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

Thursday, March 12

Bryce Huff Retires From NFL at Age 27

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Edge rusher Bryce Huff has announced his retirement from the NFL at age 27 to pursue a career in lithium-ion battery technology. Huff, who signed a three-year, $51.1 million deal with Philadelphia in 2024 before being traded to San Francisco, cited personal evaluation following a wrist injury. He leaves the game with 108 career tackles and 24 sacks, having struggled with injuries during his final season.

Cardinals Release Offensive Lineman Evan Brown

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The Arizona Cardinals have released offensive lineman Evan Brown. Brown started 28 games at guard for Arizona over the last two seasons and has appeared in 85 career games across multiple teams, including the Seahawks, Lions, and Dolphins. The release coincides with the Cardinals' signing of veteran Elijah Wilkinson as the team reshapes its offensive line unit.

Cardinals Sign Veteran Offensive Lineman Elijah Wilkinson

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The Arizona Cardinals have signed veteran offensive lineman Elijah Wilkinson. Wilkinson, who played 10 games for Arizona in 2023, spent last season with the Atlanta Falcons, where he started all 17 games at right tackle. His addition provides the Cardinals with experienced depth across the offensive line, as the team also released Evan Brown as part of their Thursday roster moves.

Steelers Acquire WR Michael Pittman Jr. from Colts

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The Pittsburgh Steelers have acquired wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. from the Indianapolis Colts in a late-round pick swap. Pittman, an expert in short-to-intermediate routes, is expected to complement D.K. Metcalf in the Steelers' offense. The move helps the Colts clear cap space while providing Pittsburgh with a reliable zone-beating target. The Steelers now hold 12 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, including five in the top 100.

Aaron Rodgers Remains Free Agent as Options Dwindle

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Aaron Rodgers remains a free agent as quarterback-needy teams fill their rosters. While the Colts' recent contract structure for Daniel Jones was influenced by Rodgers' recovery timeline from an Achilles tear, the veteran quarterback's own future remains uncertain. Pittsburgh is considered the only viable suitor for Rodgers, though no progressive conversations have occurred. At 42, Rodgers is weighing his options as he looks to potentially continue his career.

Linebacker Grant Stuard Signs Two-Year Deal With Rams

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Former Detroit Lions linebacker Grant Stuard is signing a two-year deal worth up to $5.05 million with the Los Angeles Rams. A high-energy special teams standout, Stuard played in all 17 games for Detroit last season, recording a team-high 375 special teams snaps and 19 tackles. His departure leaves a significant void in the Lions' special teams unit as they continue to navigate a busy free agency period.

Sam Howell Joins Cowboys Quarterback Room

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Sam Howell has joined the Dallas Cowboys, following the team's decision to release veteran quarterback Will Grier. Howell will serve as a depth option behind Dak Prescott, alongside fellow quarterback Joe Milton. The move marks a shift in the Cowboys' backup quarterback strategy as they look to solidify their roster behind their franchise starter.

Cowboys Release Quarterback Will Grier

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The Dallas Cowboys released quarterback Will Grier on Thursday, one day after reaching terms with Sam Howell. Grier, 31, has spent time with multiple teams including the Panthers, Patriots, Chargers, and Eagles, winning a Super Bowl ring with Philadelphia. He now enters free agency as the Cowboys move forward with Sam Howell and Joe Milton as backups to Dak Prescott.

Saints Coach Kellen Moore Noncommittal on Alvin Kamara's Future

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Saints coach Kellen Moore declined to confirm if Alvin Kamara will return for his 10th season in 2026. Speculation regarding Kamara's future has intensified following the signing of Travis Etienne Jr. to a four-year, $52 million deal. Kamara, 30, is coming off career lows of 657 scrimmage yards in 2025. Moore stated he has not had conversations regarding potential retirement and made no commitments, noting the team will work through the process following the Etienne signing.

Saints Sign Running Back Travis Etienne Jr. to Four-Year, $52 Million Deal

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Running back Travis Etienne Jr. has signed a four-year, $52 million deal with the New Orleans Saints. Returning to his home state, Etienne joins the Saints after four seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards in three of his first four years. Totaling 3,798 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns, he is expected to be an immediate factor for the Saints, raising questions about the future of veteran running back Alvin Kamara.

Raiders Seeking Backup Running Back for Ashton Jeanty

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The Las Vegas Raiders are actively seeking a veteran backup running back to complement second-year starter Ashton Jeanty. With several potential targets like Kenneth Gainwell and Rachaad White signing elsewhere, the Raiders are evaluating the remaining market. Head coach Klint Kubiak has emphasized the need for a complimentary back who can contribute in the passing game as the team looks to fill roster holes.

Arizona Cardinals Re-Sign Cornerback Starling Thomas V

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The Arizona Cardinals have re-signed cornerback Starling Thomas V. Thomas, 26, missed the entire 2025 season due to a torn left ACL suffered in training camp. Since joining the team in 2023, he has started 22 games, recording 85 tackles and 11 pass breakups. Thomas, who previously tore his right ACL in college, has been active on social media sharing his recovery progress and is currently sprinting over 20 mph as he prepares for the 2026 season.

Alijah Vera-Tucker Signs Three-Year Deal With Patriots

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Alijah Vera-Tucker has signed a three-year deal with the Patriots featuring a record $4.25 million in annual per-game roster bonuses. The contract includes a $7.2 million signing bonus and $2 million in annual incentives. After missing the 2025 season with a torn triceps, Vera-Tucker is feeling confident in his recovery and expects to be a full participant in the Patriots' offseason program starting April 20. The team is banking on his elite upside at offensive guard.

Trent McDuffie Traded to Rams in Blockbuster Secondary Overhaul

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Cornerback Trent McDuffie has been traded from the Kansas City Chiefs to the Los Angeles Rams. McDuffie signed a record-breaking four-year extension with the Rams, reportedly including $100 million in guarantees. A Southern California native, McDuffie expressed excitement about playing for Sean McVay and reuniting with former teammate Jaylen Watson. The move is part of a major secondary revamp for the Rams as they look to contend for a Super Bowl title at SoFi Stadium.

Daniel Jones Signs Two-Year, $88 Million Extension With Colts

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The Indianapolis Colts have officially signed Daniel Jones to a two-year, $88 million contract extension with $60 million guaranteed. Jones, who suffered a right Achilles tear in December 2025, is currently rehabbing with the goal of being ready for Week 1. His contract includes a $50 million base salary for 2026 and $6 million in incentives. The Colts are evaluating Jones as their long-term starter while managing the recovery timeline for his injury.

Bears Sign Safety Coby Bryant to Three-Year, $40 Million Deal

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The Chicago Bears have signed former Seahawks safety Coby Bryant to a three-year, $40 million contract. Bryant, 27, replaces Kevin Byard, with the Bears prioritizing youth and stability at the position. Bryant is coming off his best season, having recorded seven interceptions over the last two years. The deal is structured to keep his cap hit under $6 million for the upcoming season, providing the Bears with flexibility in their secondary.

Patriots Sign Veteran Safety Kevin Byard to One-Year, $9 Million Deal

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The New England Patriots have signed veteran safety Kevin Byard to a one-year, $9 million contract. Byard, who recorded seven interceptions with the Bears last season, brings veteran leadership and range to a secondary featuring Christian Gonzalez and Craig Woodson. The move serves as a replacement for the Patriots' defensive backfield needs, with Byard expected to act as a communication anchor in the team's evolving defensive scheme.

Seahawks Re-Sign Nose Tackle Brandon Pili to One-Year Deal

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The Seattle Seahawks have re-signed nose tackle Brandon Pili to a one-year, $2 million contract. Pili, who originally joined the team off waivers from the Dolphins in 2024, became a key contributor to the defensive line rotation in 2025, appearing in 13 games and recording 152 defensive snaps. He also notably forced a fumble on a kick return against the Commanders, marking the team's only forced turnover via fumble during the 2025 season.

Jaylen Watson Joins Former Teammate McDuffie with Rams

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Cornerback Jaylen Watson has signed with the Los Angeles Rams, reuniting with former Kansas City Chiefs teammate Trent McDuffie. Watson departed the Chiefs as a free agent following the team's decision to trade McDuffie to the Rams earlier this week. The pair aims to bring their established chemistry and cornerback tandem play to the Rams' defensive backfield.

MarShawn Lloyd Projects as Packers' Number Two Ball-Carrier

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Following the departure of Emanuel Wilson, 2024 third-round pick MarShawn Lloyd is projected to serve as the Green Bay Packers' primary backup running back for the 2026 season. Lloyd, who has dealt with minor injuries during his tenure in Green Bay, will compete for the role alongside Pierre Strong Jr. and Damien Martinez as the team finalizes its backfield depth.