But Allen's game is not built on speed; it never has been. Allen is a terrific route runner.
He can still play. But if a slot receiver was what Washington desired, then why not just bring Deebo Samuel back?
General manager Adam Peters doesn't need to rush to make a decision. Diggs could land with a new team before training camp, though. If that happens, Peters could wait until final cuts, and perhaps trade for a receiver. Another option we've mentioned before is Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte. He's reportedly available after New England's offseason additions of A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs.
While Allen could still help Washington, the fit just doesn't make sense.
The Washington Commanders' interest in Brandon Aiyuk appears to be fading, according to multiple NFL insiders, as the disgruntled 49ers wide receiver's social media activity continues to work against him.
ESPN's Adam Schefter addressed the situation on his podcast, indicating Washington is unlikely to pursue Aiyuk even as it looks to add a veteran receiver.
"I honestly believe that he has scared off teams like Washington," Schefter said. "I think they're looking at the social media posts and saying, 'Is this the kind of guy that we want to bring in right now and be a part of our franchise?'"
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler had a similar assessment earlier this week on SportsCenter, pointing to Aiyuk's online behavior as a deterrent for teams around the league — Washington included.
"There are several veterans they could look at," Fowler said. "I don't think it's going to be Brandon Aiyuk at this stage."
Aiyuk, who signed a four-year, $120 million extension with the 49ers in August 2024, has been at odds with the organization for nearly a year. San Francisco voided guaranteed money in his deal after he skipped rehab for a torn ACL, MCL and meniscus suffered late in the 2024 season, then placed him on the reserve/left squad list in December when he stopped showing up to the facility.
He hasn't played since that injury, missing all of 2025. Before going down, Aiyuk posted 24 catches for 374 yards in four games. His best season came in 2023, when he caught 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns as San Francisco reached the Super Bowl.
For Aiyuk to land elsewhere, he'll first need the 49ers to release him outright or petition the league for reinstatement. He hasn't done that and is seemingly refusing to do so, meaning his time in the NFL could be over before he even has a chance to return.
The quarterback play of the Minnesota Vikings has been a rollercoaster in terms of who is under center in recent years. Despite that, the play of their passers has been decent up until last season, when an often-injured and inconsistent J.J. McCarthy made the offense come to a screeching halt.
The Minnesota Vikings need to have a better offense in 2026, plain and simple. The Vikings did what they could to improve it, and now they will be leaning on former Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray to lead them into their next chapter. That move was enough for Bleacher Report's Moe Moton to include them among his top five teams improved this offseason.
Moton writes, "Although Murray underperformed in Arizona over the last few years, he could see a career resurgence under O'Connell, who has called plays for a top-six passing offense in three of his four years with the Vikings. The 28-year-old signal-caller needs to stay healthy, though. Murray joined a team with a solid wide receiver duo in two-time All-Pro Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Minnesota signed Jennings, who caught 55 passes for 643 yards and a career-high nine touchdowns last season with the San Francisco 49ers. The Vikings will have a new dynamic starting quarterback and one of the league's best receiver trios this year. Expect this offense to rack up points as one of the top 10 scoring units."
Murray is going to have the best supporting cast of his career. Pairing that with a coaching staff that has shown they can get the most of reclamation projects at quarterback. The perfect storm could be brewing for the Vikings on offense in 2026.
Aug 22, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Quentin Skinner (39) warms up before the preseason against the Philadelphia Eagles game at MetLife Stadium. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The Buffalo Bills claimed a player previously on a division rival, and though a roster longshot, he has some traits worth betting on.
Buffalo Bills rookies report to training camp July 21, with veterans following one week later. So it isn’t a surprise the front office is making moves in the final stretch of the offseason’s dead period.
On Tuesday, the Bills claimed a player from the division rival New York Jets to add depth on offense.
Bills claim former Jets player
Per Tuesday’s NFL wire, the Bills claimed wide receiver Quentin Skinner, who was recently waived by the Jets. The Bills terminated Deven Thompkins to make room for Skinner.
Skinner is an intriguing addition to a Bills wide receiver group dealing with its usual uncertainty. Though Skinner is unlikely to play a big role on offense, a strong training camp could make Buffalo consider using a 53-man roster spot on him. It will be an uphill battle, but he has some noteworthy traits. That starts with his size.
Skinner, 24 years old, is 6-foot-5. He could provide the Bills with some size in the red zone. However, his experience is very limited. As an undrafted rookie, he recorded one catch while playing for the Jets. Ironically, that ten-yard catch happened against the Bills in Week 18 (perhaps it’s an explanation of the Bills’ interest).
Before that, he led the Jets with 114 receiving yards in three preseason games.
At Kansas, Skinner recorded 80 catches for 1,584 yards and 11 touchdowns throughout three seasons. In 2024, his senior year, he even led the Big 12 in yards per reception at 22.3. That and his size will earn him a chance to prove himself with the Bills.
Bills WR room as of today
Following Tuesday’s moves, here’s an updated look at the Bills’ WR room:
Jeffrey Lurie has earned one of ESPN’s top humanitarian honors for work that has stretched well beyond football and into autism research, care, and support for families across the world. The Philadelphia Eagles owner and chairman was named this year’s recipient of the Stuart Scott ENSPIRE Award at the 2026 Sports Humanitarian Awards during ESPYS week. Lurie was joined at the event by Stuart Scott’s daughters, as well as Jason and Kylie Kelce, as he received recognition tied to one of the franchise’s most important off-field missions.
The award honors people who have used innovation, risk-taking, and the power of sports to help disadvantaged communities while reflecting values such as fairness, ethics, respect, and fellowship. For Lurie, the recognition is connected to his leadership with the Eagles Autism Foundation and the Lurie Autism Institute, two initiatives that have helped make Philadelphia one of the sports world’s most visible platforms for autism awareness, research, and care.
The Eagles Autism Challenge began in May 2018, and the Eagles Autism Foundation, founded in 2019, has raised more than $56 million through efforts such as the annual Eagles Autism Challenge. The foundation has helped fund more than 223 research projects and community grants worldwide, according to the team, while participant-raised funds from the organization’s signature charity event are invested into autism research and care programs.
Lurie’s impact expanded significantly in 2025, when the Lurie family donated $50 million to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Penn Medicine to establish the Lurie Autism Institute. The joint initiative between the two hospitals was described as the largest single donation to U.S. academic medical centers focused on autism research across the lifespan.
In the past decade, Lurie’s autism-focused efforts have contributed to more than $106 million in research and care. Under his leadership, the Eagles have made the Eagles Autism Challenge a franchise-wide initiative, with players, coaches, executives, and staff members participating in the annual event.
“I am truly humbled to be recognized as the recipient of this year’s Stuart Scott ENSPIRE Award,” Lurie said. “This honor exemplifies the transformative power of sport and the life-changing impact it can have on people. Stuart was a trailblazer whose legacy was built on integrity, professionalism, and bravery. His authentic character and fearlessness in the face of adversity will live on forever through this distinguished award.”
Lurie has long viewed ownership of an NFL franchise as an opportunity to create impact beyond wins and losses. His autism work has focused on funding science-backed research, expanding services, and supporting children, adults, parents, caregivers, and medical communities connected to autism spectrum disorder.
“I have always envisioned that the impact of owning a professional sports franchise could extend beyond the field and into the global health community,” Lurie said. “The Eagles Autism Foundation and Lurie Autism Institute have been created to support individuals with autism and their families by funding innovative and potentially groundbreaking research rooted in science and data, in addition to providing programming and services to those in need.”
The award was created in 2015 to honor the life and legacy of Stuart Scott, the longtime ESPN broadcaster who died from cancer earlier that year. Previous recipients include Robert Kraft, Stephen Ross, Billy Bean, Brice Christianson, Dr. Richard Lapchick, Chris Evert, Steve Gleason, and Dikembe Mutombo.
For the Eagles, Lurie’s recognition adds another national honor to one of the franchise’s defining community missions. Philadelphia has built a model for how a professional sports organization can use its platform, visibility, and resources to fund research and create measurable support for families. Lurie’s latest honor confirms that the Eagles’ impact under his leadership continues to reach far beyond the field.
New England Patriots star Jared Wilson is expected to improve upon his rookie year in 2025 next season in his natural position at center, but will he experience a full-blown breakout year?
The NFL’s Bucky Brooks named Wilson to his All-Breakout team for the 2026 season at the center slot, accentuating his potential to make noise next season in an all-too-familiar position for the Patriots.
Brooks wrote:
”Wilson's exceptional balance and body control enable him to match up with quicker defensive tackles, though he also possesses enough strength and power to deal with low-leverage monsters at the point of attack. While he has shown the versatility and adaptability to slow down extra-large interior defenders, Wilson must continue to refine his skills as a road grader and pass protector. Still, the move back to the pivot -- where he earned second-team All-SEC honors at Georgia -- should serve him well.”
The 23-year-old Wilson allowed four sacks and 28 total pressures last season as the Patriots’ starting left guard.
Now at center in place of Garrett Bradbury, who was traded to the Chicago Bears this offseason, Wilson will get the chance to up his productivity in his new role with the team.
It's not only the same role that he played in college before transitioning over to the guard slot in the NFL, but also one that will take pressure off of him against quicker oncoming edge rushers, setting the stage for him to have a strong year in 2026.
With the Indianapolis Colts' running back depth in question, one NFL analyst believes that the team should make a trade prior to training camp.
Moe Moton of Bleacher Report put together one trade idea for each team. For the Colts, Moton would like to see Indianapolis trade a late 2027 draft pick for Washington Commanders' running back Jerome Ford.
"The Colts need a solid No. 2 rusher who can also be an outlet in the short passing game. Ford can fill that role," wrote Moton. "He's currently the No. 3 tailback on the Commanders depth chart behind Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White."
Jonathan Taylor will, of course, shoulder the workload at running back, but there is a lot of inexperience on the depth chart behind him.
Competing for the backup role is DJ Giddens, who saw minimal playing time in Year 1, and rookie Seth McGowan.
The early signs from Giddens and McGowan have been encouraging, but anytime there is inexperience, there is uncertainty.
Ford could add some stability to that unit, not to mention that he could make an impact in the passing game, an element that the Colts could use more of out of the backfield.
That said, if GM Chris Ballard wanted to add a veteran presence to the backfield, he probably would have done so by now.
We have reached another week into the Summer Scouting process, and that means we have wrapped up watching the top quarterbacks in the class heading into the Fall.
In total, I watched 16 quarterbacks and will be sharing some notes on the top 10. I will share all the names at the end, but when we discuss the top options of this quarterback class, there are some top-end pieces for teams to target. The Summer is all about being positive with players, with some notes to keep in mind when we watch them in the Fall.
We have beaten around the bush enough, though, let's show our rankings.
One NFL analyst believes that the Jacksonville Jaguars should bolster their linebacker unit ahead of training camp with a trade.
Moe Moton of Bleacher Report put together one trade idea for each team. For the Jaguars, Moton would like to see Jacksonville trade a late 2027 draft pick for Dolphins' linebacker Tyrel Dodson.
"After three seasons in a backup role, Dodson has been a productive starter with the Buffalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks and Miami Dolphins," wrote Moton. "Last season, he recorded 129 tackles (10 for loss), five sacks, three pass breakups and an interception. Despite those numbers, Miami may not retain him on an expiring contract in a rebuild year."
Would the Jaguars make a trade for a linebacker?
With Devin Lloyd leaving in free agency, there are unknowns at the linebacker position for the Jaguars, specifically, who will be starting next to Foye Oluokun. Jacksonville also has a good amount of draft picks in 2027, and as we've seen, GM James Gladstone is more than willing to make a trade.
That said, Jacksonville is obviously bullish about the options that they already have on the roster to fill that role; otherwise, Gladstone would have been more aggressive in filling this need during the offseason.
Ventrell Miller is the presumed starter, but Branson Combs could push for playing time as well. The team also used a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft on Jack Kiser.
It's also worth noting that wherever Anthony Campanile has coached, the linebacker unit has found success.
And while replacing Lloyd's All-Pro production may not be easy, linebackers coach Tem Lukabu mentioned that filling that void will be a group effort that extends beyond this position group. Whether it's Miller or Combs starting, there will be help around them.
The Cleveland Browns have had another player mentioned in ESPN's polling and subsequent rankings, a yearly series put together by insider Jeremy Fowler. We've seen running back Quinshon Judkins, tight end Harold Fannin Jr., pass rusher Jared Verse, and cornerback Denzel Ward all make appearances thus far. NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and 2025 second round pick Carson Schwesinger has now joined them.
In this polling piece done by Fowler, Schwesinger was ranked as the third-best linebacker in the NFL after just one season with the Browns. This is extraordinarily high praise, sliding in behind only Fred Warner of the San Francisco 49ers and Roquon Smith of the Baltimore Ravens.
This comes after Schwesinger, a day one starter for the Browns, racked up a massive 156 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and two interceptions.
What the NFL has to say on the Browns' star linebacker
Here is what one personnel executive had to say on the Browns' impressive linebacker:
That was not the only person around the league raving about the defending NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Another AFC executive added to the praise for Schwesinger, saying, "Plays fast, excellent instincts, good in coverage... Impressive for a rookie."
After the trade of Myles Garrett, the Browns are turning the keys of the defense over to Schwesinger and new young pass rusher Jared Verse. This defense will go as far as these two players take it. Luckily for the Browns, these are two young and extremely talented cornerstones to build upon.
May 28, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) looks on during organized team activities at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Las Vegas Raiders have always been a part of some sort of drama, but there aren’t many crazier moments than when they got Antonio Brown.
The Las Vegas Raiders are not immune to drama. In fact, you can argue they often have more drama than any other team. That has been a huge part of what the Raiders have been known for the last few years. Once upon a time, they were even part of one of the wilder sagas in the NFL.
When Jon Gruden was head coach, he brought on Antonio Brown, who’s one of the best wide receivers of all time. It was worth a shot, but there were some wild moments. It lasted only a short time before Brown went on to play for the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and then retired from the NFL. But now we know some of the wilder stories from training camp with the Raiders, as Maxx Crosby did a tell-all on a recent stream.
Maxx Crosby tells a few Antonio Brown stories in little detail
“He was my teammate for about four months. He came to training camp in a hot air balloon. He burned his feet in a cryotherapy chamber. He just had so much going on. But he was so cold. He did whatever the f**k he wanted,” Crosby said on popular stream Neon’s stream.
Maxx Crosby told N3on his WILDEST NFL stories came from when he was teammates with Antonio Brown for four months..😲🏈
• Flew into training camp in a hot air balloon • Burned his feet in a cryotherapy chamber • Played with his kids in the middle of practice
As we stated earlier, Brown is still one of the greatest wide receivers to play the game. He finished his NFL career with 12,291 receiving yards, 928 catches, and 83 touchdowns. He’s top-30 all-time in the three major receiving categories. So, he deserves his flowers for sure.
The Raiders have been a part of some pretty notable drama-filled moments since, like the whole Davante Adams situation. Now, that one wasn’t nearly as wild, but the trade demand was kind of weird. Then there was even the Maxx Crosby situation this offseason that was a bit weird. This is just something the Raiders have been a part of.
The Chargers have all the tools they need to boast one of the best offenses in the league.
They hold one of the most talented quarterbacks in Justin Herbert, a young and dynamic running back in Omarion Hampton and an elite route runner in Ladd McConkey.
That trio is expected to do plenty of damage and establish itself as one of, if not the, best QB-RB-WR trios in the NFL. They'll have the opportunity to prove that this season, after being ranked outside the top 10 entering the year.
According to Jared Dubin of CBS Sports, Herbert, Hampton and McConkey sit just outside the top 10, at No. 11.
"Eight of the nine voters placed the Chargers ranked between eighth and 12th," Dubin wrote.
"Herbert is coming off a year where his interception rate more than quintupled while he was asked to single-handedly carry the offense amidst injuries to his offensive line and the entire backfield. People still believe in the elite talent.
"Hampton suffered an injury but as a recent first-round pick, he seems to garner respect. And McConkey took a step backward after a terrific debut season. Still, the Chargers moved up two spots from last year's rankings."
The teams ahead of them are the 49ers, Patriots and the Eagles, to name a few.
Last season, Herbert did his job, leading the offense effectively. He guided them back to the playoffs with an 11-6 record, throwing for 3,727 passing yards.
Hampton was held to only nine games in his rookie season before suffering a fractured ankle in Week 5. Before the injury, he was starting to find his groove.
In 124 rushing attempts, he rushed for 545 yards and found the end zone four times.
As for McConkey, he experienced a sophomore slump. After exploding onto the scene in 2024, the 2025 season was not kind to the former Georgia product.
McConkey saw a dip across the board in receptions (66, down from 82), receiving yards (789, down from 1,149) and touchdowns (6, down from 7).
Although McConkey saw his stats down across the board, he remained the top option for Herbert in the Chargers' offense.
As we approach the 2026 season, the Chargers' quarterback, running back and wide receiver trio is expected to have a monster season under Mike McDaniel.
There was also that time when “trios rankings” decided that the trio of Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Chase Brown was only the sixth-best “trio” in the entire NFL.
But not all rankings agree with that sort of idea.
CBS Sports’ Jared Dubin just penned his own trios rankings and put the Bengals in the very top spot.
“The Bengals are on top once again,” Durbin wrote. They reclaimed the top spot in the rankings last year and received seven of the nine first-place votes this season. Burrow's injury absence wasn't enough to knock them off their perch, thanks in large part to his excellence but also the combination of him and Chase, and Brown's emergence as a quality back in every situation except the one where Jake Browning is under center is also a contributor to the Bengals' position at the top of the rankings.”
In this set of rankings, the Bengals just beat the trio from the Los Angeles Rams (Matthew Stafford, RB: Kyren Williams, WR: Puka Nacua) and Detroit Lions (Jared Goff, RB: Jahmyr Gibbs, WR: Amon-Ra St. Brown).
Generally, when one thinks of a trio for the Bengals, they think of Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. But considering Higgins is technically a No. 1 wideout in his own right, it’s not exactly fair to other franchises in these exercises.
And the funny part? Chase Brown isn’t exactly a slouch, either. He just ran for 1,019 yards and six scores on a 4.4 average and caught 69 passes for 437 yards and five more scores while Burrow missed a chunk of time.
The fact these rankings can split up who gets to be involved and the Bengals still come out on top? Pretty good roster-building by the front office in Cincinnati.
The New York Giants are on an uptick these days after an offseason of changes, which many experts see as for the better.
John Harbaugh, who compiled a 193-124 record (.609) over 18 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens and won a Super Bowl, is the new head coach. With Harbaugh comes all the trimmings: His mantra, his cronies, his coaches, and some of his players.
People are taking notice. Chase Daniel, a former NFL quarterback who has a Super Bowl ring and is now a studio analyst for ESPN, is a big believer in the Giants' future under Harbaugh and second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart.
The more I think about this…the more excited I get about the Giants this year.
Jaxson Dart QB Film Breakdown to get the juices flowing.
There's a lot to get excited about if you're a Giants fan. Harbaugh has changed the culture and the complexion of the franchise in the six months he's been here. A new outlook has been established, and this franchise is ready to put its losing ways behind it.
Daniel points out that the Giants will enter the season with an offense specifically designed for Dart under new coordinator Matt Nagy and quarterbacks coach Brian Callahan. That wasn't the case last year when the team began the season with veteran Russell Wilson under center.
Another point was the addition of former Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, who was signed as a free agent this past March. Daniel sees the Giants using Likely very much the way Nagy used Travis Kelce in Kansas City while he was the coordinator with the Chiefs.
Then there are the players who were lost to injury last season, such as wide receiver Malik Nabers and running back Cam Skattebo, who are returning this year. Dart will finally enjoy a full complement of weapons.
The Buffalo Bills have claimed wide receiver Quentin Skinner off of waivers on Tuesday.
Skinner was let go by the New York Jets with an injury designation and now lands in Buffalo. In a corresponding move, the Bills have released wide receiver Deven Thompkins to make room on the team's roster:
Skinner was a UDFA signing of the Jets following the 2025 NFL Draft but did have some hopes attached to him in New York. The 24-year-old spent most of his rookie year on either the practice squad or as a healthy scratch in 2025.
However, his one memorable moment did come against the Jets
Skinner caught his first-career pass from quarterback Brady Cook in Week 17 last season. That 10-yard grade also came alongside another catch on a successful two-point conversation attempt.
Bills Wire will continue to provide updates throughout the 2026 offseason.
The Arizona Cardinals report to training camp on July 22 and begin the process of preparing for the regular season, forming the roster and determining starting jobs and roles on the team.
Leading up to the start of camp, we will take a look at every player on the offseason roster, their background, their contract, their play in 2025, questions they face and their roster outlook.
Here is offensive lineman Oli Udoh
Oli Udoh background, 2025 season
Udoh enters his eighth NFL season and his first with the Cardinals. He was drafted in the sixth round in 2019 by the Minnesota Vikings. He spent five seasons with them, starting 17 total games, 16 in 2021 at right guard. He played in 14 games with one start in 2024 with the New Orleans Saints and then, last season, he played in 17 games, starting three for the Tennessee Titans. Udoh started at right tackle for the Titans in their 22-21 Week 5 win over the Cardinals.
Olu Udoh contract details, salary cap hit
Udoh signed a one-year, $1.35 million contract this offseason. He received $50,000 as a signing bonus and $300,000 of his salary of $1.22 million salary is guaranteed. He will get a $87,500 roster bonus if he makes the roster. His cap hit will be $1.26 million.
Roster outlook, questions he faces
Udoh is on the roster bubble, competing for a backup tackle spot. The two starters are set with Paris Johnson and Elijah Wilkinson. He will compete with Josh Fryar, Demontrey Jacobs, Christian Jones and rookie Jayden Williams for the backup tackles jobs.
His experience is helpful and the salary guarantees suggest that the Cardinals have him in their plans.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple Podcasts.
Summer is here, and it is everyone’s favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Vikings fans, but also give them an idea of names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Minnesota.
Are we going to write about quarterbacks? Offensive tackles? Edge rushers? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Vikings, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so Vikings fans can be the most informed fans.
So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.
Film
Illinois
Maryland
Background Info
Listed at 5-11/190 lbs.
4-Star prospect according to 247 Sports
Was in track and field in high school
Captain in high school
2025 LA Bowl offensive MVP
Notable career stats heading into 2026
15 Starts
459 Pass attempts
4,009 Passing yards
8.7 Yards per attempt
Notable numbers from PFF heading into 2026
21 Big-time throws
2.1 Turnover worthy play rate
Average depth of target is 8.6 yards
78.9% Adjusted completion percentage
Strengths
Excellent velocity on his passes
Good arm strength to push the ball down the field
Can be a playmaker out of the backfield
Good mobility in the pocket to avoid pressures
Has the poise to handle big moments and games
Player Summary
Demond Williams Jr. is a very fun college quarterback right now who can carry his team to big wins and moments. However, as a college prospect looking to the NFL, he has some work to do. The accuracy and touch can sometimes be hit or miss, passes can sail over their targets, and it creates opportunities for the defense. He sees the field well because when he misses it is often to an open target, but the anticipation and timing are where he needs to work. Thankfully for him, a strong base with his arm talent is there, so he can build himself up in 2026 with a strong showing.
A former Carolina Panthers wideout just had himself a short stay up in Orchard Park, N.Y.
As announced on Tuesday afternoon, the Buffalo Bills have released receiver Deven Thompkins. The 26-year-old signed with the team on June 11.
Thompkins, a Utah State product out of Fort Meyers, Fla., cracked into the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022. That's where he would first cross paths with Panthers head coach Dave Canales, who served as the Buccaners' offensive coordinator in 2023.
Following his two seasons in Tampa Bay, Thompkins rejoined Canales in Carolina ahead of the 2024 campaign. He'd go on to play in seven games for the Panthers that year, totaling four receptions for 20 yards along with five punt returns and five kickoff returns.
2025 would see Thompkins suit up for a third stint in the NFC South, as he appeared in seven contests for the Atlanta Falcons.
The team didn't have the highest expectations in the league, but they made a surprising run all the way to the AFC Championship Game. Of course, the Broncos went on to lose to the New England Patriots, but it was still undeniably a huge step for the franchise.
This offseason, the Broncos didn't make a ton of moves. The team, for the most part, stood pat, and seems to be okay relying on internal development. The biggest move was trading for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, who should definitely help the offense.
The defense, though, will look very similar to the 2025 edition. However, one writer thinks the Broncos could end up trading a key defensive starter before Week 1.
Could Broncos trade Riley Moss?
Moe Moton of Bleacher Report recently proposed one trade for each NFL team. For the Broncos, Moton suggests trading starting cornerback Riley Moss for a 2027 mid-round pick.
Moton offered the following analysis:
This seems like a questionable move, but Denver selected Jahdae Barron in the first round of the 2025 draft. If the Broncos don't intend to sign Moss to an extension in a contract year, they should trade him at peak value and elevate Barron on the depth chart before Week 1.
In 2025, Moss started in all 17 games, tying Carolina Panthers cornerback Michael Jackson for a league-leading 19 pass breakups. On the trade block, he could draw interest from multiple suitors in need of a starter on the boundary.
As Moton mentioned, this trade seems questionable. Afterall, Moss tied for the most pass breakups in the league in 2025, and he started all 17 games for one of the best defenses in the league.
However, this deal is all about finances and younger talent. The Broncos spent a first-round pick on Jahdae Barron last year, and they certainly want to play him sooner than later. Moss is set to be a free agent after 2026, and with Barron in the wings, it seems unlikely that the Broncos would re-sign him.
As a result, trading Moss may be the best possible move, or the team could end up losing him for nothing in free agency.
The Dallas Cowboys are just two weeks away from the start of training camp in Oxnard, California, and the team’s revamped defense has already taken a blow.
On Tuesday evening, it was announced that one of the team’s newest additions, defensive end Charles Snowden, has been suspended for the first three games of the 2026-27 NFL season.
Despite his suspension, Snowden, who was suspended under the personal conduct policy because of a DUI, will be able to participate in training camp and the preseason.
“Dallas’ Charles Snowden, DE, Virginia, has been suspended by the Commissioner for the first three games of the 2026 season,” a statement from the NFL read. “He is eligible to participate in all preseason activities, including games; his suspension will take effect as of the roster reduction to 53 players.”
Aug 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Snowden signed with the Cowboys on June 18.
Before joining the Cowboys, Snowden had stints with the Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Las Vegas Raiders. During the past two seasons with the Raiders, Snowden has appeared in 31 games with 18 starts, totalling 67 tackles, 8 tackles for a loss, and one interception.
While he is not expected to be a key player for new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, his versatility could allow him to carve out a role and earn a spot on the team’s 53-man roster. Of course, the three-game suspension could ultimately hurt his chances.
Jan 4, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) sacks Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Chris Oladokun (19) during the first quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
After landing Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie, the Rams are in fantastic shape for a Super Bowl title run in 2026. But there is one spot that's still a bit of an issue.
To resolve this issue, Bleacher Report's Moe Moton proposed a trade idea that would have the Rams land New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas. This move would help fix the WR room and would make a ton of sense.
Rams trade idea lands DeMario Douglas from Patriots
"Los Angeles Rams: Trade a late 2027 pick for New England Patriots WR DeMario Douglas," Moton proposed.
With what Moton described as a "wide-open" WR3 spot, the Rams could really use one more receiver. It's the last spot on the roster that really could use a resolution.
Puka Nacua and Davante Adams are fantastic starters, but after that duo, the Rams would turn to Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield, CJ Daniels, or Xavier Smith.
Adding Douglas would give the Rams a legitimately good No. 3 wide receiver. Even though Sean McVay is likely to utilize his five solid tight ends more on offense, having a good third receiver is the last thing this team needs to complete a roster.
They could've added Makai Lemon or another rookie WR with the No. 13 draft pick, but took Ty Simpson instead. But if they trade for Douglas, then passing on a WR in the NFL Draft wouldn't be such a terrible decision in retrospect.
That would especially be the case if all it costs is a late 2027 draft pick. Douglas for such a draft pick would be very worth it. He had 447 yards with three touchdowns on 31 receptions last season, and was even better in 2024.
Douglas should be available, especially after the Patriots traded for A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles. Adding Douglas behind Nacua and Adams would complete the roster, resolving the one obvious issue left.
This trade idea from Moton would be a fantastic one for the Rams, and if they could somehow pull it off, it should be a no-brainer for the top Super Bowl contenders.
Will we ever see another Luke Kuechly? Well, there's at least one person in the NFL who thinks the second coming is already here.
ESPN published their rankings of the league's top off-ball linebackers—as voted on by executives, coaches and scouts—on Tuesday morning. The list features Cleveland Browns standout Carson Schwesinger all the way up at No. 3—and, via senior reporter Jeremy Fowler, had a personnel exec saying the following:
That's quite a comparison given the legendary credentials of the Carolina Panthers great.
Kuechly was a supreme athlete coming out of Boston College—as his 40-yard dash (4.58 seconds), vertical jump (38 inches) and broad jump (123 inches) from the 2012 scouting combine all ranked within at least the 91st percentile of every inside linebacker tested since 1999. Schwesinger did not run a 40 nor record a broad jump at his combine, but did top Kuechly's vertical at 39.5 inches.
As for the on-field résumé, Schwesinger would have a lot to live up to. Kuechly ended his injury-shortened eight-year NFL career with five first-team All-Pro nods, two second-team All-Pro nods, seven Pro Bowl selections, a Defensive Rookie of the Year award and a Defensive Player of the Year award. Oh, and he's being enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in a few weeks.
Schwesinger has taken a nice first step though, as he was named the 2025 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year back in February. That honor came after he posted 156 combined tackles, 2.5 sacks and two interceptions as a 22-year-old.
While Rodgers brought along six teammates, Michael Pittman Jr., DK Metcalf, Roman Wilson, Pat Freiermuth, Ben Skowronek, and Mason Rudolph, Steelers quarterback Will Howard and tight end Darnell Washington were nowhere to be seen. And considering how hard it is to miss the 6-foot-7 Washington, there's been a real debate about what these absences could mean.
For Howard, this could mean that the backup quarterback job isn't as one-sided as previously believed. Rudolph appeared to throw his name back into the hat with his inclusion at Rodgers' bonding week.
Washington's absence was less concerning, as the giant, 300-plus-pound playmaker has carved out a role for himself as one of the NFL's best blocking tight ends that's dangerous after the catch.
These two Steelers will definitely be players to keep a close eye on as training camp arrives in a few weeks, as Howard and Washington look to battle with Rudolph and Freiermuth, respectively, for a bigger role on the team.
For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any offseason moves, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
The Colts signed Mitchell following the 2026 NFL draft as an undrafted free agent.
What to know about Mitchell Melton
Mitchell played 213 defensive snaps between the 2023 and 2024 seasons while at Ohio State. This past year, he transferred to Virginia, where he had a breakout season, logging 53 quarterback pressures, ranking tied for 15th among his position group in that category. Melton would also rank 33rd in PFF's run defense grade.
Looking ahead to 2026 for Mitchell Melton
More likely than not, Melton is a practice squad candidate. While the Colts 'defensive end position has its unknowns, this is a crowded room as well, with a number of players that Melton would have to jump in order to make the 53-man roster.
Laiatu Latu will lead the way, while Arden Key and Jaylahn Tuimoloau will likely compete for the starting role opposite of him. The Colts also signed Micheal Clemons in free agency and drafted Caden Curry and George Gumbs Jr.
That already is six players, which is about the max amount that we will see teams keep on the 53-man roster at defensive end. Many will roster only five.
If you'd like to hold out hope that Melton can make a roster push, the Colts can get out of Clemons' deal with a relatively low dead cap hit, while later Day 3 picks aren't always roster locks.
Every rebuilding team eventually reaches a point where potential has to become production. The New York Jets have reached that moment.
Quarterback Geno Smith can provide stability. Garrett Wilson remains one of the NFL's premier receivers. Breece Hall gives the offense a proven playmaker in the backfield.
Those pieces provide a solid foundation. Whether the Jets become a legitimate playoff contender, however, may depend on a handful of younger pass catchers taking the next step. They're a nice blend of talent, upside, and football IQ.
Receiver Adonai Mitchell enters his second season in New York and turns 24 on Oct. 8. Tight end Mason Taylor just celebrated his 22nd birthday on May 8th. Then, there are the rookies. Wideout Omar Cooper is expected to assume an important role early, as is tight end Kenyon Sadiq.
The Jets know Wilson can carry a heavy workload. That isn't the point. They'd rather he didn't have to.
Mitchell has an opportunity to become the outside threat the Jets envisioned when they acquired him. Cooper will immediately compete for meaningful snaps by creating separation, while Sadiq can become another dependable target over the middle of the field.
Together, they represent the future of the Jets' passing attack. Now they have to become part of its present.
Head coach Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Frank Reich don't need all three players to become stars overnight. They do, however, need all of them to contribute.
Opposing defenses will continue devoting significant attention to Wilson until someone else consistently makes them pay for doing so. If Mitchell develops into a reliable No. 2 receiver, Cooper proves he belongs, and Sadiq becomes the mismatch the Jets believe he can be, New York's offense suddenly becomes much more difficult to defend.
If that growth doesn't happen, defenses will continue focusing their game plans on slowing Wilson and forcing everyone else to beat them.
That's why the development of these three young pass catchers may become one of the biggest stories of training camp. The Jets have spent the past two offseasons assembling the pieces of a more dynamic offense.
Now comes the difficult part. Their 2026 season may ultimately hinge not on what Wilson does, but on whether three promising young pass catchers are ready to grow up faster than anyone expected.
Jets Wire will continue to provide updates throughout the 2026 offseason.
Summer is here, and it is everyone’s favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Vikings fans, but also give them an idea of names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Minnesota.
Are we going to write about quarterbacks? Offensive tackles? Edge rushers? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Vikings, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so Vikings fans can be the most informed fans.
So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.
Film
Northern Arizona
TCU
Background Info
Listed at 6-2/205 lbs.
4-Star prospect according to 247 Sports
Transferred from Michigan State to Arizona State to LSU
Oregon Gatorade Player of the Year in high school
MaxPreps Oregon High School Player of the Year
Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year in 2024
Second-team All-Big 12 in 2024
Notable career stats heading into 2026
20 Starts
612 Pass attempts
4,652 Passing yards
7.7 Yards per attempt
Notable numbers from PFF heading into 2026
32 Big-time throws
2.6 Turnover worthy play rate
Average depth of target is 9.3 yards
71% Adjusted completion percentage
Strengths
Arm strength is his top trait
Can make plays out of nothing
Keeps his eyes downfield and look to push it
Uses his mobility to evade pressure
Puts good zip on his passes to make them into tight windows
Player Summary
Sam Leavitt is a very unpolished piece of diamond that is beneath the harshness of his game on film. The arm talent cannot be questioned; he is able to make throws to every level of the field, but it can still be very erratic. What we need to see more of is that arm talent in much calmer situations. LSU has a better offensive line, Lane Kiffin has a better system, and it should all allow him to be able to take a big step. However, the play we saw at Arizona State is not yet that of a top prospect in a loaded class.
Could Carolina Panthers receiver Xavier Legette be sent out east? (Or, technically, further down south?)
Moe Moton of Bleacher Report cooked up that scenario on Tuesday, in an article where he suggests one trade each NFL team should make before the start of the upcoming campaign. One of Moton's swaps sends Legette to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a mid-round 2027 draft pick.
He writes:
Based on overall career production, the Dolphins have the worst wide receiver corps. If they want to see quarterback Malik Willis make strides as a first-time, full-time starter, the club should look to bolster its pass-catching group. Miami could inquire about Legette, who may need a change of scenery.
Through two seasons, Legette has caught 84 passes for 860 yards and seven touchdowns in 31 contests. As a former first-round pick, he's underwhelmed, but a new opportunity to be the No. 1 wideout in Miami could lead to increased production.
As Moton notes, Carolina selected Legette as a first-rounder back in 2024—with that year's 32nd overall pick. But he hasn't lived up to that investment, having struggled with drops and spacial awareness over his first two pro seasons.
2025 proved to be a harsh reality check for the former University of South Carolina star, who was passed in the pecking order by the team's newer first-round wideout and eventual Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker–an undrafted signee from Legette's class. Legette saw his on-field presence decrease down the stretch last year, and appeared in a career-low 31.4 percent of offensive snaps during Carolina's (very meaningful) regular-season finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
If Legette fails to find his footing this summer, perhaps the Panthers may be inclined to cut their losses and move on from the struggling 25-year-old.
Eighth place sounds respectable until you examine what the San Francisco 49ers are actually putting around their quarterback. CBS Sports analyst Jared Dubin's annual offensive triplets rankings placed the 49ers at No. 8 overall, pairing Brock Purdy with running back Christian McCaffrey and newly signed wide receiver Mike Evans.
That number has not moved in a year, making San Francisco one of only two franchises to hold the exact same position on the list, alongside the last-ranked Cleveland Browns. Stability in a ranking is not inherently meaningful, but the circumstances producing that stability have changed significantly.
McCaffrey totaled 2,126 scrimmage yards and 17 touchdowns last season, numbers that look impressive in isolation. His 3.9 yards per carry, however, was the lowest average he had posted since a three-game 2020 campaign, and San Francisco's overall rushing attack ranked 30th out of 32 teams in yards per carry.
A franchise that constructed its offensive identity around a suffocating ground game is now running the ball at near-league-worst efficiency. Evans, who replaces tight end George Kittle after the latter suffered a torn Achilles, managed only eight appearances for Tampa Bay last season before hamstring and clavicle injuries ended his year.
Purdy himself missed all but nine games with turf toe. Three of the four skill-position starters entered 2026 either coming off injury or operating past their peak production window. Dubin himself acknowledged the difficulty, noting the need to account for injury concerns and the persistent challenge of separating individual talent from Shanahan's offensive framework.
Shanahan's Personnel Calls Have Left the 49ers' Offensive Foundation Crumbling
The debate over how much credit Brock Purdy deserves versus how much belongs to Kyle Shanahan has followed this franchise for three seasons. NFL coaches and executives recently submitted their top-10 quarterback rankings and excluded Purdy entirely, a decision that reflects a wider belief that his production is more scheme-dependent than skill-driven.
That belief has legitimate grounding. Jimmy Garoppolo played at a borderline top-10 level inside this system before falling to backup status after departing for Las Vegas. Mac Jones, dismissed as a failure in New England and Jacksonville, ranked 10th in QBR across eight starts last season, operating within the same framework. The pattern Shanahan creates is real.
What has changed is the quality of the environment Shanahan is now building around Purdy. Brandon Aiyuk's relationship with the organization collapsed before his guarantees were voided, with Evans, 32, brought in as the replacement. Kittle received a long-term extension and is now recovering from an Achilles tear in his 30s. McCaffrey, also extended, is running at a career-low efficiency.
The play-action passing game that once made Purdy's reads straightforward depended entirely on defenses fearing McCaffrey in the open field. With the run game ranked 30th nationally, that fear no longer exists.
Purdy led the team in rushing during San Francisco's playoff elimination against Seattle, a detail that captures exactly how far the offensive structure has drifted from its original design. Within the NFC West, the Rams ranked second overall in triplets behind only Cincinnati, with Stafford, Kyren Williams, and Puka Nacua forming a considerably healthier trio heading into the new season.
The NFL remains split between artificial turf and natural grass, but Jerry Jones now faces growing opposition from across the league. New comments from an NFL owner, a head coach, current players, and league survey data have added fresh weight to the argument against the surface the Dallas Cowboys continue to use.
More NFL voices challenge Jerry Jones' turf stance
Jones defended artificial turf in April after being asked whether the Cowboys would keep the natural grass installed for the FIFA World Cup. He said AT&T Stadium benefits from the flexibility turf provides and added he does not believe grass is safer. Jones also argued that the financial savings benefit players.
Others around the league see the issue differently.
Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis told the Los Angeles Times he has always believed football should be played on grass because of player safety. He said Allegiant Stadium's retractable Bermuda grass system costs more to maintain, but the expense is justified.
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton also expects more NFL stadiums to adopt grass where possible. He pointed to the physical demands placed on linemen and said the sport differs from others that use the same venues.
The criticism is not limited to owners and coaches.
During Cowboys' minicamp, safety Julius Wood said football is meant to be played on grass. He added that players feel the difference, describing artificial turf as more taxing than natural grass.
League-wide opinion supports that view. A 2026 NFL Players Association survey of 1,700 players found that 92 percent prefer grass fields. San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle has also called on the league to replace artificial turf.
Jones has not suggested the Cowboys will reconsider their playing surface after the World Cup. As more voices line up behind natural grass, his position stands increasingly apart from many players, coaches, and fellow owners.
The Chicago Bulls are entering another attempt to rebuild a franchise that has spent years stuck between competing and starting over. With new leadership, a top draft pick, and a different approach inside the front office, the organization is trying to create a future that lasts.
Bulls begin new era under Bryson Graham
Bryson Graham arrived in Chicago with a clear goal that the Bulls needed a new approach. After replacing Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley, the 39-year-old executive began changing the front office while preparing for the draft and free agency.
The first major moment came in the draft lottery when Chicago moved up five spots to select fourth overall. The Bulls used that pick on North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson, who scored 35 points in his first Summer League game. Graham called the selection “a great foundational piece that's needed.”
The bigger challenge is fixing a franchise that has missed the playoffs in eight of the past nine seasons. Chicago has not reached the NBA Finals since Michael Jordan’s final championship run in 1998, leaving the organization searching for stability.
Graham believes the answer starts with better collaboration inside the building. “I don’t want to be the smartest guy in the room,” Graham told ESPN while explaining his approach to decision-making.
The Bulls also want to balance development with competitiveness. The team added veterans such as Nic Claxton, Norman Powell, and Zach Collins while keeping flexibility through shorter deals.
Graham knows the franchise has been here before. Chicago has found lottery success in the past, but turning young talent into a winning team remains the real test. “I do believe an organization can change with good leadership,” Graham said.
The Bulls now have a new voice leading the rebuild. The next step is proving that this era will deliver results rather than another false start.
The Cleveland Browns drafted two quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft, and now, over one year later, it's still uncertain if either is good. But the latter of the two, Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round, is by far the better pick than Dillon Gabriel.
Taken in the third round by the Browns, Gabriel hasn't shown much of a ceiling in the NFL, as his starts for the Browns were low-floor, low-ceiling outings. Sanders at least had some high upside.
After drafting Taylen Green as a fun developmental QB in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Browns now have a big QB question. To resolve this, Moe Moton of Bleacher Report is urging the Browns to trade Gabriel, which is really their only option this offseason.
Browns urged to trade Dillon Gabriel as only real solution to QB problem
"Cleveland Browns: Trade QB Dillon Gabriel for a late 2027 pick," Moton writes. "... Assuming the Browns target signal-callers in the 2027 draft, they should trade Gabriel before Week 1."
The Browns don't really have a reason to keep Gabriel on their current roster, and the team's plans stand heading into the 2026 season.
It's hard to imagine the Browns not drafting a QB at the top of the 2027 NFL Draft next year in what's likely a loaded class. The only way they would refrain from doing so is if whoever their QB is this season has an All-Pro level season.
But, with Sanders only in competition with Deshaun Watson for the QB1 job in Cleveland, Gabriel is firmly third on the depth chart. Taylen Green might even factor into the QB room as a high-upside developmental option.
Considering all four on the roster, there is a very clear odd-man out, and it's obviously Gabriel, the Browns' third-rounder from the 2025 draft.
Watson has a massive contract and can't be traded, regardless of whether he's the starter or not. Sanders has much higher upside and might even win the QB job this season. Green was just drafted and has enough upside to keep on the roster.
Gabriel is the third QB at best, and doesn't have the same upside as the others. Since he's on his rookie deal for the next three seasons, and did at least have a decent floor, some team might have interest in him as a depth option.
Trading Gabriel is realistically the Browns' only option at quarterback this offseason, as, regardless of what happens with the QB competition, Gabriel is the odd man out both in the short and long term in Cleveland.
Is Seattle Seahawks star Ernest Jones IV not a top 10 player at the position in the NFL today?
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler in the network’s rankings of the top 10 off-ball linebackers in the NFL for 2026, determined by votes from league executives, coaches and scouts, Jones received votes but was not even named as an honorable mention.
The omission is somewhat glaring, given that players’ current level of excellence was the basis of the evaluation. Taking into account the fact that Jones was named a second-team All-Pro honoree in 2025, regardless of how long he’s sustained his excellence for, his performance last season made him one of the four best performers at the position.
Jones ranked No. 2 in the NFL and No. 1 at the position in interceptions in 2025 with five. He helped the Seahawks win the Super Bowl at the end of the season, but having finished with an overall player grade of 58.8 from Pro Football Focus for his work on the year, which ranked No. 50 at the position, gives credence to him being docked to a certain degree.
The Baltimore Ravens will enter training camp with one of the AFC’s deepest rosters, which means the real competition may be smaller than it appears at first glance.
Most of the foundation is already secure. Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Mark Andrews, Ronnie Stanley, Vega Ioane, Trey Hendrickson, Roquan Smith, Kyle Hamilton, Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins, and Malaki Starks are not part of any serious 53-man roster debate. Baltimore’s official post-draft depth chart also reflected how many of the team’s primary roles were already taking shape after a draft class built to fill needs and deepen the roster.
The more realistic question is how many jobs are actually available. Barring injuries, late signings, or an unexpected trade, the Ravens probably have roughly 11 to 13 roster spots that should be considered truly up for grabs. That number could shift depending on how many wide receivers, offensive linemen, defensive backs, and pass rushers Baltimore decides to keep.
The number: 11 to 13 spots
The Ravens are not entering camp with 20 open jobs. Their stars are known, and several young players or veteran additions already have strong roster cases because of draft investment, contract status, or projected roles. The real uncertainty exists at the back end of position groups, where special teams value, preseason production, and versatility will decide final spots.
That is what makes this camp interesting. Baltimore does not need to discover its identity. It needs to determine which reserves can help protect that identity when injuries, game-day inactive decisions, and matchup-based packages begin shaping the regular season.
Wide receiver could carry the toughest offensive math
Wide receiver may be one of the most competitive rooms on the roster. Flowers and Bateman are secure, while Devontez Walker, LaJohntay Wester, Ja’Kobi Lane, Elijah Sarratt, Dayton Wade, Cornelius Johnson, Xavier Guillory, Cortez Braham Jr., and Octavian Smith Jr. give Baltimore several different profiles to evaluate. ESPN’s depth chart shows the Ravens with multiple receivers slotted behind the top group, underscoring how crowded the competition could become.
If Baltimore keeps six receivers, two or three spots may be available behind the most established names. If the Ravens keep only five, the pressure rises considerably. Special teams could be the separator, but offensive coordinator Declan Doyle also needs receivers who can give Jackson more dependable answers beyond Flowers and Andrews.
Running back and tight end have real depth questions
The running back room also has decisions to make behind Henry and Justice Hill. Rasheen Ali and rookie Adam Randall could both make strong cases, but Baltimore may not have room for every back if another position requires an extra spot. Preseason carries, pass protection, and special teams work will matter because reserve running backs must help in more than one phase.
Tight end is clearer at the top with Andrews, but the rest of the room has been reset. Durham Smythe brings veteran blocking value, while Ty Pezza, Matt Hibner, and Josh Cuevas are trying to prove they belong. The Ravens could keep three tight ends, or they could stretch to four if one of the young players becomes too intriguing to expose.
Offensive line depth could decide several jobs
The offensive line may have two or three spots truly available, depending on how Baltimore views interior flexibility and tackle depth. The starting group has taken shape, but the competition behind it matters because the Ravens need reliable protection for Jackson and enough physicality to support Henry.
Center is especially worth watching. Nick Dawkins gives Baltimore an undrafted rookie with a real opportunity at a position of need, while other interior linemen will have to show they can handle multiple spots. Backup offensive line jobs are rarely glamorous, but they are often among the most important decisions a contender makes.
Defensive depth will be shaped by rotation value
The Ravens’ defensive front has enough high-end talent to make the final spots difficult. Hendrickson changes the edge outlook, while Nnamdi Madubuike, Travis Jones, Broderick Washington, Calais Campbell, and Aeneas Peebles give Baltimore several options across the line. Zion Young and Mike Green add more pass-rush intrigue, which could squeeze players who do not provide clear rotational or special teams value.
The Ravens want waves of pressure, not one exhausted group playing every critical snap. That means the final defensive line and edge spots will be decided by more than preseason sacks. Coaches will be looking for run defense, rush discipline, stamina, versatility, and whether a player can contribute on game day.
Secondary and special teams could shape the final roster
Baltimore’s secondary has star power, but backup cornerback and safety depth will be among the most important roster battles. Humphrey, Wiggins, Awuzie, Hamilton, and Starks give the Ravens a strong foundation, but players such as Keyon Martin, Bilhal Kone, Robert Longerbeam, Chandler Rivers, Jaylinn Hawkins, and others will have to separate themselves through coverage consistency and special teams value.
That last part cannot be overstated. The final roster spots are often won on special teams, and the Ravens have a history of valuing players who can cover kicks, tackle in space, and handle weekly responsibilities without needing large defensive or offensive roles.
The bottom line
The Ravens probably have 11 to 13 roster spots truly up for grabs entering training camp. The number could move slightly depending on injuries, late additions, and how the team allocates spots at wide receiver, offensive line, defensive back, and the defensive front.
That is the reality of a deep and versatile roster. Baltimore’s stars will shape the ceiling, but the final roster decisions will determine how well the Ravens survive the season’s inevitable attrition. The most important camp battles may not involve starting jobs. They may involve the players fighting to become the last trusted names on a championship-caliber 53-man roster.
The Indianapolis Colts allowed quarterback Anthony Richardson to seek a trade during the offseason, but he remains a Colt. The 24-year-old who was selected No. 4 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft is entering his fourth season.
Richardson has suffered numerous injuries, his play has been inconsistent and his leadership was once questioned. His trade value is believed to be a mid- to late-round draft pick.
"Potential landing spots include the Cardinals — especially if Jacoby Brissett's contract dispute boils over — the Jets, once they realize Geno Smith is not the guy, or the Steelers, Cowboys, or Panthers as a premium stash-away option for 2027," he wrote.
Anthony Richardson injury
2023: Concussion in Week 2; shoulder injury in Week 5 ended his season.
2024: Hip injury in Week 4; back and foot injuries in Week 16 ended his season.
2025: Resistance band breaks during pregame warmups in Week 6, breaking an orbital bone and ending his season.
Richardson is battling Riley Leonard for the backup quarterback role. However, with Daniel Jones coming off an Achilles injury, the backup could be QB1 to start the 2026 season.
Daniel Jones: The Colts started the 2025 season 7-1 when he was fully healthy. He completed 68.0% of his passes for 19 touchdowns and 8 interceptions before an Achilles injury in December ended his season. The team is optimistic he can be ready for Week 1.
Anthony Richardson: He has started 15 games for the Colts over three seasons.
Riley Leonard: He appeared in five games as rookie in 2025.
Easton Stick: The 2019 NFL Draft pick by the Los Angeles Chargers has appeared in six NFL games, none since 2023.
Arizona Cardinals quarterbacks
All of Arizona's quarterbacks have spent time with the Colts.
Jacoby Brissett: The likely starter wants more than $1.5 million guaranteed for the 2026. His status for training camp is uncertain.
Gardner Minshew: The journeyman with 47 career starts may be called on if Brissett's situation worsens.
Kedon Slovis: He has appeared in two NFL games.
New York Jets quarterbacks
The Jets traded for veteran Geno Smith, who struggled with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025.
Geno Smith: The 35-year-old who is back where his NFL career started counts $3.3 million toward the salary cap, according to Spotrac.
Bailey Zappe: The 27-year-old has appeared in 15 NFL games.
Brady Cook: He started four games for the Jets in 2025, passing for 2 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.
Cade Klubnik: The Jets drafted him in the 4th round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks
Aaron Rodgers is reunited with coach Mike McCarthy. They won a Super Bowl together with the Green Bay Packers.
Aaron Rodgers: The 42-year-old is likely in his final season. Pittsburgh went 10-6 in games he started in 2025.
Mason Rudolph: The 31-year-old* has spent five of his six NFL seasons with the Steelers and has started 19 games.
Drew Allar: The Steelers selected him in the 3rd round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Dallas Cowboys quarterbacks
Dak Prescott: The 33-year-old* is in his 11th season as the Cowboys' starter.
Sam Howell: The fifth-year player was Washington's starter in 2023.
Joe Milton III: The third-year player has appeared in five NFL games.
Carolina Panthers quarterbacks
Bryce Young: The No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft is entering his fourth season. The Panthers have not finished over .500 with him as QB, though they won the NFC South in 2025 with an 8-9 record.
Kenny Pickett: The fifth-year player has started 27 NFL games.
Will Grier: The 31-year-old started two games for Carolina in 2019 and has bounced around the league since.
Haynes King: He joined the Panthers as an undrafted free agent.
The Indianapolis Colts allowed quarterback Anthony Richardson to seek a trade during the offseason, but he remains a Colt. The 24-year-old who was selected No. 4 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft is entering his fourth season.
Richardson has suffered numerous injuries, his play has been inconsistent and his leadership was once questioned. His trade value is believed to be a mid- to late-round draft pick.
"Potential landing spots include the Cardinals — especially if Jacoby Brissett's contract dispute boils over — the Jets, once they realize Geno Smith is not the guy, or the Steelers, Cowboys, or Panthers as a premium stash-away option for 2027," he wrote.
Anthony Richardson injury
2023: Concussion in Week 2; shoulder injury in Week 5 ended his season.
2024: Hip injury in Week 4; back and foot injuries in Week 16 ended his season.
2025: Resistance band breaks during pregame warmups in Week 6, breaking an orbital bone and ending his season.
Richardson is battling Riley Leonard for the backup quarterback role. However, with Daniel Jones coming off an Achilles injury, the backup could be QB1 to start the 2026 season.
Daniel Jones: The Colts started the 2025 season 7-1 when he was fully healthy. He completed 68.0% of his passes for 19 touchdowns and 8 interceptions before an Achilles injury in December ended his season. The team is optimistic he can be ready for Week 1.
Anthony Richardson: He has started 15 games for the Colts over three seasons.
Riley Leonard: He appeared in five games as rookie in 2025.
Easton Stick: The 2019 NFL Draft pick by the Los Angeles Chargers has appeared in six NFL games, none since 2023.
Arizona Cardinals quarterbacks
All of Arizona's quarterbacks have spent time with the Colts.
Jacoby Brissett: The likely starter wants more than $1.5 million guaranteed for the 2026. His status for training camp is uncertain.
Gardner Minshew: The journeyman with 47 career starts may be called on if Brissett's situation worsens.
Kedon Slovis: He has appeared in two NFL games.
New York Jets quarterbacks
The Jets traded for veteran Geno Smith, who struggled with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025.
Geno Smith: The 35-year-old who is back where his NFL career started counts $3.3 million toward the salary cap, according to Spotrac.
Bailey Zappe: The 27-year-old has appeared in 15 NFL games.
Brady Cook: He started four games for the Jets in 2025, passing for 2 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.
Cade Klubnik: The Jets drafted him in the 4th round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks
Aaron Rodgers is reunited with coach Mike McCarthy. They won a Super Bowl together with the Green Bay Packers.
Aaron Rodgers: The 42-year-old is likely in his final season. Pittsburgh went 10-6 in games he started in 2025.
Mason Rudolph: The 31-year-old* has spent five of his six NFL seasons with the Steelers and has started 19 games.
Drew Allar: The Steelers selected him in the 3rd round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Dallas Cowboys quarterbacks
Dak Prescott: The 33-year-old* is in his 11th season as the Cowboys' starter.
Sam Howell: The fifth-year player was Washington's starter in 2023.
Joe Milton III: The third-year player has appeared in five NFL games.
Carolina Panthers quarterbacks
Bryce Young: The No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft is entering his fourth season. The Panthers have not finished over .500 with him as QB, though they won the NFC South in 2025 with an 8-9 record.
Kenny Pickett: The fifth-year player has started 27 NFL games.
Will Grier: The 31-year-old started two games for Carolina in 2019 and has bounced around the league since.
Haynes King: He joined the Panthers as an undrafted free agent.
The New England Patriots are set to begin training camp in just over two weeks, and a few players on the team have reason to show out when the time comes.
The Patriots have a deep roster at most positions, including at wide receiver, running back and defensive tackle. With that comes a healthy level of competition that is expected to brew in the lead-up to the start of next season. More so, upcoming contract years, as well as trade rumors surrounding players, make training camp a time for those on the hot seat to increase their value in the open market.
Let’s take a look at the three players for New England that need to have a great training camp this year.
WR Mack Hollins
The Patriots have many mouths to feed in their receiving corps for next season. A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs are the clear-cut first and second options at the position, pushing every other receiver down in the team’s pecking order.
Hollins was the team’s third-most targeted receiver last season with 65 targets, but if Kayshon Boutte remains in New England for next season, he is in danger of falling to fifth. A strong training camp for Hollins will remind the Patriots’ coaching staff of just how valuable he is to the team as a spark plug, as well as being their biggest wide receiver at 6-foot-4.
WR Kayshon Boutte
Boutte was primed to take the next step in 2026 before Brown and Doubs came to town. The 24-year-old wide receiver will now vie to be the Patriots’ third option in the passing attack, along with Hunter Henry and Mack Hollins.
Training camp will give Boutte an opportunity to do just that and also increase his value in the trade market, which his name has circulated in throughout much of the offseason.
EDGE Gabe Jacas
Jacas has been missing in action this offseason. He has yet to sign his rookie contract with the Patriots, and the coaching staff has yet to get a good enough glimpse at his capabilities on the field in practice.
New England has room for another quality edge rusher to contribute in their rotation behind Harold Landry and Dre’Mont Jones, with Jacas being the hopeful man for the job. Putting the pen to the paper this summer and showing out in training camp will allow him to quickly assert himself as the third man in the Patriots’ edge rusher rotation.
The Seattle Seahawks spent a few draft picks on Rashid Shaheed in a trade with the New Orleans Saints at the deadline in 2025, and it worked wonders. He was electric in the return game for the Seahawks, earning an All-Pro honor in the process.
But Shaheed is a wide receiver, and yet he's not done a whole lot in that role for the Seahawks, and even back when he was with the Saints. The potential is there, but he's yet to reach it.
Saad Yousuf of The Athletic named Shaheed as the Seahawks' top breakout candidate, and for good reason. Looking at Shaheed's situation for 2026, there are a couple of factors at play that could help him turn in a breakout season as a wide receiver.
Why Rashid Shaheed could have a breakout 2026 season
"Jaxon Smith-Njigba had his breakout campaign in 2025, so defenses will be gearing up to stop him," Yousuf writes. "Cooper Kupp is still a reliable veteran, but he's getting older and missed at least five games in the three seasons prior to last year."
The wide receiver room around Shaheed could open the door for the Seahawks wide receiver to finally have a breakout season.
Sure, Smith-Njigba will get plenty of work in 2026, but with defenses focusing on him, Shaheed might get a lot more opportunities this upcoming season.
Kupp's injury history and his age are big factors at play for why his usage might not be as great as it was a year ago for Seattle.
Shaheed put up just 188 yards receiving with no touchdowns on 15 receptions in nine games with the Seahawks this past season. He also ran for 64 yards on seven attempts in the regular season.
In the playoffs, Shaheed caught three passes for 78 yards and ran for 22 without scoring a touchdown. He had a very limited role in year-one for the Seahawks offense.
But with a new offensive coordinator in Brian Fluery, coming in, things could be a bit different for the All-Pro WR/returner.
"New offensive coordinator Brian Fluery is taking over after seven years in San Francisco under Kyle Shanahan, where he's seen how dynamic weapons can be maximized," Yousuf writes.
Between the change in coaching, the WR room's dynamic changing with Kupp's uncertainty and Smith-Nijgba's attention, Shaheed has a path to breaking out this season.
Hitting 1,000 yards or 10 touchdowns might not be realistic, but Shaheed could easily put together a solid year with career-highs in receptions with at least 60, yards with at least 720, and touchdowns with at least six. That's totally possible for the Seahawks WR.
It feels like new data and advanced metrics are still being released that add even more context to how special the Darnold-JSN connection was in 2025. Pro Football Focus recently released a data-driven look at NFL quarterback-receiver partnerships last season. The exercise examined every quarterback-receiver target from 2006 through 2025 through the lens of PFF grading and expected points added (EPA) per play.
During the 2025 season, the Darnold-JSN connection ranked 10th among QB-WR partnerships in EPA per play. If that's lower than you expected, take the sample size into account. PFF tracked Smith-Njigba as being on the receiving end of 181 targets from Darnold. That was second-most on the list behind just Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua (200 targets). The more targets, the more difficult it is to maintain a high EPA.
The Darnold-to-Smith-Njigba connection was both explosive and efficient in 2025. Every advanced metric indicates as such. If Darnold and Smith-Njigba can recapture their 2025 success in 2026, the Seahawks will field a high-scoring offense for a second consecutive season.
Summer is here, and it is everyone’s favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Bucs fans, but also give them an idea of names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Tampa Bay.
Are we going to write about quarterbacks? Offensive tackles? Edge rushers? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Bucs, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so Bucs fans can be the most informed fans.
So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.
Film
Northern Arizona
TCU
Background Info
Listed at 6-2/205 lbs.
4-Star prospect according to 247 Sports
Transferred from Michigan State to Arizona State to LSU
Oregon Gatorade Player of the Year in high school
MaxPreps Oregon High School Player of the Year
Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year in 2024
Second-team All-Big 12 in 2024
Notable career stats heading into 2026
20 Starts
612 Pass attempts
4,652 Passing yards
7.7 Yards per attempt
Notable numbers from PFF heading into 2026
32 Big-time throws
2.6 Turnover worthy play rate
Average depth of target is 9.3 yards
71% Adjusted completion percentage
Strengths
Arm strength is his top trait
Can make plays out of nothing
Keeps his eyes downfield and look to push it
Uses his mobility to evade pressure
Puts good zip on his passes to make them into tight windows
Player Summary
Sam Leavitt is a very unpolished piece of diamond that is beneath the harshness of his game on film. The arm talent cannot be questioned; he is able to make throws to every level of the field, but it can still be very erratic. What we need to see more of is that arm talent in much calmer situations. LSU has a better offensive line, Lane Kiffin has a better system, and it should all allow him to be able to take a big step. However, the play we saw at Arizona State is not yet that of a top prospect in a loaded class.
Everyone has talked about the Los Angeles Rams' new additions of Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson and Myles Garrett, but the return of Kam Curl is critical to the success of the defense. He re-signed with the Rams this offseason after two solid years in Los Angeles, earning a big raise with a three-year, $36 million extension.
He's a leader in the secondary, someone who can play a variety of roles at safety. Deep or shallow. In the slot, in the post. And while McDuffie and Watson will make a world of difference at cornerback, having Curl back at safety will have a major impact for Los Angeles, too.
He's the team's 13th-most important player for 2026.
How he got here
The Rams signed Curl as a free agent in 2024, giving him a modest two-year, $9 million deal following his four years in Washington. He came in and had a positive impact right away, starting 16 games in his first year with the Rams. But after a breakout season in 2025, the Rams rewarded him with a three-year extension that nearly tripled his salary to $12 million per year – still a virtual bargain for a player of his caliber.
Despite signing fellow safety Quentin Lake a few months earlier, the Rams extended Curl before he could become a free agent, ensuring he'd be back in Los Angeles for a few more years.
2025 stats
17 games (17 starts): 122 tackles, 2 interceptions, 2 tackles for a loss, 5 passes defensed, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble
Projected role
Curl played all over the defense last season, lining up as a deep safety in two-high looks, covering the slot and coming down into the box, too. According to PFF, 776 of his 1,324 snaps were as a deep safety, with 136 coming in the slot and 358 in the box.
His role shouldn't change much this season, and there's no reason to shake things up. He's at his best when Chris Shula moves him around to find the best possible matchups, whether it's as a robber over the middle when teams might be throwing between the hashes or as a split safety to take away deep throws to one part of the field.
Curl could be more aggressive this season with better cornerback play, knowing the coverage of opposing receivers will be tighter thanks to McDuffie and Watson. That should lead to more takeaways for him and every Rams DB.
One thing to know
Curl is an outstanding tackler and run defender, as evidenced by his PFF grades. His run defense grade of 87.9 was the third-best of any safety in the NFL last season, while his 87.0 tackle grade was the seventh-best at his position. He did miss 13 tackles, but his miss rate of 8.3% still ranked 15th because of how many chances he had to wrap up ballcarriers.
Why he's important
Though he's not the signal-caller on defense, he is one of the primary leaders of the secondary alongside Lake. He helps get guys in position and read the opposing offense, which is an invaluable part of playing the position. And as the last line of defense, he does a great job taking away deep passes and limiting yards after the catch.
Poor safety play can lead to a lot of explosives, which can be back-breakers for the pass defense. But Curl takes those away with his range and instincts, as we saw in the divisional win over the Bears when he picked off Caleb Williams in overtime to help the Rams beat Chicago on the road.
The Detroit Lions 2022 season was the start of the incredible turnaround for this team. Relive the season through the lens of the Top 10 Injury News recap with present day updates.
🦁Detroit Lions Top 10 injury news of 2022 #1 Saivion Smith temporary paralysis -Moving around well before play -Drops head, contact to top of helmet, falls limp immediately. Unable to move arms/legs. -Fully recovered neurologically within seconds to minutes pic.twitter.com/a6Lut6ImGF
— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) March 11, 2023
A seemingly innocuous play led to a temporary paralysis for Saivion Smith. The game was stopped for a prolonged period as an ambulance transferred him to the hospital. Fortunately, he had full neurologic recovery within seconds to minutes, although he did later require a spinal fusion.
He was re-signed by the Lions for the 2023 season and participated in training camp, but did not make the roster.
2026 UPDATE: Smith did not appear in an NFL game since his injury and is currently out of the NFL.
#2 Tracy Walker Achilles rupture
🦁Detroit Lions Top 10 injury news of 2022 #2 Tracy Walker Achilles tear -Hurt in game 3, out for year -Team captain -Absence had noticeable impact on secondary late in Vikings game and for a few weeks after until Kerby Joseph hit his stride pic.twitter.com/NA7A82DiEP
— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) March 10, 2023
This team captain ruptured his Achilles in Game 3 and missed the season. The secondary greatly missed his presence, but it opened the way for the emergence of a superstar, Kerby Joseph, later in the season.
This injury dramatically impacted Walker’s career as he only played one more season in the NFL.
2026 UPDATE: Walker has not been with an NFL team since early in the 2024 season (49ers), and his career appears to be over.
The risk of football on the brain has hit the news a couple times recently by way of Chris Johnson's ALS diagnosis and the NFL Neurodegenerative Mortality Study. I read through the full study and here are my thoughts:
NFL Neurodegenerative Mortality Study
ALS falls into the category of neurodegenerative diseases, which was the subject of a recently released study comparing NFL player deaths with non-NFL player deaths. Other diseases in the study’s neurodegenerative classification included dementia, Parkinson’s, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Neurodegenerative mortality was nearly four times higher in NFL players compared to the general population and remained threefold higher after accounting for competing risks. Together, these findings strengthen the evidence for RHI (repetitive head impacts) exposure-related neurodegenerative mortality in NFL players that cannot be explained by differential survivorship.
Here are some of my thoughts on the NFL neurodegenerative disease study:
The study shows that NFL players outlive the general population which brings into play survivorship bias. There are many in the general population that died before they would have developed neurodegenerative disease. To its credit, the study acknowledges this issue and adjusts the NFL mortality risk from 4x to 3x. It’s not clear from the study how they came up with this adjustment though. (Many media reported the 4x risk number when the more accurate number is 3x.)
When the Los Angeles Rams kick off their season, they will play the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia. From their first defensive snap, Rams fans will know whether the team adequately addressed a critical issue in the secondary.
49ers rookie wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling is poised to be a talent that will test whether the Rams did enough to address those concerns. Recently, 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk spoke about Stribling, and from Juszczyk's words, Stribling will be a problem.
“He’s big," Juszczyk said. "He’s fast. He’s physical. I think in our second OTA, he was asked to cut off the defensive end on the backside of the ball, and he so willingly and impressively did so. He threw his body in there with no hesitation.
"You say, ‘We’re talking about a second-round receiver. Why do we care about him blocking a defensive end? Let’s hope he catches passes.’ I think he’s going to do a lot of that, but I think in order to play in Kyle’s offense, you have to really be willing to do everything. So for him, with no questions, to step in there with no hesitancy, and to stick his face into a defensive lineman, I was really impressed.”
A big issue for the Rams' secondary was their physical stature at outside corner. Despite Emmanuel Forbes Jr. and Cobie Durant's willingness to make a hit, along with Darious Williams and Ahkello Witherspoon in spot appearances, the Rams failed to hold their line against bigger-bodied wide receivers, with teams being able to run outside and make plays on 50-50 balls successfully.
A.J. Brown is the biggest example of a receiver giving the Rams problems on the outside, while the Carolina Panthers are the prime example of how a receiving corps of tall pass catchers is able to effortlessly dominate the Los Angeles' secondary.
Brown had one of his better performances against the Rams, outmuscling whomever they lined up across from him and exposing their secondary to this fatal flaw. The Panthers, with their trio of Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker, and Xavier Legette – who are all 6-foot-3 and taller – smoked the Rams' defense in the regular season and in the playoffs.
The Panthers scored at least 31 points twice last season. Both games were against the Rams. And yet they went 8-9 in the regular season.
The Battle in Australia
While the addition of Jaylen Watson should help against bigger pass catchers, the 49ers have a trio of their own in Mike Evans, George Kittle, and Stribling. On top of that, Stribling's blocking ability makes him a prime candidate to play in the slot.
What the Rams' first game of the season should reveal is whether Trent McDuffie will be able to handle those types of playmakers, and if Los Angeles has a schematic answer to a problem that could become greater in an offense that has troubled the team in the past.
For this game in particular, not only do the Rams have to deal with those issues, but also Christian McCaffrey coming out of the backfield. This contest should be a chess match that sets the tone for the season.
With so much on the line, we've identified three Seahawks players with everything to gain at training camp.
George Holani, RB
George Holani will enter training camp as the most-tenured running back available. The 2024 undrafted free agent will attempt to fend off rookie Jadarian Price. With Zach Charbonnet still recovering from a torn ACL injury, there's loads of opportunity up for grabs in the backfield. Can Holani be the Week 1 starter?
Tory Horton, WR
Tory Horton scored six touchdowns as a rookie (five receiving, one return) despite only playing in eight games and making 13 catches. The former Colorado State standout was extremely efficient before being sidelined with a season-ending injury. Can Horton work his way back into the rotation behind Cooper Kupp, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Rashid Shaheed?
Tyrice Knight, LB
Tyrice Knight did not enjoy the sophomore campaign he envisioned it'd be. An offseason injury limited his impact and eventually allowed Drake Thomas to firmly surpass him on the depth chart. Knight should enter camp with designs on forcing Thomas into another competition for the starting role opposite Ernest Jones IV.
Former Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold has drawn interest from four NFL teams despite his ongoing legal situation.
Arnold, 23, was released by the Lions after he was arrested in connection with a robbery and kidnapping case in Florida. The cornerback has been accused of "coordinating and directing the codefendants to lure three men to an apartment where the victims were robbed, beaten, and held at gunpoint."
Arnold, who was granted a $1 million bond, could face up to life in prison if convicted of the felony charges. The cornerback has denied involvement, and his lawyers have said "there is no credible evidence linking Mr. Arnold to these allegations."
Arnold's agent, Nicole Lynn, said in court last week that four NFL teams — the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks and New York Jets — have been in contact with the cornerback. Arnold already worked out for the Texans, and Lynn expects the cornerback to be signed before the regular season begins in September.
Notably, the Denver Broncos have not reached out to Arnold's camp (at least not as of last week when Lynn testified). Arnold played college football at Alabama, and he is good friends with star Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain. Before his arrest, Arnold co-hosted the "Closed on Sundays" podcast with Surtain. The podcast went on a break after the Super Bowl in February, and it has not returned.
The Las Vegas Raiders' passing offense ranked 28th in the league last season, averaging 167.7 yards per game. It was a collective issue on offense, with the quarterbacks and offensive line also deserving blame for the lack of success. There's no denying that the wide receivers need to be better in 2026 though.
The Raiders made one splash in free agency at wide receiver. Elsewhere, they're relying on head coach Klint Kubiak and new quarterbacks Fernando Mendoza and Kirk Cousins to drastically improve the aerial attack. Taking everything into consideration, we've ranked the Raiders' projected top five wide receivers from best to worst.
Tre Tucker
Tre Tucker led all Raiders pass catchers in receiving last year with 696 yards and five touchdowns. The former Cincinnati wideout is a speedster who possesses even more potential in Coach Kubiak's offensive scheme. Tucker should continue being a reliable outlet for the Raiders' quarterbacks while possibly taking his game to new heights in Kubiak's system.
Jalen Nailor
The Raiders signed Jalen Nailor in free agency to a multi-year contract worth more than $11 million per season despite him never topping 444 yards in a single season throughout his four-year rookie deal. The belief is that getting Nailor away from the Minnesota Vikings, who have Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison at the position, will make him significantly more productive. He'll likely see a career-high amount of targets in 2026, and possesses the athletic traits needed to take advantage of his opportunities.
Jack Bech
Sophomore Jack Bech needs to be significantly better after producing just 20 catches for 224 yards and zero touchdowns as a rookie. The production did not meet the investment of a top-60 pick. Bech will possess every opportunity to be the starting slot receiver, so expectations are far higher.
Dont'e Thornton Jr.
Dont'e Thornton Jr. was another 2025 rookie receiver who disappointed, albeit with less expectations as a fourth-round pick. He was raw coming out of Tennessee and struggled with the technical aspects of playing the position as a rookie. Anything the Raiders get from Thornton as a sophomore would be considered a bonus.
Malik Benson
Malik Benson was the Raiders' sixth-round pick during the 2026 NFL draft. Day Three rookies rarely contribute much, but he's an intriguing talent who ran 4.37 at the NFL Combine after producing 719 yards at Oregon in 2025. Benson is a former JUCO prospect who had an inspiring pre-draft story after attending four different colleges.
Believe it or not, NFL training camps start next week, with the rookies for the defending champion Seattle Seahawks arriving on July 17. From there, it’s a gradual buildup to Week One of the regular season, which kicks off with the Super Bowl rematch between the Seahawks and the New England Patriots in Seattle.
To learn more about what to expect this fall, we recently caught up with analyst Warren Sharp.
Note: This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
If there’s a reason the Rams won’t make the Super Bowl, what do you think it is?
Warren Sharp: “They entered last season using more two-tight-end sets. When they suffered some injuries at the receiver position, they started using even more three-tight-end sets. Now the rest of the league knows what’s coming to a degree. The rest of the league knows that Sean McVay has made a pivot from the highest rate of 11 personnel to the highest rate of three-tight-end sets. That is kind of a card he’s already played. He’s not going to be able to play again this year. So all the other teams, like your Seattle Seahawks, from teams that he’s going to play on the schedule outside his division, know what’s coming. So that’s mainly the prime thing. Defensively, they added people in the secondary. They obviously added Myles Garrett. It’s hard to replicate what he did last season.”
What’s your boldest prediction?
“I’m bigger on the Houston Texans than I think a lot of people are. The Texans are like plus-900 to win the AFC. They sit behind the Ravens, Bills, Chiefs, Chargers, and Patriots, so they’re not even a top-five team to win the AFC. I think the Houston Texans have a chance to replicate what they did defensively and, on offense, get a lot better for a couple of reasons. Most people’s opinion of C.J. Stroud right now is very negative. They saw what C.J. Stroud did, barely beating Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh in a road playoff game. And then they saw him play terribly in inclement weather against the New England Patriots, a very good defense.
“C.J. Stroud did not have the best year last year. …But if you look at C.J. Stroud over 80 yards of the field outside of the red zone, the first 80 yards of the field, he actually was 13th in EPA per attempt, 17th in yards per attempt, 22nd in success rate. That is out of 45 qualifying quarterbacks. He was just 40th or worse in several of those statistics inside of the red zone. That, to me, tends to regress. I think they had a first-year play caller in Nick Caley last year. He came from the Rams coaching tree, and I think they’re going to call better plays inside of the red zone this year.”
Why do you think David Montgomery can make a difference?
“David Montgomery is actually the No. 1 rusher in EPA and first-down rate on man-blocking runs over the last two years. And so that’s a sneaky upside. Everybody’s (saying): ‘Jahmyr Gibbs is so much better than David Montgomery. David Montgomery is over the hill.’ He might be over the hill, and yes, he’s not as good as Jahmyr Gibbs, but he’s still good in this system. And so I think with a better offensive line, a better run game, and what I view as C.J. Stroud regressing more to the mean in red-zone efficiency when he’s passing the football, this Houston Texans team is led by the outstanding job their head coach does and a great defense; I think they have a very high floor. I think their ceiling is definitely in the conversation of potentially winning the AFC.”
Is there a win total under/over that you like?
“I like the Carolina Panthers under 7.5 half wins. This is a team that really had to come from behind extensively last year to win games. The only thing that’s going good for the Carolina Panthers, in my opinion, is that they play in a very weak NFC South division. But other than that, this team really struggled. This stat is just one of the more mind-blowing stats that I researched in the book because Carolina went to the playoffs. Across all 17 games combined, they trailed by 92 points entering the fourth quarter of their games. That ranked 27th in the NFL. How a team wins eight games and makes the playoffs but trails by 92 points entering the fourth quarter is a massive contradiction.”
Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Lamar Jackson all missed the playoffs last year. Who has the best chance of reaching the Super Bowl?
“Joe Burrow, in my opinion. Now, I think Patrick Mahomes is the easiest answer here…
“But I will go with the Cincinnati Bengals. …You look around the landscape of that AFC North, and here’s one of the more interesting things about Joe Burrow that I don’t think a lot of people know. Joe Burrow, when he starts for the Bengals because he’s been in our lineup a little bit, is eight wins and 11 losses against the AFC North. That’s a 42% win rate, but he is 23-9 against everybody else. That’s a 72% win rate. I think the AFC North is down a little bit this year.”
Which rookie do you think is best positioned to succeed?
“I do like Sonny Styles in Washington. They need a playmaker there. They’ve got a playmaker there, and I think he’s going to have an instant impact. He’s exactly what Dan Quinn needs. He fills a void for them, and I think he’s going to splash a ton. So I think the coaching he’s going to get from Quinn and the staff is really going to help him shine. And this is a team that had a terrible defense last year. The defense was historic.”
Will the Mike McCarthy-Aaron Rodgers reunion win a playoff game?
“I don’t think they’re going to make it to the playoffs, so I would say no. Now, could they? Yes, they could make it to the playoffs. It obviously depends who they play. But I just think this team is lacking in a lot of areas. Steelers fans are bigger on their receiving core, potentially, than I am. But I’ve got some interesting statistics. I won’t go through all of them, but if you compare Justin Fields, Russell Wilson, and Aaron Rodgers—the quarterbacks they had in 2024 and then in 2025—Aaron Rodgers was worse than those guys. He did not lead the team in completion rate, accuracy, yards per attempt, success rate, or passer rating. In pretty much every single critical metric, Rodgers was not better than Russell Wilson or Justin Fields, which is pretty shocking to people.”
Which team will be the worst?
“The Miami Dolphins’ defense might be one of the worst in the NFL. They have very poor personnel. Their secondary is abysmal. It’s easy to look at their receiving core and say it’s terrible, but the defense might be even worse. As a result, all these really good offenses they’re going to play are going to score points. And when those teams are scoring points, it’s going to be hard to outscore them with Malik Willis and those wide receivers. So I just think there’s a very good chance they’re going to win two or three or four games next season and be in contention for the worst team in the league.”
“Let’s stick with the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC. And in the NFC, let’s go back to the well on the Philadelphia Eagles. I think the Philadelphia Eagles were massively impacted by a terrible offensive coordinator last year who was promoted from within. They brought in a new offensive coordinator this year. I know they lost A.J. Brown, but I think overall this offense will be better. I think the defense is still elite…
“If I had to pick a second favorite in the NFC, I would probably go with the Rams. If I had to pick a second favorite in the AFC, I would probably go with the Texans.”
Do random people approach you to ask for gambling or fantasy football advice?
“I was out at the fireworks, and my mustache is just recognizable. People come up and ask me, ‘Are you Warren Sharp?’ And then they want to introduce themselves. So, I did get met there, but that was by a person who wasn’t asking for gambling advice. He was just wanting to meet me. Almost every single interaction I’ve had has been excellent with people.
“I try not to be overly negative on social media. I just try to stick to the facts and data and share my opinion. But inevitably it riles up fan bases. But, in person, when they see you are genuinely decent people. So I’ve been fortunate in that regard.”
Warren Sharp’s 2026 Football Preview is now available for purchase. Readers using the coupon code FOOTBALL will receive 50% off.
New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh recently reflected on a brief but notable offseason controversy involving quarterback Jaxson Dart and edge rusher Abdul Carter, emphasizing the team's ability to navigate differences without his direct intervention.
The situation began in late May when Dart introduced President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Suffern, New York. Addressing the crowd as "Big Blue Nation," Dart expressed pride in presenting the "45th and 47th President of the United States."
Trump reciprocated by praising the young quarterback as a future Hall of Famer.
Carter responded publicly on social media with surprise, questioning the decision and sparking discussions about team dynamics in a politically charged environment. However, the teammates quickly addressed the matter privately.
During a Monday appearance on The Domonique Foxworth Show, Harbaugh highlighted the players' emotional intelligence and proactive approach.
"100 percent, yes, truly an opportunity," Harbaugh said. "Those are welcome things because those are going to happen. Those types of things — I told the guys, this is not a one-off. This is not the first time we're going to be thrown into this very thing, the political, social discourse. So we have to have conversations in a reasonable — in a way that respects one another. So, how are we going to go about this? What do you guys think?
"And, really, honestly, Dominique, I didn't have to do anything. I didn't have to say anything, really. The players said it. They laid the ground rules down for the guys and decided how it would be approached going forward. So now, when these waves keep coming in from the ocean and crash against our shore, I think we'll be better prepared for them going forward because we'll be expecting them. And we'll be talking about how we're going to deal with them."
Harbaugh expressed pride in how the group managed the situation through open dialogue and mutual respect, reinforcing unity as the Giants prepare for training camp. The incident, though a brief distraction, ultimately strengthened their resolve to prioritize football and shared goals heading into the season.
Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Warren Brinson saw the field plenty as a rookie, especially for a sixth-round pick, playing nearly 300 defensive snaps in his first season as a pro.
That was despite not making his NFL debut until Week 6. He did himself justice and was no liability for the Packers defense despite his humble draft status, giving credence to the idea that he could have been drafted earlier, having performed well for Georgia during his college years.
Brinson’s percentile ranks among defensive tackles across the league show the impact he was able to have as a rookie.
What stands out the most in a positive sense is Brinson’s performance as a pass rusher.
He put up 14 pressures in just 173 pass rush snaps, showing a good level of disruption. Brinson ranked 18th among 121 eligible defensive tackles in pass rush win rate and led all rookies who played enough snaps to qualify. When facing true pass sets, he ranked 21st in pass rush win rate.
In terms of areas to work on against the pass, the biggest thing for Brinson is finishing. He only managed one sack per PFF.
Penalties were also an issue. He may have only had two, but they came on a limited snap count, and one of them extended a drive late in the regular season loss to Chicago, which helped swing the division in the Bears’ favor.
Moreover, his run defense was concerning when looking at the numbers, with him ranking in the bottom third of the league in every category. Brinson looked overmatched and a bit out of his depth defending the run as a rookie.
Simply managing to get the ball carrier on the ground when presented with the opportunity would have made a difference, as he missed three tackles on just 15 attempts, again highlighting the need to finish better.
It is fair to suggest that at the moment, Brinson is not ready to be on the field regularly on run downs.
Still, the Packers will have been pleased with how Brinson acquitted himself after being thrown in at the deep end following injuries to other players. He would not have been expected to take on anything like the kind of snap count he ended up enduring as a late-round rookie.
In 2026, Brinson should be able to slide back into playing far fewer snaps, with Javon Hargrave, Devonte Wyatt, Karl Brooks and Chris McClellan all likely to be ahead of him on the depth chart.
At Georgia, Brinson was part of a deep rotation of defensive linemen and was able to make an impact when his turn came around. The Packers will be hoping to replicate that formula this year, after some positive signs from Brinson as a rookie, specifically in the pass rush department.
One of the most anticipated things relating to the new Highmark Stadium home of the Buffalo Bills in western New York has involved something just outside of the building.
Bills fans have a lot of Buffalo pride in them and if there was one request the fans had for the new venue? It was to display exactly that with bison statues outside of the front door.
Previously Bills Wire shared the installment of the first bison. Now the whole family is in place.
Check out a collection of views of the whole bison lot below:
Will the Washington Commanders sign a veteran wide receiver before training camp begins on July 29?
Washington's need for a wide receiver has dominated the offseason. The Commanders made a play for Alec Pierce in free agency before he chose to remain with the Indianapolis Colts. They also negotiated with Romeo Doubs, who signed with the New England Patriots. The Commanders eventually added veteran Van Jefferson and brought back Dyami Brown, who spent his first four seasons in Washington.
Additionally, the Commanders re-signed former Tennessee first-round pick Treylon Burks to a one-year deal and spent a third-round pick on wide receiver Antonio Williams in the 2026 NFL Draft. With the returns of Terry McLaurin, Luke McCaffrey and Jaylin Lane, Washington at least has more depth than it did one year ago.
Still, many believe the Commanders need one more starting-level receiver. Brandon Aiyuk and Stefon Diggs are the two names often linked to Washington. Aiyuk's relationship with quarterback Jayden Daniels led many to assume that he'd eventually sign with the Commanders once the San Francisco 49ers released him.
Aiyuk remains under contract to the 49ers. He's also posted several videos on YouTube and Instagram, taking aim at San Francisco, specifically GM John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan. Most recently, Aiyuk posted a video in which he even criticized Daniels — his good friend.
That's led many to write off Aiyuk as a possibility for Washington. Of course, Aiyuk must still apply for reinstatement and then show up for training camp to force the 49ers to make a move. Those are two things he said he's not interested in doing.
ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler offered an update on Diggs Monday. He mentioned that the Commanders did check in on Diggs, but he believed they were looking for more of a "speed option at this point."
After discussing Diggs as an option for Washington, Fowler dropped the following nugget about Aiyuk and the Commanders.
"I don't think it's going to be Brandon Aiyuk at this stage," he said.
"I think that there's value in Stefon Diggs. ... A veteran receiver in some role, a team that's good with a quarterback that can handle him."@tthasselbeck and @JFowlerESPN weigh in on Stefon Diggs finding the best fit during free agency 🏈 pic.twitter.com/aR0w1rapaJ
Does that mean Washington wouldn't be interested if Aiyuk is granted his release from San Francisco? Well, it's complicated. Until he's free, it's difficult to assume. Aiyuk's social media antics haven't helped his cause, and it's possible the Commanders don't want that distraction for Daniels as he enters a critical third NFL season.
From the sounds of it, Washington doesn't even believe Aiyuk will be free. He's been on record as saying he won't work with the 49ers; therefore, they can keep him on the reserve/left squad list and not pay him a dime.
While most have presumed in recent weeks that Aiyuk missed his chance to be with Washington, at least in 2026, Fowler all but confirmed it. It's interesting that throughout this offseason, the Commanders did not shut down any talk of their potential interest in Aiyuk. It sounds like they have now.
It's going to take more than one offseason for President of Football Matt Ryan to really put his stamp on the organization as an executive. Nevertheless, it can be instructive to see where the Atlanta Falcons' priorities lie based on their spending at each position.
Let's break down how much the Falcons are spending on offense and where that figure ranks compared to the rest of the NFL, according to numbers at Spotrac.
QB: $9.42 million - ranks 28th
Atlanta's quarterback room isn't very good - but at least it's pretty cheap. With Kirk Cousins off the books the biggest cap hit at this position belongs to Michael Penix, who will be costing the Falcons around $6.24 million. Tua Tagovailoa only has a one-year deal at the veteran minimum ($1.2 million). The rest are minimal cap hits for third-stringer Trevor Siemian and undrafted rookie Jack Strand.
RB: $12.53 million - ranks 17th
Bijan Robinson is next up for a big-money extension, but until he signs the Falcons are still getting the deal of a lifetime at running back thanks to his rookie contract. For now Bijan's cap hit is just under $7 million, followed by incoming free agent pickup Brian Robinson Jr., whose cap number is $2.5 million. RB3 Tyler Goodson is at $1.145 million. Nathan Carter and undrafted rookie Cash Jones ou of Georgia make up the rest.
WR: $21.95 million - ranks 26th
Even after giving WR1 Drake London a blockbuster contracts the Falcons are still on the lower end in spending at wide receiver. London's new deal has his 2026 cap number adjusted down to just under $8 million. Jahan Dotson carries the second-heaviest cap hit here, coming in at $5 million. Returning receiver Olamide Zaccheaus is just over $2 million. Meanwhile, Zachariah Branch will cost Atlanta just $1,282,935 in his rookie year.
TE: $15.37 million - ranks 17th
The team's new deal with Kyle Pitts is structured in such a way that they won't have a painful cap hit until his void year in 2029. For now, Pitts only has a cap number of $4.622 million for the 2026 season - over $10 million less than he would have cost the Falcons under the franchise tag. Returning vet Austin Hooper's cap hit is $3.22 million.
OL: $74.26 million - ranks 5th
Atlanta has invested a great deal into producing a top-notch offensive line. At left tackle Jake Matthews' cap number is just over $16.77 million. The last year of left guard Matthew Bergeron's rookie deal costs around $4.8 million. At center, Ryan Neuzil carries a cap hit of $6.225 million. Superstar right guard Chris Lindstrom has the biggest cap hit in 2026 at $26.25 million. With Kaleb McGary out of the picture, their projected new starting right tackle Jawaan Taylor will cost $4.625 million. Swing tackle Wanya Morris' cap hit comes in under $1.5 million.
Former Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins running back Phillip Lindsay recently gave his thoughts on new Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle.
Lindsay and Waddle were teammates with Miami in 2021, Waddle's rookie season and his first 1,000-yard campaign in the NFL. First of all, Lindsay spoke highly of the trade for Waddle.
"Waddle is the type of guy you want in your building," said Lindsay in an interview with Kyle Odegard of the Action Network. "Great with the players, always laughing, always having fun. But he will also push you on that football field. Everybody around Waddle will get better because of him."
Specifically, Lindsay believes Waddle can make cornerback Riley Moss even better. In recent seasons, Moss has been targeted simply because he plays across from the best cornerback in football. In Waddle's case, iron could sharpen iron.
"Riley has the best type of opportunity to get better, because now he gets to go against a big-bodied receiver like Courtland Sutton, and a shifty receiver like Waddle who you have to stay with and work on your technique," Lindsay told Odegard. "When you get into these games, it will be a lot easier for him.”
Waddle's capability as a speedy, shifty weapon was not lost on Lindsay, who was one of those players in his own right when he played for the Broncos. "(Waddle) has the speed, agility and quickness to take a screen that may look like a 3-yard gain, and turn it into a 60-yard explosive touchdown," Lindsay said. "We’ve seen that multiple times throughout his career. His route-running ability is crazy. Adding Waddle to the mix, it’s going to be a breath of fresh air to this fanbase, and for Bo Nix, it’s another weapon."
Waddle and Nix hope to ignite their chemistry at training camp, which begins on July 31. Veterans will report to camp on July 28, while rookies report on July 22. The 2026 season is just around the corner!
With training camp drawing closer for the Jacksonville Jaguars, we typically put together a 53-man roster prediction beforehand based on what we learned during offseason programs.
We will still be doing that, but the format will be different. Rather than cramming every position group into one article, we'll devote an entire article to each unit before compiling our predictions at the end.
Strange will lead the way at tight end for the Jaguars, while Boerkircher figures to have a good-sized role as a rookie, especially as Jacksonville leans into using more multiple tight end sets. Koziol, like Boerkircher, was a draft pick this year and was among the standout performers during offseason programs.
Quintin Morris vs. Hunter Long
I expect that the competition at tight end for the final roster spot will come down to Morris and Long. Really, this decision comes down to what skill set the Jaguars want to have on the roster. Morris is a blocking-first player, while Long brings more of a pass-catching presence. The ability to help on special teams will be important as well.
How many tight ends will the Jaguars keep?
Most teams keep four tight ends on the roster. I don't expect the Jaguars to go heavy and keep five. For one, that means going light at another position group to make the roster math work out, and two, it's not easy getting that many tight end snaps on game days.
We did see the Jaguars have only three tight ends active during a few games last year, but I imagine that's not a path the team wants to go down, hence the investment at the position this offseason.
Predicting the Jaguars' 53-man roster at tight end before training camp
Morris played nearly 200 more special teams snaps than Long did last season, not to mention that I'd rather have an added blocking presence at the position -- I think there's more value there. With Koziol on the roster, Long's skill set isn't needed as much.
In less than two weeks, rookies will report to the Tennessee Titans' training camp, and the position battles can begin. While there will be some interesting battles to watch throughout camp, some positions are pretty much dialed in.
Over the next few days, Titans Wire will go through the roster and break down the battles to watch during training camp and the preseason as the team prepares to take on the New York Jets in Week 1.
First on our list will be a position that looks set to start camp but is still one to keep an eye on for a couple of reasons: quarterback.
Cam Ward enters camp entrenched as the starter, and the Titans are counting on him to take a significant step forward in 2026. During OTAs and minicamp, Ward reportedly struggled with accuracy as he built chemistry with new receivers and learned Brian Daboll’s system, but posts on social media show he has been working hard with receivers during this break.
Tennessee brought in Mitch Trubisky to help Ward learn the system and be his primary backup, and he looked the part during minicamp. Trubisky may have struggled as a starter in the league, but his experience and familiarity with the system should give the Titans better depth than they had in 2025.
Behind Trubisky, Will Levis and Hendon Hooker will be competing, but it appears that Levis has more riding on his performance. After missing all of 2025 after shoulder surgery, Levis needs to play well if he has any hope of stealing a roster spot or building up his stock for a potential trade. Throughout his career, he has flashed his athleticism and has all the traits teams look for in a quarterback, but he must find a way to harness his recklessness and build some consistency.
Could the Carolina Panthers be the endgame for the NFL's strangest saga of the offseason?
That should be a possibility, at least according to Ethen Hutton of Sports Illustrated. Hutton recently named the Panthers as one of three potential landing spots for wideout Brandon Aiyuk, whose divorce from the San Francisco 49ers remains long overdue:
. . . Carolina could provide a sound fit for Aiyuk, and vice versa. He’d command WR2 targets in a passing attack that developed significantly over the course of the 2025 season. Aiyuk would immediately take over as arguably the team’s top target in the intermediate passing game, while freeing up the likes of [Tetairoa] McMillan, Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette on vertical routes.
Aiyuk established himself as one of the league's top pass catchers in 2023, when he recorded 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. He'd be named a second-team All-Pro and help the 49ers reach Super Bowl LVIII against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Following that season, San Francisco inked Aiyuk to a four-year, $120 million contract extension. Seven games into the 2024 campaign, however, Aiyuk sustained ACL and MCL tears—and he has yet to log a snap since.
In addition to his knee injuries, Aiyuk's fractured relationship with the 49ers has kept him off the field. San Francisco, citing a lack of participation, would eventually void the guaranteed money on Aiyuk's pact for 2026 and place him on their reserve/left squad list towards the end of 2025.
The 28-year-old has drawn attention this offseason for some bizarre social media activity, including posting clips of himself assuring an agreement to join his former college quarterback Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders. The Commanders were also featured on Hutton's list.
All that said, it's difficult to see the Panthers as a fit for Aiyuk—both on and off the field.
On it, the offense has already devoted much of its target share to McMillan, the 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year, and Coker—who just received an extension of his own. Off it, Aiyuk's behavior feels a bit similar to that of Diontae Johnson, and we all remember how that run in Carolina ended.
As the Pittsburgh Steelers and Joey Porter Jr. continue to move toward a potential extension, one former NFL general manager has weighed in on the lingering contract talks. His comments expose a harsh reality for Porter heading into the final year of his rookie deal.
Former Buffalo Bills GM Doug Whaley isn't sold on Porter commanding top cornerback money due to concerns over his lack of interceptions throughout his collegiate and NFL career.
"The biggest issue I would have, and I’m sure the Steelers would have, is the lack of interceptions," Whaley said via 93.7 The Fan. "To me, to be considered in the top five, you have to get your hands on the ball. And he’s got a history from, since he was at Penn State, of not creating turnovers. And that’s probably where the big difference is where he wants to be. ‘Hey, if you look at my [Pro Football Focus] stats, I haven’t allowed a touchdown. I haven’t done this and this,’ and he’s got great stats. But to me, to elevate yourself to be someone where you’re gonna be on the cover of Madden, you have to get at least five-plus interceptions. And he doesn’t do it and hasn’t done it, and I don’t think he’s the type of player to do it."
Whaley admitted that Porter is a lockdown cornerback, but the lack of interceptions is what's keeping him from the $30-plus million range.
Many within the NFL have weighed in on Porter's contract talks with the Steelers, with some believing he could reset the cornerback market while others suggest he'd sign for around $28 million. If Whaley had his way, Porter would likely have no choice but to choose the latter or play elsewhere.
For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any offseason moves, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
Wide receiver Denzel Mims hasn't even been a Cowboy for a month, but there's already a line forming in case he gets sent packing from Dallas. The Canadian Football League's Toronto Argonauts have added Mims- as well as fellow Cowboys wideout Traeshon Holden- to their "negotiation list," giving them exclusive CFL rights if either player fails to make the 53-man roster and then is also unable to latch on with another NFL team. There's a lot of "ifs" to that sentence and either man may go on to impress in training camp, but the news does suggest there's a sense (at least in some circles north of the border) that Mims and Holden have a long, hard road ahead of them on the Cowboys depth chart.
Elsewhere in Cowboys headlines, we dive into pass-rush specialist BT Jordan's rise through the ranks, from the social media videos that eventually earned him a star-studded client list all the way to his consultancy role with the Broncos and now Dallas. Quarterback Tony Romo is revealing the one regret he still has from his years with the Cowboys, Caleb Downs is rumored to be tied for the highest rookie rating in this year's Madden game and break Ezekiel Elliott's mark for Cowboys rookies, and Michael Irvin pokes fun at Eagles fans while in Philadelphia for Monday's Home Run Derby... but did he also unknowingly jinx the Cowboys by staging his stunt on the city's beloved "Rocky Steps?"
We'll get into some of the latest lists of the offseason, including a stunner in the NFL Top 100. After back-to-back years as the No. 2 player in the league, has Lamar Jackson really slid all the way into the bottom third?!?
In other league news, Kyle Juszczyk is, for all intents and purposes, used as a tight end in San Francisco... until it comes time to talk contracts. Find out what the officially-listed fullback thinks of being the latest player to get bitten by a salary switcheroo. The Rams' Aaron Donald may be a step closer to returning to play after going through a workout with pads as a test, the Super Bowl-champion Seahawks have been sold... to a 49ers partial owner??? And a former Fort Worth and Baylor standout who flew under the collective radar yet went on to become a first-round draft pick and Super Bowl champ with the Steelers has passed away at age 69.
The Pittsburgh Steelers' countdown to kickoff is full steam ahead for the 2026 NFL regular season, with fans needing to wait only 61 more days until the Steel City brand of football returns when the Steelers host the Atlanta Falcons on September 13.
In the spirit of the countdown, we at Steelers Wire will take a look at the history of the No. 61 jersey and analyze which player wore it best.
Steelers current No. 61: C Greg Crippen
Undrafted rookie center Greg Crippen is the current No. 61 wearer on the Steelers roster.
Steelers to wear No. 61
Greg Crippen, 2026-present
Logan Lee, 2024
Mason Cole, 2022-2023
Daniel Archibong, 2021
Stefen Wisniewski, 2020
Best No. 61 in Steelers history: G Tyrone McGriff
No. 61 may not have a storied history like the other countdown to kickoff entries, but arguably the best Steeler to ever wear the number is guard Tyrone McGriff.
McGriff was selected by the Steelers with the 333rd overall pick in the 12th round of the 1980 NFL Draft, bestowing him the honor of Mr. Irrelevant, the title given to the final selections of drafts. of He played three seasons with the team from 1980 to 1982, appearing in 36 games and making 10 starts. His solid play as a rookie earned him a spot on the 1980 PFWA NFL All-Rookie Team.
McGriff’s legacy serves as a reminder that it is not where a player is drafted, but what he does with the opportunity. And it was this ability to overcome the odds makes him the best Steeler to wear No. 61.
For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any offseason moves, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
Las Vegas Raiders rookie Fernando Mendoza’s reported Madden 27 is shocking, to say the least.
Fernando Mendoza entered the 2026 NFL Draft as one of the most highly regarded football prospects in the world.
As expected, Mendoza was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the draft by the Las Vegas Raiders. While the NFL season is yet to commence, football fans will soon get their hands on Madden 27.
Photo by Christopher Trim/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
NFL fans react to Fernando Mendoza’s reported 74 rating on Madden 27
Despite being the consensus No. 1 overall pick, the Raiders superstar hasn’t done much to justify a 90-plus rating in Madden 27. However, fans likely expected him to be in the high 70s or low 80s.
Unfortunately, that’s not the case, as Mendoza’s reported Madden 27 rating is just 74.
“I would’ve thought 76-78 like most 1st picks,” a fan wrote. While another added, “He a smooth 81.”
“I think we should be more concerned that he hasn’t signed his rookie deal yet,” a third fan pointed out.
“That’s low,” another fan chimed in. While a fifth fan stated, “Great rating for a rookie QB love it.”
Most fans were surprised by the rating, but a few think that since he’s a rookie, it’s a good rating, and if he explodes into stardom in the upcoming season, the rating can always be adjusted.
Additionally, with Kirk Cousins on the roster, many believe it’s unlikely that Mendoza becomes QB1 for the Raiders.
The Dallas Cowboys have leaned on Dak Prescott as their franchise quarterback for the past decade. He is now heading into his 11th season as the undisputed starter and the team's all-time leading passer.
Because of that stability, it caught people off guard when trade rumors suddenly linked Dallas to a quarterback, especially a former high draft pick the Indianapolis Colts are trying to dump.
That name is Anthony Richardson. The No. 4 pick from the 2023 draft lost his starting job to Daniel Jones in training camp last year. Then, in Week 6, Richardson broke his eye socket in a freak pregame accident and missed the rest of the year.
Jones stepped in and played the best football the Colts have seen since 2009 before tearing his Achilles. Instead of going back to Richardson, Indy doubled down on Jones with a two-year deal worth up to $100 million. Richardson has only started 15 games in three injury-heavy seasons and asked for a trade in February, but nobody has traded for him yet.
That is where Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon brought Dallas into the conversation. He listed the Cowboys as a possible landing spot if the Colts move on.
"Potential landing spots include the Cardinals — especially if Jacoby Brissett's contract dispute boils over — the Jets, once they realize Geno Smith is not the guy, or the Steelers, Cowboys, or Panthers as a premium stash-away option for 2027," Gagnon wrote.
It is just a theory for now. Dallas already has Sam Howell and Joe Milton III sitting behind Prescott, so they do not need to hunt for backup quarterbacks. Trading for Richardson's contract and trying to rebuild his game makes no sense for a team that is already set. The idea belongs on a fantasy rumor list, not Jerry Jones' actual to-do list.
Meanwhile, Indianapolis cannot find anyone willing to pay their asking price. Richardson is stuck on the roster, working out this summer and trying to lock down a backup job behind Jones. The chances of Dallas trading for him are close to zero.
The Dallas Cowboys let their best slot corner walk in free agency, and they paid for it all year. The front office let Jourdan Lewis leave in March instead of paying up to keep him, hoping an internal replacement would work.
The plan failed because moving DaRon Bland into the slot completely disrupted the secondary. Bland is an elite outside cornerback who uses the sideline to trap receivers, but moving inside forced him to defend quick, two-way routes in open space.
Opposing offenses immediately took advantage of it. Teams used pre-snap motion to isolate Bland against faster slot receivers, creating massive throwing lanes over the middle of the field.
Since Bland struggled to adjust to the nickel role, the safeties had to cheat downward to help him, which left the deep part of the field completely exposed and caused frequent miscommunications.
Owner Jerry Jones finally admitted the front office made a mistake after the season slipped away. He openly acknowledged that losing their primary nickel corner hurt the defense far more than they anticipated.
Lewis had spent eight years anchoring that spot in Dallas after the team drafted him in the third round in 2017. He played 115 games for the Cowboys, recording 10 interceptions, 44 pass breakups, and 9.5 sacks. He left for a three-year, $30 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, which made him the league's highest-paid nickel corner. Dallas refused to match that price, and the gamble to replace his experience from within ruined their coverage schemes.
Jones later owned the miscalculation, telling Patrik Walker of DallasCowboys.com, "We lost the nickel, and it hurt us more than we thought. The nickel was a serious loss for us. It made a big difference not having him out there."
Dallas spent the offseason completely reshaping the secondary to fix the problem. The front office traded up in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft to secure star defensive back Caleb Downs, who is expected to anchor the slot right away.
They also brought in veteran free agents like Cobie Durant and Jalen Thompson to add much-needed versatility. Under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, the Cowboys are betting that this overhauled, hybrid approach will finally solve the slot vulnerability that ruined their defense a year ago.
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay built his reputation on spreading the field with three receivers. Last season, he found something even better: three tight ends.
The Rams ran an NFL-record 331 offensive plays out of three-tight-end personnel in 2025, according to Sharp Football Analysis, nearly triple the next-closest team, the Steelers, who ran 145.
This volume isn't surprising, but the efficiency is what separates it from a gimmick. Los Angeles averaged 8.4 yards per pass play with three or more tight ends on the field, a full two yards better than the 6.3 league average and among the best marks posted by any offense out of any personnel grouping last season. No team ran three-tight-end sets nearly as often as the Rams, and no team that used them with any real volume produced anywhere close to that efficiency.
The shift lines up with a broader league-wide trend, just at a different scale. NFL offenses ran two or more tight ends on 33.4% of snaps last season, the highest rate recorded this century. The Rams were its clearest proof of concept, running the personnel grouping more than double the volume of anyone else and still out-producing the field by more than two yards a play.
There's some irony in McVay leading that shift. When he arrived in Los Angeles in 2017, he made his name pulling away from fullbacks and heavy sets in favor of 11 personnel, using versatile skill players like Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua as movement pieces who could hurt teams equally well in the run and pass game. Now Colby Parkinson, Tyler Higbee and Terrance Ferguson give him the same kind of two-way threat at tight end, and the results say he's found an even more efficient way to force defenses into bad matchups. That's on top of his dominant receiver game with Nacua and Davante Adams and an impressive running back duo of Kyren Williams and Blake Corum.
Parkinson enters 2026 coming off a career year — 408 yards and eight touchdowns filling in for an injured Higbee — while Higbee returns on a new two-year deal. Add rookie Max Klare, and the Rams project to keep at least four tight ends on the roster with legitimate receiving chops, arguably the deepest room in the league at the position.
That depth is exactly why the 3-TE surge looks less like a one-year outlier and more like the foundation of the 2026 offense.
Summer is here, and it is everyone’s favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Vikings fans, but also give them an idea of names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Minnesota.
Are we going to write about quarterbacks? Offensive tackles? Edge rushers? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Vikings, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so Vikings fans can be the most informed fans.
So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.
District 10-6A Offensive Most Valuable Player as a junior in high school
Played baseball in high school
Dad played linebacker in the NFL
Notable career stats heading into 2026
31 Starts
1,183 Pass attempts
9,629 Passing yards
8.1 Yards per attempt
Notable numbers from PFF heading into 2026
54 Big-time throws
3.8 Turnover worthy play rate
Average depth of target is 8.6 yards
73.9% Adjusted completion percentage
Strengths
Good arm strength
Smooth release and gets the ball out quickly
Excellent awareness and pocket presence
Can be a playmaker with his legs to extend it and avoid pressure
Can throw his receivers open
Player Summary
Josh Hoover is going to be really interesting to see unfold and develop further at Indiana. Fernando Mendoza was more polished than Hoover is right now heading to Bloomington, and the rise won’t be the same, but round one is there. His arm strength will do a lot of the heavy lifting for the Hoosiers, and the offensive line will be the best he has ever had. All of that should allow him to flash his arm talent and ability to make throws to every level while playing against tough defenses.
The Denver Broncos have played in eight Super Bowls. They have won three of them. Yet, the franchise still has not had a head coach selected for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The fanbase is hoping that will soon change, with former head coach Mike Shanahan, who won back-to-back Super Bowls with the team, standing as the No. 1 candidate. Shanahan was bypassed for that honor this year, but should be on a short list of former coaches to consider for Canton.
Recently, Bryan De Ardo of CBS Sports put together a list of who he feels are the 20 greatest head coaches in NFL history. We're not going to debate the order of his rankings here, but we are going to point out one thing about the No. 16 coach on his list, Shanahan. Here was his analysis:
"Shanahan isn't currently in the Hall of Fame, although his career is certainly worthy of enshrinement. From 1994-98, Shanahan won three Super Bowls, including one as the 49ers ' offensive coordinator and two more as Broncos coach. Under Shanahan's tutelage, Steve Young had one of the best seasons in NFL history, including winning league and Super Bowl MVP honors and throwing the most touchdown passes (6) in Super Bowl history.
In Denver, Shanahan helped John Elway cap off his career with back-to-back Super Bowl titles. Shanahan helped surround Elway with a talented supporting cast that included Terrell Davis, a former sixth-round pick who won league and Super Bowl MVP honors while playing in Shanahan's offense. Davis was the first of several running backs that flourished in Shanahan's zone blocking scheme.
In 1997, Shanahan led the Broncos to an unexpected Super Bowl win over the defending champion Packers in Super Bowl XXXII. By virtue of their win, the Broncos became the first AFC team to win the Super Bowl in 14 years. They also became the second wild card team (and the first since 1980) to win the Super Bowl.
Denver successfully defended its title a year later. After a 13-0 start, the Broncos steamrolled through the playoffs while outscoring their opponents 95-32. In Super Bowl XXXIII, with the Falcons focused on stopping Davis, Shanahan used Davis as a decoy and put the spotlight back on Elway, who delivered an MVP performance in what was his final NFL game.
Shanahan and the Broncos were unable to recapture their championship pedigree following Elway's retirement, although they made another Super Bowl run in 2005. Shanahan then produced just one winning season during a four-year run in Washington. His lack of success after Denver's Super Bowls is likely why he isn't in the Hall of Fame.
Shanahan's coaching tree, however, might help him eventually earn Hall of Fame induction. His coaching tree includes Gary Kubiak, his son (current 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan) and names like Sean McVay, Matt and Mike LaFleur, Mike McDaniel, Robert Saleh and Kevin Stefanski."
When will Mike Shanahan get into the Hall of Fame?
Much of De Ardo's write-up on Shanahan discusses why he's not in the Hall of Fame already. Regardless of what happened post-Elway or in Washington, he is undoubtedly one of the most innovative offensive minds in history. In addition, he is one of only eight coaches to win back-to-back Super Bowls.
But the most compelling evidence as to why Shanahan belongs in the Hall of Fame might be De Ardo's list itself. Of the 19 other names on that list, 17 have already gained entry into the halls in Canton. The other two are Andy Reid and Bill Belichick, who are both a mortal lock to have a bust in that building at some point.
So if these are the 20 greatest coaches ever, is Shanahan the only one not worthy of the Hall of Fame? Absolutely not, especially if he's ahead of four other names in the rankings. That may all be giving De Ardo a bit too much credit, but any respectable rankings list is going to include most of these names.
Shanahan won 170 games, tied for 19th-most in league history. He won multiple Super Bowls and helped guys like Young and Elway reach the top of the mountain, something each arguably would not have done without him.
NFL Madden 27 is just around the corner, and leaked ratings have made for interesting reading.
Every year, Madden ratings spark widespread debate among American football fans, and this year is no different.
There are six players in the 99 club — Josh Allen, Myles Garrett, Trey McBride, Matthew Stafford, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Ja’Marr Chase.
McBride is the highest-rated tight end in the game, but Kelce isn’t far off. On Madden 26, he was 90 rated. After a solid year for the Kansas City Chiefs, he has been bumped up to 91.
Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images
At 36, Kelce is still one of the best in his position. He had another strong season, running up 76 receptions for 851 yards and 5 touchdowns.
ESPN recently ranked tight ends for 2026, and he only managed the tenth spot on the list. In Madden, he’s rated fourth-highest, according to MUTLeaks on X.
The pool of tight ends is strong, and the competition is fierce. The position has undergone a significant shift in recent years, with a new generation of stars emerging across the league.
McBride’s rise to the top reflects that changing landscape, while players such as George Kittle, Sam LaPorta and Brock Bowers continue to push the standard higher.
Kelce may no longer sit at the summit, but his consistency and experience still make him one of the most reliable targets in football. His rating increase suggests EA Sports still values his impact, even as younger tight ends continue to close the gap heading into the 2026 season.
McCaffrey and Williams are in the NFC West, so the the Cardinals will face them twice each. The Cardinals and 49er play in Week 3 and Week 18. The Cardinals and Rams face off in Weeks 6 and 10. They face Gibbs at home in Week 5, Barkley at home in Week 13, Walker in Week 11 on the road and Hall at home in Week 15.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple Podcasts.
Summer is here, and it is everyone’s favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Vikings fans, but also give them an idea of names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Minnesota.
Are we going to write about quarterbacks? Offensive tackles? Edge rushers? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Vikings, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so Vikings fans can be the most informed fans.
So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.
Film
Texas A&M
Clemson
Background Info
Listed at 6-3/240 lbs.
3-Star prospect according to 247 Sports
Florence Morning News Prep Football Player of the Year
SEC Freshman of the Year in 2024
Third-team All-SEC in 2024
Freshman All-American in 2024
SEC All-Freshman Team in 2024
Notable career stats heading into 2026
24 Starts
596 Pass attempts
5.057 Passing yards
8.5 Yards per attempt
Notable numbers from PFF heading into 2026
32 Big-time throws
4 Turnover worthy play rate
Average depth of target is 9.3 yards
72.7% Adjusted completion percentage
Strengths
Strength is there to be a bulldozer of a runner
Excellent arm strength
Can make throws to all levels of the field
Good velocity on his passes
Can make plays with his legs (doesn’t do it enough)
Player Summary
For the second Summer in a row, I am writing that LaNorris Sellers has the traits to be QB1 in this class. That said, he just struggles to maintain consistency in his passing and playmaking. What he does show is the flashes of arm talent, the speed and power as a runner, and the playmaking ability that will have folks excited in the NFL. South Carolina is trying to give him the best team he has ever had in 2026, and if they do, then we could be talking about a top 10 pick in April. However, if the pieces fall apart, then we are looking at a Drew Allar-type of fall.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have two major contract decisions hanging over the organization, but NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports that the front office does not feel pressured to resolve either one immediately.
Garafolo said Tampa Bay is not close to reaching extensions with quarterback Baker Mayfield or defensive tackle Vita Vea, two longtime leaders entering contract years in 2026. While negotiations could continue throughout the offseason, the Buccaneers appear comfortable allowing the process to play out rather than forcing an agreement before training camp.
“When it comes to Baker Mayfield or even Vita Vea on the other side of the ball… the Bucs are in no rush on either one of these,” Garafolo said.
@MikeGarafolo is reporting that the Bucs aren’t close on contract extensions for Baker Mayfield & Vita Vea, and they’re in no rush.
“When it comes to Baker Mayfield or even Vita Vea on the other side of the ball… the Bucs are in no rush on either one of these.”
Mayfield has publicly expressed his desire to remain in Tampa Bay, saying both sides want to complete a deal but still need to find common ground. His uneven 2025 season may complicate the two sides' assessment of his value. According to PFF, Mayfield passed for 3,695 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions while earning a 70.0 overall offensive grade. He also remained dangerous outside the pocket, adding 402 rushing yards and forcing 22 missed tackles.
Vea remains one of the most important pieces of Todd Bowles’ defense. The veteran defensive tackle generated 51 pressures in 2025, including four sacks, eight quarterback hits, and 39 hurries, according to PFF. He also recorded 22 tackles and 21 defensive stops while continuing to absorb attention in the middle of Tampa Bay’s defensive front.
Neither negotiation is simple. Mayfield plays the league’s most expensive position, while Vea is entering the later stages of his career at a physically demanding spot. General manager Jason Licht must weigh their value against future extensions for a young core that the Buccaneers have built through several productive draft classes.
Garafolo’s report does not suggest Tampa Bay is ready to move on from either player. Instead, it shows that the Buccaneers are willing to remain patient as they determine contracts that make sense for both the players and the organization beyond the 2026 season.
The New England Patriots’ trade for A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles was a big talking point this NFL offseason. His addition gives Drake Maye another weapon as the team looks to go a step further after a Super Bowl appearance.
The NFL posted the veteran wide receiver’s photos wearing New England’s No. 1 jersey. The first showed Brown holding the football with both hands, while the other was with his helmet on.
“Pats fans are ready to embrace a new era. The future in Foxborough is starting to take shape,” one fan wrote.
“Drake Maye just got another weapon,” a comment read.
Jun 2, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown (1) warms up during the team’s OTA at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
A.J. Brown’s 2025 season
Brown appeared and started 15 games for the Eagles. He recorded 78 receptions for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns. Speculation about frustration due to a reduced role and not getting along well with some teammates emerged and led to his trade.
With a fresh start at Foxborough, Brown has a chance to prove that he remains one of the best wideouts on the NFL. Fans look forward to his first game for the Patriots, which is set for Sept. 9 against the Seattle Seahawks.
There's a narrative circulating the Los Angeles Rams that their RB1 job should be up for grabs between Kyren Williams and Blake Corum, due to Corum's explosiveness and the number of big runs he pulled off in 2025.
While it does make sense for Corum to have an increased workload, there is zero evidence to prove that Corum deserves the RB1 job. In order to be an RB1 on the Rams, a running back must be able to play an evolving role within the offense. The Rams' offense is predicated on mirroring the run and the pass through plays that mimic similar opening steps.
One of the more hashed-out points in the argument for why Corum isn't able to be the player the Rams need is that Corum's running style is patient and slow in his initial steps. The brilliance about his style is that he is able to navigate holes as they develop to run away from overpursuing defenders. The downside is that if those holes don't open, Corum gets tackled for a loss, and there's no fear being instilled into the defense to mirror the run and pass.
Williams may not have breakaway speed, but he is a hard-nosed runner that defenses are forced to respect with his instant quickness to their approach. Since the defense knows Williams won't wait, they have to respond at the snap of the ball, making them more susceptible to leaving gaps for the passing game to exploit.
However, the biggest issue when it comes to Corum is his play outside of being a runner. His frame is too small to be a consistent run blocker, and his hands have way too many question marks to use him in the pass game, especially since balls tend to deflect off his hands and remain airborne for defenders to grab. He had three drops on only 14 targets last season, which is an atrocious rate.
The good news is that the Rams' heavy tight end packages are built for Corum's skillset as a runner, while their operation masks his weaknesses. The bad news for fans of Corum is that the Rams' 11 personnel offense will be their bread and butter, with Williams being built for that role.
There's no RB1 controversy. Just two running backs who are excelling in roles built for them.
A special practice session is scheduled for Aug. 1 at SECU Stadium in College Park, MD, so hopefully, fans will be diligent about learning about this alternative. Potentially, fans are hoping to gauge the new team design and aura after a change in command. With all-pro quarterback Lamar Jackson and superstar running back Derrick Henry on the team's roster for consecutive seasons, it was nearly blasphemy to deem former head coach John Harbaugh, now the New York Giants' head coach, excusable for allowing the team to miss the postseason last year.
Ravens' fans want to forget about the bitter recent past and move forward in a new direction with optimism. Fans can only hope that new head coach Jesse Minter and his staff will put the pieces together to build the correct system and infrastructure. Starting on Jul 29., the process of organic restructuring will begin, and fans are highly anticipating an opportunity to see their favorite team get a chance at redemption in 2026.
I am 32 years old. I like to consider myself to be in good shape. I take a lot of walks with my partner and my dog. I run a lot. I lift weights a few times a week. I don't find myself winded going up and down the stairs in my home. For the most part, outside of perhaps a few too many adult beverages on occasion, I also eat right.
I may be "washed" based on how sports broadcasters talk about athletes my age, but I take care of myself. I'm definitely in a good place with my health.
Still, even though I've never had to worry about getting hit by an onslaught of vicious NFL pass rushers, I certainly wouldn't want that to happen at this age. I'm positive that just a single hit from someone like Myles Garrett, Aaron Donald, Nick Bosa, or Leonard Williams could quite literally break a significant portion of the bones in my body. Some obscure bones of which I would likely only learn about their very existence after my surely life-threatening injuries.
You see, the veteran signal-caller is currently locked into a contract "saga" with the rebuilding Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals, understandably, probably don't want to commit too much money and term to a quarterback who is a stopgap in every sense of the term. Brissett, meanwhile, has earned nearly $68 million over the course of his NFL career. Technically speaking, he doesn't need to play pro football anymore. He could retire today, healthy and in one piece, and never work another day in his life. That's the issue that Donald's possible comeback presents.
If Donald comes back to the Rams, Brissett will, for the foreseeable future, have six total NFC West divisional games against three of the NFL's best and most unkind to quarterback defenses: the Rams, the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, and the San Francisco 49ers. Is it worth it for Brissett to play for the woeful Cardinals in these circumstances in the long term and risk his safety?
Yes, probably, but only at a price he wants and is comfortable with.
In other words, it's time for Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill to back up a Brinks Truck for Brissett if he wants a somewhat competent quarterback to fill in the blanks for longer than this coming season.
Anything less, and I wouldn't be remotely surprised if Brissett took a hard pass on facing the NFC West beyond this year. Especially not if Donald is back. It's not worth the trouble whatsoever.
Jun 2, 2026; Woodland Hills, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive end Myles Garrett at press conference at Rams Practice Facility. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Dallas Cowboys’ Week 15 showdown against the Los Angeles Rams is seemingly about to get much scarier based on the latest news surrounding the NFC rival and… Aaron Donald.
Considering the Dallas Cowboys threw their hat into the ring during the Maxx Crosby sweepstakes, many assumed getting involved in the race for Myles Garrett made sense. Of course, no we know they didn’t.
But the latest NFL news has us thinking about it again because well, not trading for Garrett may turn out to be more expensive than previously thought.
Cowboys may face two-headed monster no NFL quarterback wants to face
You see, Garrett ended up going to the Los Angeles Rams, which are scheduled to play the Cowboys in Week 15. From the start, facing the consensus top defender in the NFL wasn’t ideal. But now, one of the all-time greats may be invited to the party, too.
That’s because Aaron Donald, who retired in 2024 after eight first-team All-Pro seasons in a ten-year career, is closer than ever to making a comeback. And that’s mostly because of the Garrett trade.
Donald recently practiced at the Rams’ facilities. ESPN’s Adam Schefter described the outing as a way of seeing how he felt as Donald mulls a comeback.
“(Donald) told the team that he wanted to go there, work out, see how he felt, see how he reacted,” Schefter said on The Pat McAfee Show. “I don’t know what he told them about that after he went through those workouts at the facility. But I know the thinking was just a trial method to see how his body reacted, how his mind reacted to being back out there.”
Schefter added his guess is Donald will indeed come back to the NFL and play this year.
"Aaron Donald told the [Rams] he wanted to go [to the facility], work out see how he felt, see how he reacted."@AdamSchefter on Aaron Donald working out at the Rams' facility 👀
When the Rams acquired Garrett, NFL fans immediately entered speculation mode. Donald making a return to a dream scenario made plenty of sense. After all, Donald didn’t retire because of age nor play decline. He pretty much got bored.
With the Super Bowl taking place at SoFi Stadium next year, it’s a near-perfect situation. Donald can join his old team, which already looks like the favorite to win it all, play with the best pass rusher there in football, all while potentially taking on a limited workload.
Rams matchup will likely be key for Cowboys
I know it’s not like Garrett will join the NFC East. But a late season showdown against a Top NFC opponent will likely be huge for the Cowboys, whose win total is projected at 9.5. Making the playoffs will come down to the wire with this team. Games like this will be incredibly important.
It will also be quite the measuring stick game in late December. It’s looking like to win, the offensive line will have a major challenge ahead: Blocking the league’s best defender today and one of the league’s greatest defenders ever.
Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears are heading into their third season together, and what a difference a year makes. Seriously.
Think about last year at this time. There were lots of questions surrounding if Williams was worth his No. 1 overall pick status. His rookie season was lukewarm, at best.
But, then head coach Ben Johnson came on the scene. He put his foot down and helped Williams lead this entity to the No. 1 spot in the NFC North. Then, they made the playoffs. Chicago not only made the postseason, they were favorites until falling to the Los Angeles Rams.
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams gets respect in new NFL ranking
So, Williams was part of a winning team in 2025, and now, he's getting some respect for his hard work. It's only fitting.
ESPN unleashed its list of the best quarterbacks in the league for 2026 on Monday. In the piece, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler surveyed league executives, coaches and scouts to get their picks for the best quarterbacks.
Williams is No. 10 on the tally. Now, before you get all frowny about that number, consider that he was even above Super Bowl-winning Sam Darnold.
"He's the most dynamic of the group," one GM said in the piece. "He's got the arm talent and overall athleticism suited for today's game."
Fowler added that Williams had "11 touchdowns thrown at least 20 yards downfield were two more than any other quarterback last season." He also took down his sack total from 68 to 24 year-over-year. Also, the signal-caller's 13 interceptions on 1,130 career passing attempts looked good, and his famed six fourth-quarter comebacks in 2025 were top in the NFL.
So, Williams is a contender. The NFL is taking notice.
SAN DIEGO – Former NFL wide receiver Alshon Jeffery has reached a deal with prosecutors in San Diego to have two felony insurance fraud charges against him dismissed if he meets certain conditions within 60 days, including 50 hours of volunteer work service and a $2,500 payment to the driver whose car he rear-ended in September.
Jeffery, who won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018, was arrested in April after failing to appear in court for his arraignment on these charges in March. He allegedly had no insurance when his 2021 Mercedes-Benz crashed into another car from behind on northbound Interstate 5 in San Diego Sept. 21. But he filed an insurance claim stating the accident occurred Sept. 28, not Sept. 21, after obtaining a new insurance policy Sept. 24, three days after the crash actually happened, according to court records obtained by USA TODAY Sports.
The insurance company denied the claim after obtaining evidence from the other driver that documented the actual date of the accident.
What are the conditions to dismiss the charges for Alshon Jeffery?
The conditions for dismissal were signed July 10 by Jeffery, his attorney Brian Watwins and San Diego Deputy District Attorney H. Meliana Johnson, according to a copy of the document obtained by USA TODAY Sports. Those conditions are:
∎ $840.46 paid to Kemper Insurance.
∎ $2,500 to the Lyft driver of the car he rear-ended for that driver’s insurance deductible.
∎ $500 to the California Department of Insurance Anti-Fraud Fund.
∎ 50 hours of volunteer service work.
The district attorney’s office advised the court July 10 that Jeffery already has paid restitution to satisfy those financial requirements.
"If, after 60 days, Alshon Jemell Jeffery has satisfied all the above conditions and has remained law abiding with no new criminal cases, this matter will be dismissed in the interest of justice," the conditions document states.
Jeffery pleaded not guilty in April, when Watkins, his attorney, noted the insurance company did not pay out any money.
Jeffery recently has lived in San Diego County after earning more than $63 million during his NFL career from 2012 to 2020, according to Spotrac. He played college football at South Carolina and was selected by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 2012 NFL draft.
"Last rodeo" is fitting as well. And that's what the quarterback appears to prefer these days, writing on Instagram following a team bonding week out West: "Last rodeo."
The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback and some of his offensive teammates got out of the city just over two weeks before reporting for what's expected to be his final training camp.
And Rodgers and his boys all looked ready for a rodeo.
In a remote setting with nothing but open land and mountains serving as the backdrop, the crew road horses, wore their best flannel and cowboy hats, went on paddleboards, road dirt bikes, chatted over an open fire pit and took in nature before the grueling NFL season gets underway.
"Last rodeo" is fitting as well. And that's what the quarterback appears to prefer these days, writing on Instagram following a team bonding week out West: "Last rodeo."
The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback and some of his offensive teammates got out of the city just over two weeks before reporting for what's expected to be his final training camp.
And Rodgers and his boys all looked ready for a rodeo.
In a remote setting with nothing but open land and mountains serving as the backdrop, the crew road horses, wore their best flannel and cowboy hats, went on paddleboards, road dirt bikes, chatted over an open fire pit and took in nature before the grueling NFL season gets underway.
Former Atlanta Falcons vice president for football communications David Bassity has been hired as the new senior vice president of communications for the Big Ten Conference. Bassity joined the Falcons prior to the 2019 NFL season and spent nearly seven years in Atlanta.
Big Ten Conference Commissioner Tony Petitti put out the following statement after Bassity was hired:
"We are excited to welcome David to the Big Ten Conference. David is a highly respected communications leader who has successfully guided organizations through moments of growth, change, and opportunity while building strong relationships across the media landscape. As college athletics continues to evolve, David's strategic expertise and proven ability to shape and amplify compelling stories will be invaluable to Big Ten institutions, student-athletes, and communities." - Tony Petitti
The Falcons made major changes to the front office over the offseason. Bassity was let go along with former general manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris.
The team hired Matt Ryan as its new "president of football" to lead the franchise back to prominence. Ryan then went on to hire head coach Kevin Stefanski and named Ian Cunningham as the team's new general manager.
Summer is here, and it is everyone’s favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Bucs fans, but also give them an idea of names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Tampa Bay.
Are we going to write about quarterbacks? Offensive tackles? Edge rushers? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Bucs, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so Bucs fans can be the most informed fans.
So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.
Film
Michigan
Alabama
Background Info
Listed at 6-1/224 lbs.
3-Star prospect according to 247 Sports
Transferred from Washington State to Oklahoma
District 5-6A Offensive Player of the Year in high school
Earned unanimous first-team all-district honors in high school
Notable career stats heading into 2026
24 Starts
763 Pass attempts
6,291 Passing yards
8.2 Yards per attempt
Notable numbers from PFF heading into 2026
32 Big-time throws
3.8 Turnover worthy play rate
Average depth of target is 9.2 yards
72.5% Adjusted completion percentage
Strengths
Excellent zip on his passes
Arm strength to make passes to all levels of the field
Good mobility in and out of the pocket
Tough as nails as he showed playing through the thumb injury
Shows poise under pressure
Player Summary
John Mateer has the makings of an NFL quarterback and looked like he was on his way to being a top pick before injuring his thumb. He showcased strong arm talent led by ability was led by his velocity and overall ability to reach all levels of the field. On top of all of that, he showed the poise and awareness you want from someone who has to deal with NFL defenses. Mateer has a lot of work to do with his vision and accuracy, but the base is there for him to really become an interesting prospect by next April.
The Los Angeles Rams didn't make a lot of changes on the offensive side of the ball, but they made three huge moves on defense, adding Myles Garrett, Trent McDuffie, and Jaylen Watson.
While the excitement might be on defense when it comes to big impacts from new players, the Rams' offense might have a new key player who has already been on the roster.
The Athletic's Nate Atkins named the Rams' breakout candidate as second-round tight end Terrance Ferguson. After his 231-yard rookie season, Atkins revealed two reasons why Ferguson is the breakout candidate to watch for the Rams i2n 026.
2 reasons why Terrance Ferguson is Rams' breakout candidate
1. Volume increase from year one to year two
"The Rams spent their top draft pick a year ago on a tight end they were mostly planning to stash for a breakout this season," Atkins writes. "... His 21 yards per catch would have ranked second in the NFL last season on large volume, and though it'll likely come down with a boost in volume this season."
The Rams' second-year tight end wasn't meant to be a heavily involved player during his rookie season, according to Atkins.
With the plan to "stash" Ferguson for a breakout season in 2026, the Rams are now potentially ready to open the way for the second-round tight end to breakout in 2026.
He caught 11 passes for 231 yards and three touchdowns during his rookie season and added one catch for 19 yards on six targets in the playoffs.
While it's not an overly impressive rookie year by any means, the 21-yards per reception is incredible. With his volume likely to increase, that figure should diminish a bit.
But Ferguson should still be in line to receive a lot more volume in year two. His 25 targets should increase a bit in 2026, and those targets might be good ones, thanks to the second reason why Ferguson could breakout in 2026: the wide receiver room.
2. Elite WRs who'll draw attention
"Ferguson should be very difficult to account for with the attention they have to give to Puka Nacua and Davante Adams," Atkins writes.
With Puka Nacua, one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, and Davante Adams, probably the best No. 2 WR in the league, if not right up there with Tee Higgins, the Rams' passing attack is going to be dangerous.
Nacua and Adams are a great duo, and with all of the attention from defenses on those two, Ferguson might be able to thrive in this offense.
Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay are already great things for Ferguson, but add in the fact that the Rams TE might be seeing weaker coverage thanks to Nacua and Adams, and it would hardly be a surprise if he had a big 2026 season.
With the Rams' elite WR duo of Nacua and Adams, and the expected volume increase for Ferguson in his second NFL season, a breakout year from the 23-year-old, 46th overall pick from the 2025 NFL Draft could be in store for a breakout season in 2026.
For decades, the formula for Pittsburgh Steelers football has been as predictable as it is grueling: play suffocating defense, lean on a physical running game, and drag opponents into a fourth-quarter "rock fight."
Christopher Carter, the host of the “Locked on Steelers” podcast, highlighted a hidden franchise metric that truly defines their winning culture and could present a massive challenge for new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.
According to Carter’s data, the Steelers have built a legacy around protecting late-game advantages. Over the last four seasons, under former defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, Pittsburgh protected 39 fourth-quarter leads while blowing just five, translating to a staggering 88.6% protection rate, ranking second in the NFL only to the Detroit Lions.
This knack for closing games isn't a recent anomaly; it is woven directly into the team’s DNA. During the Mike Tomlin era, the Steelers boast an 85.1% success rate when entering the final frame with a lead. Even going back to the late 1990s and early 2000s, Bill Cowher's teams ranked fourth in the NFL in the exact same metric.
"You've basically seen defenses that were just elite at protecting leads," Carter noted. "Growing up, that was also a philosophy that you very much understood when it came to Steelers football. The point was to get a lead, play great defense, and run people over... If they got the lead late, it was like shooting a free throw in basketball. They were going to win that game."
Now eyes turn to Graham, whose track record stands in stark contrast to Pittsburgh's. Over his four years as defensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders, Graham’s units protected 19 fourth-quarter leads but surrendered nine, placing them 28th in the league with a disappointing 67.9% protection rate.
Furthermore, Graham's average across stops with four NFL teams hovers at roughly 66%. Bridging that 20% statistical gap will define his first year in the Steel City.
Ultimately, the pressure is on Graham to modernize the defense without losing the foundational grit that has secured Pittsburgh victories for generations.
People love lists. Even if they don’t, the safest bet in the world is that the proliferation of list-based content will continue unabated. They drive conversation because, at their core, they are profoundly and proudly imperfect. There is no “correct” way to rank the top 150 high school football players in America or the concession offerings at all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums. If there were, the perfect list would drive zero conversation as consumers would nod silently through every paragraph and congratulate the list-maker on a job well done while clicking off the page. Getting it as right as possible is a goal but it’s not the ultimate goal.
That’s to drive conversation.
Admit it. When you see a list you instinctively take up armor to see what they got wrong and where you disagree with the ordering. This morning I experienced that buzz when I hopped over to see what ESPN had cooked up for its ordering of the top NFL quarterbacks for 2026. It’s the latest installment of a series where they asked league executives, coaches and scouts to help in the work of slotting top players at 11 different positions. And since this is the most important one in all of sports, there are obviously going to be different points of view and strong emotions.
Top NFL quarterbacks
To no one’s surprise, Josh Allen is No. 1, a spot over Patrick Mahomes. Matthew Stafford sits at No. 3, followed by Joe Burrow. That’s where things get a bit strange. Lamar Jackson checks in as the last top-five QB with Dak Prescott at No. 6. Justin Herbert is at No. 7 and Drake Maye, on the heels of a Super Bowl appearance, has climbed to No. 8. Jared Goff edges out Caleb Williams as the NFC North signal-callers make up the rest of the list. Super Bowl champion Sam Darnold is among the honorable mentions that also includes Jayden Daniels, Jordan Love, Brock Purdy, Baker Mayfield, Trevor Lawrence and Jalen Hurts.
Let this be a reminder just how hard it is to be someone one who is universally perceived to be in the top half of NFL starting quarterbacks. Hurts barely makes it and Mayfield isn’t entirely comfortable in his spot either.
There’s room for nuance when it comes to sports debate. Ask 100 people outside of Seattle to name the top-10 quarterbacks in the league and you might not hear Sam Darnold’s name more than a few teams. And yet he was awesome as his team captured the ultimate prize. What makes the omission—even if it’s understandable—more interesting is that almost half of the top 10 QBs featured here did not make the playoffs last season.
What makes a good QB?
What does that mean? I honestly don’t know. Good things?
I’m old enough to remember when Trent Dilfer and Brad won Super Bowls and people would stubbornly claim they should be seen as the NFL’s best QBs because winning is all that matters. It was just as stupid then as it sounds today. Wins and losses are not quarterback stats anymore and that’s progress. One wonders if we’ll get to a point where the stats and eye test actually become too weighted and victories will not be as valued as much as they should. It feels like we’re close, though it’s actually hard to quibble too much with what should be a ground rife for debate.
All in all, pretty good list considering the depth of top-end talent at the position—something that cannot always be said.
Houston Texans Pro Bowl quarterback C.J. Stroud faces the pressure of being the difference-maker for the AFC South franchise in 2026.
Last season, Stroud's postseason blunders cost Houston a spot in the conference title game. Knowing how banged up Denver was at quarterback, it likely cost the Texans a spot in the Super Bowl against Seattle. Seven interceptions, including four in the divisional round loss to the New England Patriots, marked the most interceptions by a Texans quarterback in a postseason, let alone a postseason game.
But Stroud, the former No. 2 overall pick, still has helped Houston make the playoffs in all three years. He'll become the fastest quarterback to 30 wins in franchise history with two more victories this fall and cut down on the turnovers during the regular season last year.
That has to count for something, right?
Not in the eyes of NFL executives, who didn't even list Stroud among the top 20 quarterbacks in ESPN's annual list of quarterbacks. No one expected Stroud to be listed among the top 10 passers after last season, but the former two-time Heisman finalist wasn't even named to the honorable mention list alongside names like Green Bay's Jordan Love, Washington's Jayden Daniels and Philadelphia's Jalen Hurts.
His name received at least one vote among the top 16 names, but it was behind Denver's Bo Nix and Indianapolis' Daniel Jones.
Should the Texans be concerned? Not entirely, but it at least should pique the fan base's interest. Keep in mind that last year, after a sophomore slump, Stroud was the first honorable mention outside of the top 10, surpassing Tampa's Baker Mayfield and then-Las Vegas starter Geno Smith.
This season, Mayfield was down two spots, but still inside the top 14. At best, Stroud was viewed by the public as the 18th-best quarterback in the sport. That won't be good enough to lead Houston to the final stages of the postseason.
To read the full list of quarterbacks ranked ahead of Stroud, click here.
The Texans return to practice for the start of training camp on July 21.
The Seattle Seahawks won the Super Bowl last season with a talented roster on both offense and defense, but as they look to repeat as champions in 2026, a trade many be necessary to strengthen their team prior to the NFL trade deadline next autumn.
“The Seahawks backfield changes led to them selecting Jadarian Price in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, which only further clouds Charbonnet's future. …” Bassett said. “…The fact that Charbonnet may not be of help during a title defense only increases the likelihood that he could be traded.”
Charbonnet was highly effective as the 1B to Kenneth Walker’s 1A in Seattle’s offensive backfield last season. He rushed for 730 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2025, but with his health in question for the start of the upcoming season after tearing his ACL in the NFC divisional round of the playoffs last season, moving him may be beneficial for the team in a favorable deal.
Horton has much talent at the wide receiver position, but there’s not enough room for him to shine in the way that he may be capable of doing alongside AP Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Rashid Shaheed and Cooper Kupp. Another favorable return will be sensible for the Seahawks to sign off on in a deal for Horton in the event that one presents itself.
Jones is one of the Seahawks’ most accomplished defenders from last season, having been one of only three players from their sweltering defense to have been named an All-Pro, himself being a second-team honoree, which makes him a high-leverage piece in the trade market. Only a hefty return for Jones makes sense, as his worth to the team is of great value for next season.
Boyd was signed as an undrafted free agent (UDFA) following the 2026 NFL Draft.
Looking back at Brady Boyd's 2025 college season
After playing for Minnesota and Texas Tech, Boyd transferred to Utah State for his final year, where he had a much more significant role. He ended the season with 46 catches for 734 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 16.0 yards per reception.
He also averaged 4.6 yards after the catch per reception. He ranked second on the team in catches and receiving yards, and earned honorable mention All-Mountain West honors. The bulk of his snaps came from the slot.
Looking ahead to 2026 for Brady Boyd
Boyd will have an uphill climb to making the final 53-man roster, as there are already four starting receivers: Parker Washington, Jakobi Meyers, Brian Thomas Jr., and Travis Hunter. The other two roster spots will almost certainly go to the two wide receivers drafted by the Jaguars, Josh Cameron and CJ Williams.
However, there could still be a path for Boyd to make the roster. With Hunter presumably focusing more on defense this season, Jacksonville could choose to roster an additional wideout to provide more depth; if so, with an impressive performance at training camp, Boyd could make some noise. If he's going to make a roster push past Austin Trammell or Tim Jones, Boyd will have to prove he can contribute on special teams.
Summer is here, and it is everyone’s favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Bucs fans, but also give them an idea of names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Tampa Bay.
Are we going to write about quarterbacks? Offensive tackles? Edge rushers? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Bucs, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so Bucs fans can be the most informed fans.
So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.
Film
Wisconsin
Miami (FL)
Background Info
Listed at 6-1/208 lbs.
5-Star prospect according to 247 Sports
Transferred from Alabama to Ohio State
Under Armour All-American in high school
Older brother plays quarterback at the University of Pennsylvania, and his older sister played soccer at the University of Chicago
Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2025
Second-team All-Big Ten in 2025
Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year in 2025
Notable career stats heading into 2026
14 Starts
403 Pass attempts
3,694 Passing yards
9.2 Yards per attempt
Notable numbers from PFF heading into 2026
23 Big-time throws
1.3 Turnover worthy play rate
Average depth of target is 8.7 yards
81.7% Adjusted completion percentage
Strengths
Accuracy and ball placement are at the top of the class
Good decision-making
Navigates the pocket well
Can push the ball down the field with his arm strength
Poise to deliver passes under pressure
Player Summary
Julian Sayin is a really good quarterback with a lot of physical and mental traits to fall in love with. Starting with the best would be the accuracy and ball placement of his passes. Every level of the field has the same accuracy and touch, and it allows him to find more success than not. On top of that, the poise and pocket movement he works the pocket with allows him to extend plays while his receivers create. However, one major doubt I have is the zip on his passes, as it allows for defenders to recover and makes plays on with that little extra time he provides. In the NFL, every ounce of time matters, so while in college it may not affect hm it could catch up to him in the NFL.
"Williams had never previously cracked the top five since this project's inception in 2020," NFL insider Jeremy Fowler wrote. "But he has always been a major talent, and he has maximized his contributions over the past two years in Seattle coach Mike Macdonald's defense."
The Jets selected Williams with the No. 6 overall selection in the 2015 NFL draft. The former USC standout played out a five-year rookie contract with the Jets, including a fifth-year option. Midway through his final season, instead of signing him to a contract extension, the Jets traded him to the New York Giants in exchange for a 2020 third-round pick and a 2021 fifth-round pick.
The Jets did not get terrific value back for a defensive tackle who is still considered a top-three player at his position more than five years later. The Jets used that 2020 third-round pick on safety Ashtyn Davis. The fifth-round pick was utilized on fellow safety Michael Carter II. Both players were multi-year contributors, but came nowhere near matching Williams' impact.
The Giants would later trade Williams was traded to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft and a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft. The Giants got better value than the Jets did for Williams, but it still wasn't enough considering he just helped the Seahawks win Super Bowl 60.
Jets Wire will continue to provide updates throughout the 2026 offseason.
The Pittsburgh Steelers may have changed head coaches, but Mike McCarthy is on the verge of falling into a classic Mike Tomlin trap.
Fans were painfully aware of Tomlin's willingness to use young offensive lineman in many different alignments in the name of versatility, and that constantly blew up in the Steelers face. Heading into 2026, McCarthy is gearing up to do the same with three promising offensive linemen.
Troy Fautanu, Mason McCormick, and Dylan Cook are expected to flip sides on the offensive line in 2026 in order to shore up Aaron Rodgers' blind side, but the move still seems completely unnecessary. Cook was coming off an incredible late-season performance in 2025 at left tackle, while McCormick and Fautanu were forming a strong connection at right guard and tackle, respectively.
Isaac Seumalo may have left a vacancy at left guard, but the Steelers were still positioned to return four of their five offensive linemen to the same spots they occupied in 2025. Instead, center Zach Frazier is the only starter expected to remain in his original position.
Yes, Fautanu played left tackle at Washington, McCormick played left guard at South Dakota State, and Cook played right tackle at Montana. The problem is disrupting the continuity they've established at the NFL level, especially given their success in 2025. Cook proved he was capable of handling blindside opportunities, a clear upgrade over the injured Broderick Jones.
This experiment could very well work in the Steelers favor, but this seems like an unnecessary gamble that Tomlin is well known for. The shift will definitely be a storyline to keep an eye on training camp, but it honestly seems like an odd decision for what's shaping up to be Rodgers' final season in the league.
For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any offseason moves, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are asking Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy to revive an offense in need of direction without having to start their relationship from scratch. After 13 seasons together in Green Bay, the quarterback and coach already understand how the other thinks, communicates and handles the pressure that comes with trying to win immediately.
That history gives Pittsburgh a valuable head start as McCarthy installs his offense and an advantage over most teams that hire new head coaches. They can skip much of the early work that comes with a new coach and quarterback.
“Having McCarthy there now… it just gives Aaron a comfort level of like, all right, we’ve been together before,” former Steelers receiver Adam Thielen said while guest-hosting SiriusXM NFL Radio’s “The Players Point” podcast.
Thielen’s take comes from seeing Rodgers operate up close. He caught passes from Rodgers in Pittsburgh during the final season of his career before retiring in January. Rodgers won’t need weeks of practices to explain his preferences at the line, how he wants routes adjusted or why he changes protections. McCarthy has already lived through it.
“He knows me. I don’t have to prove anything to him. He doesn’t have to prove anything to me,” Thielen said. “We know each other, and we’ve worked together. We’ve been in good times and bad times. We’ve kind of been through it all.”
The good times were significant. Rodgers and McCarthy defeated the Steelers in Super Bowl 45, reached four NFC championship games together and went 15-1 in 2011. The bad included repeated playoff exits, public questions about the offense and a strained final season that ended with McCarthy’s midseason firing after Green Bay fell to 4-7-1 in 2018.
While the foundation is familiar, Rodgers admitted to battling with McCarthy on some changes he made during his time with Dak Prescott in Dallas. Overall, though, their history gives the Steelers something most teams changing coaches don’t have: a quarterback who understands the head coach’s language and a coach who knows when to give him freedom.
“Okay, I don’t have to learn a new coach. I don’t have to learn a new system,” Thielen said about the Rodgers-McCarthy reunion. “I don’t have to prove that these things that I’ve kind of done my whole career work.”
For a Pittsburgh offense trying to establish its identity quickly given the one-year window with Rodgers at the helm, that familiarity is valuable. It should speed up installation, sharpen communication and, better yet, let training camp focus more on timing with receivers than negotiating how the offense should function.
There are plenty of quarterback competitions around the NFL, and the Cleveland Browns' battle between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson is one of the more interesting.
While Watson opened as the favorite, OTAs and minicamp brought Sanders back into the competition, and now the decision might not be made for quite some time.
But, even once the QB1 battle is resolved, the Browns' QB problem won't be over. As ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi highlighted, the Browns will still have a big problem to resolve with their QB depth chart.
Browns' depth chart will still be a problem after QB1 is named
"Even after a decision on QB1 is made, the Browns will have to determine how to move forward with a crowded four-man quarterback room," Oyefusi writes.
The Browns have four quarterbacks on the depth chart right now. Aside from Sanders and Watson, who are competing for the QB1 job, the Browns have Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green on their depth chart.
Gabriel is their 2025 third-round pick, who started a game for the Browns last season, and didn't overly impress. He's firmly third behind Watson and Sanders right now.
Green, meanwhile, is a developmental rookie quarterback whom the Browns just drafted. He's not going to be an active NFL player in his rookie year, as he has a lot of work to do to become an NFL-caliber quarterback.
So, with these four quarterbacks on the roster, and the Browns not likely to carry four quarterbacks during the upcoming season, it will be interesting to see who the odd man out is.
Green is a high-upside rookie, and it's hard to imagine the Browns will cut ties with him or risk him being scooped up by another franchise after just spending a draft pick on him.
Gabriel, meanwhile, is a QB on a rookie deal who should have trade value. The same goes for Sanders, though if he wins the QB1 job, he wouldn't be at risk of leaving Cleveland. Trading Watson is likely out of the question due to his massive contract.
It will be very interesting to see how this quarterback room shapes out. The QB1 competition is fascinating, but so too will be the depth chart in Cleveland.
It's that point in the NFL offseason when we simply must parse through everyone's subjective opinions about the best players in the league. It is not enough that training camps for the 2026 season are on the horizon. It is not enough that it feels like we only just finished an extensive free agency and draft period. We must, as always, dive into some mostly meaningless rankings for some reason.
Fortunately, ESPN's positional ranking series, which is rooted in an (anonymous to us) survey with NFL executives, coaches, and scouts, seems to have gotten it mostly right with quarterbacks. Well, to anyone paying attention over the last few years, that is.
To that I say: Phew. The last thing we could afford is another water-cooler debate about a season and the play of players over half a year old. A new NFL season is a little under two months away, folks. You can wait!
It is, indeed, the top of these quarterback rankings that should still inspire the most discussion. As it stands, the NFL people who participated in this survey believe the four best signal-callers in the league are:
Mahomes might have the Super Bowl jewelry, but he has been decidedly underwhelming, especially in the regular season, over the last few years. He last averaged more than seven yards per pass attempt three seasons ago and hasn't eclipsed 4,000 yards passing in each of the last two years. He's probably still the best playoff quarterback, but it's high time someone knocks him down a peg for his recent performance. You can't stay No. 1 and play the way he has lately.
Allen, for that matter, has yet to win a Super Bowl. But it's hard to argue against his recent track record. The 2024 MVP is a walking 40-touchdown player (passing and rushing) and is essentially the sole reason the bumbling Bills remain bona fide championship contenders rather than having begun a pseudo-rebuild.
I love having Stafford at No. 3, too. It's high time the 2025 MVP starts getting the respect he deserves. Even as he nears the age of 40, Stafford remains one of the sport's premier off-script playmakers who still has stellar anticipation and arm strength. With the Rams' terrific supporting cast surrounding him, Stafford likely won't go anywhere from the top here any time soon.
My only real contention is Burrow at No. 4. The man has played in just 35 total games over the last three seasons. He can't play under center and actively contributes to his offensive line's supposed pass-protection struggles. Burrow is a winner and a gaudy-numbers machine, but having him this high after his recent track record is a bit of an absurd overrating. He, like Mahomes, has to prove it again.
All in all, I dig the overall top of the quarterback rankings and still find minimal fault with the top 10 in general. It's a sign of the times that someone has actually (and rightfully) dethroned Mahomes at the top, among other things.
The most important offseason for any NFL player is often the one between their rookie and sophomore campaigns. That's the challenge currently facing the Carolina Panthers' No. 1 wideout.
Tetairoa McMillan burst onto the scene in his first pro season. The 2025 first-round pick tallied 70 receptions for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns en route to being named the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year.
If the Panthers and quarterback Bryce Young continue to progress, the sky could be the limit for the 6-foot-5 McMillan. And that's the sentiment from Bleacher Report's Moe Moton, who tabbed Carolina's rising star as one of five second-year receivers primed for a breakout 2026.
Moton writes:
Tetairoa McMillan had a standout rookie season. He caught 70 passes and led the 2025 class with 1,014 receiving yards and seven touchdown receptions. The Carolina Panthers wideout also won 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year by a wide margin over New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough. With all that said, McMillan can top his rookie numbers and be a Pro Bowler, an All-Pro or an Offensive Player of the Year candidate if Panthers quarterback Bryce Young continues to make strides in the passing game.
McMillan is already hard at work improving where he needs to, telling reporters earlier this offseason that he's added 10 pounds of muscle, which should help him secure more of those contested catches than he did last year. He has also put in extra time working out with Young to improve their chemistry.
While his target share may drop a bit, given the increasing importance of teammate Jalen Coker, McMillan could benefit from a little less attention. McMillan and Coker are established as the top two targets in the passing game—with 2024 first-rounder Xavier Legette and 2026 third-rounder Chris Brazzell II among the offense's additional weapons.
The Arizona Cardinals report to training camp on July 22 and begin the process of preparing for the regular season, forming the roster and determining starting jobs and roles on the team.
Leading up to the start of camp, we will take a look at every player on the offseason roster, their background, their contract, their play in 2025, questions they face and their roster outlook.
Here is offensive lineman Demontrey Jacobs.
Demontrey Jacobs background, 2025 season
Jacobs enters his fourth NFL season and second with the Cardinals. He signed with the Denver Broncos in 2023 as a rookie free agent out of Grambling State and South Florida. He spent the 2023 season on the Broncos' practice squad but was cut before the 2024 season. He played 2024 with the New England Patriots, starting 13 games at right tackle.
He didn't make the roster in 2025, and the Cardinals signed him to the practice squad, but in September, they signed him to the active roster, where he remained the rest of the season.
He appeared in five games late in the season, getting a series or two each game when Josh Fryar started at left tackle. He logged 65 snaps on offense and 16 on special teams.
Demontrey Jacobs contract details, salary cap hit
Jacobs will make a non-guaranteed $1.075 million in 2026 if he makes the roster, and that will also equal his cap hit.
Roster outlook, questions he faces
Did he show enough in limited playing time to earn a legitimate shot with a new coaching staff, even when the offensive line coach remains the same?
He does have starting experience, but he is not a lock for the roster. The starting tackle jobs are set with Paris Johnson and Elijah Wilkinson. He will compete with Josh Fryar, Oli Udoh and rookie Jayden Williams for a spot as a backup tackle.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple Podcasts.
Aaron Rodgers is getting another offseason bonding trip with several Pittsburgh Steelers teammates, and the guest list has already become part of the conversation.
Rodgers posted a group photo on Instagram with the caption, “Last rodeo. #bondingweek.” Flanking him were Michael Pittman Jr., Ben Skowronek, Mason Rudolph, DK Metcalf and Pat Freiermuth, with Roman Wilson standing next to Rodgers.
That detail caught the attention of 93.7 The Fan personality Andrew Fillipponi, who tweeted, “Some things that stick out to me about the Aaron Rodgers retreat. He’s next to Roman Wilson. Which is interesting because Rodgers seemed like he couldn’t stand Wilson last year.”
Wilson’s placement might be worth noting. The young receiver needs a productive camp after a quiet start to his career, and extra time with Rodgers can only help timing, trust and route communication. If Wilson is going to earn a larger role, this work can give him a better chance.
Fillipponi also brought up the absence of Darnell Washington and Will Howard. Howard had a reason, as his sister’s Instagram account showed him attending a wedding. Rookies Drew Allar and Germie Bernard weren’t pictured either, which leaves room for fans to wonder whether they had other commitments. It’s tough to imagine Rodgers would flat-out not invite them. It would not only be an immature move but also create unnecessary tension before the season even begins.
Some things that stick out to me about the Aaron Rodgers retreat. He’s next to Roman Wilson. Which is interesting because Rodgers seemed like he couldn’t stand Wilson last year. Also, where’s Darnell Washington? And Will Howard? No invites? Did they decline? Hmmm. pic.twitter.com/pbYeuju3JE
Fans called out Fillipponi in the comments, with one reply labeling his tweet “high school mentality” and another accusing him of trying to create drama. That response fits Fillipponi's reputation for poking Steelers Nation, but it’s natural for roster chemistry trips to bring speculation when notable names aren’t included.
It’s a trend for quarterbacks to organize offseason work with fellow passers and receivers. Rodgers hosted a similar gathering in Malibu last year, and neither Howard nor Rudolph attended. Rudolph’s presence this time around shows the invite list can change without it being a big deal.
Brandin Cooks was a late-season addition by the Buffalo Bills in 2025. Cooks appeared in five games during his brief stint plus the postseason... which included drama against the Denver Broncos.
After that, the 32-year-old became a free agent and has already expressed a desire to return to Buffalo once again next year. Cooks did so in June and has again more recently while speaking to The Athletic:
“Obviously, Buffalo is the place I’d love to be,” Cooks said. “I want to prove that to them and have a full offseason with them. Both sides are figuring things out. We’ll see, but hopefully something transpires because I love going to training camp. That’s where you build that callus.”
The Bills are clearly familiar with him, but there have been additions to the receiver room this offseason such as the team's trade for DJ Moore so space could be tight. Cooks has a long NFL on his career resume but is still lacking a Super Bowl ring.
The Bills are hitching similar Super Bowl hopes to the back of quarterback Josh Allen. Cooks said he already doing the same once before and would again.
“I chose Buffalo because of the belief in Josh Allen,” Cooks said. “From afar, you heard the things going on inside the receiver room. In my mind, ‘OK, this was an opportunity where you got guys that can play, but also there’s a niche in there where, if I can come in and do what I have to do, I’m contributing.’ It was the totality of things, but who wouldn’t want to play with Josh Allen?”
Bills Wire will continue to provide updates throughout the 2026 offseason.
George Gervin was known as “Iceman” for decades before Caleb Williams was even born, but the NBA legend has been rejected in his initial attempt to trademark the term, and the Bears quarterback appears to have a procedural advantage because his application was filed first.
The application from Williams was denied June 24 because Oregon-headquartered Lacrosse Footwear has held the “Iceman” registration since 1988 for insulated boots. That decision, however, isn’t final and the quarterback can respond to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office with evidence for why he should be granted the registration. It’s not clear if Lacrosse Footwear still sells the boot, and a representative for the company has not responded to requests for comment.
Gervin, through Gervin Interests LLC, filed applications to trademark the terms “Iceman” and “Iceman 44” four days after finding out Williams was making a push to trademark his longtime nickname. The NBA Hall of Famer has now also received initial denials.
The first denial, issued June 26, relates to Gervin’s “Iceman 44” filing. It explicitly states that the application was denied because of a “likelihood of confusion” with Williams’s application. The second, issued July 9, denied Gervin’s application to trademark “Iceman” for a variety of purposes, including clothing, live entertainment services—such as appearances on TV or in movies—and basketball camps.
Both Williams, 24, and Gervin, 74, now have at least three months to respond to the initial denials and provide evidence for why they deserve the trademarks.
Intellectual property attorney Josh Gerben wrote that the June 26 decision puts Gervin and Williams on a “collision course.” He tells Front Office Sports that while Gervin has the stronger cultural claim to the nickname, that doesn’t matter when it comes to USPTO procedure.
“The government will say ‘hey, you can file all the responses you want; we’re going to suspend your filing and see what happens with Caleb,’” Gerben says.
‘Hilarity of the Situation’
Another wrinkle is that while the USPTO cited Williams’s application in denying Gervin’s attempt to trademark “Iceman 44,” it didn’t specifically cite the quarterback in denying Gervin’s application to trademark “Iceman” by itself. In that denial, the USPTO said there are a variety of existing trademarks that are too similar, so giving Gervin “Iceman” could cause confusion in the marketplace.
It refers to the Lacrosse Footwear insulated boot, as well as a musical group called “The Icemen,” and a minor league hockey team called Jacksonville Icemen.
“This certainly goes to show a little bit of the hilarity of the situation,” Gerben tells FOS. “There are a lot of Icemens.”
He adds that while Gervin’s application for “Iceman” was just for clothing, his application for “Iceman 44” was perhaps too broad. Gervin’s team can narrow the “Iceman 44” filing to try and work around the other refusals, but the issue of the existing registration owned by Lacrosse Footwear and Williams’s “Iceman” trademark may still hamper the former basketball player in his pursuit of both trademarks, according to Gerben.
Meanwhile, the ensuing months will ultimately show whether Gervin and Williams can continue to remain cordial in public. To date, despite competing filings, they have been making nice. Gervin told ESPN in March Williams is a “special young guy getting ready to come up.” In April, Williams told FOS“it’s all respect to George.”
But what will happen if the USPTO follows through on what it indicated in the June 26 denial of Gervin’s “Iceman 44” application?
“If Gervin and Williams don’t work something out, Gervin may oppose Williams’s application,” Gerben tells FOS. “You can say whatever you want, but the truth of how they really feel will always work itself out in actual legal filings.”
Amid the brewing battle between Gervin and Williams, there’s a third sports figure who has also staked a claim to the nickname. In 2022 former UFC fighter Chuck Liddell filed to trademark “Chuck ‘The Iceman’ Liddell.” The USPTO on June 29 granted him a six-month extension to prove that he has been using the trademark in connection with the sale of clothing, boxing gloves, and other mixed martial arts equipment and goods. That was the last time Liddell could seek an extension, according to the USPTO.
Representatives for Gervin, Williams, and Liddell did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
With training camp drawing closer for the Jacksonville Jaguars, we typically put together a 53-man roster prediction beforehand based on what we learned during offseason programs.
We will still be doing that, but the format will be different. Rather than cramming every position group into one article, we'll devote an entire article to each unit before compiling our predictions at the end.
Roster locks: Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington, Jakobi Meyers, Travis Hunter
No surprises here. These four players will lead the way at wide receiver this season.
Why Josh Cameron and CJ Williams will probably make the team
Both players were able to stand out during offseason programs. That said, later Day 3 draft picks are rarely guaranteed a roster spot, and there aren't going to be a lot of snaps on offense to go around, so contributing on special teams could be important, and veterans like Austin Trammell and Tim Jones have a lot of experience in that phase of the game.
While I fully expect both to be on the final roster, I wouldn't quite call them 100% locks either.
How many wide receivers will the Jaguars roster?
Some teams will go light and keep five, but I would guess that with Hunter playing both ways, the Jaguars will opt to keep six. Not to mention that both Williams and Cameron have performed well.
Predicting the Jaguars' 53-man roster at wide receiver before training camp
Jakobi Meyers, Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington, Travis Hunter, CJ Williams, Josh Cameron
No surprises here. Oftentimes when it comes to those back-end roster spots, teams are more willing to take a swing on upside than to keep a low-ceiling veteran. I would guess that one or both of Trammell and Jones would get to the practice squad, allowing Jacksonville to elevate them on game days if needed on special teams.
In the 2023 season, the Detroit Lions had an epic run to the NFC Championship Game. Let's relive how that season played out through the lens of the Top 10 Injury News - with present day updates.
— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) September 18, 2023
James Houston was coming off an electrifying rookie season with eight sacks. Unfortunately, a devastating ankle fracture in Week 2 may have altered his career. He spent half the next season with the Lions before being released.
Where are they now: During the 2025 season with the Cowboys, Houston played all 17 games and totaled an impressive 5.5 sacks. It’s great to see him making plays again, even if it’s for the ‘Boys. Houston is signed with the Dallas through the 2026 season.
With training camp drawing closer for the Indianapolis Colts, we typically put together a 53-man roster prediction based on what we learned during offseason programs.
We will still be doing that, but the format will be different. Rather than cramming every position group into one article, we'll devote an entire article to one unit before compiling our predictions at the end.
Pierce and Downs will lead the way at wide receiver, and Dulin appears to be the front-runner for the Colts' WR3 role. However, even if Dulin doesn't win that job, we know he will be on the team. Over the years, he has been a core special teams contributor and a willing blocker in the run game, which is quite valuable for Shane Steichen.
How many wide receivers will the Colts keep?
Some teams will keep five wide receivers, but I would guess the Colts will keep six. That would mean four players are competing for just three roster spots.
Along with Dulin, in the mix for the WR3 role are Treadwell, Westbrook-Ikhine, and Burks. Anthony Gould is also on the roster as a return man and backup option from the slot.
Predicting the Colts' 53-man roster at wide receiver before training camp
For me, the final roster spot comes down to Treadwell or Gould. Ultimately, went with Treadwell because I think he can impact the game in more ways, with his ability to line up outside and contribute to multiple special teams units. Gould's roles are also replaceable, with Burks able to handle slot snaps if needed -- we've also seen the Colts take a committee approach in the past when Downs has been out -- while Burks, Downs, and Dulin are all capable as returners as well.
Most of the media attention regarding the Carolina Panthers' spending spree has been focused on outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips. And that makes sense—especially when you sign the dotted line on the priciest free-agent contract of the offseason.
But it may be the team's other big front-seven addition that makes more of an impact.
That would be inside linebacker Devin Lloyd, who joined on a three-year pact in March to become the new centerpiece of defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero's fast-rising unit. Joe Person of The Athletic has named Lloyd as the top breakout candidate to watch for the Panthers this year.
Person writes:
The Panthers gave edge rusher Jaelan Phillips the most lucrative contract in franchise history last March, while getting Lloyd on a three-year, $45 million deal that may prove to be a steal if Lloyd repeats his Pro Bowl form from 2025. Lloyd made plays at every level of Jacksonville’s defense, averaging 109 tackles while collecting nine interceptions, including a career-high five in ‘25. Lloyd also showed he could be disruptive as a blitzer, something the Panthers have lacked at the inside linebacker spot since Ejiro Evero took over as defensive coordinator.
If he can repeat the same results is yet to be seen, but Lloyd's production in 2025 was undeniably impressive for the Jaguars.
In 15 games, the former first-round pick racked up 81 combined tackles—including six for a loss. He also posted 1.5 sacks, 10 quarterback hits and 15 pressures. And in coverage, Lloyd only allowed one touchdown and a 57.1 passer rating while recording a career-high five interceptions.
Lloyd's efforts not only helped push Jacksonville to an AFC South crown, but they earned him the very first Pro Bowl selection of his four-year NFL career.
The inside linebacker position has been a bit of a sore spot for Carolina since the retirement of Pro Football Hall of Famer Luke Kuechly. So Lloyd's presence should make quite a difference for the Panthers in 2026.
As we continue to navigate through all 32 NFL teams in the "3 unanswered questions" series, we look at the Philadelphia Eagles. Rumors range from how well Jalen Hurts has been liked around the facility to morale being bottomed out after star wide receiver A.J. Brown bolted for the New England Patriots, and circling all the way back around to a projected top finish in the NFC East. Each team has questions before camp; let's see what plagues the Eagles.
The Eagles have been one of the most successful franchises in the last decade. They have been in the playoffs in eight of the last nine seasons, made three Super Bowl appearances, and won two of them. Last season, they lost four of their last seven regular-season games and went one-and-done in the playoffs. Saquon Barkley averaged fewer yards per carry than in the Super Bowl year of 2024. The offense as a whole averaged less as well. Was it just a Super Bowl hangover? Or could problems emerge?
The Eagles got a new offensive coordinator in Sean Mannion, who is a disciple of the Shanahan/McVay tree. Will fans see more motion and misdirection out of Philadelphia this season? It appears we will see more of Jalen Hurts under center, primarily as a pocket quarterback. Answers will arise early on in 2026.
With Mannion taking over as the new offensive coordinator, Jalen Hurts will be relied on to throw the ball more toward the middle of the field. Will it lead to more turnovers? Hurts has prided himself on not turning the ball over much, but he doesn't often throw between the hashes. Could it lead to more picks? The Eagles will also have to work on limiting negative plays this season.
To come back or not to come back, that is the question.
It's the NFL offseason's biggest unanswered question and only Aaron Donald knows the answer. Donald, now 35, retired at the age of 32 after a dominant run in the league with the St. Louis and then-Los Angeles Rams. He made the decision official on March 15, 2024, after previously flirting with the idea of walking away.
The news was fairly shocking at the time, but came after Donald's passion for the game waned and the checklist of things to accomplish was essentially complete. However, that fire might've been lit once again after the Rams made a blockbuster trade for Myles Garrett.
"Gotta see if that fire can light back up," he wrote.
With most of the NFL's offseason moves likely now in the history books, a potential Donald return seems to be the last domino to fall. But will it?
Here's what to know about Donald and whether he is planning to come out of retirement.
Is Aaron Donald coming out of retirement?
Donald hasn't said if he'll come out of retirement. However, that doesn't mean the signs aren't there.
The All-Pro defender was recently spotted at the Rams' facility working out and going through drills on July 10, according to TMZ.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Deep breath, Rams Nation ... Aaron Donald was spotted working out at the team's practice facility on Friday -- as the retired NFL superstar continues to mull a comeback! (🎥 @TMZ_Sports ) pic.twitter.com/IHjQP5akmD
All of this stems from some workout clips that Donald posted on social media. It wasn't uncommon for the former Defensive Player of the Year to share those videos, but the timing got people thinking about how lethal those two could be on the Rams' defensive line.
Donald is running out of time if he wants to come out of retirement though. Rookies and veterans are set to report to Rams' training camp on July 25, with the preseason to soon follow after that.
Why did Aaron Donald retire?
Donald explained that he lacked a passion to continue playing and was happy with his accomplishments after 10 years in the league.
"I'm complete. I'm full," Donald told the Rams' official site at the time. "I think the passion to play the game is no longer there for me. I will always love football, but to think about going through another camp and another 17-[game] season, I just don't got the urge to want to push myself through that no more.
"I'm just, I'm burnt out. The best way to say it is I'm full, I'm complete. I'm satisfied with what I was able to do in 10 years. I think it's time for me at 32 years old to retire from football and jump into the next step of my career, my life. Now it's time to move on."
What Les Snead, Sean McVay have said about potential Aaron Donald return
Fortunately for Donald, this isn't a one-way street. Everyone involved appears ready to welcome him back with open arms.
General manager Les Snead joined "The Rich Eisen Show" on June 3 and was asked about the chances that Donald decides to return.
"I do think for the first time since he's retired, he's maybe tempted," Snead said. "Maybe do one last stand. I don't know if he's been tempted since he has been retired."
"I think if you know Aaron at his core, he's one of those humans that if he doesn't think he can really, really help, he probably doesn't want to try," he added.
"Interested, there is no question," McVay said, before pausing and telling reporters in attendance that they should see what Donald has to say. "Aaron's a guy I stay really close in touch with and I know the respect that he has for Myles (Garrett), talked to him about the opportunity to be able to bring him onboard.
"If Aaron decides he wants to dust them off at the age of 35, I bet you he could still do it at a pretty high clip."
The Chicago Bears have resolved two of the biggest issues a team needs to address to be a legitimate playoff contender year after year: head coach and quarterback.
Ben Johnson looks to be a great head coach so far, and Caleb Williams has shown such incredible moments in his two-year NFL career that it's hard not to be excited about his future in the league.
However, one NFL defensive coach in ESPN's Jeremy Fowler's top-10 quarterback rankings poll levied some harsh criticism of Williams' way. This coach said Williams is "wildly erratic."
Caleb Williams called 'wildly erratic' by NFL coach
"Wildly erratic," an NFL defensive coach said. "Doesn't always take the layups and still needs to mature into the position. [He] has some of those 'what is he doing?' plays."
This criticism of Williams is not unfair, as the Bears quarterback does have some bad moments that can hurt the team.
This past season, he had a 20.2% off-target rate, which, as Fowler noted, ranked 37th out of 38 quarterbacks during this past season.
He had a 58.1% completion rating this past season, and while he had just seven interceptions, his overall inconsistencies as a passer made that lower interception count matter a bit less.
But, in this ESPN poll of NFL coaches, executives, and scouts, Williams ranked as the 10th-best QB in the league. The reason is simple: For all of his inconsistencies and worrisome moments, he has some truly stunning playmaking abilities.
The same coach who said Williams is "wildly erratic" also gave the Bears QB some lofty praise for a few different reasons.
"But he also makes plays only he and Mahomes can make," this NFL coach said. "[He] can throw from any angle, deceptively fast when forced to scramble, and he's got the 'it' factor in crunch time."
So, while Williams ranked as the No. 10 QB in the NFL, and received some justified criticism for his inconsistencies and "wildly erratic" play, the ceiling he's shown so far is enough for his sky-high potential to shine through.
ESPN's annual quarterback rankings always generate debate and this year is no exception as Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott checked in at No. 6 on the outlet's latest list.
While some may view the placement as a slight, it ultimately reinforces Prescott's standing as one of the NFL's most consistent and productive quarterbacks heading into the 2026 season. His ranking comes on the heels of a strong 2025 campaign in which he threw for 4,552 yards - good for third-most throughout the league.
His 30 touchdown passes were fourth-most in the NFL and he finished with a 70.2 QBR that ranked fifth-best overall. His ability to command the offense, distribute the ball to multiple playmakers, and limit mistakes continues to be a defining trait in his game.
"He's a true, acute progression passer," an NFL coordinator said. "There are only so many of those types. He can read the whole field, from pre- to post-snap. He's just really a good commander of the offense." — ESPN
The voters gave Bills quarterback Josh Allen the top spot, followed by Kansas City's Patrick Mahomes. In third place came L.A.'s Matthew Stafford, while the fourth spot was taken by Cincinnati's Joe Burrow. Baltimore's Lamar Jackson rounds out the top five, sparking what will undoubtedly be the debate.
As a reminder, ESPN's rankings are compiled from a collection of league executives, coaches, and scouts about who is the best right now, not a legacy award nor a five-year future projection.
Prescott's highest ranking was third while some left him unranked altogether, but he did appear on "nearly 75%" of ballots. In last season's compilation, Prescott came in unranked, so his placement here marks a significant jump in recognition.
Compared to the top five, Prescott threw for more yards and more touchdowns than everyone except Stafford. While Burrow and Jackson both missed multiple games lowering their final totals, Prescott threw fewer interceptions than Mahomes and the same amount as Josh Allen (10).
Prescott has long shouldered the expectations that come with being the face of the league's most visible franchise. If he can translate his regular-season production into the postseason, there's little doubt he could climb higher on future lists.
As Dallas eyes a deep playoff run in 2026, Prescott's No. 6 ranking may ultimately be less about where he stands now — and more about how high he can still rise.
The Los Angeles Rams entered the 2026 offseason with a roster that didn't need many new additions, but they made three big splashes with Trent McDuffie, Myles Garrett and Jaylen Watson. They're the new playmakers that the team hopes to rely on this season.
However, the foundation of the Rams is already in place, and with new additions and ideologies, here are three burgeoning stars entering training camp.
Kamren Kinchens
Kinchens is a misunderstood player due to his low statistical output. That isn't because he's an average player; it's due to his excellent positioning, along with the opposition throwing the ball away from Kinchens.
With McDuffie and Watson now in the Rams' secondary, as well as the consistency Quentin Lake and Kam Curl provide, Kinchens should be in a position to make more plays on the ball. Kinchens also excelled when playing closer to the line of scrimmage, which could give him more chances to be aggressive. That will put Kinchens in a top spot to make plays and some money before his window to negotiate an extension opens.
Omar Speights
Not only is Garrett one of the best pass rushers in football, he's simply amazing as an overall defensive lineman, which means he can also contribute on the Rams' base run defense. One of the tactics other teams used against the Rams' defense to great success was to use heavier offensive packages to run the ball. Even if the run wasn't effective, the use of play action was, as the Rams couldn't get a consistent pass rush from their base front. Garrett changes that.
Speights was spectacular as a rookie and proved he could cover when not left on an island. Garrett already decreases the time a team has to set up a throw, and his impact against the run means ball carriers should be running into Speights' grasp. To keep the ball away from Garrett, they have to go towards a path that will result in Speights making continuous tackles.
Emmanuel Forbes Jr.
Forbes had a redemptive 2025, turning the narrative of his career from failed first-round pick to being a solid, consistent CB1 who can shine as a CB2. With the pressure of being a starter taken off his shoulders, the Rams will be able to use Forbes in any way they see fit. That should mean more advantageous opportunities, as well as the potential to play with McDuffie and Watson, if McDuffie plays slot corner or safety.
Forbes forced the Seahawks to change their approach, as he was stellar against Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Rashid Shaheed when left in one-on-one coverage. With more help, Forbes should have the confidence to be more aggressive, especially against underneath throws. Considering the impact of Garrett and the defensive line, Forbes could be the key to turning quick passes into interceptions.
The quarterback play of the Minnesota Vikings has been a rollercoaster in terms of who is under center in recent years. Despite that, the play of their passers has been decent up until last season, when an often-injured and inconsistent J.J. McCarthy made the offense come to a screeching halt.
One of the main losers in an offense that couldn't push the ball down the field was wide receiver Justin Jefferson. The All-Pro wide receiver still eclipsed over 1,000 yards receiving despite the rough play from his quarterback but ESPN's Mina Kimes is pounding the table for him to never experience what he did in 2025 again.
Kimes explained, saying, "Justin Jefferson should never have a season like the one we saw last year. He is one of the, if not the best, receivers in football, and he was really limited by quarterback play. Put it in perspective, throwing to Justin Jefferson, J.J. McCarthy had an off-target rate of 28%. That is about twice what Sam Darnold's off-target rate was when throwing to Jefferson, and the same with Kirk Cousins."
"Justin Jefferson should never have a season like the one we saw last year."@minakimes needs to see better QB play from the Vikings this season ✍️ pic.twitter.com/ONFoZppIGW
And beyond just the stat that Kimes points out, the overall play just needs to be better. The Vikings need to be able to keep Jefferson happy and around, as he is a pivotal point to their entire franchise, not just the offense. She went on to explain that and more in her closing point.
"It was mostly not his fault, and, frankly, you could see him get frustrated as the season went on. So, if Kyler Murray brings even average quarterback play, which I think he is capable of, whether or not that ceiling looks more like it did in 2020, has to do with variety factors, including his default coming back. To me, that's a massive upgrade, and it's so important for this group of talented ride receivers to play with a competent quarterback."
They provide a pulse on how NFL players are viewed relative to one another, and so as EA Sports Madden NFL 27 ratings begin to leak, it's a chance for some serious debate.
A top-100 ratings list has leaked on social media, and it shows that six players are set to get the honor of being rated a 99 overall in the launch of this year's game.
Buffalo Bills superstar QB Josh Allen is one of them.
Prior to the release of ADPs four months ago, I discussed the Buccaneers’ biggest fantasy bargain, bust, and wild card. Where do things stand as we approach the first preseason games?
Jalen McMillan has fascinating bargain potential at his WR58 ADP. The 2024 third-round pick flashed as a rookie before a neck injury upended his development in Year 2. For context, he’s priced only one notch better than low-ceiling Raiders journeyman Jalen Nailor. Despite Tampa Bay’s relatively packed receiving corps, McMillan is well positioned to push for top-50 production.
Chris Godwin is headed in the opposite direction. Impressive career numbers have given way to injuries and slightly diminished play. Now on the wrong side of 30 years old, he possesses a generous WR39 ADP, which assumes better health and better per-game production than last year. He’s a much more likely bust than a bargain.
Kenneth Gainwell (RB32 ADP) is the wild card. It’s not often that a team’s third-best-ranked preseason RB finishes the year as the RB20 in points per game. But that’s what Gainwell achieved in 2025, thanks largely to 73 receptions. How he’s utilized alongside Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker will heavily impact his and his backfield teammates’ fantasy outputs.
The Philadelphia Eagles have enough depth that they should not need to rush first-year players onto the field. Their 2026 draft class, however, includes several rookies whose talent, draft status, or special teams value could make them difficult to keep on the sideline.
Makai Lemon
Makai Lemon has the clearest path to an immediate offensive role. The Eagles traded up to select the USC wide receiver with the 20th overall pick, signaling that they view him as an important part of their post-A.J. Brown receiving corps. His hamstring rehabilitation could slow his early progress, but his burst, versatility, and ability after the catch should earn him opportunities once healthy.
Eli Stowers
Eli Stowers enters a crowded tight end room, but second-round picks are expected to contribute. The former Vanderbilt standout won the Mackey Award and earned first-team All-American honors before Philadelphia selected him No. 54 overall. His receiving ability could earn him work alongside Dallas Goedert, particularly in passing situations and multiple-tight-end packages.
Markel Bell
Markel Bell may not open the season as a starter, but the third-round tackle could dress on game days as valuable insurance behind Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson. Philadelphia selected Bell with the 68th pick, and his size could also make him useful as an extra blocker in short-yardage or goal-line packages.
Cole Wisniewski
Cole Wisniewski has an opportunity because safety remains one of Philadelphia’s least settled positions. The seventh-round pick may begin his career on special teams, but dependable tackling and assignment discipline could earn him situational defensive snaps while the Eagles evaluate the entire safety room.
Keyshawn James-Newby
Keyshawn James-Newby’s quickest route to the field runs through special teams and the pass-rush rotation. The seventh-round outside linebacker recorded nine sacks during his final college season and gives Vic Fangio another developmental edge defender. A strong summer could earn him limited defensive snaps while he contributes on coverage units.
Final analysis
The Eagles do not need all five rookies to become immediate starters. If Lemon and Stowers contribute offensively while Bell, Wisniewski, and James-Newby earn specialized roles, Philadelphia’s rookie class could influence games much earlier than expected.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler compiled his ranking of the NFL's top quarterbacks entering the 2026 season and briefly mentioned was the Indianapolis Colts' Daniel Jones.
What makes Fowler's rankings unique is that they are constructed with the input of 70 NFL execs, coaches, and scouts as the voters. Other elements, such as research, interviews, and film analysis by Matt Bowen, factor in as well.
With all of that taken into account, Fowler then puts together the top 10, highlights a few honorable mentions, and notes which players received votes.
Jones was among the three quarterbacks in the 'receiving votes' category, which means that at least one voter had him ranked in the top 10, although we do not know the specifics.
Can Daniel Jones replicate last season's early success?
This is the big question. Through 10 games, the Colts were 8-2 and one of the hottest offenses in football, led by Jones, who was among the most productive quarterbacks during that stretch. Basically, pick a passing category, and there was a good chance that Jones was ranked near the top.
Unfortunately, an Achilles injury ended Jones' season early. But even before that point, defenses began slowing down the Colts' offense. However, because of the season-ending injury, we never truly got to see how Jones and Shane Steichen were going to counter.
The Colts re-signed Jones this offseason to a two-year, $88 million deal, believing that last season's successes can be replicated in 2026.
With training camp near, Jones recently said that he is "cleared to do everything," as he continues through the rehab process.
When the Lions fell to the 49ers 34-31 in the NFC Championship at the end of the 2023 season in heartbreaking fashion, head coach Dan Campbell addressed the team and told them that might have been their only shot. He didn’t say it was their only shot, or that he believed it was their only shot, but that it does happen that teams think they have a window when it turns out all they had was a clogged vent. Two years later, it’s looking a little like he might have been right on. The 2024 Lions went 15-2 and claimed the 1 seed in the NFC, but they got blown out by the Commanders in their lone playoff game. Last year, they fell further, going 9-8 and actually finishing last in the NFC North. Now, Jared Goff turns 32 in October. The offensive line has taken a step back. The secondary was the team’s weak spot before everything happened with Terrion Arnold. As of right now, the Lions are still the favorites in the NFC North, but the Packers and Bears are right there, and the Vikings could pop if Kyler Murray still has it. So the window isn’t closed. But if things don’t work for the Lions in 2026, the questions are really going to start up in earnest.
2026 Sleepers, Busts & Bold Predictions: Detroit Lions
Sleeper: Jared Goff, QB
Four quarterbacks have finished as fantasy QB1s each of the last four years. Three of them should be pretty easy to guess — Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes. The fourth is Jared Goff, who has been the QB10, QB7, QB6 and QB8 across the last four seasons. Goff is fifth in total fantasy scoring in that time, behind the other three and Lamar Jackson.
Despite all that, Goff is QB16 in early ADP this year. The reason for that is pretty simple — he doesn’t carry the ceiling of the other quarterbacks. One of Goff’s biggest virtues during is stretch of success has been healthy, because he hasn’t missed a game since 2021. In fantasy points per game, his rankings have been QB14, QB14, QB7 and QB13. But look at those numbers again. Even if you look at the numbers in the unfriendliest way for Goff, he has still outpaced his current ADP for four years in a row.
Despite all that, Goff is QB16 in early ADP this year. The reason for that is pretty simple — he doesn’t carry the ceiling of the other quarterbacks. One of Goff’s biggest virtues during is stretch of success has been healthy, because he hasn’t missed a game since 2021. In fantasy points per game, his rankings have been QB14, QB14, QB7 and QB13. But look at those numbers again. Even if you look at the numbers in the unfriendliest way for Goff, he has still outpaced his current ADP for four years in a row. At quarterback — a position where people traditionally draft only one player, hope for health, and then just find someone to fill in on the bye — availability is a phenomenal ability, and Goff provides that. John Morton proved not to be what the team wanted in replacing Ben Johnson last year, with Drew Petzing replacing him as offensive coordinator for 2026. So there’s every reason to expect the offense to bounce back in 2026, and Goff still has elite weaponry. He’s a strong candidate for another top-10 finish this year.
Bust: Jameson Williams, WR
About 15 PPR points per game last year was borderline top-10 WR numbers. Take it down to the 10.9-11.0 range, and we’re talking borderline top-40. It was basically the difference between Nico Collins and Keenan Allen. Per the FTN Fantasy NFL Splits Tool, Jameson Williams last year averaged 10.9 PPR points per game in the nine games Sam LaPorta was active, compared to 15.1 when LaPorta was out:
Williams is a DeSean Jackson-esque big-play player, not likely to command a huge target total on a weekly basis. But the difference between 4.8 targets per game (what he had with LaPorta active) and 7.4 is enormous. If LaPorta is healthy in 2026, Williams has a seriously capped ceiling, and he’ll come in well below his current ADP of WR24.
Bold Prediction: Sam LaPorta Posts a Career High in Yardage
My first draft of this prediction was that he has his best fantasy season, but betting on any individual player to surpass 10 touchdowns is a long shot. So instead we’ll go this way. LaPorta is entering his fourth season. He’s put up 889, 726 and 489 yards in those three seasons. So his rookie-year total is our target here. The thing is this: LaPorta’s rookie year being his best year is almost entirely a product of two things: Playing time and touchdowns. That rookie year was his only year playing all 17 games. And with the very known caveat that when you lower the denominator, it becomes that much easier for an average to look better, let’s look at his numbers on a rate basis:
Yards Per Game
Yards Per Target
Yards Per Route Run
2023
52.3
7.4
1.6
2024
45.4
8.7
1.5
2025
54.3
10.0
1.8
(YPRR numbers per FTN Stats & Charting.) In short, LaPorta was better in the aggregate as a rookie, but he was far more efficient last year, and if he can stay healthy in 2026, he’s set up for success. After all, his new OC, Drew Petzing, just got an absolutely monster season out of Trey McBride in Arizona.
There's plenty of hype and excitement surrounding the Chicago Bears following quarterback Caleb Williams' breakout sophomore season in 2025, his first with head coach and offensive guru Ben Johnson.
Last season, Williams set a franchise single-season passing yards record (3,942) -- throwing for 27 touchdowns and just seven interjections -- and set a league record with seven fourth-quarter comebacks (including the postseason). But it's been his improbable throws and Houdini-esque escapability that has made him one of the most dangerous QBs in the NFL.
Williams has quickly become one of the faces of the NFL, and he's garnering respect from around the league. In ESPN's annual position rankings, Williams ranked among the 10 best quarterbacks in the NFL, as voted upon by coaches and execs. Williams landed at No. 10 on the list, beating out the likes of Seattle's Sam Darnold, Green Bay's Jordan Love and Washington's Jayden Daniels given "he's the hardest of the four to prepare for and defend" on a weekly basis.
Here's what NFL coaches and executives had to say about Williams:
"He's the most dynamic of the group," one GM said. "He's got the arm talent and overall athleticism suited for today's game."
"He's a closer," an NFL personnel evaluator said. "End of games, he has shown that."
"Wildly erratic," a veteran NFL defensive coach said. "Doesn't always take the layups and still needs to mature into the position. [He] has some of those 'what is he doing?' plays. But he also makes plays only he and Mahomes can make. [He] can throw from any angle, deceptively fast when forced to scramble and he's got the 'it' factor in crunch time."
Here's a look at the nine quarterbacks who ranked ahead of Williams, 1-9: Buffalo's Josh Allen, Kansas City's Patrick Mahomes, Los Angeles' Matthew Stafford, Cincinnati's Joe Burrow, Baltimore's Lamar Jackson, Dallas' Dak Prescott, Los Angeles' Justin Herbert, New England's Drake Maye and Detroit's Jared Goff.
Williams' highest ranking was No. 6, but with a strong 2026 season, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Williams skyrocket up this list next year.
The Los Angeles Rams have built their roster with a plethora of versatile players who contribute on offense, defense and/or special teams. As a result, the team has been able to weather slow starts, injuries, and other setbacks over the last three seasons, being one of the most successful franchises in football over that time.
A big reason for their success has been Kyren Williams. Despite taking on three separate roles over the last three seasons, the Rams running back remains a successful ball carrier, pass catcher, and pass protector. It's that versatility that makes him such a success in fantasy football, despite his ever-changing responsibilities. NBC Sports' Kyle Dvorchak states that despite a decreased workload as a ball carrier, his fantasy production remained consistent compared to years past.
Kyren Williams chugged along like usual, posting 15.5 PPR points per game off the back of over 1,500 yards from scrimmage and 13 touchdowns. Williams finished the year as a low-end RB1, though his role changed drastically compared to 2024.
Despite losing a considerable amount of work to Blake Corum, Williams’ fantasy output barely dropped. That comes down to the fact that his efficiency both on the ground and through the air ticked up. The concern for Williams is that he either continues to lose work to Corum or his yards per carry dips, as it did in 2024 when he averaged 4.1 yards per attempt.
With Corum set to have an even larger role, especially with the Rams' 13-personnel offense becoming an even bigger part of their operation, some could have concerns that 2026 could be the year Williams fails to reach 1,000 rushing yards or takes a dramatic fall in fantasy production.
That shouldn't be the case as, despite Corum's burst, speed, and vision, his playstyle can be a bit reminiscent of Le'Veon Bell, with his patience sometimes resulting in Corum being tackled for a loss or minimal gain. In order for the Rams' offense to work, they need a hard-nosed runner to make the defense respect the immediate threat of a quick inside run, a job Williams does well.
Williams' work as a pass catcher and pass protector also helps disguise what the Rams are running, meaning that unless their entire operation changes, Williams should see the proper amount of targets – whether as a ball carrier or receiver – to maintain his RB1/RB2 fantasy production.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy was left off ESPN's annual top 10 NFL quarterback rankings for 2026, landing instead in the honorable mentions after a 2025 season in which he missed half the schedule to a turf toe injury but posted some of the most efficient numbers at the position.
ESPN surveyed more than 70 league executives, coaches and scouts for the rankings, published Monday. Purdy didn't crack the top 10, sliding in among honorable mentions that included Jayden Daniels, Jordan Love, Baker Mayfield, Trevor Lawrence and Jalen Hurts.
"He has got two superpowers," an NFC executive said about Purdy. "Layering the ball and short-area quickness to stay alive. He's elite in those two areas."
That praise stands in contrast to where voters ultimately placed him. Purdy started nine games in 2025, throwing for 2,167 yards, 20 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while completing 69.4% of his passes, and the 49ers went 13-4 and reached the divisional round.
The snub runs counter to how analytics-driven outlets have graded Purdy's season. Pro Football Focus ranked him the NFL's 10th-best quarterback entering 2026, ahead of eight former No. 1 overall picks. His 85.4 PFF grade ranked sixth among quarterbacks, and his 65.8 passing grade under pressure ranked third. PFF noted his 9.0% pressure-to-sack rate led the league, a mark that reflects his ability to process and release the ball before a pocket fully collapses, and his 78.7% accuracy rate was among the league's best.
Voters who left Purdy off the list may have also pointed to San Francisco's talent around him, but the data complicates that narrative. PFF's supporting cast grades placed the 49ers fifth in the league last season at 80.6 overall, with the receiving corps sixth at 80.9 — solid, but well behind the Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions and Indianapolis Colts, and not the runaway advantage often assumed given the star power of Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle.
Purdy has proven to an ascending elite quarterback in the NFL, but it doesn't sound as if the rest of the league has caught up to that idea just yet.
After kicking off training camp on July 31, the Broncos are scheduled to begin preseason on Aug. 14 with a road game against the Atlanta Falcons. That game will be locally televised on 9News and available to stream out-of-market on the ESPN App with ESPN's Unlimited plan.
After that, the team will return to Denver to host the Green Bay Packers (Aug. 21) and Minnesota Vikings (Aug. 28). Both of those home preseason games will be locally televised on 9News and nationally televised (out-of-market) on NFL Network, which is available to stream on FuboTV.
Week 2: vs. Packers (Aug. 21, 7 p.m. MT: 9News/NFLN)
Week 3: vs. Vikings (Aug. 28, 7 p.m. MT: 9News/NFLN)
After preseason, Denver will have until Aug. 30 to finalize a 53-man roster. Following waiver claims, the Broncos will then build a 16- or 17-player practice squad. Attention will then turn toward a Monday Night Football showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 14 in Week 1.
The NFL offseason brought new coaching staffs and roster changes across the league. For the Tennessee Titans, the changes went beyond the sideline, as the team also added new weapons to support quarterback Cam Ward.
One of Ward’s weapons in the backfield, Tyjae Spears, knows a thing or two about enduring tough times on football teams. Since entering the NFL in 2023, Spears has experienced more losses than wins with the Titans. However, he remains optimistic that this season will be different.
Spears believes the changes made this offseason, combined with the team’s hard work, will lead to better results. He spoke with the Titans’ media and reflected on his past experiences while discussing the challenges ahead.
Jan 4, 2026; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars safety Antonio Johnson (26) tackles Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (2) during the first quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images
“I went through some (tough years) in college,” Spears said. “So, my first few years in college were kind of rough, dealing with injuries, dealing with the record. Eventually, we keep on working hard and working together, something has to change, and this is the year to change.”
Spears followed that reflection with a strong declaration. In an offseason defined by change, he believes the Titans are ready to take a major step forward in 2026.
“We have a new logo, and we have a lot of new things around here. So, we are going to have a winning record this year.” Spears said.
The Titans have more than just a new coaching staff, incoming rookies, and free-agent additions, they also have a new identity. Tennessee redesigned its uniforms and logo to usher in a new era while paying homage to the franchise’s Oilers history.
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (2) flies into the end zone for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of their game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025.
Spears believes these changes will help the Titans secure their first winning season since 2021. That year, Tennessee earned the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs.
Since 2021, the Titans have lost several key players, including Derrick Henry, Ryan Tannehill, Kevin Byard III, and A.J. Brown. Now, the team is building around a promising offensive core featuring Ward, Carnell Tate, Spears, and Tony Pollard. The defense has also added reinforcements along the defensive line.
Can the Titans end their streak of losing seasons and return to the playoffs in 2026?
The NFL is a league of trends and copycats. One year it’s spread offenses dominating the league, the next year it’s power running that’s leading the attack. In 2026 it appears to be large personnel packages that’s captured the hearts and minds of modern coordinators. It’s a trend that’s been building over the last few seasons and one that’s likely to peak to new levels this year.
The Dallas Cowboys are not one of such teams. Brian Schottenheimer’s offense is rich in receiver talent and has been leaning on 11 personnel to a very significant degree. In 2025 Dallas ranked second in the league in 11 personnel EPA/play, deploying this three receiver set 66.43 percent of the time (per Sumer Sports). In 2026 that’s a number that’s only expected to increase given the emergence of Ryan Flournoy at WR3.
Swimming against the stream isn’t always advisable, but if it can be used to create mismatches, it may prove to be the ultimate hack. To explain, let’s first dive into the current trend…
Rise of the tight end sets
Led by Sean McVey and his Los Angeles Rams offense, 12 and 13 personnel are all the rage. In an effort to combat the NFL’s heavy usage of nickel defense, two and three tight end packages are being used to create mismatches. When facing it, defenses must decide whether they want to stick with their normal nickel group that features an extra cornerback, or if they want to pivot to a base defense that matches up better by swapping the cornerback for a third linebacker.
Offenses are forcing defenses to pick their own poison: if they keep the cornerback on the field, offenses can bully them into submission by running the ball behind their larger personnel. If defenses swap in the linebacker, offenses can target the rarely used ‘backer by passing downfield. They are essentially passing against run defenses and running against pass defenses.
Defensive adjustments
Football is cyclical.
2025 saw the NFL return to heavy personnel to punish light, split-safety defenses.
Offenses use 12- & 13-personnel formations to create physical mismatches.
The personnel data from 2025 reveals a league-wide divergence in the evolution of defenses. ... pic.twitter.com/PXd8MqOQHu
The rise in multi-tight end sets is resulting in defensive innovation as well. Defenses are responding to this situation by deploying a hybrid player like an undersized linebacker or an oversized safety. This positionally androgynous role of slot defender places a do-it-all player in the mix. Guys like Nick Emmanwori in Seattle and Caleb Downs in Dallas are shining examples of this but across the league teams are adjusting.
With less of a premium on traditional slot cornerbacks, shifty little coverage specialists are becoming rarer by the day. If the top teams are leaning on multi-tight end packages so much, it only makes sense.
Cowboys’ offense demands deep CB corps
While defenses are building units that matchup against two and three tight end packages, they’re becoming less and less equipped to deal with dominant three-receiver offenses like the Cowboys’. It’s why Dallas would be foolish to try to chase trends like 12 and 13 personnel and why they’re best served leaning into their strength which is 11 personnel.
CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens and Flournoy may be the best receiver trio in the NFL in 2026. All three are at least 6-foot-1, 200 pounds. Each one can play multiple receiver spots, play on the move, win 50-50 balls and make plays after the catch. It’s a group that’s almost impossible to matchup against.
No one knows how much the Cowboys will be using 11 personnel in 2026 or how much of the current trend Schottenheimer’s willing to chase, but smart money says he sticks with his best players and avoids his somewhat problematic tight end room. Sometimes zigging when everyone else zags is the perfect attack.
The Baltimore Ravens are not built like a team that needs to force rookies onto the field before they are ready. That is one of the benefits of having one of the AFC’s deepest rosters and one of the league’s most stable organizational structures. Still, every training camp creates opportunity, and this rookie class has several players with realistic paths to early snaps.
Baltimore does not need every rookie to become an immediate starter, but several could matter quickly because of roster need, special teams value, or the way their skill sets fit what the Ravens want to do. Some may compete for starting jobs. Others could carve out rotational roles or provide valuable depth before the season reaches its midpoint.
Vega Ioane
Vega Ioane sits at the top of the list because first-round guards are rarely drafted to sit. The former Penn State standout arrives with the size, power, and experience to compete immediately along Baltimore’s offensive line, and the Ravens need his physicality to translate quickly as they reshape the interior of the front in front of Lamar Jackson.
Ioane was a first-team All-Big Ten selection and first-team All-American in 2025, and his profile fits Baltimore’s identity. The Ravens want to be physical, multiple, and reliable up front. If Ioane handles the speed of training camp and proves he can process protections cleanly, he could become one of the rookie class’s most important early contributors.
Zion Young
Zion Young has a clear path to playing time because Baltimore has always valued waves of pass rushers. The Ravens have high-end defensive talent, but edge depth matters over a 17-game season, especially for a team with championship expectations.
Young’s athletic traits and motor give him a chance to earn rotational snaps if he proves he can set the edge, handle run-game responsibilities, and affect quarterbacks in sub packages. Baltimore does not need him to become a finished product immediately. It needs him to provide energy, speed, and disruption when called upon.
Ja’Kobi Lane
Ja’Kobi Lane could become one of the Ravens’ most intriguing offensive rookies because of what he adds to the wide receiver room. At 6-foot-4, Lane brings size and red-zone potential to a position group that needs more answers behind Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman.
Rookie receivers often face a steep learning curve, especially in an offense led by Jackson, where timing, spacing, and scramble-drill awareness matter. Lane does not have to become a high-volume target immediately, but if he shows he can win through contact and create matchup problems near the goal line, Baltimore may have to find snaps for him sooner than expected.
Elijah Sarratt
Elijah Sarratt gives the Ravens another big-bodied receiving option with a chance to push for offensive work early. His size and ability to compete through contact make him a natural player to watch during camp, especially with Baltimore looking for more consistency from its wide receiver depth.
Sarratt’s quickest path may come through reliability. If he can line up correctly, earn trust from Jackson, separate against NFL defensive backs, and contribute on special teams, he can make the receiver conversation more complicated. The Ravens need more than one wideout behind Flowers to emerge, and Sarratt has the tools to be part of that answer.
Nick Dawkins
Nick Dawkins may not generate the same attention as the skill-position players, but the Penn State center has a real developmental path in Baltimore. Dawkins started all 12 games at center for the Nittany Lions in his sixth season in 2025, helping anchor an offensive line that totaled 4,706 yards and averaged 5.8 yards per play.
His familiarity with Ioane should not be ignored. The two helped form the backbone of Penn State’s offensive line, and that experience gives Dawkins an interesting foundation as he enters a Ravens interior line competition. If he shows he can handle calls, anchor against power, and provide center-guard flexibility, he could work his way into Baltimore’s depth plans earlier than expected.
Dominic DeLuca
Dominic DeLuca’s clearest early path comes on special teams, which is often how rookie linebackers earn trust in Baltimore. The former Penn State defender played in 13 games with nine starts in 2025, totaling 66 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and two sacks as a redshirt junior.
Those numbers reflect a player comfortable around the football, but his immediate NFL value may come from toughness, discipline, and coverage-unit reliability. The Ravens have long valued linebackers who can help in the kicking game before growing into larger defensive roles. If DeLuca tackles well in space and avoids assignment mistakes, he could become one of the rookie class’s early special teams contributors.
The bottom line
The Ravens do not need all of these rookies to hit immediately, but they have several players with realistic paths to early work. Ioane could become a starter quickly. Young can push for rotational pass-rush snaps. Lane and Sarratt have the size and talent to challenge for roles at wide receiver. Dawkins gives Baltimore another interior offensive line option, while DeLuca has a direct route to game-day value on special teams.
That is what good teams want from rookie classes. Baltimore is not asking every first-year player to carry the roster. It is asking them to compete, develop, and make difficult decisions. If even two or three of these rookies carve out roles by September, the Ravens’ 2026 class could help a contender sooner than expected.e work later.
The Ravens do not need all of them to hit immediately. If even two or three carve out roles by September, Baltimore’s rookie class could help a contender sooner than expected.
When a star player or new coach joins a team, it's customary that they'll be involved in some ceremonies for the other sports teams in the city. That's why it was no surprise to see new Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis throw out the first pitch for the Miami Marlins back in May.
Willis' first pitch was tough to watch, as he would've thrown behind a right-handed hitter in the batter's box.
While the quarterback clearly struggled with the task, Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley showed Willis how it's done, as he threw out the first pitch for the Marlins' battle with the Cleveland Guardians on Sunday at LoanDepot Park.
Hafley's first pitch was pretty solid. There may not have been much velocity there, but at least it got to the catcher. It may have even been a strike.
Considering the coach and quarterback's relationship, there will surely be some ribbing regarding the outcomes of the two heaves.
The NFL is quickly approaching training camp, and the preseason will soon get underway. Multiple teams have key position battles ahead of the season, including some at quarterback. One retired quarterback, however, has kept the door open for a potential return in 2026.
Former Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr has previously stated that he would come out of retirement for the right situation. He recently appeared on Good Morning Football and revealed that several teams have checked in with him.
“There were multiple teams that reached out to me this offseason. I won’t say who or how, but they reached out and was just gauging my interest on what I wanted to do. They were good, solid football teams,” Carr said.
Dec 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) drops back to pass against the New York Giants during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
“If I were to do it, it would have to be a special team that maybe lost somebody or needed somebody, but even then, it’s not guaranteed.”
Carr has made it clear that he will not come out of retirement unless he has a legitimate opportunity to compete for a championship. He retired last offseason after doctors discovered a career-threatening shoulder injury that required surgical repair.
The decision came as a surprise, considering Carr was only 34 years old at the time. Now 35, Carr could still have several seasons left if he is able to remain healthy.
Any team that has checked in with Carr would likely need to evaluate how his shoulder has recovered. While 35 is not considered old for an NFL quarterback in today’s game, age becomes a bigger factor when combined with a significant injury history.
Dec 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) scrambles during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
When healthy, Carr proved he could be a starting-caliber quarterback in the NFL. Despite playing for several struggling Raiders teams, he put together a solid career. Carr’s time in Las Vegas ended when the Raiders released him following the 2022 season. He later signed with the New Orleans Saints, who still hold his contract rights.
If a team decides to pursue Carr, it would likely need to acquire him via trade. Given his age, injury history, and current contract situation, the compensation would probably be minimal. Carr could potentially be moved for a conditional sixth- or seventh-round pick, depending on the circumstances.
For now, Carr remains retired. The only thing that would change that is the right opportunity — what he has described as a perfect situation.
The Baltimore Ravens Top 100 countdown enters rare territory as the rankings move into the top 40. This section features some of the most accomplished players in franchise history, including Hall of Fame-caliber performers, championship heroes, record holders, and players who helped establish Baltimore as one of the NFL's premier organizations. Ranked between Nos. 40 and 31 are stars whose contributions extended from the franchise's earliest years through the modern Lamar Jackson era.
No. 40 belongs to Duane Starks, one of the most important defensive backs from the Ravens' first championship team. A first-round pick in 1998, Starks developed into a dependable starting cornerback and delivered one of the most memorable plays in franchise history. His 49-yard interception return for a touchdown in Super Bowl XXXV helped seal Baltimore's victory and remains one of the defining moments of the championship season.
Rod Woodson checks in at No. 39 despite spending only four seasons in Baltimore. Already destined for the Pro Football Hall of Fame before arriving with the Ravens, Woodson continued playing at an elite level while helping elevate one of the greatest defenses in NFL history. He earned three Pro Bowl selections with Baltimore and served as a veteran leader during the franchise's first Super Bowl championship.
At No. 38 is Peter Boulware, one of the most productive pass rushers the Ravens have ever developed. The fourth overall pick in the 1997 NFL Draft quickly became a cornerstone of Baltimore's defense, earning four Pro Bowl selections and recording 70 sacks. For years, Boulware held the franchise record for career sacks and played a pivotal role in the Ravens' rise to NFL prominence.
Marlon Humphrey lands at No. 37 and continues to climb the ranks of Ravens greats. Since being selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Humphrey has established himself as one of the league's premier cornerbacks. A multiple-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro selection, he has combined elite coverage skills with a knack for creating turnovers, becoming one of the defining defensive players of the Lamar Jackson era.
No. 36 belongs to Chris McAlister, whose combination of size, athleticism, and physicality made him one of the NFL's most feared cornerbacks. A first-round pick out of Arizona in 1999, McAlister spent a decade with the Ravens and earned three Pro Bowl selections. At his peak, he possessed the rare ability to neutralize the league's top receivers while thriving in Baltimore's aggressive defensive system.
Mark Andrews checks in at No. 35 as the most productive tight end in franchise history. A third-round pick in 2018, Andrews quickly became Lamar Jackson's favorite target and has rewritten the Ravens' record book. Multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors have accompanied a career filled with clutch catches, touchdown receptions, and playoff appearances, cementing his place among Baltimore's all-time offensive greats.
At No. 34 is Sam Adams, whose arrival transformed Baltimore's defensive front. The massive defensive tackle brought power, athleticism, and playmaking ability to the interior of the defense, helping create the dominant unit that carried the Ravens to a Super Bowl XXXV title. Adams earned Pro Bowl recognition and became one of the most disruptive defensive linemen in team history.
Elvis Dumervil ranks No. 33 after producing one of the finest pass-rushing stretches ever seen in Baltimore. Signed as a free agent in 2013, Dumervil recorded 37 sacks over three seasons and consistently created havoc off the edge. His 17-sack campaign in 2014 remains one of the greatest single-season performances by a Ravens defender.
Michael Pierce lands at No. 32 as one of the organization's most successful undrafted free-agent stories. Pierce developed into an elite run defender and dominant interior presence while embodying the toughness and work ethic that have long defined Ravens football. His ability to control the line of scrimmage made him a key contributor across multiple playoff teams.
Orlando Brown Jr. rounds out the group at No. 31. Following in the footsteps of his father, Brown became one of the NFL's top young offensive tackles during his time in Baltimore. A third-round pick in 2018, Brown earned Pro Bowl honors at both right tackle and left tackle while helping anchor one of the league's most productive rushing attacks during the early years of Lamar Jackson's career.
The players ranked between 40 and 31 represent a blend of championship pedigree, individual excellence, and franchise-defining impact. Several own records, others delivered iconic moments, and many helped shape the identity of Ravens football across multiple generations. As the countdown moves into the top 30, the focus shifts almost exclusively to players whose careers altered the course of franchise history.
Taylor, a fifth-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2017, spent 2021-2022 with the Bengals.
It was far from uneventful. As Bengals fans might remember, he caught a two-point conversion in the AFC Championship from Joe Burrow that helped the franchise advance to the Super Bowl.
Taylor went on to get a second and third contract with the Bengals, but didn’t make it through final cuts on the third. He went on to appear with Chicago and San Francisco in recent years before calling it a career at the age of 32.
Not every quarterback is in a Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen situation. More signal-callers at the NFL level are in a more fluid position, where any given year – or any given week – they could be replaced following poor performance.
The length of a quarterback's leash varies by team. Those with a younger quarterback seeking a chance to prove himself early in his career might pull the plug early on a struggling veteran. Other teams might have a high-level backup quarterback waiting in the wings for an opportunity to prove he's worthy of the starting job.
Heading into the 2026 season, there are more than a handful of quarterbacks at risk of getting benched in favor of another signal-caller lower on the depth chart. Here are six of the most likely quarterbacks to be benched in 2026:
Brissett was a more-than serviceable fill-in for former Cardinals starter Kyler Murray after Murray's injury in 2025. In 12 starts, he set career highs in passing yards (3,366) and touchdowns (23). Brissett's 64.9% completion rate was also his best in any season with at least 25 pass attempts.
In the offseason, the 33-year-old veteran requested a multi-year extension that would pay him starting quarterback money. Instead, the Cardinals repaid him with a likely future replacement when they selected University of Miami (Fla.) quarterback Carson Beck in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. With Arizona expected to be one of the league's worst teams again in 2026, it's likely only a matter of time before the team gives Beck a shot at the starting job.
Tagovailoa is in a position that is almost a direct inverse of Brissett. Rather than replacing a former first-round quarterback who ended up cut by the team that drafted him, Tagovailoa is that player. After the Dolphins released Tagovailoa this offseason, he signed with the Falcons to compete with Michael Penix Jr. for the starting job.
It's unclear which quarterback is leading in the race to be Atlanta's Week 1 starter, but it's likely that whoever wins the gig will have a very short leash with another capable passer behind him. Tagovailoa struggled in 2025, with his 2,660 passing yards nearing a career low since taking over as the Dolphins' full-time starter in 2021. Penix also struggled last year in his first full season as a starter in the pros, leading to a 3-6 record before a knee injury ended his season early.
New head coach Kevin Stefanski is a former offensive coordinator and has inherited a roster loaded with talent on offense. Atlanta's biggest hurdle is its quarterback situation, and Stefanski should be quick to make a change if things aren't working early. Either Penix gets the early starts with the hopes he'll continue to develop – though he is 26 – or Tagovailoa fills in until things don't work out.
The Jets' quarterback situation remains in flux. After signing Justin Fields to a two-year deal in free agency last year, injuries and underperformance led to starts from Tyrod Taylor and Brady Cook. None of New York's three quarterbacks in 2025 inspired confidence in being a long-term solution. So this offseason, Gang Green reunited with Smith by sending a sixth-round pick to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Smith is coming off of a season with 17 interceptions in 15 games, a mark which not only led the league but also were the most he's thrown in a year since his rookie year in 2013. After a season like that, Smith is may be in a position to be a "tank commander" for New York as they continue to look for their quarterback of the future.
The Jets have three first-round picks in the 2027 NFL Draft, and they drafted Cade Klubnik in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. At some point this season, Klubnik should get his shot for the Jets to see if they have their guy. If not, one of their three first-rounders next year will be used to take a quarterback.
For the first several weeks of the season, Jones was playing like an NFL MVP candidate. But the wheels started to come off in Week 9, when teams started to slow down running back Jonathan Taylor after his torrid start to the season. When Jones had more pressure on his arm to lead the Colts' offense under head coach Shane Steichen, he started to turn the ball over more.
After throwing just three interceptions and not losing any fumbles in his first eight starts, Jones threw three interceptions and lost two fumbles against the Steelers in Week 9. The Colts went on to lose four of their next five games before a torn Achilles sidelined Jones for the remainder of the season.
Is Jones the most likely candidate to lose his job? No, but Indianapolis still rosters Anthony Richardson, who will be waiting in the wings should Jones struggle in his return from the Achilles injury.
Aaron Rodgers has said this season – his 22nd – is going to be his last rodeo. Since the Green Bay Packers drafted him in 2005, he's played across three decades of NFL football. There have been signs that his age is starting to catch up with him over the last few seasons, and that became most apparent during the 2025 season.
Rodgers' average depth of target last year was just 6.6 yards. That was the lowest mark of his career and one of the lowest across all NFL quarterbacks in 2025. Under pressure, he had a completion rate of 41.5%, which ranked fourth-worst in the league among quarterbacks with at least 400 dropbacks. Rodgers was also unable to avoid sacks at a high rate, and his 21.4% pressure-to-sack rate ranked seventh-worst among starting quarterbacks in 2025.
The Steelers don't have a clear succession plan. They drafted Will Howard in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft and Drew Allar in the third round this year. Mason Rudolph is also currently on the roster. It feels more than likely that Rodgers hits the bench at some point this year if the Steelers are struggling. Pittsburgh needs to figure out its QB future by giving Howard or Allar a shot.
Texans general manager Nick Caserio gave Stroud a vote of confidence after the quarterback's four-interception performance in a divisional round loss. Caserio did not give Stroud an extension in his first offseason eligible.
Stroud struggled in 2025, continuing an alarming pattern of regression since his outstanding rookie season in 2023. Much of that can be chalked up to the issues with the Texans' reworked offensive line. For a second straight year, Stroud faced pressure on more than 37% of his dropbacks. More notably, in 2025, Stroud's decision making regressed. His 14 turnover-worthy plays (per Pro Football Focus) were tied for fourth-most in the NFL under pressure. His 35.5 PFF grade under pressure was third-worst in the league.
Things got worse in the playoffs vs. the Patriots, with a four-interception performance in the divisional round.
During three games that Stroud missed with a concussion, backup Davis Mills went 3-0 with 915 passing yards, five touchdowns and one interception. Mills is also likely not the long-term answer for Houston given he already lost his starting quarterback job to Stroud in 2023. But if Stroud starts the 2026 season playing like he did in the 2025 playoffs, questions will be raised about whether or not Mills should get a second crack at the starting gig.
Right guard Sam Cosmi is the Washington Commanders' best interior offensive lineman.
Cosmi is certainly the best second-round choice Ron Rivera made in his four seasons with Washington as head coach and head of all player personnel, draft, and acquisitions. Rivera was horrible with his first-round selections, but Cosmi has been both reliable and dependable for the Commanders.
Speaking of guards, ESPN Sunday released their top 10 interior offensive linemen. That includes centers and guards. Washington has no Russ Grimm playing on the interior of their offensive line these days. Left tackle Laremy Tunsil made the top five offensive tackles list on Saturday. So, after surveying NFL executives, coaches, and scouts, ESPN has ranked the Top 10 offensive linemen entering the 2026 season.
1. Tyler Smith, G, Dallas Cowboys: The NFL's best guard wasn't chosen until No. 24 in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, eight selections after Ron Rivera had reached for WR Jahan Dotson with the No. 16 pick. The Commanders face Smith twice each season.
2. Quenton Nelson, G, Indianapolis Colts: Nelson continues to live up to being the first lineman chosen in the 2018 NFL Draft (6 overall). The Commanders and Colts will play in London on October 4.
3. Creed Humphrey, C, Kansas City Chiefs: One of the reasons the Commanders had difficulty getting pressure on Patrick Mahomes was that Humphrey was tops among centers in pass block win rate (98.5) in 2025.
4. Quinn Meinerz, G, Denver Broncos: Meinerz's 75.7% run block win rate ranked seventh among guards, helping the Broncos to 402 yards against the Commanders in their 2025 game.
5. Joe Thuney, G, Chicago Bears: Thuney led all guards in pass block win rate last season, and also ranked third among guards in run block win rate (77%). Why isn't this guy ranked first, then?
6. Chris Lindstrom, G, Atlanta Falcons: "He doesn't get enough recognition -- he's been really good for a long time," a veteran NFL defensive coach said. Commanders will find out again, hosting the Falcons on December 20.
7. Trey Smith, G, Kansas City Chiefs: Smith excelled in pass coverage in 2025, allowing zero sacks in 389 pass-block attempts.
8. Tyler Linderbaum, C, Las Vegas Raiders: The Commanders went hard after Linderbaum in free agency in March. However, they were outbid by the Raiders, who surprised everyone by resetting the market at center with a three-year $81M contract.
9. Peter Skoronski, G, Tennessee Titans: He was fourth among guards in pass block win rate (96.0%) in 2025. He was, for good reason, the No. 11 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
10. Aaron Brewer, C, Miami Dolphins: "Most underrated player in the league," an NFC executive said. Most likely because people still can't believe an undrafted player out of Texas State could develop as Brewer has. After four seasons with the Titans, he was signed by the Dolphins and has paid off in a big way.
The Commanders did not have anyone to make honorable mention, nor did they have any interior lineman to receive votes. However, with right guard Sam Cosmi now fully rehabbed from his ACL tear and surgery, he may have a good enough season in 2026 to receive some recognition.
Editor's note: This is Part 11 of 26 in Art Stapleton's New York Giants summer series Q&A
The New York Giants have a Super Bowl winner and possible Hall of Famer at head coach in John Harbaugh, with whom the entire team can strive for a championship standard the franchise has failed to meet for far too long now.
The standing ovation for Harbaugh from the assembled Giants fans inside Beacon Theatre back in May for the team's Town Hall event was only just the beginning.
And Harbaugh, their head coach set to usher in yet another new era for the franchise in its 102nd year, certainly knew how to play to his audience moments later.
With chants of "Cowboys suck" ringing out around him, Harbaugh was asked by a fan if he could promise the Giants were done being kicked around by their NFC rivals and most hated foes: the Dallas Cowboys, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Commanders.
That's when Harbaugh with 193 career victories rallied a fan base with a pledge that felt an awful lot like a battle cry he will repeatedly deliver between now and the start of the season.
"I could [not] care less about what's happened last year or the year before that or 10 years before that," Harbaugh said. "All I care about is tomorrow's practice, because if tomorrow's practice is the way it's supposed to be, that will be one more step in the direction of being a good enough football team to kick the Cowboys' ass."
For now, there are far more questions than answers. But we hope to set the table for the summer and beyond with 26 questions that will define the 2026 Giants season.
Question #11: Which Giants player is under the most pressure to perform?
Perhaps the most critical part to any success for the Giants in Harbaugh's first season and beyond will be tied to Jaxson Dart's progression throughout the summer and into the 2026 season. His presence in the spring has garnered headlines on a much wider scale than anticipated, and with that comes the pressure to deliver - both internal, which is always present for Dart, and external from those ready to make a judgment on the Giants' quarterback after every play.
"The position in and of itself is always going to be one of struggle," Giants quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator Brian Callahan said. "There are gonna be moments where you play really well. There are gonna be moments where you don’t make the play, and the spotlight’s always on the quarterback, particularly in this city, and I think he’s done a great job of understanding his role and what that means for our football team. He also understands how to handle the pressures that come with it. Inevitably, there’s gonna be hard times, there’s gonna be adversity. There are ebbs and flows, there’s ups and downs, and that’s part of the maturation process for young quarterbacks: learning how to handle failures, learning how to grow from those moments."
To win more games consistently, there needs to be an element of a traditional downfield passing game from the pocket to complement what Dart did best last year as he grabbed hold of the starting job, quickly assuming the role as team leader and face of the franchise as QB1.
"I just think from a footwork standpoint, being able to be cleaner throughout my reads," Dart said. "I think there's times when you look back on tape and experiences and maybe you weren't as quick as you wanted to be through a progression. You look back and you say why was that? And it starts with your eyes, making sure they're in the right spots."
And that's been a significant teaching point for Dart with new passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach Brian Callahan. They have delved into different quarterbacks' tapes, watching and learning how elite NFL quarterbacks he's coached and been around turn knowledge into production.
Matthew Stafford. Peyton Manning. Joe Burrow.
Callahan worked closely with all three star quarterbacks in previous stops in his coaching career.
Callahan's strength has been in his enhancement of quarterbacks. He was a part of the staff in Denver that maximized Manning's skill in a 55-touchdown season. Stafford took off in the two years he worked with Callahan in Detroit - remember, this was pre-Super Bowl champ Stafford with the Rams - by throwing 53 touchdowns to just 20 interceptions. And Burrow's first four years in which he reached a Super Bowl and an AFC title game, Callahan was his QB muse.
His priority with Dart this spring: eye discipline and footwork. Matching the two given route concepts and the ask on certain plays will allow for quicker and more decisive play from the pocket.
"Every quarterback's unique," Callahan said. "They have their own strengths. They have their own weaknesses. They have their own things they need to work on. They all have perspectives that are different. They see the game differently. So any time you're comparing or trying to make somebody look like somebody else, or do something that's not unique to the quarterback, you get yourself in trouble. Trying really hard to let Jaxson be Jaxson."
Establishing the right structure both schematically and from a personnel perspective around Dart is paramount to his growth under Harbaugh, especially in this first year.
Dart's quest for perfection has not come without growing pains, and that's to be expected.
Adapting to a new offense in which Harbaugh, Nagy and Callahan are asking the 23-year-old to find comfort in the uncomfortable. There is new terminology, new challenges and a new cast of characters around him, and Dart's job is to make it all work together.
There is more to his skill set as a pocket passer and the vertical, downfield element to the Giants’ offense represents untapped, immense potential. What Dart sees and how he reacts with patience and precision without being forced to rely on creativity and backyard football, it's paramount to his taking a Year 2 leap.
The grind is supposed to produce as many wins as losses in practice, and sometimes the scales are tipped in favor of the defense.
Case in point: Callahan shared about how one specific team period during the final full speed practice of minicamp back in June was established as fourth down and, well, unmanageable situations. Dart and the quarterbacks hated it, as they are forced to try to figure out how to make something out of impossible scenarios stacked against them.
“We had one or two that were pretty dang good," Callahan said with a laugh. "That was good to see. The defense nailed a few, too, that’s usually the way it goes."
The Giants see a young quarterback doing everything he can to get to where he wants to be.
Where things are for Dart and the Giants when they hit the practice fields at the Greenbrier in West Virginia on July 29 is not where they expect them to be come September when the Cowboys arrive at MetLife Stadium looking to kick off the season.
Urgency matters as much to Dart as anyone else in the organization. This is his team, and the time is now.
The Philadelphia Eagles aren't spending their time thinking about replacing A.J. Brown. Certainly, that's part of the deal here, but that isn't the whole story. Still, they know it. Their fans know it, and the rest of the NFL understands it, too. Players of Brown's caliber don't come around often, and they certainly aren't replaced by one offseason move.
As Philadelphia prepares for the 2026 season, however, the conversation surrounding its wide receivers shouldn't focus solely on who left. It should also focus on who remains. The Eagles enter training camp with a receiving corps that may not feature another superstar alongside DeVonta Smith, but it does feature something every offense covets. Depth.
Rookie Makai Lemon brings another exciting dimension. Though expecting him to challenge Smith's rookie receiving record may be asking too much, the Eagles clearly believe his playmaking ability allows him to contribute sooner rather than later. Then there's Dontayvion Wicks.
His familiarity with offensive coordinator Sean Mannion dates back to their time together in Green Bay, making him one of the more fascinating additions on the roster. Whether that connection translates into a significant offensive role remains to be seen, but it certainly gives Wicks a head start in learning the system.
The battle for the final roster spots could strengthen the entire room
Depth isn't built solely by the stars. It's built through competition. Johnny Wilson continues developing after flashing intriguing physical traits during his first NFL season, while Britain Covey remains one of the league's more dependable return specialists. Darius Cooper returns, looking to earn a larger opportunity after entering the league as an undrafted rookie.
Behind them, veterans Quez Watkins, Danny Gray, Samori Toure, and Erik Ezukanma will all compete to prove they deserve one of the final roster spots. If Philadelphia ultimately keeps six receivers on the initial 53-man roster, a very real possibility, the battle for the final two positions could become one of training camp's most compelling competitions.
The Eagles may not have another A.J. Brown waiting in the wings, but they may not need one. What they appear to have is a room filled with complementary skill sets, legitimate competition, and more playable depth than they've enjoyed in several seasons. In today's NFL, where injuries and long seasons often test every roster, that might prove just as valuable as another household name.
ALS is a hot topic this summer in the wake of Chris Johnson’s diagnosis. But what can be done besides the revival of the Ice Bucket Challenge? The answer might surprise you…
Chris Johnson’s ALS diagnosis sent shockwaves through the NFL and the Nashville community, and the outpouring of support has reintroduced the Ice Bucket Challenge to a new generation. But 12 years after the original viral sensation raised millions for medical advancement, the question remains: why is ALS research still so far behind?
I sat down with Indu Navar, founder and CEO of Everything ALS, to find out what has actually changed, what hasn’t, and what people like you and me can do right now to help.
The Ice Bucket Challenge raised awareness, but ALS treatment hasn’t kept pace
Navar, who lost her husband to the disease in 2019, didn’t mince words about the state of ALS care. The numbers are staggering and upsetting. Every 90 minutes, someone in the United States is diagnosed with ALS. Every 90 minutes, someone dies from it. And the diagnostic process hasn’t meaningfully changed since Lou Gehrig’s famous speech in 1939.
“We’ve known this for 90 years,” Navar said. “And up to today, we’re still diagnosing somebody the same way and saying every 90 minutes, ‘you have 2 to 5 years to live.' That’s what we did 70 years ago!”
She pointed to the comparable diseases that have seen breakthroughs. Multiple sclerosis now has roughly 40 different treatments available. Spinal muscular atrophy, a pediatric motor neuron disease, has seen near-cure therapies developed in the 21st century.
ALS has seen nothing close to that level of progress.
The 2014 Ice Bucket Challenge generated enormous awareness, but Navar was candid about its limitations. For most people, it was a social media moment first and a genuine charitable cause second. The deeper understanding of what ALS actually does to the body, and how woefully underfunded its research remains, never fully took root.
Why ALS research keeps starting from scratch
Funding is part of the problem, but Navar identified something more fundamental about the problem: ALS moves fast. Patients deteriorate rapidly, and families are devastated. Then they walk away from the cause, because the person they loved is gone.
“You really don’t get the staying power,” Navar explained. “The movement is a revolving door. You start a movement, everybody starts something when they’re shocked, and then it dwindles down.”
That revolving door means institutional knowledge leaves with each wave of families. New patients and caregivers enter the system with no foundation, asking the same basic questions about speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and treatment options that the previous generation already answered.
That cycle is exactly why Navar founded Everything ALS as a tech nonprofit. Her organization hosts expert talks where patients and families can ask questions. The goal is to build a permanent platform of accumulated knowledge rather than letting each new family start from zero.
How technology and AI could finally change the trajectory
Here’s where Navar’s background as a tech entrepreneur shines. She argued that ALS measurement tools are stuck in the past. The current standard asks patients to rate their own speech, walking, and breathing on a scale of 0 to 4. That subjective, rudimentary scale is the primary measurement used in clinical trials.
“How do you know what a 3, 2, 1 is?” Navar asked. “It’s not like you know the disease. Everybody’s slope is different.”
Everything ALS is building objective measurement tools using AI and machine learning. Their speech study collects voice data from both ALS patients and healthy individuals of the same age, allowing algorithms to track real changes over time rather than relying on patient guesswork. That data can then be fed back to clinicians and used to optimize clinical trials.
The organization also built an AI product called Sava AI, a generative AI chatbot that helps patients find clinical trials in their region. Navar said that roughly 78% of ALS patients who want to participate in clinical trials don’t know where to go. Her tool is designed to change that.
What you can do right now
Johnson’s decision to use his platform to revive the Ice Bucket Challenge and rally donations has been impactful already. But Navar stressed that the average person can contribute beyond dumping ice water on their head. Downloading the Everything ALS app and participating in the speech study takes as little as two minutes. You don’t need to have ALS or even know someone with it. Researchers need healthy control data just as much as patient data to build the AI models that could accelerate treatment development.
The sports world, and Nashville in particular, is fired up right now. The challenge is converting that energy into something that outlasts the news cycle. Johnson gave ALS its highest-profile moment in years. What people do with that moment beyond social media will determine whether this time is any different.
What’s the point of NFL training camp without arguing over the back end of a wide receiver depth chart? This year’s contenders in Titans land: Bryce Oliver, KJ Osborn, and Xavier Restrepo.
The Tennessee Titans wide receiver depth chart is taking shape ahead of training camp, and the competition for the final roster spots at the bottom of the room is shaping up to be a three-man race.
Titans WR depth is solid at the top, with Carnell Tate, Wan’Dale Robinson, Calvin Ridley, Elic Ayomanor, and Chimere Dike all locks to make the 53-man roster. But behind that group, the battle between Bryce Oliver, Xavier Restrepo, and KJ Osborne for the 6th and potentially 7th wide receiver spots is the position group storyline worth tracking this summer in Nashville.
What makes this competition extra compelling is that all three players represent completely different archetypes, and each arrived in Tennessee through completely different paths.
Xavier Restrepo: The summer star with a ceiling question
Restrepo, who came aboard as Cam Ward’s college connection last offseason after going undrafted, has been the kind of practice standout who makes it hard to look away. He’s a slot-only receiver who defies what you’d expect from him on paper given his physical measurements. In limited action on Sundays last season, he showed he can at least hang at the NFL level. He has somewhat usurped Mason Kinsey as the junkyard-dog, practice-squad-vibes-guy in Tennessee it seems, and his teammates and coaches get visibly fired up when he makes plays.
But physical limitations are real, and the common thread for all three of these players is that the Titans already have five receivers who will eat offensive snaps when healthy. The real question for a player like Restrepo isn’t whether he can contribute on offense in a pinch. It’s whether special teams coordinator Bones Fassel can carve out a role for him on those units. If Restrepo proves he’s a credit to special teams this summer, he has a real shot at one of these spots. If not, he’s likely headed for the Kinsey mold: first or second guy up off the practice squad, somebody the organization fights to keep around because of his value as a leader and weekly competitor.
Bryce Oliver: The special teams ace with a lingering question mark
Oliver is the guy I’d peg as having the upper hand in this competition if it weren’t for one thing: what happened last year?
He’s been with Tennessee for a handful of seasons as a former undrafted free agent and has established himself as a special teams ace. We know how much Fassel relies on him as a gunner. But he's not a special teams-only guy either! He brings something to the table as a receiver in rotation or in relief due to injuries, and he has a body type that works inside and outside, which is in shorter supply on this roster.
A lower body injury kept him out for most of last season, and the circumstances surrounding it left some unanswered questions. One of the things that stuck with me is that former coach Brian Callahan, in one of his final press conferences before being fired ahead of Week 7, mentioned Oliver as a guy who might be coming back soon. But we never saw Oliver catch a pass again.
Week after week, we’d see him at practice and in the locker room, and the vibe was simply that he was trying to get back to 100%. Whether there was a medical situation beyond what was communicated, a mental hurdle he was working through, or some calculated decision-making given the coaching instability, I genuinely don’t know. He’s back at practice now, and that injury situation is the only thing keeping me from calling him a roster lock.
KJ Osborne: The proven veteran filling a familiar role
Osborne is the newcomer NFL veteran in camp this year, filling the shoes of James Proche from a year ago. If you remember the offseason conversation around Proche, he was the guy who kept making plays in practice to the point where you just couldn’t ignore him. Osborne is already doing that same thing.
He has easily the most established NFL track record of these three. Earlier in his career with Minnesota, he had a 3-season stretch where he accumulated nearly 2000 yards and 15 touchdowns. He was a significant contributor for a real team!
What happened after he left the Vikings, I haven’t had a chance to fully investigate. But what I’m seeing in practice lines up with those Minnesota numbers.
The real question for Osborne is the same one facing the other two: how much does this coaching staff expect to lean on its 6th or 7th receiver? If there were only four locks ahead of him, his chances would look different because that 5th receiver role demands genuine offensive ability, and he has it. But with five locks already in place, the calculus shifts toward special teams value.
The bottom line
That’s what this entire competition will probably come down to. We’ll spend the summer weeks talking about what these three do in team drills on offense, when we should really be paying closer attention to how often Fassel is using them during special teams periods. The preseason games will be the real tell. How much and how often Oliver, Restrepo, and Osborne are deployed on those units may be the clearest clue to who’s making this roster and who isn’t.
Calvin Ridley, Elic Ayomanor, and Chimere Dike: The Titans WR room has some very legitimate depth. And while their individual impacts on this roster may be different, they share a common theme:
The Tennessee Titans wide receiver room has clear headliners in Carnell Tate and Wan’Dale Robinson, the two weight-bearing pieces LINK the front office spent big to acquire this offseason. The back end of the depth chart features Mason Kinsey, K.J. Osborn, and Bryce Oliver scrapping for roster spots through August.
But between those two tiers sits a group of three receivers who are certain to make the 53-man roster, certain to play on Sundays, and yet unlikely to be the primary targets in the Titans passing game. Calvin Ridley, Elic Ayomanor, and Chimere Dike are the middle class of this wide receiver room, and they might matter more than people think.
Ridley as the turbo boost button
Ridley is heading into his age-32 season, his third with Tennessee. His tenure has been an up-and-down ride. He eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards in his first year catching passes from Mason Rudolph and Will Levis during a three-win campaign.
The following season brought another three-win year, but Ridley was barely a part of it. He appeared in seven games and started six, but a soft tissue injury against the Raiders pulled him out very early. After returning from a brief rehab stint, he caught a first-down pass over the middle on his very first play back a few weeks later and broke his leg in the process.
His recovery has been ahead of the medical timeline many expected, and he was already flashing his trademark movement skills during OTAs and mandatory minicamp this spring in a way that suggests he should be 100% by the regular season.
The meaningful difference for Ridley in 2026 is that for the first time as a Titan, he is no longer a foundational piece of the offense. Tatum and Robinson sit ahead of him on the depth chart as steady, reliable options. If Ridley is less effective or unavailable, it is no longer the disaster it once was for Tennessee. That reality makes him icing on the cake rather than a load-bearing wall.
Here’s the thing about Ridley, though: he is the nitrous button for this offense. He has never been a superstar player, but he possesses star ability in flashes. His burst, his top speed, and his violence in and out of cuts still stand out in practice even alongside talented teammates.
When he has one of his takeover games, it raises the floor for the entire Titans offense. As long as Daboll avoids building the plane out of a play-in, play-out necessity for Ridley’s involvement (and I trust him not to), utilizing him when he’s available and at his best is a genuine credit to this roster construction. I also wouldn’t be surprised if the reduced pressure puts Ridley in a better mental spot than he’s been in since arriving in Nashville.
Dike and Ayomanor are properly slotted now
Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor can be discussed as a duo. Both were Day 3 picks from GM Mike Borgonzi’s first draft class. Both are entering Year 2 with Cam Ward, which gives them a chemistry advantage over the new additions who are still building rapport.
Last season, they were thrust into positions where they were forced to bite off more than they should have been chewing. Ayomanor finished with 515 yards on 41 receptions and four touchdowns, Dike posted 423 yards on 48 receptions with four touchdowns of his own, and they tied for the team lead in receiving scores. That production is simultaneously a mark of two overachieving fourth-round picks, and a mark of a bad team. You don’t want to be relying on Day 3 rookies as your second and third leading receivers, as it turns out!
What stands out about both players goes beyond the stat sheet. They are trusted, responsible, and process-oriented. By all accounts, they bring a steadying presence that reflects the football character Borgonzi has prioritized for this roster. I think they’re poster boys for that philosophy.
I still believe both have the potential to be No. 2-4 receivers in the NFL. I don’t see either becoming a true No. 1, but they could solidify themselves as starters in this league, whether in Tennessee or elsewhere down the road. The difference now is context. They’ve gone from being borderline emergency starters filling in for an injured Ridley, to being the fourth and fifth receivers on a properly constructed depth chart. Playing to their strengths in specific circumstances is so much better than the fire they walked into last year.
That’s the theme connecting all three of these players. Ridley, Dike, and Ayomanor feel properly slotted into a wide receiver depth chart for the first time since any of them arrived in Tennessee. Maximizing their roles rather than overextending them should lead to more efficient play from each, and I think it makes the Titans better as a whole.
He was set to be on their roster for 2025 but had to go on Injured Reserve in June and never returned.
Taylor became a free agent this offseason and didn't sign with anyone.
Now at 32, he is hanging up his cleats.
Taylor finishes with 80 NFL games played, totaling 88 catches for 845 yards and three scores.
The 49ers may have not gotten the next late-round slot gem, but Taylor worked hard to stick around, and now he retires knowing he did what he could to last.
Mar 31, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Klint Kubiak and the Las Vegas Raiders seem to have one national outlet believing in them way more than others are. Bleacher Report seems to think this team could be a surprise playoff team.
The Las Vegas Raiders made Bleacher Report Gridiron’s list of five potential surprise playoff teams, and while they may be one of the few outlets willing to put that prediction into the ether, it raises a fair question about where this roster actually stands heading into the 2026 season.
Most expect Vegas to double its win total from last year, which sounds nice until you remember the Raiders won only three games. Jumping to six wins isn’t exactly a seismic leap. Making the playoffs, though? That’s a different conversation entirely.
Gridiron sees the vision. 👀 Don't be surprised when you see the #Raiders playing in January 🏴☠️
The Raiders play in one of the toughest divisions in football. If they want to win the AFC West, they have to go through the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, and Denver Broncos. Kansas City is still a dynasty until proven otherwise, with one of the best players in NFL history in quarterback Patrick Mahomes and multiple Super Bowl titles over the last few years.
The Broncos were a few plays away from a Super Bowl appearance last season. The Chargers are always a strong regular-season team, even if they never seem to translate that into postseason success. That leaves the Raiders still trying to figure out where they fit. Even making the wild card, which likely requires finishing second in the division, feels like a stretch right now. Las Vegas could just as easily finish third or fourth again.
Then there’s quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the franchise signal-caller, who might not even play this season because veteran Kirk Cousins is still performing at a high level. Vegas also improved its offensive line depth this offseason. On the defensive side, the Raiders spent heavily in free agency and used draft capital to bolster that unit as well.
Should you bet on this team? Probably not
The honest answer is no, nobody should put their money on the Raiders making the playoffs. The roster improvements are real, and the talent is undeniable in spots. But translating that into enough wins to crack the postseason field in the AFC West requires more than on-paper potential. It requires consistency, quarterback clarity, and a lot of things breaking their way.
That said, Bleacher Report thinks Vegas is a team worth watching, and that alone has to feel good for a franchise coming off a three-win season. The Raiders have built something worth monitoring, even if the playoff conversation still feels premature.
The Arizona Cardinals report to training camp on July 22 and begin the process of preparing for the regular season, forming the roster and determining starting jobs and roles on the team.
Leading up to the start of camp, we will take a look at every player on the offseason roster, their background, their contract, their play in 2025, questions they face and their roster outlook.
Here is Hjalte Froholdt.
Hjalte Froholdt background, 2025 season
Froholdt enters his eighth NFL season and fourth with the Cardinals. He has been the Cardinals' starting center since signing with them in 2023. He was originally drafted by the New England Patriots in 2019 in the fourth round. Last season, he started all 17 games for the Cardinals at center and logged 1,121 total snaps on offense.
Hjalte Froholdt contract details, salary cap hit
Froholdt enters the final year of his two-year, $12 million extension. In 2026, he will make almost $4.8 million in salary and his cap hit will be nearly $7 million after he was paid a $500,000 roster bonus in March.
Roster outlook, questions he faces
Froholdt has established himself as a quality starting center in the league. He continues to be the guy anchoring the middle of the line and is basically a lock for the final roster.
However, the question that he faces is whether or not the Cardinals will try to give him a contract extension for beyond this season. Otherwise, he will be an unrestricted free agent in 2027.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple Podcasts.
The Minnesota Vikings' quarterback competition has been the dominating storyline since the team signed Kyler Murray in March. Kevin O'Connell has maintained that the team is holding an "open competition" between Murray and 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy.
But O'Connell, who joined the Dan Patrick Show last week, believes that a certain degree of quarterback health could be as important to the team's success as who emerges as the starter heading into Week 1
"The two years we had our starter play the whole season, we won 13 and 14 games," O'Connell said. "We want to try to get back to the standard of having the quarterback position be a driving force behind us winning."
"The two years we had our starter play the whole season, we won 13 and 14 games. We want to try to get back to the standard of having the quarterback position be a driving force behind us winning."
Although McCarthy largely underperformed in 2025, he did improve in December and January. Unfortunately, injuries forced him to miss the second halves of the Week 16 game against the Giants and the Week 18 game against the Packers. McCarthy missed the Christmas Day game against the Lions in Week 17 as well.
Had he stayed healthy throughout the season, perhaps McCarthy would have maintained a more consistent trajectory, helping him develop into a reliable quarterback later in the year. But his injury, as well as Carson Wentz being lost for the season in October, helped torpedo the team's playoff chances before December even rolled around.
Murray has had his own injury issues throughout the seasons, playing a full season only once over the past four years. If he can win the job and stay healthy, maybe he can return to his Pro Bowl form from 2021.
But even if he never reaches his early career heights, Murray could help the Vikings return to the playoffs just by being available and healthy. Stability and availability are almost just as vital to winning games as providing highlights. O'Connell believes Minnesota could use that, at the very least, to get back on track in 2026.
The Minnesota Vikings are close to admitting defeat on the J.J. McCarthy era, with the 2024 first-round pick set expected to battle for the QB1 spot with Kyler Murray when training camp begins later this month. However, the general consensus from beat reporters who have covered the offseason practices has been that Murray appears to have the upper hand in the competition.
Even if Murray wins the job and plays well in 2026, there is no guarantee he will be back in Minnesota next year. He signed a one-year, $1.3 million deal in March that featured a no-tag clause, meaning the Vikings can't place the franchise tag on him to retain his rights.
That could mean Minnesota is once again searching for a quarterback in next year's draft, whether or not the season plays out well. Paul M. Banks from Giants Wire is among those who believes the Vikings will take a swing on one of the quarterbacks in next year's class, which could have as many as six signal-callers go in the first round.
Banks has Minnesota taking Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin with the 13th overall pick, writing, "The Vikings may be ready to give up [and move on] from JJ McCarthy sooner than you think. #JustSayin".
Sayin is coming off a fantastic 2025 campaign in which he completed 301-of-392 passes for 3,610 yards (9.2 YPA), 32 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. He is smaller in stature, standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 208 pounds, which could force him to slide down the board.
However, there is still plenty of hype surrounding Sayin. He is currently ranked No. 2 on PFF's 2027 Big Board. Another season like 2025 could solidify him in the top five, which would mean the Vikings would have to either trade up (assuming they finish with the 13th pick) or fans would have to hope the team "tanks" for a quarterback of Sayin's caliber.
The quarterback competition is the main storyline heading into Vikings training camp later this month. Yet the team may not have its long-term answer at the position until next year's draft. Sayin could finally fit the mold of the franchise quarterback this team has sought for decades.
We're making the difficult decision of ranking the Los Angeles Rams as having the best receiving corps in the NFC West. Puka Nacua finished second in receiving yards (1,715) behind Smith-Njigba. Opposite Nacua, Davante Adams led all wideouts in receiving touchdowns with 14. That's pretty incredible.
Seattle Seahawks
Smith-Njigba will be the focal point of Brian Fleury's 2026 offense for the Seahawks. Aging veteran Cooper Kupp is still impactful, and Rashid Shaheed is expected to be heavily involved after signing a new contract with the Seahawks earlier this offseason. A healthy Tory Horton could also play a role.
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers revamped their receiving corps by signing Mike Evans and Christian Kirk in free agency. They also drafted De'Zhaun Stribling at No. 33 overall. They've revamped the room nicely after the fallout with Brandon Aiyuk.
Marvin Harrison Jr. was limited by injury in 2025 and hasn't yet met the borderline unfair expectations he was tagged with coming out of Ohio State. Michael Wilson became a 1,000-yard receiver this past season. The Cardinals also added savvy veteran Kendrick Bourne via free agency.
Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears are coming up on their second season together, and if it's anything like his debut with the team, the fanbase is in for a treat.
But, things aren't perfect in Chicago. Johnson made a few calls during the offseason that have raised eyebrows and made people ask, "What is he thinking?"
Don't doubt Johnson, though. Just look at last season. No. 1 in the NFC North. In the playoffs. Johnson totally turned this franchise around on a dime. But, that doesn't mean he's perfect, and one of his decisions is getting some pushback.
Ben Johnson and the Bears getting pushback on Garrett Bradbury trade
General manager Ryan Poles should get some slack for this decision, too. During the offseason, the Bears traded a 2027 fifth-round pick to the New England Patriots for Garrett Bradbury. Then, they picked center Logan Jones in the second round of the 2026 NFL draft. It seemed unnecessary at best.
"Don't be surprised if the Bears bench Bradbury for Jones at some point in the upcoming campaign because of the veteran's pass-protection issues," he says. "According to Pro Football Focus, Bradbury didn't surrender a sack but allowed 20 pressures over 642 pass-blocking snaps last season."
"Well, the future at the position may play earlier than expected if Bradbury struggles to protect franchise quarterback Caleb Williams," Moton says.
So, while Johnson has earned the right to make some weird moves, this one could come back to bite him and Chicago. Or, it could prove to be a good move and silence the critics.
On January 15, 2017, the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs on the strength of six Chris Boswell field goals. It was a massive road win and sent the Steelers to the AFC title game against the New England Patriots.
The Chiefs win would mark the last time the Steelers won a playoff game and if you believe in curses, the infamous Facebook Live video former Steeler Antonio Brown did postgame in the locker room. Brown did it as part of a brand deal with Facebook and even livestreamed during former head coach Mike Tomlin's postgame speech, although it was clear Tomlin had no idea.
In case you missed it, you can check it out here in all its glory.
Brown was not disciplined for this violation of team rules and when he was asked, played it off like he didn't even know it happened.
The next week, this confident group headed to New England and were promptly blown out by Tom Brady at the Patriots, 36-17. Including this loss, the Steelers have dropped seven straight playoff games.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell appeared on The Dan Patrick Show on Thursday and addressed the quarterback competition between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy by directing the conversation away from who has an edge and toward what the organization needs from whoever wins the job.
"The goal going into this offseason was to elevate the quarterback position because when we have a certain standard of play that we feel like we have multiple guys in that room that we feel are capable of reaching that standard, the Minnesota Vikings win football games," O'Connell said. "The best way to achieve that is having a daily attempt to have guys push each other and not just always need the outside noise or not always need what the narratives may be. Let's roll the ball out there, and let's try to help the Minnesota Vikings get better."
Minnesota went 9-8 in 2025 and missed the playoffs
He was direct about where the competition stands while declining to show any preference.
Vikings' QB battle: Kevin O'Connell looking for either Kyler Murray or J.J. McCarthy to set "standard"https://t.co/J6lNYi5swu
"I'm not really familiar with a closed competition," O'Connell said. On the specific players: "Kyler has come in and done a great job. J.J., I think, has benefited from it; he's had a really good spring. Carson Wentz is this veteran quarterback in the room."
O'Connell also anchored his definition of the standard to the team's own history.
"As a guy who's played seven or eight quarterbacks in four years, the two years we had our starter play the whole season, we won 13 and 14 games," he said. "We want to try to get back to the standard of having the quarterback position be a driving force behind us winning by doing their job, by hopefully activating the great players they get to play with."
Those 13 and 14-win seasons came with Kirk Cousins and Sam Darnold as the starters. Darnold left Minnesota after 2024 and went on to win Super Bowl LX with the Seattle Seahawks. McCarthy took over as the starter in 2025 and completed 57.6 percent of his passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions across 10 starts in what was a developmental first year.
Murray, who signed a one-year deal with Minnesota after the Arizona Cardinals released him this offseason, is regarded by most observers as the frontrunner despite O'Connell's careful neutral framing.
The competition will continue once training camp opens in Eagan later this month.
While O'Connell is comfortable letting it play out in practice, he has indicated a timeline for a decision, stating that the team has a structured internal plan and does not want to drag the process too deep into August.
Justin Jefferson, coming off his quietest professional season by volume, is the most significant beneficiary of whoever produces the clearest answer by Week 1.
So far, the tenure of Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan has been a smashing success. There have been some mistakes, but Morgan has far more hits than misses so far—including the first two big moves that he made after taking over the front office.
Those would be the massive contracts he handed out in free agency to left guard Damien Lewis (four years, $53 million) and right guard Robert Hunt (five years, $100 million) in 2024. Together, they have solidified the interior of a unit that is the strongest on the roster right now.
Even though Hunt only appeared in two games last season due to a pectoral injury, he's still impressed enough since joining Carolina to earn an honorable mention in ESPN's top-10 interior lineman rankings.
Senior NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler—who polled league executives and coaches for the list—included the following quote on Hunt from an NFC scout:
"He's not in the elite group, but as a run-game mauler, there aren't many better. He just wasn't healthy last year."
Hunt didn't play enough snaps in 2025 to qualify, but the blurb checks out. In 2024, Hunt earned a 57.5 grade in pass blocking from Pro Football Focus to go with a much stronger 72.0 in run blocking. He'd earn his first Pro Bowl nod that year.
In any case, Hunt is clearly established as one of the game's best guards—and with another high-quality season, Lewis should be joining him in that conversation soon.
This week, former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joe Haden brought to light a part of former head coach Mike Tomlin's style that most of the fanbase already understood. Many players said Tomlin was the kind of coach who could make you run through a wall but was also a coach who showed clear favoritism to certain players.
There's no example better of this than former Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown during the team's 2016 training camp.
As everyone knows, when the Steelers hold training camp, they do so at Saint Vincent College. One of the traditions is for the team to stay in the dorms. The walk in videos and pictures at Latrobe are great seeing all the guys show up with their favorite pillows, game systems and suitcases. But there are always a few faces that we never see or only show up briefly.
In 2016, Brown showed up to Saint Vincent College in a galaxy themed Rolls Royce with his private Chef Niko along for the ride. A flamboyant entrance was nothing new but it was everything after that really illustrated just how much Tomlin turned a blind eye. Brown and his family rented a home near campus instead of having Brown stay on campus. This on its own isn't ideal but Brown decided to chronicle his time at the rental on social media, just throwing it in Tomlin's face that he doesn't have to follow the rules, and nothing was done about it. Browns chef brought even more negative attention to him during the training camp when he parked Brown's Rolls Royce in an handicap parking spot at a local restaurant and then went on a tirade on social media about being criticized for it.
Tomlin rarely got the best out of guys like Brown because there was no pressure on them to lead and perform. This is part of why Tomlin's Steelers teams has so much talent on paper but constantly lost games they should have won, knowing their head coach would protect their poor effort to the media.
The 2026 World Cup has been incredible and it has been the talk of the sports world this summer. The fact that it only happens once every four years highlights how special it can be.
But what if the NFL season worked the same way? Carter Bahns of CBS Sports set up the upcoming NFL season in the same format as the World Cup, separating the league's 32 teams into eight groups, which led to round robin play and a 16-team knockout round.
Bahns used Pete Prisco's April power rankings to help randomly select the groups, making sure that teams from the same division were not in the same group. So, how did the Denver Broncos finish?
The Broncos were selected into Group D along with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Minnesota Vikings and Miami Dolphins. It's an interesting group with two AFC teams and two NFC teams. The Broncos and Dolphins, who completed a trade for Jaylen Waddle this offseason, were placed together.
The Broncos went 3-0 in the group with narrow wins over the Bucs and Vikings before blowing out the Dolphins in the third game. That gave them nine points to advance out of the group along with the Vikings, who had six points.
"I still believe in Kyler Murray. Not to the extent that he will light the world on fire, but to the extent that he can be an average to slightly-above-average quarterback capable of taking full advantage of Justin Jefferson being his right-hand man. The Vikings can really threaten the Broncos in this group if everything comes together there. We're still going with Denver to roll through the group stage, though. The reigning AFC runners-up will not have much trouble with a Buccaneers team trending in the wrong direction and a Dolphins squad that is squarely in the race for the No. 1 pick in next year's draft", wrote Bahns.
Moving on to the Round of 16, the Broncos draw the San Francisco 49ers, who they will face in Week 4 of the actual season. In this exercise, they're predicted to beat the 49ers by a score of 19-17. However, in the quarterfinals, the Broncos are upended by the Cincinnati Bengals and Joe Burrow, 34-30.
The Bengals then lose in the semi-finals to a Los Angeles Rams team that will be the pick of many to win the Super Bowl this year, and that is how Bahns sees things going as well.
The Broncos fall short of their ultimate goal of winning the Super Bowl against a team that most won't see as ready to take that step in 2026, but this was still a fun look into what the NFL could be like if it put together a World Cup-style tournament.
The natural grass surface installed at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been removed, per Caleb Pongratz, via Dov Kleiman on X, with the stadium returning to artificial turf ahead of the 2026 NFL season. The field hosted seven World Cup matches before the removal.
The NFLPA issued a pointed statement the moment the contrast became undeniable.
"The temporary installation of natural grass fields for the World Cup is a choice by certain NFL team owners to do for soccer players what they refuse to do for NFL players," the union said. "It's no longer a question of capability: the technology exists, the expertise exists and the resources exist to install the high-level grass fields that our players overwhelmingly prefer. We have seen the meaningful investments made to meet the standard for international athletes and global events. NFL players — who regularly compete on these fields, help fund these stadiums, and whose work makes the league what it is today — deserve the same commitment to quality grass fields."
The stadium hosted seven World Cup matches before the removal
Gillette was one of at least five NFL venues that installed temporary natural grass for the tournament, as FIFA mandates natural surfaces at all its events. The stadium had used artificial turf since November 2006, but its original 2002 construction included an irrigation system and underground heating infrastructure that made the conversion manageable.
Terrible: The natural grass surface installed at the Patriots Gillette Stadium for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially been removed.
Field superintendent Ryan Bjorn said the installation process took six weeks, starting the day after the Patriots' Super Bowl send-off rally on February 1.
Patriots players welcomed the temporary change.
"Playing on grass is a lot less taxing on the knees and ankles and joints like that," running back Rhamondre Stevenson said, mentioning that feeling sore is pretty common after games on turf.
"Just speaking personally for myself, I love playing on grass," safety Brenden Schooler said. "I think it’s got more give on it, doesn’t hurt as bad when you fall. When it’s freezing out, it doesn’t cut you up as bad as turf does. You don’t have to worry about turf burn. And I think from doing my own research and looking at data and stuff, I think turf — you have the unfortunate thing that you kind of get caught up, and guys get rolled up on, and your knee gets, or ankle gets stuck. And like I was saying, grass has got a little bit more give."
The NFLPA separately polled 1,700 players and found 92 percent prefer natural grass over turf. 49ers tight end George Kittle said this month on the Pardon My Take podcast: "If you can put grass in MetLife and in SoFi, I think you could do that year-round if you really gave a shit."
The NFL has pointed to its own injury data showing comparable rates between surfaces: 0.43 injuries per 100 plays on artificial turf and 0.42 on grass.
The NFLPA disputes the framing, citing a 28 percent higher rate of non-contact lower extremity injuries on turf and a 69 percent higher rate of non-contact foot and ankle injuries compared to natural surfaces.
The grass is now gone from Gillette. The argument over why it could not stay is not.
But unlike the second round, when he finished with five pars in a row, Lawrence got on the bogey train after a promising start and couldn't get off.
Lawrence had a net four points for the day under the Stableford scoring system (six points for eagles, three for birdies, one for pars, zero for bogeys and minus-two for double-bogeys or worse) with his sixth par of the day at No. 11, but then doubled two of his next three holes and finished with four bogeys in a row for an 87 and a points score of net zero.
Lawrence, who shot 87, finished at net zero for 54 holes and was tied for 48th with Jay Bilis. However, Lawrence improved from last year, when he tied for 75th.
Lawrence also routed playing partners, Tampa Bay Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield (minus-13 points on a 95) and Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell (minus-8 points on a 92, minus-44 total). Mayfield was in a tie for 77th when he finished and O'Connell in 82nd place.
Lawrence had two birdies in the first round and didn't make another the rest of the tournament. But he had only three double bogeys in the final round, after five in the second round and four in the first.
Vince Coleman posts another solid day
Raines graduate Vince Coleman, the last Major League Baseball player to steal 100 bases in a season, had an early birdie, then weathered two doubles and shot 82 for plus-7 points and a 54-hole total of plus-28. He finished alone in 18th.
Former tennis player Mardy Fish won his second American Century title by six points over 2025 champion Joe Pavelski. Fish had 20 points on the day and finished with 72 overall, to Pavelski's 66. Steph Curry (59) was third and Annika Sorenstam (58) was fourth.
The Kansas City Chiefs will enter the 2026 NFL season with a chip on their shoulder after failing to qualify for the playoffs last year.
A serious lower-body injury sustained by quarterback Patrick Mahomes ultimately doomed Kansas City's 2025 campaign, but the star passer's presumptive return to action in Week 1 should put wind in the Chiefs' sails as the team endeavors to punch its ticket to another Super Bowl.
Take a look at this brief profile of Mahomes and every other quarterback who is currently on Kansas City's roster before Chiefs training camp kicks off in St. Joseph, Missouri, later this month:
QB Patrick Mahomes
Kansas City acquired Patrick Mahomes in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He will be the Chiefs' starting quarterback next season, and should be expected to play with an extra intensity as he returns from a knee injury that prematurely ended his 2025 regular-season campaign.
2026 cap number: $34,653,888
QB Justin Fields
A key free agency addition, Fields is expected to be Mahomes' backup next season and originally entered the league as a first-round pick of the Chicago Bears in the 2021 NFL Draft.
2026 cap number: $3,000,000
QB Garrett Nussmeier
Nussmeier was Kansas City's final pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and is likely to earn a spot on the Chiefs' practice squad after training camp — if Andy Reid doesn't decide to carry a third quarterback on the team's final 53-man roster.
2026 cap number: $915,122
QB Chris Oladokun
A savvy veteran, Oladokun will likely spend the 2026 season competing for playing time on an NFL practice squad. While he isn't expected to push for a roster spot, Oladokun should be expected to see action in all of Kansas City's preseason exhibitions.
The Arizona Cardinals report to training camp on July 22 and begin the process of preparing for the regular season, forming the roster and determining starting jobs and roles on the team.
Leading up to the start of camp, we will take a look at every player on the offseason roster, their background, their contract, their play in 2025, questions they face and their roster outlook.
Here is guard Hayden Conner.
Hayden Conner background, 2025 season
Conner enters his second NFL season and second with the Cardinals. He was drafted last year in the sixth round out of Texas. He began the season on injured reserve with a knee injury he suffered in the preseason. He was activated to the 53-man roster for the final six weeks of the season, was inactive one game and appeared in five games, logging 29 snaps on offense and 19 on special teams.
Hayden Conner contract details, salary cap hit
Conner is in Year 2 of his four-year rookie contract worth more than $4.1 million. He is scheduled to make almost $1.01 million in 2026, the league minimum for a second-year player, and his contract will count almost $1.05 million against the salary cap.
Roster outlook, questions he faces
As a back-of-the-roster guy last year, he is in a battle for a spot on the roster. He is a player on the roster bubble. With the addition of guard Isaac Seumalo and guard Chase Bisontis in the draft, his spot is more tenuous, but if this coaching staff sees him more as a center, he will battle Jon Gaines for the backup center job.
Will these coaches see the potential the last staff thought he had?
The battle for the backups on the offensive line is going to be an interesting one to watch.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple Podcasts.
With training camp drawing closer, we will be highlighting the one big question that faces each Indianapolis Colts' position group.
Next up are the wide receivers. While we could focus on Alec Pierce and his ability to step into the clear-cut WR1 role, we'll instead go a different direction, focusing on one of the big training camp battles taking place this summer for WR3.
Who emerges as the Colts' third WR on the depth chart?
With Michael Pittman in Pittsburgh, the third starting wide receiver position is up for grabs. Competing for that job are several players, including Ashton Dulin, Laquon Treadwell, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and Deion Burks.
During offseason programs, of this group, Dulin seemed to stand out most and take the early lead in this battle, although there is still a long way to go.
Without Pittman, there will be a lot of production to replace. He saw a team-high 110 targets come his way last season. That said, whether it be Dulin or someone else, whoever ends up as WR3 on the depth chart won't be solely responsible for making up for Pittman's lost production.
Rather, it will be a group effort, with the Colts also leaning on their top players -- Pierce, Downs, and Tyler Warren. And while someone has to be WR3 on paper, we could see a rotation, with multiple players filling that role, depending on the matchup and in-game situations.
The Athletic's Matt Barrows singled out Jacob Cowing's third-year emergence as the most intriguing subplot of the San Francisco 49ers' 2026 offseason, with the speedy wideout drawing praise this spring after two injury-shortened seasons.
Barrows noted Cowing, who likely enters deep down the depth chart, has been one of the standouts of the spring. The receiver says he now understands how to manage the ailments that limited him early in his career.
If that’s true, he should add a speed element that was noticeably absent last year. Cowing might be the team’s fastest player, is good with the ball in his hands and is the lead candidate to return punts in 2026.
San Francisco took Cowing in the fourth round (No. 135 overall) out of Arizona in 2024, betting on a player who finished his college career with 268 catches for 4,477 yards and 27 touchdowns across stints at UTEP and Arizona. His NFL production has yet to reflect that pedigree, though. As a rookie, Cowing caught just four passes for 80 yards across 15 games while also handling 28 punt returns for 245 yards. A far more promising Year 2 never got off the ground after a hamstring injury during training camp landed him on injured reserve, wiping out his entire 2025 season.
Now healthy, Cowing enters a crowded but retooled receiver room behind free-agent addition Mike Evans, veteran Christian Kirk and 2024 first-rounder Ricky Pearsall, with second-round rookie De'Zhaun Stribling also in the mix. Head coach Kyle Shanahan made clear this spring he's encouraged by what he's seen from his returning young wideouts, especially Cowing and 2025 fourth-rounder Jordan Watkins.
"They all came back healthy," Shanahan said. "I was really excited how Jordan and Jake came back, though. You could tell they came back — it wasn't just healthy. You could tell they've been putting work in ... They've come here, to me, to play and work."
With Evans, Kirk and Pearsall projected as the top three targets, Cowing's clearest early path to snaps may come through special teams and a complementary role. But if his health holds, the tools are there for him to push for more.
The Seattle Seahawks have several players that are due to take the next step in 2026, but AJ Barner is a particular name to watch in the upcoming season.
“We somehow made it through the entire Seahawks Super Bowl run without calling Barner what he is: a rising top-10 TE,” Solak said. “There are precious few "complete" tight ends right now -- players who legitimately move the needle both as blockers and as receivers. And Barner can be both.”
Barner received the third-most targets in Seattle’s receiving corp last season with 68 and may be due for a rise in looks in 2026. Rashid Shaheed is positioned to have a larger workload next season, but his increased target share likely won’t limit Barner’s opportunities a great deal.
The 24-year-old Barner was a strong scoring threat for Seattle in 2025, having recorded seven total touchdowns from scrimmage on the year, and figures to be a favored target for Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold in scoring situations again in 2026.
Shortly after the Pittsburgh Steelers get together for training camp, the team will release its first official depth chart. The Steelers have multiple spot on the new-look offense up for grabs thanks to the moves new head coach Mike McCarthy has made. Here is our initial prediction for the Steelers first offensive depth chart.
Quarterback
We give Mason Rudolph the veteran nod here at the team's No. 2.
Aaron Rodgers - Mason Rudolph - Will Howard - Drew Allar
Running back
Lots of position battles here as this group shuffles through training camp and the preseason.
Jaylen Warren - Rico Dowdle - Kaleb Johnson - Eli Heidenreich - Travis Homer - Lew Nichols
Left wide receiver
We put Roman Wilson here but he could also be the No. 2 at slot receiver.
DK Metcalf - Roman Wilson - A.T. Perry - Levi Wentz
Right wide receiver
Lots of pressure on Pittman Jr. to perform with this depth.
Michael Pittman Jr. - Ben Skowronek - Joaquin Davis - Brandon Smith
Slot wide receiver
The rookie Bernard has been great in offseason work.
Germie Bernard - Kaden Wetjen - Max Hurleman
Tight end
Despite his new contract, we put Darnell Washington behind Freiermuth here.
Pat Freiermuth - Darnell Washington - Robert Tonyan - Jaheim Bell - JJ Galbreath - Lake McRee
Left tackle
It's been really quiet on the Broderick Jones news but we leave him as No. 2 for now.
Troy Fautanu - Broderick Jones - Lorenzo Thompson
Right tackle
We fully expect the rookie Iheanachor to eventually take over the starting job here.
Dylan Cook - Max Iheanachor - Jack Driscoll
Left guard
McCormick makes the move to the left with Troy Fautanu after starting at right guard last season.
Mason McCormick - Brock Hoffman - Steven Jones
Right guard
Like Cook, we feel like Spencer's hold on the starting spot is just temporary.
Spencer Anderson - Gennings Dunker - Doug Nester
Center
This is probably the least contested depth chart on offense.
We continue the countdown to the start of the Arizona Cardinals' regular season. Today, Saturday, July 12, is 64 days away from the Arizona Cardinals' regular-season opener on Sept. 13 on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers.
With 63 days until Week 1, let's look back at the 1963 season for the Cardinals.
A look back at the 1963 season for the Cardinals
The 1963 season was the first of two consecutive nine-win seasons. They went 9-5 in Wally Lemm's second year as head coach. It wasn't enough, though, to make the playoffs.
They finished fourth in the NFL in scoring, averaging 24.4 points per game and allowed 20.1 points per game, sixth in the 14-team league.
1963 individual honors, leaders
The Cardinals had five Pro Bowl players in 1963:
QB Charley Johnson
RG Ken Gray
C Bob DeMarco
LB Dale Meinert
S Larry Wilson
Gray and DeMarco were also both second-team All-Pros. Receiver Bobby Joe Conrad as a first-team All-Pro.
Johnson led the NFL with 423 passing attempts. He passed for 3,280 yards, 28 touchdowns and 21 interceptions.
Joe Childress led the team with 701 rushing yards, and Bill Triplett had 652. Both had over 1,000 yards from scrimmage, as Childress also caught 25 passes for 354 yards and Triplett had 31 receptions for 396 yards.
Conrad led the team and the league with 73 receptions. He had 967 yards and 10 touchdowns. Sonny Randle had 51 catches for 1,014 yards and 12 touchdowns.
On defense, cornerback Pat Fischer led with eight interceptions, while Wilson added four.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple Podcasts.
Cooper Kupp is heading into his second season with the Seattle Seahawks after being cut by the Los Angeles Rams last year, but he still hasn’t completely left Southern California or his former Rams teammates.
A new video from The Village, where several current and former Rams players work out, shows Kupp training with his good friend Puka Nacua. Both players are getting ready for their respective training camps, which begin later this month.
Kupp was a mentor to Nacua during their two seasons together with the Rams in 2023 and 2024, and it seems he’s still maintaining that “big brother” role to the young receiver in L.A.
Just don’t tell that to free-agent wideout Stefon Diggs.
During a recent video on his YouTube channel, Diggs proclaimed he’s the best No. 2 in the NFL.
“My opinion, I can compete with anybody,” Diggs said. “But take those as your ones (WR1), right? You can't name a number two better than me. There's not a number two on a team.”
Diggs just had 1,013 yards and four scores over 17 games in New England before getting released. Impressive numbers, considering he was 32 and coming off a torn ACL.
Higgins is in a different bracket when it comes to so-called No. 2 wideouts, though. He only had 846 yards over 15 games last year, but scored 11 times. He’s scored 21 times over the last two seasons and is on that four-year deal worth $115 million, so comparisons aren’t even really that fair these days.
All in good offseason fun, though. Diggs is confident and it isn’t that far off from the stuff Chase says. But Bengals fans would probably rightfully argue that the conversation about top No. 2 wideouts starts behind Higgins’ name.
Star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has been working out in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, ahead of the start of Denver Broncos training camp in Englewood, Colorado, later this month.
Tevin Allen and Tyrie Allen of “Gold Feet Global” have been training a group of NFL receivers including Ja'Marr Chase, Zay Flowers, Jerry Jeudy, Elijah Moore, Odell Beckham Jr. and Waddle this summer.
Here are some photos from Gold Feet's Instagram page:
"QB1 @jaylenwaddle is in mid season form … Hashtag More Than A Receiver 😂," @_joshuacox captioned the video.
With an arm like that, perhaps a trick play could be added to Denver's playbook this summer. Waddle completed his first career pass attempt with the Miami Dolphins last year, an eight-yard completion. We'll see if he adds to his passing stats in Denver this fall.
With seemingly each passing day, a new sign points toward Aaron Donald potentially coming out of retirement and returning to the Los Angeles Rams. On Friday, he was spotted working out at the Rams’ facility in Woodland Hills, something he’s reportedly done frequently in his two years since retiring.
Then on Saturday night, Myles Garrett posted a photo of his framed and signed Aaron Donald jersey with the caption, “Unpacking” and a shrugging emoji. Donald’s message to Garrett on the jersey was “Keep ballin, stay hungry + stay grindin”.
Naturally, Garrett’s post sent fans into a frenzy, speculating about what it means for Donald’s plans this season. Does Garrett know something that we don’t? Is Garrett really just unpacking and getting settled into his new place. Regardless, he knew what he was doing with this post.
It’s a bat signal to the Rams legend, who’s thinking about teaming up with Garrett for one season in L.A.
Fans on the Rams subreddit are convinced this means Donald is coming out of retirement to play for the Rams, though there has been no confirmation of that happening just yet.
Garrett would love to play alongside Donald, but he said he hasn't been trying to recruit him. He's letting Donald make the decision on his own time, but no matter what, it's at least in consideration for the former All-Pro defensive tackle.
With training camp around the corner, we should get some more clarity on Donald's plans in the coming weeks and months.
Following the 2025 trade of Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers, the Dallas Cowboys' pass rush struggled, resulting in an NFL-worst 30.1 points allowed per game.
The team attempted to patch it heading into the new season by hiring defensive coordinator Christian Parker and acquiring Quinnen Williams and Rashan Gary. But according to Locked On Cowboys, the fix still has a hole in it.
During a recent episode, hosts Marcus Mosher and Landon McCool expressed concern over the lack of a proven, one-on-one winning edge rusher for the Cowboys.
"If we're talking about pure edge rushers winning one-on-one situations, I think you have an argument that we don't have a lot of certainty there," McCool said. "If you start talking about what the Cowboys have on the interior, and their ability to hopefully create double teams or... free those guys up so everyone's getting one-on-ones — I think that helped last year."
That’s the bet Dallas is making by letting Williams and Clark collapse the pocket from the inside so the edges don't have to win clean reps. It’s a real path, but it leans heavily on scheme instead of pure talent. When Parsons was with the team, he used to erase that gap all by himself. Gary is productive, but he has never had to carry a pass-rush room as the lone "alpha."
Behind him, the depth is incredibly shaky. Donovan Ezeiruaku is still working his way back from a late-January hip surgery that sidelined him all spring. While he is on track for training camp, the staff will have to nurse him along early.
Then there is first-round rookie Malachi Lawrence. The UCF product took first-team reps this spring and is projected to play 40% to 45% of snaps as a third-down speed specialist, but he is completely unproven. Neither has shown they can beat an NFL tackle yet.
Training camp reps won't lie. If nobody separates by the preseason, Dallas might be forced to hunt the free-agent market before Week 1. They seem cold on Von Miller, but Jerry Jones could easily pivot to remaining veterans like Haason Reddick, Derek Barnett, or Yannick Ngakoue if the kids falter in Oxnard.
Jordyn Brooks has been on the Dallas Cowboys' radar for months, and now Dallas may have found the trade chip that gets a deal done.
FanSided's Wynston Wilcox suggested trading Guyton and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Miami Dolphins for the linebacker. The move would let Jerry Jones move on from an offensive line vulnerability while upgrading the defense.
The logic centers on Dallas' offensive line, which ranked No. 18 recently, with a significant portion of that lower grade tracing back to Guyton. Over 650 snaps in 2025, he earned a 57.5 overall PFF grade, ranking 71st out of 89 qualified tackles.
His pass protection was worse, ranking 81st after allowing 31 pressures, two sacks, and six quarterback hits. Dallas has already prepared for a potential roster change. They drafted Penn State Nittany Lions' Drew Shelton in the fourth round as a swing tackle, and journeyman Nate Thomas has 17 games of experience if Guyton is traded.
On the flip side, Brooks is coming off a solid year. He actually led the entire NFL with 183 tackles last season, adding 3.5 sacks and 20.5 tackles for loss. He’s entering the final year of the three-year, $26.25 million contract, and Miami's GM Jon-Eric Sullivan seems open to trading him since the Dolphins want to get younger.
Wilcox thinks Dallas will take their time with this, penning, "The Cowboys are going to see what their young players do through the preseason and evaluate if it's worth turning to more stability. Once they're hovering around a playoff spot, they'll make a desperate move and that feels like this."
This trade makes sense for Dallas. Their defense struggled last year, giving up a league-worst 30.1 points per game. Putting Brooks next to DeMarvion Overshown would fix their depth issues at linebacker.
However, giving up on Guyton this early will be a very tough call since he was a first-round pick. But if his film shows he cannot handle left tackle, trading him for a top defender is exactly the kind of value Jerry Jones looks for.
The Dallas Cowboys adjusted their front seven this offseason, but the linebacker position remains unsettled. Dee Winters and DeMarvion Overshown are the projected Week 1 starters, while young options Shemar James and Jaishawn Barham compete for the third linebacker spot.
Since the depth chart lacks experienced depth, Dallas Cowboys On SI's Mike Moraitis highlighted Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks as a logical trade target to secure the position.
The issues with the current group are pretty clear at this point. Winters is a functional but limited starter, Overshown is recovering from serious knee injuries that hindered his past two seasons, and Barham and James lack NFL experience. These uncertainties are risky for a defense trying to improve after allowing a league-worst 30.1 points per game in 2025. Brooks would resolve those concerns.
The 28-year-old is coming off an All-Pro season and Moraitis summarized his potential impact, noting, "Brooks would be just what the doctor ordered for the Cowboys to remedy that issue. He'd amount to a massive upgrade to the Cowboys' run defense and would add more speed to the unit, too."
The finances work for both teams. Miami is rebuilding under general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, and Brooks is in the final year of his contract without an extension.
Moraitis added, "It makes all the sense in the world for the Dolphins to sell high on a player who could very well be on the decline by the time Miami is finished with its rebuild."
For Dallas, adding an All-Pro run defender next to Overshown would resolve months of linebacker rumors, which have also included veteran Bobby Wagner as a backup option.
No deal is set yet. Dallas has been linked to Brooks since the spring without making a move, and Miami has not said he is available. Still, if the Cowboys want to fix their linebacker issues before Week 1, Brooks is their most effective option.
Josh Sweat produced on the field for the Arizona Cardinals in 2025. Off the field, the situation is complicated, giving Jerry Jones and the Dallas front office a reason to monitor the player's availability.
Sweat, who signed a four-year, $76.4 million contract with Arizona, skipped the team's voluntary offseason program. He reported only for mandatory minicamp to avoid fines and did not participate in on-field work.
Reporters indicate his absence stems from organizational disagreement, despite Sweat achieving a career-high 12 sacks last season. That impressive production is exactly why Dallas should keep tabs on the situation.
Sweat, who earned his championship ring at Super Bowl LIX, actually had the absolute best season of his career last year, putting up 30 tackles while playing in all 17 games. His numbers were a massive bright spot for an Arizona defense that finished tied for the third-fewest sacks in the entire league.
His frustration mainly stems from a coaching change. Jonathan Gannon, who coached Sweat back in Philly and convinced him to sign with Arizona in the first place, was fired in January after an underwhelming 4-13 season. Now, Sweat is stuck playing for a brand-new coaching staff he never signed up for.
NFLTradeRumors’ Logan Ulrich didn't mince words on the fallout last month, penning, "There's no shortage of reasons for him to be frustrated with the Cardinals right now, and the rest of the league knows it."
Dallas' fit is obvious when you look at it. The Cowboys' edge group is still pretty unproven. For example, Rashan Gary hasn't topped 7.5 sacks in either of the last two seasons, Malachi Lawrence and Donovan Ezeiruaku are both still raw, and Sam Williams is still developing.
For right now, Arizona insists Sweat isn't going anywhere. Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort hasn't shown any rush to move him, and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport completely dismissed all recent Green Bay Packers rumors.
But Sweat's contract has no guaranteed money left after this season. If Arizona falls out of the playoff race, the Nov. 3 trade deadline could change everything and Cowboys owner would be smart to stay ready.
The Indianapolis Colts' Quenton Nelson came in at No. 2 in ESPN's annual interior offensive linemen rankings.
Each year, Jeremy Fowler goes position by position, putting together a list of the 10 players from each unit. However, what makes these rankings unique is that a total of 70 NFL execs, coaches, and scouts were the voters. Other elements, such as research, interviews, and film analysis by Matt Bowen, factor in as well.
About to enter his ninth NFL season, Nelson continues to play at an extremely high level. Among all guards this season, Nelson ranked fourth in Pro Football Focus' pass-blocking efficiency and fourth in run-blocking grade.
He is an eight-time Pro Bowler and has made six All-Pro teams in his career.
"Some drop-off but still elite," an NFC executive told Fowler. "[He] was No. 1 for a long time, but the Smiths (Tyler and Trey) and [Quinn] Meinerz are on his heels."
Fowler wrote that Nelson has been a "beacon of consistency" for the Colts, with voters agreeing that he is still "very much an anchor" up front at age 30.
"Can anchor, bend, wide," an AFC exec told Fowler. "Not as dominant as before but better than he was in 2024."
Nelson is entering the final year of his current deal. ESPN's Bill Barnwell wrote recently that Nelson's next contract could make him the highest-paid guard in the NFL.
The Washington Commanders' 2025 season threw a wrench in the momentum the team gained in 2024. After making it to the NFC Championship in 2024, the Commanders won just five games in 2025, largely due to the sheer number of injuries on the team as well as the specific players who were injured.
That derailment is why experts and analysts across the league are wary of predicting a winning season for Washington. Still, one media outlet is warning the league not to sleep on the Commanders. Pro Football Sports Network's Jason Katz spoke on the Football Debate Club podcast and picked the Commanders as the league's biggest sleeper.
“There’s no debating Washington’s 2025 season,” Katz said. “It was a disaster.” The Commanders opened by alternating wins and losses through five games, lost eight straight after that, and saw their playoff hopes end with a Week 14 shutout in Minnesota. They stumbled to 5-12 and third in the NFC East. On the surface, that reads like a team that needs a full teardown.
Look closer, and the record is more injury report than talent evaluation. “But were they as bad as their 5-12 record might suggest?” Katz asked. “I say no.”
This is something we've talked about at Commanders Wire this offseason, too. The Commanders' 2025 season was in no way representative of what this team will look like in 2026. First, there are the injuries to consider. Not just the number of them, but who was injured.
Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin, Austin Ekeler, Dorance Armstrong, and Zach Ertz were among the most impactful losses to the Commanders. Ertz and Ekeler are no longer with the team, but the others remain on the roster. Combined with the roster and coaching changes this offseason, the Commanders are not the same team in 2026 that they were in 2025.
When trying to predict the outcome of a team's season, you can't simply look at history. And if that's what you're doing, there needs to be context. The Commanders' 2025 season was awful, but that doesn't automatically mean that 2026 won't be great. Daniels and McLaurin are healthy. The defense has been revamped. Coordinators have been replaced. This is a team that many are sleeping on, and those people are likely to be blindsided when the Commanders reestablish themselves as contenders.
When former Pittsburgh Steelershead coach Mike Tomlin stepped down after the end of last season, half the fanbase cheered and the other half booed. This was the effect Tomlin had on his players as well. For every former Steeler who praises Tomlin's coaching style and impact on him, there's another who pulls back the curtain on what thing were really like.
One of those players is Joe Haden. Haden talked about what it was like playing for Tomlin on his podcast with fellow former Steeler James Harrison. He and Harrison both talked about the problems with Tomlin's coaching style and favoring certain players.
“When I got to Pittsburgh, it was years and years into Coach Tomlin being there, and the one thing I could where you needed a new voice [was] the accountability,” Haden said. “Everything needs to be tight. There was a looseness that was going around. That looseness is a reason where errors come in."
"When the vet leeway is getting to a point where it turns almost blatant disrespect to where your team is seeing stud like, ‘We can’t be moving like this as a team, vet aside.’ When you get a new coach in there, he’s not rocking. You set a standard from the T.J. Watts to the Ben Roethlisbergers to anybody on the team where there’s no leeway for nobody."
Harrison even went so far as to stay the standard was not the standard, a play on Tomlin's mantra, and that the standard flowed depending on who the player was.
The Atlanta Falcons went into the 2025 season with a formidable two-headed monster at wide receiver, but both Drake London and Darnell Mooney battled injuries for much of the year. The Falcons released Mooney during the offseason and signed London to a four-year extension.
In terms of a supporting cast, the Falcons wide receiver room has plenty of room for improvement. This is why the team brought in so many new faces at wide receiver over the offseason. Atlanta signed Olamide Zaccheaus and Jahan Dotson before adding Zachariah Branch in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Falcons later signed three undrafted free agent wide receivers, each of whom has a decent shot at making the team's 53-man roster after camp ends. In today's Falcons Wire training camp spotlight, we look at UDFA wide receiver Vinny Anthony and examine what he can bring to the team in 2026.
Falcons training camp spotlight: WR Vinny Anthony II
2025 Stats: 31 catches, 391 yards, 1 TD
Anthony had better numbers during his 2024 season (39 catches for 672 receiving yards and four touchdowns), which could be why he went undrafted. Over his four seasons at Wisconsin, Anthony recorded 80 catches for 1,162 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
The former Badgers wideout will add competition in the slot while bringing some much-needed kick return ability (1,075 career kick return yards and one touchdown at Wisconsin). Anthony was guaranteed $265,000 to sign with the Falcons, which likely increases his chances of making the initial 53-man roster.
Some NFL scouts feel Anthony could be better at the NFL level than he was in college.
"Anthony is an undersized target with underwhelming college production, but the foot quickness, ball skills and level of detail in his routes suggest his best football will come in an NFL offense," wrote The Athletic's Dane Brugler. "He projects best inside, despite most of his college reps having come on the outside."
The "NFL Top 100 Players" is an annual NFL offseason tradition. There are a few names from the Kansas City Chiefs expected to make the cut, but there are also many opponents featured in this year's rankings. Player No. 84 is a player they are scheduled to see across from them this coming season.
Young started all 17 games for the Rams during the 2025 season; he finished with 12 sacks, 82 combined tackles (45 solo tackles), 12 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble. The former 2023 third-round draft pick was selected for his first Pro Bowl last season.
Young and the Rams will host the Chiefs in Week 13 of the 2026 season on Thursday Night Football, December 3, at SoFi Stadium.
Produced by NFL Films and the X Original Series, the new season of NFL Top 100 features short-form episodes that reveal the league's top players, as voted on exclusively by current NFL players. Episodes debut on X on weekdays through Friday, September 4, and will air later on NFL+, as well as on other NFL-owned and operated social media platforms.
Suddenly, the NFL is less than two months away from the start of the regular season. In just a few weeks, the preseason will kick off, and rookies will make their on-field debuts. However, those aren’t the only debuts fans are eagerly anticipating.
Several blockbuster trades and notable free agent signings highlighted the offseason. Among them was the long-anticipated trade that sent AJ Brown to the New England Patriots. Needless to say, many fans are eager to see him reunite with head coach Mike Vrabel.
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel hugs Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) as the teams get ready to face off at Lincoln Financial Field Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, in Philadelphia, Pa. Nfl Tennessee Titans At Philadelphia Eagles
“In arguably the most anticipated matchup of Week 1, we get one of the most anticipated player debuts of the entire slate. After months of questions and consternation, Brown was finally traded from the Eagles to the Patriots, theoretically landing Drake Maye a true WR1 and adding juice to the passing attack that New England frankly didn’t have in Super Bowl LX. Will he be enough to tip the scales for the Pats? We’ll find out right at the start of the 2026 season in this title game rematch.”
Brown represents a significant upgrade over Stefon Diggs, whom the Patriots released this offseason. New England also bolstered its receiving corps by signing Romeo Doubs in free agency.
Although Brown’s pairing with quarterback Drake Maye has generated plenty of excitement, the biggest storyline is his reunion with Vrabel.
Sep 21, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver AJ. Brown (11) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Brown entered the NFL under Vrabel after the Tennessee Titans selected him in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. The two worked together until the Titans traded Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles after contract extension negotiations fell apart.
Brown continued to thrive in Philadelphia, helping lead the Eagles to two Super Bowl appearances and capturing a championship just a few years ago.
However, tensions surfaced during the Eagles’ title defense, ultimately leading to Brown’s trade this offseason. Now reunited in New England, Brown and Vrabel will try to accomplish what they couldn’t in Tennessee: make a Super Bowl run.
Our countdown to the New Orleans Saints' season opener is on Day 63, which means Tom Dempsey's legendary 63-yard field goal is an easy pick for the Saints Play of the Day. It's especially fitting that the Saints are kicking off their 2026 season with the same team Dempsey made history against. A few years ago, the Saints shared a great video feature on the play and the drama surrounding it from those who were on hand to see it. You can see it for yourself right here.
Any Saints fan who inherited their team from the previous generation knows the story. Dempsey was born without toes on his right foot and kicked with a one-of-a-kind box-toed boot, which was later outlawed by the NFL. With the game on the line and only seconds left on the clock back in 1970, Dempsey won the day against the Lions with a field goal from 63 yards, setting a new NFL record.
Dempsey's record stood for 43 years; his iconic kick led to several rules changes and wasn't surpassed until Matt Prater nailed a 64-yarder at altitude with the Denver Broncos. In 2021, Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker reset the record with a 66-yard field goal, and he was in turn surpassed by Cam Little's big 68 yarder for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025.
Most importantly, Dempsey's field goal gave Saints fans something to brag about when they really needed it. The team lost a lot of games back in 1970 (and for most of the 1970's). They didn't have many Pro Bowlers or special moments, and that this one endured for so long only made it more memorable. We're grateful that brighter days came along, but we're still thankful Dempsey made that kick back in 1970, too.
The second-oldest player on the Pittsburgh Steelers is veteran defensive tackle Cameron Heyward, but he has completely defied the aging process over the past several seasons. It feels like we ask this question every offseason: How much longer can Heyward continue to defy Father Time?
From now until the start of the regular season, we at Steelers Wire will be analyzing every player on the roster. Here's a look at Heyward and what could be in store for his 2026 season.
At a glance
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 295 pounds
Age: 37 years old
NFL experience: 16
Career with the Steelers
Over the past 15 seasons, Heyward has appeared in 228 games and made 193 starts. He's recorded 92 career sacks, 208 quarterback hits, 796 combined tackles, and 142 tackles for loss.
A seven-time Pro Bowler, a four-time First-Team All-Pro, a two-time Second-Team All-Pro, and the 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year, Heyward has shown little sign of slowing down in recent years.
Heyward signed a one-year extension with the Steelers in March 2026, which will keep him under contract with Pittsburgh through the 2027 season.
What's next in 2026?
While some reports suggest Heyward could see a slightly reduced snap count in 2026, don't expect the veteran defensive tackle to take a step back. Heyward is playing alongside one of the most loaded defensive rosters he's ever had in his career and a competent DC in Patrick Graham.
The Steelers have invested heavily in their defensive line in recent years with Keeanu Benton, Derrick Harmon, and Yahya Black. But Heyward remains the backbone of this talented group heading into 2026.
For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any offseason moves, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
With offseason team activities and minicamps in the books, the NFL and the Tennessee Titans have hit the dreaded lull in the offseason, counting down the days until the start of training camp.
In Nashville, the excitement around the new coaching staff and upgraded roster continued to build, although there were concerns about uneven practice performances by second-year quarterback Cam Ward. These same concerns were raised by Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report in his latest power rankings.
No. 28: Tennessee Titans
The keyword for the Tennessee Titans in 2026 is progress.
The 2025 season was a miserable one in Nashville, but that was to be expected—the Titans were coming off a three-win season and rolling out a rookie quarterback in Cam Ward. But after a 1-5 start, head coach Brian Callahan was shown the door, and after another 3-14 debacle of a season, Robert Saleh has been tasked with pulling the Titans out of the AFC South basement.
There is some reason for optimism. Carnell Tate and Wan'Dale Robinson are major improvements for Ward at wide receiver. The team was aggressive in both free agency and the draft in upgrading all three levels of a defense that allowed over 345 yards per game a year ago.
Camp will be about all these pieces coming together, and there's nowhere to go but up for the Titans. How far up is another matter. Seven wins would be a success in 2026.
The countdown to training camp is well underway, and in less than two weeks, rookies will report, and things can get rolling. The Titans had a solid offseason, finished with a spirited minicamp, and appear headed in the right direction. While there are still some questions that must be answered, it feels as if they are ready to make a jump from No. 28.
Editor's note: This is Part 10 of 26 in Art Stapleton's New York Giants summer series Q&A
The New York Giants have a Super Bowl winner and possible Hall of Famer at head coach in John Harbaugh, with whom the entire team can strive for a championship standard the franchise has failed to meet for far too long now.
The standing ovation for Harbaugh from the assembled Giants fans inside Beacon Theatre back in May for the team's Town Hall event was only just the beginning.
And Harbaugh, their head coach set to usher in yet another new era for the franchise in its 102nd year, certainly knew how to play to his audience moments later.
With chants of "Cowboys suck" ringing out around him, Harbaugh was asked by a fan if he could promise the Giants were done being kicked around by their NFC rivals and most hated foes: the Dallas Cowboys, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Commanders.
That's when Harbaugh with 193 career victories rallied a fan base with a pledge that felt an awful lot like a battle cry he will repeatedly deliver between now and the start of the season.
"I could [not] care less about what's happened last year or the year before that or 10 years before that," Harbaugh said. "All I care about is tomorrow's practice, because if tomorrow's practice is the way it's supposed to be, that will be one more step in the direction of being a good enough football team to kick the Cowboys' ass."
For now, there are far more questions than answers. But we hope to set the table for the summer and beyond with 26 questions that will define the 2026 Giants season.
Question #10: What are the expectations for Odell Beckham Jr.?
The flair for the dramatic that breathed life into a generation of fans might still be there inside Odell Beckham Jr., turning him into one of the most popular yet polarizing players in the 102-year history of Giants football.
The iconic tousled blonde hair that inspired many barber shop requests worldwide is gone, and Beckham's a father now, insisting his return to the franchise that once traded him away is a chance to show 4-year-old Zydn - born just days after Dad won the Super Bowl with the Rams in 2022 - to never quit.
The surreal has become reality for Beckham and the Giants, and however long it lasts, the promise of spectacular one-handed catches and breathtaking slants to the house aside, this homecoming comes with expectation and doubt all the same.
All of the above makes for a great story, of course. But it's not solely why the second marriage of Beckham and the Giants has been bandied about as a viable option for months now.
Beckham, 33, wants more than anything to bring his NFL career full circle by catching passes from Jaxson Dart and providing a generation of Giants fans who never had the chance to say thank you and good-bye with that opportunity all these years later.
The signing of Beckham was not for nostalgia, but because the Giants owed it to themselves to find out if their former first-round pick has enough juice left in his game to offer despite not playing all of last season.
As Harbaugh suggested, a Beckham return is not as the OBJ who lit the league on fire, but Odell 2.0.
That's not saying Beckham is old and washed, but it's understandable. He'll be wearing No. 3 - his college number at LSU, the one he donned when he won his Super Bowl ring - doubling up with Abdul Carter for the summer since his more familiar No. 13 still belongs to Jalin Hyatt.
He has rejoined the team that drafted him and for whom he swiftly reached unexpected heights and worldwide popularity. "The Catch" created the OBJ phenomenon, with one-handed catches taking on a life of their own, and at every level of the sport. Those inside the Giants' organization have never doubted Beckham's competitive spirit, however, and Harbaugh can appreciate the humility for a player that comes with all that water under the bridge.
Will Beckham have the explosiveness and breakaway speed that made him so dangerous as a playmaker in his 20s? That's unlikely. But he's always been a nuanced route runner, has great hands and - as he showed in the March flag football exhibition run in Los Angeles by Tom Brady - he still has an ability to go up and get the football in traffic.
One of Jaxson Dart's greatest strengths is making things happen off-script and out of the pocket, and that's ultimately where Beckham's savvy could pay dividends, there and as a red zone threat.
There are always going to be detractors when it comes to Beckham, and he brought a lot of that upon himself when he was younger. He made mistakes out of immaturity and ego, but truth be told, at the heart of everything, Beckham was frustrated with losing and desperately wanted to win as a Giant.
This isn't about righting wrongs of the past. If Beckham can't play to the level he believes he can, he won't be on the team. He can retire a Giant and take his place as the face of a franchise's missing generation, one that had some special moments even with all the losing.
How the wide receiver room comes together this summer with Malik Nabers' ACL recovery and availability shaping so much of what the Giants' offense looks like. Beckham isn't an obvious option on special teams, so he will have to produce while proving he can stay healthy over the course of training camp and the preseason.
Nothing we saw from Beckham in the spring suggests he won't have a puncher's chance at sticking with the Giants; but this comeback story has a couple unwritten chapters remaining before that fate is determined.
“I'm going out on my sword either way it goes," Beckham said, relaying how Harbaugh told him he did not initially want to bring him in just to release him. "If that's what you have to do when you see that I'm not at my best or not fit, then by all means, I'm good with it."
And the Giants might just wind up with a difference maker ready to prove himself and a burning desire to show this franchise and its fans just how far he has come.
Photo by Big Event Media/Getty Images for HumanX Conference
The Seattle Seahawks set a new NFL record after being sold ahead of the new season.
The Seattle Seahawks are currently the champions of the NFL following their 29-13 win over the New England Patriots at Super Bowl 60.
Since lifting the trophy, the rumor mill has been buzzing with The Paul Allen Estate planning to sell the Seahawks. Well, the sale has gone through, and it has created a new NFL franchise record.
Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images
Seattle Seahawks sold to Vinod Khosla for $9.6 billion
For months, the likes of Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos have been linked to the NFL organization, but the Allen Estate sold it to someone else.
The new owner of the Seahawks is American-Indian billionaire venture capitalist Vinod Khosla. The Khosla family apparently paid $9.6 billion for the franchise.
The $9.6 billion price tag is the most anyone has ever paid for an NFL team. In fact, this number beats the previous highest price tag by $3.55 billion.
Previously, the record belonged to Josh Harris, who purchased the Washington Commanders for a then-record $6.05 billion price tag in 2023.
Coming back to the Seahawks, under The Paul Allen Estate, the franchise won two Super Bowls in 2014 and 2026. Can the new ownership group replicate the same level of success? Fans will find out soon.
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