Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tom Brady recently reversed his stance, publicly backing his former team, the New England Patriots, to 'get that 7th ring' in the upcoming Super Bowl against the Seahawks via a social media post. This comes after he faced criticism for earlier comments suggesting he had 'no dog in the fight.' Brady's illustrious career, marked by seven Super Bowl wins (six with Patriots, one with Buccaneers) and NFL records for 89,214 passing yards and 649 passing touchdowns, continues to inspire. He is cited by projected 2026 No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza as a significant influence, with Mendoza adopting Brady's philosophy emphasizing intellect and preparation.
Former NFL linebacker Darron Lee, the Jets' 2016 first-round pick, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder. The Hamilton County (Tennessee) Sheriff's Office announced on Friday that the charges stem from the death of his girlfriend. Lee was taken into custody on Thursday in Ooltewah, Tennessee, facing a significant legal development and a serious criminal accusation.
Las Vegas Raiders star DE Maxx Crosby addressed his future with the team, stating that discussing the topic is a 'lose-lose' situation. He explicitly denied that any talk of him wanting to leave Las Vegas originated from him, asserting he is ignoring such 'noise'. Crosby also offered insights into the factors contributing to the New England Patriots' success this season.
Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker is an impending free agent, with both the team and player expressing a desire for a new deal in 2026. He's poised for a workhorse role in Super Bowl LX following Zach Charbonnet's ACL tear. In 2025, Walker rushed for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns, adding 282 receiving yards. Since Week 16, he has 423 yards and five touchdowns, ranking second in the NFL. Known for his 30.3% missed tackles forced rate, Walker is crucial for balancing the Seahawks' offense and alleviating pressure on Sam Darnold.
Seattle Seahawks QB Sam Darnold is cleared to start Super Bowl LX against the Patriots, having no designation for his left oblique injury. He played through the injury in two playoff wins, completing 37 of 53 passes for 470 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions. Darnold recently logged his first full practice in three weeks. He committed a league-high 7.2% turnover rate on pressured dropbacks (6 INTs, 5 fumbles lost) in the regular season, highlighting the need for the Seahawks to protect him from Patriots DTs Milton Williams and Christian Barmore. Kenneth Walker's run game is crucial to alleviate pressure on Darnold.
New England Patriots QB Drake Maye is cleared to play in Super Bowl LX against the Seahawks, with no designation for his right shoulder injury sustained in the AFC Championship. He returned to full practice this week. Maye was named to the All-Super Bowl 60 Team and finished as the 2025 NFL MVP runner-up. In three playoff wins, he completed 43 of 77 passes for 533 yards, 4 TDs, 2 INTs, rushed 24 times for 141 yards and 1 TD, and fumbled 6 times (3 lost). Protection is key as he was sacked a league-high 15 times in the postseason, often looking to TE Hunter Henry as a pressure release.
Seattle Seahawks S Nick Emmanwori, a rookie second-round pick, has been named to the All-Super Bowl 60 Team. Despite suffering an ankle sprain earlier in the week, he was a full participant in Friday's practice and removed from the injury report, clearing him for Super Bowl LX. Emmanwori is a versatile key piece for the Seahawks' defense, known as one of their best cover guys. He allowed just eight passing yards in coverage and had three pass breakups in the NFC Championship, also contributing to Seattle holding teams to 4.56 yards per carry.
Projected No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza (Indiana QB) opted not to throw at the NFL Scouting Combine, preferring to support his Hoosiers teammates at a pro day. Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman winner and Big Ten OPOY, is widely projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders. Last season, he amassed 3,535 passing yards, 41 TDs, 6 INTs, a 182.9 passer rating (72.0% completion), and 276 rushing yards with 7 TDs, leading Indiana to a National Championship. He cites Tom Brady as a key influence and studied Sam Darnold and Matthew Stafford's film, noting his footwork needs improvement.
Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford has been officially named the 2025 NFL MVP, securing the top individual honor with 366 points, narrowly beating Patriots QB Drake Maye by five points. Stafford led the NFL with 4,707 passing yards and a franchise-record 46 passing touchdowns in the regular season. He threw just eight interceptions in 17 games, going interception-free in 12 contests. His 109.2 passer rating was a career best, tying Kurt Warner's 1999 mark for a Rams QB with 16+ starts. The Rams finished the season with 12 wins.
Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes suffered a season-ending injury, prompting discussions about his fantasy football performance moving forward. The focus is now on expectations for his return and how the injury might impact his future production in fantasy leagues.
Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert received one first-place vote in the 2025 NFL MVP race. This vote, along with two for Josh Allen, was among the three that did not go to either Matthew Stafford or Drake Maye, ultimately influencing Matthew Stafford's narrow victory for the award.
Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen received two first-place votes in the 2025 NFL MVP race. These votes, along with one for Justin Herbert, were among the three that did not go to either Matthew Stafford or Drake Maye, ultimately playing a role in Matthew Stafford's narrow victory for the award.
Chicago Bears offensive lineman Joe Thuney has been recognized as the NFL's first-ever Protector of the Year, an award highlighting his long-standing dominance as a pass protector. Data supporting this inaugural win suggests his consistent elite performance warrants consideration for the Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy in the league.
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix is slated to spend the next several months focused on rehabilitating his ankle. This recovery period will occur during the team's offseason, as head coach Sean Payton simultaneously works on his agenda to improve and strengthen the Denver roster. Nix's rehabilitation is a critical component of his preparation for the upcoming season, highlighting the team's focus on his health and future performance while also addressing broader team improvements.
NFL legend Emmitt Smith has strongly advocated for the Cleveland Browns to immediately name Shedeur Sanders as their starting quarterback. Smith asserts that the Browns currently lack other viable options at the position, emphasizing the urgency for the team to act decisively. His comments highlight a perceived need for a definitive quarterback solution in Cleveland, with Sanders being the proposed answer for the team's future.
Legendary tight end Rob Gronkowski is a leading first-ballot candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2027. Gronkowski, who concluded his NFL career in 2021, is listed alongside running back Adrian Peterson and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger as players eligible for induction in their first year. This highlights his dominant career and strong prospects for Hall of Fame enshrinement, solidifying his legacy.
