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NFL News

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

Saturday, March 7

Alec Pierce Expected to Have Robust Market in Free Agency

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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce is expected to have a robust market when the legal tampering period opens. After a breakout 2025 season where he led the league with a 21.3 yards-per-reception average, Pierce is set to become an unrestricted free agent. The Colts, having used their transition tag on quarterback Daniel Jones, will not have the right to match offers for Pierce, making him a highly coveted target for teams like the Raiders, Patriots, and Titans.

Draft Prospect Chris Brazzell Rising Up 2026 Boards

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Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell is gaining significant attention ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. Standing 6'4" with 4.37 speed, Brazzell distinguishes himself from other Tennessee prospects through his contested-catch ability and effectiveness in quick-game schemes. While he needs to refine his release packages against NFL-level jams, his versatility and route-running on in-breakers make him a high-value target for teams seeking an explosive playmaker in the middle rounds.

Dre Greenlaw Adjusts to Life with Denver Broncos

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Former 49ers standout linebacker Dre Greenlaw joined the Denver Broncos in 2025 after the 49ers were unable to retain him. His first season in Denver was hampered by injuries and discipline, missing the first six weeks and serving a suspension following a spat with a referee. He finished the 2026 campaign with 43 tackles, two tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, and one interception across eight games, looking to regain his elite form in the upcoming season.

Deebo Samuel's Future Uncertain in Washington

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After a successful tenure with the 49ers, Deebo Samuel played the 2025 season with the Washington Commanders, recording 72 catches for 727 yards and five touchdowns, plus a rushing score. As he enters the 2026 offseason, reports suggest the Commanders may not bring him back. Samuel, known for his unique "wide back" role, remains a versatile offensive weapon, though his status for the upcoming season remains a significant question mark for his next potential landing spot.

Nick Bosa Remains 49ers' Defensive Cornerstone

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Selected second overall in the 2019 NFL Draft, Nick Bosa transformed the San Francisco 49ers' defense, becoming one of the league's most dominant edge rushers. Despite a torn ACL ending his 2025 season in Week 3, Bosa remains the centerpiece of the team's pass rush. His impact is evidenced by the consistent double and triple teams he draws, and he proved his continued value in 2025 by helping seal late-game victories in his three appearances before the injury.

Rams Bolster Secondary with Trade for Trent McDuffie

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The Los Angeles Rams have acquired cornerback Trent McDuffie as part of an aggressive effort to repair their pass defense. McDuffie is expected to serve as a key building block for the team's secondary throughout their current Super Bowl window. While the Rams have also re-signed safeties Quentin Lake and Kamren Curl, the team remains thin at cornerback, and further additions via the draft or free agency are expected to fully address the unit's depth concerns.

Texans Release Running Back Joe Mixon After Missing 2025 Season

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The Houston Texans have released running back Joe Mixon at his request, a move that provides the team with $8 million in salary cap relief. Mixon missed the entire 2025 season due to a mysterious, lingering foot injury that was never fully disclosed. The veteran back, who earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2024 after rushing for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns, was placed on the non-football injury list last year and will now enter the open market as he continues his recovery.

Bills Restructure Ed Oliver's Contract to Clear Cap Space

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The Buffalo Bills have restructured defensive tackle Ed Oliver's contract, converting $12.825 million of his 2026 base salary into a signing bonus. The move creates approximately $10.2 million in immediate cap relief by adding voidable years through 2030. The restructure effectively ends trade speculation surrounding Oliver, as it significantly inflates his dead-cap figure, signaling the team's intent to keep him as a core piece of their defense.

Raiders Linked to Kirk Cousins as Potential Mentor

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As the Las Vegas Raiders prepare to move on from Geno Smith, reports suggest they may target veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins in free agency. Cousins, expected to be released by the Atlanta Falcons, has a history with new Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak, having worked together in Minnesota. While he could serve as a mentor for expected No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza, it remains unclear if the 37-year-old is willing to accept a bridge-starter role at this stage of his career.

Seahawks Fans Expect Rashid Shaheed to Return for 2026

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Despite uncertainty regarding his contract status, nearly half of surveyed Seahawks fans expect wide receiver and return specialist Rashid Shaheed to re-sign with the team. Shaheed, acquired at the 2025 trade deadline, became a pivotal contributor during Seattle's Super Bowl run, notably scoring on a 95-yard kickoff return in the Divisional Round. While extension talks are reportedly not close, he remains a key figure for the Seahawks' 2026 roster plans.

Roster Update: Bills Release Veteran Defensive Back

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The Buffalo Bills have released the veteran defensive back as part of a series of cost-cutting roster moves. The decision is aimed at creating necessary salary cap space for the 2026 season, as the team works to address a significant cap deficit before the start of the new league year.

Bills Release Cornerback Dane Jackson Ahead of Free Agency

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Cornerback Dane Jackson has been released by the Buffalo Bills as the team works to clear salary cap space. Jackson, who was in his second stint with the organization, is one of four veterans cut by general manager Brandon Beane in a single day. The move is part of a broader effort to manage the team's $22 million remaining cap deficit ahead of the new league year.

Bills Release Safety Taylor Rapp to Create Cap Space

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The Buffalo Bills have released safety Taylor Rapp as part of a series of veteran cuts to address their 2026 salary cap deficit. Rapp, known for his hard-hitting style, struggled to stay on the field during the 2025 season. His release, along with other roster moves, helps the Bills shed salary as they work to become cap compliant before the start of the new league year.

Bills Release All-Pro Nickel Cornerback Taron Johnson

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In a major cost-cutting move, the Buffalo Bills have released longtime nickel cornerback Taron Johnson. A former All-Pro who defined the 'Buffalo Nickel' era, Johnson's departure is part of a wider roster purge aimed at addressing the team's $34 million salary cap deficit. The move, alongside other veteran releases, is intended to provide the financial flexibility needed for the 2026 season.

Bills Release Wide Receiver Curtis Samuel in Cap Purge

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The Buffalo Bills have released wide receiver Curtis Samuel as part of a series of cost-cutting moves to reach salary cap compliance. Samuel departs after two seasons in Buffalo that were largely viewed as disappointing. The release is part of a broader effort by general manager Brandon Beane to shed salary, with the team still needing to clear additional space ahead of the new league year.

Free Agent Mike Evans Targets Contender for 13th Season

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Future Hall of Fame wide receiver Mike Evans is set to hit free agency seeking a team with Super Bowl aspirations and a strong quarterback. Coming off a 2025 campaign limited to eight games by a broken collarbone, Evans is evaluating his options for his 13th NFL season. Analysts have linked him to several potential destinations, including the San Francisco 49ers, New England Patriots, and Kansas City Chiefs, as he looks to provide immediate veteran impact.

Rashan Gary Status Uncertain Amid Trade and Release Rumors

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Green Bay Packers edge rusher Rashan Gary is facing uncertainty regarding his future after a brief social media post announcing his departure was quickly deleted. Reports indicate the Packers have stated Gary will not be released or traded at this time. Gary has two years remaining on his contract with a significant salary cap hit of over $20 million for both 2026 and 2027, leading to speculation about his long-term status with the organization.

Steelers Tackle Depth Concerns Following Broderick Jones Injury

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The Pittsburgh Steelers face a potential need at offensive tackle due to concerns regarding Broderick Jones' health. Reports suggest the neck injury Jones suffered late last season could require spinal fusion surgery. With Pittsburgh scheduled to face elite pass rushers like Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby, the team is exploring draft options to bolster their line, including prospects like Max Iheanachor, Dametrious Crownover, Markel Bell, Jude Bowry, Diego Pounds, and Travis Burke.

Rams Prioritize Win-Now Strategy Around Matthew Stafford

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The Los Angeles Rams are focused on maximizing their championship window with Matthew Stafford rather than drafting his immediate successor in 2026. General manager Les Snead indicated the team remains committed to winning now, evidenced by aggressive roster moves like trading for cornerback Trent McDuffie and re-signing key veterans. The organization is actively seeking to add offensive weapons to support Stafford and complement existing stars like Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.

Browns Place Second-Round Tender on Safety Ronnie Hickman

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The Cleveland Browns have placed a second-round restricted free agent tender on safety Ronnie Hickman, worth $5.8 million for the 2026 season. Hickman, an undrafted free agent, started all 17 games last season, recording 103 tackles, seven passes defended, and two interceptions. The tender provides a significant raise over his career earnings, though negotiations for a long-term deal remain possible as the team navigates defensive changes under new coaching.