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NFL News

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

Thursday, March 5

Rams and Matthew Stafford Discussing Year-to-Year Contract

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The Los Angeles Rams and quarterback Matthew Stafford are navigating contract discussions on a year-to-year basis. Coming off an MVP season, the 38-year-old enters the final year of his deal with a $48.3 million cap hit. General manager Les Snead and coach Sean McVay confirmed stable dialogue, noting that both an adjustment and an extension are possibilities. The team aims to maintain flexibility while ensuring Stafford is compensated appropriately for his performance.

Former First-Round Pick Robert Nkemdiche Arrested in Georgia

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Former NFL defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche, 31, was arrested in Georgia following a shoplifting incident at a Kroger. While the store declined to press charges for the alleged theft, Nkemdiche was booked due to multiple outstanding warrants across several states. A former first-round pick by the Cardinals in 2016, Nkemdiche played for several NFL teams before moving to the USFL and CFL. He is currently being held by county officials due to the active warrants.

Raiders Tender Exclusive Rights Free Agent Defensive End Charles Snowden

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The Las Vegas Raiders have tendered exclusive rights free agent defensive end Charles Snowden, keeping him with the team for 2026. Snowden, 27, joined the Raiders' practice squad in December 2023 and has since become a fixture on the active roster. Over his career, he has played 31 games with 18 starts, recording 67 tackles, 4.5 sacks, one interception, and six pass breakups. He originally entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Bears in 2021.

Raiders Tender Exclusive Rights Free Agent Center Will Putnam

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The Las Vegas Raiders have tendered exclusive rights free agent center Will Putnam, ensuring his return to the team for the 2026 season. Putnam, 25, originally signed with the Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 2024. After spending time on the practice squad and active roster, he made his NFL debut in 2025, appearing in 15 games with two starts. The move is part of the team's effort to secure depth along the offensive line.

Retirement of Drew Dalman Impacts Bears Offseason Strategy

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The retirement of center Drew Dalman has significantly altered the Chicago Bears' offseason plans. With center now identified as a primary position of need alongside linebacker and safety, the team is re-evaluating its draft strategy. The Bears, who recently acquired additional draft capital through the trade of DJ Moore, are looking to navigate a deep draft class to address these roster holes as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Bills Acquire Star Wide Receiver DJ Moore in Trade with Bears

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The Buffalo Bills have acquired wide receiver DJ Moore and a 2026 fifth-round pick from the Chicago Bears in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick. Moore, who recorded 682 yards and six touchdowns in 2025, is expected to undergo a contract restructure to assist the cap-strapped Bills. The move provides Josh Allen with a proven No. 1 target, while the Bears gain significant draft capital and financial flexibility, including three picks in the top 60 of the upcoming draft.

Colts Exploring Trade Options for Pro Bowl LB Zaire Franklin

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The Colts are actively shopping nine-year veteran linebacker Zaire Franklin to achieve salary cap compliance. Moving the 29-year-old Pro Bowler would save the team $5.755 million against the cap. Franklin, a six-time team captain, recorded 125 tackles and two sacks in 2025 after leading the NFL with 173 tackles in 2024. While the Cowboys are a potential suitor, the trade discussions reflect both cap-saving efforts and a potential shift in the Colts' defensive scheme requirements.

Eagles Evaluate Trade Interest for A.J. Brown

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The Eagles are evaluating trade interest for A.J. Brown, seeking a first-round pick return. A move is complicated by a $43 million dead cap hit, making a post-June 1 transaction more viable. While the Ravens and Patriots have been linked as potential partners, the Eagles remain hesitant to move the star receiver unless their high asking price is met. Brown, 28, remains a valued roster piece through 2029, though reports suggest friction regarding his usage in Philadelphia.

Free Agent Tackle Jedrick Wills Tours NFL Teams

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Former 10th overall pick Jedrick Wills is meeting with the Patriots and Lions as he attempts to resume his career. After starting 57 games for the Browns, Wills sat out the 2025 season to recover from persistent knee injuries. The Lions and Patriots view offensive tackle as a position of need; Wills, who turns 27 in May, previously worked with current Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing and Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel during their time in Cleveland.

Rams Acquire All-Pro Cornerback Trent McDuffie

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The Rams have acquired All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie from the Chiefs in exchange for four draft picks, including the No. 29 overall selection. McDuffie, a two-time Super Bowl champion, is expected to sign a long-term extension with Los Angeles. The trade provides Kansas City with $13.6 million in 2026 cap relief and significant draft capital, while the Rams secure a premier defensive talent to anchor their secondary for the foreseeable future.

Jets Decline to Tender Restricted Free Agent John Metchie

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The New York Jets will not tender restricted free agent wide receiver John Metchie, making him an unrestricted free agent. Metchie, 25, caught 29 passes for 256 yards and two touchdowns in nine games for the Jets last season after being acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles at the 2025 trade deadline. Originally a 2022 second-round pick by the Texans, Metchie has overcome significant health challenges early in his career.

Raiders Field Massive Trade Offers for Star EDGE Maxx Crosby

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The Las Vegas Raiders are actively fielding trade interest for star EDGE Maxx Crosby, with the team reportedly seeking a package including two first-round picks and a quality player. While the Dallas Cowboys initially showed strong interest, they have pivoted away due to the high asking price. Other teams, including the Bears, Eagles, and Ravens, remain potential suitors as Las Vegas appears increasingly open to moving the five-time Pro Bowler to address roster needs.

Trey Hendrickson Hits Free Agency as Cowboys Pivot Interest

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Edge rusher Trey Hendrickson is set to enter free agency after the Cincinnati Bengals opted not to use the franchise tag. Following the Dallas Cowboys' failed pursuit of Maxx Crosby due to a high asking price, Hendrickson has emerged as the team's primary target to bolster their pass rush. Hendrickson leaves a significant void in Cincinnati's defense, which finished with the worst performance in the AFC last season.

Seahawks Sign Linebacker Drake Thomas to Two-Year Extension

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The Seattle Seahawks have signed linebacker Drake Thomas to a two-year, $8 million contract extension, keeping him with the team through 2027. Thomas, who transitioned from a special teams role to a starter in 2025, recorded 96 tackles and 3.5 sacks last season. Originally an undrafted free agent claimed off waivers in 2023, Thomas has solidified his role as a core contributor on Seattle's top-ranked defense and a key piece of the team's future plans.

Center Tyler Linderbaum Poised to Test 2026 Free Agent Market

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Three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum is set to hit unrestricted free agency after extension talks with the Baltimore Ravens stalled. Linderbaum, a 2022 first-round pick, remains one of the league's elite interior linemen despite a 2026 season where he allowed 26 pressures. The Chicago Bears are considered a top suitor to replace the retired Drew Dalman, though the Ravens and New York Giants are also expected to be in the mix for his services.

Stefon Diggs to Hit Free Agency After Patriots Release

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Four-time Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs will be released by the New England Patriots following the start of the new league year. Diggs, who surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in his lone season with New England, is expected to draw significant interest on the open market. The New York Jets are reportedly interested in signing the veteran wide receiver to pair with Garrett Wilson, as teams look to capitalize on his availability.

Buffalo Bills Finalize Three-Year Deal for Sam Franklin

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The Buffalo Bills have finalized a three-year, $6.49 million contract with safety Sam Franklin Jr. The deal includes a $1.25 million signing bonus and $2.53 million fully guaranteed. Structured to keep cap hits manageable, the contract includes a $1.74 million cap hit for 2026. Franklin, a valued special teams contributor, provides the Bills with depth and security, with the team protecting themselves via an injury guarantee on his 2027 salary.

Roger McCreary Identified as Potential Raiders Nickelback Target

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As the Las Vegas Raiders look to bolster their secondary, Roger McCreary has been identified as a top free-agent target for the nickelback position. McCreary, a 2022 second-round pick, split the 2025 season between the Titans and Rams, recording a 72.0 coverage grade from PFF despite an injury-shortened campaign. His versatility and ability to contribute in both coverage and run defense make him a high-value option for teams seeking slot corner depth.

Patriots Sign Outside Linebacker Jesse Luketa to One-Year Deal

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The New England Patriots have signed outside linebacker Jesse Luketa to a one-year contract. The 27-year-old, who spent the 2025 season on the Rams' practice squad, brings experience from 31 career games with the Arizona Cardinals. Luketa has recorded 35 tackles and three sacks in his career. The Patriots view him as a depth piece who will likely contribute significantly on special teams, where he has extensive experience in coverage and blocking units.

Guard Garrett Dellinger Re-Signs with Tennessee Titans

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The Tennessee Titans have re-signed exclusive rights free agent guard Garrett Dellinger for the 2026 season. Dellinger was claimed off waivers from the Cleveland Browns late in the 2025 regular season. While he did not appear in any games for Tennessee last year, he previously saw action in one game for Cleveland. He remains part of the Titans' offensive line depth heading into the new league year.