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NFL News

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

Wednesday, March 4

Raiders Cornerback Eric Stokes Set for Significant Free Agency Raise

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After a standout 2025 campaign, unrestricted free agent Eric Stokes is a top priority for the Raiders. The 27-year-old started 16 games, recording 53 tackles, five pass deflections, and allowing only one touchdown on 60 targets. Stokes played 1,037 snaps, proving his durability and value in coverage. Following a modest $3.5 million deal last season, he is projected to earn a $7 million annual salary, with the Raiders looking to retain his physical, sticky perimeter presence.

Lions Tender Exclusive Rights Free Agent Offer to Kicker Jake Bates

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The Detroit Lions have tendered an exclusive rights free agent (ERFA) offer to kicker Jake Bates. The one-year deal at the league minimum salary keeps Bates in Detroit, where he has been a valued part of the special teams unit. Despite a slight dip in accuracy in 2025, the Lions remain committed to Bates, who showed improvement on the new NFL kickoff format.

Aaron Rodgers Remains Undecided on 2026 Season Amid Contract Silence

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Free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers, 42, remains undecided on his 2026 playing status. Despite the Steelers hiring Mike McCarthy, the team has not offered a contract or set a deadline. Rodgers, who threw for 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2025, is currently enjoying the offseason while maintaining his fitness. The Vikings remain a potential destination, offering a reunion with Kevin O’Connell and a chance to play with Justin Jefferson.

Cardinals to Release Kyler Murray; Multiple Teams Eyeing Free Agent QB

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The Arizona Cardinals will release Kyler Murray by March 11, making him a free agent due $36.8 million guaranteed. Despite a 2025 season hampered by injury, scouts value his talent. Potential landing spots include the Steelers, Dolphins, Vikings, and Jets. The Jets are exploring Murray as a low-cost option, though his recent QBR metrics remain a concern for interested franchises.

Brandon Aubrey Seeks $10M/Year, Cowboys Offer Below $7M

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Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey is seeking a $10 million annual average on a contract extension, but the team's offer is reportedly below $7 million, though still higher than Harrison Butker's $6.4 million. Dallas plans to place a $5.81 million second-round tender on Aubrey, allowing him to explore other offers while retaining the right of first refusal. Aubrey, 30, has made the Pro Bowl in all three seasons, holds an NFL record with six field goals from 60+ yards, and has a career-long of 65 yards. He missed seven field goals in 2024 and six in 2025, mostly from 50+ yards.

Giants Officially Release Linebacker Bobby Okereke

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The New York Giants have officially released linebacker Bobby Okereke, clearing $9 million in cap space. Okereke spent three seasons with the team, starting 46 of 51 games and accumulating 385 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and four interceptions. His release allows him to sign with a new team before the league year begins, and he will not factor into the compensatory draft pick formula.

Marcus Peters' Rams Stint Highlighted in McDuffie Comparison

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Former Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters' tenure with the Los Angeles Rams is being revisited in discussions comparing him to newly acquired Trent McDuffie. Peters, traded to the Rams in 2017, struggled in their system, ranking 67th among cornerbacks by PFF in 2018 with a 109.9 passer rating allowed. His zone-heavy skillset was deemed a poor fit for the Rams' press coverage scheme, leading to his trade to the Baltimore Ravens in 2019. The article uses Peters' experience to contrast with McDuffie's perceived better fit.

Free Agent Coby Bryant Emerges as Top Safety Target for Raiders

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Free agent Coby Bryant is highlighted as a top free safety option for the Las Vegas Raiders. After a slow start at nickel corner, the 2022 fourth-round pick flourished at free safety under Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald in 2024. He boasts 7 interceptions and 13 passes defended, with PFF grades in the low 70s over the last two seasons, including strong run defense. The Raiders, who ranked 25th in interceptions last season, are seeking a true ball-hawking free safety, and Bryant's connection with Raiders HC Klint Kubiak could make him an appealing target.

Chargers Waive Undrafted Offensive Tackle Savion Washington

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The Los Angeles Chargers have waived offensive tackle Savion Washington. Signed as an undrafted free agent out of Washington following the 2025 NFL Draft, Washington did not see any time on the active roster during his tenure with the Chargers. His release was part of a series of roster moves by the team.

Chargers Release TE Will Dissly, Freeing $4M in Cap Space

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The Los Angeles Chargers have released tight end Will Dissly, saving $4 million against the salary cap. Dissly spent two seasons with the Chargers, recording 61 receptions for 578 yards and two touchdowns. In 2025, he missed eight games due to injuries and was a healthy scratch at times, finishing with 11 catches for 97 yards. His departure leaves Oronde Gadsden as the sole tight end under contract, with Tyler Conklin and Tucker Fisk as free agents.

Chargers Cut OG Mekhi Becton, Saving $9.7M After Disappointing Year

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The Los Angeles Chargers released offensive guard Mekhi Becton, saving $9.7 million against the 2026 cap while incurring $2.5 million in dead money. Becton, due a $2.5 million roster bonus, signed a two-year, $20 million deal last offseason. In his lone year with the Chargers, he appeared in 15 games at right guard but underwhelmed, ranking 79th among 81 offensive guards by PFF with a 35.7 overall grade, including the worst run-blocking grade. Nagging injuries and dismal play contributed to the decision.

Damar Hamlin's Value Extends Beyond Field Amid Limited 2025 Play

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Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin's value is noted to extend far beyond his on-field contributions, primarily due to his activism in pushing for greater access to AEDs. While he's considered an inspiring presence, his 2025 season saw almost zero opportunity to showcase his abilities, playing strictly as a depth player with limited snaps due to injury. His film from 2025 was sparse, and there's nothing to change the perception of his NFL playing ability. His low cost and positive locker room presence are factors as he approaches free agency.

Vikings Tender DL Jalen Redmond After Breakout 2025 Season

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The Minnesota Vikings are placing a restricted free agent tender on defensive lineman Jalen Redmond. The 26-year-old appeared in all 17 games for the Vikings last season, starting 15, and recorded a breakout performance with 62 tackles, six sacks, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and five pass breakups. Redmond entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2023 with the Panthers, later playing for the XFL's Arlington Renegades in 2024 before joining the Vikings. In his first season with Minnesota in 2024, he played 13 games with two starts, tallying 18 tackles, one sack, and two pass breakups.

CeeDee Lamb Restructures Contract, Helps Cowboys Create $66M Cap Space

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CeeDee Lamb has restructured his contract with the Dallas Cowboys, joining Dak Prescott and Tyler Smith in a move that collectively freed up approximately $66 million in cap space for the 2026 season. The restructure, which converts a significant portion of his base salary into a signing bonus, helps the team become cap-compliant without altering his overall compensation. Lamb's 2026 cap hit drops to $20 million but inflates to $46.2 million in 2027. He remains under contract through 2028. In 2025, Lamb recorded 75 catches for 1,077 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games, his lowest output since his rookie year.

Tyler Smith Restructures Contract, Creates $17.6M Cap Space for Cowboys

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Dallas Cowboys left tackle Tyler Smith has restructured his contract, a move that created approximately $17.6 million in cap space. This action, combined with restructures for Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, helped the Cowboys get under the $301.2 million salary cap. Smith's base salary drops to the $1.7 million range, reducing his 2026 cap hit to $11.2 million, though it will inflate to $19.5 million in 2027. He is currently under contract with Dallas through 2030, securing his presence for the foreseeable future as the team manages its financial flexibility.

Browns Tender K Andre Szmyt After Strong 2025 Season

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The Cleveland Browns have tendered kicker Andre Szmyt as an exclusive free agent, along with five other players. Szmyt, who signed to the team's practice squad late in the 2024 season, won the starting kicking job in 2025. He had a successful season, converting 24-of-27 field goal attempts and 25-of-26 extra points while appearing in all 17 of the team's games. The tender secures his presence for the upcoming season after a reliable performance.

Panthers Tender Jalen Coker as Exclusive Rights Free Agent

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The Carolina Panthers have placed an exclusive rights free agent tender on wide receiver Jalen Coker. He missed the first six games of 2025 due to injury but returned to post 33 catches for 394 yards and 3 TDs. He had a strong playoff debut with 9 catches for 134 yards and a TD.

Panthers Tender Brycen Tremayne as Exclusive Rights Free Agent

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The Carolina Panthers have tendered a contract to wide receiver Brycen Tremayne, who played in 16 games last season, recording 14 catches for 160 yards. This move keeps him from negotiating with other teams and sets him up to remain in Carolina for the 2026 season.

Travis Kelce Undecided on Retirement, Explains Future Loss

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Travis Kelce remains publicly undecided about retirement or playing another season with the Kansas City Chiefs. He has begun to reflect on what he will eventually miss most about the NFL.

49ers Explore Mac Jones Trade for Edge Rusher Depth

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The 49ers are exploring a trade for backup QB Mac Jones, potentially sending him to the Vikings for edge rusher Jonathan Greenard. This move would address the 49ers' need for pass rush depth while giving Jones a chance to compete for a starting role.