Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Kenneth Walker III is identified as one of the NFL's top free-agent running backs for the 2026 class. He, along with Tyler Allgeier, could potentially find new homes in 2026 and beyond, with the Atlanta Falcons mentioned as a possible landing spot for top RBs. The news highlights the upcoming free agency period and the significant market for elite running back talent.
DeMarcus Lawrence is highlighted as a vital player for the Seattle Seahawks' defense in anticipation of Super Bowl LX. He, along with Devon Witherspoon and Nick Emmanwori, are considered crucial elements of Mike Macdonald's effective defensive strategy. Their collective performance will be paramount for the Seahawks in the championship matchup, with Lawrence playing a key role on defense.
Devon Witherspoon is highlighted as a crucial player for the Seattle Seahawks' defense heading into Super Bowl LX. He, along with DeMarcus Lawrence and Nick Emmanwori, are considered key components of Mike Macdonald's highly effective defensive scheme. Their performance will be vital for the Seahawks in the upcoming championship game, underscoring Witherspoon's importance to the team's defensive success.
Seattle Seahawks rookie Nick Emmanwori was limited during Wednesday's practice after sustaining an ankle injury. The incident occurred as the team prepares for Super Bowl LX against the New England Patriots. His limited participation status indicates a potential concern for his availability in the championship game. The team will likely monitor his condition closely in the coming days to determine his readiness.
Patriots QB Drake Maye, 23, was a full participant in Wednesday's 90-minute practice, taking all first-team repetitions. He has been cleared of concerns regarding his right shoulder injury, which had limited him last week and caused him to miss a practice due to illness. Maye stated he 'feels good' and 'just fine' to lead the offense in Super Bowl LX. He aims to be the youngest Super Bowl-winning QB, showcasing unprecedented progress this postseason with 90%+ completion, 250+ yards, and 5 TDs in a game. Despite 15 sacks this postseason and projected struggles against the Seahawks, New England plans to leverage his mobility (38.9 rushing yards/game, 27 scramble first downs).
Philadelphia Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, instrumental in developing star tackle Lane Johnson, is reportedly stepping away from the team. Stoutland, who won two Super Bowls and helped mold Johnson into a top-tier player, leaves amid a significant offseason of change for the Eagles. His departure marks the end of an era for the offensive line, which he shaped into one of the league's best, directly impacting Johnson's decorated career.
Philadelphia Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, instrumental in developing star center Jason Kelce, is reportedly stepping away from the team. Stoutland, who won two Super Bowls and helped mold Kelce into a top-tier player, leaves amid a significant offseason of change for the Eagles. His departure marks the end of an era for the offensive line, which he shaped into one of the league's best, directly impacting Kelce's storied career.
Patriots WR Mack Hollins (abdomen) was not listed on Wednesday's practice report, indicating he is fully cleared for Super Bowl LX against the Seahawks. Hollins had spent four weeks on injured reserve, missing the final two regular season games and the first two playoff contests. He made his return in the AFC Championship Game, where he caught two passes for 51 yards while playing 61 percent of the offensive snaps. He appears ready to contribute in Sunday's championship game.
Seahawks QB Sam Darnold practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday due to the left oblique injury sustained before the playoffs. Despite the limitation, Darnold stated he "feels really good" and is taking rehab "one step at a time" for Sunday's Super Bowl LX against the Patriots. He's led Seattle to the Super Bowl with dominant postseason play: 70% completion, nearly 470 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions, earning a 122.4 passer rating, including 346 yards and three TDs in the NFC Championship. This comes after a regular season with a league-high 20 turnovers.
FOX Sports NFL insider Jay Glazer reports Maxx Crosby's time with the Las Vegas Raiders is likely over, with a trade expected before the April 23 draft. Crosby, who recorded 10 sacks in 15 games in 2025, reportedly disagreed vehemently with the Raiders' decision to sit him for the final two games due to a meniscus injury, leading him to leave the facility. He's unwilling to endure another rebuild, especially as the Raiders are projected to draft Fernando Mendoza first overall in 2026. A trade would require a 'Parsons-like package' (e.g., two first-round picks). He signed a 3-year, $106.5M extension in March 2025.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. posted on Instagram Wednesday, directly confronting the narrative of doubt surrounding him. In his message, Penix articulated his ongoing struggle against the odds and those who have questioned his abilities, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to overcoming adversity. He vowed he would "never fold" in the face of pressure, reinforcing his resolve and dedication to his career.
New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs reportedly came close to signing with a different NFL team during the recent free agency period. According to sources, Diggs was on the verge of landing with an AFC foe, indicating that his move to New England was not a foregone conclusion. This near-miss suggests a significant alternative destination for the star wideout before he ultimately committed to the Patriots, altering the landscape of the AFC.
Patrick Mahomes' father was arrested in Texas after authorities stated he violated his probation. The father of the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback was taken into custody for the alleged violation, with further details on the specific nature of the violation not immediately available.
Pro Football Hall of Fame hopeful Frank Gore may have inadvertently revealed one member of this year's Hall of Fame class. The specific details of the leak were not provided, but it suggests an announcement is imminent regarding the finalists who made the cut for induction.
Tom Brady recently joked about being 'a little concerned' regarding his Hall of Fame chances following snubs from Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft, despite his expected first-ballot selection. Earlier, Brady revealed how he and Josh McDaniels developed key red zone plays for Super Bowl XLIX, where he threw for 328 yards and 4 TDs. He shared this insight to advise Drake Maye and Sam Darnold for Super Bowl LX, conceded the 'GOAT' title to a childhood hero, and discussed the Super Bowl on 'The Tonight Show', also noting his use of DVOA analytics.
Titans QB Cam Ward is enthusiastic about new HC Robert Saleh and OC Brian Daboll. Ward, entering his second NFL season, anticipates a demanding environment, stating Daboll 'is going to get on my ass' and 'hold me to a high standard,' which he welcomes. Daboll, known for developing QBs like Josh Allen, scouted Ward in 2025. Ward's rookie 2025 season saw him start all 17 games, throwing for 3,169 yards, 15 TDs, 7 INTs, and rushing for 2 TDs, though the Titans finished 3-14.
Dolphins offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik praised quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for his handling of a benching last season. However, Slowik stopped short of outlining the team's specific plans for Tagovailoa in 2026, indicating that the Dolphins intend to add competition at the quarterback position. This suggests an uncertain future for Tagovailoa as the team looks to bolster its QB room.
Green Bay Packers GM Brian Gutekunst confirmed Wednesday that Malik Willis is expected to depart in free agency this March, seeking a team where he can compete for a starting quarterback job. The 2022 third-round pick is anticipated to be highly sought after, having performed well in relief of Jordan Love over the past two seasons. Across 11 combined regular-season appearances in 2024-2025, Willis completed 70 of 89 pass attempts (78%) for 972 yards, six touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He also added 261 rushing yards and three scores on 42 carries, establishing himself as a high-upside free agent.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly exploring a trade for Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray, with CBS Sports projecting a second-round pick as the acquisition cost. Murray's situation is expected to resolve before March 15th, when his $19.7 million base salary for 2027 becomes fully guaranteed. The weak 2026 NFL Draft QB class may increase interest in veteran signal-callers like Murray. He missed significant time in two of the last three seasons due to injury, playing only five games in 2025 with a 2-3 record, 6 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. Murray is a two-time Pro Bowl selection (2020, 2021).
Cleveland Browns QB Shedeur Sanders participated in the 2026 Pro Bowl Games flag football, completing 12-of-15 passes for 152 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. One interception resulted from a Ja’Marr Chase drop, while the other was on a 3rd-and-long targeting Tee Higgins. Sanders also added a 10-yard run and threw touchdown passes to Garett Bolles (1-yard) and Nico Collins (26-yard). The AFC, despite leading 52-36 early in the third quarter, ultimately lost to the NFC by a score of 66-52.
