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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
The Dallas Cowboys placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on WR George Pickens, guaranteeing him $27.298 million for 2026, while allowing him to negotiate with other teams. Pickens is reportedly "fired up" to stay with the Cowboys. The team aims to finalize a long-term deal by July 15. Pickens ranked third in the NFL with 1,429 receiving yards on 93 catches in 2025, earning second-team All-Pro honors.
Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and projected No. 1 overall pick, will skip combine drills to focus on his pro day. He led Indiana to an undefeated national championship, completing 72% of passes for 3,535 yards, 41 TDs, and 6 INTs. Scouts praise his size (6-5, 225 lbs), quick release, arm talent, and processing skills, drawing comparisons to Burrow and Goff. He drew a loud cheer from the crowd at the combine.
The New Orleans Saints have reportedly not received any trade inquiries for quarterback Derek Carr, who expressed willingness to unretire for a Super Bowl contender. Carr, 34, retired in May due to shoulder injuries but is reportedly healthy. He is still under contract with the Saints, who replaced him with Tyler Shough. Teams like the Raiders have been linked to Carr, who spent his first nine years with the franchise.
The Green Bay Packers have decided not to tender a contract to running back Emanuel Wilson as a restricted free agent, making him an unrestricted free agent. Wilson has appeared in 41 regular season games and four playoff games for Green Bay over three seasons, totaling 1,083 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. Josh Jacobs and MarShawn Lloyd are expected to return for the Packers.
Ohio State WR Carnell Tate, often projected to the Giants in mock drafts, declared himself a "game-changer" at the NFL Combine. The 6-2, 195-pound receiver caught 51 passes for 875 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025. Tate believes he possesses the best all-around game in the draft class, excelling in route running, catching, and blocking. He's open to playing alongside star receiver Malik Nabers.
Ohio State WR Carnell Tate, often projected to the Giants in mock drafts, declared himself a "game-changer" at the NFL Combine. The 6-2, 195-pound receiver caught 51 passes for 875 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025. Tate believes he possesses the best all-around game in the draft class, excelling in route running, catching, and blocking. He's open to playing alongside star receiver Malik Nabers.
Safety Kam Curl and Cornerback Cobie Durant are among the Los Angeles Rams' top defensive free agents. Curl is a potential target for the Bears and Vikings, while Durant could return to the Rams or sign with the 49ers, Titans, or Patriots. Curl intercepted Caleb Williams in overtime in the Bears' last game. Durant's ability to create turnovers makes him attractive to teams with strong pass rushes.
Safety Kam Curl and Cornerback Cobie Durant are among the Los Angeles Rams' top defensive free agents. Curl is a potential target for the Bears and Vikings, while Durant could return to the Rams or sign with the 49ers, Titans, or Patriots. Curl intercepted Caleb Williams in overtime in the Bears' last game. Durant's ability to create turnovers makes him attractive to teams with strong pass rushes.
The Pittsburgh Steelers know it will cost $19.072 million to pick up the fifth-year option for offensive tackle Broderick Jones. Jones, a first-round pick, falls into the category of players achieving playtime criteria without Pro Bowls. He is recovering from a neck injury that ended his 2025 season early. The Steelers have built a strong offensive line with recent draft picks and free agent signings.
Top NFL OL prospect Francis Mauigoa highlighted Miami teammate Akheem Mesidor as a crucial factor in his development, stating that daily practice battles with Mesidor and Reuben Bain Jr. significantly sharpened his skills. Mauigoa credited these intense matchups for fueling his growth and preparing him for the NFL draft, underscoring Mesidor's impact on his readiness.
The Denver Broncos are exploring affordable free agent options at tight end, with Baltimore Ravens TE Charlie Kolar emerging as a potential target. Kolar, 27, offers size (6-6, 265 lbs) and physicality for run blocking, a need for the Broncos. In 2025, he played in all 17 games (7 starts), catching 10 passes for 142 yards and 2 TDs. While his receiving production is modest, he could be a solid run-blocking complement to Evan Engram.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones aims for a smooth relationship with franchise-tagged WR George Pickens, describing it as "all honey." Jones also addressed his past friction with Pickens' agent, David Mulugheta, stating he can work with him. Pickens, who was traded from Pittsburgh, ranked third in the NFL with 1,429 receiving yards in 2025. Jones acknowledged that contract negotiations often involve "drama" due to the significance of the players involved.
Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams is on pace to significantly alter the team's record book. After two seasons, he has 7,483 passing yards and could climb to third all-time in career passing yards by the end of the 2026 season if he stays healthy. Williams is already considered by many to be the greatest Bears QB ever, despite lacking the career stats of legends like Sid Luckman and Jay Cutler.
Miami Dolphins defensive back Elijah Campbell, 32, is slated for free agency after 7 NFL seasons, including five with the Dolphins. In 2025, he played a rotational defensive role (10 games, 5 tackles, 16 snaps) but was primarily a special teams contributor (183 snaps). The Dolphins are reportedly looking to get younger in a rebuild year and are expected to let Campbell walk, though a return isn't ruled out if he remains available later in free agency.
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner, a 2018 third-round pick, was extended in the 2025 offseason for three years, $63 million ($56.7 million guaranteed), securing him through 2029. Known as the team's defensive quarterback, Warner was on a Defensive Player of the Year trajectory in 2025, recording 51 tackles, 2 TFL, 3 PD, 1 FF, and 1 FR through six games. However, his season ended prematurely in Week 6 due to a dislocated ankle, which significantly impacted the 49ers' defense.
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs is widely considered the top safety in the 2026 NFL Draft, with potential for a Top 5 selection. Praised for his versatility, leadership, size (5-11 5/8, 206 lbs), and athleticism, Downs excels against the run with excellent burst and powerful tackling. While he's a quick processor and active communicator, concerns exist regarding his deep zone play and tackling technique. He projects best as a starting strong or box safety, drawing comparisons to Eric Weddle.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby, who underwent surgery in early January for a torn meniscus in his left knee, announced on Feb. 27 he is off crutches and back to shooting hoops. This injury previously caused drama as the Raiders sidelined him for the final two games of 2025 against his wishes. The update comes amidst ongoing trade rumors, with reports suggesting a potential trade could materialize within the next 7-10 days, raising questions about his future with the team.
Twelve days after being released by the Dolphins, Tyreek Hill remains a free agent with no serious suitors, though the Chiefs are betting favorites (+150) to sign him. Concerns persist regarding his recovery from a serious knee injury suffered in Week 4 against the Jets, and a lingering Personal Conduct Policy investigation stemming from domestic violence allegations. Past issues with being "hard to handle" and a desire for a new contract also factor into teams' cautious approach, with many expected to assess his status after free agency and the draft.
Indianapolis Colts right tackle Braden Smith, 29, is a free agent with 105 NFL starts. While a strong run blocker and good pass blocker (71.9 PFF grade, 1 sack allowed in 2025), he missed games in 2025 with a neck injury and considered retirement in 2024 due to religious scrupulosity. Teams, like the Browns, are advised caution on long-term, guaranteed deals, with a projected contract of two years, $32 million.
Kansas City Chiefs safety Bryan Cook is poised for free agency, with some analysts suggesting he could "break the bank," potentially commanding over $14 million per season. While teammate Nick Bolton noted Cook's year-to-year growth, his career stats, including never reaching 90 tackles and a 2025 passer rating against of 128.5 (his second-best), raise questions about his projected top-10 safety salary. His market value may heavily depend on the overall talent pool at safety.
