Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Tight end Kyle Pitts was among the players who received the franchise tag ahead of Tuesday's 4 p.m. EST deadline. This decision by the Falcons secures Pitts for the upcoming season, preventing him from entering unrestricted free agency and allowing the team more time to negotiate a long-term contract. This move underscores the Falcons' commitment to their young tight end.
New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez is a top priority for a contract extension after an elite 2025 season, despite a hamstring injury start. The 23-year-old Pro Bowler allowed just 43.4% completion rate, one touchdown, and recorded a crucial AFC Championship interception. He played at an MVP-caliber level in Super Bowl 60. Entering his final rookie year, both sides are motivated for a deal, with the Patriots able to use a fifth-year option to secure him through 2027 if an extension isn't reached by the May 1 deadline.
New York Giants player Abdul Carter has announced a change to his jersey number, indicating he will now wear No. 51. Carter shared the news via social media, stating "New # coming soon🙂↔️ It’s been a time 51." This update comes amidst other Giants news regarding mock drafts and front office dynamics, marking a personal change for the player.
Adam Randall is highlighted as an intriguing NFL Draft prospect, possessing rare size-speed traits for his position. His explosiveness and athletic profile are expected to earn him Day 3 consideration, particularly appealing to teams utilizing outside-zone concepts. To secure a consistent role at the next level, Randall needs to enhance his vision, patience, and overall feel as a runner.
Rahsul Faison is noted as one of the oldest prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite his age, he possesses the frame and a punishing rushing style that could earn him Day 3 consideration. His high yards-after-contact averages, consistent ball security, and a compelling story of resilience give him a strong chance to make an NFL roster.
The Indianapolis Colts made an 'aggressive move' to re-sign WR Alec Pierce before the tag deadline, but did not apply the franchise tag, valued at $27.3 million. Pierce, coming off a breakout 2025 season where he led the league in average yards per catch for a consecutive year (47 receptions, 1,003 yards, 6 TDs in 14 starts), is now poised to test the free-agent market. His preference to play with QB Daniel Jones is a factor, but with Jones receiving the transition tag, Pierce becomes the top free agent wideout and is expected to attract significant interest.
The Indianapolis Colts placed the $37.833 million transition tag on QB Daniel Jones for 2026, allowing him to negotiate with other teams while the Colts retain matching rights. Jones is recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in Week 14, but had a career year in 2025. This move puts the Colts $4.7 million over the cap, but they have flexibility through restructures (e.g., Michael Pittman Jr., Quenton Nelson) or potential trades. The tag is seen as a bet on Jones' market value given his injury, with the Colts potentially preferring a one-year deal.
The New York Giants are releasing veteran LB Bobby Okereke, effective March 11, which frees $9 million in cap space but incurs a $5.4 million dead cap hit. Okereke, who turns 30 in July, was in the final year of a 4-year, $40M deal. In 2025-26, he started all 17 games, recording 143 tackles, one sack, two INTs, and six passes defensed. Across three seasons with the Giants, he amassed 385 tackles, 5.5 sacks, four INTs, and seven forced fumbles, despite a 2024-25 season limited by a herniated disc. This decision creates an opening in the Giants' defense.
The Cleveland Browns' front office is not committing to Deshaun Watson as the starting quarterback for the 2026 season, with Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel expected to compete. Watson, who hasn't played since 2023 due to an Achilles injury, is due $46 million guaranteed this season, whether he plays or not. This guaranteed salary gives the Browns motivation to keep him on the roster, potentially limiting their free-agent QB options. His $230M fully-guaranteed deal was also central to an NFL collusion grievance.
The Minnesota Vikings are reportedly 'open' to trading Pro Bowl edge rusher Jonathan Greenard (28) to alleviate salary cap issues, as his 2026 cap hit is $22.15 million; a trade could save over $12 million. Greenard, who had a career-best 12 sacks in 2024, was limited to 12 games in 2025 due to a shoulder injury, recording 3.0 sacks. While the Vikings prefer to keep him, a release is possible if no trade partner emerges. Potential landing spots include the Ravens, Bengals, Jets, Eagles, and Buccaneers, all seeking pass-rush help.
Chicago Bears Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman, 27, has surprisingly retired from the NFL after five seasons, walking away from $24 million over the next two years of his three-year, $42 million deal. The Bears may seek to recover $4 million of his $6 million signing bonus. Dalman started all 17 games in 2025, earning his first Pro Bowl nod and playing every offensive snap. He ranked in the top 15 for run-blocking and pass-blocking, allowing just one sack. His retirement creates an offensive line need for Chicago.
Veteran QB Aaron Rodgers is listed among the top names in upcoming NFL free agency, currently pondering his future. If he returns, the Pittsburgh Steelers are considered overwhelming favorites, with new coach Mike McCarthy reportedly wanting him back for one last run. The Minnesota Vikings and Indianapolis Colts are also mentioned as potential sleeper destinations. Rodgers, 42, is seen as a bridge to a future starter, with limited mobility and waning accuracy on deep throws, but still possessing high intelligence. His decision will impact several QB-needy teams.
The Arizona Cardinals are releasing QB Kyler Murray, making him a free agent. Murray, 28, played seven seasons in Arizona, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year and making two Pro Bowls. He expressed regret, stating, 'I am sorry I failed us,' but believes his 'best ball is in front of me.' The Cardinals will pay his $36.8 million guaranteed in 2026, avoiding a $19.5 million trigger for 2027. Former Jets lineman Damien Woody advocates for Murray, calling him 'QB1 in the FA market.' Potential landing spots include the Vikings, Jets, Steelers, Dolphins, and Falcons.
Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby is reportedly "done" with the team and seeking a Super Bowl contender, potentially being traded this week. The Bears are betting favorites to acquire him, with odds shifting significantly in their favor. Las Vegas is reportedly asking for two first-round picks and a player. Crosby, 28, has registered double-digit sacks in four seasons.
Von Miller seeks 'closure' with the Broncos as he enters free agency. Denver boasts one of the NFL's best defenses, while the future Hall of Fame linebacker has made just three starts since 2022.
Will the Seahawks lose Riq Woolen? He is one of three headlining free agents for Seattle. Woolen has been a polarizing player but generally a very good cornerback at his best. Losing him would necessitate a major move at cornerback in the draft and/or free agency.
Seattle Seahawks WR Rashid Shaheed, a two-time Pro Bowler, is set to hit free agency after a career-high 1,542 all-purpose yards (756 scrimmage) and three TDs in 2025, including a 100-yard kick return TD. Shaheed wants to re-sign with Seattle, but Raiders, Steelers, and Falcons are also considered fits.
The Cincinnati Bengals will not franchise tag Pro Bowl DE Trey Hendrickson, making him an unrestricted free agent. Hendrickson, who had contract disputes, is now free to explore the market after five seasons. He recorded 17.5 sacks in 2024 but played only seven games in 2025 due to injury.
The Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly a strong fit for pending free agent LB Nakobe Dean, who played under new Raiders LB coach Ronnell Williams with the Eagles. Dean, 25, has struggled with injuries but shown efficiency per-snap, logging 55 tackles and 4 sacks in 10 games in 2025. His projected contract is 3 years, $36 million.
The New York Jets have officially placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on RB Breece Hall for $14.293 million for the 2026 season. This allows Hall (24) to negotiate with other teams, though the Jets can match offers or receive two first-round picks. The team aims for a long-term extension by July 15.
