Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Reigning Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III is set to become a free agent as the Seahawks will not franchise tag him. He is positioned for a lucrative deal, potentially $13-16 million per season, making him the top RB available. Walker rushed for 1,027 yards and 5 TDs in 2025, adding 376 playoff yards.
Kansas City Chiefs CB Trent McDuffie is a potential trade candidate as he enters the final year of his rookie contract, with his cap number set to jump to $13.63 million. The Chiefs may find offloading McDuffie lucrative. The Rams are a potential suitor, possessing an extra first-round pick.
Caleb Downs' family has refuted reports of a 'degenerative ACL,' calling them 'clickbait' and false. Multiple scouts indicate his medicals came back clean. ESPN's Pat McAfee confirmed with NFL teams that there are no medical concerns deterring them from considering Downs.
The Dallas Cowboys are expected to franchise tag WR George Pickens, aiming to finalize a long-term deal before the July 15 deadline. The 2026 tag value for a WR is just under $29 million. Dallas has used the tag 11 times previously.
The Atlanta Falcons are planning to franchise tag TE Kyle Pitts for a one-year, fully guaranteed deal worth over $15 million. This is expected to impact the TE market. The Falcons hope to work out a long-term deal before the July 15 deadline. Pitts had his best season in 2025 with 88 catches for 928 yards and five TDs.
The Bears have started the process of finding a new center after Drew Dalman's retirement. Tyler Biadasz, released by the Commanders, is visiting Chicago. Biadasz spent the last two seasons with Washington and started 31 games there, also starting 53 games over four seasons with the Cowboys.
Jauan Jennings, 28, caught 132 balls (15 TDs) over two seasons for the 49ers. His background as a quarterback makes him a threat on trick plays. He is considered a player some locker rooms covet.
Malik Willis, 26, is an intriguing quarterback option in free agency after impressing as a spot starter for the Green Bay Packers. He completed nearly 80% of his passes with six TDs and zero INTs. He also offers mobility. Potential suitors include the Dolphins and Cardinals.
The Jacksonville Jaguars did not use the franchise tag on LB Devin Lloyd ahead of Tuesday's deadline. Lloyd, a former first-round pick, is set for unrestricted free agency. He earned Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro recognition in 2025, posting 436 combined tackles, 18 QB hits, and 9 INTs over four seasons.
The Jacksonville Jaguars did not use the franchise tag on RB Travis Etienne ahead of Tuesday's deadline. Etienne, a former first-round pick, is set for unrestricted free agency. He has notched 3,798 rushing yards, 1,338 receiving yards, and 32 total TDs over the past four years.
The Las Vegas Raiders are pursuing elite center Tyler Linderbaum, who is set to hit free agency. Linderbaum, 25, has excelled in Baltimore's power scheme and possesses the skillset for a zone blocking system. He is expected to command a high salary, potentially eclipsing $20 million annually.
Lloyd Cushenberry is a free agent option at center for the Raiders. He has a prior connection with new Raiders coach Klint Kubiak from their time with the Denver Broncos. Cushenberry, 28, is a starting-caliber center who brings mobility and football intelligence.
Odafe Oweh had 10.5 sacks in 13 games with the Los Angeles Chargers, including playoffs, and is set to hit free agency. He is a potential breakout pass rusher.
Eagles TE Dallas Goedert is set to hit free agency, but the team is interested in re-signing him. Discussions will continue, though contract budgeting is affected by other roster moves like A.J. Brown's future. Goedert had career-highs with 60 catches and 11 TDs in 2025.
Josiah Trotter, son of former NFL linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, is visiting the Buffalo Bills. Jeremiah Trotter played 11 seasons in the NFL, notably with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Buffalo Bills are hosting LB Josiah Trotter for a top-30 pre-draft visit. Trotter, son of former NFL linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, led all linebackers with 27 bench press reps at the combine. He played two seasons at Missouri and is projected as a Day 2 draft pick.
With key wide receivers departing, Year 3 is crucial for San Francisco 49ers receiver Ricky Pearsall to lead the group. Despite flashes of talent and strong separation metrics, Pearsall's production has been inconsistent, partly due to a 2025 PCL injury. The 49ers are counting on him to anchor the receiving corps alongside draft picks and potential free agent additions.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, the 2025 MVP, plans to return for the 2026 season. Head coach Sean McVay confirmed "great dialogue" with Stafford regarding a contract revision, as he enters the final year of his deal. Stafford is currently set to make $40 million in 2026 with a cap hit over $48 million. The Rams are likely exploring adding another year to his contract to manage cap exposure, ensuring Stafford remains at the helm of the offense.
Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq dazzled at the NFL Combine, recording a 4.39-second 40-yard dash (fastest for a TE since 2003) and a 43.5-inch vertical, earning a 95 Next Gen Stats athleticism score. He led FBS TEs with 8 TDs in 2025 (51 catches, 560 yards). Sadiq is now a common selection in mock drafts to the Rams at 13th overall, with ESPN, Yahoo Sports, and Philadelphia Inquirer analysts projecting him there. The Eagles, also needing a tight end, are reportedly targeting the athletic pass-catcher, who is compared to Keith Jackson, despite questions about his hands.
Matt Harmon, alongside Nate Tice, provided a detailed breakdown of the 2026 offensive NFL free agency class position by position. Their discussion covered the top available players at every position, including quarterbacks like Daniel Jones and Aaron Rodgers, running backs like Kenneth Walker III, and various under-the-radar players who could make a significant impact despite smaller contracts.
