Player news from trusted outlets

NFL News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Monday, March 16

Michael Pittman Jr. Ready for Steelers QB Uncertainty

AutoDraft Pro AI

After being traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Michael Pittman Jr. remains optimistic about the team's quarterback situation. With Aaron Rodgers' 2026 plans still unknown, Pittman is preparing to work with either Mason Rudolph or Will Howard. Pittman expressed confidence in the offensive plan, stating that he will make the most of the opportunity regardless of who is under center, while acknowledging that playing with a Hall of Fame talent like Rodgers would be ideal.

Eagles Evaluate Draft Options to Eventually Replace Lane Johnson

AutoDraft Pro AI

With veteran right tackle Lane Johnson entering a year-to-year phase of his career after missing the final eight games of last season, the Philadelphia Eagles are exploring potential long-term replacements in the 2026 NFL Draft. Analysts suggest prospects like Clemson's Blake Miller or Alabama's Kadyn Proctor as viable options at pick No. 23. The team's focus remains on securing offensive line depth to maintain their competitive edge in the NFC East.

Cam Skattebo Progresses in Ankle Rehab, Jogging Without Full Explosion

AutoDraft Pro AI

Giants running back Cam Skattebo provided an update on his ankle recovery, noting he is currently jogging and striding out but not yet at full explosive capacity. As the Giants transition toward a power running attack, Skattebo is positioned as the featured back. The team is also integrating veteran fullback Pat Ricard to bolster the ground game, aiming to build on an offense that ranked fifth in rushing yards last season. Skattebo remains focused on his return to full game-speed movement.

Sonny Styles Projected as Top-10 Pick Following Freakish Combine Performance

AutoDraft Pro AI

Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles is rising up draft boards, with USA TODAY Sports projecting him as the No. 10 overall pick to the Cincinnati Bengals. Styles impressed at the combine with a 4.46 40-yard dash and a 43.5-inch vertical leap. A converted safety with freakish athleticism and cerebral leadership qualities, Styles is viewed as an ideal fit for a Bengals defense in transition, offering the team a high-ceiling playmaker capable of anchoring the middle of the field.

Ty Simpson Emerges as Potential Second-Round Target for Cleveland Browns

AutoDraft Pro AI

In the latest 2026 NFL mock draft, Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is projected as a second-round selection for the Cleveland Browns at pick No. 39. Following an aggressive free agency period where the Browns bolstered their offensive line, Simpson is viewed as a viable developmental option behind Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. His selection would provide Cleveland with additional depth and a long-term contingency plan at the quarterback position as they continue to rebuild their roster.

Ike Brown Mentioned in Patriots Free Agency Coverage

AutoDraft Pro AI

Ike Brown was identified in recent reporting regarding the New England Patriots' free agency activity. No specific performance data, contract details, or roster status updates were provided for the player in the source material.

Patriots Sign Safety Mike Brown to One-Year Deal

AutoDraft Pro AI

The New England Patriots have signed safety Mike Brown to a one-year contract for the 2026 season. The deal carries a base value of $1.35 million, including a $50,000 signing bonus and a $50,000 workout bonus. Brown, a fifth-year veteran, is expected to compete for a depth role at safety and a position on special teams. His roster spot is not guaranteed, and his future with the team will depend on his performance during the upcoming summer training camp.

Titans Projected to Trade Up for Jeremiyah Love

AutoDraft Pro AI

In the latest 2026 NFL mock draft projections, the Tennessee Titans are identified as a team looking to trade up in the draft order to secure Jeremiyah Love. This move highlights the team's strategic interest in acquiring him as they look to bolster their roster through the upcoming draft process.

Sunday, March 15

Joey Bosa Linked to 49ers Reunion Following Cryptic Social Media Post

AutoDraft Pro AI

Speculation is mounting regarding a potential move to the 49ers for free agent edge rusher Joey Bosa. Rumors were ignited by a social media post from his mother featuring him in a 49ers uniform, coinciding with the team clearing $17.1 million in cap space. Bosa, who turns 31 this summer, played for the Buffalo Bills in 2025, recording 29 tackles, five sacks, and an NFL-leading five forced fumbles across 15 games. He remains unsigned as the 49ers explore defensive front additions.

Darius Slay Declares Only Interest in Playing for Philadelphia Eagles

AutoDraft Pro AI

Veteran defensive back Darius Slay has publicly stated that the Philadelphia Eagles are the only team he will consider playing for in 2026. Slay, 35, previously played for Philadelphia from 2020 to 2024, earning three Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl ring. After a stint with the Steelers and a brief period with the Bills last season, Slay indicated he may choose retirement if he cannot secure a return to the Eagles, emphasizing that no other team should contact him regarding a contract.

Zaire Franklin Elected to NFLPA Executive Committee

AutoDraft Pro AI

New Green Bay Packers linebacker Zaire Franklin has been elected to the NFLPA’s 10-man executive committee. Franklin, who previously served as the Indianapolis Colts’ player representative, joins the committee as part of a recent leadership shuffle. The union is currently navigating significant challenges, including potential ownership pushes for an 18-game season and the upcoming search for a new executive director to replace interim leadership.

Jalen Reeves-Maybin Re-elected as NFLPA President

AutoDraft Pro AI

Jalen Reeves-Maybin was re-elected as the president of the NFL Players Association's Board of Player Representatives on Sunday, March 15, 2026. He will continue his leadership role within the union representing NFL players.

Will Howard in Mix for Steelers Starting QB Role

AutoDraft Pro AI

Second-year quarterback Will Howard is positioned to compete for the Pittsburgh Steelers' starting job this summer. As the team evaluates its options—primarily waiting on a decision from Aaron Rodgers or potentially pursuing Kirk Cousins—head coach Mike McCarthy has kept the door open for Howard to make a run at the starting role during training camp. Howard, a 2025 sixth-round pick, remains a key part of the team's quarterback depth chart alongside Mason Rudolph.

Kirk Cousins Remains on Steelers' Quarterback Radar

AutoDraft Pro AI

Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins remains a potential option for the Pittsburgh Steelers as they navigate the 2026 offseason. While the team's primary focus remains on Aaron Rodgers, Cousins is being considered as a veteran addition should the team pivot from their current strategy. The Steelers are balancing a win-now mandate under head coach Mike McCarthy while also keeping the door open for 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard to compete for the starting job.

Aaron Rodgers Remains Top Free Agent Target for Steelers

AutoDraft Pro AI

As of March 15, 2026, 42-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers remains a top free agent. After leading the Steelers to an AFC North title in 2025 with 24 touchdowns, he is the primary option for Pittsburgh, which is prioritizing a win-now approach under coach Mike McCarthy. While Rodgers has not set a decision deadline, the team has avoided other veteran QB pursuits, signaling a strong preference to reunite with him. Retirement remains the only other realistic path for the veteran signal-caller.

Drew Brees Attends Savannah Bananas Game at Caesars Superdome

AutoDraft Pro AI

Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees made an appearance at the Caesars Superdome to take in the Savannah Bananas exhibition games. Brees was joined by Tyler Shough at the event, which was hosted at the home venue of the New Orleans Saints.

Tyler Shough Makes Appearance at Savannah Bananas Exhibition

AutoDraft Pro AI

Tyler Shough, along with former Saints quarterback Drew Brees, made a guest appearance during the Savannah Bananas exhibition games held at the Caesars Superdome. The event brought the popular baseball entertainment troupe to the home stadium of the New Orleans Saints, providing a unique crossover moment for the players in attendance.

Dallas Goedert Re-Signs With Eagles on One-Year Deal

AutoDraft Pro AI

Tight end Dallas Goedert has agreed to a one-year contract to return to the Philadelphia Eagles, preventing a $20 million dead cap hit. The deal pays him $10 million with $1 million in incentives. Coming off a 2025 campaign with 60 receptions and 11-13 touchdowns, Goedert remains a central piece of the offense. He has 409 career catches for 4,676 yards and 35 touchdowns over eight seasons. The one-year term suggests the team is beginning to prepare for the future at the position.

Eagles Pause Trade Discussions Regarding A.J. Brown

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Philadelphia Eagles have officially paused trade talks involving All-Pro receiver A.J. Brown. Despite significant interest from teams like the Rams and Patriots, and reports of Brown's desire for a move, no transaction is imminent. The situation remains fluid with the potential for renewed activity closer to June. Brown remains on the roster as the team navigates the offseason, with his future status potentially linked to the team's broader salary cap and roster management strategy.

Packers Set $30M Ceiling for Christian Watson Extension

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Green Bay Packers have established a $30 million per-year ceiling for a potential contract extension for Christian Watson. Due to void years in his previous deal, the team can negotiate above his current $11 million average without waiting until September 10, 2026. With similar receivers like Alec Pierce and Jameson Williams signing for $26.7M-$28.5M, a deal is expected to fall in that range. If negotiations stall, a hold-in situation similar to Elgton Jenkins could occur.