2026 NFL Top-10 Pass Rushers: Why Myles Garrett Will Become NFL's All-Time Sack King

Sorry to spoil the list for you, but following a year in which a player broke the NFL's single-season record for sacks, you can't name any other player as the league's top pass rusher. So, who is the NFL's best pass rusher after Myles Garrett? There are a lot of names worth considering for the No. 2 spot. Micah Parsons has been one of the league's most consistent pass rushers since he entered the league in 2021. However, he's coming off an ACL tear. Ascending players like Will Anderson Jr. and Aidan Hutchinson should also be considered, along with veterans like T.J. Watt. As we continue to rank the top 10 players at key positions ahead of the 2026 season, here are our top 10 pass rushers entering the year. Eric D. Williams: The Defensive Rookie of the Year two seasons ago and a Pro Bowler in his first two seasons in the league, Verse is adapting to new surroundings in Cleveland after being included as part of the blockbuster trade this offseason. Verse's former team, the Los Angeles Rams, traded him for reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, making him the centerpiece of the package. While Verse has been among the league leaders in pressure rate since entering the league in 2024, he still only has 12 sacks in two seasons. Verse must become a more consistent closer to be considered among the elite pass rushers in the league. For now, though, he's in the top 10 as the Browns hope he can be a cornerstone moving forward. Ralph Vacchiano: The 31-year-old Steelers star is coming off one of his least-productive NFL seasons, and one in which Watt missed three late-season games due to a partially collapsed lung. And it’s possible, after nine NFL seasons, that a decline has begun. But given Watt's Hall of Fame-worthy track record, it’s hard to bet on that. His seven sacks in 14 games last season were definitely a downturn, and so was his pass-rush win rate of 11.7%. But he’s still had double-digit sacks in six of his nine seasons and can still be dangerous when he’s fully healthy. Watt could also be in line for a boost in the new, aggressive scheme of new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, who plans to move Watt around more than he’s been moved in recent seasons. That could be enough to give Watt the jolt he needs to stay in the top 10 for another season or two before he heads to Canton. Greg Auman: The Broncos had 68 sacks last season — 11 more than any other NFL team — and Bonitto led the way with 14 sacks, six more than his closest teammate. The 26-year-old had 13.5 the year before and made the Pro Bowl in each of the last two seasons. Denver rewarded him before last season with a four-year, $106 million contract, and he helped the Broncos earn the AFC’s top seed with a 14-3 record. A 10-7 AFC Championship Game loss to the New England Patriots stung – it matched the fewest points allowed in a playoff loss in 28 years – and Denver will lean on Bonitto and the defense just as much in 2026 as they seek a trip to the Super Bowl. Vacchiano: In the midst of a miserable season for the Giants, the seven-year veteran re-established himself as a star with a career-high 16.5 sacks and a pass rush win-rate of 16% that ranked him just outside the top 10. Considering it was a down year for Burns' defensive line mates — defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence had just a half sack and edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux played in only 10 games — his explosion was even more surprising. This year, Burns might have to share the wealth, with Thibodeaux plus young stars Abdul Carter and Arvell Reese (whom the Giants took in the last two first rounds) all figuring to be a part of New York's pass rush. But that’s the only thing standing in his way. He showed he’s still got the speed and explosiveness that made him so dangerous during his years in Carolina. He hasn’t slowed down at all at age 28 and should be a centerpiece of new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson’s scheme. Arthur: The 31-year-old Hunter may be the most underappreciated, dominant pass rusher of this era. He’s recorded double-digit sacks in seven of his 10 NFL seasons, but has never been a first-team All-Pro selection. The former third-round pick is playing some of his best ball late in his career, too. He’s had at least 10.5 sacks in four consecutive years, including 15 last season (third in the NFL), which earned him a second-team All-Pro nod and a one-year, $40 million extension this spring. He also forms one half of the league’s best edge rushing tandem with Will Anderson Jr. Henry McKenna: Last season, Hutchinson recorded career highs in sacks (14.5), QB hits (35) and pressures (90). That pressure total is the highest in the NFL, per Pro Football Focus, and is often the most coveted statistic when you speak to pass rushers. Hutchinson has long been an ascending pass rusher since arriving in the NFL as the 2nd overall pick in the 2022 draft. But he has officially arrived as one of the NFL’s elite pass-rushers and defensive playmakers. He’s a defensive coordinator’s dream and an offensive coordinator’s nightmare. Williams: After the Baltimore Ravens rescinded a massive trade for his services due to a failed physical. Crosby returned to the Las Vegas Raiders recommitted to ushering in sustainable winning for this once-proud franchise. Even though he turns 29 years old later in August, Crosby remains one of the most feared and productive pass rushers in the league. A five-time Pro Bowler, Crosby has posted double-digit sacks in three of the last four seasons, totaling 44.5 sacks since 2022. McKenna: The Packers will do everything they can to get Parsons to the top of this list in 2026. The franchise traded a massive haul before last season to acquire Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys before Green Bay awarded Parsons with a massive deal. He then posted 12.5 sacks before suffering his season-ending knee injury. At some point in the first half of the season, Parsons will return. And even if he’s off to a slow start, he should be among the league’s most dangerous playmakers by the time the postseason rolls around. Arthur: Anderson will be a staple in the conversation for best edge rusher over the next several years. The 2023 No. 2 overall pick is already a complete player — he had 48 pressures on just third downs alone in 2025, the most by any player in a single season in at least eight years (!). His 20 tackles for loss tied for fourth among edge defenders, which shows that he wreaks at an elite level against both the pass and the run. Anderson’s sack, TFL, forced fumble and pass breakup numbers have improved in each of his three seasons as well. He finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting last year. Just 24 years old, Anderson is a young superstar who is still getting better at an exponential rate. Bucky Brooks: The two-time Defensive Player of the Year is a destructive force off the edge, exhibiting an array of power and finesse maneuvers that keep blockers guessing in their stances. Garrett’s dominance and consistency as a sack artist, despite previously playing for a team that is routinely in "catch-up" mode, speak to his efficiency and effectiveness in hounding quarterbacks in less-than-ideal circumstances. With the single-season sack record in hand (23) and at least 10 sacks in eight of his nine seasons, the future Hall of Fame inductee is a lock to take down Bruce Smith’s career mark (200) before he hangs up the cleats.

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2026 NFL Offensive Rookie Of The Year Odds: Tyson Tumbles After Injury

When the initial NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year odds came out, wide receiver Jordyn Tyson had the fourth-best odds to win the award at +600, after the Saints selected him with the No. 8 overall pick in the NFL Draft. However, after suffering a hamstring injury in a joint practice with the Jaguars, Tyson is set to miss about two months. As a result of the injury, Tyson's odds have tumbled. Let's check out the latest odds to win OROY at DraftKings Sportsbook as of Aug. 17. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. Jeremiyah Love: +475 (bet $10 to win $57.50 total)Fernando Mendoza: +550 (bet $10 to win $65 total)Carnell Tate: +550 (bet $10 to win $65 total)Makai Lemon: +1400 (bet $10 to win $150 total)De'Zhaun Stribling: +1500 (bet $10 to win $160 total)KC Concepción: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total)Ja'Kobi Lane: +2200 (bet $10 to win $230 total)Carson Beck: +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total)Denzel Boston: +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total)Jordyn Tyson: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total) Here's what to know about the oddsboard: Tyson's Tumble: The timetable for Tyson’s injury points to a return around the middle of October, meaning the rookie could be back against the Giants in Week 6. However, he is expected to begin the season on injured reserve and will likely miss the first portion of the year. While Tyson is not completely out of the running for the award, he will need a monster season once he returns to make up for the missed time. Over the last decade, the fewest games played by an OROY winner is 15, a mark shared by Justin Herbert in 2020 and C.J. Stroud in 2023. Love Affair: Arizona has found its new soulmate in the backfield, as Love is favored to win the OROY. He had 1,372 rushing yards and 18 rushing scores for the Fighting Irish last season, after having 1,125 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns the year prior. FOX Sports NFL analyst Rob Rang had this to say after the Cardinals made the pick: "Throw out the narrative about positional value. Love’s ability to immediately boost rookie coach Mike LaFleur’s offense justifies this selection. Frankly, GM Monti Ossenfort needed a slam dunk and Love should provide it. His creativity, elusiveness and breakaway speed have earned comparisons to NFL superstars like Saquon Barkley and Bijan Robinson from scouts traveling through South Bend for the past two years." In his first preseason game against the Raiders, Love had 11 carries for 58 yards and three catches for 14 yards. However, he suffered a high ankle sprain that will most likely sideline him for the remainder of the preseason. Despite the injury, Love remains the favorite at +475 to win OROY. What About Nando?: The first pick in this past NFL draft came as no surprise, with Mendoza landing in Las Vegas. He threw for 3,535 yards and 41 scores last season, winning both the Heisman and College Football Playoff title for Indiana. Said Rang, "An ideal fit for the Raiders, both from a physical and intangible perspective, Mendoza isn’t just the right pick, he’s the perfect one. His prototypical size, pre- and post-snap recognition and accuracy from both the pocket and on the move should make him a star in rookie coach Klint Kubiak’s offense. Even better, Mendoza has the composure on and off the field needed for a team based in a city with the many, varied distractions of Las Vegas." Mendoza is expected to start the season as the backup quarterback to Kirk Cousins. In his first preseason game last week, Mendoza completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown.

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Which Rookies Are Standing Out? 7 Takeaways From Week 1 Of The Preseason

Finally, after six months of no football, nearly all 32 teams got their first taste of game action this weekend, and while several stars and starters didn't play, many rookies made their unofficial NFL debuts. Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson, who were the only quarterbacks taken in the first round of this year's draft, showed glimpses of promise over the weekend. So did Drew Allar, who quarterbacked the Pittsburgh Steelers to a victory over the Green Bay Packers. Those three quarterbacks were just a few of the rookies who made some headlines in Week 1 of the preseason. Now, with the first week of the preseason behind us, here are our takeaways. 1. Ty Simpson Offers Solid, Promising Performance Eric D. Williams: Simpson got the call for the Los Angeles Rams after Stetson Bennett started the first quarter in Saturday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs and didn't disappoint in three quarters of action, playing the rest of the game against back end of the roster players. Simpson continued to show command and comfort with Sean McVay’s offensive system. I watched him earlier in the week against the Dallas Cowboys in a joint practice, and Simpson showed well in the limited reps he got. He built on that performance against the Chiefs. Simpson finished 21 of 25 for 190 yards with two touchdown passes to running back Dean Conners and no interceptions. He also wasn't sacked, posting a 125.0 passer rating. Offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase, calling the plays instead of McVay, did a nice job of tailoring them to accentuate Simpson’s movement skills and ability to throw on the run. Simpson completed a handful of throws on play-action passes and had a clean pocket most of the game. It’s a good start for Simpson, and we’ll see how he performs if he gets an opportunity to face ramped-up pressure against NFL starters as he competes with Bennett for the backup job behind Matthew Stafford. 2. Drew Allar Gives Steelers Hope For A Post-Rodgers Future Ralph Vacchiano: Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike McCarthy is absolutely convinced they stole a first-round talent when they drafted Penn State quarterback Drew Allar in the third round in April. And Allar backed up his coach’s big words last week with a stellar performance, completing 10 of 13 passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns to go with a rushing score in a win over the Green Bay Packers. But Allar has done more than that to give Pittsburgh hope for its future, whenever the 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers really calls it quits. He has had an excellent camp, showing off a strong arm and excellent decision-making skills. And McCarthy told me that three weeks into camp, Allar basically has been given the entire playbook. There’s nothing he couldn’t be asked to do. Now, no one in the Steelers' organization is willing to guarantee that the 22-year-old is their quarterback of the future. He’s not even likely to be Rodgers’ backup, an honor that probably will go to veteran Mason Rudolph. And technically, he still has to beat out Will Howard, a sixth-round pick in 2025, for a spot in the quarterback room. But Allar almost certainly will be a part of the team's quarterback conversation moving forward, and he will spend the next year (at least) learning at the feet of Rodgers. Whether the Steelers roll with Allar in 2027 or dive into the star-studded quarterback class in the upcoming draft probably depends on how this season goes, and where they fall in the draft order. However, Allar’s quick growth and early returns may give them a future option they didn’t clearly have before. 3. How Much Playing Time Is Too Much? Cardinals Find Out With Jeremiyah Love Greg Auman: No two NFL head coaches will answer the question the same way, but each team must decide how much — if at all — to play their best players in the preseason. Too little, you risk rust and ineffective play in the first weeks of the regular season, but too much, you take on a greater risk of injury. The Arizona Cardinals' offense, under new coach Mike LaFleur, had as good a first half as you could ask for against the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday, with three drives all resulting in touchdowns. Rookie running back Jeremiah Love, the third overall pick in the draft, was a big part of that, finishing the half with 11 carries for 58 yards and three catches for 14 yards. The 14 touches were more than most people expected him to get, including Love himself. But LaFleur liked the chance to get him comfortable and confident in adjusting to the speed of the NFL. "I like where he was at with the touches," LaFleur said after the game. However, the excitement was tempered by news that Love would miss a week with a "sore" ankle sustained as he was brought down on his last touch. Things have escalated, and Love has been diagnosed with a high ankle sprain that will sideline him from the remaining two preseason games. It puts his status for their season opener Sept. 13 at the Chargers in question as well. Why the heavy usage a week after holding Love out of the Hall of Fame Game entirely? Another new back, Tyler Allgeier, played only six snaps compared to Love’s 24, and if any team should be wary of keeping their backs healthy, it’s Arizona. Last year, the Cardinals lost their top two backs — James Conner and Trey Benson — to season-ending injuries by Week 4, so their leading rusher (Michael Carter) had just 333 rushing yards, the lowest for any team’s leading rusher in six years. Love might be healthy for the opener and could still have a monster rookie season. He never had so much as 200 carries in a season at Notre Dame, so he could easily exceed that in a healthy rookie season. 4. Did Ravens Finally Hit On A Mid-Round WR? If They Did, It Could Change AFC Outlook Henry McKenna: It’s not like Lamar Jackson has been entirely unsupported. The Baltimore Ravens offense boasts Derrick Henry, Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews and, before he defected in free agency, Isaiah Likely. But there have been times when — in the passing game — that has not quite seemed like enough. The more I’ve watched this Baltimore offense over the years, the more I wondered what the Ravens could be with legit playmakers at WR2 and WR3. Maybe — just maybe — that’s what the Ravens found in the 2026 NFL Draft. Baltimore selected USC receiver Ja’Kobi Lane and Indiana wideout Elijah Sarratt, and both players have put together impressive camps, according to reports on the scene. So my eyes were fixed on that Ravens offense in preseason, even if Jackson wasn’t on the field. Because the rookies were. And they were terrific. In this weekend’s game, Sarratt led Baltimore in catches (six) and receiving yards (66). Lane finished with three catches for 38 yards and a touchdown. That preseason production might not mean a whole lot if the receivers weren’t already showing promising signs in training camp. But their body of work has been really solid. That’s all the Ravens need from the rookies: reliability. If they can take some of the pressure off Jackson (and Andrews and Flowers), the entire Ravens offense should be better off. Certainly, with coach Jesse Minter running the defense, the defense should be just fine. There is no clearer candidate for a bounceback season than the Ravens. They missed the playoffs last year. If these young receivers are for real, though, I can’t imagine Baltimore missing two years in a row. 5. De’Zhaun Stribling Makes Loss Of Ricky Pearsall A Little Less Painful For 49ers Ben Arthur: Losing Ricky Pearsall before the season started marked a major blow for the 49ers, but they may be just fine production-wise out of the wide receiver thanks to rookie De’Zhaun Stribling. Stribling, who was taken by the 49ers with the first pick of the second round, shined in San Francisco’s preseason opener Thursday night against the Tennessee Titans with seven receptions on eight targets for a game-high 63 yards. The former Ole Miss standout gave the Titans’ starting secondary all kinds of fits, catching passes against each of Tennessee’s top three cornerbacks (Cor’Dale Flott, Alontae Taylor, Marcus Harris). Stribling’s most impressive play: a 32-yard, back-shoulder catch down the right sideline with Flott in tight coverage, setting up the Niners’ lone touchdown. With Pearsall (PCL) out for the year and Brandon Aiyuk (reserve/left squad) not part of the team’s plans, San Francisco will depend heavily on old receivers in 2026. Of the 12 receivers on its 90-man roster, seven are at least 29 years old, including Mike Evans (32), Deebo Samuel Sr. (30) and Christian Kirk (29). Stribling is much-needed young blood. And if the preseason opener is any indication, he’ll be a major contributor as a rookie. 6. Odell Beckham's Performance Not Big Enough To Match Cheers Vacchiano: The biggest cheer of the New York Giants’ preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings was the moment in the second quarter when Odell Beckham entered the game with the second team. It was a reminder of how popular he remains with the New York fans. Too bad those were really the only big cheers he got. The 33-year-old Beckham had a quiet two catches for six yards in his first game action of any kind since December 2024. It’s not that more was expected — this game was mostly about Beckham seeing action and getting some of his timing back. It’s that more was needed if Beckham has any hope of making the team out of camp. Beckham is in a difficult spot. He isn’t trying to just make the Giants as one of their six likely receivers. Since he doesn’t play special teams, he really needs to be in the top four to crack the roster. Assuming Malik Nabers is healthy, the top three spots are likely going to him, Darnell Mooney and rookie Malachi Fields. And Darius Slayton and Calvin Austin seem likely to be two more. That doesn’t give Beckham an obvious avenue. And he’s not going to force Giants coach John Harbaugh’s hand two preseason catches at a time. Beckham did get open one other time in the game on a deep seam route, but the Vikings blitzed and quarterback Jameis Winston dumped the ball off underneath. It was a moment that would have electrified Giants fans in the stadium. Who knows if it would’ve done anything to increase Beckham’s chances of making the team. But he’ll need moments like that, and bigger performances than he had, to have any shot of sticking on the roster. And he’s running out of time to do it. 7. Cowboys Undrafted WR Camden Brown Makes Highlight Reel Plays Williams: The top of the Cowboys’ receiver room is set, with CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens arguably forming the top wide receiver duo in the NFL. Ryan Flournoy is also listed as a projected starter, and talented return man KaVontae Turpin will take another spot. But Brown, an undrafted rookie out of Georgia Southern, could be making a claim for one of those spots on the back end of the roster. Brown finished with three catches for 62 yards and two touchdowns against the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday. Both scores were diving, acrobatic catches in the end zone, including a one-handed catch on a fade route. Brown made similar plays during the two training camp practices I watched the Cowboys in Oxnard and has been one of the most talked-about players in the team's camp. If he can figure out a way to contribute on special teams, Brown could have a chance to find his way on the back of the roster, or at least land on the practice squad.

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NFL Catchup: Rookie QBs Shine In Debuts, Another Donald Update, Cowboys Make A Splash

The first full weekend of NFL preseason action provided a pair of standout rookie quarterback performances while a pair of defensive linemen are making noise off the field. Los Angeles Rams rookie Ty Simpson and New York Jets rookie Cade Klubnik posted efficient outings, and the Cleveland Browns continued their quarterback rotation. Veteran pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence announced his upcoming retirement over the weekend, and Sean McVay provided an update on Aaron Donald, who worked out with the Rams for the second time this month. Here's what you should know about what happened in the NFL this weekend. Rookie quarterbacks Ty Simpson and Cade Klubnik delivered strong initial performances during preseason games this weekend. Simpson completed 21 of 25 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns in a Los Angeles Rams victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday. "I definitely felt more comfortable than I ever had coming into a game," Simpson said. It's certainly a promising showing for Simpson, whom the Rams surprisingly took with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, as he's competing with Stetson Bennett for the backup role behind Matthew Stafford. Rams head coach Sean McVay liked what he saw out of his rookie quarterback. "I thought he took what the defense gave him," McVay told reporters following Saturday's game. "I thought he read the plays out, read with his feet. I thought he did a really good job overall. "I thought he kept the ball in play. That's the biggest thing: Keeping the ball in play." New York Jets rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik made a surprise start in Friday's preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after starter Geno Smith was held out due to a sore ankle. Klubnik delivered, though. He led the Jets to scoring drives on both of his possessions, finishing 5 of 7 for 56 yards before handing over quarterback duties. "I was definitely excited," Klubnik told reporters. "I knew Geno was only going to play maybe eight to 10 plays and I was ready to go in early after that. "So in my mind, I just got to go in eight to 10 plays earlier." Smith is expected to be the Jets' starting quarterback for much of the season. However, if Klubnik, who the team took in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, continues to perform like he did on Friday, it's reasonable to think that he could make a push to start games at some point this season. In fact, our Ralph Vacchiano floated the idea that Klubnik could start games for the Jets this season after the first week of training camp. Deshaun Watson outshined Shedeur Sanders in the Cleveland Browns' preseason loss to the Chicago Bears on Saturday. Watson, who got the start, completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards with zero touchdowns or turnovers. Sanders, on the other hand, completed 6 of 11 passes for 79 yards with zero touchdowns and an interception. However, Browns head coach Todd Monken offered a measured perspective after the team's quarterback competition moved into live action on Saturday. "I do believe the season is a marathon," Monken said to reporters. "That marathon starts in Jacksonville. We are still in training." The Browns plan to start Sanders next week against the Buffalo Bills as the competition continues. "Again, I did feel going into last game that it was relatively close in terms of both having an opportunity at the starting position, so it would be unfair to not go into the next game and give Shedeur that same opportunity," Monken said. "We owe it to both players who have handled it well and competed at a high level." Aaron Donald took another step toward a potential NFL comeback on Sunday, appearing on the league transaction wire after completing his second workout with the Los Angeles Rams this summer. Rams head coach Sean McVay addressed Donald's potential return following Saturday's preseason victory against the Chiefs. "He's put himself in a position to be able to say yes or no," McVay said to reporters. "I think he's earned that right to have clarity on that. We're not at that point quite yet." McVay noted that internal discussions remain ongoing while Donald evaluates his physical benchmarks for the upcoming season. "I feel great about our football team as it currently stands, and I know he'll add value if he decides to come," McVay said. Veteran pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence confirmed that the 2026 season will mark the end of his 13-year NFL career. Lawrence, who spent 11 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys before joining the Seattle Seahawks, returned for one final campaign to defend Seattle's title. "This will be my last year," Lawrence told Yahoo Sports. "Through the grace of God, I'm able to play another year and soak it all up one more good time before I hang it up." A v Lawrence has racked up 503 tackles, 67.5 sacks, 146 quarterback hits, 108 tackles for loss, 24 forced fumbles, 11 fumble recoveries in 157 career appearances (139 starts). Lawrence recorded six sacks during the regular season last year and added two fumble recoveries returned for touchdowns. After spending the entire offseason revamping their defense, the Dallas Cowboys are still making some moves on that side of the ball. The Cowboys have signed eight-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Von Miller. The 37-year-old had a productive year for the Washington Commanders in 2025, logging nine sacks and playing in every single regular-season game for the first time since 2018. Miller is just one of many new faces on Dallas' defense this offseason. The Cowboys kicked off the offseason by poaching defensive backs coach Christian Parker from the Philadelphia Eagles to make him their defensive coordinator. They also traded for Green Bay Packers edge rusher Rashan Gary and signed Los Angeles Rams cornerback Kobie Durant before using first-round picks on safety Caleb Downs and edge rusher Malachi Lawrence in the 2026 NFL Draft. Just seven months after tearing his Achilles, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle remains hopeful that he'll be ready for the start of the 2026 regular season. While Kittle has yet to practice in a full capacity in training camp, he expressed optimism that he'll be able to play in the Rams' season-opening matchup against the Rams on Sept. 10. "I have a chance," Kittle told reporters on Sunday. "We're running around a lot, hitting top speeds. Hopefully, we're back in pads practicing sooner than later. Just trying to check the boxes and not be a dumbass." Kittle also said he's "very confident" he won't open the 2026 season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List. If the 49ers placed him on the list, he would be forced to miss the first four games of the regular season. Kittle's comments are much-needed good news for San Francisco, which has been dealt a slew of injuries so far in training camp. Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall has already undergone season-ending surgery, while running back Christian McCaffrey has missed a week's worth of practices due to a hamstring injury.

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Why Mike McCarthy Still Sees a Championship-Caliber QB In Old Friend Aaron Rodgers

LATROBE, Pa. — Aaron Rodgers learned last season that he can’t outrun the clock. He’s slower in his 40s than he used to be. His arm strength isn’t there as consistently as it once was, either. It’s his mind, though, that really keeps him going at age 42, in his 22nd — and, as he vowed, his last — NFL season. It’s why his new (and old) coach, Mike McCarthy, is convinced they can make one more run at Super Bowl glory together. And it’s the quirky Rodgers’ best chance to out-maneuver the passage of time. "His mind’s incredibly sharp," McCarthy, the Steelers coach, told me before practice on Sunday at St. Vincent College. "But I’ll be honest with you, his ball play in this camp has been top-notch. Obviously, I’ve coached a lot of football with him, but his ability to place the football … I’m not saying he lost any velocity on the ball, but if he has, it’s definitely made up for with his anticipation. "So he’s getting the ball where it needs to be, on time. He’s having a hell of a camp." McCarthy would know. This may be his first season coaching his hometown Steelers, but he spent 13 wildly successful seasons as Rodgers’ head coach in Green Bay. They went to the playoffs eight times, won a Super Bowl together, and he helped Rodgers develop into one of the greatest quarterbacks ever to play the game. The late-career reunion between the 62-year-old coach and his former protégé has been "super cool," McCarthy told me. But it’s a lot more than just a trip down memory lane. He still sees Rodgers as a quarterback who can help him win. "It’s super cool, just to be able to be part of his final chapter. It’s awesome," McCarthy told me. "But I think he definitely fits the culture here. So yes, I think it’s a great story. "But I think we just want to win. Let’s go win and do the things that we need to do to win. And he’s such a competitor. I love the time, once we cross the white lines, when we get to just go out there and compete. And he is one of the greatest to ever play the game." Notice, he didn’t say "was" — a purposeful choice of words. Rodgers, by his own standards, was just OK last season, completing 65.7% of his passes for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions. His age was showing, even as he dragged the Steelers to 10 wins and the AFC North title. He looked like a good quarterback overall, but not one capable of doing any of the magical things he used to do. But his mind, his processing skills and ability to see what others can’t in a defense, give him and the Steelers an enormous advantage. And that’s where the magic really happens, McCarthy said. "His mind is off the charts," McCarthy told me. "His anticipation and ability to throw people open, his instincts … and he also matches it with his release, the way he’s able to get the ball out of his hands so quickly and throw through the open window where (defenders) are running through. That’s the way you have to play and win in this league, because people are always covered. It’s the job of the quarterback to throw them open." Even in practice, it’s clear that Rodgers still does that better than anyone. He has the patience to let a play develop, the wisdom to see what is about to happen, and the skills to put the ball in the only place it can go. And after almost every rep on Sunday, he was talking to his coaches, receivers and linemen, explaining to them exactly what he saw. Whether it all translates into wins, a playoff berth, or even one last run at a Super Bowl, probably depends on Rodgers’ 42-year-old body, and whether he can keep it from breaking down. But don’t bet against that, even at his age, since he’s played near-full seasons in seven of the past eight years. And if he can do it one more time, then maybe — just maybe — his mind is what will matter most, and he and McCarthy have enough left for one more magical run. The Steelers' defense was middling last season (17th in scoring), but they did have a surprisingly potent pass rush. It was "surprising" because they got 48 sacks (sixth in the NFL) despite a down year from T.J. Watt, their longtime star. He had only seven sacks — just his third season not reaching double-digits (and his worst total in a full season). It’s safe to say Pittsburgh expected more when it signed him to a three-year, $123 million extension last July. So he really needs to show that his two-year statistical decline isn’t irreversible even though he’ll be 32 in October. Last season, his sack total was still the third-highest on the team. Imagine how potent the pass rush could be if Watt — who had 19 sacks in 2023 and 11.5 in 2024 — gets anywhere near his old form. The Steelers need that from the eight-time Pro Bowler. They know their quarterback will need as much support as he can get. Backing him with an aggressive, disruptive defense, preferably led by Watt, might be the best thing they could do to help Rodgers out. "I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t think I could win a Super Bowl. Once you lift that trophy up, there’s nothing else in this business." — Steelers coach Mike McCarthy told me Everything Is Riding On Aaron Rodgers’ 42-Year-Old Arm There’s a lot to like about this team that McCarthy inherited from Mike Tomlin. It’s the core of a team that won 10 games last season, after all. And they should get a boost from McCarthy. Nothing against Tomlin. He had a phenomenal record in Pittsburgh over the past 19 years. But it’s possible that what he was preaching probably got a little stale. To get that new-coach boost, McCarthy will need T.J. Watt to bounce back, so the defense can be a little bit more like it's used to being in the Steel City. And the addition of Dowdle, who McCarthy developed into an RB1 in Dallas, could give Pittsburgh the running game it was missing last year. But winning all comes down to the same thing it came down to last year. The Steelers have an old quarterback, who’s not quite what he used to be. And they need a lot from Rodgers at age 42. He’s still good and smart and capable of some big plays. But he’s not the one-man show that he was a decade ago, or the error-free maestro he was five years ago when he won back-to-back MVPs. He’s no longer even a top 10 quarterback in the NFL. Last year, he was good enough to lead this team to the playoffs. But this year, the division could be much tougher if Lamar Jackson stays healthy in Baltimore and Joe Burrow is around for a whole season in Cincinnati. Getting to 10 wins again could be quite the challenge for Pittsburgh. Eight seems like a more realistic goal. And finishing better than third in the division could be pretty tough, too. First of all, Cleveland rocks. I don’t care what people say about it, it’s always been an underrated city. OK, not always, but it certainly has become one. And I’m sure Berea, Ohio — home of the Browns — rocks, too. If only it had a football team to match. I’m sure new Browns coach Todd Monken thinks there’s something positive about the team he’s assembling on the shores of Lake Erie, and I’ll travel three hours through the hills of Western Pennsylvania and the Ohio valley to find out — apparently through a horrendous rain storm that is about to hit. (By the time I get there, by the way, I’ll have driven almost 1,400 miles on this trip. I think I’ve passed 1,400 Sheetz gas stations along the way, too. Not nearly as many Flying J’s, though, so it’s probably good that Browns owner Jimmy Haslam sold all those.) Anyway, back to Haslam’s Browns: Myles Garrett is gone. There’s still no viable quarterback in place. It’s hard to have faith in either Shedeur Sanders or what’s left of Deshaun Watson. But people have underestimated and overlooked Cleveland the city, so maybe we’re all doing it to the Browns, too? I doubt it. But I’m certainly on the lookout for positives. I’m just not expecting to see many at practice on Monday afternoon.

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Rams' First-Rounder Ty Simpson Delivered An Impressive Preseason Debut vs. Chiefs

After the skepticism surrounding the Los Angeles Rams' decision to select quarterback Ty Simpson No. 13 overall in April's NFL Draft, the former Alabama star answered with an impressive preseason performance against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Rams headed to Kansas City for their first preseason game of the year on Saturday and finished with a 20-12 win. Simpson finished the day with a solid stat line, throwing 21-for-25 for 190 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Especially after a slow first half with a 6-6 tie, Simpson's two second-half touchdowns gave the Rams a last-minute lead over the Chiefs, who never found the end zone. Simpson’s first score came from a quick four-play drive, where he found rookie running back Dean Connors for a nine-yard touchdown pass. Shortly after, Simpson led the Rams on an eight-play drive that resulted in a second touchdown throw to Connors, securing the Rams' win over Kansas City. While the majority of Simpson’s training camp experience was spent playing behind quarterback Stetson Bennett for second-team reps, his preseason entrance allowed him the chance to showcase his skillset. Additionally, Simpson has had the chance to learn from MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford, who’s entering his 17th year in the NFL and his fifth season with the Rams. Coming off an impressive season with Alabama in 2025, Simpson finished his time with 3,948 total passing yards, 33 total touchdowns and five interceptions. Simpson also led the Crimson Tide to their first College Football Playoff and SEC title game appearances under head coach Kalen DeBoer. The Rams are shaping up to be a heavy Super Bowl favorite entering this season, especially after their overhaul in the offseason. Los Angeles added Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns in June, as well as Pro Bowl cornerback Trent McDuffie from the Chiefs in March. Offensively, the Rams return star wide receiver pair Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. Even if Simpson will have to patiently wait his turn to become the Rams go-to guy, his preseason performance is an impressive start. The Rams kickoff their 2026 campaign in Australia facing NFC West rival San Francisco 49ers on Thursday, September 10.

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Seahawks Reportedly Make Devon Witherspoon Highest-Paid CB In NFL History

Step aside, Trent McDuffie. The Seattle Seahawks have signed cornerback Devon Witherspoon to a four-year, $132 million extension, that includes $101 million guaranteed, ESPN reported on Saturday morning. The $132 million in total money and $33 million average annual value are each NFL records for a cornerback. The previous record for a cornerback in total money was McDuffie, who signed a four-year, $124 million deal with the Los Angeles Rams after being acquired from the Kansas City Chiefs in March. Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward held the previous record for average annual value at the position ($31.1 million). Witherspoon, a Pro Bowler in each of his three seasons in the sport, totaled one interception, seven passes defended and 72 combined tackles across 12 regular-season games in 2025; he missed five games due to a knee injury. Witherspoon led NFL cornerbacks with an 89.9 overall grade and 10 total pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. He earned second-team All-Pro honors. The fourth-year defensive back was part of a Seahawks' defense that was first in the NFL in opponent points (17.2 per game), third in opponent rushing yards (91.9 per game), sixth in opponent total yards (285.6 per game) and 10th in opponent passing yards (193.9 per game) en route to Seattle winning Super Bowl LX. The Seahawks selected Witherspoon, a 2022 All-American, with the No. 5 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Illinois. As for other contractual matters across the league, fellow fourth-year cornerback and 2025 Pro Bowler Christian Gonzalez is in the midst of extension talks with the New England Patriots. Team owner Robert Kraft revealed in July that the team offered Gonzalez a contract that would be the richest in both Patriots history and for an NFL cornerback in league history.

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