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NFL News

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

Wednesday, February 25

Landon Dickerson Confirms Return for 2026 Season

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Guard Landon Dickerson has indicated his intention to play in 2026, ending speculation about retirement. The second-round pick in 2021 is under contract through 2028 and returning avoids potential forfeiture of signing bonus money. His decision follows teammate Lane Johnson's similar announcement.

Colts Consider Franchise Tag for Alec Pierce

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PFF identifies wide receiver Alec Pierce as a prime franchise tag candidate for the Indianapolis Colts after a breakout 2025 season. Pierce recorded an 81.0 PFF receiving grade and 2.10 yards per route run. The Colts may use the tag to retain him if contract negotiations stall, especially given his market value.

Xavier Worthy Breaks NFL Combine 40-Yard Dash Record

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Xavier Worthy set a new NFL Combine record with a 4.21-second 40-yard dash in 2024, surpassing John Ross's previous mark. This electrifying performance, achieved after an initial 4.25-second run, showcased his exceptional speed. Worthy's record-breaking dash is highlighted among other memorable combine moments, underscoring speed's critical role in the NFL Scouting Combine.

Raiders Eye Lee Hunter for New 3-4 Defense

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Texas Tech DT Lee Hunter is a potential target for the Las Vegas Raiders' new 3-4 defensive scheme. Hunter had a breakout 2025 season with 25 run stops and 26 pressures. His personality and motivation impressed the Raiders during a formal meeting at the combine, making him a possible target at pick 36.

Titans Release Lloyd Cushenberry with Failed Physical

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The Tennessee Titans have released center Lloyd Cushenberry III with a failed physical designation, indicating a medical concern. Cushenberry signed a four-year, $50 million contract in 2024 but suffered a torn Achilles in 2024 and did not fully meet expectations in 2025. This move saves the Titans over $3 million in cap space.

Titans Release Safety Xavier Woods

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The Tennessee Titans have released starting safety Xavier Woods as part of offseason roster adjustments. Woods signed a two-year, $8 million deal before the 2025 season and was mostly a non-factor. The team had significant cap space prior to these moves, and further cuts are anticipated.

Sonny Styles: Giants' Run Defense Solution?

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Ohio State's Sonny Styles is a top prospect for the Giants, who desperately need to improve their run defense. Styles, a modern linebacker prototype, excels at stopping the run and offers versatility. He met with the Giants and impressed, potentially becoming their first-round pick to address a long-standing weakness.

Jeremiyah Love Among Top Prospects Debated for 2026 Draft

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Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is considered one of the top players in the 2026 NFL Draft by some executives and scouts, receiving votes as the best player available. While some acknowledge his high-level traits, there's debate about his draft position due to positional value, as running backs are often available later in the draft.

Mendoza: Presumptive No. 1 Pick Praised for Grit, Poise

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Fernando Mendoza is the presumptive No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, lauded by scouts for pro-ready skills, grit, and poise. He's praised for meticulous preparation, leadership, mental toughness, quick processing, good arm strength, and accuracy. Projected to the Raiders, his mobility, decision-making, and high football IQ fit their West Coast offense. Despite lacking elite arm strength or athleticism, his physical and mental toughness are highly regarded. Execs and scouts differ on whether he's the 'best' player, but agree he's the top QB available.

Top Prospect Arvell Reese Declares as OLB/Edge Rusher

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Ohio State star Arvell Reese, a top prospect in the upcoming NFL draft, declared himself an "outside linebacker/edge" rusher during media interviews at the combine. This designation highlights his projected role and potential impact at the next level. He is considered one of the top players in the 2026 NFL Draft by some executives and scouts.

Daboll Tried to Steer Titans Away from Cam Ward

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Titans GM Mike Borgonzi disclosed that Brian Daboll, then Giants coach, attempted to dissuade him from drafting Cam Ward in 2025. Daboll is now the Titans' offensive coordinator, coaching Ward. The Giants ended up drafting Jaxson Dart, while Daboll's former team, the Titans, secured Ward.

Daboll's Past Interest in Cam Ward Revealed

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Titans GM Mike Borgonzi revealed that then-Giants coach Brian Daboll tried to convince him not to draft Cam Ward in 2025, instead advocating for another player. Daboll is now coaching Ward in Tennessee. The Giants ultimately drafted Jaxson Dart after trading up, while Daboll is now the Titans' offensive coordinator.

Patriots Optimistic About Kyle Williams' Development

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The New England Patriots are high on wide receiver Kyle Williams entering his second year. Despite playing only 31% of snaps as a rookie, Williams showed big-play ability with over 20 yards per reception and three long touchdowns. Coach Mike Vrabel and EVP Eliot Wolf are excited about his potential growth.

Beane Urges Keon Coleman for Repeat Excellent Offseason

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Bills GM Brandon Beane emphasized the need for receiver Keon Coleman to replicate his strong offseason and training camp from last year. Coleman, the No. 33 overall pick in 2024, caught 38 passes for 404 yards and 4 TDs in 2025. Beane stressed maturity off the field as key to his development.

Dolphins GM Open to Fitzpatrick Trade, Hill Released

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Miami Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan indicated that veteran safety Minkah Fitzpatrick could be traded, stating "everything is on the table." This follows the team's release of receiver Tyreek Hill and edge rusher Bradley Chubb as part of a roster overhaul. Fitzpatrick is in the final year of his contract.

Fitzpatrick's Future Uncertain as Dolphins Overhaul Roster

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Miami Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan stated that "everything is on the table" regarding veteran safety Minkah Fitzpatrick's future with the team. Fitzpatrick returned to Miami in a 2025 trade and is in the final year of his contract. This comes as the Dolphins release Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb, signaling a significant roster overhaul.

Dolphins GM Open to Fitzpatrick Trade, Chubb Released

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Miami Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan indicated that veteran safety Minkah Fitzpatrick could be traded, stating "everything is on the table." This follows the team's release of receiver Tyreek Hill and edge rusher Bradley Chubb as part of a roster overhaul. Fitzpatrick is in the final year of his contract.

Monken Praises Sanders' 'Elite Playmaking' in QB Battle

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Browns OC Todd Monken lauded Shedeur Sanders' "elite playmaking ability" amidst an open quarterback competition for 2026 involving Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and Deshaun Watson. Sanders, 24, completed 56.6% of passes for 7 TDs and 10 INTs as a rookie starter. Monken expressed excitement for Sanders' potential but stressed the competition is open and may extend past training camp.

Browns Announce Open QB Competition; Gabriel to Vie for Starting Role

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Browns OC Todd Monken confirmed an open quarterback competition for the 2026 season, involving Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders, and Deshaun Watson. Gabriel, a 25-year-old third-round pick, completed 59.9% of passes for 7 TDs and 2 INTs in 6 starts (10 appearances) last season, with the team going 1-5 in his starts. Monken is willing to let the competition play out beyond training camp, and the team may add another QB.

Browns Announce Open QB Competition, Watson Included

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Cleveland Browns OC Todd Monken confirmed an open quarterback competition for 2026, including Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel. Watson, 30, is in the final year of his contract and hasn't played since October 2024 due to Achilles tears. Monken stated it's unfair to rule Watson out if healthy, acknowledging his past elite play, and emphasized that players decide who plays.