Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
The Minnesota Vikings have placed a right of first refusal tender on linebacker Ivan Pace, securing him for the 2026 season at a salary of $3.52 million. Pace, who started six games and recorded 62 tackles and one sack last season, remains under team control, though other clubs can still submit an offer sheet that the Vikings would have the opportunity to match.
The Seattle Seahawks have signed linebacker Drake Thomas to a two-year, $8 million contract extension. The deal includes a $1.5 million signing bonus and keeps Thomas in Seattle through 2027, ensuring he remains paired with Ernest Jones in the middle of Mike Macdonald's defense. This move is part of the Seahawks' effort to maintain their top-ranked defensive unit as they reload for the 2026 season.
Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell II is drawing attention as a high-upside prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft. Standing 6'4" with 4.37 speed, Brazzell projects as a vertical threat capable of creating explosive plays. After a breakout 2025 season with 1,017 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, scouts view him as a potential Day 2 pick who could serve as a field-stretcher for teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Dallas Cowboys and starting right tackle Terence Steele have negotiated a revised contract, creating $13 million in immediate salary cap space. Steele's new deal includes $22 million in fully guaranteed money with a base value of $33 million, potentially reaching $36 million. Although this represents a pay cut from his previous $82.5 million extension, it secures his roster spot for 2026. Steele has been a model of reliability, starting every game for Dallas over the last three seasons.
The Las Vegas Raiders have bolstered their secondary by trading for veteran cornerback Taron Johnson from the Buffalo Bills. In the deal, Las Vegas sends a sixth-round pick to Buffalo while receiving Johnson and a seventh-round selection. Johnson, an eight-year veteran and former All-Pro, will step in as the Raiders' starting slot cornerback. The team will take on his $8.6 million contract for the 2026 season as they look to upgrade a defense that struggled with depth last year.
The Las Vegas Raiders have acquired veteran nickel cornerback Taron Johnson from the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a sixth-round pick, receiving a seventh-round pick in return. The Raiders will absorb Johnson’s $8.6 million contract to fill a critical void in their secondary. A second-team All-Pro in 2023, Johnson has 87 career starts over eight seasons. Despite a slight decline and injury history, he is expected to serve as the primary slot defender in coordinator Rob Leonard’s new defense.
Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson is listed among the top five free agents for the 2026 league year. As a premier pass-rushing talent, he has been linked to several teams looking to upgrade their defensive lines, including the Dallas Cowboys, who were active in the market for high-impact edge rushers before finalizing a trade for Rashan Gary.
Wide receiver George Pickens has been ranked as the top free agent entering the 2026 league year. After the Pittsburgh Steelers placed the franchise tag on him in late February, Pickens remains a focal point for teams seeking to upgrade their receiving corps with explosive playmaking ability. As the legal tampering period opens, his status as a premier offensive weapon makes him a key figure in the current offseason landscape.
The Chicago Bears have agreed to terms with linebacker D'Marco Jackson on a two-year contract worth $7.5 million, with a maximum value of $10.5 million. Jackson, a former 2022 fifth-round pick, joined the Bears as a waiver claim last August and became a key contributor on both defense and special teams. He finished the 2025 season with 43 tackles, one sack, and an interception in 16 games, adding 12 tackles during the postseason. The deal secures a rising defensive depth piece for Chicago.
Trade discussions involving Philadelphia Eagles star wide receiver A.J. Brown have reportedly stalled due to significant salary cap implications and financial hurdles. Despite interest from teams like the New England Patriots—who reportedly offered first and second-round picks—Eagles GM Howie Roseman has been unable to find a creative solution to manage the dead cap hit of a pre-June 1 trade. Brown remains under contract, but his future has been a central focus of early 2026 offseason rumors.
As part of a massive "reset" button under new leadership, the Miami Dolphins have released star wide receiver Tyreek Hill. The move coincides with the release of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and linebacker Bradley Chubb as the franchise attempts to clear significant cap space and rebuild the roster. Hill’s departure marks the end of a prolific era in Miami, where he served as the focal point of the offense. The Dolphins are now focused on infusing younger competition across the entire depth chart.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have agreed to a one-year, $4 million contract with cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. After undergoing spinal fusion surgery during the 2025 offseason, Samuel joined Pittsburgh mid-season and appeared in six games, recording 10 tackles and one interception. A former second-round pick by the Chargers, Samuel is expected to compete for a starting role opposite Joey Porter Jr. after proving his health during his limited 2025 campaign with the Steelers.
With the Cincinnati Bengals declining to tender restricted free agent Jake Browning, the team is moving on from the quarterback who started 10 games in relief of Joe Burrow over the past three seasons.
The Tennessee Titans have opted not to tender restricted free agent cornerback Darrell Baker Jr., making him an unrestricted free agent. Despite starting 25 games over the last two seasons, including 10 last year, the team chose not to retain him via the tender process. The Titans are currently facing a significant rebuild of their cornerback room and have expressed interest in potentially bringing Baker back at a different price point.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Trenton Irwin hosted his fifth annual youth football camp at his alma mater, Hart High School. The event, which featured coaching support from friends and family, provided local youth with training and mentorship. Irwin, who also spent time with the New York Jets, continues to be an active presence in his local community through these annual clinics.
The New York Giants have re-signed veteran blocking tight end Chris Manhertz to a one-year contract. Entering his third season with the team, the 34-year-old is valued for his elite blocking ability rather than his receiving production, having recorded just four catches for 37 yards and a touchdown over the last two seasons. His return provides depth as the team shifts toward a run-heavy offensive approach, potentially signaling the departure of fellow tight end Daniel Bellinger.
The Houston Texans have secured guard Ed Ingram with a new three-year contract worth $37.5 million, preventing him from entering free agency. Originally a 2022 second-round pick by the Vikings, Ingram was traded to Houston last year. He proved his value by starting 14 regular-season games and both postseason contests for the Texans in 2025. The team plans to utilize him as a starting guard for the upcoming season, keeping him in Houston through the 2028 campaign.
Following Trent McDuffie's record-setting extension, the Patriots are evaluating a long-term deal for Christian Gonzalez. Executive Eliot Wolf praised Gonzalez's development and play style, confirming the team's interest in keeping him beyond his rookie contract. While the Patriots hold a fifth-year option valued at $18.119 million, an extension is the preferred outcome. Gonzalez, a Pro Bowler and All-Pro, is expected to reset the cornerback market once a new deal is finalized.
The New England Patriots have released wide receiver Stefon Diggs, clearing nearly $15 million in cap space. The team is now actively searching for a replacement, with fan surveys indicating a strong preference for Colts receiver Alec Pierce or a trade for A.J. Brown. The Patriots are looking to fill the 1,000-yard void left by Diggs as they aim to build a competitive roster around quarterback Drake Maye for the upcoming season.
Former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is officially entering the free agency market as one of the most prominent signal-callers available. As teams begin the legal tampering period, Murray joins a class that includes Malik Willis and veteran Aaron Rodgers. Organizations are currently evaluating their quarterback needs, with many looking to replicate the 'Seahawks blueprint' of building team chemistry and culture to secure long-term success in the upcoming 2026 season.
