NFL Confidential: Why 18-Game Regular Season Remains a Hard Sell for Players and Coaches

PHOENIX — An 18-game,regular-season schedule seems like an inevitability after listening to NFL owners discuss the topic during the league’s owners meeting at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix this past week. In fact, owners of multiple teams flat-out said they want to add another regular-season game to the ever-growing NFL slate. "Growing the number of international games, that’s something we’re very supportive of," Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt told reporters. "From a schedule dynamic, having 18 games would facilitate that." Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said expanding to 18 games is just a matter of giving fans what they want – more football. "When the ducks quack, feed them," Jones told reporters in Arizona this week. "And we have that demand for our game because of the hard work of our great players that we have. We have that demand. We should address it, respond to it and feed it." The NFL transitioned to 17 games and three preseason games in 2021. But with the league engaging in talks to renegotiate the NFL’s TV package with networks and streaming services, having more games to add to that inventory creates more revenue and opportunities to make more money. More football is great for everybody, right? Well, not so fast. Here's what I've learned after hearing other people speak in Arizona and talking to other people around the league about the possibility of adding an 18th regular-season game. NFL coaches say 18 games ‘will water down the product’ If the NFL added another game to the regular season, it would be just its latest move to expand the product over the last decade. Since 2020, the league has expanded its postseason from 12 to 14 teams, added annual games on Christmas Day and continues to increase the number of games played internationally. Of course, that's also on top of adding a 17th regular-season game. [4 Takeaways From the NFL Owners Meeting in Phoenix] With all the expansion, particularly the two teams added to the postseason field, NFL players are already being pushed to the brink of what their bodies can handle physically, according to two former players-turned-coaches I spoke with. As a result, more games could lead to more load management and tanking, like we’ve seen in the NBA and other professional sports. "Eighteen games will water down the product," a longtime NFL coach and former player told me. "What made the NFL different from the rest of the competition is every game matters. You had 16 intense weeks, and there’s nothing like it. "Now we have 17 games, and with one extra game some players are looking to take a game off. Eighteen games will definitely get players thinking about taking games off. It will only work if the players get rewarded handsomely. They will sell their souls for money." As the NFL ponders adding an 18th regular-season game, the league is slated to play a record nine games internationally, including for the first time in Australia and France in 2026. The NFL might also have two games on Wednesday for the first time in league history this upcoming season. The defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks are opening the season at home on Wednesday, Sept. 9, in order to help accommodate the game being played in Australia, and the league could schedule a Thanksgiving Day eve game in November. There will also be a handful of games played on a Friday this year. The annual Black Friday game will continue, while the league is expected to play a three-game slate on Christmas Day, which will be on a Friday in 2026. That means the only day of the week there won't be an NFL regular-season game in 2026 is Tuesday, but it will also mean many more games will be played with shorter rest than usual. With the NFL stretching out the schedule further and further, another coach nostalgically reminisced about the efficiency of a 16-game schedule, which included the top two playoff seeds receiving a bye week. "The writing has been on the wall for years now [for expanding to 18 games]," the position coach told me. "It’s inevitable. Don’t make it two bye weeks, though. The season already is long enough." NFLPA still not on board with 18-game season Former NFL Players Association interim executive director David White stated during Super Bowl week back in February that his members had "no appetite" for an 18th regular season game. "The 18th game is not casual for us," White said. "It’s a very serious issue. It is something that comes out of negotiations." The current collective bargaining agreement between the league and its players runs through 2030, but could be reopened to negotiate an 18th game. For now, the players aren’t interested in expanding the regular season. It’s one of the reasons the NFL has not announced a date for Super Bowl LXII in Atlanta in two years, leaving open the possibility of expanding to an 18-game schedule before the 2027 season if negotiations take place in the next year to expand the league’s schedule. The NFLPA has been in flux as it changes leadership, with disgraced former NFL Players Association executive director Lloyd Howell permanently replaced by former NFL player JC Tretter. Tretter recently echoed White’s comments in an interview with The Athletic. "There are things that are not good for our players that we need to make sure we’re protecting them from," Tretter said. "And as of right now, those are all subjects of bargaining. The league can’t expand past 10 international games. The league is at 17 games in the CBA. That is where we’re at, and we’re going to make sure we defend our players and their health and safety, because our guys feel they know what this feels like." NFL Scout says expanded rosters needed for 18-game slate A longtime NFL scout told me the NFL would need to expand rosters by at least five more active players on game day and consider the possibility of bringing 100 players to training camp with the expansion to an 18-game season. Currently, NFL teams are allowed to go to camp with 90 players, and 48 players are active on game day. "The game product at some point suffers if the league and owners’ greed outweigh the development of players, along with paying the officials, staff, coaches and scouts their fair share, too," the scout told me. The scout noted that the USFL had a grueling 18-game season that included fully padded, two-a-day practices for six weeks and the postseason. The scout wondered if today’s players would be up to the physical toll on the body of an 18-game season. "Today’s players are bigger and stronger — but not as mentally and physically as tough or instinctive collectively [as they were in earlier years]," the scout said. "So, the owners may want to be careful what they wish for." NFL agent says staying at 17 games is ‘definitely possible’ The push by NFL owners for 18 games makes sense financially, generating more revenue for the league and its players. However, the current players will have to weigh the risk to their careers and the injuries they could sustain in the chase for more of a financial reward that will be with them for life after football. "I think there are enough regular-season games," an NFL agent told me. "The league will need to pay a massive price to get the players to do it. Most players who actually play would not be in favor of it. Most can’t make it through 17 games. The league has zero ability to do it unilaterally." Asked if the NFL is at risk of oversaturating the product, the NFL agent had this to say: "I think it is there now, just about," the NFL agent said. "Staying at 17/3 (17 regular-season games, three preseason games) is definitely possible."

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2026 NFL Offseason Buzz: Jags Extend Travon Walker; Kyle Shanahan Leaving?

The NFL offseason is in full swing. Free agency has come and gone, with many of the top players available finding homes. There are still some notable free agents out there who have yet to be signed, and several other players appear to be 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] Kyle Shanahan leaving coaching? The San Francisco 49ers head coach responded to speculation that he might soon leave coaching for a network studio gig. Could a television stint be in his future? "I'm good coaching," Shanahan said at the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting in Phoenix. "I love coaching. Even though I look like I've aged 10 years … because I physically have aged 10 years, I still feel good." Rashee Rice won't face discipline from NFL The NFL announced on April 3 that it has closed its investigation into assault allegations against the Chiefs wide receiver and that he won't face any discipline by the league. "There was insufficient evidence to support a finding that he violated the personal conduct policy," the league said in a statement obtained by NFL.com. The 25-year-old previously missed the first six games of last season following an NFL suspension for his role in a high-speed car crash during the 2024 offseason. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail and five years probation after pleading guilty. Jaguars extend Travon Walker on massive deal Walker, the first overall pick in 2022, has signed a massive four-year deal with the Jaguars worth $110 million ($77 million in total guarantees, $50 million fully guaranteed at signing and $27.5 million average annual salary). The 25-year-old has posted two double-digit sack seasons over his four years in Jacksonville, with 27.5 career sacks. Stephon Gilmore announces retirement One of the top cornerbacks in the NFL over the last decade-plus is walking away from the game. Stephon Gilmore announced his retirement from the league, ending his career after 13 seasons. Gilmore, 35, didn't play in 2025, remaining unsigned after a one-year stint with the Minnesota Vikings. While Gilmore became a journeyman later in his career, he rose to prominence in the late 2010s during his stint with the New England Patriots. He helped the team win Super Bowl LIII in 2018 before being named Defensive Player of the Year in 2019. Gilmore was named first-team All-Pro in both of those seasons, and was also a Pro Bowler in three of his four years in New England. Gilmore finished his career with five Pro Bowl nods, earning his first when he was a member of the Buffalo Bills in 2016 and again when he was with the Carolina Panthers in 2021. Gilmore also played with the Dallas Cowboys and Indianapolis Colts, spending a season with each team. He began his NFL career in 2012, when the Bills took him with the 10th overall pick in that season's draft. Odell Beckham Jr. meets with Giants' coach John Harbaugh Amid the rumors of his return to New York, Odell Beckham Jr., reportedly, met with Giants coach John Harbaugh during the owners meetings in Arizona this week. Beckham was out of the NFL last season, after playing nine games with the Miami Dolphins in 2024. He spent time in Baltimore, Cleveland and with the Los Angeles Rams over the last five years. But before that, he was a three-time Pro-Bowler with the Giants, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards in four of his five seasons in New York. Beckham would join a wide receiver room that includes Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, Darnell Mooney and Calvin Austin III. Klint Kubiak doesn't want a rookie Week 1 starting QB Fernando Mendoza won’t start right away for the Las Vegas Raiders if coach Klint Kubiak has his way. The Raiders are expected to select the Heisman Trophy winner with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft next month. Mendoza led Indiana to its first national championship and became the overwhelming favorite to go first. "Ideally, you don’t want him to start from day one," Kubiak said Tuesday. "You’d love him to be able to learn behind somebody. That’s in a perfect world. It doesn’t always work out that way. Sometimes they have to play from day one and it’s our job as coaches to get them ready to go. I think it does help the player if they can sit behind a mature adult and watch how they run the show." Aidan O’Connell is the only other quarterback currently on the Raiders after the team traded Geno Smith and Kenny Pickett. Kirk Cousins, Jimmy Garoppolo and Russell Wilson are among the veterans who remain unsigned. Kubiak, who was the offensive coordinator for Super Bowl champion Seattle, replaced Pete Carroll and aims to rebuild a franchise that hasn’t won a playoff game since the AFC championship game following the 2002 season. It starts with landing a franchise quarterback. "He’s a national champion, he’s a winner," Kubiak said of Mendoza. "He’s quick. He’s intelligent." Shedeur Sanders to switch jersey number Shedeur Sanders will have a new look in 2026. The Cleveland Browns quarterback will switch his jersey number to No. 2 next season, the team announced. Sanders previously wore No. 12. Sanders actually wore No. 2 during his college career, but he couldn't wear that jersey number during his rookie season with the Browns. Wide receiver DeAndre Carter had possession of the jersey number when Cleveland selected him in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. As for on-field matters, Sanders seems in line to compete for the starting quarterback job in 2026. Browns general manager Andrew Berry previously said that Sanders, Deshaun Watson and other quarterbacks on their roster will get the opportunity to potentially win the starting job. Sanders started the final seven games for the Browns in 2025, posting a 3-4 record. He threw for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions to go with 169 rushing yards and a rushing score last season. Safety Damar Hamlin returns to Buffalo Safety Damar Hamlin is returning to Buffalo for a sixth season after signing a one-year contract with the team on Friday. Hamlin was a free agent after his one-year contract expired. And he’s staying in Buffalo where the 28-year-old has served as an inspiration for perseverance following his remarkable comeback after a near-death experience three years ago. Hamlin has shown no signs of a setback since he went into cardiac arrest and needed to be resuscitated on the field during a game at Cincinnati in January 2023. Though he was eased back into action in being limited to playing five games the following season, Hamlin had a career-high 14 starts in 2024. He was relegated to a backup role last season and limited to just five games after landing on injured reserve because of a pectoral injury sustained in practice. Hamlin is expected to compete for a backup spot on a team and defense in transition. Jim Leonhard takes over as coordinator under new coach Joe Brady, who was promoted in January after Sean McDermott was fired. The Bills have since signed free-agent safeties C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Geno Stone, who are anticipated to compete for the starting job opposite Cole Bishop. Buffalo selected Hamlin in the sixth round of the 2021 draft out of Pittsburgh. He has two interceptions in 53 career games, including 27 starts. Tommy DeVito new backup for Patriots After QB Josh Dobbs's release, Tommy DeVito is in line to be the New England Patriots backup quarterback under Drake Maye in this upcoming season. In 2024, DeVito was released by the New York Giants, being the odd man out in a competitive QB pool with players like Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, and first-round pick Jaxson Dart. The season prior, he played three games, completing 70.5% of his passing attempts. After signing with the Patriots, he aims to provide support at quarterback and help support Maye. Trent Williams update The San Francisco 49ers opted not to exercise the $10 million option bonus on their star left tackle, per 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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Lamar Jackson: I 'Definitely' Want Jadeveon Clowney Back on Baltimore Ravens

Somebody on X had a question on their mind: Would superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson want defensive end Jadeveon Clowney back on the Baltimore Ravens? "Definitely," Jackson responded to a fan on X on Thursday who asked the quarterback if he wanted Clowney "back" with the Ravens. Clowney, a three-time Pro Bowler and the No. 1 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, spent the 2023 season with the Ravens, tying his career-high with 9.5 sacks in said year. He then spent the 2024 season with the Carolina Panthers and later played for the Dallas Cowboys in 2025. Last year in Dallas (2025), Clowney recorded 8.5 sacks, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and 41 combined tackles across 13 games. He also finished fourth among edge defenders with four batted passes, according to Pro Football Focus. Should the 33-year-old Clowney reunite with the Ravens, he'd join a defense that was tied for 30th in the NFL in opponent passing yards (247.9 per game) last season, while being 24th in opponent total yards (354.5 per game), 18th in opponent points (23.4 per game) and 10th in opponent rushing yards (106.6 per game). Former Ravens defensive assistant and Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver is Baltimore's new defensive coordinator under new head coach Jesse Minter. As for defensive additions, the Ravens signed former Cincinnati Bengals defensive end and four-time Pro Bowler Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million deal after a blockbuster trade for Las Vegas Raiders star defensive end Maxx Crosby fell through due to long-term medical concerns. Baltimore also signed former New England Patriots defensive back Jaylinn Hawkins (two-year, $10 million deal), among other moves. As for Jackson, the two-time NFL MVP is coming off a 2025 campaign that was sidetracked by hamstring and back injuries, respectively. Across 13 games, Jackson totaled 2,549 passing yards, 21 passing touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 103.8 passer rating, while completing 63.6% of his passes. He also rushed for 349 yards and two touchdowns. Baltimore missed the playoffs at 8-9.

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Cowherd on Fernando Mendoza: 'He's Peyton Manning. He's Exactly What I Want.'

Fernando Mendoza had his Pro Day Wednesday at the University of Indiana, and FOX Sports' Colin Cowherd came away impressed, calling the performance "literally perfect." Mendoza completed 53 of his 56 pass attempts, per NFL.com, in front of a crowd of NFL front office members that included 10 members from the Las Vegas Raiders, who own the No. 1 pick. But it wasn't just his poise and the throws Mendoza made that proved something to Cowherd. It was his wherewithal and selflessness. He highlighted each route his receivers ran, ensuring the NFL scouts in attendance weren't just focused on him, but had their attention on Indiana's wide receivers. To Cowherd, Mendoza's character mimicked that of a certain NFL Hall of Fame quarterback. "Folks, you're looking at Peyton Manning," Cowherd said on Thursday's episode of "The Herd." "Peyton Manning was big, smart, self-aware, and understood the NFL game." After winning the Heisman Trophy and leading Indiana to a college football national championship this past season, Mendoza will likely be the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft on April 23. Cowherd is all for that pick, and believes he's the consummate quarterback prospect because he understands what matters to play that position well. "A lot of people want to be quarterback," Cowherd said. "They love being quarterback. But do you love being quarterback because it's about winning and doing everything it takes to be a winner, which is giving teammates credibility, which is telling scouts — 'I want to watch the guys, and the routes they're running?'" "Leadership is not cool," Cowherd added. "It's not cool. Leadership is hard." Mendoza clearly prioritizes external results and his impact on his teammates over his self-image. "A lot of people are saying this guy is a little cringey, and he's not cool," Cowherd said. "He's Peyton Manning. He's exactly what I want."

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2026 NFL Draft: The Book on Alabama QB Ty Simpson

With the 2026 NFL Draft less than a month away, Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson has entered the chat as the most polarizing prospect in the class. After Simpson's impressive throwing exhibitions at the NFL Scouting Combine and Alabama Pro Day created a buzz in scouting circles, evaluators could not wait to dig into the tape to determine whether the consensus QB2 of the class is worthy of a first-round pick. Simpson, who passed for 3,567 yards with 28 touchdowns and five interceptions in 2025, is a mechanical marvel with flawless footwork and throwing mechanics that stand out on his tape. As the son of a college football coach with an extensive offensive background, Simpson operates like a clinician from the pocket, working through his reads at warp speed before routinely delivering darts to open receivers. The combination of his high-IQ and refined mechanics resulted in a sizzling nine-game run in 2025 — a 66.8% completion rate with 21 touchdowns and one interception during that span — that had scouts buzzing about his prospects as a QB1. Directing a pro-style offense created by former NFL offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, Simpson showcased his managerial skills and big-play potential with his surgical dismantling of four ranked opponents — Georgia, Vanderbilt, Missouri and Tennessee. That scintillating stretch piqued the interest of evaluators intent on finding a potential QB1 in the 2026 or 2027 classes. Few expected Simpson, with another year of college eligibility and only 15 starts on his résumé, to enter this year's draft. But the flashes from his spectacular run have stirred debate between old-school evaluators and new-age scouts on the importance of traits, experience, production and projection for quarterback prospects. After studying Simpson’s 2025 season, here are my thoughts on the most polarizing player in the draft. This Upside If you were coaching a young quarterback on how to play the position and needed to show him a demonstration reel, Simpson’s highlight tape would suffice. The 6-foot-1, 211-pounder is a talented technician with footwork and mechanics that coaches rave about when teaching young players new skills. He complements his polished mechanics with a high football IQ, enabling him to quickly work through his reads until he finds an open receiver or the weak spot in coverage. Simpson’s quickness in processing and game-day urgency separate him from most young quarterbacks who are hesitant and uncertain in the pocket. He has mastered the art of playing quickly without hurrying or rushing through the process when making post-snap reads. As a result, Simpson consistently plays on time, trusting his awareness and diagnostic skills to make anticipatory throws against various coverage. He displays a keen understanding of his scheme and which routes should be available against the defensive coverage or pressure. Moreover, he maintains a big-picture focus, enabling him to play in attack mode and exploit the defense’s vulnerabilities at all times. Additionally, Simpson’s exceptional intangibles enable him to carve up coverage with surgical precision despite lacking elite arm talent. His arm strength grades out at a "plus" level, but it would not rank as a superpower on par with the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen or Joe Burrow. While it has been proven that a strong arm is not required to succeed in the NFL, Simpson must win with superior timing, anticipation and ball placement rather than throwing fastballs past defenders. Coaches intrigued by Simpson will certainly want to incorporate the rhythm throws and play-action concepts that accentuate his game. He consistently nails the strike zone on "catch, rock and throw" concepts with in-breaking routes attached to the progression, and he's just as effective on comebacks and deep outs thrown outside the numbers. With Simpson also capable of layering throws over intermediate defenders after executing play-action fakes, offensive coordinators can open up the playbook with the Alabama product under center. In addition, Simpson’s athleticism, movement skills and effectiveness as a mobile playmaker shine on bootlegs and naked passes. He is a credible dual-threat with the potential to pick up first downs on nifty scrambles or pinpoint tosses to the boundary. The Downside Despite the impressive résumé and highlight reel Simpson has compiled as a one-year starter, there are some concerns about his ability to thrive as a pro due to his inexperience (15 career starts), size and arm talent. The recent failures of Anthony Richardson (13 college starts), Dwayne Haskins (14), and Mitchell Trubisky (13), combined with the inability of Trey Lance (17) to crack an NFL starting lineup, makes Simpson a high-risk prospect due to his limited reps. Additionally, skeptics will point to his late-season struggles, particularly against Auburn and Georgia (in the SEC Championship Game), as potential concerns about his ability to adapt to defensive adjustments. Defensive coordinators successfully copied pressure patterns and coverage tricks that disrupted his rhythm in the initial Oklahoma matchup, as evidenced by Simpson completing just 58.5% of his passes in his final five games with six touchdowns and three interceptions. With Simpson’s injuries also impacting his play, concerns over his size and durability are also major factors in his evaluation. As a slender quarterback, his late-season decline will lead to questions about his ability to withstand the pounding and wear-and-tear as a pro. [2026 NFL Draft Confidential: Unfiltered Scouting Takes On Top 5 QBs] Factor in his lack of elite arm talent, and there are plenty of red flags for evaluators to consider when breaking down Simpson. The naysayers will point to his underthrown vertical passes and his soft tosses between the numbers as potential concerns, especially since NFL defensive coordinators design game plans that force quarterbacks to make tight-window throws. If Simpson is unable to punish opponents for their aggressive tactics, the offense will face a condensed field, making it harder to operate over a 17-game season. The Verdict Simpson is the ultimate high-risk, high-reward prospect at the position. He dazzles as a pocket passer, with pristine mechanics and a high IQ that will endear him to quarterback gurus across the league. Offensive coordinators employing intricate schemes that rely on touch, timing and precision will fall in love with Simpson due to his ability to execute advanced concepts at the collegiate level. His strongest supporters within the league will see the Alabama star as a Brock Purdy-like playmaker. They'll argue that Simpson could excel in an offense featuring a smorgasbord of creative concepts designed to exploit defensive vulnerabilities through clever scheming and misdirection, including play-action and bootleg passes. While his lack of experience will require a detailed developmental plan that might include a "redshirt" year to adapt and adjust to the pro game, Simpson’s skills could translate into him becoming a successful starter down the road. Due to the time needed for him to develop, and the risks associated with his inexperience and size, I would grade him as a second-round prospect (future starter), knowing that he faces long odds of becoming a franchise-caliber player.

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Fanatics-Owned Topps Becomes NFL's Exclusive Trading Card Licensee

After a decade out of the NFL, Topps is back in the game. Topps will once again become the NFL's exclusive trading card licensee, Fanatics Collectibles, the NFL and the NFL Players Association announced Thursday. Topps, which is now owned by Fanatics, last produced fully licensed NFL cards in 2016. To help commemorate its return to the NFL, Topps will produce one-of-one-numbered Rookie PREM1ERE Patch Autograph cards and NFL Honors Gold Shield Autograph cards. The Rookie PREM1ERE Patch Autograph cards will feature a patch from jerseys worn by rookies in the 2025 season. New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward and New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson are among the 2025 rookies who'll have trading cards that are a part of the Rookie PREM1ERE Patch Autograph cards. The NFL Honors Gold Shield Autograph cards will feature game-worn gold shield patches from the jerseys of the winners of the 2024 major individual awards. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley and Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels are among the players in that group. NFL stars who have signed exclusive deals with Fanatics will also have trading cards featured as part of the release. That list includes lead NFL on FOX analyst Tom Brady, New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud and more. The first release as part of the agreement will be the 2025 Topps Chrome Football, which will be available to purchase on April 15. However, pre-ordering will open on Friday. "This partnership between the NFL and Fanatics Collectibles brings together the league, our players and a best-in-class collectibles platform to better serve fans and grow the trading card hobby," NFL SVP of consumer products Casey Collins said in a release. "We’re excited to welcome Topps back as our exclusive trading card partner, and by leveraging their expertise and innovation, we will reach fans and collectors around the world with one-of-a-kind offerings and experiences." "In partnership with the league and the players association, we are excited to build a program that honors the legacy of the game while introducing never-before-seen levels of innovation, storytelling and premium design," Fanatics Collectibles CEO Mike Mahan added. "We look forward to bringing our passion for football to life through our incredible products." Panini previously held the NFL's exclusive trading card license, taking over in 2016. Topps and Fanatics, meanwhile, are now the exclusive trading card licensee for three of the largest professional sports leagues in America. The group became the NBA's trading card licensee in October, four years after it agreed to a deal to become the MLB's trading card licensee in 2021.

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4 Takeaways From NFL Owners Meeting

PHOENIX — Rule changes were at the forefront of the NFL owners meeting this week, with the most notable approved proposal being a one-year rule that allows officials "to correct clear and obvious mistakes" as the league's referees face a potential lockout. It’s clear the NFL anticipates having to use replacement referees — and because it was a largely damaging decision last time, with the replacement refs struggling enormously in 2012 (see: the Fail Mary), the league is doing what it can to help preserve the product in the event of a work stoppage. But there were other newsworthy items that came from coaches, execs and owners about their respective teams during the week. What potential moves might come next in the NFL this offseason? Who should we keep an eye on as we're five months away from the start of the regular season? Let’s dive into those items as we share our four takeaways from our time in Arizona. 1. Teams only created more burning questions around some of the league’s top wide receivers Henry McKenna: At any given time of year, the quarterbacks are typically the most polarizing players, a lightning rod for discussion. But it was the receivers who — for better and for worse — generated the most buzz at the NFL owners meeting. Puka Nacua: If you look at the NFL’s receiving yards leaders, you’ll see Nacua up there at No. 2 behind Seattle Seahawks star Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who received an extension for four years worth $168.6 million. Nacua is eligible for a new contract, and could demand as much as Smith-Njigba. But that ignores the ways their careers have diverged off the field, with Smith-Njigba acting as a leader in the locker room and a no-nonsense professional. Nacua, meanwhile, has struggled to conduct himself with the same professionalism. This offseason, after several incidents, the Rams receiver has checked himself into rehab, his attorney confirmed. Prior to the news that Nacua was in rehab, Rams general manager Les Snead was asked how Nacua’s off-field issues could impact a future contract. "The impact is continuing to evolve," Snead said at the owners meeting. "Not only as a person but as a football player. And you need to be on your P’s and Q’s in both categories to earn that type of contract. Right now we’re focused on the human being, and then we’ll get to that stuff." George Pickens: Pickens proved he is capable of being a WR1 in the times when CeeDee Lamb was hurt — and so that probably makes Pickens the best WR2 in the NFL. That should increase the Dallas Cowboys’ urgency to get a deal done, rather than force him to play on the franchise tag. And yet Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said on Tuesday that he has not been in touch recently with Pickens’ agent, who — by the way — has a history of encouraging his franchise-tagged players to hold out. "The franchise tag is an integral part of all teams and certainly an integral part of our strategy over the next two or three years as we look at how to keep the best players," Jones said. To Jones’ credit, the Cowboys are getting Pickens on a discount on the tag (one-year, $28 million). So you can see why he’d like to have the wide receiver play on those terms. It’s just unrealistic to expect that to go smoothly — and without Pickens putting up a fight. Given the way everything fell apart with Micah Parsons and Jones last offseason, you’d think the Cowboys wouldn’t want to make the same mistake twice — overcomplicating their relationship with one of their best players. But maybe that contract dispute won’t inform this one. A.J. Brown: The Philadelphia Eagles appeared to spend the meetings working to create leverage in the trade, which now seems extremely likely. Both general manager Howie Roseman and coach Nick Sirianni told reporters that "A.J. is an Eagle." And while that’s factually accurate, it still left us without an answer about whether he’ll be an Eagle in September for Week 1. But if you listen to what New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel had to say about Brown, you’ll hear a coach who is deeply interested in taking on Brown, for all his pros (outstanding play) and cons (outspokenly critical, at times). Do I think Brown will be a Patriot? Yes. But we likely won’t know for sure until after June 1, when the receiver’s contract becomes easier to trade from a salary cap standpoint. 2. Rams’ GM Les Snead offers remedy to avoid another Maxx Crosby trade debacle Eric D. Williams: Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby’s rescinded trade by the Baltimore Ravens due to a failed physical over his surgically repaired left knee serves as a cautionary tale for the rest of the league. The Ravens traded two first-round picks for Crosby, including the 14th overall selection in the upcoming draft. It marked the first time Baltimore relinquished a first-round pick for a player via trade in franchise history, so the Ravens were certainly excited to acquire Crosby. However, less than 24 hours before the trade could become official at the start of the new league year, the Ravens informed the Raiders they were backing out after Crosby failed his physical in Baltimore. A long-time NFL medical staff member familiar with the process of team physicals told me the issue could have been avoided had the two sides agreed to have Crosby evaluated by a Ravens team doctor before the announcement of the trade. Count Rams general manager Les Snead as someone who believes a more uniform, collaborative process needs to be installed by the NFL. "There’s a conundrum there, where a lot of times these things get announced, or maybe even reported before the league year," Snead told reporters at the NFL annual meeting this week. "And then people can go and do physicals. But here’s what I would say: I think we as clubs need to be more proactive. "We can wait on the governing body, per se. But I think you should get into really sharing the information before you bring someone in, if you can, or you’re going to have that issue. The trade gets announced or reported. A week later, he shows up for a physical [and he fails]. … You should be able to put your medical people on with their medical people and make that a sensible thing." While Crosby says he’s staying with the Raiders for this season, that doesn’t mean other teams are not interested. Dallas was one of the teams interested in Crosby before the trade, and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones indicated he hasn’t shut the door on the possibility of seeking the talented pass rusher’s services. "I don’t anticipate — standing here right now — revisiting that situation," Jones told reporters at the NFL owners meeting. "I don’t anticipate it. Is it possible? Yes." 3. Cowboys HC Brian Schottenheimer has a plan to upgrade Dallas' miserable defense Williams: With Dak Prescott leading the offense, the Cowboys averaged 28 points a game, good for seventh in the NFL this past season. However, the defense let the Cowboys down all season, giving up a league-high 30 points per game. Specifically, Dallas struggled in the back end defensively, allowing a league-high 252 passing yards per contest, the second-most passing touchdowns in the league (35) and totaling just six interceptions on the year. But Schottenheimer believes he’s created an opportunity to improve the defense by moving on from Matt Eberflus and replacing him with former Philadelphia Eagles defensive passing game coordinator Christian Parker as his new defensive coordinator. Schottenheimer said he would like to see more pre-snap disguise and multiplicity from his defense, like Parker’s protégé Vic Fangio. That could also mean the Cowboys using more defensive groupings with six defensive backs. The Cowboys signed former Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson, former Denver Broncos safety P.J. Locke and ex-Los Angeles Rams cornerback Cobie Durant in free agency, adding versatility and playmaking ability to the secondary. The Rams used six defensive backs on a league-high 347 defensive plays last season, while the Cardinals used six defensive backs in 176 defensive plays. The Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks used six defensive backs on 167 defensive snaps in 2025. The Cowboys? They used six defensive backs on just four plays last year. "The disguise element to me is exciting," Schottenheimer said when I asked for a couple of characteristics he wants to see from his defense. "It’s one of the things I fell in love with – maybe not fell in love with because it sucks going against Vic Fangio’s style of schemes – but just the confusion that they give you at the start of the snap, because they’re all sitting back there at the quarter shell. "When I listen to these guys talk, because it’s still a little bit of a foreign language when I listen to Christian Parker, [passing game coordinator] Derrick Ansley and [inside linebackers coach] Scott Symons talk about some of the coverage variations we can get to, what I love about it is the ability to take away the side of the field, a player and different ways to take away the leverage of a slot receiver. Christian is a great coach at every level, but I think he’s a Superstar when it comes to the secondary." 4. There is no more compelling experiment than Kyler Murray and Kevin O’Connell McKenna: Every offseason, there’s a rearranging of personnel — a change of scenery — that has the potential to be special. Or to fail fabulously. The Vikings' signing of Murray might be the transaction with the greatest boom-bust potential. Murray has enjoyed legitimately elite quarterback play, but he has never sustained it. And O’Connell has a track record of doing just that, with Kirk Cousins and Sam Darnold putting together seasons that completely rearranged what we thought we knew about them. In this sense, Murray should be the next guy in line. It would be oversimplistic to call Murray a reclamation project. But it’s fair to say he has yet to realize his full potential. The problem with this narrative is that O’Connell hit his first snag in QB development with J.J. McCarthy, a former first-round pick who was probably the league’s worst starter in 2025. Even after two seasons in the NFL, we have no idea what McCarthy can offer. O’Connell’s reputation is on the line with Murray. Murray’s career is on the line with O’Connell. And to make it even more compelling, Murray’s outstanding mobility makes him unlike the pocket passers who have preceded him in O’Connell’s system. "I don't think he's gotten enough credit for, you know, playing in-rhythm," O'Connell told reporters at the owners meeting in Phoenix. "We all recognize some of the highlight reel ability that he has, and Kyler Murray has always had that level of talent. But I think sometimes what we don't recognize is … him play with really, really good technique and fundamentals either in the dropback game." Let’s see it.

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