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

Tuesday, February 24

Brock Bowers' TE coach Luke Steckel returns to Raiders for continuity

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Raiders TE coach Luke Steckel returns, providing continuity for Brock Bowers. Bowers earned All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in 2024, leading all NFL TEs with 112 receptions, 1194 yards, and 5 touchdowns. He also finished top three in separation, contested catches, YAC/Reception, and EPA/target. In 2025, Bowers posted 680 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 64 receptions in 12 games, earning another Pro Bowl selection.

Dolphins place All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick on trade block

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The Miami Dolphins are reportedly placing three-time All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick on the trade block as they enter a rebuilding phase, prioritizing draft capital and financial flexibility. Fitzpatrick, 29, boasts an impressive career with five Pro Bowl nods, 690 tackles, 60 pass breakups, and 21 interceptions (5 pick-sixes). He is set to earn a $15.6 million base salary in 2026. The Cowboys are identified as a potential suitor, needing safety help and aligning with new DC Christian Parker's scheme flexibility.

Packers GM mentions Micah Parsons during press conference

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During a recent press conference, Green Bay Packers GM Brian Gutekunst addressed several topics, including a mention of Micah Parsons. The context of the discussion was not detailed beyond his name being among the subjects Gutekunst covered, alongside Josh Jacobs and the 'tush push' play.

Packers GM confirms Josh Jacobs as starting RB for 2026 season

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Packers GM Brian Gutekunst confirmed Josh Jacobs will 'absolutely' be the team's starting running back for the 2026 season, despite a $14.5M cap hit and a down 2025 season (929 yards, 2 missed games). Gutekunst's comments quash cap casualty rumors, citing Jacobs' 2024 Pro Bowl season, the team's RB depth issues, and potential contract restructuring. This solidifies his role after signing a four-year, $48 million deal in 2024. Gutekunst also mentioned Jacobs during a broader press conference.

Saleh Plans for Levis' Redemption Season with Titans

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Titans head coach Robert Saleh expressed excitement about Will Levis' talent and arm strength, viewing him as a valuable backup to Cam Ward. Saleh had a "really good" conversation with Levis, encouraging him to have the "best offseason of his life" and compete. Levis, recovering from shoulder surgery, aims for redemption after a lost season.

Jahmyr Gibbs headlines early 2026 NFL Offensive Player of the Year odds

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Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs is positioned as the centerpiece of the team's offense and is headlining the early betting odds for the 2026 NFL Offensive Player of the Year at +750. With fellow running back David Montgomery potentially departing, Gibbs is poised for career-high numbers. This outlook suggests a significant role and high expectations for the dynamic playmaker in the upcoming season.

Browns GM: Sanders to Compete for QB1 Alongside Watson

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Browns GM Andrew Berry confirmed Shedeur Sanders is in contention for the starting QB job, competing with Deshaun Watson. Berry expects "continued growth," improved efficiency, and fewer turnovers from Sanders, who had 1,400 yards, 7 TDs, and 10 INTs in seven rookie starts. Sanders will focus on learning the new offense and physical conditioning.

Browns GM: Watson in Mix for QB1, No Rush on Decision

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Browns GM Andrew Berry confirmed Deshaun Watson is among the quarterbacks competing for the starting role, alongside Shedeur Sanders. Berry emphasized that the decision on the starting QB is not urgent and will allow for continued evaluation. Watson's future with the team remains a key storyline as the Browns enter the offseason.

Ravens offer Linderbaum market-setting deal, won't use franchise tag

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Ravens GM Eric DeCosta confirmed a "market-setting" contract offer to three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum, aiming to make him the NFL's highest-paid center. Despite his agent's unresponsiveness, the team will avoid costly franchise ($27.9M) or transition ($25.3M) tags. Linderbaum is ranked Tier 1 among 2026 free agent centers, a class above others. The Ravens are determined to re-sign him, as losing him would significantly complicate their offensive line rebuild.

Falcons Officially Franchise Tag Kyle Pitts for 2026 Season

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The Atlanta Falcons have officially placed the franchise tag on TE Kyle Pitts, preventing him from hitting free agency. GM Ian Cunningham stated the team is 'not in the business of letting go really good players.' Pitts, the 2021 fourth overall pick, can sign a one-year guaranteed contract worth approximately $16 million for 2026 or negotiate a long-term extension until July 15. He is coming off a 2025 season where he recorded 88 catches for 928 yards and five touchdowns on 118 targets in 17 games.

Lions' Kerby Joseph Faces Uncertain 2026 Return Amid Ongoing Knee Injury

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Lions safety Kerby Joseph's 2026 season remains uncertain as the team provided a 'somewhat discouraging' update on his knee injury, which sidelined him for the final 11 games of 2025. GM Dan Campbell is hesitant to express confidence in Joseph's readiness, noting they are 'slowly working him back' and will have more clarity in a month. Campbell previously indicated the injury isn't 'going away' and requires management, a sentiment echoed by Joseph. He attempted a return with a brace but quickly reverted to IR.

Texans Likely to Part Ways with Joe Mixon Amid Foot Injury, Cap Savings

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Signs strongly indicate the Houston Texans are likely to part ways with RB Joe Mixon, who is recovering from a foot injury that sidelined him for the entire 2025 season and reportedly required surgery. GM Nick Caserio described Mixon's status as 'a moving target,' awaiting his prognosis for the upcoming season. Reports suggest the Texans expect to release him via a failed physical, a move that would save the team $8.5 million in cap space. Mixon's future with the team appears increasingly dim.

Myles Garrett Favored to Win Third DPOY After Record-Setting Sack Season

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Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett is the betting favorite (+425) for the 2026 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. This follows a dominant 2025 season where Garrett set the league's single-season sack record, securing his second DPOY title. He is now eyeing a historic third award, leading a field primarily composed of elite pass rushers.

Chiefs GM Veach Hopeful for Travis Kelce's Return Amid Retirement Decision

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Chiefs GM Brett Veach expressed strong hope for TE Travis Kelce's return in 2026, calling him an 'icon.' Kelce, who turns 37 in October, has not yet announced his retirement decision, which he previously aimed to make by March 9. Despite his age, Kelce remained productive in 2025 with 76 catches for 851 yards and five touchdowns, earning his 11th Pro Bowl. The team is in continuous dialogue with his representatives, preparing for either scenario before the March 11 league year, considering his $19.8 million cap hit.

Eagles GM Roseman praises Jaelan Phillips, weighing re-signing top-5 free agent

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Eagles GM Howie Roseman praised pending free agent edge rusher Jaelan Phillips as an "unbelievable worker, leader, and talented player," acknowledging his instant impact after being acquired via trade in 2025. Phillips is considered a top-5 free agent, and his asking price is rising. Roseman stated that while the third-round pick spent on him was worth it for one season, the team will factor in medical history, level of play, age, and scheme fit when deciding whether to re-sign him.

Colts considering 1-year deal for RT Braden Smith despite injury history

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The Colts are considering re-signing longtime RT Braden Smith to a cheaper one-year deal, despite his history of ending four of the last five seasons on injured reserve. Smith, 30, has been a consistent performer, allowing only 26 pressures and 1 sack in 471 pass-blocking reps during his 13 starts in 2025, and is a strong run-blocker. His reliability is a concern, but he's willing to adjust his salary. The move would also allow second-year tackle Jalen Travis to develop as a swing tackle.

Giants coach Harbaugh wants RT Jermaine Eluemunor back, cap space a concern

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Giants coach John Harbaugh stated the team wants starting RT Jermaine Eluemunor back for 2026, along with other key free agents. However, the team's limited cap space ($5.147 million, and $4.951 million over with rookie class factored in) presents a challenge. GM Joe Schoen is evaluating cap cuts and restructures. Eluemunor's market value is estimated around $21 million per year over two years, making his return contingent on financial flexibility.

Mel Kiper Jr. mocks Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain to Bengals at No. 10

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ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. projects Miami Hurricanes edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. to the Cincinnati Bengals with the 10th overall pick in his latest NFL Mock Draft. Bain, who recorded 9.5 sacks in 2025, is seen as an immediate boost to a struggling Bengals defense, especially if Trey Hendrickson departs. Praised for his power, speed, bend, and ability to play with defensive tackle power and edge agility, Bain could be utilized creatively by DC Al Golden.

Browns RB Quinshon Judkins out of walking boot, on track for training camp return

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Browns GM Andrew Berry confirmed that RB Quinshon Judkins (ankle) is out of his walking boot and expected to be fully healthy for training camp. Judkins, who underwent successful surgery in late December for a dislocated right ankle, had a promising rookie 2025 season despite missing time due to an off-field issue and a season-ending injury in Week 16. He led the Browns with 827 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, and is set to lead Cleveland's backfield in 2026, pairing with Dylan Sampson and Raheim Sanders.

Browns GM "not overly optimistic" Pro Bowl LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah will play again

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Browns GM Andrew Berry stated he's "not overly optimistic" that Pro Bowl LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, 26, will ever play football again. Owusu-Koramoah missed the entire 2025 season and hasn't played since a Week 8 neck injury in 2024. Berry confirmed earlier reports, though Owusu-Koramoah had implied the news was new to him on Instagram. Drafted in 2021, he made an immediate impact, leading the Browns with 101 tackles, 20 TFL, 3.5 sacks, and 2 INTs in his third season, earning a Pro Bowl selection.