Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
FOX Sports announced that Greg Olsen will reunite with Kevin Burkhardt in the broadcast booth to call the inaugural Fanatics Flag Football Classic on March 21. The event, hosted by Kevin Hart and Druski at BMO Stadium, features three 12-player teams comprised of current and former NFL stars, world-class athletes, and the U.S. Men’s National Flag Football Team. The competition will air live on FOX, FOX One, and Tubi.
A.J. Brown remains the subject of ongoing trade rumors as the Philadelphia Eagles navigate their financial strategy. While the Los Angeles Rams have reportedly backed away from a potential deal due to medical concerns, the New England Patriots remain in dialogue with the Eagles. A post-June 1 trade would be more favorable for Philadelphia's salary cap, as the team continues to evaluate the star receiver's future.
Maxx Crosby remains a Las Vegas Raider after a potential blockbuster trade to the Baltimore Ravens collapsed due to a failed physical. Despite the failed deal, speculation regarding his future persists. While the Raiders are currently committed to Crosby, the team remains open to future trade possibilities if the right offer arises. Crosby has expressed loyalty to the organization, though his status continues to be a focal point for other teams.
The Dallas Cowboys acquired edge rusher Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers for a 2027 fourth-round pick. Gary agreed to a revised contract, reducing his 2026 pay to $16 million while securing a $13.2 million signing bonus. The deal includes void years, resulting in a $5.44 million cap hit for 2026. While Gary provides consistency, the Cowboys continue to evaluate their pass-rush depth and may still look to the draft to bolster their edge rotation.
The New England Patriots have finalized their 2026 coaching staff, naming former defensive coordinator Terrell Williams as assistant head coach under Mike Vrabel. Williams, who stepped back from play-calling duties last season due to health reasons, will continue to play a significant role in the team's defensive operations. Zak Kuhr has been promoted to defensive coordinator as part of the staff restructuring.
Kirk Cousins remains a notable name on the NFL free agency market as teams continue to evaluate their quarterback options for the 2026 season. Alongside other veterans like Aaron Rodgers, Cousins' landing spot remains a key storyline as organizations look to address their signal-caller needs through the remainder of the offseason.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently in a holding pattern, awaiting a final retirement decision from veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers before finalizing their 2026 roster plans. Should the signal-caller choose to retire, the team is prepared to explore alternative options, including the NFL Draft or potential trade targets like San Francisco's Mac Jones, to address the vacancy at the position.
Cornerback Jack Jones earned an additional $1.1 million in performance-based pay for the 2025 season after playing 980 defensive snaps, accounting for 92% of the Dolphins' total. Jones, who played on a one-year, $1.1 million deal, recorded 77 combined tackles and one interception across 17 starts. As the league enters the second week of free agency, Jones remains unsigned while the Dolphins continue to reshape their defensive backfield.
The New York Giants have signed veteran fullback Patrick Ricard to bolster their rushing attack. The 31-year-old, who spent his entire career with the Ravens, brings significant experience as a lead blocker and versatile tight end option. Despite a 2025 season limited by a calf injury, Ricard has logged 3,640 career offensive snaps. He is expected to provide flexibility in heavy personnel packages, aiding the development of the Giants' running game.
Packers safety Evan Williams will receive over $1 million in performance-based pay for the 2025 season. A 2024 fourth-round pick, Williams logged over 900 defensive snaps and 130 special teams snaps, recording 100 total tackles and three interceptions. His bonus ranks as the 25th-highest in the NFL and the top mark among Packers players, rewarding his significant playing time and high-level production while on his rookie contract.
The Los Angeles Rams have triggered contract guarantees for seven players, most notably confirming a $40 million 2026 salary guarantee for quarterback Matthew Stafford. Stafford previously expressed his intent to return for the 2026 season, and this move cements his status with the team. Other players receiving guaranteed money or bonuses include Alaric Jackson, Davante Adams, Nathan Landman, Poona Ford, Coleman Shelton, and Colby Parkinson.
Cornerback Nahshon Wright earned the highest performance-based pay in the NFL for the 2025 season, receiving over $1.44 million in bonuses. This payout, which supplements his base salary, follows a productive campaign where he recorded 80 tackles, five interceptions, two forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. Wright recently signed a one-year, $3.5 million guaranteed contract with the New York Jets, further solidifying his status following his breakout performance.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed safety Jaquan Brisker to a one-year contract following his four-year tenure with the Chicago Bears. Brisker, a Penn State product, recorded 342 tackles and four interceptions during his time in Chicago. He reunites with former college teammate Joey Porter Jr. in Pittsburgh, with the pair expressing excitement about playing together again in a revamped Steelers secondary.
Safety Jaquan Brisker has signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, reuniting with his former Penn State teammate, cornerback Joey Porter Jr. Brisker, who spent four seasons in Chicago, noted that Porter actively recruited him to join the Steelers via FaceTime. The addition of Brisker, alongside Jamel Dean, significantly strengthens the Steelers' defensive backfield as they prepare for the 2026 season.
Six-time Pro Bowler Darius Slay has announced his retirement from the NFL after 13 seasons. Drafted by the Lions in 2013, Slay played for Detroit, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Buffalo. A Super Bowl LIX champion with the Eagles, Slay finishes his illustrious career with 187 games played, 28 interceptions, and 655 tackles. After a 2025 stint with the Steelers and a brief waiver claim by the Bills, Slay stated he is ready to move on to a new chapter.
Patrick Mahomes is continuing his rehab from a torn ACL and LCL suffered in December 2025. While he aims to be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 season, his status remains uncertain, prompting the Chiefs to acquire veteran Justin Fields as insurance. Mahomes, who underwent surgery on Dec. 15, is reportedly spending seven hours a day at the facility. There have been no reported setbacks, but he must prove he can handle contact before being cleared for game action.
The Kansas City Chiefs have acquired quarterback Justin Fields from the New York Jets for a 2027 sixth-round pick. The move provides Kansas City with veteran insurance while Patrick Mahomes recovers from a torn ACL and LCL. The Chiefs will cover $3 million of Fields' $11 million 2026 salary. Fields, who started nine games for the Jets in 2025, will compete for reps during the offseason and serve as a contingency plan should Mahomes not be ready for the start of the 2026 season.
Wide receiver prospect KC Concepcion recently underwent a routine knee scope and is expected to be 100 percent healthy in time for rookie camp in May. The Texas A&M standout, who projects as a potential first-round pick in the upcoming draft, recorded a 61-919-9 receiving line on 104 targets during the 2025 collegiate season. He did not participate in drills at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine but did take part in on-field workouts.
Bengals safety Jordan Battle received $1.02 million in performance-based pay for the 2025 season. The bonus was awarded after Battle started all 17 games and recorded 125 combined tackles, marking a breakout year for the young defender. This league-wide program compensates players based on their playing time and salary, and Battle's production as a key pillar of the Cincinnati secondary resulted in him receiving the 24th-highest payout in the NFL.
With the return of Dre Greenlaw to the San Francisco 49ers, linebacker Dee Winters faces a potential shift in his role. Winters, who started all 17 games last season, may be relegated to SAM linebacker or utilized in passing-down situations due to his man-to-man coverage skills. The 49ers' coaching staff is expected to utilize positional flexibility to get both Winters and Greenlaw on the field, balancing Greenlaw's run-stopping impact with Winters' coverage versatility.
