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NFL News

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

Saturday, March 7

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.

Texans Sign TE Dalton Schultz to One-Year Extension Through 2027

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The Houston Texans have signed tight end Dalton Schultz to a one-year, $12.6 million extension, keeping him with the team through 2027. Schultz, 29, recorded a career-high 82 receptions for 777 yards and three touchdowns in 2025. His reliable connection with quarterback CJ Stroud proved vital during Houston's nine-game win streak. The deal guarantees $17.6 million across the 2026 and 2027 seasons, rewarding a veteran who became a primary target amid various injuries to the TE corps.

Taylor Decker Requests Release from Lions Amid Contract Dispute

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Veteran offensive lineman Taylor Decker has requested to be released by the Detroit Lions after reportedly being asked to take a pay cut. While the team has not officially granted the release, the Lions have begun preparing for his departure by scouting offensive tackle prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft. Head coach Dan Campbell emphasized the team's need to address the tackle position regardless of Decker's status, as Detroit seeks long-term stability on their offensive line.

Travis Etienne Jr. Labeled Risky Free Agent Signing

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As the NFL free agency period approaches, analysts have identified Travis Etienne Jr. as a player who may be receiving too much hype, potentially making him a risky signing for teams looking to bolster their backfield. The Jacksonville Jaguars running back is among the notable names being evaluated as clubs prepare to navigate the open market starting next week.

Ty Simpson Highlighted Among Top 2026 NFL Draft Quarterbacks

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Ty Simpson has been identified as one of the top 12 passing prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft class. Analysts are currently sizing up the strengths and weaknesses of the top passers, with Simpson positioned alongside other high-profile prospects like Fernando Mendoza as teams evaluate their future quarterback needs.

Raiders Poised to Draft QB Fernando Mendoza No. 1 Overall

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Following the trade of Maxx Crosby, the Las Vegas Raiders are positioned to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-5, 236-pound national champion led the FBS with 41 touchdown passes. Raiders GM John Spytek is focused on building a supporting cast, including offensive line and run game reinforcements, to limit early pressure on the rookie signal-caller as he becomes the new face of the franchise.

Devin Singletary Returning to Giants on Restructured Contract

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Running back Devin Singletary is set to remain with the New York Giants after agreeing to a restructured contract. The move comes as the Giants continue to manage their salary cap and reshape their roster under new head coach John Harbaugh. The team is also actively pursuing offensive line upgrades, including interest in center Tyler Linderbaum, while evaluating draft prospects and potential free-agent additions to support their offensive core.

Matt Harmon Analyzes Potential Landing Spots for Mike Evans

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Analyst Matt Harmon discussed the optimal landing spots for free-agent wide receiver Mike Evans on the Yahoo Fantasy Forecast. Harmon highlighted the Kansas City Chiefs as a potential fit, noting that Evans' size and route-running ability would address significant needs in the Chiefs' receiving corps. The discussion emphasized Evans' desire to play for a contender with a reliable quarterback as he enters his 13th NFL season.

Friday, March 6

Raiders Poised to Select Fernando Mendoza No. 1 Overall

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The Las Vegas Raiders are widely expected to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite some external scrutiny regarding his college scheme and athleticism, Mendoza remains the team's primary target as they look to build their future around him. The organization is clearing cap space and acquiring draft capital to surround the Heisman winner with a revamped offensive line and new coaching staff under Klint Kubiak.

Ravens Acquire Star Edge Rusher Maxx Crosby in Blockbuster Trade

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The Baltimore Ravens have acquired five-time Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for 2026 and 2027 first-round picks. Crosby, who has 69.5 career sacks, is currently recovering from knee surgery but is expected to be healthy for training camp. The Ravens will assume his $30 million salary for this season and $26.5 million for next year. The move signals a major shift for the Raiders as they begin a significant roster rebuild.

Lamar Jackson Gains Elite Defensive Support with Crosby Trade

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The Baltimore Ravens' acquisition of star edge rusher Maxx Crosby is expected to significantly bolster the team's championship pursuit, providing MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson with a formidable defense. By addressing the pass rush, the organization aims to eliminate defensive question marks, allowing Jackson to focus on leading the offense. Jackson appeared to have prior knowledge of the blockbuster move, which signals the Ravens' aggressive 'win-now' approach this offseason.

Chiefs Trade All-Pro Cornerback Trent McDuffie to Rams

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The Kansas City Chiefs have traded All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for the 29th overall pick and three additional selections over the next two years. The move was necessitated by the Chiefs' salary cap constraints, which prevented them from meeting McDuffie's contract extension demands. McDuffie, a key contributor to the Chiefs' Super Bowl LVIII victory, joins the Rams as he seeks a new long-term deal.

Raiders to Release Veteran Quarterback Geno Smith

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The Las Vegas Raiders will release 35-year-old quarterback Geno Smith at the start of the new league year, resulting in an $18.5 million dead-cap hit while saving $8 million. Smith, who struggled in 2025 with a 2-13 record and a league-high 17 interceptions, is expected to draw interest from teams like the Vikings, Jets, and Steelers. Following the news, Smith made headlines for a social media spat with Wendy's after the company jokingly offered him a job as 'Chief Taste Officer'.

M.J. Stewart Re-signs with Texans on One-Year Deal

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The Houston Texans are re-signing veteran safety M.J. Stewart to a one-year contract. Stewart, 30, appeared in nine games during the 2025 season, recording 25 tackles and two pass deflections before suffering a season-ending quadriceps tendon tear in Week 10. The team values his veteran presence and recovery progress, as he continues his tenure with the franchise that began in 2022, primarily serving as a contributor on special teams and in the defensive rotation.

Bengals Secure Dalton Risner on New One-Year Contract

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The Bengals have signed guard Dalton Risner to a one-year deal, guaranteeing him $3.25 million with incentives reaching up to $5 million. Risner, who expressed a strong desire to remain in Cincinnati, recorded a career-high 98.0% pass block efficiency last season, ranking eighth among starting guards. The front office prioritized his return to maintain offensive line stability while preserving cap flexibility to address defensive needs during the upcoming offseason.

Bears Place Pro Bowl Center Drew Dalman on Reserve/Retired List

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The Chicago Bears have placed center Drew Dalman on the reserve/retired list after the 27-year-old informed the team of his intention to retire. Dalman, who earned his first career Pro Bowl nod during his lone season with the Bears in 2025, started all 17 games for the team. His sudden departure prompted the Bears to acquire veteran center Garrett Bradbury via trade from the New England Patriots to fill the vacancy on their offensive line.

Bears Acquire Veteran Center Garrett Bradbury from Patriots

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The Chicago Bears are trading for veteran center Garrett Bradbury to fill the void left by the sudden retirement of Drew Dalman. The Bears will send a 2027 fifth-round draft pick to the New England Patriots in exchange for Bradbury, who started all 17 games for New England last season. The move reunites Bradbury with former college teammate Joe Thuney on the Bears' offensive line. The deal is expected to be processed when the new league year officially begins next Wednesday.

Ty Simpson Linked to First Round in Latest 2026 Mock Draft

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Quarterback Ty Simpson is featured in the latest 2026 NFL mock draft, which projects a surprise late-round trade that lands the prospect in the first round. The mock draft highlights a monumental haul for the Jets, including an edge rusher at No. 2 and a wide receiver at No. 16, with Simpson's potential selection serving as a key development in the draft order.

Four-Time Pro Bowl Center Ryan Kelly Announces NFL Retirement

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Four-time Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly has retired after 10 NFL seasons. A 2016 first-round pick, Kelly spent nine years with the Colts before joining the Vikings in 2025. His final season was limited to eight starts due to recurring concussions, leading to his placement on season-ending injured reserve. His retirement provides the Vikings with approximately $10 million in salary cap relief and leaves a significant vacancy at the center position.