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NFL News

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

Sunday, February 8

Mack Hollins makes Super Bowl entrance in handcuffs, leads Patriots with 78 receiving yards

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Patriots WR Mack Hollins made a memorable Super Bowl LX entrance, arriving in handcuffs, a Hannibal Lecter-style mask, and barefoot, referencing a supermax prison. Despite a quiet start with zero catches through two quarters, Hollins delivered in the fourth quarter of the 29-13 loss to the Seahawks, hauling in two consecutive passes, including a 35-yard touchdown. He finished as the Patriots' leading receiver with four catches for 78 yards and a score. Earlier, Hollins was featured as a top prop bet pick by a SportsLine expert. In his first season with the Patriots, he recorded 46 catches for 550 yards and two scores in 15 games.

Brock Purdy's Backup Situation Solidified by 49ers

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The San Francisco 49ers have solidified their quarterback depth chart behind starter Brock Purdy, confirming that Mac Jones will remain with the team as Purdy's primary backup. Sources indicate the 49ers have no plans to trade Jones this offseason, ensuring continuity in the backup role. This decision provides clarity for Purdy's support system heading into the upcoming season, as reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter.

49ers Retain Mac Jones as Purdy's Backup, No Trade Planned

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The San Francisco 49ers have confirmed their intention to keep quarterback Mac Jones, with sources indicating no plans for a trade this offseason. Jones is expected to return as the primary backup to Brock Purdy. This decision solidifies the team's quarterback depth chart heading into the next season, ensuring continuity behind their starting signal-caller. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the team's stance, emphasizing their commitment to Jones in a backup role.

Cowboys Eyeing Franchise Tag for Pickens, Tag-and-Trade Possible

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The Dallas Cowboys are expected to place the franchise tag on WR George Pickens, but a tag-and-trade scenario remains a strong possibility. Pickens, who turns 25 in March, had a breakout season with 93 receptions, 1,429 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns, earning Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors. The franchise tag for a WR is estimated at $28.8 million. The window for tagging opens Feb. 17 and closes March 3, with free agency starting March 9. Owner Jerry Jones desires to keep him long-term, but the team has traded stars before.

Odds Increase for Aaron Rodgers' Return to Steelers for 22nd Season

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The odds are reportedly increasing for quarterback Aaron Rodgers to return for his 22nd NFL season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rodgers, 42, has spoken with new Steelers coach Mike McCarthy, with whom he won a Super Bowl and two MVPs in Green Bay. Despite indicating 2025 might be his last season, Rodgers remained noncommittal after the Steelers' wild-card loss. In 2025, he completed 65.7% of passes for 3,322 yards, 24 TDs, 7 INTs, and a 94.8 passer rating, plus a rushing TD. WR DK Metcalf has also tried to convince him to return.

Falcons' James Pearce Jr. Arrested, Remains Jailed on Five Felonies

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Atlanta Falcons Edge James Pearce Jr. was arrested Saturday in Florida on serious charges, reportedly related to a domestic dispute with WNBA player Rickea Jackson. He remains in jail Sunday, facing multiple charges, including five felonies. This incident puts Pearce Jr.'s NFL future at significant risk.

Chiefs, Kelce to Meet Post-Super Bowl on 2026 Plans; TE Hints at Return

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The Kansas City Chiefs and veteran TE Travis Kelce are set to meet post-Super Bowl to finalize his 2026 plans, with the team actively pursuing his re-signing and a quick resolution expected. Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Chiefs want Kelce back. The 36-year-old is contemplating retirement or a 13th season but strongly prefers to return to Kansas City. Kelce hinted at playing another season, celebrating OC Eric Bienemy's return, stating, 'I can't wait to see him back in the building.' He had a bounce-back 2025 season, playing all 17 games with 76 catches for 851 yards and five touchdowns.

Micah Parsons Mentioned in Cowboys' Trade Strategy Discussion

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Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons was referenced by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport in discussions regarding the team's potential trade strategy. Rapoport noted the Cowboys' past willingness to trade star players for significant draft pick compensation, citing Parsons as an example. This comes amidst speculation about a potential tag-and-trade scenario for George Pickens, who shares the same agent as Parsons.

Commanders Face Key Decisions on Laremy Tunsil's Future

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The Washington Commanders are evaluating their roster for the upcoming offseason, with Laremy Tunsil identified as one of the players requiring significant consideration. The team will need to make hard decisions regarding his potential extension or free agency status as they plan their roster moves.

Commanders Weighing Zach Ertz's Free Agency & Extension Decisions

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The Washington Commanders face crucial decisions this offseason regarding their roster, including veteran tight end Zach Ertz. Ertz is among the players the team will need to consider for potential extensions or free agency moves as they shape their future roster.

Vikings' J.J. McCarthy's Future Eyed Amidst GM Search

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With the Minnesota Vikings seeking a new general manager, attention turns to the future of QB J.J. McCarthy and coach Kevin O'Connell. The team's direction and key decisions regarding its roster, including McCarthy, are under scrutiny as the organization navigates its leadership transition.

Dolphins Expected to Move On From Tua Tagovailoa Amid Financial Hurdles

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The Miami Dolphins are reportedly encountering considerable difficulties in their attempts to trade starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. These challenges are largely due to significant financial hurdles tied to his current contract, complicating the process with potential trade partners. Despite these obstacles, it is considered likely that the Dolphins will move on from Tagovailoa during the NFL offseason, actively exploring all available options to facilitate his departure.

Derek Carr Eyes NFL Return for 'Right Situation' After Retirement

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Derek Carr (shoulder) is reportedly considering ending his retirement and returning to the NFL for the 'right situation and coaching staff,' sources indicate. While not actively pursuing a comeback after sitting out the 2025 season, Carr, 34, acknowledged he'd 'never say never.' He retired last May following an injury-plagued 2024 campaign, but has since made a full recovery from a labral tear, broken hand, and oblique strain. Teams have renewed interest, and though the Saints still hold his rights, they'd likely waive or trade him at minimal cost given Tyler Shough's emergence as their starting QB. Carr was contacted by at least one team this past season.

Cardinals Face Financial Hurdles in Attempt to Trade Quarterback Kyler Murray

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The Arizona Cardinals are reportedly facing significant challenges in their efforts to trade starting quarterback Kyler Murray. These difficulties are primarily attributed to substantial financial hurdles associated with his current contract. The team is actively seeking trade partners, but the financial implications are making a potential deal complex.

Saturday, February 7

Falcons' James Pearce Jr. Arrested, Charged with Aggravated Battery, Stalking

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Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr., who had a notable rookie season finishing third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting, was arrested on Saturday following a domestic dispute. Police reported that Pearce fled the scene and subsequently crashed his vehicle during a police chase. He has been charged with aggravated battery and stalking, specifically involving WNBA star Rickea Jackson, identified as his girlfriend. The incident began with Pearce fleeing a domestic dispute, leading to his arrest. This development marks a significant legal issue for the young Falcons player.

Falcons to Release Kirk Cousins; Steelers, Vikings Among Potential Landing Spots

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The Atlanta Falcons are expected to release QB Kirk Cousins before the new league year in March, making him a free agent. A contract restructure provided cap flexibility, incentivizing his early release as he was due $67.9M guaranteed. Cousins, 38, appeared in 10 games (8 starts) for Atlanta in 2025, throwing for 1,721 yards, 10 TDs, and 5 INTs. He is considering joining a new team, with the Steelers and Vikings emerging as logical destinations, and also has television opportunities.

Cowboys expected to franchise tag Pro Bowl WR George Pickens for $28M

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The Dallas Cowboys are expected to place the franchise tag on Pro Bowl wide receiver George Pickens, valued around $28 million, preventing him from hitting free agency. Pickens, who had a career-best 93 catches, 1,429 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns in 2025 after a trade from the Steelers, has expressed a desire to stay in Dallas. The tag, which can be applied between Feb. 17 and March 3, secures his rights and allows for long-term contract negotiations. Owner Jerry Jones is keen on retaining Pickens, but a potential contract dispute with agent David Mulugheta could arise.

Velus Jones elevated to Seahawks active roster for Super Bowl LX

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The Seattle Seahawks elevated RB Velus Jones from their practice squad to the active roster for Super Bowl LX, alongside Cam Akers. This move adds depth at running back with Zach Charbonnet sidelined by a knee injury. Jones was active in the divisional round, recording 6 carries for 10 yards, and will be available for the championship game against the Patriots.

Seahawks elevate Cam Akers to active roster for Super Bowl LX

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The Seattle Seahawks elevated RB Cam Akers from the practice squad to the active roster for Super Bowl LX, joining Velus Jones. This move provides depth after Zach Charbonnet's knee injury. Akers, who has Super Bowl experience from his time with the Rams, hasn't carried the ball for the Seahawks this season but will be available for the championship game against the Patriots.

Drake Thomas discusses Seahawks waiver claim, breakout season

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Seattle Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas, an undrafted gem, reflected on his "unexpected" waiver claim by the Seahawks in 2023 after being released by the Raiders. Despite a rookie season-ending knee injury, he flourished under Mike Macdonald, taking over as weakside linebacker. Thomas recorded 4.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and 97 total tackles, including a crucial Week 18 interception off Christian McCaffrey that secured the NFC West title. He credits his success to complementing All-Pro Ernest Jones IV and focusing on team execution rather than proving doubters wrong.