Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
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.
The Cleveland Browns are releasing veteran offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas (34), a move that will save the team roughly $1.8 million against the cap in 2026 while incurring $1.6 million in dead money. Lucas, who signed a two-year deal last March, appeared in 138 games with 59 starts for the Lions, Rams, Saints, Bears, Commanders, and Browns. This is an expected move as the Browns continue to reshape their offensive line under first-year head coach Todd Monken.
The Philadelphia Eagles reportedly "have interest" in veteran tight end David Njoku, who penned his goodbye to the Cleveland Browns a month ago and is seeking opportunities in free agency. Njoku, a 9-year veteran, earned one Pro Bowl nod with the Browns, recording 384 catches for 4,062 yards and 34 touchdowns, averaging 10.6 yards per catch. He previously signed a four-year, $56.75 million deal in 2022. The Eagles, who evaluated Njoku in joint practices, may see him as a cheaper option than Dallas Goedert.
Veteran pass rusher Khalil Mack (35) has opted against retirement and will explore all his options in free agency, making him a top target for teams like the Los Angeles Rams. The 2016 Defensive Player of the Year finished 2025 with 32 combined tackles, 5.5 sacks, six tackles-for-loss, and four forced fumbles despite missing five games with a dislocated elbow. Mack, who has never won a playoff game in his six appearances, could be a luxury piece for the Rams' defensive reload on a projected 1-2 year, $16-20 million deal.
The Dallas Cowboys are in a contract standoff with All-Pro kicker Brandon Aubrey, who is reportedly seeking to become the highest-paid kicker in the league. Aubrey has quickly become one of the most reliable weapons, setting an NFL record for most career field goals from 60 yards or longer, including a franchise-best 65-yard bomb. He also began his career with an NFL-record 35 consecutive makes and has earned three Pro Bowls and All-Pro honors. As a restricted free agent, the Cowboys can secure him with a second-round tender.
The San Francisco 49ers have re-signed veteran long snapper Jon Weeks, who turned 40 on February 17, to a one-year extension. Weeks, who joined the 49ers last year after 15 seasons with Houston, appeared in all 17 games in 2025 and earned his second career Pro Bowl berth. He has maintained an impressive streak, not missing a game since entering the league in 2010, playing 261 consecutive contests.
Kicker Eddy Pineiro, 31, is an unrestricted free agent following a season where he missed only one of 29 kicks, with that sole miss coming from beyond 55 yards. Pineiro is expected to command a top-dollar contract in free agency, given his recent performance.
Punter Thomas Morstead, 40, is a free agent after finishing last season 31st in the league in average and dead last in net yardage. The article suggests it might be time for his team, the San Francisco 49ers, to consider moving on from the veteran punter.
The Seattle Seahawks are not expected to tender wide receiver Jake Bobo, making the fan favorite an unrestricted free agent. Bobo, an undrafted free agent since 2023, had a reduced role in 2025, catching just two passes for 20 yards in 11 games. He scored his first touchdown of the season in the NFC Championship but also fractured his hand in that game. A return to Seattle is possible but unlikely for more than $3 million.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are considering a reunion with safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who was traded to the Miami Dolphins last year. Fitzpatrick remains under contract for one more season, but a new Dolphins regime could potentially trade or release him. While the Steelers cannot trade for him, they are an option if he becomes available. Fitzpatrick earned three All-Pro nods and five Pro Bowl appearances during his previous tenure with Pittsburgh from 2019-24.
Heisman and national championship winner Fernando Mendoza is projected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, likely heading to the Las Vegas Raiders. Mendoza's rise is fueled by his meticulous preparation, relentless work ethic, and "superpower" back-shoulder throws. In 2025, he led Indiana to a 16-0 record with 3,535 passing yards, 41 TDs, 6 INTs, and 7 rushing TDs. He also raised nearly $350,000 for the National MS Society.
Will Clapp, 30, has retired from playing and joined the New Orleans Saints' coaching staff as an offensive assistant for 2026. A 2018 Saints seventh-round pick, Clapp returned to the team last offseason but missed the entire 2025 season due to a Lisfranc injury sustained in the first preseason game. He played 66 career games with 22 starts for the Saints, Chargers, and Bills.
Pending free agent RB Raheem Mostert, who played for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025, has criticized former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel's coaching style. Mostert, having spent eight seasons with McDaniel, stated that McDaniel's "laid-back" and "player-friendly" approach "missed the mark" on fostering toughness and resilience. He expressed a preference for a "tough" coach who "lays the hammer down," contrasting McDaniel with coaches like Tomlin and Belichick.
Ryan Fitzpatrick discussed the Eagles' Offensive Coordinator position with Beau Allen, highlighting the high standards and difficulty of the role in Philadelphia. He noted the team's talent but also the struggles of the offense last year and the impact of frequent coordinator changes. Fitzpatrick also touched on new passing game coordinator Josh Grizzard's role in Tampa Bay.
Former Eagle Beau Allen spoke with Ryan Fitzpatrick about the Eagles hiring Sean Mannion as their new Offensive Coordinator. They discussed what went wrong last year and why new energy was needed. Fitzpatrick noted the high standard in Philadelphia and the difficulty of the job, referencing previous coordinators like Brian Johnson and Kevin Patullo.
Noel Thomas was mentioned as the last UConn skill position player to participate in the NFL Combine in 2017. The article focuses on current UConn players Skyler Bell and Joe Fagnano's performances at the 2026 combine.
UConn wide receiver Skyler Bell showcased his talents at the NFL Combine, posting strong numbers including a 4.4-second 40-yard dash and a 41-inch vertical jump. In 2025, he had 101 receptions for 1,278 yards and 13 TDs. Bell's performance has significantly boosted his draft stock, with scouts noting his crisp routes and strong hands. He is projected as a second-to-fourth round pick.
UConn quarterback Joe Fagnano participated in the NFL Combine, showcasing his talents. He led UConn to a 9-3 record in 2025, throwing for 3,448 yards and 28 TDs. Fagnano's combine results included a 4.83 40-yard dash and a 35-inch vertical jump. Despite inconsistent accuracy on deep balls, he is projected to be a Day 3 draft pick or undrafted free agent.
The Houston Texans have acquired running back David Montgomery from the Detroit Lions in exchange for offensive lineman Juice Scruggs and two draft picks (2026 fourth-round, 2027 seventh-round). Montgomery sought a new start after a frustrating 2025 season, where he amassed 2,506 rushing yards and 33 TDs in Detroit. The Texans aim to bolster their 22nd-ranked rushing attack with the veteran.
The Washington Commanders will not tender Jake Moody, making him a free agent. Moody, 26, went 18/20 on field goals for Chicago and Washington in 2025, including two from 50+ yards with a long of 56. He was signed to replace Matt Gay. This marks the third consecutive season the Commanders will have a new kicker.
