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NFL News

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

Thursday, February 12

Chiefs Eye Russell Wilson as Backup Amid Mahomes' ACL Rehab, Cap Woes

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The Chiefs anticipate a challenging 2026 season as Patrick Mahomes rehabilitates from an ACL tear following a disappointing 2025. Facing a $54 million cap deficit, Kansas City is projected to sign veteran QB Russell Wilson, 37, as a potential bridge starter. Wilson went 0-3 for the Giants in 2025 and previously posted 16 TDs/5 INTs for the Steelers in 2024. Additionally, the Chiefs are expected to re-sign LB Leo Chenal, a stout run defender with 7 sacks in four years and an average of 55 tackles annually.

Patriots Eye Key Free Agents to Bolster Offense Around MVP Favorite Drake Maye

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Following their Super Bowl LX loss, the Patriots are aggressively targeting free agents to support Drake Maye, who is an early 2026 MVP favorite. Maye finished 2nd in 2025 MVP voting, leading the NFL with a 113.5 passer rating, 77.1 QBR, and 72% completion, despite 68 sacks. New England, with $41M in cap space, plans to sign Falcons TE Kyle Pitts (88 rec, 928 yds, 5 TDs in 2025), Steelers G Isaac Seumalo, and Packers OT Rasheed Walker, while re-signing S Jaylinn Hawkins and edge rusher K'Lavon Chaisson.

Matthew Stafford Returns to Rams, Team Eyes Future QB Replacement

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Reigning 2025 NFL MVP Matthew Stafford has confirmed his return to the Los Angeles Rams for next season, despite winning the award at age 37. While his return reduces immediate quarterback urgency, the Rams are actively planning for his eventual replacement. The team, holding two first-round picks in the 2026 draft, is considering drafting a prospect like Ty Simpson or Drew Allar, or acquiring a veteran such as Malik Willis or Anthony Richardson to develop behind Stafford. Early odds for Stafford to repeat as MVP are +1400.

Tom Brady Linked to Maxx Crosby's Raiders 'Betrayal' Dispute

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Tom Brady is reportedly involved in the ongoing organizational dispute concerning Las Vegas Raiders star pass rusher Maxx Crosby. Reports indicate Crosby feels 'betrayed' after being shut down by the Raiders late last season, with this 'beef' extending to the top of the organization and explicitly including Brady and Alex Guerrero. While the precise nature of Brady's involvement in the internal discord is not detailed, his name is highlighted as a key figure within the reported conflict surrounding Crosby's dissatisfaction with the team.

Maxx Crosby Feels 'Betrayed' by Raiders Amid Trade Rumors

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Maxx Crosby reportedly feels 'betrayed' by the Las Vegas Raiders after being shut down late last season, with the conflict extending to the organization's top and involving Tom Brady. While trade rumors persist, with some reports indicating he desires a move, Crosby stated he's focusing on his health and family, dismissing the rumors as 'gasoline on the fire' fueled by the team's losing season. He expressed discontent with being sidelined, emphasizing his desire to win and 'play football and be left alone.'

Trevor Lawrence Led NFL in Intermediate Catchable Throws in 2025

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Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence demonstrated elite accuracy in 2025, leading the NFL with an 81.4% 'catchable' throw rate in the intermediate area (10-19 air yards) among quarterbacks with at least 55 attempts. This performance contributed to the Jaguars' 13-4 finish and playoff appearance in Liam Coen's first year as head coach. Lawrence and the offense are anticipated to further improve in 2026, building on their successful season.

Velus Jones Signs Future Contract with Seahawks After Super Bowl Appearance

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Running back Velus Jones has signed a future contract with the Seattle Seahawks, securing his spot on the 90-man offseason roster. Jones, who was elevated from the practice squad, saw action on special teams during the Seahawks' Super Bowl LX victory but did not play on offense. His signing comes as the team faces uncertainty at the running back position, with Ken Walker set for free agency and Zach Charbonnet recovering from a torn ACL.

Cam Akers Signs Future Contract with Seahawks After Super Bowl Appearance

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Running back Cam Akers has signed a future contract with the Seattle Seahawks, securing his spot on the 90-man offseason roster. Akers, who was elevated from the practice squad, saw action on special teams during the Seahawks' Super Bowl LX victory but did not play on offense. His signing comes as the team faces uncertainty at the running back position, with Ken Walker set for free agency and Zach Charbonnet recovering from a torn ACL.

Trey Hendrickson's Bengals Future in Doubt Amid Injury Concerns

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NFL insider Albert Breer indicates it would be 'pretty surprising' if Trey Hendrickson returns to the Cincinnati Bengals next season. Despite a $29 million raise last year, Hendrickson played only seven games due to injuries, leading to questions about his commitment compared to Joe Burrow's efforts. Breer suggests the Bengals may move on from the All-Pro edge rusher, potentially pursuing defensive free agents like the Eagles' Jaelan Phillips to rebuild their defense.

Derek Carr Mulling 2026 NFL Comeback, Dolphins a Potential Suitor

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Former Saints and Raiders QB Derek Carr, 34, who retired last May after opting against right shoulder surgery, is reportedly considering an NFL comeback in 2026, with momentum building for his return. The Miami Dolphins are emerging as a potential landing spot, as they are expected to move on from Tua Tagovailoa and could seek a veteran quarterback to bridge to a younger player. Carr, a four-time Pro Bowler, retired after an agreement with the Saints freed up $30 million in guaranteed money.

Robert Kugler Departs Patriots to Join Steelers Coaching Staff

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Robert Kugler, who served as an assistant offensive line coach for the New England Patriots for two seasons, has been named the new tight ends coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers under head coach Mike McCarthy. This marks the first known coaching staff departure for the Patriots. Kugler was retained by Mike Vrabel in 2025, contributing to a Patriots offense that ranked third in total offense, though quarterback Drake Maye faced significant pressure with 48 regular-season sacks.

Dak Prescott Predicted to Win 2026 NFL MVP, Cowboys to Claim NFC East

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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is predicted by ESPN's Matt Bowen to win the 2026 NFL MVP award, following a 2025 season where he amassed over 4,500 passing yards and 30 touchdowns. With the Cowboys expected to retain wide receiver George Pickens, likely via franchise tag, Prescott's offensive production alongside CeeDee Lamb is anticipated to remain high. Additionally, the Cowboys are projected to win the NFC East, driven by their strong offense and expected defensive improvements, making Prescott's MVP candidacy plausible given his 2023 second-place finish.

Malik Willis Named Candidate for Career Resurrection

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Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis is identified as a potential candidate to resurrect his NFL career, following the example of Sam Darnold. The article explores which quarterbacks could transition from a perceived 'bust' status to achieving 'champion' success, positioning Willis among those with the potential to revitalize their professional trajectory.

Mac Jones Identified as Potential QB Career Resurrector

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones is listed among candidates who could follow Sam Darnold's path in resurrecting their NFL careers. The article speculates on which quarterbacks might transition from a perceived 'bust' status to achieving 'champion' success, highlighting Jones as a player with the potential to revitalize his professional trajectory.

Sam Darnold Cited as Example for QB Career Resurrection

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Sam Darnold, currently with the Seattle Seahawks, is referenced as a prime example of an NFL quarterback who successfully resurrected his career. He is used as a benchmark for other QBs like Mac Jones and Malik Willis, who are looking to transition from perceived 'bust' status to achieving 'champion' success. The article speculates on which current quarterbacks could follow Darnold's path in revitalizing their professional trajectories.

Travis Hunter Plummets in Hypothetical 2025 NFL Redraft Scenario

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In a speculative 2025 NFL redraft, Travis Hunter of the Jacksonville Jaguars sees his stock significantly drop. The article explores which original draft picks would still be considered valuable and which teams might opt for a do-over after their first year, suggesting a revised outlook on Hunter's perceived value in a re-evaluation of the draft class.

Fernando Mendoza Projected No. 1 Pick, Set to Pair with Raiders HC Klint Kubiak

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Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza is the presumptive No. 1 overall pick for the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2026 NFL Draft. The athletic drop-back passer, compared to a more athletic Jared Goff, is expected to be paired with new Raiders HC Klint Kubiak. Kubiak's system, a West Coast Offense variation, is known for developing quarterbacks. Mendoza, a high-IQ QB who flawlessly executed playoff game plans, could flourish with a supporting cast including Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers, potentially developing without immediate pressure alongside veteran Geno Smith.

George Pickens Identified as Must-Keep Free Agent

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George Pickens is featured as a prominent free agent that NFL teams should ensure they retain. The article stresses the importance of keeping such players from becoming 'the ones that got away,' indicating his significant value and the necessity for teams to secure his services.

Kenneth Walker III Listed Among Top Free Agents to Retain

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Kenneth Walker is highlighted as a key free agent every NFL team should prioritize keeping. The article emphasizes that teams should not let such players 'become the ones that got away,' underscoring his value as a player worth retaining for future seasons.

Browns Center Ethan Pocic's Future Uncertain Ahead of Free Agency

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Cleveland Browns center Ethan Pocic's future with the team is uncertain as free agency approaches. While GM Andrew Berry may consider keeping him, Pocic could also enter free agency and seek employment elsewhere. His 2025 base salary was $5.66 million. The Browns also have former Ohio State center Luke Wypler on the bench, ready to potentially take over the starting role.