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NFL News

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

Tuesday, March 3

Steelers WR Calvin Austin III Nears Free Agency After Inconsistent Season

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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III is set to hit free agency after an inconsistent 2025 season where his production dropped to 372 receiving yards, down from 548 in 2024. While his speed remains a legitimate NFL weapon, he struggled with physical coverage and had inopportune drops. Austin also contributed as a returner, scoring a punt return touchdown in 2024. The Steelers are open to re-signing him at the right price, with his market value estimated between $2.5 million and $10 million annually.

KC Concepcion Transforms Combine Negativity into Inspiring Message

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Texas A&M receiver KC Concepcion, a projected first-round pick, became a major winner at the NFL Combine by transforming negativity into inspiration. After social media mocked his speech impediment during a media session, Concepcion posted a powerful Instagram message, advocating for self-confidence and becoming a role model for others. His courageous response earned widespread praise from NFL figures like Reggie Wayne and Ryan Clark, who highlighted his confidence and inspiring presence, significantly boosting his draft profile.

Monday, March 2

Jeremiyah Love Dominates 2026 NFL Draft Talk; Commanders, Titans Lead Odds

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Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love is generating significant buzz as a top prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft, with DraftKings listing the Commanders and Titans as co-favorites. Love boasts impressive college stats, including 2,497 rushing yards and 40 total touchdowns, earning him third in Heisman voting and a unanimous All-American nod. Analysts like Todd McShay and Ryan Clark are projecting him as a top-five pick, with some calling him the best player in the draft. His combine performance further fueled expectations, with comparisons to elite NFL running backs. Draft projections place him as high as #3 overall, with teams like the Cardinals, Titans, and Giants considered potential landing spots.

Malik Willis Eyeing $35M Guarantee in Free Agency

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Malik Willis is a focal point in free agency, with potential destinations including Arizona, Miami, Pittsburgh, and the Jets. A contract in the range of two years, $50 million with $25-35 million guaranteed is anticipated. Teams like the Cardinals and Dolphins have front-office ties to Willis, while the Steelers and Jets are exploring quarterback options. The Steelers' decision hinges on Aaron Rodgers' plans, and the Jets are looking for a long-term starter. Legal tampering begins March 9, with Pittsburgh's situation potentially heating up the Willis market.

Texans Release Veteran Safety Jimmie Ward

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The Houston Texans have released veteran safety Jimmie Ward, saving $750K in cap space. Ward started 10 games in both 2023 and 2024 but missed 2025 due to a foot injury and legal issues. He tallied 98 tackles, 5 TFLs, 7 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble, 3 INTs, and 1 TD in 20 games with the Texans. Ward is contemplating retirement. Sources confirmed the release on Monday.

Khalil Mack Will Play in 2026, Exploring Free Agency Options

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Outside linebacker Khalil Mack, who had mulled retirement, will play in 2026 and explore all options in free agency. He played 12 games in 2025, recording 5.5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles. The Chargers are expected to be aggressive suitors, but the Bears, Bengals, and Lions are also potential contenders.

Jets Face Breece Hall Tag Decision as Contract Talks Loom

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The New York Jets must decide on Breece Hall's contract status before the tag deadline. Options include the franchise tag ($14.3M) or the less common transition tag ($11.3M), which offers the Jets right of first refusal. If tagged, Hall's contract negotiations will be influenced by the tag amount and market developments from other running backs like Kenneth Walker, Jahmyr Gibbs, Bijan Robinson, and Devon Achane. Hall, who earned $9 million over his first four seasons, delivered his first 1,000-yard rushing season in 2025, finishing 14th in the NFL in yards from scrimmage. The Jets have significant cap space to potentially facilitate an extension.

Caleb Downs Flagged with Knee Issue at NFL Combine

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Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs was flagged with a partially torn meniscus and a potentially degenerative ACL at the NFL Combine. While not considered a serious concern that will cause a significant drop, some teams may move prospects ahead of him. This news makes his potential selection by the Bengals at No. 10 more likely, but also increases the chance they pass on him.

Rams Tender Exclusive Rights Free Agent Xavier Smith

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The Los Angeles Rams have tendered exclusive rights free agent Xavier Smith, WR/PR. Fans may find it surprising due to his special teams blunder in the NFC Championship game. Smith is back as the favorite to handle punt return duties and has carved out a niche role as a deep threat receiver.

Colts Pursue Long-Term Deal for QB Daniel Jones

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The Indianapolis Colts are actively pursuing a long-term contract for quarterback Daniel Jones before the franchise tag deadline. Indy faces a critical juncture to secure their signal-caller, lacking a clear backup. The team aims to finalize an agreement before Tuesday's deadline. Talks are 50/50, with the franchise tag costing $43.895 million.

CB Kader Kohou Cleared Medically for Free Agency

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Cornerback Kader Kohou has been medically cleared for all football activities by a Dolphins team physician, seven months after tearing his ACL. He enters free agency healthy, with the legal tampering period beginning March 9th and free agency on March 11th. Kohou has played in 47 games, starting 38, with 180 tackles, 3 INTs, and 28 passes defended.

Maxx Crosby Trade Rumors Intensify; Cowboys Among Suitors

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Maxx Crosby, the Raiders' star edge rusher, is reportedly nearing a trade, with the Cowboys, Bears, Ravens, Bills, Patriots, Eagles, and Rams reportedly keeping tabs. The Raiders are seeking two first-round picks and a player. Despite GM John Spytek stating the team is "listening" to offers, speculation mounts that Crosby, who has expressed a desire to leave and is under contract for four more seasons, will be traded before the draft. Crosby is coming off meniscus surgery and has a history of injuries.

Seahawks Tender ERFAs Ty Okada and George Holani

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The Seattle Seahawks tendered exclusive rights free agents Ty Okada and George Holani, ensuring their return for the 2026 season. Okada appeared in 17 games with 11 starts in 2025, recording 65 tackles and an interception. Holani played in 11 games, rushing for 73 yards and a TD, and also scored on special teams.

Seahawks Tender ERFAs Ty Okada and George Holani

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The Seattle Seahawks tendered exclusive rights free agents Ty Okada and George Holani, ensuring their return for the 2026 season. Okada appeared in 17 games with 11 starts in 2025, recording 65 tackles and an interception. Holani played in 11 games, rushing for 73 yards and a TD, and also scored on special teams.

Mike Washington Jr. Leads RAS List at Combine

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Arkansas RB Mike Washington Jr. achieved a 10.00 RAS at the NFL Combine, leading all running backs with a 4.33 40-yard dash and strong jumps. At 6-foot-1 and 223 pounds, his performance confirms his viability as an NFL starter.

Sonny Styles Lands Top Five in Post-Combine Mock Draft

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Combine standout Sonny Styles is projected as a top-tier selection in a post-Combine NFL mock draft, landing within the first five picks. His strong performance at the combine has positioned him as a highly anticipated prospect. Styles also ranked highly in athleticism at the combine, with a 9.99 RAS.

David Montgomery Traded to Texans for Picks, Scruggs; Set to Lead Houston Backfield

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Running back David Montgomery has been traded from the Detroit Lions to the Houston Texans. The Lions received a fourth-round pick and OL Juice Scruggs, while the Texans acquired Montgomery and a seventh-round pick. Montgomery, who posted an emotional farewell, had a career-low 158 carries in 2025 with Detroit, where he felt he and Jahmyr Gibbs were co-starters despite Gibbs seeing significantly more touches (320 vs. 182). He joins Houston to address their significant need at RB, bringing proven three-down skills to a run game that ranked 31st in success rate. Montgomery is expected to lead the Texans in touches alongside Woody Marks, offering a fresh start and a potential value RB2 role.

Patriots OT Vederian Lowe May Be Popular in Free Agency

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Vederian Lowe, a UFA, had a solid season as a part-time starter for the Patriots in 2025, surrendering only one sack. Despite not being a high-upside tackle, his ability to fill in capably could make him an attractive target for teams needing depth. However, the Patriots may let him walk as they focus on younger talent.

Raheem Mostert Slams Mike McDaniel's 'Nonchalant' Coaching

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Raheem Mostert criticized former Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel's 'nonchalant and laid-back' player-friendly approach, stating it lacked the toughness seen in coaches like Mike Tomlin and Bill Belichick. Mostert believes this style negatively impacted the team's resilience and ability to get things done.

Dolphins Tender CB Ethan Bonner

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The Miami Dolphins tendered cornerback Ethan Bonner, an exclusive rights free agent, for a fourth season. Bonner appeared in 14 games in 2025, recording 15 tackles, two passes defensed, and an interception, providing depth at cornerback.