Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Legendary quarterback Drew Brees has selected his former head coach, Sean Payton, to present him at his upcoming Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony next month. Brees shared an emotional video of the request, which honors the duo's historic tenure with the Saints. Payton expressed deep emotion regarding the invitation, stating he could not believe Brees asked him to commemorate his induction into the Hall of Fame.
During recent training camp observations at the Jefferson Health Training Complex, reports indicate that running back Tank Bigsby is being viewed as a player who must be more involved in the Philadelphia Eagles' offensive scheme this year. The coaching staff and observers are monitoring his development as the team refines its offensive strategy for the upcoming season.
Tight end Tyler Warren was a target for quarterback Daniel Jones during the Colts' second day of training camp. While running a route during a play-action sequence, Warren was unable to secure the pass, which was thrown slightly behind him due to defensive pressure from Laiatu Latu, leading to an interception by linebacker Austin Ajiake.
Defensive end Laiatu Latu demonstrated significant disruption during the Colts' second day of training camp. Latu successfully chased down quarterback Daniel Jones, forcing a hurried and inaccurate throw that was ultimately intercepted by linebacker Austin Ajiake. Latu's ability to generate pressure remains a key observation from the team's practice sessions.
Longtime NFL defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins has officially retired from professional football, hanging up his cleats after a notable career in the league.
Maxx Crosby has addressed recent trade rumors linking him to the Dallas Cowboys and clarified his stance on a failed offseason trade involving the Ravens. Crosby emphasized that he knows the truth behind the situation and remains fully committed to his role with the Raiders. Despite the team's ongoing challenges, observers noted that Crosby looked fast, fit, and electric during the first day of Raiders training camp on Wednesday.
The contract status of star defensive tackle Vita Vea has emerged as a focal point for the Buccaneers. Teammate Baker Mayfield has publicly advocated for the team to secure an extension for Vea, stating he 'deserves it.' Amidst these negotiations, reports have surfaced suggesting Vea may have interest in a trade to the Raiders, adding further complexity to his future in Tampa Bay as the team navigates a challenging offseason.
The Seattle Seahawks have officially activated rookie defensive tackle Deven Eastern from the active/physically unable to perform (PUP) list. The move comes after Eastern passed a physical, clearing him to participate in team activities ahead of the Seahawks' first padded practice of training camp.
According to Albert Breer, the New England Patriots and star cornerback Christian Gonzalez are currently not close to reaching an agreement on a contract extension. Negotiations remain ongoing as the team looks to secure their defensive cornerstone.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio confirmed during his first training camp press conference that Jihaad Campbell will no longer be utilized as an edge rusher, signaling a definitive change in his positional usage for the upcoming season.
Kirk Cousins has been named the Las Vegas Raiders' starting quarterback to begin training camp, with Fernando Mendoza set to serve as his backup.
During the New England Patriots' fifth training camp practice on Thursday, July 30, the connection between quarterback Drake Maye and wide receiver A.J. Brown was a focal point. The duo routinely connected throughout the padded practice session, showing promising signs of development for the team's offense as the coaching staff evaluates the unit's progress.
Wide receiver A.J. Brown and quarterback Drake Maye were a focal point during the Patriots' fifth training camp practice on Thursday, July 30. The pair routinely connected throughout the padded session, demonstrating promising chemistry and development for the New England offense.
Deshaun Watson is engaged in a high-profile competition to remain the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback for the 2026 season. He is currently alternating first-team reps with Shedeur Sanders, a process the team has maintained since the offseason program. The battle for the Week 1 starting role has become a major storyline for the franchise as they define their offensive leadership.
Shedeur Sanders is currently competing with Deshaun Watson for the Browns' starting quarterback job, with both players alternating first-team reps during training camp. The process remains consistent with the team's offseason program. Additionally, Hall of Famer Deion Sanders visited camp on Thursday to provide insight into Shedeur's development as he enters his second NFL season.
Rookie tight end Eli Raridon is showing progress at New England Patriots training camp, noting that the speed of the game is beginning to slow down for him as he adjusts to the professional level.
The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly open to an early contract extension for star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. Stephen Jones identified Williams as being at the top of the team's priority list, and the player has expressed a strong desire to remain with the organization for the long haul.
Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving is a full-go for training camp with no restrictions, according to head coach Todd Bowles. Irving missed most of the offseason program following shoulder surgery in February but returned for June minicamp and is currently on track for the start of the regular season.
Former Los Angeles Chargers linebacker and College Football Hall of Famer Billy Ray Smith Jr. has passed away at the age of 64. His family confirmed he was suffering from dementia caused by CTE. Smith played his entire 10-year NFL career with the San Diego Chargers before transitioning into a career as a beloved broadcaster and philanthropist.
Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon has returned to practice after missing Wednesday's session due to tightness.
