AutoDraft Pro
Get the app

Player news from trusted outlets

NFL News

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

Saturday, February 7

Drake Thomas discusses Seahawks waiver claim, breakout season

AutoDraft Pro AI

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.

Bills WR Khalil Shakir Linked to Heartwarming Puppy Bowl Rescue Story

AutoDraft Pro AI

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir is connected to a heartwarming story from the recent Puppy Bowl. One of the event's participants, a puppy named Button, was rescued by Nickel City Canine Rescue, an organization with ties to Shakir. This highlights a feel-good, off-field connection for the Bills player.

Cardinals QB Kyler Murray's Future Uncertain Amidst Contract Guarantees

AutoDraft Pro AI

Despite previous assumptions of an offseason move, Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray's future with the team is not set in stone. Murray, who was placed on season-ending IR last year with a foot injury, still has $36.7 million in guarantees for 2026 and $19.5 million for 2027 if on the roster in March. New head coach Mike LaFleur has not closed the door on Murray staying, expressing respect for him as a player. A league source suggests moving on from an "above-average QB with warts" without a clear replacement could set the organization back, especially given Murray's young age (28).

Eli Manning's Play Style Draws Comparison to Patriots QB Drake Maye

AutoDraft Pro AI

Former two-time Super Bowl champion Eli Manning's playing style has been referenced in a comparison to Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. An NFL front office executive noted similarities, stating that "Young Eli was a good athlete [like Maye]," and highlighted Maye's poise, anticipation, accuracy, good pocket feel, and subtle slides, suggesting that "Nothing fazes him in-game," much like Manning.

Patriots QB Drake Maye Poised for Super Bowl History, Drawing Eli Manning Comparisons

AutoDraft Pro AI

New England Patriots QB Drake Maye believes the team showed Super Bowl potential as early as Week 5. At 23 years and 162 days old, Maye is set to be the second-youngest QB to start a Super Bowl; a win would make him the youngest to lead a team to victory. He could also be the fifth QB to win in his first or second season. While often compared to Brady and Mahomes, an NFL executive likened Maye to Eli Manning, citing his athleticism, poise, anticipation, accuracy, and pocket feel. The executive noted Maye is a pocket passer, distinguishing him from Mahomes' rare outside-the-pocket play, and believes Maye is "just scratching the surface."

Patriots elevate Leonard Taylor III to active roster for Super Bowl LX

AutoDraft Pro AI

The New England Patriots elevated defensive end Leonard Taylor III from the practice squad to the active roster for Super Bowl LX. Taylor, an undrafted player from 2024, has played in all three playoff games this season, following three regular-season appearances. Notably, he blocked a field goal in the AFC Championship Game. He has recorded 8 tackles and 1 quarterback hit in six appearances, contributing 104 defensive snaps and 9 special teams snaps.

Malik Willis drawing free agency interest, unlikely to return to Packers

AutoDraft Pro AI

Green Bay Packers backup QB Malik Willis, a pending free agent, was a topic of discussion during Super Bowl week regarding upcoming roster changes. Unlikely to return to Green Bay, Willis is expected to have numerous opportunities, with ESPN's Jeremy Fowler identifying the Cardinals and Dolphins as potential landing spots, contingent on their current quarterback situations. His market is projected between $5M-$8M annually, possibly higher. Willis had a strong two-game stretch late in 2025, posting a 139.6 passer rating with 409 passing yards and two touchdowns, plus 104 rushing yards and two scores.

Colts consider franchise tag for breakout WR Alec Pierce

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Indianapolis Colts are reportedly considering the franchise tag for pending free agent wide receiver Alec Pierce, though it's an outside possibility, as retaining him is a high offseason priority. Pierce, projected to command a 4-year, ~$81M deal, is expected to draw significant free agency interest as the league's premier deep threat, having led in yards per reception for two consecutive years. In 2025, he broke out with 47 receptions for 1,003 yards (21.3 avg.) and 6 touchdowns in 15 starts. The Colts previously used a tag on Michael Pittman Jr. to facilitate a long-term deal.

Hunter Henry projected for big Super Bowl LX performance vs. Seahawks

AutoDraft Pro AI

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry is projected for a significant performance in Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks. Despite lower production in recent playoff games (3 catches, 17 yards), the Seahawks' defense has shown vulnerability against tight ends, allowing the sixth-most receiving yards to the position in the regular season. Henry, who recorded 45+ yards in five of his last seven regular-season games and 64 yards in the Wild Card Round, also boasts the fourth-highest receiving grade against zone coverage, a scheme Seattle frequently employs.

Trade speculation surrounds Steelers' five-time All-Pro T.J. Watt

AutoDraft Pro AI

Trade speculation is mounting around Pittsburgh Steelers' five-time All-Pro defensive end T.J. Watt, as the team enters a new era post-Mike Tomlin. With 18.5 sacks over the last two seasons, down from 19 in 2023, the Steelers are reportedly considering trading him for draft capital, with a second-round pick mentioned as a potential price. Several teams, including the Commanders, 49ers, Bills, Cowboys, and Packers, are identified as possible suitors looking to bolster their pass rush with the veteran talent.

Ben Roethlisberger praises Steelers' new DL coach Domata Peko

AutoDraft Pro AI

Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger lauded the team's new defensive line coach, Domata Peko, a former Bengals defensive tackle. Roethlisberger, recalling the intense Steelers-Bengals rivalry, highlighted Peko as a player he respected for his integrity, distinguishing him from others known for "cheap shots." Peko, who previously coached with the Dallas Cowboys and at Colorado, is tasked with developing Pittsburgh's young defensive line, including Keeanu Benton and recent draft picks, as veteran Cam Heyward nears the end of his career.

Seahawks Kicker Jason Myers Identified as Potential Super Bowl 60 Decider

AutoDraft Pro AI

Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers is identified as a crucial player with the potential to determine the outcome of Super Bowl 60. His performance in the championship game is expected to be a pivotal element, possibly influencing the final score and deciding the winning team.

Patriots Kicker Andy Borregales Poised to Be Super Bowl 60 Decider

AutoDraft Pro AI

New England Patriots kicker Andy Borregales is highlighted as a potential key player who could decide the outcome of Super Bowl 60. His performance in the upcoming championship game is anticipated to be a critical factor, potentially influencing the final score and determining the victor.

Giants mock draft surprise: Jermod McCoy projected despite ACL injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy is a surprising projection for the New York Giants at No. 5 in NFL Network analyst Cynthia Frelund's data-driven mock draft. McCoy tore his ACL in January 2025, missing the entire season, making his medical evaluations critical. Despite the injury, his potential is highly rated, particularly as a true press corner, and he is two years younger than other top prospects. Scouts describe him as an aggressive press-man cornerback with strong ball skills and a "blue chip grade" if healthy, drawing comparisons to Darius Slay.

Maxx Crosby trade rumors intensify amid Raiders rebuild concerns

AutoDraft Pro AI

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby's future was a key discussion point during Super Bowl week, with trade rumors intensifying. Reports suggest Crosby is unhappy with the Raiders' rebuild and his recent injury history, having ended the last two seasons on injured reserve. Insider Jay Glazer indicates his trade value could exceed the package received for Micah Parsons. An ideal scenario for the Raiders involves trading Crosby to the Cowboys for multiple first-round picks, aligning with the team's rebuild timeline as Crosby approaches 29.

Emmitt Smith criticizes Browns for not naming Shedeur Sanders 2026 starter

AutoDraft Pro AI

Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith publicly criticized Cleveland Browns coach Todd Monken for not committing to Shedeur Sanders as the starting quarterback for 2026, questioning the need for a debate given the current roster. Sanders, a fifth-round pick, started seven games in 2025, leading the Browns to a 3-4 record with 1,400 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions on a 56.6% completion rate. Despite limited production, he earned a Pro Bowl replacement spot. Sanders is expected to have the initial opportunity for the starting role unless the Browns acquire another quarterback this offseason.

Falcons Beat Writer Projects Michael Penix as Starter Beyond 2026

AutoDraft Pro AI

Falcons beat writer Josh Kendall projects QB Michael Penix to remain the starting quarterback for the team in 2026 and beyond. This outlook comes after Penix made nine appearances last season, during which he suffered a partial tear of his left ACL. The expectation highlights the team's long-term confidence in the second-year signal-caller despite his recent injury history.

Micah Parsons Reveals Cowboys Nearly Traded Him to Eagles Before Packers Deal

AutoDraft Pro AI

Green Bay Packers star Micah Parsons revealed the Dallas Cowboys nearly traded him to the Philadelphia Eagles last offseason, stating he only wanted to go if Jalen Carter was there. Dallas reportedly refused the Eagles' strong offer (two first-round picks, plus a third and fifth) due to divisional rivalry. The Packers ultimately acquired Parsons by trading Kenny Clark and two first-round picks, then signed him to a four-year, $186 million extension. Parsons, a three-time All-Pro, recorded 12.5 sacks this season before tearing his left ACL in December, targeting a September return.

Brady Publicly Supports Patriots for Super Bowl LX After Neutrality Backlash

AutoDraft Pro AI

NFL legend Tom Brady publicly declared his support for the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks, telling owner Robert Kraft via Instagram, 'Get that 7th ring so we can match.' This statement follows criticism Brady received for previously claiming 'no dog in the fight.' Now a broadcaster and part-owner of the Raiders, Brady came under fire for not supporting his long-time team, leading to his public declaration. He led the Patriots to six Super Bowl triumphs during his 20-year tenure (2000-19), accumulating 74,571 passing yards and 541 touchdowns.

Sam Darnold Named Intriguing Trade Candidate During Super Bowl Week

AutoDraft Pro AI

Quarterback Sam Darnold was identified as an intriguing trade candidate during Super Bowl week discussions in San Francisco. League intel focused on potential roster moves and upcoming free agency, with Darnold's name circulating among those being evaluated for possible offseason transitions. While specific trade partners or destinations were not detailed, his status as a player of interest for a potential move was highlighted.