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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
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.
The Cleveland Browns are reportedly targeting Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Sean Rhyan in free agency to address their offensive line needs. Rhyan, 25, is a versatile player (guard/center) who started 11 games and played 808 offensive snaps in 2025. He is known for his durability, having played 47 contests since 2022, though he recently suffered a knee bone bruise (no ligament damage). Rhyan, a strong run blocker, allowed only one sack and 27 pressures in 2025. His projected contract is three years, $13 million.
Two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson is an early favorite for the 2026 NFL MVP award, with odds as high as +650, despite a subpar and injury-plagued 2025 season. He averaged 196.1 passing yards and 21 touchdown passes, his lowest since 2022, and missed four games due to various injuries. Jackson will rely on new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle to help him bounce back in 2026. Past NFL MVPs Rich Gannon, Matt Ryan, and Kurt Warner also weighed in on the issues impacting his tumultuous 2025 season.
Former NFL MVP quarterback Matt Ryan, alongside Rich Gannon and Kurt Warner, offered his insights on the factors that contributed to Lamar Jackson's challenging 2025 season. The past NFL MVPs provided their perspectives on the issues that impacted Jackson's performance.
Former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Miles Boykin, 29, has announced his retirement from the NFL. A 2019 third-round pick, Boykin played 40 games with 24 starts for the Ravens over three seasons, recording 33 catches for 470 yards and seven touchdowns. Known for his strong run-blocking and special teams contributions, he later played two years with the Steelers before brief stints with the Giants, Seahawks, and Bears without playing another regular season game.
The Cleveland Browns are reportedly eyeing Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce in free agency to bolster their struggling offense. Pierce, 25, had a breakout 2025 season, leading the league with a 21.3 yards per reception average, totaling 1,003 yards and six touchdowns on 47 catches across 14 starts. A 6'3", 211-pound downfield threat, he is praised for his versatility, blocking, and ball-tracking skills. His projected contract is four years, $96 million.
Veteran tight end David Njoku has announced his departure from the Cleveland Browns for the 2026 season, ending his tenure with the team since being drafted in 2017. Njoku, who had a career-best 882 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 2023, is coming off a less productive 2025 season (293 yards, 4 TDs). Despite turning 30, he remains a top downfield threat. The Cincinnati Bengals are reportedly considering pursuing Njoku in free agency to bolster their offense alongside Joe Burrow.
Cleveland Browns' Joel Bitonio is identified as a premier interior offensive lineman who could become a free agent in 2026. He is listed among the top players at his position potentially exploring new team options, positioning him as a significant target for franchises aiming to enhance their offensive line depth and talent in the future. His status will be closely watched as the 2026 free agency period approaches.
Baltimore Ravens' Tyler Linderbaum is highlighted as one of the NFL's top interior offensive linemen expected to enter free agency in 2026. He is among the elite players who could be seeking new homes and opportunities beyond their current contracts, making him a highly anticipated prospect for teams looking to strengthen their offensive lines in the upcoming free agency period. His potential availability could significantly impact the market.
New England Patriots safety Jaylinn Hawkins, a key defensive contributor, is set to enter free agency but has publicly expressed his strong desire to remain with the team, calling it 'home.' Last season, Hawkins tied for the team lead in interceptions and ranked third in defensive snaps, starting all 15 regular season and four playoff games. He joined the Patriots on a one-year deal in 2024, returning on a $1.8 million pact in 2025. Despite the Patriots' Super Bowl LX loss, Hawkins had a successful individual season.
As the New York Giants prepare for 2026 NFL free agency, a key question arises regarding offensive lineman Greg Van Roten. The team is evaluating whether to rely on him again for the upcoming season. His potential return is part of the broader discussion around the Giants' roster construction and needs heading into the offseason.
Former Steelers teammate Joey Porter Sr. publicly criticized Ben Roethlisberger on a podcast, labeling him "not a good person" and "not a good teammate." Porter claimed Roethlisberger broke the "brotherhood" by criticizing Mike Tomlin, refused to sign memorabilia for teammates' families as a rookie, and was given captaincy without a vote due to lacking "captain qualities." Porter stated Roethlisberger was "foul of all foul" and shouldn't comment on team business. Other former Steelers, including Hines Ward and Mason Rudolph, have also criticized Roethlisberger, who admitted in 2010 to past behavioral issues.
Former Steelers All-Pro Joey Porter Sr. publicly criticized ex-teammate Ben Roethlisberger on a podcast, labeling him "not a good person" and "not a good teammate." Porter accused Roethlisberger of breaking the "brotherhood" by criticizing Mike Tomlin and for refusing to sign memorabilia for teammates' families as a rookie. He claimed Roethlisberger was given captaincy without a vote and was "off-limits" to discuss during Porter's coaching tenure. Porter also questioned James Harrison's criticism of Tomlin.
Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, invited to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, is widely projected as the sole QB to be selected in the first round and the No. 1 overall pick. The Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly eyeing him after cutting Geno Smith. Mendoza, who plans to throw at Indiana Pro Day instead of combine drills, is considered a worthwhile gamble expected to lead the Raiders to the playoffs in his rookie season, significantly improving their offense alongside Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers.
Quarterback Sam Darnold, who signed a three-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seahawks in 2025, celebrated the Super Bowl LX championship by thanking the team, owner Jody Allen, GM John Schneider, coach Mike Macdonald, and teammates for their belief. He acknowledged past doubters and highlighted his postseason performance of five touchdowns and no interceptions, contrasting his 20 regular-season giveaways. Linebacker Ernest Jones IV showed support with a custom T-shirt.
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon was heavily utilized as a blitzer in Super Bowl LX against the New England Patriots, recording a sack, forcing a throwaway, and creating a game-sealing pick-six. He finished with four unblocked pressures, a season-high in rushing the passer, and revealed the Seahawks exploited a "tell" on the Patriots' offensive line. Coach Mike Macdonald later expressed regret for not blitzing Witherspoon more frequently during the regular season.
Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward hosted his "Not Just Football" podcast where former teammate Joey Porter Sr. made scathing remarks about Ben Roethlisberger, calling him "not a good teammate." Heyward, who was teammates with Roethlisberger for 11 seasons, remained "conspicuously quiet" during Porter's rant.
Kicker Harrison Mevis is expected to return to the Los Angeles Rams as an Exclusive Rights Free Agent (ERFA) after a strong 2025 season where he made 18-of-19 field goals and all 48 extra points. As an ERFA, the Rams can offer him a one-year, league-minimum contract, preventing him from negotiating with other NFL teams.
Former Arizona defensive back Genesis Smith received an invitation to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. Smith, who recorded 77 tackles and helped anchor Arizona's secondary to a No. 2 FBS ranking in interceptions in 2025, is ranked No. 100 on Pro Football Focus's 2026 draft board. His combine invitation suggests a strong chance to end Arizona's DB draft drought since 2018.
Former Arizona defensive back Treydan Stukes received an invitation to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. Stukes, who recorded 52 tackles and helped anchor Arizona's secondary to a No. 2 FBS ranking in interceptions in 2025, is ranked No. 104 on Pro Football Focus's 2026 draft board. His combine invitation suggests a strong chance to end Arizona's DB draft drought since 2018.
