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NFL News

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

Sunday, March 8

Eagles Nearing Contract Extension with Edge Rusher Jaelan Phillips

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The Philadelphia Eagles are making significant progress toward re-signing edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, with reports indicating growing optimism that a deal will be reached before free agency. Acquired from Miami in 2025, Phillips recorded 34 pressures and two sacks in eight games for Philadelphia. Despite an injury history including a torn Achilles and ACL, the team values his leadership and fit in Vic Fangio's defense. He remains a top-tier free agent priority for the Eagles.

Trent McDuffie's Record Deal Impacts Seahawks' Devon Witherspoon

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Trent McDuffie's record-setting $31 million-per-year contract with the Rams has set a new market benchmark that will influence upcoming extension talks for Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon. A three-time Pro Bowler and 2025 All-Pro, Witherspoon is a cornerstone of Seattle's defense. The Seahawks have until May 1 to exercise his fifth-year option, and his eventual extension is expected to challenge the top of the NFL cornerback market.

James Conner Restructures Contract to Remain with Cardinals

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Veteran running back James Conner has agreed to a restructured contract to remain with the Arizona Cardinals for the 2026 season, avoiding release for cap savings. Conner, who was limited to three games in 2025 due to a foot injury requiring surgery, is expected to return as the team's RB1. He will lead the backfield alongside backup Trey Benson, provided he maintains full health for the upcoming campaign.

Bears Re-Sign Special Teams Ace Daniel Hardy to Two-Year Deal

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The Chicago Bears have re-signed restricted free agent Daniel Hardy to a two-year contract worth $4.97 million, including $2.45 million guaranteed and a $1.225 million signing bonus. Hardy, a core special teams contributor, led the Bears in special teams tackles for two consecutive seasons, recording 19 last year. A 2022 seventh-round pick, Hardy has appeared in all 34 games over the past two seasons, providing depth at linebacker, defensive end, and fullback.

Cowboys Target Bengals Edge Rusher Trey Hendrickson

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The Dallas Cowboys have identified Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson as their primary pass-rush target following an unsuccessful pursuit of Maxx Crosby. Hendrickson, who has recorded 14+ sacks in three of his last five seasons, is a high-profile target but carries concerns regarding his fit in Dallas' new 3-4 hybrid defensive scheme and his recovery from a 2025 hip injury that limited him to seven games.

Broncos Re-Sign Tight End Adam Trautman to Three-Year Contract

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The Denver Broncos have re-signed tight end Adam Trautman to a three-year, $17 million contract, keeping him off the free-agent market. Trautman, a key blocking asset in Sean Payton's offense, recorded 20 receptions for 195 yards last season. Originally a 2020 third-round pick by the Saints, Trautman reunited with Payton in Denver via trade and will continue his role as a primary blocking tight end for the team.

Patriots Prioritize Long-Term Extension for Christian Gonzalez

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The New England Patriots are focused on securing a long-term contract extension for star cornerback Christian Gonzalez. While currently signed through 2026, with a potential fifth-year option for 2027, the team views him as a blue-chip building block. Contract negotiations may be influenced by the market floor set by Trent McDuffie, who is expected to become the league's highest-paid cornerback, potentially surpassing the $30.1 million annual average of Sauce Gardner's current deal.

Joe Flacco Eyes Starting Role in Free Agency

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Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco is set to hit free agency on Monday and is seeking a chance to compete for a starting job in his 19th season. If he cannot secure a starting role, he would strongly consider returning to the Cincinnati Bengals. Flacco impressed in 2025 after being traded to Cincinnati, completing 61.7% of his passes for 1,664 yards and 13 touchdowns while filling in for the injured Joe Burrow, earning his first career Pro Bowl nod.

Cardinals Restructure Sean Murphy-Bunting's Contract for 2026

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The Cardinals have restructured the contract of cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting, retaining the veteran for the 2026 season. Murphy-Bunting missed the entire 2025 campaign after suffering a severe knee injury away from the facility. Originally signed to a three-year deal in 2024, he returns to compete for a starting role. DC Nick Rallis intends to utilize his veteran presence to anchor a young secondary that includes Will Johnson, Garrett Williams, Max Melton, and Denzel Burke.

Seahawks Prioritize Re-Signing Safety Coby Bryant

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The Seattle Seahawks are expected to attempt to re-sign safety Coby Bryant as the legal tampering period of free agency approaches. Bryant has emerged as a key defensive contributor and is considered one of the more sought-after names on the market. While he has interest in returning to Seattle, he is expected to draw attention from other suitors. The team aims to maintain continuity in their secondary alongside Julian Love and Ty Okada, potentially at a manageable contract value.

Blake Grupe Re-Signs with Colts on One-Year Deal

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Kicker Blake Grupe has signed a one-year contract with the Indianapolis Colts worth up to $1.4 million. After joining the team in December 2025, Grupe was a perfect 11-of-11 on field goals and 10-of-10 on PATs over his final five games, including a career-long 60-yard field goal. He will compete for the starting role in 2026 with Spencer Shrader, who is currently recovering from a torn ACL and MCL. The move provides the Colts with stability at a critical position heading into free agency.

Isaac Seumalo Ranks as Top Guard in 2026 Free Agency

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As the NFL's legal tampering period approaches, Steelers guard Isaac Seumalo is drawing significant interest as a top-tier free agent. With an average ranking of 24th among all free agents, Seumalo is widely considered a top-three guard available this offseason. While some fans suggest moving on, his high market valuation makes him difficult to replace. It remains uncertain if he will return to Pittsburgh or test the open market when free agency officially begins.

Kicker Chad Ryland Inks One-Year Extension with Cardinals

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The Arizona Cardinals have signed kicker Chad Ryland to a new one-year contract. Ryland, a 2023 fourth-round pick by the Patriots, served as the Cardinals' primary kicker in 2025, converting 25-of-33 field goal attempts and all 36 of his extra-point tries. The move ensures continuity in the kicking game despite the team's recent coaching changes.

Cardinals Re-Sign Punter Blake Gillikin to One-Year Deal

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The Arizona Cardinals have reached an agreement on a one-year deal to retain punter Blake Gillikin. Gillikin, who began his career with the Saints, has spent the last three seasons in Arizona. His 2025 campaign was cut short after five games due to a back injury, but the team has opted to bring him back as part of their special teams unit for the upcoming season.

Dontayvion Wicks Emerges as Potential Trade Candidate

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Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks has surfaced in trade discussions as the team evaluates its roster ahead of the 2026 season. With the Packers looking to maximize their compensatory draft pick system, Wicks is considered a more likely trade candidate than teammate Jayden Reed. If traded, the move would open a full-time starting role for 2025 first-round pick Matthew Golden.

Packers Unlikely to Trade Receiver Jayden Reed

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While the Green Bay Packers are reportedly exploring trade options for several players entering contract years, they are currently unwilling to part ways with wide receiver Jayden Reed. Teams have expressed interest in Reed, but the organization appears committed to keeping him as part of their 2026 offensive plans. The Packers are looking to balance their roster and compensatory pick strategy, but Reed remains a core piece of the team's receiving corps.

Caleb Downs Headlines 2026 NFL Draft Big Board

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Ohio State safety Caleb Downs is the consensus No. 1 prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft. Since his freshman year at Alabama, Downs has established himself as an elite defensive back with the smarts and skill set to make an immediate impact in the NFL. While safeties often slide on draft day, experts believe Downs has the potential to become a premier, Pro Bowl-caliber defensive player from his first day in the league.

Garrett Nussmeier Remains a Draftable QB Prospect

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LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is featured as one of the top 50 prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite an injury-plagued senior season that saw inconsistent performance, Nussmeier impressed scouts with his physical tools during the Senior Bowl. While he is no longer projected as a first-round lock, analysts believe he possesses the upside to become a quality starter at the next level if he lands in the right system.

Fernando Mendoza Projected as Top 2026 NFL Draft Prospect

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Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is garnering significant attention as a top prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft, currently ranked 4th on Yahoo Sports' big board. Coming off a historic national championship season at Indiana, Mendoza is viewed as a legitimate franchise quarterback candidate with high-end arm talent. He is expected to be a primary target for teams in need of a signal-caller, with the Raiders frequently mentioned as a potential landing spot.

Bengals Linked to Rashan Gary Pending Potential Release

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The Cincinnati Bengals are reportedly monitoring Green Bay Packers pass rusher Rashan Gary as a potential defensive addition should he be released. A move to Cincinnati would facilitate a reunion with his former defensive line coach, Jerry Montgomery, under whom Gary experienced his most productive seasons. While Gary has seen a decline in performance recently, the Bengals are exploring defensive line options to overhaul their unit and are considering his potential fit in their scheme.