2026 NFL Offseason Buzz: 49ers Decline Option Bonus on Star LT Trent Williams

The NFL offseason is in full swing. As teams continue to fill out their coaching staffs, some teams are already making plans on what to do with their rosters ahead of the start of the new league year in March. Who'll get cut? Who'll get traded? Who'll get extended? Who'll get the franchise tag? Here's the latest look at some of the most notable rumors around the NFL. [2026 NFL Free Agency: Top 100 Players Available and Potential Fits] Trent Williams update The San Francisco 49ers opted to not exercise the $10 million option bonus on their star left tackle, according to ESPN. Williams, who has no remaining guaranteed money on a three-year, $82.7 million deal with the 49ers past 2026, is set to count for roughly $47 million on San Francisco's 2026 payroll, but the team reportedly plans to discuss altering the terms of his contract. Williams, a three-time All-Pro and 12-time Pro Bowler, will be 38 at the start of the 2026 season. Dolphins won't trade Achane Multiple teams have contacted the Miami Dolphins this offseason to see if they were willing to part with running back De'Von Achane as part of a larger roster blowup, but per ESPN, Achane is not available. The fourth-year back is expected to be part of Miami's future, assuming an extension can be worked out with the 24-year-old, as his rookie deal expires at the end of this season. Achane led the league in yards per carry, with 5.7, and set a new career-high in rushing yards with 1,350, blowing past his previous mark of 907. He finished with over 1,800 yards from scrimmage total, thanks to also making 67 receptions for 488 yards, and scored 12 touchdowns overall. [4 Takeaways: Broncos Trade for WR Jaylen Waddle from Dolphins] The Dolphins released quarterback Tua Tagovailoa earlier in March, traded five-time Pro Bowler Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Jets and, on Tuesday, dealt top wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to the Broncos. Earlier in the offseason, wide receiver Tyreek Hill was cut; all told, per ESPN, the Dolphin have roughly $175 million in dead money against the salary cap in 2026. WR Mike Evans leaving Buccaneers? Not only will Evans test free agency, but the star wide receiver could be on the move. He'll likely have five potential suitors when free agency opens, FOX Sports' Henry McKenna reported. Teams have offered Evans a contract worth north of $27 million per year as well, according to FOX Sports' Greg Auman. There's also a sense that his time in Tampa Bay could be coming to an end, NFL Media reported. Evans is the third-highest-ranked wide receiver in our top 100 NFL free agents list. He also ranks 15th in the overall ranking. WR A.J. Brown's trade wish list Where does the Eagles' star wide receiver want to play next if he's traded this offseason? Brown has the Bills, Chargers, Chiefs and Patriots on his preferred list of teams to get traded to, according to Sports Illustrated. New England has been commonly linked to Brown in recent weeks as the Patriots seek to add another wide receiver following the release of Stefon Diggs. However, talks have stalled between the two sides, NFL Media reported. Chargers extend edge rusher Khalil Mack Nine-time Pro-Bowler Mack agreed to a one-year, $18 million deal to remain with the Chargers. That figure is fully guaranteed. The 35-year-old will officially return for his 13th NFL season. Mack missed time early in 2025 with a dislocated elbow but still finished the season with 5.5 sacks, 32 tackles, four forced fumbles and a safety. Eagles extend DT Jordan Davis Philadelphia has extended Davis to a three-year, $78 million deal that includes $65 million guaranteed, with the $26 million average annual value an NFL record for a nose tackle. Last season, Davis totaled a career-high in sacks (4.5), passes defended (six) and combined tackles (72). Davis hasn't missed a game since his 2022 rookie campaign. Bills retain C Connor McGovern The Bills have re-signed McGovern on a four-year, $52 million deal, according to ESPN. The deal includes $32 million guaranteed. McGovern, a 2024 Pro Bowler, has spent the last three seasons in Buffalo (2023-25). Cowboys tender K Brandon Aubrey Dallas has placed a second-round tender worth $5.76 million on its star kicker, per ESPN. Aubrey can now sign an offer sheet with another team, but the Cowboys have the right to match any deal. If Aubrey signs a contract with another team and Dallas doesn't match the deal, the Cowboys will receive a second-round pick. Aubrey, a one-time All-Pro and Pro Bowler in each of his three seasons in the NFL (2023-25), was 36 of 42 on field goal attempts in 2025 (85.7%), including 11 of 17 on kicks of 50 or more yards (64.7%). He holds the NFL record with six made field goals from 60 or more yards. Texans cut RB Joe Mixon, extend TE Dalton Schultz Houston is releasing Mixon in a move which saves it $8 million, per ESPN. Mixon, a two-time Pro Bowler, spent the first six seasons of his NFL career with the Bengals (2017-23) before being acquired by the Texans in 2024. In 2024, the veteran back rushed for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns on 4.1 yards per carry across 14 regular-season games for the Texans, while tallying 309 receiving yards. Mixon didn't play in 2025 due to a foot injury. Meanwhile, Houston recently acquired veteran running back David Montgomery from the Lions. Meanwhile, Houston has extended its starting tight end on a one-year, $12.6 million deal. He had one season remaining on a three-year, $36 million deal. Last season, Schultz, who has spent the last three years in Houston after a five-year stint with the Cowboys, totaled a career-high 82 receptions for 777 yards and three touchdowns. Patriots trade starting center to Bears The Bears have their new center. Chicago has reportedly acquired center Garrett Bradbury from the Patriots in exchange for a fifth-round pick. Bradbury started every game for New England last season. The deal comes days after Bears center Drew Dalman surprisingly retired at 27 years old. Bradbury, 30, just finished his seventh NFL season after starting his career with six years in Minnesota. Browns alter QB Deshaun Watson's contract Cleveland restructured Watson's contract, clearing roughly $36 million in cap space. Watson, a three-time Pro Bowler who hasn't played since Oct. 2024 due to injury, is entering the final season of a five-year, $230 million deal. Rams keep S Kamren Curl Los Angeles has re-signed Curl to a three-year, $36 million deal, with a maximum value of $39 million. Curl, who has spent the last two seasons with the Rams (2024-25), totaled two interceptions, 2.0 sacks and 122 combined tackles in the 2025 regular season. He then had one interception and 27 combined tackles in the postseason. Carson Wentz-Frank Reich reunion … again? Wentz is the "preferred" free agent quarterback option for new Jets offensive coordinator Frank Reich, according to SNY. Reich was Wentz' offensive coordinator on the Eagles over his first two seasons in the NFL from 2016-17 and was his head coach on the Colts in 2021. Last season, Wentz played for the Vikings, initially serving as the team's backup quarterback before starting five games in place of the injured J.J. McCarthy before suffering a season-ending injury to his non-throwing shoulder (left). Wentz earned his only Pro Bowl nod while being coached by Reich in 2017. Chargers sign new center Los Angeles has signed Tyler Biadasz to a three-year, $30 million deal, per NFL Media. Biadasz, a 2022 Pro Bowler with the Cowboys, was released by the Commanders last week after two seasons in the nation's capital. Commanders to release CB Marshon Lattimore The Commanders are the latest team to make a cap-clearing move in the week ahead of free agency, releasing Lattimore. The move will clear $18.5 million in cap space for Washington, which will now have nearly $90 million available in cap space this offseason, per Over The Cap. Lattimore ranked 17th in Greg Auman's top cap casualty candidates entering the offseason. He's played just 18 games over the last two years, dealing with multiple injuries. Browns land RT Tytus Howard from Texans The Browns are getting some much-needed help along their offensive line, making a deal that could also have ramifications at the top of the 2026 NFL Draft. The Texans are trading Howard to the Browns for a fifth-round pick. Howard will also reportedly receive a three-year, $63 million extension as part of the deal. Cleveland's O-line was among the worst in the league in 2025, with Pro Football Focus ranking the group the second-worst offensive line last season. Offensive tackle Dawand Jones was also the Browns' only Week 1 starter on their offensive line who was under contract for the 2026 season. With the Browns in desperate need of O-line help, many mock drafts projected them to select an offensive tackle with the sixth overall pick. Monday's trade, which can't be made official until March 11, might allow the Browns to address other needs at the top of the draft, like wide receiver. Chiefs cut OT Jawaan Taylor to open up major cap space In terms of the salary cap, the Chiefs were well underwater entering the offseason. They've given themselves some breathing room, though, after cutting Taylor. The move creates $20 million in cap space, and Kansas City is now roughly $15 million under the salary cap, per Over The Cap. Taylor was one of the NFL's top cap casualty candidates entering the offseason, according to FOX Sports' Greg Auman, ranking eighth on the list. Taylor, who had been the Chiefs' starting right tackle since 2023, led them in penalties in each of his three years in Kansas City. Von Miller the general manager? The two-time Super Bowl champion, three-time All-Pro and Super Bowl MVP reportedly spent time at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine learning the ropes of what it takes to be an NFL general manager. The 36-year-old Miller, an eight-time Pro Bowler, spent last season with the Commanders, totaling 9.0 sacks and 26 combined tackles. Eagles LB Nakobe Dean to NFC East rival? Dean is expected to hit the open market, and the Cowboys will be among the teams that pursue him. Last season, Dean totaled a career-high 4.0 sacks, two forced fumbles and 55 combined tackles. He was limited to 10 regular-season games due to knee and hamstring injuries, respectively. This comes after Dallas created roughly $66 million in cap space by restructuring the contracts of quarterback Dak Prescott, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and guard Tyler Smith. Prescott, a four-time Pro Bowler, is entering the second season of a four-year, $240 million deal; Lamb, a one-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowler, is entering the second season of a four-year, $136 million deal; Smith, a three-time Pro Bowler, begins a four-year, $96 million deal in 2027. Smith had minor surgery on his right knee after the 2025 Pro Bowl Games but is expected to be ready for OTAs. NFL salary cap number revealed The NFL announced that the 2026 salary cap will be $301.2 million. This is a $22 million increase from 2025. Agents of NFL free agents can begin negotiating contracts with teams at noon ET on March 9, with NFL free agency officially opening at 4 p.m. ET on March 11. Cowboys tag WR George Pickens Dallas announced on Feb. 27 that it has placed the franchise tag on Pickens, which is worth roughly $28 million for the 2026 NFL season. Pickens, who was set to be arguably the best wide receiver on the free agent market, is coming off a breakout season in what was his first year with the Cowboys, totaling a career high in receptions (93), receiving yards (1,429) and receiving touchdowns (nine). Pickens, who earned his first career Pro Bowl nod in 2025, spent the first three seasons of his career with the Steelers (2022-24). Commanders release OL Tyler Biadasz Biadasz had one year remaining on a three-year, $29.2 million deal, and his release will incur a $10.9 million cap hit and leave $8.1 million in dead cap. Biadasz was a key part of Washington's NFC championship run last season. He was a Pro Bowler for the Cowboys in 2022. He's now an unrestricted free agent. Colts QB Anthony Richardson cleared to seek trade The Colts have granted Richardson permission to seek a trade, according to ESPN. Richardson, who was selected by the Colts with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has started just 15 games in his NFL career; he suffered shoulder and head injuries in 2023, was benched during 2024 and lost his starting job to veteran Daniel Jones last summer while also dealing with an eye injury in 2025. Jets, Titans make a trade New York is sending defensive end and 2022 first-round pick Jermaine Johnson to Tennessee for nose tackle and 2024 second-round pick T'Vondre Sweat, per NFL Media. Johnson, a 2023 Pro Bowler, totaled three sacks and 43 combined tackles in 14 games in 2025. Meanwhile, over the first two seasons of his career (2024-25), Sweat has averaged 1.5 sacks and 42.5 combined tackles per season. Bears' Tremaine Edmunds trade on the horizon? The Bears have granted Edmunds permission to seek a trade, according to the Chicago Tribune. Edmunds, a two-time Pro Bowler, is entering the final season of a four-year, $72 million deal. Last season, he totaled 1.0 sacks, four interceptions, nine passes defended and 112 combined tackles across 13 regular-season games. The 27-year-old, who spent the first five seasons of his NFL career with the Bills (2018-22), missed four games in 2025 due to a groin injury but returned for the postseason. Edmunds has totaled 100-plus combined tackles in each of his eight seasons. 49ers contract dispute? Star left tackle Trent Williams and the 49ers are "struggling to find a contractual solution," per ESPN. Williams, a three-time All-Pro and 12-time Pro Bowler, is entering the final season of a three-year, $82.7 million deal. Williams played through a hamstring injury down the stretch of the 2025 season, which ended for San Francisco at the hands of the eventual Super Bowl-champion Seahawks in the NFC divisional round. Falcons cutting QB Kirk Cousins Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham revealed that the team will release Cousins on the first day of the new league year (March 11). The 37-year-old Cousins, who has two seasons remaining on a four-year, $180 million deal which included $100 million guaranteed when the deal was inked, was benched for Michael Penix Jr. with three games remaining in the 2024 regular season, with Penix opening 2025 as the Falcons' starter. A season-ending knee injury for Penix put Cousins back under center, with the veteran posting 1,721 passing yards, 10 passing touchdowns, five interceptions and an 84.8 passer rating, while completing 61.7% of his passes across 10 appearances (eight starts). Chiefs targeting RB Travis Etienne? Jaguars running back Etienne has interest in joining the Chiefs this offseason, The Kansas City Star reported. Etienne is set to become a free agent on March 9 when his rookie contract expires. After an up-and-down start to his career, Etienne closed out his rookie deal on a high note. He rushed for 1,107 yards on 4.3 yards per carry, adding 292 receiving yards as he scored 13 total touchdowns. Chiefs running backs Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco are both set to become free agents this offseason as well. So, the Chiefs certainly have a need for a running back this offseason. Etienne is ranked 20th in FOX Sports' top 100 NFL free agents list, placing third among the running backs on the list. Eagles RT Lane Johnson coming back Philadelphia's longtime right tackle will return for a 14th NFL season, Johnson told The Philadelphia Inquirer. Johnson, a two-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowler, missed the Eagles' past eight combined games in 2025 (seven regular-season games and one playoff game) due to a foot injury. Following its Super Bowl LIX triumph, Philadelphia won the NFC East at 11-6 last season but lost to the San Francisco 49ers in the wild-card round. Chiefs restructure QB Patrick Mahomes' deal Kansas City has restructured Mahomes' contract, bringing his 2026 salary down from $78.2 million to $34.65 million and creating $43.56 million in cap space. The Chiefs are currently over the cap. Mahomes' 2025 campaign ended in Week 15 after he tore both his ACL and LCL, but the three-time Super Bowl MVP is targeting a Week 1 return. Dolphins release edge rusher Bradley Chubb The Dolphins are already making some roster moves, releasing veteran edge rusher Chubb, NFL Media reported on Feb. 16. Chubb, who'll turn 30 in June, had a productive season in 2025, logging 8.5 sacks. However, he was set to have a cap hit of over $31 million in the 2026 and 2027 seasons. Miami was also over the salary cap when the offseason began, and cutting him cleared $7.34 million in cap space, per Over The Cap. NFL wins grievance, bans "team report cards" An arbitrator determined that the NFL Players Association violated the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the NFL by distributing annual "team report cards" and ordered the union to stop making public any future reports, per ESPN. "We are pleased with the decision from the arbitrator, upholding the parties’ collective bargaining agreement and prohibiting the NFLPA from disparaging our clubs and individuals through ‘report cards’ allegedly based on data and methodologies that it has steadfastly refused to disclose," NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said. "We remain committed to working in partnership with the NFLPA and an independent survey company to develop and administer a scientifically valid survey to solicit accurate and reliable player feedback as the parties agreed in the CBA." Decision looming on Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa General manager Jon-Eric Sullivan provided somewhat of an update on the future of the team's current starter. "I don't know what the future holds right now, and I told Tua that," he revealed on Feb. 12. "We're working through some things. What I can tell you is that we're going to infuse competition into that room — whether Tua is part of the room [or not]. … Tua knows where we are. We've been very honest and upfront, and Tua also knows that he will be the first to know when we make a decision. … We're getting close to a decision, and when we do, we'll let Tua know whether he's going to be part of this or not, and we'll move forward." Tagovailoa is entering the second season of a four-year, $212.4 million deal with the Dolphins, who have a new general manager in Sullivan and a new head coach in Jeff Hafley. Last season, Tagovailoa, a 2023 Pro Bowler, threw a career-high 15 interceptions in 14 starts, while posting an 88.5 passer rating, his lowest mark since 2020. If the Dolphins release Tagovailoa, they would incur an NFL-record $99.2 million dead cap hit. Browns TE David Njoku leaving Cleveland Njoku, who spent the first nine seasons of his NFL career with the Browns (2017-25) and is set to become a free agent, posted on Instagram that "the time for [him] to find a new home has come." Last season, Njoku totaled 33 receptions for 293 yards and four touchdowns across 12 games; he missed five games due to a knee injury. Njoku, who Cleveland selected with the No. 29 overall pick in 2017 out of Miami (Fla.), was a Pro Bowler in 2023 in a season that saw him total a career-high in receptions (81), receiving yards (882) and receiving touchdowns (six). He's third in Browns history with 384 receptions, sixth with 34 touchdowns and 12th with 4,062 receiving yards. Rams extend HC Sean McVay, GM Les Snead McVay and Snead have agreed to multiyear extensions to stay with the Rams, the team announced on Feb. 2. The pair have led the Rams through one of the longest stretches of success in franchise history. The Rams are 92–57 in the regular season and 10-6 in the playoffs since Snead and owner Stan Kroenke hired a then-30-year-old McVay in 2017, one year after the franchise returned home from St. Louis. The Rams immediately ended a 12-year playoff absence and reached the Super Bowl one year later before winning the franchise's second Super Bowl title in February 2022. Los Angeles has had eight winning seasons, seven playoff berths and four NFC West titles in nine years under McVay, the youngest coach to reach the Super Bowl and to win it. The Rams went 12-5 this season before winning two road playoff games to reach the NFC championship game, where they lost to the Seahawks. McVay said the Rams are optimistic that quarterback Matthew Stafford will return for an 18th NFL season, but the team will wait for the quarterback to make his own announcement. McVay said the Rams would love to stick with Stafford if he wants to come back after his MVP-caliber season in 2025. McVay also confirmed he has hired Bubba Ventrone as his new special teams coordinator. He hasn't decided who will become his offensive coordinator after Mike LaFleur left to become the Cardinals' head coach. Packers add former HC as DC Ex-Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon is joining the Packers' staff as defensive coordinator, the team announced on Feb. 2. Gannon will take over for Jeff Hafley, who left after two seasons when the Dolphins hired him to be their next head coach. "He possesses tremendous experience as an NFL coordinator and head coach," Matt LaFleur said in a statement. "I am confident that he will be an outstanding addition to our organization, as well as a strong leader of our defense." The Cardinals fired Gannon the day after their season ended with a ninth consecutive loss. Gannon went 15-36 in three years, including a 3-14 record this past season. Gannon had been the Eagles’ defensive coordinator for two seasons before Arizona hired him. In his second season in Philadelphia, the Eagles ranked second in the NFL in total defense and won the NFC championship before losing 38-35 to the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII. The Eagles had a franchise-record 70.0 sacks — 15 more than any other NFL team — in 2022. They also had 27 takeaways that season to rank fourth in the league. Gannon takes over a defense that ranked 12th in yards allowed per game (311.8), ninth in yards allowed per play (5.0) and 11th in points allowed per game (21.2) this past season. Green Bay’s defense ranked higher earlier in the season but struggled after season-ending injuries to All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons and defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt. Eagles DC Vic Fangio considered retirement The Eagles nearly had to make two coordinator changes this offseason. Fangio informed the team shortly after their season ended that he planned to retire before the Eagles convinced him to return, PhillyVoice reported on Feb. 1. If Fangio had held firm in his decision to retire, the Eagles were planning to contact former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon and Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, according to PhillyVoice. Gannon was the Eagles' defensive coordinator for two seasons (2021-22) before leaving for Arizona in 2023. Fangio has been widely regarded as one of the top defensive minds in the NFL for several years. The Eagles' defense has also been one of the game's top defensive units since Fangio joined the team in 2024, ranking in the top five in scoring in each of the last two years. The Eagles hired Packers quarterbacks coach Sean Mannion to be their next offensive coordinator after parting ways with Kevin Patullo. Packers extend coach, multiple executives Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst and executive vice president/director of football operations Russ Ball have joined coach Matt LaFleur in signing multi-year contract extensions. Packers president/CEO Ed Policy announced the extensions for all three on Friday. The extensions come after the Packers went 9-8-1 and made their third straight playoff appearance, and sixth in the last seven years. A 31-27 loss at Chicago in the NFC wild-card playoff round capped a five-game skid that ended Green Bay's season, though one of those defeats came when the Packers rested their starters in their regular-season finale. "We are excited to extend our commitment to Brian, Matt and Russ as the leaders of our football operations," Policy said in a statement. "Their steadfast dedication, passion and collaboration have remained constant in our drive to compete at the highest level. While we are all disappointed with the way this season ended, we remain aligned in purpose and have spent considerable time over the past weeks collaborating on a path forward. "I am exceedingly confident we have the right people to achieve our goal. The entire Packers organization looks forward to supporting every effort to bring our community and fans another championship that they very much deserve." LaFleur owns a 76-40-1 regular-season record and has led Green Bay to the playoffs in all but one of his seven years on the job. That includes NFC championship game appearances in the 2019 and 2020 seasons. Green Bay has been the NFC’s seventh and final playoff seed each of the last three seasons. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Seahawks GM John Schneider on Losing RB Kenneth Walker III: We 'Can Find Guys'

The Seattle Seahawks lost starting running back and Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker III to the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency. With that said, Seahawks President of Football Operations and General Manager John Schneider is bullish on the team's ability to replace Walker. "That’s a position where you can find guys," Schneider said on Thursday in an interview with 710 Seattle Sports when asked about the state of Seattle's running back room. "Obviously, [Walker was] outstanding, and everybody’s really excited for him. I mean, that’s a great, great contract for a running back. But George [Holani] did a great job. We’re really excited about Emanuel Wilson, who we got from the Green Bay Packers, a heavy runner with really nice feet." Walker signed a three-year, $43.1 million deal with the Chiefs earlier this month, with his roughly $14.4 million average annual value ranking fourth among NFL running backs. "Just to kind of quell people, at this time of the year I get it," Schneider added. "But, like, [Zach Charbonnet] is doing great [recovering from an ACL tear]. Kenny McIntosh, he had a great [2024] season, and that was just an awful [ACL] injury for him. But I get it. And it’s a position that … we know where we’re at right now." Last season, Walker rushed for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns on 4.6 yards per carry, while tallying 282 receiving yards. In total, the Seahawks tied for 10th in the NFL in rushing (123.3 yards per game). Then in Seattle's three postseason games, Walker ran for 313 yards and four touchdowns on 4.8 yards per carry. The highlights were 135 rushing yards against the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl and 116 rushing yards and three touchdowns against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC divisional round. Walker was Seattle's second-round pick in 2022. In his rookie season, he rushed for 1,050 yards and nine touchdowns on 4.6 yards per carry. From 2023-25, he split reps with Charbonnet, who tore his ACL in January and is unlikely to be ready for the start of the 2026 season. The Seahawks signed the aforementioned Wilson, who rushed for 499 yards and 3.5 touchdowns per season with the Packers from 2024-25, on a one-year deal. Elsewhere, Seattle's running back room includes McIntosh, Holani, Cam Akers and Jacardia Wright. The Seahawks have four selections in the 2026 NFL Draft: picks No. 32, 64, 96 and 188.

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2026 NFL Offseason: The Biggest Need for Every NFC Team After Early Free Agency

While many NFL teams have bolstered their rosters through early free agency and the trade market, all 32 teams still have holes — of various sizes — as we approach the draft. So, what is each team’s biggest need? Let's break that down for each NFC team — along with the ideal fit to fill each hole. (For the AFC teams, click here): NFC East Dallas Cowboys: Middle linebacker The Cowboys have prioritized adding veteran starters to what was a bad defense last season, trading for edge rusher Rashan Gary and signing safety Jalen Thompson in free agency. An experienced MIKE linebacker who’s comfortable with green dot responsibilities would further support first-time defensive coordinator Christian Parker. Ideal fit: Titans LB Cody Barton (trade) New York Giants: Right guard After ranking second-worst in run defense last season (145.3 rushing yards allowed/game), the Giants have a need on the defensive front. But solidifying the offensive line for second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart should be the biggest priority, and currently there’s a hole at right guard, where New York needs a starter. Ideal fit: Georgia Tech G Keylan Rutledge (draft) Philadelphia Eagles: Edge rusher The Eagles picked up some depth in former Falcons defensive end Arnold Ebiketie, but more juice on the edge is needed following the free agency departure of Jaelan Phillips, whose 63 pressures last season ranked 11th in the NFL, per Next Gen Stats. Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith, the top two edge rushers on Philly’s depth chart, combined for just 9.5 sacks last season. Ideal fit: Vikings DL Jonathan Greenard (trade) Washington Commanders: Wide receiver With Terry McLaurin entering his age-31 season, Washington should be thinking about a long-term WR1. The team-high in receiving yards in 2025 was just 727 by Deebo Samuel. The Commanders re-signed former Titans first-round pick Treylon Burks and have Luke McCaffrey entering his third season, but they’re depth options. Ideal fit: Ohio State WR Carnell Tate (draft) [NFL Better or Worse: Where All 32 Teams Stand After the First Wave of Free Agency] NFC North Chicago Bears: Edge rusher The Bears need an edge opposite Montez Sweat, who had 10 sacks last season. No other edge defender on their roster had more than four sacks in 2025. Chicago prioritized the interior defensive line in free agency, signing tackles Neville Gallimore, Kentavius Street and James Lynch. Ideal fit: Missouri EDGE Zion Young (draft) Detroit Lions: Left tackle The Lions have a void at left tackle after granting Taylor Decker’s request for a release. Detroit added veteran offensive lineman Larry Borom in free agency, but he’s on just a one-year deal. Ideal fit: Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor (draft) Green Bay Packers: Edge rusher With Micah Parsons recovering from a torn ACL and Rashan Gary traded to the Cowboys, edge rusher should become a focus for Green Bay. Outside of Parsons, the Packers have no returning players who had more than four sacks last season. Ideal fit: Michigan EDGE Derrick Moore (draft) Minnesota Vikings: Safety Franchise legend Harrison Smith may not return for a 15th season, and even if he does, the Vikings need a long-term starting safety. Minnesota has depth at the position (Joshua Metellus, Jay Ward, Theo Jackson) but not star power. In free agency, the Vikings prioritized elsewhere in the secondary, signing cornerback James Pierre. Ideal fit: Oregon S Dillon Thieneman (draft) NFC South Atlanta Falcons: Inside linebacker Linebacker Kaden Elliss’ departure to the Saints in free agency left a big hole in the middle of Atlanta’s defense. Free-agent signee Christian Harris could compete with a rookie draft pick for the starting job alongside Divine Deablo. Ideal fit: Texas LB Anthony Hill Jr. (draft) Carolina Panthers: Center The Panthers let starting center Cade Mays walk in free agency. Free-agent acquisition Luke Fortner is a potential veteran replacement, but he signed a modest one-year deal. Ideal fit: Auburn C Connor Lew (draft) New Orleans Saints: Wide receiver The Saints are super thin at wide receiver behind No. 1 option Chris Olave. Other than Olave, New Orleans didn’t have a receiver who ended 2025 on its roster reach 300 receiving yards. Ideal fit: Ohio State WR Carnell Tate (draft) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Inside linebacker Lavonte David is undecided on returning for a 15th season, and former fourth-rounder SirVocea Dennis may be best suited in a backup role. Outside free-agent acquisition Alex Anzalone, who is projected to be a starter, Tampa has just one other inside linebacker under contract in Nick Jackson, an undrafted free agent last year. Ideal fit: Georgia LB C.J. Allen (draft) NFC West Arizona Cardinals: Right tackle The Cardinals need a strong-side protector on their offensive line, a player who could be a long-term OT opposite Paris Johnson Jr. Ideally, free-agent acquisition Elijah Wilkinson becomes a top backup, as opposed to being the starter at right tackle. Ideal fit: Miami OT Francis Mauigoa (draft) Los Angeles Rams: No. 2 quarterback The Rams remain all-in with NFL MVP Matthew Stafford, as evident by their moves this offseason (trading for All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie, signing CB Jaylen Watson in free agency). They may have the most complete roster in football, but with only 2023 fourth-round pick Stetson Bennett (zero career appearances) beyond Stafford on the QB depth chart, the backup spot needs to be shored up. Jimmy Garoppolo, who played for the Rams the past two seasons and has 64 career NFL starts, remains a free agent. Ideal fit: Jimmy Garoppolo (free agency) San Francisco 49ers: Edge rusher The Niners have perennial Pro Bowl defensive end Nick Bosa and 2025 first-round pick Mykel Williams on the edge, but both suffered torn ACLs last season. So San Francisco needs insurance there, and this team loves to stockpile defensive linemen. Ideal fit: Clemson DE T.J. Parker (draft) Seattle Seahawks: Running back The Seahawks lost Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker III in free agency to the Chiefs, and RB2 Zach Charbonnet tore his ACL in January, putting his readiness for the early portion of 2026 in doubt. Seattle signed former Packer Emanuel Wilson (125 carries, 496 yards, three TDs), but it’ll need more out of the backfield to support Pro Bowl quarterback Sam Darnold. Ideal fit: Notre Dame RB Jadarian Prince (draft)

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4 Takeaways from the Fanatics Flag Football Classic Draft

Tom Brady is back in game mode. At the Fanatics Flag Football Classic draft held Wednesday on the second floor ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria, the seven-time Super Bowl winner and FOX Sports Lead NFL Analyst was back in his element. He needled Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels for his slight frame, co-host Kevin Hart for his diminutive size and anyone else within earshot as he looks forward to competing again. The draft set up the three-team flag football event at BMO stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, with coverage starting at 4 p.m. ET on FOX, FOX One and Tubi. Loaded with current and former NFL stars, the three-team tournament features Team Founders and Team Wildcats as well as Team USA, the reigning world champion in flag football. "I love having Team USA involved because I think they’re going to bring out the best in us," Brady told me. "I’m just excited to see a little bit of the competitive juices flowing and see what’s going on with this great experience." Here are my takeaways from Wednesday's draft. 1. Brady’s Team Founders FFC leans on Super Bowl experience Brady and his fellow captain, Eagles QB Jalen Hurts, selected four other players with Super Bowl rings: Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith, former All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski, Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. and three-time All-Pro linebacker Von Miller. The rest of the roster includes Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty, four-time Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs, Saints running back Alvin Kamara, Bills safety Damar Hamlin, former All-Pro cornerback Patrick Peterson and boxer Terence Crawford. "I really like the way the team came together," Brady said. "It’s a good match of youth and skill. This game is going to be about lateral agility. And we’ve got some pretty good ones." 2. Can Team USA Football compete with NFL talent? At the draft, Brady and the other NFL players had a healthy back and forth with members of Team USA’s flag football team, who want to prove their worth. After all, there's the potential of NFL players playing flag football in the Los Angeles Olympics in two years. According to the oddsmakers, Brady’s team has an uphill battle. Team USA debuted as the favorite at Fanatics Markets with an implied probability of 45% to win the tournament (+120), followed by Team Wildcats, which features Daniels, Bengals QB Joe Burrow and Eagles RB Saquon Barkley, at 38% (+160). Brady’s Founders are at 32% (+210). [Fanatics Flag Football Classic Team Rosters] The games will follow modified Olympic-style flag football rules, featuring two, 15-minute halves with a running clock on a 50-by-25-yard field. All three teams will meet in a round-robin tournament, with the top two teams advancing to the championship. "When you’re an NFL player, you realize there’s a lot of contact," Brady told me when asked about facing Team USA. "It’s nice that you can talk a lot of smack and not worry about somebody hitting you in the back of the head. So, it’s going to be on." 3. Commanders quarterback Daniels excited to play in his hometown The NFL Rookie of the Year in 2024, Daniels had his second season cut short due to a dislocated left elbow, so this will be the first time he's competed since being shut down in mid-December. The L.A. native is looking forward to playing in his hometown — and to potentially play in the Olympics in two years. "We’ll see what happens in a couple years, but I love playing football," Daniels said. "And if the opportunity presents itself, I don’t think I can turn it down." Daniels and fellow captain and LSU product Burrow selected Barkley as the team’s first pick, followed by another Tiger in three-time Pro Bowl receiver Odell Beckham Jr. Filling out the roster for the Wildcats are receivers Davante Adams and DeAndre Hopkins, defensive backs Jalen Ramsey and Derwin James Jr., streamer IShowSpeed and YouTuber Logan Paul. 4. Logan Paul wants all the smoke Speaking of Paul, he made a dramatic entrance, taking the stage as if entering a boxing ring, and later exchanged words with Gronkowski and Brady. "Logan picked a fight with [Browns star edge] Myles Garrett, and that was the dumbest thing I've ever seen in my life," Brady joked on stage. The WWE star threatened to tackle Brady during the game and challenged any NFL player to a boxing match, saying he would put $1 million on the line. "There is not a single NFL player who can beat me in a boxing match," Paul said. "That is a fact. … If any of these guys want to fight me in my sport on their field this weekend, so be it. I will kick their ass." As Brady said, it's on.

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Brady, Gronk, Hurts, Burrow: Fanatics Flag Football Classic Draft Results

The draft results for the Fanatics Flag Football Classic are in, and the rosters are loaded with NFL talent. For starters, there are three teams: Team Founders, Team Wildcats and Team USA. Each team has 12 players, with 21 of the 36 being current or former NFL players. The three teams will compete in a round-robin tournament, with the top two teams advancing to a championship game. Games consist of two 15-minute halves on a 50 x 25-yard field at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. Coverage of the Fanatics Flag Football Classic begins on Saturday, March 21, at 4 p.m. ET on FOX, FOX One and Tubi. Here are the complete rosters: Team Founders Team Wildcats Team USA (Reigning Flag Football World Champion)

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2026 NFL Free Agency: Where All 32 NFL Teams Stand After the First Wave

With the first wave of NFL free agency in the books, many fans are asking themselves this: Is my team better or worse? Of course, the roster-building process for 2026 is far from over. The draft starts April 23. Late free-agency moves will happen. Injuries in the offseason program this spring and training camp in the summer will spur moves, too. Roster tweaking is a year-long process. But with where rosters stand right now, I offer my verdict for all 32 teams heading into the 2026 season, based (and listed) on how they ended 2025. AFC East New England Patriots Key additions: DL Dre’Mont Jones (FA), S Kevin Byard (FA), RG Alijah Vera-Tucker (PA), WR Romeo Doubs (FA) Key losses: WR Stefon Diggs (released), C Garrett Bradbury (trade), EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson (FA), S Jaylinn Hawkins (FA) Retained: none of note The addition of former first-round pick Alijah Vera-Tucker could wind up as a steal for an offensive line that struggled to protect star quarterback Drake Maye last season. Former Packers receiver Romeo Doubs is also an upside upgrade over Stefon Diggs. A former fourth-round pick, Doubs is seven years younger than Diggs, giving him a runway to build long-term rapport with Maye. Verdict: BETTER Buffalo Bills Key additions: WR DJ Moore (trade), S Geno Stone (FA), S C.J. Gardner-Johnson (FA) Key losses: CB Taron Johnson (trade), G David Andrews (FA) Retained: TE Dawson Knox, C Connor McGovern The price to acquire him (a second-round pick) may have been steep, but former Bears receiver DJ Moore raises the upside of Buffalo's offense. His presence gives veteran quarterback Josh Allen a No. 1-caliber receiver for the first time since 2023, Stefon Diggs’ last year in Buffalo. Verdict: BETTER Miami Dolphins Key additions: QB Malik Willis (FA), WR Tutu Atwell (FA), OT Charlie Heck (FA), WR Jalen Tolbert (FA) Key losses: WR Jaylen Waddle (trade), WR Tyreek Hill (released), LB Bradley Chubb (FA), QB Tua Tagovailoa (released) FB Alec Ingold (FA), Minkah Fitzpatrick (trade), CB Kader Kohou (FA), OL Larry Borom (FA), OL Cole Strange (FA) Retained: RT Austin Jackson If you were unclear about what the Dolphins were doing, they officially announced a rebuild by trading star receiver Jaylen Waddle to the Broncos on March 17. If the season were to start today, new starting QB Malik Willis’ WR1 would be 5-foot-8 Tutu Atwell, who’s never reached 600 receiving yards in a season. Verdict: WORSE New York Jets Key additions: QB Geno Smith (trade), S Minkah Fitzpatrick (trade), DL David Onyemata (FA), LB Demario Davis (FA), DT T’Vondre Sweat (trade), G Dylan Parham (FA), CB Nahshon Wright (FA), S Dane Belton (FA) Key losses: QB Justin Fields (trade), LG John Simpson (FA), LB Quincy Williams (FA), LG Alijah Vera-Tucker (FA), EDGE Jermaine Johnson II (trade), WR John Metchie III (FA) Retained: S Andre Cisco, RB Breece Hall You can argue that the Jets' additions and subtractions so far this offseason cancel each other out. But at quarterback, New York is better off with Smith, who was drafted by the Jets in 2013. The two-time Pro Bowler led the NFL in interceptions last season with the Raiders, but he’s still an upgrade over Justin Fields, whose passing inconsistencies made it difficult for the Jets to operate their offense. Verdict: BETTER AFC North Pittsburgh Steelers Key additions: WR Michael Pittman Jr. (trade), CB Jamel Dean (FA), RB Rico Dowdle (FA) Key losses: LG Isaac Seumalo (FA), RB Kenneth Gainwell (FA) Retained: DL Cameron Heyward Rico Dowdle is an upgrade over Kenneth Gainwell in the backfield, and the addition of Michael Pittman Jr. gives the Steelers a much-needed running mate to pair with DK Metcalf at receiver. But you can’t say Pittsburgh is better off, as it remains in quarterback limbo. There’s been no update on Aaron Rodgers and the available QB options aren’t promising, either. Verdict: WORSE Baltimore Ravens Key additions: EDGE Trey Hendrickson (FA), LG John Simpson (FA), S Jaylinn Hawkins (FA) Key losses: DL Dre’Mont Jones (FA), S Alohi Gilman (FA), C Tyler Linderbaum (FA), FB Patrick Ricard (FA), EDGE David Ojabo (FA), TE Charlie Kolar (FA), TE Isaiah Likely (FA), RB Keaton Mitchell (FA) Retained: CB Chidobe Awuzie, QB Tyler Huntley This is close. The losses on the offensive side of the ball have been significant for the Ravens (center Tyler Linderbaum, fullback Patrick Ricard, tight end Isaiah Likely), but they’re in much better shape defensively than how they ended 2025 — even with nixing the trade for Raiders edge Maxx Crosby. A healthy Trey Hendrickson gives Baltimore the pass-rush juice it badly needed, and safety Jaylinn Hawkins provides more playmaking on the back end (four interceptions in ‘25). John Simpson slides in as a starting guard. Verdict: BETTER Cincinnati Bengals Key additions: EDGE Boye Mafe (FA), S Bryan Cook (FA) Key losses: EDGE Trey Hendrickson (FA), S Geno Stone (FA), QB Jake Browning (FA) Retained: LT Orlando Brown Jr., LG Dalton Risner The writing was on the wall for Hendrickson’s departure, but adding Boye Mafe — signed to a three-year, $60 million contract — doesn’t sufficiently make up for the pass-rush production lost. Mafe had just two sacks last season with the Seahawks. Verdict: WORSE Cleveland Browns Key additions: G/C Elgton Jenkins (FA), RT Tytus Howard (trade), LG Zion Johnson (FA), Quincy Williams (FA) Key loss: LB Devin Bush (FA) Retained: RG Teven Jenkins, S Ronnie Hickman The Browns have remade their starting offensive line, adding right tackle Tytus Howard via trade and interior linemen Elgton Jenkins and Zion Johnson in free agency. Verdict: BETTER AFC South Jacksonville Jaguars Key addition: RB Chris Rodriguez Jr. (FA) Key losses: LB Devin Lloyd (FA), RB Travis Etienne (FA), CB  Greg Newsome II (FA), S Andrew Wingard (FA) Retained: CB Montaric Brown The Jaguars have signed only one outside free agent (Chris Rodriguez Jr.), and have let four full-time starters walk in free agency, including three on defense. Jacksonville is clearly playing the compensatory pick game — the team is currently slated to receive three for 2027, per Over The Cap — but it leaves the 2026 roster with plenty of questions. The Jags are depending heavily on projection with their returning players and potential draft picks. Verdict: WORSE Houston Texans Key additions: RT Braden Smith (FA), G Wyatt Teller (FA), RB David Montgomery (trade), S Reed Blankenship (FA), DL Logan Hall (FA) Key losses: RT Tytus Howard (trade), WR Christian Kirk (FA), RB Joe Mixon (released), DL Tim Settle (FA) Retained: EDGE Danielle Hunter, TE Dalton Schultz, RG Ed Ingram, DL Sheldon Rankins, RT Trent Brown, LB E.J. Speed The Texans got nothing from Joe Mixon last season — he missed all of 2025 with a mysterious foot injury — so they’re getting a boost to their running back room in former Lion David Montgomery, who has 33 rushing touchdowns over the past three years. Braden Smith suffices as a replacement at right tackle over Tytus Howard, and Wyatt Teller — a three-time Pro Bowler with the Browns — slides in at guard. The addition of safety Reed Blankenship is a luxury for what is already one of the most feared defenses in football. Verdict: BETTER Indianapolis Colts Key additions: EDGE Arden Key (FA), DL Micheal Clemons (FA), CB Cam Taylor-Britt (FA) Key losses: WR Michael Pittman Jr. (trade), EDGE Kwity Paye (FA), RT Braden Smith (FA), LB Zaire Franklin (trade), DL Neville Gallimore (FA), S Nick Cross (FA) Retained: QB Daniel Jones, WR Alec Pierce The Colts have a gaping hole at edge rusher opposite Laiatu Latu. The draft will be pivotal for Indianapolis to replenish its defense, which has lost three full-time starters (Zaire Franklin, Kwity Paye, Nick Cross). Verdict: WORSE Tennessee Titans Key additions: DT John Franklin-Myers (FA), CB Alontae Taylor (FA), WR Wan’Dale Robinson (FA), CB Cor'Dale Flott (FA), TE Daniel Bellinger (FA), DL Jordan Elliott (FA), CB Joshua Williams (FA), EDGE Jermaine Johnson II (trade), DL Solomon Thomas (trade), EDGE Jacob Martin (FA) Key losses: L’Jarius Sneed (released), C Lloyd Cushenberry (released), TE Chig Okonkwo (FA), EDGE Arden Key (FA), DT T’Vondre Sweat (trade), DL Sebastian Joseph-Day (FA) Retained: None of note The Titans have significantly raised their floor with their flurry of moves in free agency and the trade market. They’ve remade their starting defense for new coach Robert Saleh, and second-year quarterback Cam Ward gets much-needed help with a proven slot receiver in Wan’Dale Robinson. Verdict: BETTER AFC West Denver Broncos Key addition: WR Jaylen Waddle (trade) Key loss: DL John Franklin-Myers (FA) Retained: RB J.K. Dobbins, LB Alex Singleton, LB Justin Strnad, CB Ja’Quan McMillian, TE Adam Trautman, OT Alex Palczewski The Broncos lost one of their better defensive linemen in John Franklin-Myers (7.5 sacks last season), but added major firepower to their offense by trading for wideout Jaylen Waddle from Miami. His presence gives Denver, which made the AFC Championship Game last season, one of the NFL’s best receiver trios on paper (Waddle, Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin). Verdict: BETTER Los Angeles Chargers Key additions: C Tyler Biadasz (FA), LG Cole Strange (FA), FB Alec Ingold (FA), RB Keaton Mitchell (FA) Key losses: EDGE Odafe Oweh (FA), LG Zion Johnson (FA), OL Mekhi Becton (released), TE Charlie Kolar (FA) Retained: EDGE Khalil Mack, DT Teair Tart, OT Trey Pipkins, OL Trevor Penning, RB Kimani Vidal The Chargers took a step forward in pass protection for quarterback Justin Herbert, signing former Pro Bowl center Tyler Biadasz and 2022 Patriots first-rounder Cole Strange. Alec Ingold has been one of the NFL’s best fullbacks for years, so his addition is a big boost for the offense new OC Mike McDaniel will be constructing in LA. Verdict: BETTER Kansas City Chiefs Key additions: QB Justin Fields (trade), RB Kenneth Walker III (FA), S Alohi Gilman (FA), DL Khyiris Tonga (FA), CB Kader Kohou (FA) Key losses: CB Trent McDuffie (trade), RT Jawaan Taylor (released), CB Jaylen Watson (FA), S Bryan Cook (FA), LB Leo Chenal (FA), WR Hollywood Brown (FA), CB Joshua Williams (FA), RB Isiah Pacheco (FA), DT Derrick Nnadi (FA) Retained: TE Travis Kelce, LB Drue Tranquill, WR Tyquan Thornton Defense was the Chiefs' biggest strength last season, and their cornerback room has taken a major hit with two-time All-Pro Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson out of the picture. Kenneth Walker III, the reigning Super Bowl MVP, is an electrifying upgrade at running back over Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco, though. Verdict: WORSE Las Vegas Raiders Key additions: C Tyler Linderbaum (FA), EDGE Kwity Paye (FA), LB Quay Walker (FA), LB Nakobe Dean (FA), Jalen Nailor (FA), CB Taron Johnson (trade) Key losses: QB Geno Smith (trade), LG Dylan Parham (FA), OL Stone Forsythe (FA) Retained: EDGE Malcolm Koonce, CB Eric Stokes Similar to the Titans, the Raiders have raised their floor substantially by spending big in free agency. How expected No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza performs in Year 1 will ultimately determine if brighter days are ahead in Las Vegas, though. Verdict: BETTER NFC East Philadelphia Eagles Key additions: CB Tariq Woolen (FA), WR Hollywood Brown (FA) Key losses: EDGE Jaelan Phillips (FA), LB Nakobe Dean (FA), S Reed Blankenship (FA), WR Jahan Dotson (FA) Retained: DT Jordan Davis, TE Dallas Goedert Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is a wizard when it comes to roster building, and Philly is certainly playing the compensatory pick game (it’s currently slated to receive three comp picks for next year, according to Over The Cap). But the defense is worse off for the time being, having lost three starters in Jaelan Phillips, Nakobe Dean and Reed Blankenship. Verdict: WORSE Dallas Cowboys Key additions: EDGE Rashan Gary (trade), S Jalen Thompson (FA) Key losses: DT Osa Odighizuwa (trade), LB Logan Wilson (released), DL Solomon Thomas (trade), WR Jalen Tolbert (FA) Retained: WR George Pickens (franchise tag), RT Terence Steele, RB Javonte Williams, K Brandon Aubrey, S Malik Hooker The Cowboys’ defense still needs a lot of work, but adding Rashan Gary in a trade with Green Bay is a step in the right direction for a unit that had an abysmal pass rush last season. The former first-round pick has 24 sacks in the past three seasons. Verdict: BETTER Washington Commanders Key additions: EDGE Odafe Oweh (FA), EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson (FA), TE Chig Okonkwo (FA), LB Leo Chenal (FA), DL Tim Settle (FA), CB Amik Robertson (FA), S Nick Cross (FA), RB Rachaad White (FA) Key losses: C Tyler Biadasz (FA), RB Chris Rodriguez (FA), EDGE Jacob Martin (FA) Retained: LT Laremy Tunsil, QB Marcus Mariota, G Nick Allegretti, WR Treylon Burks The Commanders, who ranked last in yards allowed and 26th in points allowed last season, have given their defense a major facelift through free agency, adding several starters. Verdict: BETTER New York Giants Key additions: TE Isaiah Likely (FA), CB Greg Newsome II (FA), FB Patrick Ricard (FA), WR Calvin Austin III (FA) Key losses: WR Wan’Dale Robinson (FA), CB Cor'Dale Flott (FA), TE Daniel Bellinger (FA), S Dane Belton (FA) Retained: RT Jermaine Eluemunor, OL Evan Neal Advanced numbers from last season place Cor'Dale Flott ahead of Greg Newsome, so maybe the Giants took a step back at cornerback. But the offense around second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart has gotten better with additions like tight end Isaiah Likely and All-Pro fullback Patrick Ricard, who followed John Harbaugh to New York. Calvin Austin replaces Wan’Dale Robinson as the slot receiver. Verdict: BETTER NFC North Chicago Bears Key additions: S Coby Bryant (FA), LB Devin Bush (FA), C Garrett Bradbury (trade), WR/returner Kalif Raymond (FA), DL Neville Gallimore (FA) Key losses: WR DJ Moore (trade), LB Tremaine Edmunds (released), S Kevin Byard (FA), CB Nahshon Wright (FA), C.J. Gardner-Johnson (FA), S Jaquan Brisker (FA), C Drew Dalman (retirement) Retained: LT Braxton Jones The Bears have let most of their secondary from last season walk in free agency, which isn’t a total surprise given all the yards Chicago gave. But because we don’t yet know if their plan to replace (and exceed) that production will work, there’s some limbo here. On the offensive side of the ball, Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman’s retirement is a blow and receiver DJ Moore’s trade to the Bills means one fewer weapon for third-year QB Caleb Williams, though Chicago has no shortage of young, promising pass-catchers. Verdict: WORSE Green Bay Packers Key additions: DT Javon Hargrave (FA), LB Zaire Franklin (trade), WR/returner Skyy Moore (FA) Key losses: IOL Elgton Jenkins (released), QB Malik Willis (FA), WR Romeo Doubs (FA), EDGE Rashan Gary (trade), LB Quay Walker (FA), LT Rasheed Walker (FA) Retained: C Sean Rhyan We saw last season how vulnerable the Packers’ defense was without Micah Parsons, and the unit must now reckon with life post-Rashan Gary. Even if Zaire Franklin is an adequate (but older) replacement for Quay Walker at linebacker, there are still legitimate questions about whether this defense can take a step forward with Parsons and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt coming off season-ending injuries in December. Verdict: WORSE Minnesota Vikings Key additions: QB Kyler Murray (FA) Key losses: WR Jalen Nailor (FA), DT Javon Hargrave (released) Retained: TE T.J. Hockenson, LB Eric Wilson Former Cardinal Kyler Murray is technically expected to be in a quarterback competition with 2024 No. 10 overall pick J.J. McCarthy. But assuming the latter doesn’t take a step forward, Murray — a two-time Pro Bowler — gives Minnesota a better chance to maximize what remains a strong roster. Verdict: BETTER Detroit Lions Key additions: C Cade Mays (FA), OL Larry Borom (FA), RB Isiah Pacheco (FA), CB Roger McCreary (FA) Key losses: RB David Montgomery (trade), LB Alex Anzalone (FA), CB Amik Robertson (FA), DL Roy Lopez (FA), EDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad (FA), WR/KR Kalif Raymond (FA) Retained: CB Rock Ya-Sin The Lions’ offensive line remains under construction. Isiah Pacheco is also a downgrade from David Montgomery at the RB2 spot behind Jahmyr Gibbs. Verdict: WORSE NFC South Carolina Panthers Key additions: EDGE Jaelan Phillips (FA), LB Devin Lloyd (FA), OL Stone Forsythe (FA), WR John Metchie III (FA), LT Rasheed Walker (FA) Key losses: DT A’Shawn Robinson (FA), C Cade Mays (FA), RB Rico Dowdle (FA) Retained: None of note The Panthers’ defense is positioned to take a big step forward in 2026 with edge rusher Jaelen Phillips, who ranked 10th in the NFL last season with 76 pressures, and Pro Bowl linebacker Devin Lloyd, who had five interceptions in 2025. Rasheed Walker gives fourth-year QB Bryce Young a proven blindside protector for 2026. Verdict: BETTER Tampa Bay Buccaneers Key additions: DT A’Shawn Robinson (FA), LB Alex Anzalone (FA), RB Kenneth Gainwell (FA), EDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad (FA) Key losses: WR Mike Evans (FA), CB Jamal Dean (FA), DL Logan Hall (FA), RB Rachaad White (FA) Retained: TE Cade Otton, RB Sean Tucker Most notably, the Bucs lost a franchise legend in Mike Evans to the Niners. On defense, Tampa added three potential starters (DT A’Shawn Robinson, LB Alex Anzalone, DE Al-Quadin Muhammad), but they’re all at least 30 years old. Verdict: WORSE Atlanta Falcons Key additions: WR Jahan Dotson (FA), QB Tua Tagovailoa (FA) Key losses: WR Darnell Mooney (FA), LB Kaden Elliss (FA), DT David Onyemata (FA), RB Tyler Allgeier (FA), QB Kirk Cousins (released) Retained: TE Kyle Pitts (franchise tag) Jahan Dotson is a downgrade as a starting receiver from Darnell Mooney, who joined the Giants in free agency. Atlanta’s defense is under construction with the losses of full-time starters Kaden Elliss and David Onyemata. Verdict: WORSE New Orleans Saints Key additions: G David Edwards (FA), RB Travis Etienne (FA), LB Kaden Elliss (FA) Key losses: CB Alontae Taylor (FA), LB Demario Davis (FA) Retained: OL Dillon Radunz Travis Etienne fills the Saints’ need for an RB1 of the future, with Alvin Kamara’s days in New Orleans numbered. David Edwards beefs up the offensive line in front of second-year QB Tyler Shough, while Kaden Elliss gives the team a starting linebacker who's seven years younger than Demario Davis, who signed with the Jets in free agency. Verdict: BETTER NFC West Seattle Seahawks Key additions: RB Emanuel Wilson (FA) Key losses: EDGE Boye Mafe (FA), RB Kenneth Walker III (FA), S Coby Bryant (FA), CB Tariq Woolen (FA) Retained: WR/KR Rashid Shaheed, CB Josh Jobe, LB Drake Thomas The Seahawks will be rewarded with future compensatory picks — they’re currently slated to receive four in 2027, per Over the Cap — but their current roster is a step back from the team that won Super Bowl LX. Verdict: WORSE Los Angeles Rams Key additions: CB Trent McDuffie (trade), CB Jaylen Watson (FA) Key losses: WR Tutu Atwell (FA), CB Roger McCreary (FA), CB Cobie Durant (FA) Retained: S Kamren Curl, TE Tyler Higbee The Rams are all-in as long as reigning MVP Matthew Stafford keeps playing, and they made a significant improvement in the secondary by adding cornerbacks Trent McDuffie (two-time All-Pro) and Jaylen Watson. Verdict: BETTER San Francisco 49ers Key additions: DT Osa Odighizuwa (trade), WR Mike Evans (FA), WR Christian Kirk (FA) Key losses: WR Kendrick Bourne (FA), DT Jordan Elliott (FA), WR/KR Skyy Moore (FA) Retained: EDGE Sam Okuayinonu Mike Evans and Christian Kirk give San Francisco more firepower at receiver, albeit as older wideouts. Former Cowboy Osa Odighizuwa also gives the Niners a huge upgrade at defensive tackle. Verdict: BETTER Arizona Cardinals Key additions: G Isaac Seumalo (FA), RB Tyler Allgeier (FA), QB Gardner Minshew (FA), DL Roy Lopez (FA), WR Kendrick Bourne (FA) Key losses: QB Kyler Murray (released), S Jalen Thompson (FA) Retained: None of note Kyler Murray’s time in the desert reached its end, but the Cardinals’ quarterback room is notably weaker with Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew atop the depth chart. Verdict: WORSE

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Kevin Burkhardt and Greg Olsen To Call Inaugural Fanatics Flag Football Classic

LOS ANGELES – FOX Sports today announced that Kevin Burkhardt and Greg Olsen will call the inaugural Fanatics Flag Football Classic, a first-of-its-kind global competition from Fanatics Studios, on Saturday, March 21 from 4:00-8:30 PM ET / 1:00-5:30 PM PT on FOX, FOX One and Tubi. As previously announced, actor and comedian Kevin Hart will serve as the event’s host alongside actor and comedian Druski. Burkhardt, an award-winning veteran broadcaster, serves as FOX Sports’ lead NFL play-by-play announcer, bringing viewers the network’s top games each week during the season. In addition to four NFC Championships, he has called two Super Bowls (LVII and LIX) – including one alongside three-time Pro Bowl tight end and two-time Sports Emmy winner Olsen. The pair reunite in the booth to present the Fanatics Flag Football Classic from BMO Stadium, the same venue that will host flag football at the LA28 Olympic Games. The first-of-its-kind competition includes three 12-player teams: two comprised of an incredible mix of current and former NFL stars as well as world-class athletes, and the third represented by USA Football’s reigning IFAF Flag Football World Champion U.S. Men’s National Team, setting up a can’t-miss showdown between some of the biggest names in sports and the most accomplished flag players in the world. Founders FFC will be captained by Tom Brady and Jalen Hurts and coached by Sean Payton while Wildcats FFC will be captained by Jayden Daniels and Joe Burrow and coached by Kyle Shanahan. The U.S. Men’s National Team will be captained by Aamir Brown and Darrell "Housh" Doucette and coached by Jorge Cascudo. TUNE IN The Fanatics Flag Football Classic airs live on FOX, FOX One and Tubi from 4:00-8:30 PM ET / 1:00-5:30 PM PT. The event will also be streamed internationally on the Fanatics YouTube channel.

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