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NFL News

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

Monday, February 23

Patriots Release RB Antonio Gibson After Two Seasons, Clears Cap Space

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The New England Patriots released running back Antonio Gibson after two seasons and 22 games. Gibson, 27, suffered a torn ACL in October 2025 and was rehabbing. His release clears over $2.135 million in cap space, though $1 million in dead money remains. Gibson, who joined in 2024 on a three-year, $11.25 million deal, had no guaranteed money left. He recorded 644 rushing yards, 214 receiving yards, 581 return yards, and three touchdowns with the Patriots, including a 90-yard kickoff return TD. This move removes a Mayo-era remnant and allows Gibson a head start in free agency.

Browns S Ronnie Hickman a Restricted Free Agent, Kamren Curl an Option

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Cleveland Browns starting safety Ronnie Hickman is a restricted free agent, meaning he can negotiate with other NFL clubs but the Browns retain the right of first refusal. If Hickman departs or isn't re-signed, the safety room faces issues, with Grant Delpit as the other starter. Kamren Curl is identified as a potential Day 1 starter for the Browns in free agency, offering versatility and strong run-stopping abilities. The Browns, picking at #6 in the draft, could also target a safety like Ohio State’s Caleb Downs, but GM Andrew Berry is considering free agency options first.

Cowboys Franchise Tag WR George Pickens for 2026, Seek Long-Term Contract

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The Dallas Cowboys are set to franchise tag WR George Pickens for the 2026 season, securing him on a one-year, $28 million exclusive deal. Executive VP Stephen Jones confirmed the team is 'leaning' towards the move, aiming to negotiate a long-term extension by mid-July. Pickens, soon to be 25, had a breakout 2025 season with 93 receptions, 1,429 yards, and 9 touchdowns, earning second-team All-Pro honors. The tag is a calculated risk, as Pickens could hold out or demand a trade, but the Cowboys are banking on his participation. His agent also represents Micah Parsons, which could complicate negotiations.

Buffalo Bills Re-Sign DT Phidarian Mathis to One-Year Contract

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The Buffalo Bills have re-signed defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis to a one-year contract, with terms undisclosed. Mathis, who turns 28 in April, was a former second-round pick by the Commanders. After injury-plagued seasons elsewhere, he joined the Bills' practice squad in September 2025 and was elevated to the 53-man roster in November. He played in six regular season games, totaling 13 tackles, and appeared in one playoff game. Mathis (6'4", 312 lbs) showed good burst and anchor against the run, profiling as a scheme-versatile player for the Bills' new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard.

Chargers C Bradley Bozeman Retires After 8-Year NFL Career

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Los Angeles Chargers starting center Bradley Bozeman announced his retirement, concluding an eight-year NFL career with 110 starts. He spent his final two seasons with the Chargers, joining in 2024 after GM Joe Hortiz was hired and signing a two-year extension in 2025. His retirement saves the Chargers around $6 million in cap space. Bozeman was a respected professional and a major part of every community he played for, remembered for his locker room presence and mentorship to young players.

Seahawks WR Rashid Shaheed Emerges as Top Free Agent Target for Raiders

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Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed is emerging as a top free agent target for the Las Vegas Raiders, due to his strong connection with new head coach Klint Kubiak. Shaheed, a two-time Pro Bowler, played six games for Kubiak in New Orleans before being traded to Seattle. He offers excellent speed on the outside and is a dynamic threat in the return game. With George Pickens likely tagged, Shaheed moves up the wide receiver free agent rankings, potentially commanding a bump in pay. The Raiders must weigh if he's a significant upgrade over Tre Tucker.

Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III a Top Free Agent Target for Raiders

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Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III is a top free agent target for the Las Vegas Raiders, given his ties to new head coach Klint Kubiak. Walker is coming off a career year, culminating in a Super Bowl MVP award, where he excelled in Kubiak’s offense with 1,309 scrimmage yards in the regular season and 417 more in the playoffs. While the Raiders could use a second running back to pair with Ashton Jeanty, Walker is expected to command top dollar, potentially $10 million per year or more, which might be costly given their existing depth.

Cowboys Sign RB Javonte Williams to Three-Year, $24 Million Deal

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The Dallas Cowboys have re-signed running back Javonte Williams to a new three-year, $24 million contract, including $16 million guaranteed. Williams, who turns 26 in April, is coming off a breakout 2025 season with 1,201 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, plus 35 catches for 137 yards and two scores in 16 games. This deal, comparable to D'Andre Swift's 2024 contract, is seen as a win for the front office given the rising salary cap and Williams' scheme fit as a powerful, well-rounded RB1 and strong pass protector. He finished 2025 ninth in rushing yards and eighth in touchdowns.

Aaron Rodgers an Unrestricted Free Agent, Future with Steelers Uncertain

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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is an unrestricted free agent and will take time to decide on playing in 2026 after the Steelers' playoff loss. Rodgers, who turns 43 in December, hinted at retirement when signing a one-year, $13.65 million deal with Pittsburgh. In 2025, he completed 65.7% of passes for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, though his QBR and yards per attempt were career lows. He has played 21 NFL seasons, including 18 with the Packers, two with the Jets, and one with the Steelers, winning Super Bowl XLV MVP and four regular-season MVPs.

Chiefs Release Veteran DE Mike Danna, Saves $9 Million in Cap Space

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The Kansas City Chiefs released veteran defensive end Mike Danna, a move that saves the team nearly $9 million against the salary cap. Danna, 29, was a 2020 fifth-round pick and played six seasons with the Chiefs, contributing to two Super Bowl victories. He appeared in 87 regular season games and 16 postseason games, recording 221 tackles, 23.5 sacks, and seven forced fumbles. His role had evolved, and the team decided his cost was no longer justified. He will now be a free agent after not finishing his three-year contract.

Maxx Crosby Among Top Storylines to Watch During NFL Combine Week

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Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby is highlighted as one of the key storylines to follow during the upcoming NFL combine week. His inclusion suggests ongoing discussions related to the combine, as well as potential implications for the free agent and trade markets. This indicates his status as a prominent player generating significant interest.

Rueben Bain Named Key Storyline for Upcoming NFL Combine Week

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Rueben Bain is listed among the top storylines to watch during the upcoming NFL combine week. His presence highlights the significant interest surrounding prospects and potential impacts on the free agent and trade markets as the combine unfolds. This indicates he is a player drawing attention as teams evaluate talent.

Ty Simpson Emerges as Potential First-Round Pick, Combine Storyline

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Former Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is widely discussed as a potential first-round selection in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Speculation is building around which teams might show interest in acquiring the talented signal-caller this spring. His projection as a high draft pick indicates significant potential and interest from NFL franchises looking to bolster their quarterback depth. Simpson is also highlighted as a key storyline to watch during NFL combine week, solidifying his standing as a prominent prospect as the draft season approaches.

Eagles WR A.J. Brown's Future Uncertain Amid Trade Speculation

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Philadelphia Eagles WR A.J. Brown's future is uncertain, with trade odds emerging. Brown, a two-time Pro Bowler, reportedly complained about the team's offensive approach last season, where he tallied 78 receptions for 1,003 yards and seven scores. While Philly is slightly favored to retain him (-150), the Patriots (+175) and Bills (+800) are strong contenders. A first-round pick is considered 'too rich' for Brown, who showed a dip in production and battled a hamstring injury. A trade before June 1 would incur over $40 million in dead cap for the Eagles, making a deal complicated.

Cowboys Consider Contract Adjustments for DT Quinnen Williams to Boost Cap

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Dallas Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones stated the team 'needs their room' regarding defensive tackle Quinnen Williams' contract, suggesting potential extensions or restructures to create salary cap space. Williams' 2026 cap hit is $21.6 million. The front office views Williams as crucial to the team's future, and he personally spoke with new defensive coordinator Christian Parker during his hiring. An extension would provide financial flexibility for the Cowboys, who are currently over the salary cap by $24 million, and give Parker talent to build his defense around.

Cowboys Eye Contract Changes for DT Kenny Clark to Free Up Cap Space

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Dallas Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones indicated the team 'needs their room' regarding defensive tackle Kenny Clark's contract, hinting at potential extensions or restructures to free up cap space. Clark's 2026 cap hit is $21.5 million. The front office views Clark as important to the team's future and a leader among teammates. An extension would provide financial capital for other moves and give new defensive coordinator Christian Parker talent to build around. The Cowboys are over the salary cap by $24 million and are looking to make changes to bigger contracts.

49ers Expected to Receive "Big Offers" for Backup QB Mac Jones

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The San Francisco 49ers are reportedly expected to receive "big offers" for backup quarterback Mac Jones this offseason, particularly from QB-needy teams facing a weak 2026 NFL Draft class. Jones filled in admirably last season when Brock Purdy was injured, completing 69.6% of his passes for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions in 11 games (8 starts), all career bests. While the 49ers have 'no plans' to trade him and view him as valuable, GM John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan will listen if the price is right, with bidding potentially starting at a third-round pick.

NFL "Tush Push" Likely Not Banned, Good News for Seahawks TE AJ Barner

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The NFL's "tush push" play is unlikely to be banned for the 2026 season, a positive development for Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner. Rich McKay, co-chairman of the NFL's competition committee, noted that talks to eliminate the play have quieted. The Seahawks notably utilized Barner in their "Barnyard" play, converting 10 of 11 tush push attempts in 2025 (regular season and playoffs), including a touchdown for Barner against the Commanders. This ensures Seattle can continue leveraging the highly effective short-yardage strategy under new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.

Ja'Marr Chase's Highest-Paid Receiver Status Potentially Changing This Offseason

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Bengals star Ja'Marr Chase currently holds the title of the NFL's highest-paid receiver. However, this status is anticipated to potentially change during the upcoming offseason, indicating movement at the top of the receiver market.

Stefon Diggs' Future with Patriots Uncertain for 2026 Season

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Star wide receiver Stefon Diggs faces an uncertain future with the New England Patriots, as his return for the 2026 season is reportedly not guaranteed. The organization is currently evaluating its options regarding the veteran wideout, and a decision is expected soon. This situation highlights a key roster decision for New England as they plan for the upcoming season, with Diggs' status being a significant factor in their offensive outlook. His potential departure or retention will significantly impact the team's strategy moving forward.