2026 NFL Offseason Buzz: Panthers Sign QB Bryce Young’s 5th-Year Option

The NFL offseason is in full swing. The bulk of free agency has come and gone, with many of the top players available finding homes, and the NFL Draft is in the rear-view as well. There are still some notable free agents out there who have yet to be signed, however, and others might be on the move. 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] April 29 Panthers sign Bryce Young’s fifth-year option The Carolina Panthers signed the fifth-year option on quarterback Bryce Young’s rookie contract on Wednesday, keeping the 2023 No. 1 pick with the team through the 2027 season. General manager Dan Morgan first mentioned on SiriusXM’s “Mad Dog Sports Radio” that he was planning to sign the contract and later confirmed to the The Associated Press that he had signed the deal. Under the terms of the fifth-year option, Young would make $29.5 million for the 2027 season. However, Morgan repeatedly has said the team is pleased with Young’s progress and the goal would be to sign the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner from Alabama to a long-term deal, although the team still has plenty of time to get that done. Young is set to cost $12 million under the Panthers’ salary cap this coming season. Young, who turns 25 in July, is just 14-30 as the team’s starting quarterback, but he is coming off his best season, posting career highs in yards passing (3,011), touchdown passes (23) and completion percentage (63.6%) while leading the Panthers to the playoffs for the first time to 2017. Carolina lost 34-31 to the Los Angeles Rams in the wild-card game. April 28 Tennessee Titans president steps down Titans president of football operations Chad Brinker said he’s leaving the organization to pursue other opportunities. Brinker joined the Titans in 2023 and was elevated to president of football operations the following year. During Brinker’s time in Nashville, the Titans went 12-39, including 3-14 each of the last two seasons. “It has been an honor to serve as president of football operations of the Tennessee Titans,” Brinker said in a statement. “Over the years, I’ve understood and embraced my role as the leader of the football strategy, but as I’ve spent less time in personnel, I have a renewed conviction that it is time to return to what I love and move towards my next chapter.’ In January, the Titans streamlined the roles for Brinker and general manager Mike Borgonzi as the team prepared to hire Robert Saleh as head coach. Borgonzi led the search that culminated in hiring Saleh. In a message to fans at the time, controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk said Borgonzi would serve as general manager “in the most traditional sense — pick and support the players, oversee the coaching staff — while Chad will continue to lead everything else about the football team.” Strunk thanked Brinker for his time with the franchise. “When we first met Chad, it was clear he was an exceptional talent with deep knowledge of the game and the ability to connect big-picture strategy to execution,” Strunk said in a statement. “While it is difficult to lose him, I understand his decision and will do whatever I can to support him.” Quentin Johnston’s fifth-year option picked up The Los Angeles Chargers exercised the fifth-year option on wide receiver Quentin Johnston. Johnston was selected 21st overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, and while he hasn’t been the stud that first-round draft capital would warrant, he has gradually improved over each season. In 2025, he had a career-high 735 yards and eight touchdowns. He’s now under contract with Los Angeles through the end of the 2027 season. Former 49ers WR Jauan Jennings Set to Visit Vikings The Minnesota Vikings continue to explore additional help at wide receiver, with former San Francisco 49ers receiver Jauan Jennings scheduled to visit the team this week, per ESPN. Jennings is set to be in Minnesota on Tuesday and Wednesday as part of the visit process. A deal could be finalized during that time, but the meetings will give both sides a clearer sense of whether there is mutual interest. A former seventh-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Jennings has steadily carved out a role in San Francisco’s offense as a physical, dependable target. He is coming off a strong season in which he recorded 55 receptions for 643 yards and a career-high nine touchdowns. The Vikings already have Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison entrenched as their top two receivers, but the depth behind them remains unsettled. With Jalen Nailor departing in free agency to sign with the Las Vegas Raiders, the Vikings have been exploring ways to fill the void at wide receiver. That puts added pressure on last year’s third-round pick Tai Felton, with limited experience behind him on the depth chart. No deal is guaranteed, but the Vikings will get an up-close look at Jennings during the two-day visit. Eagles pick up 5th-year options for Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith The Philadelphia Eagles made a pair of expected moves official on Monday. They picked up the fifth-year options for defensive tackle Jalen Carter and linebacker Nolan Smith. With the moves, both Carter and Smith will remain under team control through the end of the 2027 season, which is when their rookie contracts expire. Carter, 25, has been one of the league’s top interior defensive linemen over the last couple of seasons, logging 13.5 sacks. Smith has also been a solid contributor to Philadelphia’s success over the last couple of seasons. He had 10.5 sacks and 50 total pressures (per Pro Football Focus) in 2024 (regular season and postseason combined). Bills GM Beane shuts down Coleman trade talks The Buffalo Bills made upgrading their wide receiver room a priority this offseason under new coach Joe Brady, but the team still continues to show confidence in Keon Coleman despite the added competition. General manager Brandon Beane spoke to local media after the NFL Draft and said the Bills never seriously entertained the idea of trading Coleman. He added that the organization quickly shut down any trade interest in the wide receiver. “We shut those down,” Beane said. “Our intention is for Keon to be here, so the word was out, so no calls this weekend. We’ve hit the reset button with him and hopefully the fanbase and everyone is behind him. I think his best year is yet to come here in 2026.” Coleman, 22, is entering his third NFL season with the Bills but has yet to fully break out since being selected No. 33 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Through 26 career games, he has recorded 67 receptions for 960 yards and eight touchdowns. The challenge only grows from here. Buffalo added more talent to the position group this offseason, including a trade for DJ Moore and the selection of UConn wide receiver Skyler Bell in the fourth round of the draft. With a more crowded depth chart heading into training camp, Coleman will need to stand out in a highly competitive battle for targets and playing time. Vikings pick up Jordan Addison’s fifth-year option The Minnesota Vikings are officially locking down wide receiver Jordan Addison for the next two seasons after picking up his fifth-year option on Monday afternoon. Executive vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski said last month the team would make the move. As a result, Addison will earn $18 million in 2027 and look to bounce back from last season’s struggles. Addison will also be adjusting to a new quarterback in the offense following the Vikings’ signing of former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray. He is coming off a season in which he posted career lows with 42 receptions, 610 receiving yards, and three touchdowns. The Vikings will enter next season with All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson, Addison and last year’s third-round pick Tai Felton. The group will look to lead the passing attack after the departure of Jalen Nailor, who signed with the Las Vegas Raiders earlier in the offseason. Now under contract for two more seasons, the Vikings are betting on Addison to stabilize his production and take a step forward as a key piece of the offense moving forward. The team ultimately hopes that continued development will lead to a long-term extension. Falcons’ Pearce Jr. enters pretrial program to resolve felony charges The Atlanta Falcons’ offseason has been defined by the hiring of coach Kevin Stefanski and major front office changes. Edge rusher James Pearce Jr.’s offseason arrest also remained a major storyline as it reached a resolution Thursday afternoon. He agreed to enter a pretrial intervention program that his attorneys said would resolve three felony charges stemming from what police described as a domestic dispute on Feb. 7 with his ex-girlfriend and WNBA player Rickea Jackson. “Mr. Pearce Jr. will be entering a six-month diversion program. Upon completion of the six months without violation, the state will dismiss all felony and misdemeanor charges,” one of Pearce’s attorneys, Jacob Nunez, said Thursday in a statement provided to The Associated Press. “James is focused on moving forward, rejoining his teammates and the Atlanta Falcons organization as a whole, performing at the highest level, and continuing to be a team player on and off the field,” Nunez and fellow attorney Yale Sanford said in a separate statement. While Pearce Jr.’s legal situation has been resolved, his football future has now become the next focal point. The first-round pick from last year’s NFL Draft appeared in all 17 games during his rookie season, recording 26 total tackles, 10.5 sacks and one forced fumble. Despite the legal resolution, questions still remain about Pearce Jr.’s long-term future in the NFL and with the Falcons. He could still face potential discipline under the NFL’s personal conduct policy, which operates independently of the legal process. George Pickens playing on franchise tag? The Dallas Cowboys are expected to be active on the opening night of the NFL Draft with two first-round picks, but questions are surfacing about wide receiver George Pickens’ future with the team. The two sides still have yet to discuss a long-term extension, and Cowboys COO Stephen Jones expressed that Dallas ultimately won’t be discussing a new deal with Pickens, with an expectation that the star receiver will play the 2026 season on the franchise tag, per ESPN. Pickens is coming off a career year in which he recorded 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns and made it to his first Pro Bowl after three years with the Steelers. Pickens could very well have been the top free-agent option on the market at wide receiver if not for the Cowboys tagging him. Packers targeting specific position at NFL Draft The NFL Draft is set to start on Thursday night and while the Green Bay Packers don’t hold a first-round pick, they are expected to target a specific position throughout the weekend. General manager Brian Gutekunst made it clear that there is one area in need of improvement. That position is cornerback, which Gutekunst focused on during his pre-draft news conference on Tuesday. The Packers are expected to enter next season with Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine as their top two options at the position. The pairing, along with the offseason signing of Benjamin St-Juste, still lacks the experience to handle a pass-heavy NFC North. “That’s probably our group, from a numbers perspective that as we sit here today, we’re going to need to add the most numbers,” Gutekunst said. “So we’ll see how that goes.” Even without a first-round pick, the Packers could target cornerback depth in this year’s draft, a position group widely regarded as strong overall. This also marks the first time they have entered a draft without a first-round pick since 1986. It only adds to the intrigue heading into Day 2, where they will make their first selection at No. 52 overall. That pick presents an opportunity to address a clear need at cornerback and could even help define how they navigate the middle rounds. Bears exercise Wright’s option The Chicago Bears exercised their fifth-year option for 2027 on right tackle Darnell Wright’s rookie contract and will try to sign him to an extension, general manager Ryan Poles said on Tuesday. The No. 10 overall pick in the 2023 draft, Wright was second-team All-Pro last season. He was a key player on a line that went from being one of the NFL’s worst in 2024 to one of the best, with guard Joe Thuney and now-retired center Drew Dalman earning Pro Bowl honors. The Bears went 11-6 in winning their first NFC North championship since 2018. They advanced in the playoffs for the first time in 15 years by beating rival Green Bay in a wild-card game before losing in overtime to the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round. Eagles, Vikings engaged on edge rusher Greenard The Philadelphia Eagles are not only nearing a trade that would send wide receiver A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots, but more moves could eventually follow. The Eagles have also shown continued interest in edge rusher Jonathan Greenard of the Minnesota Vikings, per ESPN. Greenard has remained a central figure in trade talks this offseason as he looks for a new long-term contract. The Vikings are still holding firm on a premium Day 2 pick in return for Greenard. He delivered a strong 2024 season with the Vikings, but his production dipped last year as injuries limited him to 12 games. Greenard was still able to record 38 tackles, three sacks and a forced fumble, but this was his lowest output since 2022. Talks between the Eagles and Vikings involving Greenard have lost steam in recent months but could pick up again during the NFL Draft this weekend, per ESPN. The Philadelphia Eagles remained active in the pass rusher market earlier this offseason after losing Jaelan Phillips. They enter the weekend with premium draft capital, holding picks No. 23, 54, 68 and 92 across the first two days. General manager Howie Roseman has a long track record of staying active and aggressive on the trade market around the NFL Draft. His approach will once again be worth monitoring this weekend, especially regarding Greenard’s availability. Jimmy Garoppolo considering retirement Jimmy Garoppolo has served as the backup to quarterback Matthew Stafford over the past two seasons with the Los Angeles Rams. After re-signing with the team this offseason, Garoppolo is now considering retirement, according to NFL Network. Garoppolo was selected in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots out of Eastern Illinois and has since built a 12-year NFL career. He has also spent time with the San Francisco 49ers, Las Vegas Raiders and most recently the Rams. He completed 67.4% of his passes for 15,828 yards, 96 touchdowns and 52 interceptions during his career. He also played a pivotal role in the 49ers’ resurgence under head coach Kyle Shanahan. Garoppolo posted a 38–17 record as a starter under Shanahan, helping lead the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance in 2019. His steadiness and ability to manage games were key factors in the 49ers’ return to contention during that stretch. His potential retirement would mark the end of a 12-year career that included multiple stops and a steady role as a longtime NFL starter. Cowboys reset kicker market with record extension for Aubrey The Dallas Cowboys and kicker Brandon Aubrey made history on Monday morning, agreeing to a long-term extension that will make Aubrey the highest-paid kicker in NFL history, per his agency. Aubrey is expected to sign a four-year, $28 million deal that will pay him $7 million annually, making him the first kicker in NFL history to reach that mark. The contract also includes $20 million in guaranteed money, securing his future in Dallas for the foreseeable future. For as strong a start to his NFL career as Aubrey has had, his path to the league is one of the most unusual. He had no kicking experience in high school or college, instead transitioning to the NFL after a career as a professional soccer player and software engineer. Since signing with the Cowboys in 2023, Aubrey has become a three-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro while converting 88.2% of his field goals. He has also set multiple NFL records, including becoming the first kicker in league history with three 60-plus-yard field goals in a season, three 50-plus-yard field goals in a single game and 10 or more 50-yard field goals across three seasons. Aubrey’s rapid rise has made him one of the most reliable and historically productive kickers the league has ever seen, and the extension now reflects that. Steelers still waiting on Aaron Rodgers decision Aaron Rodgers is still weighing whether he wants to play in 2026. The Pittsburgh Steelers are still willing to give him plenty of latitude to decide. Pittsburgh general manager Omar Khan said Monday the team remains in regular communication with the four-time MVP, who guided the Steelers to the AFC North title in 2025. “Nothing’s changed,” Khan said. “It’s all been positive and good. He knows how we feel about him and we know how he feels about us.’ It just hasn’t rendered any definitive answer from Rodgers, and none appears to be coming before the NFL draft descends on Pittsburgh on Thursday. The 42-year-old quarterback didn’t sign with Pittsburgh until just before the start of mandatory minicamp last June. Rodgers’ uncertain status, however, is unlikely to play a factor in what the Steelers plan to do with their 12 selections that begin with the 21st overall pick. “That doesn’t change our evaluation process,” Khan said. “We’re still putting the guys up where they need to be and we’ll just see how it shakes out.” What was once considered a quarterback-rich draft a year ago looks far different now, with no safe bets outside of Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza of Indiana going No. 1 to Las Vegas. The Steelers currently only have two quarterbacks under contract in last year’s sixth-round pick Will Howard — whose rookie season a year ago was marred by a hand injury sustained early in training camp — and longtime backup Mason Rudolph. Pittsburgh will almost certainly add to that depth in the draft. Penn State’s Drew Allar, Miami’s Carson Beck and North Dakota State’s Cole Payton have all been in for pre-draft visits, though all figure to be later-round selections whenever they hear their name called. Trent Williams, 49ers reach two-year extension to end offseason standoff The San Francisco 49ers and offensive tackle Trent Williams have resolved their offseason standoff, reaching an agreement on a two-year, $50 million extension. The deal keeps Williams in San Francisco through the 2027 season, per his agency. The extension includes $37 million fully guaranteed and a $22 million signing bonus. With the new deal, Williams also will become the first non-quarterback in NFL history to surpass $400 million in total contract value and $225 million in guaranteed money. Williams has played 15 seasons in the league, including nine with the Washington Commanders and the last six with the 49ers. During his time in San Francisco, he earned three consecutive First-Team All-Pro selections from 2021 to 2023 and has made three Pro Bowls. The new deal for Williams follows an offseason full of uncertainty, as the 49ers declined Williams’ $10 million option at the beginning of the new league year. The decision sparked speculation, per ESPN, about a potential trade or release before they ultimately agreed to an extension. Williams still remains one of the league’s most accomplished offensive linemen, continuing to anchor the left side of the 49ers’ offensive line. The agreement also resolves a prolonged offseason situation and secures his place on the roster for the next two seasons. Jacoby Brissett holding out Brissett isn’t attending Phase 1 of the Arizona Cardinals’ offseason program as he seeks a new contract, per NFL Media. The 33-year-old quarterback is entering the final season of a two-year, $12.5 million contract and has just $1.5 million remaining in guarantees. Brissett is coming off arguably the best season of his NFL career. Across 12 starts (14 overall appearances), he totaled 3,366 passing yards, 23 passing touchdowns, eight interceptions and a 94.1 passer rating, while completing 64.9% of his passes. The Cardinals’ quarterback room also includes veteran Gardner Minshew and Kedon Slovis. Arizona owns the No. 3, 34 and 65 selections, among other picks, in the 2026 NFL Draft. Achane not available for trade, Dolphins negotiating extension The Miami Dolphins are in the middle of a reset after bringing in general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley. With a new leadership group in place, the organization has already begun reshaping the roster. Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday morning that Achane is not available for trade. He followed up by adding that the two sides have had positive conversations about an extension and are trending in the right direction. This despite Miami, under Sullivan, having already moved on from several key pieces this offseason, including wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Even with the changes, running back De’Von Achane is not expected to go anywhere as of now. Achane is coming off a career season in which he rushed for 1,350 yards and eight touchdowns, while averaging a league-high 5.7 yards per carry. He also added 67 receptions for 488 yards and four touchdowns as a receiver out of the backfield. Not only is Achane entering the final year of his rookie contract, but he is also set to become a free agent after the season. If the Dolphins are unable to reach an extension, Achane could be a strong candidate for the franchise tag next offseason. Dexter Lawrence trade possibility increases Lawrence and the New York Giants have hit an “impasse” in contract talks, and the team is now engaged in trade talks for the star defensive lineman, according to NFL Media. A resolution is expected around next week’s NFL draft, per the report. Lawrence, a three-time Pro Bowler, reportedly requested a trade last week, with the 28-year-old wanting a new contract. He has two seasons remaining on a four-year, $90 million deal. Lawrence ranks 12th among defensive tackles with a $22.5 million average annual value. Last season, Lawrence totaled 0.5 sacks and 31 combined tackles, which were each career lows. The year prior (2024), he logged a career-high nine sacks, one forced fumble and 44 combined tackles across 12 games. Raiders getting calls for No. 1 pick While the Raiders are expected to keep and use the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft – on former Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza – other teams are in the business of trying to pry it from them. General manager John Spytek, speaking at a pre-draft press conference, said that the Raiders have received “a few calls” inquiring on a trade for the pick, per ESPN. Spytek also discussed that the Raiders are open to trading a draft pick in the right situation, even up to the last minute before the selection. “If there’s a player that stands out that we feel it’s not worth losing, it’s not worth even picking up the phone, then we’ll just make the pick. But if it’s a player that we’re not as excited about, or there’s a group of players that we would love to pick from, and we can get value for that, we’re certainly open to listening to that.” As Las Vegas picks first in the draft this year, the Raiders already know just who is on the board. Spytek explained that the teams that have called “know where they stand” with the Raiders in trade talks heading into the draft, and the presumed selection of Mendoza. Bijan Robinson option picked up The Atlanta Falcons may be entering an offseason of change under new head coach Kevin Stefanski, but their star running back isn’t going anywhere. On Friday afternoon, the Falcons picked up Robinson’s fifth-year option, per ESPN. This move sets the stage for a potential long-term extension for Robinson. Even with the option in place and extension talks looming, Robinson told ESPN in March that he’s not focused on his contractual future in Atlanta. “I’m going to leave that one to my agent and the guys upstairs, and we’ll see where it goes from there,” Robinson said. Robinson, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Texas, has been remarkably durable, appearing in every game across his first two seasons. He has totaled 3,910 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns while averaging 4.9 yards per carry, establishing himself as one of the NFL’s most complete and versatile running backs. As a receiver, Robinson has added 198 receptions for 1,738 yards and four touchdowns. This past season (2025), Robinson was a finalist for AP Offensive Player of the Year and earned Pro Bowl honors along with AP First and Second Team All-Pro nods. Kenny Moore II, Indianapolis Colts working on trade Moore and the Colts are working on finding a trade partner for the 2021 Pro Bowler, per ESPN. Last season, Moore, who logged three interceptions in both 2023 and 2024, totaled one interception, six passes defended and 55 combined tackles across 12 games. The 30-year-old is entering the final season of a three-year, $30 million deal. Texans expected to pick up Stroud, Anderson options The Houston Texans are coming off another strong playoff run and are now looking to lock in two franchise-caliber players. The team is expected to pick up the fifth-year options for edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. and quarterback C.J. Stroud, per ESPN. The fifth-year option salary cap figures have been released, with Stroud set to earn $25.904 million in 2027 and Anderson for $21.512 million. The Texans selected Stroud with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and then traded for the very next pick for Anderson. Both players have been key to Houston’s rebuild under coach DeMeco Ryans since entering the league. Anderson has put together a strong showing since being drafted out of Alabama. He won the 2023 Defensive Rookie of the Year award, was named a First Team All-Pro selection in 2025 and has totaled 136 tackles, 30 sacks and four forced fumbles over his first three seasons. Stroud hasn’t matched Anderson’s statistical impact, but he’s shown enough for Ryan and his staff to pick up his option and give him a chance at a long-term deal. While Stroud hasn’t fully lived up to his rookie season, three consecutive playoff appearances are hard to ignore. He completed 64.5% of his passes for 3,041 yards and 19 touchdowns against eight interceptions last season. Stroud might not have eye-popping stats, but he finished the campaign strong, with the 11th-overall quarterback rating in the league. Zay Flowers looking to sign extension with Ravens, not beat Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s contract number After Jaxon Smith-Njigba became the NFL’s highest-paid wide receiver, Baltimore Ravens star Zay Flowers became one of the next receivers in line to receive a new deal. But as Smith-Njigba’s four-year, $168.6 million contract with $120 million guaranteed sets a new benchmark, Flowers’ focus with his potential extension with the Ravens isn’t the contract number, but staying in Baltimore. “Absolutely,” Flowers told reporters, via Ravens.com. “I don’t want to go nowhere else.” The two receivers have quickly developed into key pieces for their offenses, each taking on a larger role early in their careers. Now, with Smith-Njigba pushing the market forward, Flowers is in position to follow that trend. “Congrats to him,” Flowers said. “He did that one. I ain’t really paying attention to (my contract), if I’m being honest. I go train every day. I let my agents handle that.” That mindset has shown up on the field. Flowers is coming off a career year with 86 receptions for 1,211 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 14.1 yards per catch. It marked his second straight 1,000-yard season, further solidifying his role in Baltimore’s offense as the team is expected to pick up his fifth-year option. For now, Flowers remains focused on his performance as Baltimore’s offseason continues with the NFL Draft approaching. But with the market reset, the foundation is in place for a deal that could materialize sooner rather than later. Falcons Starting RT Kaleb McGary retires, team signs Jaawan Taylor Not only are the Atlanta Falcons navigating major offseason changes with the hiring of coach Kevin Stefanski, but they are also set to lose one of their most experienced veterans. Offensive tackle Kaleb McGary will retire from the NFL, per his agent, Collin Roberts. At just 31, McGary retired following a serious knee and lower left leg injury he suffered last August in training camp, which caused him to miss the entire season McGary had been a seven-year starter for the Falcons since being selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Washington. He blocked for the team’s president of football operations, Matt Ryan, for three seasons (2019-2021). Ryan released a statement on McGary’s retirement on Wednesday afternoon. “I truly enjoyed my time playing alongside Kaleb,” Ryan said in a statement released by the Falcons. “He was an outstanding teammate and had a tremendous career as a Falcon. We are grateful for the impact he made on this organization, and we wish him nothing but the best in retirement.” Over his seven seasons with Atlanta, McGary appeared in 92 games and started all but one, establishing himself as a cornerstone of the Falcons’ offensive line. McGary played right tackle, leaving a key blindside spot for left-handed quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix. The team moved quickly to fill the gap, signing offensive tackle Jaawan Taylor shortly after McGary’s retirement was announced. James Pearce Jr. not at Falcons’ voluntary workouts James Pearce Jr. did not report to the Atlanta Falcons’ voluntary offseason workouts, coach Kevin Stefanski said Wednesday. “I will tell you guys, James Pearce is not here,’ Stefanski said. “We’ve been in constant communication with his representation.’ Pearce was arrested near Miami on Feb. 7 after an incident involving his former girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson. He faces three felony charges, including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police and resisting an officer with violence, in addition to a misdemeanor stalking charge. The new Falcons coach emphasized that the training program is voluntary and that he wouldn’t be sharing additional details about which players reported. “It’s a voluntary program, so that’s up to each individual player to make those decisions,” Stefanski said. ‘I would also add that we’ve had great discussions with his (Pearce’s) representation. I don’t want to get into the specifics of that.” Pearce’s status with the Falcons has been in question since the arrest. The Falcons’ front office and coaching staff, which is largely full of new faces this season, has remained tight-lipped during the active investigation. “Obviously, we’re aware of the most recent articles and things that have come out regarding James Pearce,” Falcons GM Ian Cunningham said in March. “Those are concerning, right, to say the least, but outside of that, I’ll just keep it just very similar to what we said at the combine. We’re not going to comment on an open legal matter here moving forward.” Pearce led the Falcons with 10.5 sacks in 2025. He also had 26 total tackles, five pass deflections, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. The Falcons’ pass rush saw significant improvement with Pearce in the lineup in 2025, setting a team record with 57 sacks, 26 more than the year before. De’Von Achane not present at start of Dolphins’ offseason program As the Miami Dolphins overhaul their coaching staff and front office this offseason, one of the team’s top stars is already missing. Running back De’Von Achane will not attend the start of the voluntary offseason program, NFL Network reported. Achane is heading into the final year of his rookie deal with the Dolphins and coach Jeff Hafley told reporters that it’s “part of the business” regarding Achane’s absence. After releasing star wide receiver Tyreek Hill and trading Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos, the Dolphins are thin on experienced offensive skill players. Retaining and extending De’Von Achane still appears to be a priority, even amid Miami’s full-scale rebuild. Achane is coming off a career season, rushing for 1,350 yards and eight touchdowns while averaging a league-best 5.7 yards per carry. He also added 67 receptions for 488 yards and four receiving touchdowns. His holdout adds another layer of uncertainty to a Dolphins offense already in transition, with recently signed quarterback Malik Willis leading the new-look unit. Achane’s absence leaves a glaring hole in Miami’s offense at a time when experienced playmakers are scarce. His decision to skip the voluntary program raises questions about the timing and direction of the Dolphins’ rebuild. 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.