They discussed previous game plays and tested his football IQ on a whiteboard, but a standout moment for Mendoza was a brief phone conversation with part-owner Tom Brady, which he called incredibly special.

According to Dan Graziano of ESPN, several coaches from teams looking to add a quarterback believe that Geno Smith still has value in the market. They feel that his performance was hampered by the Raiders’ offensive system rather than a decline in his skills.

Although the Raiders are widely expected to select Mendoza as their next franchise leader, they prefer not to start a rookie quarterback in Week 1.

Since the team is financially committed to Smith for the upcoming season, they plan to keep him on the roster to start until Mendoza is fully ready to take over.

Head coach Klint Kubiak is reportedly eager to pursue Mendoza after reviewing his collegiate game film.

Mendoza stood out at Indiana, recording 3,535 passing yards and leading the nation with 41 passing touchdowns last season.

Kubiak believes these attributes are crucial for a Raiders offense that has struggled for consistency, arguing that Mendoza’s talent could complement existing roster weapons, such as Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty.

The potential partnership of an emerging talent like Mendoza with the mentorship of Smith and Brady offers a clear path forward for a franchise in need of stability.

As the draft approaches, the focus remains on whether this promising alignment will officially take shape in Vegas, restoring the team’s competitive edge.

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Washington Jr. clocked an unofficial 4.33-second 40-yard dash, a mark that led his position group and immediately elevated his draft profile. Cameras captured the 22-year-old tearing up shortly after seeing his time, reflecting the significance of the moment following five collegiate seasons.

Washington spent his final year in 2025 with Arkansas, delivering one of his most productive campaigns. He rushed for 1,070 yards on 167 carries, averaging 6.4 yards per attempt while scoring eight touchdowns. His explosiveness showed consistently throughout the season, particularly in open space where his acceleration separated him from defenders.

He also contributed in the passing game, totaling 28 receptions for 226 yards and one touchdown, averaging 8.1 yards per catch. His versatility as both a runner and receiver has been viewed as a key component of his evaluation heading into the 2026 NFL Draft.

.@RazorbackFB RB Mike Washington Jr. got emotional after running an incredible 4.33u.

These guys work so hard for this moment. @StaceyDales

2026 NFL Combine on @nflnetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/aF5KlGmL9L

— NFL (@NFL) February 28, 2026

In ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest 2026 draft rankings, Washington is listed No. 7 among running back prospects. Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame Fighting Irish football and Jadarian Price sit atop the position rankings, with Emmett Johnson of Nebraska Cornhuskers football rounding out the top three.

Washington’s 4.33 performance could shift those projections as teams continue evaluating prospects through pro days and individual meetings. The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.

For Washington, the emotional reaction underscored years of preparation. His combine showing not only validated his collegiate production but also reinforced his reputation as one of the fastest backs in this draft class.

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Jones wants to restructure the deals of Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and Tyler Smith, as well as those of defensive tackles Kenny Clark, Quinnen Williams and Osa Odighizuwa, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported. Doing so would clear over $80 million in cap space, with each player’s cap hit over $20 million in 2026.

The Cowboys are currently $56 million over the cap, the most in the league, according to Over the Cap. The players Jones mentioned are tied to six of the team’s seven largest contracts. The other belongs to star wide receiver George Pickens, whom the team recently placed on a franchise tag.

Jones has less than two weeks to restructure any deals before the 2026 free agency window opens on March 11. He is typically among the most aggressive general managers in free agency, both in the trade market and with player signings.

The Cowboys have already made a few moves early in the offseason, retaining running back Javonte Williams on a three-year deal while releasing linebacker Logan Wilson. Dallas is still looking to potentially re-sign kicker Brandon Aubrey, safety Donovan Wilson and defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.

Even if Jones restructures a few deals, the Cowboys would still lack the resources to pull off any substantial big-time signings. Jones has still hinted at potentially making another blockbuster trade to improve a roster that has won just one playoff game in the last seven years.

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“I would bet that we will spend more money in free agency than we have,” Jones said.

Dallas finished the 2025 season with a losing record. Cowboys fans are deeply frustrated that it has been so long since the team was in the Super Bowl.

“I really can’t accept just the thought of winning one Super Bowl and then what?” Jones said at the NFL scouting combine. “I’ve got more time on my clock than that in my mind. And so I don’t see it that way. I see a chance to put a team together and basically be knocking at the edge and get another one or get a chance at a another one.

“It runs that way in my view. … Make no mistake about it now, if you told me I could, because I’ve done a lot of hitchhiking in my life. … I’d start here with you right now and hitchhike back to Dallas to win a Super Bowl.”

The Cowboys went 7-9-1 in the 2025 season.

Cowboys have work to do to compete in free agency

Dallas needs some salary cap room in order to make a run at some quality free agents.

“Well over the $301.2 million cap that was set Friday, they will restructure the contracts of quarterback Dak Prescott, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and left guard Tyler Smith, which will create $66 million of room,” ESPN reported.

Jones has owned the team for many, many years. He knows how much another Super Bowl title would mean to Cowboys fans.

“It’s every bit the prize of anything I have, with the exception of family and your love for family,” Jones said. “I guess what I would say is make no mistake about it, I don’t have a higher priority than to go and win a Super Bowl.”

Time will tell if Dallas can finally return to the big game in 2026.

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Baltimore has built its identity on physicality and defensive excellence. In this era of track-meet offenses, though, the Ravens are still missing one explosive element. If the Miami Dolphins fully commit to a financial and cultural reset, Baltimore should be ready with a bold proposal for Jaylen Waddle.

Endings in 2025

The 2025 Ravens campaign was a rollercoaster. A disastrous 1-5 start threatened to derail everything. Jackson’s Week 4 hamstring injury only deepened the crisis. Of course, whispers about John Harbaugh’s future grew louder by the week.

Yet Baltimore refused to fold. Behind the steady hand of Tyler Huntley and a punishing ground attack led by Derrick , the Ravens clawed back into relevance. They won seven of their next 10 games. They entered Week 18 with the AFC North on the line.

Then came the gut punch. A loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers ended Baltimore’s playoff hopes. It effectively closed the Harbaugh chapter. At 8-9, Baltimore turned the page to a new regime with unfinished business.

Financial chess

Heading into 2026, the Ravens face both opportunity and constraint. Jackson remains the franchise centerpiece. However, his $74.5 million cap hit looms large. A long-term extension is the necessary grease to unlock flexibility. Without it, Baltimore sits at roughly $22 million in cap space. That’s buoyed by the $301.2 million league-wide cap spike but still tight for blockbuster moves.

The good news? General Manager Eric DeCosta holds 10 draft picks, including the No. 14 overall selection. That capital provides ammunition for either youth infusion or aggressive trade maneuvering.

Before any splashy acquisition, Baltimore must also consider retaining foundational pieces like All-Pro center Tyler Linderbaum. Now, if those dominos fall correctly, the Ravens could realistically pursue a premium weapon who changes defensive geometry instantly.

Waddle’s 2025 bounce-back

Jaylen Waddle’s 2025 season quietly reaffirmed his elite status. Despite Miami’s instability, he delivered 64 receptions for 910 yards. He also had six touchdowns across 16 games. His mid-season stretch was particularly electric, highlighted by a consistent 14.2 yards-per-catch average that kept defenses honest.

Though sidelined in Week 18 with a rib injury, Waddle still finished as Miami’s leading receiver. He remained a primary target regardless of who lined up under center. Waddle’s speed remains world-class. His route-running continues to evolve. Most importantly, he proved that even amid chaos, he can be a stabilizing explosive force.

Why Miami may listen

If the Dolphins embrace a total reset, difficult decisions become unavoidable. They will face a projected negative cap situation and the financial aftershocks of Tua Tagovailoa’s contract, As such, Miami may view Waddle as its most valuable movable asset. His 2026 cap hit of $11.6 million is manageable. However, it balloons to $33.8 million in 2027.

For the Ravens, maximizing value before that spike makes strategic sense. A first-round pick becomes the foundational chip for a reset. That’s especially true if the front office wants to construct a rookie quarterback timeline free from expensive veteran obligations.

Why Baltimore makes the call

From the Ravens’ perspective, this is about finishing the offense.

Lamar Jackson has Zay Flowers as a high-volume separator. He has Derrick Henry’s bruising presence if the veteran remains on the roster. Still, Baltimore lacks the true “take-the-top-off” threat that forces safeties to play 20 yards deep every snap.

Insert Waddle into a Todd Monken system, and AFC North defenses face a nightmare. You cannot stack the box against Henry if Waddle threatens to score from anywhere. You cannot blitz recklessly against Jackson if one broken contain means a 60-yard touchdown.

The perfect trade framework

Acquiring a receiver of Waddle’s caliber requires bold capital.

The proposed package:

• Ravens receive Jaylen Waddle.
• Dolphins receive Baltimore’s 2026 first-round pick, a 2027 third-round pick that can escalate to a second based on performance thresholds, and wide receiver Rashod Bateman.

The first-round selection is the non-negotiable centerpiece. The conditional 2027 pick protects Baltimore against injury volatility. It also gives Miami upside if Waddle thrives. Including Bateman provides Miami a relatively young, affordable replacement option while opening a fresh start for him. It’s calculated aggression.

Track-meet reality

Imagine the optics. Baltimore will have Jackson in the shotgun, Henry offset, and Flowers motioning across the formation. Waddle, meanwhile, will split wide. He would dare a defense to single-cover him.

You cannot bracket everyone. You cannot crash the box. You cannot spy Jackson without leaving grass exposed. The math just becomes impossible. Baltimore’s offense has long been efficient. Waddle makes it terrifying.

Cap calculus

Waddle’s 2026 cap hit sits at approximately $11.7 million. That figure is absorbable without dismantling the core. The financial pain arrives in 2027. By then, though, the league cap is projected to rise well above $300 million. Extensions and restructures can smooth that climb.

This is about good timing. Baltimore can execute this move without sacrificing cornerstone defenders like Kyle Hamilton or key offensive pillars like Linderbaum. That matters.

Alabama connection

There’s also a cultural alignment here. Baltimore has historically valued Alabama pedigree. Players like Marlon Humphrey have thrived under the Ravens’ “Play Like a Raven” mantra-tough, fast, and professional. Waddle fits that mold seamlessly. He’s disciplined, explosive, and built for high-leverage games.

The Ravens are closer than their 8-9 record suggests. With Lamar Jackson healthy and a new defensive voice guiding the franchise, Baltimore’s window remains open.

Of course, windows close quickly in the AFC. If Miami truly blows it up, Eric DeCosta should not hesitate. Jaylen Waddle is the missing acceleration button in an offense that has long been one gear short of unstoppable.

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If Pittsburgh wants to bridge the gap between regular-season competence and postseason credibility, it must inject explosiveness into an offense that may or may not feature Aaron Rodgers. And if the Jacksonville Jaguars are indeed willing to move on from Brian Thomas Jr, the Steelers should be first in line.

End of an era

The 2025 Steelers season was a study in transition and resilience. Rodgers stabilized a quarterback room that had been in flux for years. The result was a 10-7 record and Pittsburgh’s first AFC North title since 2020. Rodgers’ chemistry with offseason acquisition DK Metcalf gave the offense a vertical punch that had been missing.

The fairytale, however, ended abruptly. A 30-6 Wild Card loss to the Houston Texans exposed familiar flaws. These were limited offensive versatility and an inability to keep pace in playoff shootouts. The campaign carried added emotional weight. It marked Tomlin’s final season. He extended the franchise’s remarkable streak to 22 consecutive non-losing seasons before announcing he would step down.

Uncertainty and flexibility

Rodgers’ potential retirement may leave Pittsburgh with Mason Rudolph and developmental project Will Howard as the only quarterbacks under contract. This creates urgency for general manager Omar Khan.

Fortunately, Pittsburgh is well-positioned to act. The Steelers project to hold roughly $42.5 million in effective cap space. That gives them room to absorb contracts or pursue a trade for a veteran signal-caller. More importantly, they possess 12 draft selections in 2026, including five inside the first 100 picks.

The 21st overall pick headlines the arsenal, but the true power lies in the depth of Day 2 capital. That flexibility allows Khan to address multiple needs without sacrificing the future. Of course, quarterback will dominate headlines. However, surrounding whoever starts under center with speed and vertical threat may be equally vital. That’s where Brian Thomas Jr enters the equation.

Brian Thomas Jr’s complicated 2025

Thomas Jr burst onto the scene in 2024 with over 1,200 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. He instantly flashed WR1 upside. His sophomore season, though, told a different story. In 2025, he managed 48 receptions for 707 yards and just two touchdowns in 14 games. An ankle injury sidelined him for three contests. Early-season drop issues also plagued his efficiency. At one point, he had one of the highest drop rates among qualified receivers.

The Jaguars’ evolving offensive structure didn’t help. With Parker Washington emerging and Jakobi Meyers added to the mix, Thomas increasingly found himself relegated to a WR3 field-stretching role. He still displayed big-play flashes and capped the year with a postseason touchdown against Buffalo.

In Jacksonville, though, he’s now an expensive depth piece. In Pittsburgh, he could be something more.

Why both teams do the deal

For Jacksonville, this is about asset optimization. With Travis Hunter emerging as a two-way centerpiece and Meyers secured long-term, Thomas has become somewhat redundant. Moving him now allows the Jaguars to recoup draft capital before committing to any contract option. In a roster recalibration phase, maximizing value is smart business.

For Pittsburgh, it’s about acceleration. The Steelers can’t waste a transition year under McCarthy hoping for incremental growth. Thomas would perfectly complement Metcalf’s physical dominance. Together, they create a track-meet dynamic capable of stretching defenses horizontally and vertically.

With 12 draft picks, Pittsburgh also has ammunition to spend without mortgaging flexibility.

Perfect trade framework

To acquire a former first-round pick who has already demonstrated WR1 flashes, Pittsburgh must offer legitimate Day 2 capital.

The proposed deal:

• The Steelers receive wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.
• The Jaguars receive a 2026 third-round pick, a 2026 fourth-round pick, and wide receiver Roman Wilson.

This structure checks every strategic box.

Why it makes sense

First, the draft capital. Pittsburgh holds three third-round picks in 2026. Surrendering one along with a fourth is a manageable price for a 23-year-old receiver with Thomas’ ceiling. It’s a calculated investment rather than a reckless splash.

Second, the fresh-start component. Wilson’s tenure in Pittsburgh has not unfolded as expected. Including him provides Jacksonville with a cost-controlled slot option and gives Wilson a reset in a new environment. It balances the asset exchange while addressing depth concerns for both teams.

Third, the financial practicality. Thomas carries a modest $3.99 million cap hit in 2026. For the Steelers, this is an incredibly cost-effective addition. Pittsburgh gains explosive upside without compromising cap flexibility needed for future quarterback moves.

Pittsburgh’s bigger picture

This isn’t just about acquiring another receiver but about redefining identity. A McCarthy-led offense thrives on spacing and vertical aggression. Thomas’ ability to threaten deep coverage opens intermediate lanes for Metcalf along with tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith. It also creates easier reads for whichever quarterback takes over in 2026.

In today’s AFC, you don’t win by grinding out 20-17 victories alone. You win by forcing defensive coordinators into impossible coverage decisions. Metcalf and Thomas together would do exactly that.

The Steelers are entering a new chapter. They have the cap space and draft capital. What they need now is conviction.

Brian Thomas Jr may not be the league’s hottest trade commodity. However, he represents a rare combination of youth, speed, and proven production potential. For a manageable price, Pittsburgh could secure a long-term vertical weapon who fits seamlessly into its evolving offensive blueprint. Right now, the Steelers just can’t afford caution.

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According to a filing in U.S. District Court, Tole’s attorneys claim a “preliminary investigation” indicates Sanchez may have had cocaine, fentanyl, marijuana, and alcohol in his system at the time of the incident. The complaint alleges that the substances contributed to his impairment and to what it describes as negligent and/or knowing conduct. The filing further states there is cause to believe one or more of the substances may have been consumed at an establishment owned by Huse Culinary Inc., though no evidence was presented to substantiate those claims. Tole’s legal team is seeking discovery to determine the extent of Sanchez’s alleged intoxication and whether any parties had prior knowledge of additional intoxicant use.

The confrontation occurred at a downtown Indianapolis hotel loading dock. Police documents state Sanchez smelled of alcohol at the scene. Tole alleges that Sanchez entered his truck without permission, blocked him, and shoved him. Tole responded by deploying pepper spray and, when Sanchez continued advancing, used a knife. Both men were hospitalized. Sanchez sustained multiple stab wounds to his upper right torso, while Tole suffered injuries that included a deep facial laceration.

Sanchez, 39, was in Indianapolis to provide broadcast coverage for Fox Sports ahead of a Colts game the following day. After being released from the hospital, he was briefly jailed. He has been charged with felony battery involving serious bodily injury, unauthorized motor vehicle entry, public intoxication, and endangering others, along with several misdemeanors. His trial, originally set for December, was postponed at the request of his defense team, with a jury trial now scheduled for March 12, 2026, and a final pretrial hearing set for March 3. Tole has not been charged and maintains he acted in self-defense while also pursuing unspecified damages against Sanchez and Fox Sports.

Andrew M. McNeil, Sanchez’s attorney, has dismissed the drug allegations as unsupported, stating that claims in a civil filing are not evidence and that the facts will be determined at trial. Fox Sports confirmed in early November 2025 that Sanchez was no longer employed by the network.

Sanchez was the fifth overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft after leading USC to a 12-1 record and a Rose Bowl victory. During a 10-season NFL career, he led the New York Jets to consecutive AFC Championship Game appearances in his first two seasons and later played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, and Washington Redskins before retiring after the 2018 season.

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New general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan cannot tiptoe into 2026. He needs a swing. And that swing may come in the form of a former No. 1 overall pick looking for his own fresh start: Kyler Murray.

2025 ended an era

The Dolphins’ 2025 campaign unfolded as a turbulent year of two halves. Miami cratered to a disastrous 1-6 start, plagued by offensive stagnation. They also saw a noticeable regression from Tua Tagovailoa, who threw a career-high 15 interceptions. The once-rhythm-based passing attack lost its timing. Their explosive identity that defined the previous era began to fade.

A mid-season surge briefly restored hope. Powered by De’Von Achane, Miami rattled off five wins in six games to re-enter the playoff conversation. However, a decisive Week 15 loss to the Steelers extinguished that optimism. The fallout was swift. Owner Stephen Ross parted ways with longtime GM Chris Grier and later head coach Mike McDaniel. Tagovailoa’s late-season benching in favor of Quinn Ewers effectively closed the book on his tenure as the franchise centerpiece. The 7-10 finish wasn’t just disappointing. It felt transformational.

Purgatory and cap complications

Entering the 2026 offseason, Miami’s biggest problem is all about structure. The Dolphins are locked in QB purgatory. Tagovailoa’s 2024 extension looms heavily over the books. His $54 million salary for 2026 is fully guaranteed. Releasing him outright would trigger a staggering $99.2 million dead cap hit. The team is already projected to sit nearly $4 million over the limit. Simply put, there is no clean exit. And yet, there is leverage.

Sullivan holds the No. 11 overall pick and five selections inside the top 100. That means Miami has draft ammunition. It just needs a dancing partner. With a new regime led by head coach Jeff Hafley, the Dolphins need a dynamic, dual-threat quarterback to modernize the offense. That’s where Murray enters the conversation.

Kyler Murray’s lost season

Murray’s 2025 season was defined more by absence than production. A lingering foot injury suffered in Week 5 against Tennessee derailed his year. Before landing on injured reserve, he threw for 962 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions across five starts. He struggled to find rhythm within an unstable offensive environment.

Murray’s recovery plateaued, and he was shut down in early December. Arizona then limped to a 3-14 finish. Reports of a communication breakdown between Murray and the front office only intensified speculation that a divorce was inevitable. Yes, his contract remains daunting. That said, so does the talent. Murray is still squarely in his physical prime. The question isn’t whether he can play but whether the right ecosystem can unlock him again.

Perfect trade framework

For Miami to land Murray, it must outmaneuver teams like the Jets or Vikings without sacrificing its long-term flexibility. The proposal needs to solve quarterback uncertainty and financial suffocation.

The structure looks like this:

• Miami receives Kyler Murray and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
• Arizona receives a 2026 first-round pick, a 2027 third-round pick, and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, with Arizona absorbing a negotiated portion of the salary.

This is not a blockbuster fueled by ego. It’s a calculated reset for both franchises.

Why Miami pulls the trigger

First, the mobility factor. For years, Miami’s offense depended on timing and precision within a confined pocket. When that structure cracked, so did the unit. Murray provides second-reaction creativity. He extends plays and threatens edges. His improvisational ability pairs seamlessly with Jaylen Waddle’s burst and the vertical stress Miami’s system is built around.

Second, this is a buy-low opportunity. Murray’s trade value is depressed after a foot injury and concerns about diminished explosiveness. If Miami’s medical staff believes he can regain most of his pre-injury mobility, the upside dwarfs the risk.

Third, this is a contractual reset disguised as a gamble. Murray’s deal is expensive, but it is flexible. Miami can restructure his cap number. That would smooth out the hit while effectively replacing Tagovailoa’s $54 million guarantee with a quarterback who brings a higher ceiling. It’s not about redirecting cost.

Why Arizona listens

The motivation is clarity. Moving Murray before June 1 creates over $35 million in cap space. It allows Arizona to draft a quarterback at No. 3 without vestiges of the previous regime lingering in the locker room. They regain draft capital and acquire Tagovailoa as a bridge or mentor option.

Again, Tua’s inclusion is the financial lubricant that makes the trade equitable. Arizona gains a capable veteran presence without committing long-term. Miami sheds a massive guarantee while accepting risk in Murray’s deal. It’s as practical as deals come.

Gamble worth taking

There are no safe quarterback solutions in the NFL. Drafting at No. 11 guarantees nothing. However, standing pat guarantees stagnation. Murray is far from a flawless prospect. His durability will be scrutinized. His fit in a new market will be debated. That said, Miami cannot rebuild its identity around caution.

This franchise once chased speed to redefine itself. Now it must chase adaptability to survive. If the Dolphins believe Murray’s best football remains ahead of him, this is the bold, uncomfortable move that defines a new era. In a 2026 season that will undoubtedly demand aggression, bold may be the only option left.

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Minnesota has a championship-caliber defense under Brian Flores and the best wide receiver in football in Jefferson. What it does not have is quarterback certainty. In today’s NFL, certainty is everything. If the Vikings are serious about maximizing this window, they should make the boldest call of the offseason, and that call goes to Arizona.

2025 left Minnesota at a crossroads

The Vikings’ 2025 season unfolded as a tale of two halves. A brutal 4-8 start, fueled by a quarterback carousel and an identity-less offense, left the fan base restless. JJ McCarthy’s professional debut generated intrigue but also inconsistency. Across 10 starts, he threw 11 touchdowns against 12 interceptions. McCarthy flashed elite traits while battling minor injuries and uneven decision-making.

Minnesota rallied late, finishing 9-8. However, the surge wasn’t enough to secure a playoff berth. It marked the second consecutive year watching January football from home. Meanwhile, Brian Flores’ defense remained among the league’s most disruptive units. It often carried the team through tight contests. The mid-season dismissal of General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah signaled that ownership wanted urgency, not patience. Now, the 2026 offseason is clearly about a new direction.

QB dilemma and cap crunch

That direction is complicated by finances. Minnesota enters the offseason roughly $45.5 million over the cap limit. That’s the second-highest deficit in the NFL. Restructures and cap casualties are inevitable. Veterans will be moved. Contracts will be massaged. The central question, though, remains under center.

McCarthy is still viewed as the long-term answer in theory. Yet, his uneven 2025 has left the door open. The Vikings cannot afford to waste Jefferson’s prime waiting for development that may or may not arrive. With the No. 18 overall pick and a nearly full allotment of early-round selections, Minnesota possesses the assets to pivot. If they want a proven upgrade, the Vikings have the ammunition to make it happen.

Kyler Murray’s lost 2025

Kyler Murray’s 2025 season in Arizona was more notable for its absence than its impact. A lingering foot injury sustained in Week 5 against Tennessee effectively derailed his campaign. Before landing on injured reserve in November, Murray managed 962 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions in five starts. He struggled to find rhythm in an unstable offense.

He was ultimately shut down in early December, missing 12 games as the Cardinals spiraled to 3-14. Reports of a communication breakdown between Murray and the front office only intensified speculation about a split. His contract looms large, but so does the talent. Murray remains a Pro Bowl-caliber playmaker when healthy, capable of transforming an offense overnight. For him, a change of scenery can reset everything.

The trade offer

Murray’s value isn’t defined by multiple first-round picks. His contract changes the calculus. For Arizona, this is about cap relief and cultural reset. For Minnesota, it’s about maximizing an existing core.

The cleanest structure looks like this:

• The Vikings receive Kyler Murray and a 2027 fourth-round pick.
• The Cardinals receive Minnesota’s 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 third-round pick, and quarterback JJ McCarthy.

This framework balances risk and reward for both sides without mortgaging Minnesota’s future.

Why Arizona says yes

For Arizona, the financial relief is immediate and substantial. Trading Murray before June 1 frees roughly $34.7 million in 2026 cap space. It also removes the long-term commitment attached to his contract. This allows the Cardinals to pivot cleanly under their current regime.

In return, they acquire a young quarterback with upside and at a manageable cost. McCarthy could compete with a bridge veteran such as Jacoby Brissett or serve as depth behind their No. 3 overall selection. Add in additional draft capital, and Arizona regains flexibility in a rebuild that stalled in 2025. It’s not about recouping every ounce of talent but about resetting the books.

Why Minnesota says yes

For the Vikings, timing is key here. They keep their 2026 first-round pick, preserving the ability to reinforce the secondary or defensive line. They effectively swap a developing quarterback for a proven Pro Bowler without surrendering premium first-round assets.

Murray’s mobility and arm talent immediately elevate the offense. Pairing him with Jefferson creates a dynamic that forces defensive coordinators to rethink coverage structures. His ability to extend plays outside the pocket complements Jefferson’s route-running mastery. This also gives Minnesota an explosive element it lacked consistently in 2025.

The cap hit is heavy, but restructures can soften the blow. Minnesota has shown creativity in managing contracts before. The investment aligns with a team ready to contend, not rebuild.

There are legitimate concerns, of course. Murray’s durability must be monitored. The Minnesota market will scrutinize every missed throw. Absorbing his cap number while already navigating a deficit requires surgical precision. Then again, hoping McCarthy takes a leap while Jefferson ages carries its own risk. The Vikings clearly don’t need a project. They need production.

Looking ahead

Minnesota stands at a crossroads. Stay patient with development and risk stagnation, or make a decisive move that redefines the timeline. Kyler Murray is not without flaws. His 2025 season was disappointing. His contract is intimidating, but his ceiling is undeniable.

The Vikings already made a bad call by letting veteran and now Super Bowl winner Sam Darnold walk. They cannot make another QB blunder by doubling down on McCarthy. Murray’s ceiling may be worth the gamble. If the Vikings believe their window is now, this is the swing that proves it.

The post Vikings’ perfect trade offer to Cardinals for Kyler Murray this offseason appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Holding premium draft capital in 2026 gives them options. However, drafting another quarterback at No. 2 overall would mean restarting the development clock yet again. For a regime that already felt the heat in Year One, patience is a luxury.

If the Jets want to make a franchise-altering move, they shouldn’t look to April. They should also look to Arizona.

2025 bottomed out

The 2025 campaign was a historic low for New York. In the first season under head coach Aaron Glenn and GM Darren Mougey, the Jets cratered to a 3-14 record. The offense was dysfunctional from Week 1. They cycled through Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor, and Brady Cook. None provided stability. The result was a league-worst passing attack where no receiver surpassed 400 yards. Breece Hall carried the offense to the franchise’s first 1,000-yard rushing season in a decade. However, he was often running into stacked boxes.

Defensively, things were even more alarming. The Jets became the first unit in NFL history to complete a season without recording a single interception. Mid-season fire sales sent Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams elsewhere, signaling a hard reset. A five-game losing streak to close the year extended the playoff drought to 15 seasons. The franchise now faces the blunt reality that incremental change just won’t cut it.

Quarterback desperation

The Jets enter the 2026 offseason with a clear mandate to fix the quarterback room immediately. Fields and Taylor are likely casualties of the reset. The three-headed experiment of 2025 failed spectacularly. Yet unlike previous years, New York has the flexibility to act boldly. The Jets boast $77 million in projected cap space. They also hold two top-16 selections in the 2026 Draft: No. 2 and No. 16 overall.

That rare combination of financial muscle and draft capital allows Mougey to either draft a quarterback or outbid the market for a proven one. That brings us to Kyler Murray.

Murray’s lost 2025 season

Murray’s 2025 campaign was defined by frustration and absence. A lingering foot injury suffered in Week 5 against Tennessee derailed his season. Before landing on injured reserve in November, Murray managed just 962 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions across five starts.

He struggled in an unstable offensive environment and was ultimately shut down in early December. He missed 12 games while Jacoby Brissett filled in. Arizona stumbled to a 3-14 record. Reports surfaced of a communication breakdown between Murray and the front office after the season ended. His massive contract and injury history complicate matters. That said, talent has never been the issue. As we saw with Seattle’s Sam Darnold, sometimes, a change of scenery resets everything.

Perfect offer

To pry Murray from Arizona, the Jets must leverage capital without mortgaging the rebuild.

The ideal structure looks like this:

• New York receives Kyler Murray and a 2026 fifth-round pick.
• Arizona receives the No. 16 overall pick (via Indianapolis), a 2026 second-rounder (via Dallas), and a 2027 conditional third-round pick.

This package gives Arizona meaningful draft ammunition while allowing New York to retain the No. 2 overall selection.

Why Jets make the move

First, instant credibility. Aaron Glenn cannot afford another 3-win season. Murray, when healthy, is a proven Pro Bowler. He can elevate an offense with his mobility and off-platform creativity. In a scheme tailored to movement and tempo, his skill set is dynamic.

Second, draft flexibility. By keeping the No. 2 pick, the Jets can still address the defensive collapse. Selecting a blue-chip edge rusher like Arvell Reese or Rueben Bain Jr would immediately inject life into a defense that failed to record an interception all season.

Third, contractual flexibility. Murray’s deal carries no guarantees beyond 2026. If the experiment falters, New York can pivot in 2027 with a far more manageable dead cap hit than what they’ve endured in recent years. It’s aggressive, but not reckless.

Why Cardinals listen

Arizona’s incentive is equally compelling. Moving Murray clears $35.3 million in cap space. It also grants GM Monti Ossenfort a clean slate. With the No. 3 overall pick already in hand, adding No. 16 and additional seconds gives the Cardinals enormous draft leverage. They could draft their next quarterback at No. 3 or even package assets to move up for Fernando Mendoza.

Trading Murray before March 15 also prevents his $19.5 million 2027 salary from becoming fully guaranteed. Financial flexibility is often the quiet driver of these deals.

Potential roadblocks

The financial optics in New York are complex. The Jets are still absorbing cap remnants from the Fields and Taylor era. Adding Murray’s projected $39.8 million 2026 cap hit is substantial. Still, with nearly $88 million in available space, they can absorb it without crippling the roster.

The larger question is fit. The New York media market is unforgiving. Murray has faced scrutiny over work ethic narratives in Arizona. Would the spotlight intensify those doubts or silence them? A fresh start, structured environment, and clear organizational alignment could be exactly what he needs.

Looking ahead

The Jets can draft another quarterback and hope he develops faster than the last three. Alteernatively, they can trade for a player who has already shown he can win at the NFL level.

Kyler Murray is not without risk, of course. Injuries linger. The contract is heavy. The personality fit will be debated endlessly in Manhattan. However, so is drafting a rookie and expecting instant salvation.

If the Jets want to accelerate the rebuild without sacrificing their defensive reset, this is the move that threads the needle. For once, New York holds the leverage. The question is whether they have the nerve to use it.

The post Jets’ perfect trade offer to Cardinals for Kyler Murray this offseason appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The initial reporting claimed that the soon-to-be 23-year-old defensive back’s name appeared in a court order, claiming he was allegedly involved in a robbery and kidnapping incident that took place on February 4 in Tampa, Florida, according to Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News. Allegations claim that Arnold, along with a Boakai Hilton, planned to kidnap and rob an individual as retaliation for thefts that happened at Arnold’s home in Largo, Florida.

“The allegations mentioning Arnold were included in a seven-page order from Hillsborough County Circuit Judge J. Logan Murphy that granted the state’s motion for a pretrial detention against Boakai Hilton, who is alleged to have planned the kidnapping and robberies during a car ride with Arnold in retaliation for a pair of thefts that occurred at Arnold’s rental home in Largo, Florida, a few days prior.”

Terrion Arnold’s attorney issued an official statement regarding the allegations. His attorney claims that the second-year NFL star was not involved with the alleged incident whatsoever, per Colton Pouncy of The Athletic.

Statement from Terrion Arnold's attorney: pic.twitter.com/gRwhllJ6as

— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) February 27, 2026

Arnold has not been charged or arrested for any crimes. The former first-round pick filed a police report with the Largo Police Department on February 3 that bags, guns, jewelry, a cellphone, and $100,000 were stolen from his home. The alleged incident connecting Terrion Arnold to planning a robbery and kidnapping is said to have taken place on February 4.

Terrion Arnold played eight games for the Lions this last season, as he missed about half of the campaign due to a shoulder and knee injury. He ended the season with 31 combined tackles (23 solo) and an interception.

The post Terrion Arnold’s attorney denies involvement in alleged robbery, kidnapping case appeared first on ClutchPoints.

pic.twitter.com/TITvJz4maF

— Maxx Crosby (@CrosbyMaxx) February 28, 2026

The perception with nearly two full months to go before the draft is that the Raiders may select Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza — although there are no guarantees that will happen. The outstanding signal caller led Indiana to it first college football national championship as well as an undefeated season.

Prior the draft, the Raiders will have business to take care of in free agency. The Raiders clearly need talent and there have been rumors that they will trade Maxx Crosby, their outstanding edge rusher.

Crosby had surgery on his left knee to clean up a meniscus injury that was sustained last year. Crosby posted a video recently that showed him moving around rather easily on his basketball court and even hitting a shot from the free-throw line. He did not display any limp or appear to be in any kind of pain, but he was not running at anything close to full speed.

Raiders general manager John Spytek was asked about Crosby because he has been the subject of trade rumors, and he said he thought the dynamic pass rusher would remain with the Raiders in the 2026 season.

“Maxx is an elite player,” Spytek said, per Saad Yousuf of The Athletic. “I’ve been very upfront from the start when I got here that we’re in the business of having really good players on the team, and we need a lot more of them. It’s hard to build a great team without elite players.”

The post Raiders’ Maxx Crosby shares crucial injury update amid trade rumors appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Slightly undersized at 6-foot-3, 241 pounds, Sadiq was labeled an athletic freak by Bruce Feldman, and if he made good on that assessment at the Combine, he would theoretically fly up draft boards as organizations look for the next great movable offensive chess piece. But if he faultered, or simply looked like an average athlete, he could go from a solid first-round pick to a player firmly destined to hear his name called in the 30s, be that by a Super Bowl team or at the top of the second round.

Fortunately for Oregon fans, Sadiq firmly fell in the former category, running a 4.39 40-yard-dash time that broke the all-time record at the NFL Combine.

Kenyon Sadiq had one of the best days ever by a TE at the Combine:

40-Yard Dash: 4.39 (best ever by a TE)
Vertical Jump: 43.5’’ (second-best ever by a TE)
Broad Jump: 11’1’’ (third-best ever by a TE)@Accenture | @oregonfootball pic.twitter.com/fxvABmsGrd

— NFL (@NFL) February 28, 2026

A key piece of the Oregon offense as they transitioned from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten, Bey saved his best college season for last in 2025, catching 51 balls for 560 yards and eight touchdowns, the latter of which led all FBS tight ends. Sadiq was a beast in the endzone, could line up in-line or in the slot, and even cemented himself as an NFL-caliber blocker, a key feature of his game that talent evaluators will look for when scouting his game.

Where will Sadiq come off the board in April? Well, after being mocked firmly in the 20s for much of the winter, it’s safe to assume Sadiq will be considered one of the big winners of the 2026 NFL Combine and will see his draft stock rise accordingly.

The post Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq breaks Combine record with blazing 4.39 40-yard dash appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Officially a 4.27 40 for Lorenzo Styles Jr. — the fastest by a safety since at least 2003 per @NFLPlus data. https://t.co/GN4v7VIH4h

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 27, 2026

Styles was the fastest of all the defensive backs who were timed at the Combine, and perhaps that will almost certainly give him an opportunity to be drafted at some point. His time broke the Ohio State record and was also the fastest for a safety at the Combine since 2003.

His time was faster than his brother, Sonny Styles, and he also ran better than OSU’s Arvel Reese. Both Sonny Styles and Reese are linebackers, and both were timed at 4.46 in the 40. Reese and Sonny Styles are both expected to be high first-round selections in the upcoming draft.

Lorenzo Styles hoping to improve his draft status

Lorenzo Styles does not have a high level of achievement during his college career. He played at Notre Dame before transferring to Ohio State.  Lorenzo Styles had 16 tackles and 4 passes defensed in 16 games during the 2024 national championship season. He had 30 tackles last year, 1.5 tackles for loss and 3 passes defensed.

He has high hopes that he can be productive at the NFL level.

“I definitely wanted to do more, but I feel like everything turned out the way it was supposed to be,” Styles said, per Dan Hope of ElevenWarriors.com. “Having the opportunity to go to Ohio State, I feel like it’s developed me and prepared me for the NFL. There’s going to be some hardships, so I had to go in and work my way up, do special teams. If the situation was different, I might have not done those things, so I think it’s prepared me to have a long NFL career and perform.”

The post Ohio State’s Lorenzo Styles Jr.’s 4.27 40-yard dash makes NFL Combine history not seen since 2003 appeared first on ClutchPoints.

When talking with Rotoworld Football, Love was asked about his preferred landing spot, because, based on the draft, you have an idea of where you will end up. He said he wants to play with the best quarterback. Then they did not say his name, but it was implied that they were talking about Patrick Mahomes.

“Yes, yes, I would be,” Love said in a Feb. 27 appearance on “The Rich Eisen Show” when asked about Kansas City even more. “Especially playing with Patrick Mahomes.”

It is worth noting that Jeremiyah Love also heaped a lot of praise on Mahomes and said, “It would be an honor” to play with Patrick Mahomes. He also said he thinks he is the best quarterback in the NFL, citing his three Super Bowl titles and two NFL MVP awards.

Mahomes is facing one of the toughest tests of his NFL career in 2026. The Chiefs had a 6-11 record, which was their first-ever losing season under Andy Reid. Patrick Mahomes also suffered a torn ACL in the Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers that eliminated Kansas City from postseason contention. Mahomes is trying to be ready for Week 1, but it might be difficult to pull off.

It is worth noting that Jeremiyah Love would be a great fit for the Chiefs, as Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt are both set to be free agents. This could be a big fit if it comes to it, but there is still a lot of time before the NFL Draft.

The post Jeremiyah Love’s combine comments will make Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes hyped appeared first on ClutchPoints.

According to On3’s Pete Nakos, Ole Miss co-defensive coordinator Patrick Toney is being eyed by the Atlanta Falcons for its new defensive pass game coordinator position. Toney did not call plays with the Rebels, and that might be a big reason why he is deciding to head to Atlanta.

Toney is entering his first season as Ole Miss’s defensive coordinator after being hired in early January, following three seasons as the Arizona Cardinals’ defensive backs coach from 2023 to 2025.

Before that, Toney spent the 2022 season as the co-DC and safeties coach at Florida under then-Gators head coach Billy Napier, after following him from Louisiana, where he served four years on the Ragin’ Cajuns’ defensive staff, the last two as coordinator. He also spent time at Southeastern Louisiana, Sam Houston State, and UTSA, where he worked directly under Golding.

If Toney decides to leave Ole Miss, the Rebels still have co-defensive coordinator and Ole Miss alum Bryan Brown, whose official title is head coach of the defense, leading the unit, so it will be interesting if they decide to hire another defensive coordinator or keep the defense all to Brown.

Brown held a similar role for the past two seasons under Golding, after previously serving as the associate head coach/defensive coordinator at Cincinnati in 2023 and at Louisville from 2019 to 2022.

The Atlanta Falcons are in the midst of a complete overhaul of their staff after deciding to make a coaching change and hire former Browns coach Kevin Stefanski. One part of the shakeup was surprising, with the dismissal of new defensive lines coach LaTroy Lewis two weeks after his hiring. Lewis was fired after learning he had been accused of rape during his time as a member of Michigan‘s football staff.

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Steele has been unemployed since the Cardinals fired Jonathan Gannon in January, making him a free agent. He came to terms with the Commanders on Friday, NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported.

Steele joined the Cardinals as part of Gannon’s inaugural staff, ahead of McBride’s second season. In his first year in Arizona, Steele helped McBride improve from 265 receiving yards as a rookie to 825 in year two, before fully breaking out with 1,146 receiving yards in 2024.

Steele will assume the position previously held by David Raih, who has been with the team since 2024 and was recently promoted to pass game coordinator.

Before signing with the Cardinals, Steele had stops as the tight ends coach of the Atlanta Falcons and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also previously served as an offensive line coach for the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions.

Steele now takes over the Commanders’ tight end room amid a transition phase. Though Washington has not yet given up on Zach Ertz, despite his ongoing ACL recovery, the team intends to sign another veteran in free agency to potentially pair with its 35-year-old captain.

Rising third-year Ben Sinnott and blocking specialist John Bates currently make up the team’s tight end group ahead of free agency. Neither Sinnott nor Bates has made much of an impact in the passing game thus far, though that could potentially change under Steele.

The post Commanders hire Trey McBride whisperer as TE coach appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Earlier today, the NFL released the numbers that are of major importance to many teams around the league.

For the 2026 franchise tag, also referred to as the nonexclusive rights franchise tag, players at each position will be paid the following, based on the average of the top-five salaries at the position:

• Quarterback: $43.895 million
• Running back: $14.293 million
• Wide receiver: $27.298 million
• Tight end: $15.045 million
• Offensive lineman: $25.773 million
• Defensive end: $24.434 million
• Defensive tackle: $27.127 million
• Linebacker: $26.865 million
• Cornerback: $21.161 million
• Safety: $20.149 million
• Kicker and punter: $6.649 million

As for the 2026 transition tag, which is based on the average of the top-10 salaries at the position, here are the figures:

• Quarterback: $37.833 million
• Running back: $11.323 million
• Wide receiver: $23.852 million
• Tight end: $12.687 million
• Offensive lineman: $23.392 million
• Defensive end: $21.512 million
• Defensive tackle: $22.521 million
• Linebacker: $21.925 million
• Cornerback: $18.119 million
• Safety: $16.012 million
• Kicker and punter: $6.005 million

This season’s official franchise and tender numbers: pic.twitter.com/hLti6XbLtn

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 27, 2026

The franchise and lesser-used transition tags are both one-year, fully guaranteed tenders that pay the players the above salaries, although the players can still decide to sign with opposing teams, who may have to compensate the player’s former team, which still retains the right to match. If a player is franchise tagged and they still sign with another team, the signing team has to give a pair of first-round draft picks to the player’s former team. As a result, the tag has proven extraordinarily strong in retaining talent on an annual basis.

However, the tag also often carries a negative connotation since it restricts players’ freedom of movement and does not provide long-term financial security despite the frequently career-high payday for the year. The tag also puts teams on an unofficial clock, as it typically indicates already unsuccessful contract negotiations and impending free agency for the player.

Regardless, it is an arrangement that players and teams have become accustomed to at this point. Teams can apply to tag players this offseason until March 3.

The post What will NFL franchise, transition tags cost teams in 2026? appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Packers have hired Cam Achord to be the new special teams coordinator, and he has Super Bowl experience.

“The Packers plan to hire Cam Achord as their special teams coordinator, per sources. Achord, 39, won Super Bowl LIII with the Patriots and most recently was the Giants’ assistant special teams coach. Now, he replaces Rich Bisaccia in Green Bay.”

Rich Bisaccia is a very good coach, and Achord will have big shoes to fill.

Achord began his coaching career with Southern Miss in 2010 as a graduate assistant. He has moved up a ton in 16 years. After Southern Miss, he became the Special teams coordinator, quarterbacks coach, running backs coach & tight ends coach for Southwest Mississippi State CC. After that, he moved up big time to the New England Patriots in 2018-19 as the assistant special teams coach and then became the coordinator from 2020-23.

Special teams is a big part of the success of a team. Having a great coach who understands the difference it can bring to a game is a big deal. Years back, the San Diego Chargers had the No. 1 offense and defense, but 32nd ranked special teams. They would miss the playoffs that year.

The Packers have a lot to consider in this free agency. ClutchPoints wrote on three Packers that must be released this free agency to save money in cap space.

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The alleged rape is said to have taken place in December of 2024, while Lewis was serving as a graduate assistant at Michigan. The victim claims she was beaten and then sexually assaulted at an Ann Arbor hotel, per Spiro. She then reportedly revealed the alleged crimes to then-Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore, who is currently dealing with his own shocking legal case. She had not contacted the police at this time.

Lewis allegedly committed physical abuse against her again in January 2025. Neighbors called authorities after hearing a disturbance from the woman’s apartment in Milford, Michigan. She told Spiro she did not disclose the abuse to the police out of fear for her safety. She reported the alleged rape in February of 2026 and filed a Personal Protection Order against LaTroy Lewis. The Falcons obviously feel they have enough information to terminate the former NFL linebacker’s employment.

Justin Spiro revealed a graphic and disturbing text that he says was sent from Lewis to the woman in November of 2024, which detailed sexual and physically abusive acts. He also claims that Moore sent a message to the alleged victim last November, urging her to engage in sexual activity with him. Per Spiro, the two also communicated in the lead-up and aftermath of Moore’s firing from Michigan (accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a staff member).

Despite everything that was reportedly brought to the now-ex HC’s attention, Sherrone Moore still endorsed LaTroy Lewis to Toledo before the 2025 college football season. The national championship-winning offensive coordinator may now have more questions to answer following Spiro’s social media posts.

But Lewis is at the center of this story. The Tennessee alum played two games for the Houston Texans in 2017 before eventually transitioning to coaching. He was Toledo’s DL coach for one season before agreeing to serve the same position at UConn. He then jumped to the Falcons when the opportunity presented itself.

LaTroy Lewis has now lost that job and could face serious legal punishment.

The post Falcons fire coach LaTroy Lewis amid rape allegation appeared first on ClutchPoints.

On Friday, the Cowboys revealed that Pickens was “fired up” after they informed him they were using the franchise tag on him, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic. The soon-to-be 25-year-old wide receiver is excited to remain in Dallas and continue playing for the organization.

“[Pickens] was fired up that he wasn’t going to be going anywhere,” said Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Stephen Jones on the ‘Rich Eisen Show.’ “He was very fired up about his future with us. We felt like he wanted to be in Dallas. He certainly said that to Jerry. Jerry just said he was on cloud nine that he was gonna be a Cowboy again.”

The Cowboys placed a non-exclusive tag on George Pickens this offseason. That allows the former second-round pick to negotiate with other teams in free agency. However, Dallas can choose to either match any offers made to Pickens or allow the star wideout to sign with that team.

If Jerry Jones and the Cowboys opt not to match the offer, then the team signing Pickens would have to give Dallas draft compensation equal to two first-round picks. The franchise tag gives the front office until July 15 to agree on a potential long-term deal with Pickens. If not, then the tag would pay Pickens $27.3 million for the 2026-27 campaign.

George Pickens had a breakout year in his first season with the Cowboys. He recorded career highs across the board in receptions (93), yards (1,429), and touchdowns (9). Pickens also played in all 17 games for the third time in his career.

The post Cowboys reveal George Pickens’ ‘fired up’ reaction to franchise tag appeared first on ClutchPoints.

While sitting down with Aditi Kinkhabwala of CBS Sports, the 22-year-old quarterback claimed that one team told him he should consider getting arrested. However, he also revealed that it was likely a joke, as that unnamed franchise wanted him to slip to a later pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

“It was, ‘Hey, maybe you should get arrested,” said Mendoza when revealing the most bizarre question he has received so far. “I was a little confused, but then it was like to slide [in the draft]. So, hopefully I don’t get arrested.”

The most bizarre question that Fernando Mendoza has been asked during his draft interviews

"It was: 'Hey, maybe you should get arrested.' I was a little confused, but then it was like to slide."

: @AKinkhabwala pic.twitter.com/33RaeHkaPT

— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) February 27, 2026

Fernando Mendoza would not name which team suggested he should be arrested. However, he did hint that the suggestion came from an organization he did not have a formal interview with. Additionally, it’s safe to say it wasn’t the Las Vegas Raiders, as the Raiders own the No. 1 pick overall and can select Mendoza if they want to.

The top prospect quarterback is coming off the best college football season of his career with Indiana. Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy while leading the Hoosiers to their first-ever college football championship. He ended the campaign with 3,535 passing yards and 41 touchdowns (led the nation) through the air while completing 72.0% of his pass attempts.

The post 1 team wants Fernando Mendoza to get arrested, per their NFL Combine questioning appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Evident by Dan Orlovsky’s claim that “Ty Simpson’s tape from Alabama, through the first eight games of the season, is significantly more impressive than Fernando Mendoza’s,” there are draft evaluators who rate Simpson very highly, possibly as the best quarterback coming out of college. And that seems to be what Simpson himself expects as he takes part in the NFL Combine.

“First off, I think I’m ready, I’m a franchise quarterback,” Simpson said, via ESPNs’ Jeff Legwold. “Alabama prepares you the most for the NFL … The Alabama locker room is as close to an NFL locker room as you can get.”

The combine very well could be a major boon to Simpson’s draft stock. That is, if he does well.

Unlike Mendoza, who plans to just meet with teams, Simpson will be throwing in front of NFL teams this weekend. This will be the first time that he will get an opportunity to show what he can do when healthy since the middle of the Crimson Tide’s season, when his play slipped as he battled through injuries. Over the final six games of the year, Simpson completed just 60.5% of his passes and threw 7 touchdowns and 4 interceptions, as compared to the first nine games, when he posted a 66.9% completion percentage, 23 total touchdowns, and one interception.

Currently, Simpson is almost unanimously projected to be the second quarterback taken off the board, behind Mendoza, when the draft rolls around in April. There are disagreements among the prognosticators, though, as to how long after Mendoza gets selected that Simpson will be.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., in his latest mock draft, slotted Simpson in at No. 21 to the Pittsburgh Steelers. CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson believes the New York Jets at No. 16 will be where Simpson gets taken, while his colleague, Blake Brockermeyer, has him going to the Los Angeles Rams with the 13th pick.

The NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah and Tankathon recently predicted Simpson will not be selected until Round 2, with the latter mocking him to the Arizona Cardinals at No. 34. Jeremiah, who did not make picks past the first round, prefaced his mock draft by saying, “I still have only one [quarterback] in my mock, but I think it’s fair to say the prospect with the most to gain leading up to the draft is Alabama QB Ty Simpson.”

Simpson and the other participating quarterbacks will go through their combine workouts on Saturday afternoon in Indianapolis.

The post Ty Simpson has franchise quarterback expectations ahead of NFL Draft thanks to Alabama appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Patriots finished one step short of a Super Bowl dream in 2025. And one reason is their lack of firepower at the receiver position. A guy like Thomas could change that overnight.

But what would it cost the Patriots?

While several people have suggested the Jaguars won’t entertain a trade, Thomas is the No. 1-ranked game-changer in terms of trade, according to ESPN.

Receivers haven’t drawn high pick value in recent years. But the George Pickens deal, where the Steelers got embarrassed by the Cowboys, will likely push trade demands higher. Therefore, the Patriots might have to give up a second-round pick. Maybe they could get a sixth-round pick in return. Or perhaps the Patriots could offer one of their sixth-round picks along with the second-rounder and get back a fifth.

But the benefit is getting Thomas.

“A first-round pick two years ago by the previous Jaguars administration, Thomas struggled enough throughout his second season that the team needed to trade for Jakobi Meyers at the deadline, then signed him to a long-term deal,” Dan Graziano wrote. “The Jaguars also got an impressive season out of Parker Washington. And while the new plan for Travis Hunter might be to focus on the cornerback position, Jacksonville still expects him to contribute something as a wide receiver.

“There has been no indication that trading Thomas is something the Jaguars are planning, but there are teams monitoring the situation in case the hyper-talented LSU product has fallen far enough down the Jacksonville depth chart that the front office would consider a move.”

And the Patriots are one of those teams.

Patriots could leap forward with WR Brian Thomas Jr.

The Patriots have a quarterback who could take advantage of Thomas’ downfield ability. Not only did Drake Maye turn into a legitimate MVP threat, but he also showed off some of the best deep-ball touch in the entire NFL.

And, truth be told, he didn’t have a player on the outside who could take advantage of that skill.

Thomas had a tremendous rookie season, but things didn’t fall into place in year two. However, Thomas expects that to change, according to ESPN.

“It was just adversity, [which] gives you a lot to grow from,” Thomas said. “I wouldn’t call it frustrating. I mean, it just gives you something to build off. You know what you’ve got to do and you know what you got to do to sustain [success].

“Just growing, getting better with the offense,” Thomas said. “It took a little time, but yeah, for sure, I definitely think [I hit a stride]. Just got more comfortable and just was able to go out there and play a little bit more.”

Thomas had to change his style of play a little when Jakobi Meyers arrived in the middle of the season. And his numbers didn’t reflect any kind of uptick in production. Thomas finished the season with just 48 catches for 707 yards a paltry two touchdowns.

Compared to a 1,282-yard rookie season with 10 touchdowns, Thomas fell off a cliff. And that’s a reason the Jaguars might deal him. And the Patriots would hope for the 2024 version, or at least a player getting close to those numbers. With Maye it might be possible.

Currently, the Patriots have Stefon Diggs. He’s still capable of good games, but he no longer fits the mold of a true WR1 at his age. Behind Diggs, there isn’t much. Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, and DeMario Douglas don’t strike fear into defensive coordinators.

The Patriots must do something to upgrade their wide receiver position. And because they are picking so late in the first round, it’s hard to see them landing a game-changer in the draft. Therefore, a trade seems to be the best path.

The post Patriots’ perfect Brian Thomas Jr. trade offer if Jaguars move on from former 1st-round pick appeared first on ClutchPoints.

“Just in: The NFL informed teams today that the 2026 salary cap will be $301.2 million per team, up $22 million from last year,” he wrote.

That means that after accounting for an additional $77.6 million in player benefits, total player spending will reach $378.8 million per club, pushing league-wide player costs well past the $10 billion threshold. This 2026 figure continues an astronomical upward trajectory as outside of the pandemic-affected 2021 season, the cap has risen every year.

The current limit is nearly $100 million higher than the $208.2 million cap established in 2022, and it nearly doubles the $177 million limit from 2018. The new league year, which officially opens the free agency signing period, will commence on March 11 at 1:00 p.m. PT.

Leading the financial charge into the new league year are the Tennessee Titans, who are projected to hold the most salary cap space in the NFL. The Las Vegas Raiders follow closely, boasting over $87 million in available funds to pair with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and 24 pending free agents.

The Los Angeles Chargers are also positioned for aggressive roster building, entering the offseason with approximately $79.5 million in cap space and 26 pending free agents. The New York Jets and Washington Commanders round out the top five most cap-rich franchises.

Conversely, several franchises face significant financial hurdles. The Dallas Cowboys currently carry the league’s heaviest burden, sitting more than $60 million over the cap. Hence, the change in salary cap undoubtedly means different things for different teams, which will also impact how teams go about their business post the NFL Combine.  For now of course, the league continues to show signs of its financial growth.

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The Broncos are officially placing a second-round tender of $5.8 million on defensive back Ja’Quan McMillian, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. McMillian is one of the team’s top players in the secondary. He came up big during the playoffs after ripping the ball out of Brandin Cooks’ hands to record an interception late in the 33-30 win over the Buffalo Bills.

“Broncos are placing the second-round tender ($5.8M) on CB Ja’Quan McMillian, per sources. One of Denver’s top ball disrupters, McMillian had four sacks, two interceptions and nine pass deflections in ‘25 – including a memorable snatch from Brandin Cooks to seal a playoff win.”

McMillian, who is 25 years old, is a restricted free agent this offseason. The Broncos’ placing a second-round tender of $5.8 million on him allows McMillian to still talk with other teams during free agency. If another organization offers him a contract, Denver will have the option to either match the offer or allow him to sign with that new team.

Because of the second-round tender, if a team does sign McMillian and the Broncos choose not to match the offer, then that team has to give up its second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and give it to Denver. That makes potentially signing McMillian in free agency a very costly acquisition for the other teams.

Ja’Quan McMillian initially joined the Broncos in 2022 as an undrafted free agent. He’s served as a consistent rotational option for Denver through his four years in the league, playing in 51 total games with 16 starts.

While he’s most known for his big interception against the Bills, McMillian has shown he can be a reliable asset in the secondary. He ended last season with 56 combined tackles (40 solo), four sacks, two forced fumbles, two interceptions, and an interception returned for a touchdown.

The post Broncos make final contract decision on key defender before free agency appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The 24-year-old quarterback said the injury occurred on his second practice of fall camp and stumped doctors all season. However, now that he is fully healthy, he believes he will impress scouts in the months leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft in April.

“My injury occurred on practice two of fall camp,” Nussmeier said, via Mike DeFabo of ‘The Athletic’. “How much did it affect me? I think it was pretty evident; I really wasn’t able to throw the football. I had a stabbing pain in my ab every time I went to go throw the football. We weren’t able to figure out exactly what it was; it was a frustrating deal. It wasn’t LSU’s fault, it wasn’t the doctor’s fault — they did a great job of taking care of me.

“It was just a rare deal, a thing we didn’t really figure out what it was until about two months ago. I had about nine days to prepare for the Senior Bowl and try to get right for that. I’ve made a lot of progress over the last month, so I’m feeling much more like myself, which has been exciting. Learning how to retrain myself, get rid of the bad habits I created, and just be able to throw the football like I know I can.”

LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier said his injury occurred Day 2 of fall camp:

“How much did it affect me? I think it was pretty evident.

“I really wasn’t able to throw the football. I had a stabbing pain in my ab every time I went to go throw the football.” pic.twitter.com/i6cLL9irMn

— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) February 27, 2026

Some viewed Nussmeier as a dark-horse first-round prospect after breaking out with 4,052 passing yards, 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 2024. He instead opted to return to Baton Rouge in 2025, but saw his numbers plummet to 1,927 passing yards, 12 touchdowns and five interceptions.

In what he deemed his first healthy game of the year, Nussmeier started for the American Team in the 2026 Senior Bowl. He completed five of his seven passes for 57 passing yards while punching in one rushing touchdown and a two-point conversion. Nussmeier was named the game’s MVP while leading his team to victory.

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One of the people he found inspiration from was Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, per
Courtney Cronin of ESPN. Essentially, Mendoza credited Williams for coming back from early-season losses at USC and for coming through in the big moments, especially in those one-score games.

“I believe a lot of that experience of failing, coming up so short has helped me in this new run with Indiana whenever we’ve gone behind, we dug ourselves in a hole with Penn State, with Oregon, with Iowa and be able to learn from those failures and make those successes and then be able to help my teammates.”

Mendoza was the catalyst behind a 73-yard drive that culminated in Indiana’s 27-24 win over Penn State in November.

Right now, Mendoza is waiting to see where he will end up in the 2026 NFL Draft. Many are predicting the Las Vegas Raiders will select him.

At USC, Williams came through in those last-minute situations. One of those came in 2022 against Notre Dame, in which he went 18-of-22 for 232 yards in a 38-27 win. A moment that led him to capture the Heisman Trophy.

That dynamic has carried over with the Chicago Bears. Last November, he rushed for 17 yards into the endzone that lifted the Bears over the New York Giants 24-20.

In December, he engineered the 16-point comeback against the Green Bay Packers, culminating in the 46-yard touchdown pass to DJ Moore. The Bears went on to win in OT 22-16.

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“The Giants will look to trade Dexter Lawrence,” Paul Schwartz said. “False. Ridiculous. Not true. They are not in the business of giving away their best players, or their better players, when they have no one to replace them with. John Harbaugh has no interest in trading him, they are not going to trade him, and that’s all there is to it.”

Giants DT Dexter Lawrence staying put

New head coach John Harbaugh said Lawrence means a lot to the defense, according to a post on X by Art Stapleton.

“John Harbaugh adamantly expresses desire for Dexter Lawrence to remain a Giant: “How important is he? Really important. He’s super, super important. He’s a cornerstone football player. Not really a cornerstone. He’s more like the middle stone. He’s right in the middle. He’s a very big stone, you know, and he’s a very active, athletic stone.”

The Giants’ general manager said the rumors aren’t coming from within the organization, according to giantswire.com.

“I don’t know where this Dex stuff is coming from,” Joe Schoen said this week at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

Lawrence is still only 28 years old. And he made three straight Pro Bowl appearances before a less-than-effective year in 2025.

The biggest drop came in sacks. Lawrence totaled a career-high nine sacks in 2024, but managed only half a sack in 2025. And he played five fewer games in 2024, totaling just 12 compared to all 17 in 2025.

His eight quarterback hits marked the lowest of his career. Lawrence had four tackles for loss, the lowest total since his rookie season in 2019. And, as one might expect considering the other numbers, his 31 total tackles were a career low.

Those are some ugly numbers. They are bad enough to make it understandable why people would think the Giants might move on from Lawrence.

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NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero discussed the situation on The Rich Eisen Show, outlining why both quarterbacks could make sense in Minnesota.

“The ones that make sense to me, would be Kyler Murray coming in. He’s played a ton. He has not played in this offense. So, you get an opportunity to learn from Kevin O’Connell and we know he’s got play making ability. He’s fully healthy now. Geno Smith would also make some sense as a compete guy because again you can at some point you can turn it over. Even if those guys are your starters out of the gate and they outplay JJ McCarthy, at some point you can turn it over.”

Pelissero dismissed the possibility of reunions with Kirk Cousins or a pursuit of Aaron Rodgers, noting that such moves would complicate McCarthy’s developmental trajectory.

Minnesota’s quarterback outlook shifted quickly over the past two seasons. After Sam Darnold led the Vikings to a 14-3 record in 2024, the franchise opted to move forward with McCarthy rather than re-sign Darnold, who later won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks. Minnesota regressed to 9-8 in 2025 and missed the playoffs.

J.J. McCarthy, Kyler Murray, Geno Smith frame Vikings’ QB decision

McCarthy, 23, threw for 1,632 yards in 10 games, completing 57.6% of his passes with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He posted a 72.6 passer rating and a 35.6 QBR while adding 181 rushing yards and four touchdowns, along with three fumbles.

Murray, 28, appeared in just five games for the Arizona Cardinals before a season-ending foot injury. He threw for 962 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions on a 68.3% completion rate, compiling an 88.6 passer rating. Murray also rushed for 173 yards and a touchdown. Arizona finished 3-14 after closing the season with Jacoby Brissett under center.

Smith, 35, completed 67.4% of his passes for 3,025 yards with 19 touchdowns and 17 interceptions for the Las Vegas Raiders. He posted an 84.7 passer rating and a 34.1 QBR across 15 games while adding 109 rushing yards. Las Vegas also finished 3-14.

Whether Minnesota ultimately adds a veteran remains uncertain, but the organization appears positioned to evaluate competition as it determines McCarthy’s long-term viability.

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Was last year’s impressive jump from nowhere to the Super Bowl a fluke? Will the Patriots go the way of the 2025 Washington Commanders in 2026? Or is this the start of another great run for the franchise?

To get things going in the latter direction, the Patriots need to get more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Patriots considering edge rusher Trey Hendrickson

The Patriots believe edge rusher is the team’s biggest need for the 2026 season, according to masslive.com.

“Although the team would like K’Lavon Chaisson back, it’s not a guarantee he’ll return to New England, as it’s expected he’ll have a robust free agent market,” Mark Daniels and Karen Guregian wrote. “As one league source said, “Chaisson’s looking to get paid.

“Whether or not that’s with the Patriots remains to be seen. Add in Harold Landry’s age and injury history, and the team is looking to reload the depth chart.”

And Hendrickson would be the apple of the Patriots’ eye.

“For the right price, the Patriots could also be in the market for Hendrickson,” Daniels and Guregian wrote. “He would give the Patriots a prolific pass rusher.”

Of course, Hendrickson may not even be available. There’s still a chance he remains with the Bengals, according to NFL.com.

“I never will rule out any possibility,” Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin said. “He’s a good football player. So, is there a chance he’ll be with us? We’re in the business of good football players, so I can’t rule it out. But I don’t know what the future holds.”

However, a franchise tag seems unlikely.

“And in terms of the tag, we’re still moving through that,” Tobin said. “I don’t have a definite answer there. We have resources, and how we deploy them are things that will come out.”

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New England will need to come to a resolution with Stefon Diggs over his bloated contract. But whether he stays or not, the Patriots have their eyes on another receiver. The franchise has interest in acquiring AJ Brown in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, potentially pairing him with Diggs, via Mark Daniels and Karen Guregian of MassLive.

“There’s internal interest in trading for A.J. Brown, and it’s not just dependent on Diggs,” the MassLive insiders wrote. “According to our sources, there’s a scenario where the Patriots could have both receivers on the roster. In the event Diggs is willing to restructure his contract, the team sees an avenue to pair him with Brown.”

The Patriots could save up to $20 million with a release of Diggs. He is set to count for nearly $27 million against the cap in 2026. Still, Diggs was New England’s best receiver in 2025. He led the team with 85 receptions and 1,013 yards, adding four touchdowns.

If the Patriots were to move on from Diggs, they’d need a WR1 replacement. That’s where Brown comes in. There has been a clear disconnect between franchise and player. If the Eagles get a strong offer, they’d at least have to consider a deal. Their drama won’t affect his trade capital though, as Brown caught 78 passes for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns in 2025.

It would take some cap maneuvering, but there’s a chance New England won’t have to pick one or the other. There is a realm where both Diggs and Brown are wearing Patriots gear in 2025. Numerous pieces have to fall into place for that reality to come to fruition. But it’s one Patriots fans can’t ignore.

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“The Dallas Cowboys will place the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens today to secure his rights at least through 2026, according to sources. Fixed to adding today,” Archer wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Stephen Jones let it be known earlier in the week that they’d be franchise tagging Pickens.

“We think the world of him. We want him here,” Jones said via Judy Battista of NFL.com.

It’s no surprise that the Cowboys have made this decision, but the next question is, when will they offer Pickens a long-term contract? Over the past few years, they’ve taken their time when it comes to paying their top players, such as CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott. On the other hand, they’ve shown that they won’t pay up, and they’ll trade their top player, like they did with Micah Parsons this past season.

The Cowboys traded for Pickens last offseason, and it turned out to be a great move when looking at what they were able to do on offense. Dak Prescott had another top option to pass the ball to, and when Lamb was injured, Pickens stepped up in his absence and made some big plays.

There’s no doubt that he’s worthy of a long-term contract, but at this point, it’s uncertain to know what the Cowboys will plan on doing.

Placing the franchise tag on him shows the Cowboys do value him and want to keep him around, but if he plays on it next season and has a better year than last, they’re going to have to pay up even more.

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The Panthers recently allowed the 30-year-old Robinson to seek a trade, Joseph Person of ‘The Athletic’ reported. Robinson could potentially be released if the team cannot orchestrate a trade, as removing him from the roster would save $10.5 million in cap space, according to Person.

“The Carolina Panthers have given the agent for defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson permission to seek a trade,” Person wrote. “The development was expected: The Athletic reported last week that Robinson was a likely trade candidate as the Panthers seek to create more cap space. Trading or cutting the veteran would create $10.5 million in cap room, with $2.06 million in dead money.

“Robinson, who turns 31 next month, has been productive in his two seasons in Carolina. He tied for the team lead in sacks (5.5) in 2024 and finished among the top 10 among defensive linemen in run stops last season.”

Although Robinson has been one of Carolina’s defensive leaders, the front-line rotation got crowded in 2025 after the team added Tershawn Wharton to a massive three-year, $54 million deal.

Robinson is coming off the two best seasons of his career with the Panthers. His 80 tackles and 5.5 sacks in 2024 were both career-high marks, despite them coming in his ninth year in the league.

Durability has been key for Robinson, who has been one of the NFL’s most reliable interior defenders. He has missed just one game in two years with the Panthers and has played at least 16 games in four of the last five seasons.

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Top 2026 WR prospect Carnell Tate is making his pitch to come to New York. He too has pictured what it’d be like playing with Nabers. Tate has now made it clear to the Giants what he brings to the table, via Art Stapleton of USA Today.

“Me, no question,” Tate said when asked who is the best receiver in the class. “If you want a game changer, you got one right here.”

“If you want a game changer, you got one right here.”

Carnell Tate has met with the Giants – no surprise – and said he’d love to play with Malik Nabers and in New York.

New Jersey, too.

Who’s the best WR in this class?

Tate: “Me, no question.” pic.twitter.com/owDxfOSFOD

— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) February 27, 2026

Holding the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Giants will have am opportunity to land one of the premier players in the class. Having already met with Tate, they clearly hold him in that regard. New York is sure to have their eyes on all of the top receivers in 2026. But when their pick is turned it, Tate may be the one who rises to the top.

He spent three years at Ohio State, appearing in 39 games. Tate caught 121 passes for 1,872 yards and 14 touchdowns. He won a national championship with the Buckeyes in 2024 before setting new career-highs with 875 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025.

New head coach John Harbaugh is looking to get the Giants back on track. With Dart in place, he at least has a quarterback to build around. Who he opts to have around him will help determine the QB’s success. A wide receiver room of Nabers and Tate would certainly have Dart ready to take off.

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At the NFL Combine, the Raiders and Mendoza had a formal meeting with each other, and from the sound of Mendoza, it went really well.

“It was a fantastic interview,” Mendoza said. “The coaching staff was in there, we went over some of my previous plays, drew some plays on the board. I thought it was a great meeting. I know they have the No. 1 pick, but anything can happen in the draft. I’m just excited for the opportunity, and whatever team drafts me, I’m going to give them everything I got.”

Fernando Mendoza on potentially being drafted into a situation with #Raiders minority owner Tom Brady:

“I mean, who hasn’t admired Tom Brady. … He’s the greatest quarterback of all time by a wide margin.” pic.twitter.com/aoOWRa7n1V

— Levi Edwards (@theleviedwards) February 27, 2026

Mendoza was also able to say a few words to Tom Brady, who is a minority owner of the Raiders.

“I was able to say a brief ‘Hi’ to Brady on the phone, so that was very special for me, and I look forward to meeting him in person one day and learn from him,” Mendoza said.

There’s no doubt that Brady will have some say in who the Raiders draft, and if he really likes what Mendoza can do, he may just think he’s the pick. As for Mendoza, he’d love the opportunity to learn from one of the best quarterbacks that ever played.

“I mean, who hasn’t admired Tom Brady?” Mendoza said. “More Super Bowl rings than anybody. That opportunity would be fantastic. Tom Brady, I believe, is the greatest quarterback of all time by a wide margin, and having the opportunity to be mentored by him, it would mean so much.”

Mendoza would be going to the right franchise if the Raiders pick him, and he’ll be around a lot of offensive minds to help him.

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McVay joins Dan Quinn of the Washington Commanders as the only head coaches to get perfect marks. Aaron Glenn was awarded an A despite the New York Jets’ awful campaign, while Jim Harbaugh got slapped with a C+ after leading the Los Angeles Chargers and their injury-decimated offensive line to the playoffs, so people may not want to put too much stock in these assessments.

That being said, McVay’s body of work and offensive ingenuity obviously resonate deeply with the rest of the league. Although it can be unwise to pinpoint one play in a high-stakes football game, it is possible the 40-year-old was a muffed punt away from advancing to his third Super Bowl. He still has accomplished a ton in his career even without finishing the job last season.

Sean McVay has built the Rams into a champion/perennial force

McVay developed Jared Goff into a Pro Bowl quarterback and immediately breathed new life into the Rams’ offense after arriving in 2017. He led the franchise to the big game in his second season and ultimately reached the summit with Matthew Stafford at QB during the 2021-22 campaign.

The former Coach of the Year is 92-57 with LA, posting a losing record just once in the last nine seasons.

The Rams have made the playoffs in seven separate campaigns under McVay’s leadership, and on those occasions, they have won at least one playoff game five times. His squad is consistently a factor in the NFL postseason, and other players take notice of that fact.

Los Angeles led the league in points, total yards and passing yards during what was an MVP campaign for Stafford, and it also ranked 10th in points allowed in 2025-26. If Sean McVay can fix the Rams’ poor special teams unit, they could find themselves on the cusp of another championship.

But one ring is enough to earn him widespread recognition as a first-rate HC in the modern game.

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During televised linebacker drills, NFL Network flashed a Simulcam comparison between Styles’ workout and Hamilton’s 2022 metrics. The numbers were staggering: Styles, listed at 6-foot-5 and 244 pounds, blazed a 4.47-second 40-yard dash and exploded for a 43.5-inch vertical. That towered over Hamilton’s 4.59 and 38-inch marks at a lighter frame. Watching from home, Hamilton reposted the graphic on X with a self-aware caption: “I just got brutally framemogged.”

I just got brutally framemogged pic.twitter.com/ar4bhkyIJT

— Kyle Hamilton (@kyledhamilton_) February 27, 2026

The playful reaction only amplified Styles’ jaw-dropping showing. “Framemogging,” which is internet slang for being physically overshadowed, seemd to fit the moment. Styles not only measured bigger and heavier. He also tested faster and jumped higher, reinforcing why scouts are buzzing about his rare athletic ceiling.

Hamilton, however, has already proven the combine is only part of the story. In 2025, he earned his third straight Pro Bowl and second AP First-Team All-Pro nod. He tallied 105 tackles, nine pass breakups, and two forced fumbles while lining up everywhere from deep safety to edge rusher. His versatility helped anchor one of the league’s most complex defenses.

As for Styles, he enters the 2026 NFL Draft as a top-10 projection thanks to that unprecedented size-speed blend. At his size, Styles profiles as a three-level defender capable of matching tight ends in coverage and chasing plays sideline-to-sideline. Minor technical refinements aside, his potential has evaluators dreaming big.

For now, Hamilton remains the standard. After Thursday night, though, he may have some athletic company.

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Rumors are flying around that the Raiders will part ways with Crosby, just one season after signing him to a three-year extension worth $106.5 million, which made him one of the highest-paid non-quarterbacks in league history.

While the 28-year-old defensive end has largely remained mum about the rumors, Pelissero was confident on the “Rich Eisen Show” that a deal will happen in the next few days.

“I would say it is fair to assume that the Raiders are getting many calls about Maxx Crosby. We heard what John Spytek said in this room. (He) expects Maxx to be back. Great relationship, texting, and talking. We have not heard from Maxx Crosby since that session. Maxx has many ways on social media or on a podcast to potentially respond,” said Pelissero.

“But I would say the Raiders don’t need to make calls. They will get calls on Maxx Crosby. Is there a world where Max Crosby gets traded in the next seven to 10 days? I believe there is.”

The Dallas Cowboys, the Buffalo Bills, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are among the teams reportedly interested in trading for the two-time All-Pro.

Crosby is widely considered the heart and soul of the Raiders. He is well-beloved by fans because of his passion and intensity, while being a charismatic guy off the field.

For Las Vegas, it will be sad to see him go. But for Crosby, a fresh start could bode well for his career. Many believe that he is wasting his talent on the Raiders, who have been to the playoffs only once since moving to Sin City.

Last season, he logged 73 total tackles, including 45 solo tackles, and a career-best 28 tackles for loss.

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A good way for Buffalo to start fresh is via the NFL Draft. The team will pick No. 26 in the first round. While it is not an ideal spot, history has shown that late selections could be efficient game-changers.

On “The Pat McAfee Show,” Bills general manager Brandon Beane said they have been meticulous in interviewing prospects. He even revealed some examples of their questions.

“It’s been good. There’s been a good energy. We bring the position coach in as well. I kind of tee it off with them, just to kind of get them warmed up. Ask them a couple of things: Why did you come out early? Why did you transfer three times? You know the crazy world we’re in. Was it just money? Was it an opportunity or whatever it is?” said Beane.

Every team has a different process for the NFL Draft. For the Bills, Beane and coach Joe Brady are not leaving any stone unturned in grilling prospects.

“Sometimes, you’re even asking them about stuff. ‘Hey, I know you got suspended for a game,'” added Beane, who is in his 10th year with the Bills.

“We kind of know why they got suspended, a weed violation, or one of them is covering up a smoke detector in a hotel or something. Just to see what they own up to. Of course, we’ve run into four or five guys, they’re never going to smoke weed again.”

Talk about being blunt.

Brady, who was hired by Buffalo in February, is an offensive-minded coach. The Bills could look to find more weapons in the passing game for Allen.

Among the names being thrown around at No. 26 are Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston and Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper.

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Breaking down what makes elite defensive players so rare and difficult to replicate. Finding a couple for a roster is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“There are very few guys who have impacted the defensive end like Draymond Green in general in my 23 years in the NBA. His ability to communicate and put out fires is second to none. (Green) quarterbacks that entire defense. He’s as close to Lawrence Taylor as we’ve seen in the NBA,” Borrego began. “I mean, that guy from that outside linebacker position, Mike Singletary, I think I’d put those two guys, that’s what Draymond has done for their defense.”

Green’s value extends far beyond the stat sheet, something the Warriors regularly acknowledge when times get tough.

Word has gotten around, even without Draymond yelling about it.

“Steve Kerr has said this multiple times. Without (Green), there are no championships,” noted Borrego. “He brings a different edge with his ability to communicate and talk, his physicality, and the way he covers for his teammates.”

Borrego sees a kindred football spirit in his own locker room. Jones, the 2022-23 All-Defensive first-team selection known as the Not on Herb nightmare around the NBA, possesses a similar instinctual mastery.

“(The Pelicans) have a guy like that, too. I think Herb Jones has this ability, this innate ability,” Borrego admitted. “I don’t even know if you can teach it. I don’t know where Draymond got it from, and I don’t know where Herb got it from. It’s probably a combination of growing up and how they grew up in different sports.”

Having a Monsters of the Midway attitude on the field or court helps. Most are born with it. Any coach who claims to have the competitive recipe that ends up being a Draymond or a Herb is either rich already and guarding the near-priceless secret or scamming AAU parents.

“Maybe they had a coach along the way. Maybe it’s a little bit of just being cerebral, where they can see fires before they even start and go put them out. (Green’s) ability to cover for Steph and Klay, everything happening in actions, it’s hard to find those types of guys.”

When it comes to being in a class-above, Draymond has earned the one-name star status reserved for the truly elite.

Borrego knows from being around some NBA Hall of Famers for a while.

“I’ve been around a couple of great defenders in Bruce Bowen and Kawhi Leonard. Individually, one-on-one, they’re amazing. Draymond to me is different in that he’s more cerebral off the ball,” Borrego confessed. “He’s doing this quarterbacking off the ball and changing stuff on the fly. He’s audibling like football, you’re making audibles on the fly in the heat of battle. Most guys can’t do that. Herb Jones is probably the closest thing I’ve seen where he can go take a defense and just kind of make it his own. ”

For Jones, the football comp shifts from a disruptive outside linebacker to a classic middle linebacker. Any coach with eyeballs knows what to do with the stalking type with antcipates everything.

“Turn him loose. (Jones) is a really special, really special player. Herb’s the one that I would say from a defensive standpoint is that type of cerebral defender, the middle linebacker, the Brian Urlacher, those types of guys that instinctively can make plays. They have a feel for what’s about to happen, and they go handle it.”

Analogies were not limited to the second lines, though that is why New Orleans is famous. Dome Patrol or dancing past a parade, doesn’t matter. When discussing rim protection, Borrego turned to the trenches, using DeAndre Jordan as the prime example of a nose tackle controlling the line of scrimmage.

“I think DeAndre Jordan has been interesting,” Borrego continued. “I’m not sure where you would put him in there, but his ability to protect the rim, he’d be the nose tackle or the guy right in the middle of the floor, like at the line of scrimmage. (Jordan) is going to own the line of scrimmage. To me, that’s how the protection of the paint is put in football terms. Really own the line of scrimmage. You’re going to win the running game. Those small margins, like the running game, are really important there.”

As for Zion Williamson, much like every other talking head with a hot take, Borrego believes the forward’s rare blend of power and athleticism would translate easily to the football field.

“And then (Williamson). I’ll probably find (a football comp) for Zion, too. I don’t have one off the top of my head, but just his ability to make spontaneous, athletic, powerful plays at any time. Zion belongs on the football field, too. I mean, he could go do that, you know, really as a defensive end.”

The Pelicans do not need any more injury setbacks, so do not expect Zion to be suiting up with the Saints this summer. Football during the downtime is all fun and games until someone gets hurt.

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Fernando Mendoza, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, is the presumed choice. The real question, though, isn’t whether Mendoza is good. It’s whether he’s good enough to ignore everything else.

2025 changed nothing

The Raiders’ 2025 campaign felt painfully familiar: new names, same results. It saw the arrival of head coach Pete Carroll and a trade for veteran quarterback Geno Smith. Despite those, Las Vegas stumbled to a 3-14 finish, last in the AFC West. The offense ranked dead last in scoring at 14.2 points per game. Smith turned the ball over at an alarming rate, often running for his life behind a patchwork offensive line.

There were minor positives, of course. Rookie running back Ashton Jeanty nearly reached 1,000 rushing yards. He offered a glimpse of future stability. The season ended with a 14-12 home upset of the Kansas City Chiefs. It was an emotional win that did little to mask the broader dysfunction.

Carroll was dismissed immediately after the finale. John Spytek and the front office now stand at a crossroads, armed with the No. 1 pick and a franchise desperate for relevance.

Needs beyond quarterback

Yes, quarterback is the most visible vacancy. However, it is far from the only one. The Raiders’ performance in 2025 exposed systemic failures across the roster. The offensive line ranked last in rushing yards per game. They also struggled to create push in short-yardage situations. On the perimeter, the receiver room lacks vertical speed to complement Brock Bowers. Defensively, trade rumors around Maxx Crosby raise questions about the edge position. Meanwhile, the secondary was repeatedly exposed by elite AFC West passing attacks.

Whether Las Vegas keeps the pick or trades down, premium talent in the trenches and in the secondary is essential. After all, a quarterback cannot thrive behind a collapsing pocket and without explosive targets.

Mendoza vs. the haul

Fernando Mendoza is the obvious headline. The Indiana product won the Heisman and dazzled as a pinpoint passer. His rhythm-based accuracy fits Klint Kubiak’s system. The kid’s poise under pressure has won over many evaluators. That said, skepticism lingers.

Some scouts have compared him to “a faster Jared Goff with a slightly weaker arm.” That basically means he’s good — just not transformational. The central question is whether Mendoza projects as elite or merely good.

The gap between Mendoza and the next tier of quarterbacks, including players like Ty Simpson of Alabama or Dante Moore, is not universally viewed as massive inside league circles. If that’s true, the Raiders could be better served leveraging desperation elsewhere rather than betting everything on one arm.

With that, here are a few hypotheticals to consider, under varying degrees of practicality.

“Aaron Glenn desperation” deal

The New York Jets sit at No. 2. They are desperate for stability after years of quarterback chaos. If Aaron Glenn’s organization views Mendoza as the savior, Las Vegas holds leverage. A trade could see the Raiders move down just one spot. Las Vegas could theoretically receive the No. 2 overall, a 2026 second-rounder, and a 2027 first-round pick. That would be a calculated heist.

Vegas still selects a blue-chip player in this scenario. Perhaps they can select edge rusher David Bailey or offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa. At the same time, they’d acquire future capital to rebuild the rest of the roster. If the Raiders believe Mendoza is only marginally better than Simpson or Moore, moving down one spot while gaining premium picks is strategic malpractice avoidance.

“Bridge to the future” swap

Minnesota looms as another suitor. Rumors suggest the Vikings see themselves as a quarterback away from contention. A hypothetical deal could send JJ McCarthy, two future first-round picks, and a starting-caliber wide receiver to Las Vegas in exchange for the No. 1 pick.

This move provides a 23-year-old quarterback with measured competence and something to play for. McCarthy would serve as a bridge without the steep developmental curve of a rookie. In addition, more draft capital fortifies a defense that ranked among the league’s worst in 2025. For a front office that must show incremental progress quickly, that stability carries a ton of appeal.

Crosby-anchored blockbuster

The prior two options are big moves. They would turn heads. This one, though, is the nuclear option.

Maxx Crosby’s name has circulated in trade speculation. If the Raiders truly embrace a scorched-earth rebuild, they could package the No. 1 pick and Crosby to a contender for a historic haul of four or more first-rounders across multiple years.

This approach leans fully into financial flexibility. Las Vegas currently boasts the second-most cap space in the league. By stockpiling picks and clearing elite contracts, the Raiders could eventually construct a roster so deep and talented that quarterback becomes less burdensome.

It’s radical and risky. The Raiders would bet on their front office making the most of such a major haul. That said, it also aligns with a long-term rebuild rather than a quick fix.

Looking ahead

Quarterbacks define eras, but rosters win divisions. Fernando Mendoza may very well become a franchise quarterback. He may validate the hype and stabilize Las Vegas for a decade. Still, if the Raiders’ evaluators believe the gap between him and the next tier isn’t seismic, the smarter move may be to monetize desperation.

Trading down one spot while collecting a future first. Acquiring a young bridge quarterback and draft ammunition. Or detonating the entire timeline for a mountain of picks. Those are the only trades worth considering.

Because in a scenario where the Raiders are wrong about Mendoza, they lose more than a draft pick. They lose another era.

The post The only No. 1 pick trades Raiders should consider instead of taking Fernando Mendoza appeared first on ClutchPoints.

It also feels like there are more and more great wide receiver prospects coming into the draft each year. Just last year, Tetairoa McMillan and Emeka Egbuka both came in and made an impact in the NFC South right away.

This draft class is no different. Ohio State’s Carnell Tate has a chance to be a top 10 pick, and Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson could join him if his medicals check out at the NFL Combine. Beyond those two, Washington’s Denzel Boston and USC’s Makai Lemon also have a chance to get into the first round after stellar seasons out west.

Lemon won the Biletnikoff Award this season as the most outstanding wide receiver in college football, leading the way for an explosive USC passing game that got the Trojans to nine wins. In 12 games, Lemon caught 79 balls for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns.

There is an argument to be made that Lemon might be the most pro-ready of all the wide receiver prospects due to his ability to play anywhere on the field, get separation and win at the catch point. Where are some spots that can get the best out of him as a rookie and beyond?

Pittsburgh Steelers

It’s looking more and more like the Steelers will have Aaron Rodgers back at quarterback, especially after they brought in Mike McCarthy as their new head coach to replace Mike Tomlin. That likely means more of the same in terms of what the offense is going to look like: a lot of iso routes and slot fades, where Rodgers is going to need guys who can win down the field and make tough catches.

Lemon would be a great complement to Metcalf as someone that can play in the slot and separate against man coverage. Rodgers would love Lemon’s ability to separate and make plays down the field, which is something that Lincoln Riley and Jayden Maiava also relied on over the last few seasons.

Lemon is the kind of instant-impact receiver that could get this Steelers offense from a below-average unit to an above-average one, which could be the difference in what is expected to be a very tight AFC North race.

Baltimore Ravens

Elsewhere in the division, the Ravens have been looking for more pass-catchers for most of the Lamar Jackson era. Isaiah Likely is probably out the door, and Zay Flowers can only carry the load in the receiver room for so long.

Jackson has needed a ball-winner that he can trust on the outside for a long time, and Lemon brings a versatile version of that kind of player. He and Flowers would be essentially interchangeable in the slot and on the outside, and new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle would be able to use Lemon in a lot of creative and different ways.

Baltimore could use its first-round pick, which is higher than usual at No. 14, on an offensive lineman or to find more help on the defensive front seven, but it’s hard not to imagine what the addition of a plug-and-play wideout like Lemon would do for an offense that already has plenty of firepower.

New Orleans Saints

The Saints were also mentioned as a potential landing spot for Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, as it’s no secret that New Orleans needs to surround Tyler Shough with some weapons this offseason. Outside of the resurgent Chris Olave, everyone else around Shough at the skill positions is replaceable at this point.

That could mean a possible trade back in the first round for Lemon, who would be exactly the kind of security blanket that a young quarterback like Shough would love to have. Kellen Moore knows exactly how to handle a star receiver duo from his time with the Philadelphia Eagles with AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith, and he would certainly make it work with Olave and Lemon.

Again, No. 8 might be too early to take someone like Lemon, who has size and speed concerns. However, he is the same kind of prospect that shouldn’t be overthought like some teams did with Egbuka a year ago. Moving back into the teens and taking Lemon would be a great use of resources for the Saints this spring.

The post 3 best Makai Lemon destinations in 2026 NFL Draft appeared first on ClutchPoints.

He talked about the new approach on the Pat McAfee Show, according to a post on YouTube.

“You push the offseason schedule back a little bit,” Payton said. “Normally, it starts mid-April. Our guys won’t come in until the first of May. And then we won’t see them, we won’t do a football item until June.”

Broncos head coach Sean Payton wants players to have space from the game

It’s not slacking off. It’s a matter of taking a mental breather. That can be an important part of having a good season.

Payton said the mindset is important.

“Like, they’ll just be lifting for a month, because you don’t want them to feel like we’re back here at practice again,” Payton said. “And we were just here. You want a gap. And honestly, they need that, and we need that.

“I like when they have a good month. So we’ll just do phase one for a month regardless of what the schedule says. And then we’ll do OTAs and a mini camp in June.”

Payton’s team experienced plenty of success in 2025. And if not for an untimely injury to quarterback Bo Nix, they might have been playing the Seahawks in the Super Bowl. They lost 10-7 to the Patriots in the AFC Championship game.

Payton is an 18-year coaching veteran. He led the Saints to the Super Bowl title in 2009. He coached for 15 years in New Orleans.

Over the last three years with the Broncos, his teams have gone 51-32. That includes a 14-3 mark last season, when the Broncos earned the No. 1 seeding for the playoffs.

Early reports suggest the Broncos will be among the AFC’s top Super Bowl threats in the 2026 season as well.

The post Broncos news: Sean Payton adjusts Broncos offseason schedule to give players a break appeared first on ClutchPoints.

McSorley will be leaving his assistant quarterbacks post at Penn State for Buffalo. Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports reported Thursday that the deal became finalized.

“The ex-Penn State and NFL QB worked for the Nittany Lions the last two seasons. Was a three-time All-Big Ten selection and played six years in the NFL,” Zenitz posted on the social media website X, formerly Twitter.

His addition hands Josh Allen a new QB coach to work with. McSorley is added on a day former Penn State star Zane Durant stole the show in Indianapolis with his workout.

Is Joe Brady already putting his foot down with Bills?

Expectations rise higher than ever for Brady. And that expectation comes with Brady putting his foot down on certain players. A la wide receiver Keon Coleman, who has underwhelmed with the Bills.

“I stood on the table for Keon Coleman,” the head coach said via CBS Sports. “I told Keon as soon as I got hired, ‘Look, man, the best thing to happen to you is me being your head coach. The faith I have in you — we’re going to make it work together.’ I know the quarterback has the confidence in him.”

However, Coleman is one player on the Bills’ hot seat already.

“There’s a lot of pressure that comes with being the top pick, and I’m understanding of that. But I’m also understanding that I was the one that wanted him, and I’m going to do everything I can to work with him to make it work,” Brady said.

Brady concluded with “He has all the talent.” But again, expectations are high for him, the incoming head coach, Allen and the Bills.

The post Bills hire Trace McSorley to Joe Brady’s staff appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Earlier on Thursday, the report cards were leaked by the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). The NFL has now sent a strict memo to the teams in the league after the leak.

“We understand that the NFL Players Association posted its ‘Team Report Cards’ on its players-only website today, and we are aware that the media is reporting some of the purported results. As we previously advised, the admissions made by the union and its counsel during the grievance hearing— including that: (i) the Report Cards are ‘union speech’; (ii) the union cherry-picks which topics and responses to include and exclude; (iii) players have no role in drafting the Report Cards commentary; (iv) the union chooses which anonymous player quotations to include and which ones to leave out; and (v) the union determines how much weight to allocate to each topic before assigning the ‘grades’—confirmed that the Report Cards are neither reliable nor scientifically valid.”

“In fact, these admissions explain the union’s ongoing and steadfast refusal to share any data or information about the process that it inaccurately tries to characterize as ‘scientifically valid.'”

It is interesting to see this development. The NFL is saying that the leaked report cards are neither valid nor reliable. We are not too far out from when New York Jets’ owner Woody Johnson wanted the report cards banned, essentially.

Stay tuned for more information about the ungoing fued between the owners, NFL, and NFLPA regarding these end of the year report cards.

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“NFLPA HC report card results:

A+ — Sean McVay, Dan Quinn
A — Ben Johnson, Dan Campbell, Andy Reid, Kevin O’Connell, Mike Vrabel, Aaron Glenn, Nick Sirianni, Mike Tomlin, Mike Macdonald
A- — Sean McDermott, Dave Canales, Zac Taylor, Brian Schottenheimer, DeMeco Ryans, Shane Steichen, Liam Coen, Kellen Moore, Kyle Shanahan
B+ — Jonathan Gannon, Raheem Morris
B — John Harbaugh, Sean Payton, Mike McDaniel, Todd Bowles
B- — Matt LaFleur, Brian Callahan/Mike McCoy
C+ — Pete Carroll, Jim Harbaugh
C — Brian Daboll/Mike Kafka
C- — Kevin Stefanski”

Commanders Dan Quinn still a player’s coach

Quinn has indeed enjoyed a pair of sparkling seasons as a head coach. One was the Falcons’ run to the Super Bowl, even though it ended in a collapsing disaster. Also, he led the Commanders’ surprise journey to the NFC Championship game in 2025.

But win or lose, Quinn has typically been held in high regard by his players. And that’s apparently how Quinn landed a shining grade from the NFLPA.

Part of it is the way he talks about and encourages his players, even though the NFL is a high-pressure world. An example is his praise for Commanders offensive lineman Chris Paul. He was one of the worst run-blocking guards in the NFL during the 2025 season, according to Pro Football Focus. He ranked No. 78 out of 81.

But Quinn praised Paul for his pass protection.

“A couple of things that jump out to me are the combination blocks,” Quinn said. “The two of them [Laremy Tunsil and Paul], these are strong people that can move people off the line of scrimmage. And I thought, because of Chris’ athleticism, the thing that showed up the most to me was him in pass protection.”

Paul ranked No. 5 in the NFL in pass blocking. But the bad run grade pushed his overall grade down to 49.8. Again, it was near the bottom of No. 73 out of 81.

If nothing else, Quinn is loyal. But is that the best way to win in the dog-eat-dog NFL?

The post Commanders’ Dan Quinn among 2 coaches to earn A+ grade in leaked NFLPA report cards appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The NFL Combine is going on right now, and Reese just finished his 40-yard dash, putting up impressive numbers.

ARVELL REESE SUB-4.5

Sheesh. https://t.co/r0DKKBxY19 pic.twitter.com/NlyGj7Jvx9

— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) February 27, 2026

Reese put up a 4.47 40 that will certainly open up a lot of eyes. Reese ran a 4.53 on his first attempt. It will be tough for the Jets to pass up on him, however, fellow Ohio State star Caleb Downs could easily go second overall instead. Nonetheless, these numbers will have Reese’s stock rise.

In two seasons with the Buckeyes, Reese finished with 112 career tackles (52 solo) with two pass deflections and 7.0 sacks. He had 6.5 sacks last season. At 6-foot-4 and roughly 245 lbs, Reese can play linebacker or do something similar to Micah Parsons and move over to an edge rusher. There is a good chance that Reese begins his NFL career as a linebacker.

If the Jets want Reese, then they may want him as an edge rusher. On Thursday, the Jets just traded their best edge rusher, Jermaine Johnson II, to the Tennessee Titans for T’Vondre Sweat. Maybe the Jets are thinking about improving the entire defensive front rather than having two edge rushers.

Reese recently said that he would love to rush the passer, and he isn’t wrong for wanting that. Edge rushers make the big bucks now.

The post Ohio State LB Arvell Reese’s stock soars after blazing 4.47 40-yard dash appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Both players carry big contracts. Brown has four more years at $28.25 million per year, with $29 million fully guaranteed for 2026. And Metcalf has four more years at $28.75 million per year with nothing guaranteed.

But will the Patriots be able to swing a deal to give young quarterback Drake Maye a desperately needed big-time receiving weapon?

Patriots seem inclined to make a deal

Which receiver would the Patriots prefer? It might be Brown because of Mike Vrabel’s previous ties to him when Brown was with the Titans.

And Brown seems ready to break up with the Eagles.

“Brown made no secret of his frustrations with the Eagles’ offense in 2025,” Dan Graziano wrote. “Heck, he made no secret of them in 2024, when the team ended up winning the Super Bowl. Philadelphia has learned to live with Brown’s grousing because of his production. So, the questions are whether he’s unhappy enough there to force the issue and whether the Eagles want to move on from the situation.”

So there is concern that Brown has become a bit of a malcontent. Also, is he the same player he was a few years ago?

“Brown’s individual play seemed to fall off a touch last season, but it’s fair to believe his frustration with the offense led to some disinterested play,” Ben Solak wrote. “An acquiring team is risking that Brown is beyond his athletic prime (he will turn 29 this summer).”

As for Metcalf, are the Steelers really ready to jump ship as they did with George Pickens?

“His two-game suspension at the end of the season for an in-game altercation with a fan voided that guarantee and could in turn make Metcalf easier to trade, if the Steelers are so inclined,” Graziano said. “They’ll be installing a new offense under new coach Mike McCarthy, and while dealing Metcalf would weaken them at a spot where they’re already thin, the wideout could end up on the market if he’s not a fit for the scheme.”

The post NFL rumors: ESPN places Patriots at front of line as A.J. Brown, DK Metcalf trade fits appeared first on ClutchPoints.

According to the survey, it was the first time the Steelers finished in last place across the board. Last year, the Steelers ranked 28th. The Arizona Cardinals finished just ahead of the Steelers at 31st. The biggest issue for the Steelers was the fact that owner Art Rooney has not spent well, and that the home field was not on par with where it should be.

“[Steelers owner] Art Rooney ranks last in the league for willingness to invest in facilities, a trend reflected in the Steelers’ poor facility ratings across the board,” the survey said.

The reasoning behind the low field grade was that the conditions struggle to keep up with the rest of the NFL, given how often other teams like Pitt use the field.

“Players cite inadequate maintenance and excessive wear from hosting local college and high school games,” the survey said. “Players across the league note the poor condition of the field and emphasize the need for investment to bring it up to standard.”

The Steelers’ locker room was graded an F. Players reported that it “has only five bathroom stalls for the entire team.”

Per the survey, players report that the Steelers’ training room lacks updated recovery technology and “modalities.” Pittsburgh’s strength coaches ranked last in the NFL, though the training staff ranked first in a big contrast.

“We are not going to comment on a report that we have not seen in its entirety,” Steelers senior director of communications Burt Lauten initially told ESPN when they were asked for comment.

It is also worth noting that the Vikings and the Dolphins were the two highest-ranked franchises in the NFL. Then the Cardinals were the only team to receive an F.

The post How Art Rooney, Acrisure Stadium earned the Pittsburgh Steelers an F in NFLPA survey appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Schoen was given a “D+” in the leaked NFLPA report cards, according to Kayln Kahler of ESPN. He is easily at the bottom of the list, as the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals were the next lowest graded general managers with “C” grades.

“NFL GM grades from the NFLPA report cards, via Kayln Kahler.
Panthers: A
Broncos: A
Colts: A
Rams: A
Vikings: A
Seahawks: A
Commanders: A
Raiders: A-
Ravens: A-
Bills: A-
Bears: A-
Lions: A-
Texans: A-
Jaguars: A-
Dolphins: A-
Jets: A-
49ers: A-
Buccaneers: A-
Falcons: B+
Packers: B+
Chiefs: B+
Chargers: B+
Patriots: B+
Titans: B+
Cardinals: B
Cowboys: B
Saints: B
Eagles: B
Steelers: C+
Browns: C
Bengals: C
Giants: D+”

When the Giants made the decision to fire Brian Daboll as head coach, many analysts and sports fans found it odd that New York retained Joe Schoen as general manager. Regardless, he remains in charge of building the roster and is working side-by-side with new head coach Jim Harbaugh from the front office.

The General Manager and Defensive Coordinator categories were tied for the third-lowest grades from Giants players. The Locker Room was given a “D” grade while Home Game Field was given an “F-.” Nutritionist/Dietician was the highest-graded category with an “A-.”

“Treatment of Families: B-
Home Game Field: F-
Food/Dining Area: B+
Nutritionist/Dietician: A-
Locker Room: D
Training Room: B-
Training Staff: B+
Weight Room: B
Strength Coaches: B+
Position Coaches: B
Offensive Coordinator: C+
Defensive Coordinator: D+
Special Teams Coordinator: B+
Team Travel: C
Head Coach: C
General Manager: D+
Team Ownership: B”

The post Giants’ Joe Schoen given lowest grade for GMs in NFLPA report card leak appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Johnson and the Jets’ ownership group received a “B” grade in the leaked report cards, according to Kayln Kahler of ESPN. That’s actually a decent grade, as that ties New York with the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, and Los Angeles Rams.

“Vikings: A+
Ravens: A+
Broncos: A+
Commanders: A+
Raiders: A
Texans: A
Dolphins: A
Colts: A
Jaguars: A
Falcons: A
Lions: A
Seahawks: A
Bills: A-
Saints: A-
Bears: A-
Packers: A-
49ers: A-
Chargers: A-
Jets: B
Eagles: B
Cowboys: B
Giants: B
Rams: B
Panthers: B-
Patriots: B-
Chiefs: C+
Browns: C
Titans: C
Bengals: D+
Bucs: D
Steelers: D-
Cardinals: F”

Woody Johnson blasted the NFLPA report cards after the 2024-25 season, as players gave him and the ownership group the lowest grade in the league a year ago. He called the report cards “totally bogus” after being given an “F” grade last offseason.

However, it appears the longtime Jets owner made some big changes, as he jumped from an “F” to a “B.” All things considered, it appears New York is trending in the right direction, at least according to the players on the roster.

This year’s report card actually turned out to be solid for the Jets’ organization. The lowest grade on the leaked report card is an “F-” for the Home Game Field category. However, the next lowest grade on the report card was a “B-” for the Offensive Coordiantor category. Overall, it appears the players were relatively happy across the board.

“Treatment of Families: B+
Home Game Field: F-
Food/Dining Area: B
Nutritionist/Dietician: A
Locker Room: A-
Training Room: B
Training Staff: B+
Weight Room: B+
Strength Coaches: A
Position Coaches: B
Offensive Coordinator: B-
Defensive Coordinator: B+
Special Teams Coordinator: A
Team Travel: B+
Head Coach: A
General Manager: A-
Team Ownership: B”

The post Jets ownership NFLPA report card grade leaked after Woody Johnson wanted them gone appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The one-time Pro Bowler has been released by the Commanders, according to insider Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.

“The #Commanders are releasing starting center Tyler Biadasz, source said. Another center available in free agency. The 28-year-old has started 31 games over two seasons,” Rapoport posted on social media on Thursday night via Twitter, formerly Twitter.

The decision to let Biadasz go comes on the heels of the Commanders inking offensive lineman Andrew Wylie to a two-year $7.5 million contract extension.

Having turned just 28 years old in November, Biadasz should have lots of solid years in front of him in the NFL, and interest from other teams looking to shore up their offensive line can be expected to come his way.

A fourth-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys at the 2020 NFL Draft, Biadasz played his first four seasons in the pros with the Jerry Jones’ franchise. He left the Cowboys in 2024, but remained in the NFC East by signing a three-year contract worth $29.25 million with the Commanders.

In two seasons with the Commanders, the Wisconsin Badgers football program product Biadasz made 31 starts. During the 2025 campaign, he got a 70.7 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking 11th out of 40 centers. He ranked first in hits allowed and 11th in penalties.

Washington’s move on Tyler Biadasz incurs $8.1 million in dead money in 2026 and cap savings of $2.88 million.

The post Commanders release Jayden Daniels’ starting center before free agency appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Schottenheimer was speaking at the NFL Combine on Thursday, where he was asked about the Eagles being interested in reviewing Dallas offensive coordinator Klayton Adams. He would reveal that Philadelphia head coach Nick Sirianni called up Schottenheimer, asking about interviewing Adams, but the Cowboys denied them, which then went into a conversation about their children.

“Klayton is the best. I love Klayton. It was funny,” Schottenheimer said, according to Jon Machota. “Because when Nick [Sirianni] called me, there’s different ways you can do it. You can send in slips and things like that. Nick, of course, called me. He said, ‘I got a question to ask you. I want to send a letter in for Klayton.’ I said, ‘Uh, don’t bother, buddy. I’m going to have to deny you on that one.’ He said, ‘I’m not calling the plays.’ I said, ‘I’m going to have to deny you.’”

“So then we start talking about our kids, he’s like ‘Yeah, I would’ve done the same thing, but I had to ask.’ Look, Klayton is a stud; his energy is amazing. Again, Nick wasn’t wrong for trying,” Schottenheimer continued.

The Eagles would eventually hire former quarterback and Green Bay Packers quarterbacks coach Sean Mannion, but Dallas held and kept Adams, whom Schottenheimer sees a lot of potential with, as mentioned. At any rate, the Cowboys’ offense looks to improve after finishing with a 7-9 record, finishing second in the NFC East.

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The NFLPA gave Stefanski a “C-” grade for his 2025 season, according to Dianna Russini of ‘The Athletic.’ Stefanski was the only one to receive that grade, which was the lowest among all 32 head coaches.

NFLPA HC report card results:

A+ — Sean McVay, Dan Quinn
A — Ben Johnson, Dan Campbell, Andy Reid, Kevin O’Connell, Mike Vrabel, Aaron Glenn, Nick Sirianni, Mike Tomlin, Mike Macdonald
A- — Sean McDermott, Dave Canales, Zac Taylor, Brian Schottenheimer, DeMeco Ryans, Shane…

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) February 26, 2026

The NFLPA grades are based on anonymous surveys submitted by active players. The head coach grades consider all factors, from success on the field to personality, treatment of players, leadership, professionalism and much more.

Stefanski earned the same “C-” grade from the NFLPA in 2025. The association has been notoriously harsh on Cleveland, only giving an “A-” grade to defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz in 2025.

Although Stefanski earned two AP NFL Coach of the Year awards in his six years with the Browns, he continues to receive shade from his players. Nobody has been a bigger Stefanski critic than Baker Mayfield, who wasted no time throwing his former head coach under the bus when he got hired by the Falcons.

Stefanski’s back is already against the wall in his second head coaching opportunity. Not only is he coming off an abrupt firing, but he steps into a role with the Falcons, who expect immediate results. Atlanta just fired Raheem Morris after consecutive 8-9 seasons, both of which ended without a playoff appearance.

Despite improving the team, Morris became the third head coach the Falcons fired since 2020. Owner Arthur Blank also fired general manager Terry Fontenot at the end of the 2025 season, as he has become increasingly impatient by the year.

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The 53-year-old Glenn was caught on video taking a nap during the first day of on-field workouts at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

As Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey was about to show off his speed at the 40-yard dash, Glenn was seen on live TV with his eyes closed.

It is highly unlikely that he was taking himself back to the great days of the 2025 Jets season because no such thing transpired. Fortunately for Glenn, someone seemingly called his attention, waking up the Jets mentor from his nap.

Take a look at that moment here:

Somebody probably alerted Jets HC Aaron Glenn that he's asleep on live television. #NFL pic.twitter.com/VxqNpzcMai

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 26, 2026

Fans online had a great time reacting to Glenn’s napping video.

“The Jets have been asleep at the clock for several years. Nothing new here. ,” said a fan.

“Aye mannnn yall chill on my coach dawg , he was just resting his eyes ,” another commented.

“Fired his entire staff and is falling asleep at the combine. Damn maybe Jets fans do have it worse than we do in Cleveland,” a social media commenter on X (formerly Twitter) said.

“Seeing through his eyelids must be another one of his superpowers,” a different X user joked.

“He did that all season too,” read another comment.

There’s nothing wrong with a quick nap, but it just hits different when it’s someone whose team won only three games in an entire NFL season.

The post Jets’ Aaron Glenn caught dozing off on live TV during NFL Combine appeared first on ClutchPoints.

He ultimately achieved the third-fastest speed of 22.91 mph over the last three years. Also, his 4.51 40-yard dash time is the fastest among all the defensive linemen in the class of 2026.

The top two were Dallas Turner of Alabama and Byron Young of Tennessee. Turner achieved a top speed of 22.98 mph, and Young led the way at 23.43 mph.

David Bailey reached the third-fastest top speed in the forty (22.91 mph) of any EDGE prospect at the Combine over the last four years.

Bailey's unofficial 4.51-second forty time is currently the fastest mark among DL in this year's class.@TexasTechFB | #NFLCombine pic.twitter.com/acwK3VYhOk

— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) February 26, 2026

Last season, Bailey finished his last year at Texas Tech with 52 total tackles, 32 solo and 20 assisted. Additionally, Bailey averaged 14.5 sacks during the year.

Furthermore, he walked away with an arsenal of accolades. Bailey captured the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year, Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year, Lombardi Award Finalist, and was named a Unanimous All-American.

Before, Bailey had played at Stanford University from 2022 to 2024. Altogether, he played in 32 games and finished his career at Stanford with 111 total tackles. In March 2025, he entered the transfer portal.

Ultimately, Texas Tech finished the season at 12-2 and 8-1 in the Big 12. In the end, they would lose to Oregon in the Orange Bowl 23-0.

Also, some are predicting Bailey to at least vie for a spot with the Washington Commanders, Dallas Cowboys, and Cincinnati Bengals in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The NFL Combine is scheduled from Feb. 26 to Mar. 1. In April, the NFL Draft will take place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from April 23 to 25.

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Michael Bidwill and his ownership received the worst grade amongst the 32 teams across the league, according to Kalyn Kahler of ESPN. Players on the roster also gave the locker room an “F-,” which is the only other “F” grade for the Cardinals. The head coach and position coaches categories were given the highest grade with a “B+.” Arizona fired Jonathan Gannon from the head coaching position this offseason.

“Treatment of Families: D+
Home Game Field: B
Food/Dining Area: C-
Nutritionist/Dietician: B
Locker Room: F-
Training Room: D+
Training Staff: B-
Weight Room: D+
Strength Coaches: B-
Position Coaches: B+
Offensive Coordinator: B-
Defensive Coordinator: C+
Special Teams Coordinator: B
Team Travel: C+
Head Coach: B+
General Manager: B
Team Ownership: F”

With the 2025-26 season in the rear-view mirror, perhaps Bidwill and the ownership group can make some changes to improve their grades for next year. We’ll see how it plays out, as the organization is now in a new era with a new head coach leading the way.

After firing Gannon, ownership was reportedly one of the negative factors during the interview process. The Cardinals were viewed as one of the least desirable locations for a new head coach, as the quarterback situation is also up in the air. However, the franchise ultimately hired Mike LaFleur, brother of Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, for the job.

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On Thursday, Dennis Lin of The Athletic announced that Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees has partnered up with the founder of Vouri, and they are one of the five groups that are looking to place an initial bid. Lin said Friday that Brees had not yet placed a bid.

“Joe Kudla, the owner and CEO of Carlsbad, Calif.-based Vuori, has partnered with Drew Brees, who began his decorated NFL career with the San Diego Chargers, in pursuit of the Padres, according to industry sources who were granted anonymity to speak freely about the franchise’s sale process. The due date for the first round of offers was Wednesday, the sources said. Other remaining suitors include Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob and English Premier League club owner José E. Feliciano, two prospective buyers whose interest in the Padres was previously reported.”

“Kudla, a University of San Diego alum, founded Vuori in 2015. The rapidly growing athleisure brand reached a $5.5 billion valuation more than a year ago and branched into major professional sports last summer, announcing endorsement deals with the likes of British tennis star Jack Draper and Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff.”

The Seidler family is hoping to earn north of $3 billion for the team, and they want to get it done well before the potential lockout coming next offseason. The Padres were bought in 2012 for $800 million by the late Peter Seidler and his partner, Ron Fowler. Fowler was a massive part of landing Manny Machado in San Diego.

Drew Brees is a fan of the Padres. He has attended many games wearing a Padres jersey and has lived in San Diego for many years. He began his football career in San Diego before being traded to the New Orleans Saints. Even though he spent a ton of time in New Orleans, San Diego is special to Brees, and he would be a great owner for the team.

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NFL insider James Palmer spoke on “Scoop City” and said that he was “out to dinner with a head coach,” and the topic came up around Hall. The anonymous head coach would ask about New York’s pathway with Hall, with the reporter signaling that they’ll likely use the franchise tag, but the coach responded that he wouldn’t do it, questioning the running back’s ability.

“I was out to dinner with a head coach last night, and he asked me, ‘Hey, what are the Jets going to do with Breece Hall?’ And I was like, ‘I think they’re going to tag him. And I said that to him, and he goes, ‘Yeah, I wouldn’t do that, I don’t think he’s that good anymore.’ And I countered with I feel like they need some good players,” Palmer said.

Last season, Hall would rush for 1,065 yards to go along with four touchdowns, though the coach might have questions regarding his continued production. Still, Jets general manager Darren Moughey would speak about Hall, saying that if a deal is not reached by March 3, then the franchise tag will be implemented.

“Jets GM Darren Moughey on RB Breece Hall: “The tags are an option.” Asked again after that, says they’ll tag him if they can’t reach a long-term deal by March 3,” Mike Garafolo wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday.

It remains to be seen what happens with New York and Hall.

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That is not a guarantee. They did have a first-place finish in 2018 and back-to-back .500 seasons followed before they slipped back to the bottom of the division finishes.

As the Bears approach free agency in the offseason, the offense appears to be in a winning position. Williams looks like a quarterback who will be capable of playing at an elite level. He certainly performed in a spectacular manner in the fourth quarter and overtime of multiple games. There is still plenty of room for improvement in terms of accuracy, and Johnson has demonstrated that he is demanding of his quarterback and won’t accept any slippage.

They have a solid running game with D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai, along with solid receivers in Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, and tight end Colston Loveland. It seems highly possible that veteran wideout D.J. Moore will move on in the offseason, and the same may happen with TE Cole Kmet.

Bears’ defense needs plenty of work

The Bears’ defense has issues, and this is an area that general manager Ryan Poles has to concern himself with during the upcoming weeks.

The Bears ranked 29th in yards allowed, beating out only the Cowboys, Bengals, and Commanders. They gave up 361.8 yards per game, and that figure is alarming. They were much more proficient in points allowed as opponents scored 24.4 points per game, and that ranked 23rd in the NFL.

The Bears excelled at creating takeaways, as they were the dominant team in the league on the turnover-takeaway table. The Bears took the ball away 33 times and gave it back to their opponents just 11 times. Their plus-22 differential was clearly one of the most important statistical areas of strength for the team. Teams don’t usually dominate in that area for multiple seasons.

The Bears need to improve their pass rush, and Poles needs to make a strong effort to bring Trey Hendrickson into the fold. Hendrickson has been a dominant edge rusher for the Bengals, and there’s an excellent chance he will move on in the offseason.

Hendrickson is arguably the best player who will be on the market on March 11 at the start of free agency. He is coming off an injury-plagued season that saw him play in just seven games for the Bengals. He had a significant hip and pelvis injury that required core surgery.

The defensive end was coming off four consecutive Pro Bowl seasons with the Bengals. He had 17.5 sacks in 2023 and 2024, leading the NFL in the second of those two seasons.

He also had 46 tackles, 6 passes batted down, 2 forced fumbles, and 19 tackles for loss in ’24. Hendrickson could help the Bears continue their success in 2026.

Bears have cap issues, other defensive needs

It will not simply be a matter of approaching Hendrickson with respect and a huge offer. The Bears are $9.5 million over the salary cap at this point, so Poles is going to have to restructure contracts and cut some players to build a defense that can take the Bears on a huge run next season.

Johnson and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen were thrilled to have a defense that was able to take the ball away from opponents last season at a spectacular rate. The Bears had a huge season from safety Kevin Byard, who led the NFL with 7 interceptions last year. Byard is in line for a huge payday, and it seems unlikely that he will get it from the Bears.

He is scheduled to be a free agent shortly, and he is almost assured of receiving multiple offers that are out of Chicago’s reach. He had a cap hit of $8.5 million with the Bears last year, and he could get twice that amount in the foreseeable future.

They will lose their best safety, and they don’t have a lot on the roster at that position. Even if they can sign Hendrickson with some creative work done by Poles, they will also need a veteran safety.

The Bears could look to improve this position in the draft, but safeties are often best served by experience, instincts, and the ability to set up opposing quarterbacks and receivers. Rookies can get the job done, but they need superior skills, confidence, and leadership ability. Veteran safeties are often the most dependable at the position.

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The Commanders are looking to add another tight end in free agency, but they are not fully moving on from Ertz, according to Keim. Washington instead views the 35-year-old as a strong backup plan, which is contingent on his recovery.

“Washington will still look to sign [a tight end] in free agency, whether that’s someone such as Isaiah Likely or Chig Okonkwo,” Keim said. “But they do like what they have at the position in their room already, and they don’t want to overspend. Part of that is because of Ertz. Washington knows that if they still have a need at the position going into the season, they can always re-sign him. Ertz will turn 36 in November and is coming off a tough injury, but the Commanders say his game isn’t built on speed, so they feel he can still be effective. You know what else doesn’t hurt? Over the past two years, he’s been a terrific security blanket for quarterback Jayden Daniels.”

Ertz sustained the injury in the Commanders’ Week 14 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. He was hit low on a high pass from Marcus Mariota, and replays immediately suggested a torn ACL.

Given his age, many wondered if the late-season injury was a career-ending ailment for Ertz. The 13-year veteran has instead confirmed that he intends to continue playing once he completes rehab.

Commanders’ tight end situation amid Zach Ertz injury

While Ertz hits free agency for the third consecutive offseason, Washington still has two other tight ends under contract in 2026. The team gave John Bates a three-year extension before the 2025 season began, and former second-round pick Ben Sinnott remains in the picture.

However, neither Bates nor Sinnott was an effective pass-catcher after the Commanders lost Ertz for the year. Sinnott caught just seven passes in four games without Ertz, with Bates reeling in three catches.

Given the situation, tight end will be among the first positions Washington addresses in free agency. The team can afford to wait on Ertz before potentially re-signing him at the end of the offseason.

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Monken said Sanders sent him a gift for his 60th birthday on Feb. 5, one week after the Browns hired him as their next head coach. He recalled opening the package, being confused to find a porcelain horse head, and then agreeing with his quarterback that it was “really nice.”

“For my birthday, I got this package,” Monken said on CBS Sports. “I thought it was my wife. I opened it up, and it’s like this porcelain horse head. It was from Shedeur; he sent me a gift on my birthday. I asked him what was the meaning, he said, ‘Oh, I just really liked it.’ So I got myself one.”

Shedeur Sanders sent new Browns head coach Todd Monken a birthday gift

"For my birthday, I got this package. I thought it was from my wife… it's like this porcelain horse head and it's from Shedeur." pic.twitter.com/VdRgRR9oUM

— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) February 26, 2026

A severed horse head was used as an intimidation tactic in the plot of ‘The Godfather,’ but not by Sanders. The scene gained mainstream attention when it was revealed that the prop used in the movie was the actual head of a deceased horse.

Browns fans can take solace in the fact that Monken and Sanders operate on the same wavelength, even in the most unconventional way.

Browns’ Todd Monken, Shedeur Sanders building relationship

The horse head gesture is an odd step in the right direction after Monken and Sanders seemingly got off to an awkward start. Although Monken has repeatedly praised Sanders since accepting the job, he would not commit to the 2025 Pro Bowler as his inaugural starting quarterback.

Despite Sanders being the Browns’ only functional quarterback in 2025, Monken acknowledged DeShaun Watson’s impending return and Dillon Gabriel’s persisting presence. Monken seemed to view Sanders as the frontrunner, but he wants him to earn it in training camp.

Unless Watson pulled off a superhuman recovery from back-to-back torn Achilles tendons, the job is entirely Sanders’ to lose. The sooner Cleveland recognizes that, the sooner it can begin building toward the 2026 season.

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San Francisco offered New York a third-round pick in exchange for Jermaine Johnson II. However, the Jets rebuffed their offer and instead held out for a second-round pick, via Connor Hughes of SNY.

When the 49ers made that offer, Robert Saleh was their defensive coordinator. In the end he got what he wanted. Now head coach of the Tennessee Titans, Saleh’s franchise acquired Johnson in a trade with the Jets on Thursday.

While he never had the opportunity to play with the 49ers, Johnson is now finally getting an opportunity to link up with Saleh. The head coach will look to unlock the potential that made the Jets select Johnson in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

In his four years with the Jets, the pass rusher put up 131 tackles, 27 quarterback hits and 13 sacks. He was named a Pro Bowler in 2023 after making 55 tackles, 16 quarterback hits and 7.5 sacks – all career-highs.

With New York turning down San Francisco’s third-round pick offer, they ultimately acquired defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat As for the 49ers, they’ll hope Bosa is able to come back healthy for the 2026 season and will look elsewhere for pass rush help.

It’s clear that Johnson has plenty of supporters outside of New York, Saleh being one of them. He was his head coach on the Jets when the pass rusher was selected. Saleh believes in what Johnson has to offer and is now ready to unleash him on the Titans.

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Brady, who admitted he was the Bills’ main advocate for Coleman at the 2024 NFL Draft, said the 22-year-old was one of his first calls after receiving the promotion. The first-year head coach revealed that he told Coleman he is the “best thing to happen” to him and is committed to reviving his career in 2026.

“I stood on the table for Keon Coleman,” Brady said on CBS Sports. “I told Keon as soon as I got hired, ‘Look, man, the best thing to happen to you is me being your head coach. The faith I have in you — we’re going to make it work together.’ I know the quarterback has the confidence in him.

“There’s a lot of pressure that comes with being the top pick, and I’m understanding of that. But I’m also understanding that I was the one that wanted him, and I’m going to do everything I can to work with him to make it work. He has all the talent. When you see him out there and he’s making plays, good things happen. I love him, and I want the best for him.”

Bills new head coach Joe Brady on Keon Coleman

"I told Keon as soon as I got hired, when I called him, I said: 'Look man, the best thing to happen to you is me being your head coach.'" pic.twitter.com/SVng0gkPkD

— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) February 26, 2026

Bills receiver Keon Coleman’s rocky 2026 season

Coleman was the Bills’ second-leading receiver in his rookie season, posting an encouraging 556 receiving yards and four touchdowns on a team-high 19.2 yards per catch. Many expected him to take over as Josh Allen’s go-to target in 2025, but Coleman instead wound up in the doghouse around midseason and began racking up multiple healthy scratches.

Coleman ended his sophomore campaign with 38 catches for 404 receiving yards and four touchdowns. He was the team’s fourth-leading receiver, catching more passes but recording fewer receiving yards than he did as a rookie.

To Brady’s point, Coleman likely would have been one of the team’s top cut candidates in the 2026 offseason if Sean McDermott remained in charge. He now gets to work under one of the few coaches who still believe in his potential.

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ESPN’s latest list would have them rank the top 15 trade candidates, as Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta was the eighth player listed, with Benjamin Solak and Dan Graziano speaking about his potential future. Solak in particular would speak about there being teams that could deal for the Lions star, who has regressed with back surgery, and the trade return could be better than “risking a bidding war in free agency in 2027.”

Kansas City would be listed as the first franchise in a list of “potential team fits.”

“LaPorta had back surgery this past season (489 receiving yards, three touchdowns) and hasn’t looked as explosive as he did as a rookie (889 yards, 10 scores in 2023), but he remains one of the most exciting young receivers at the position,” Solak wrote, as LaPorta has one year left on his contract.

Why the Chiefs could see Sam LaPorta as available to be traded 

With the Chiefs in the midst of the 2026 offseason after missing out on the playoffs, the team needs to think about finding a replacement for Kelce, whether he retires this season or not. LaPorta’s name is mentioned due to, as Graziano points out, how the Lions have four key players up for extensions.

“The Lions have four 2023 draft picks they want to extend — LaPorta, Jahmyr Gibbs, Jack Campbell, and Brian Branch — and there are people around the league who wonder whether they’ll be able to get all of those deals done or if they’d have to trade someone,” Graziano wrote.

As the analyst mentions, the odds LaPorta gets dealt are low, with them giving it a 10 percent chance, but it remains to be seen if Kelce retires and what Kansas City will do at tight end.

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“Brian Schottenheimer said Marist Liufau will transition to an OLB in the Cowboys’ switch to the 3-4 scheme. Asked about Liufau’s pass rush ability, the coach said Liufau doesn’t have as much twitch as others, but he has the strength to handle spot. Liufau will put on weight”

But the move to the new scheme will be different from the past, according to an Archer post.

“The Cowboys’ 3-4 switch is not like what they did in ’05 under Bill Parcells. Brian Schottenheimer: “To be very clear: this 3-4 defense is not the old 2-gap, where you sit there, and you’re reading blocks. We will be getting vertical, and we will be using our hands and shedding.”

Cowboys looking at massive defensive changes

Everybody will be put on notice, it seems. Even the down-stance guys like Kenny Clark, according to an Archer post.

“Who will be the nose tackle? Kenny Clark has the most experience playing there, according to Brian Schottenheimer. But said they will move guys around up front. “Quinnen Williams is great in any system,” Schottenheimer said. Sees Osa Odighizuwa at different spots as well.”

Another player who will see a different role is Donovan Ezeiruaku, according to cowboyswire.com. He will be moving to outside linebacker in the Cowboys’ new odd front.

“As for Ezeiruaku, his rookie season was a success, especially considering the track record of Cowboys’ recent second-round draft picks,” Angel Torres wrote. “He played 595 snaps along the defensive line and recorded a 73.1 PFF overall grade, good for 38 lout of 115 edge defenders.”

It may seem like a gamble. But the Cowboys don’t have a lot to lose. The defense dragged down the team in 2025. Any kind of improvements this year could lead to big things.

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Schottenheimer fielded questions about his wide receiver in Indianapolis. But he shared a three-word answer about Pickens and inking him to a long-term deal — shared via Jon Machota of The Athletic.

Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer when asked about having George Pickens for the long term: “I hope so.” pic.twitter.com/YmFTipVBhr

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) February 26, 2026

But the head coach also added how his relationship really is with the veteran wide receiver.

Brian Schottenheimer on George Pickens’ Cowboys fit

Jerry Jones and the Cowboys pulled off the blockbuster trade with the Steelers back in March. Pickens went on to deliver career-high numbers — including producing his first 90-catch season. Pickens also shattered personal marks in yards (1,429) and touchdowns (nine).

But do Schottenheimer and Pickens have strong dialogue about his pending Cowboys future? Schottenheimer reminded the media that he was part of something similar.

“GP loves football, and my relationship with GP doesn’t change, just like it didn’t change with CeeDee [Lamb] and Dak [Prescott] and guys who were going through certain things,” Schottenheimer said to reporters. “It’s all part of the process, it’s the business side of it. I was talking to CeeDee last night. So, it doesn’t change.”

Lamb and Prescott indeed had lengthy processes with their contract extension talks. The wideout even missed part of training camp amid his Cowboys deal that got finalized in Aug. 2024.

Pickens will be worth lots of money to keep on the Cowboys’ end. Schottenheimer is hopeful Dallas and Jones can prevent the WR from drifting. Especially in the aftermath of watching Micah Parsons and his relationship with the Cowboys deteriorate.

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Now the next step for New Orleans is upgrading the roster before the 2026 season. But that will be much easier said than done.

The Saints are currently $8.29 million over the 2026 salary cap just a few weeks before NFL free agency. New Orleans is known for playing fast and loose with the salary cap, so fans should not worry about this being a major problem.

That said, the Saints won’t be able to add any premium talent this offseason if they do not have the budget.

New Orleans will likely be much more aggressive during the 2027 offseason when their salary cap is finally in a good place. But until then, the Saints need to add at least one playmaker who can help move the needle in 2026.

But can the Saints find that player on such a tight budget? And if so, who should they target?

Below we will explore one free agent who would fix the Saints’ biggest flaw during the 2026 offseason.

Romeo Doubs would be a huge upgrade at wide receiver for the Saints

The Saints have very little talent on the offensive side of the ball outside of Chris Olave and Alvin Kamara.

New Orleans does have two young bookend tackles to build around, but other than that they are in a dire state. As a result, it was difficult for me to pick just one free agent who could fix their offense.

Ultimately, I think adding a legit WR2 could provide the best value for the Saints when adding just one player.

Personally, Romeo Doubs is one of the first players I think of who screams “WR2” to me. And I mean that as a compliment.

Doubs is not current regarded as a WR1 or as a dominant alpha wide receiver. But he proved time and time again in Green Bay that if defenses ignore him, he’ll make them pay.

Doubs had a breakout season in 2025, hauling in 55 receptions for 724 receiving yards and six touchdowns.

I find that to be especially impressive because of Green Bay’s diversified offense. Doubs has always had competition for targets during his time with the Packers. That makes it easy to fantasize about what he could become as a primary weapon in a different scheme.

Ultimately, cost is the question with Doubs. Remember, we’re on a tight budget here.

Spotrac gives Doubs a market value of $12 million per season on a new contract. That does not sound like a cheap contract on the face of it. But when considering that elite wide receivers earn $35 million or more per season, $12 million is a good bargain.

If the Saints signed Doubs to a long-term contract, they could spread out the cap hit over multiple seasons.

It might be tight, but I think this could work.

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“We’re in the business of keeping great players,” Roseman said. “And AJ is a great player. AJ is a difference-making player for our team. He’s been on the team for four years, and we’ve been to the playoffs all four of those years. Won the Super Bowl … He’s a captain on our team. You’re not looking to get rid of players like that.”

But …

“Our job as GMs, we gotta listen on anyone,” Roseman said. “And that doesn’t have anything to do with AJ. If anyone calls me and says, hey, I want to talk to you about a player. For me, just to say, unequivocally, I’m not taking your call, that doesn’t make sense. Because I don’t know what they’re gonna say on the other end. Now, the chances that I’m doing that with a great player, they’re not very high.”

Eagles WR AJ Brown likely staying put

It makes sense that the Eagles wouldn’t let Brown get out of town. The only way that would seem to happen now is if Roseman got his socks knocked off by a crazy offer. Who knows, maybe that’s what Roseman is fishing for?

But Brown is a three-time Pro Bowl player. And even in what was considered a down year in 2025, he caught 78 passes for 1,003 yards with seven touchdowns. He’s still only 28 years old and clearly has plenty left in his NFL tank.

But there’s still a chance the Eagles could do something. It just won’t happen soon, according to ESPN’s Peter Schrager via bleacherreport.com.

“The truth of the matter is, it is cost-prohibitive for them to trade him before June 1st,” Schrager said. “That’s a $40 million dead cap hit, so there are financial barriers here for the A.J. Brown trade.”

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“One team to keep an eye on trading for Anthony Richardson: Minnesota Vikings. There is mutual interest. Combine is ideal time for these convos to happen.”

Neither Richardson nor McCarthy has shown much in their brief NFL careers. But both have missed big stretches of games with injuries.

Would the Vikings benefit from adding QB Anthony Richardson?

In 15 NFL starts, Richardson has totaled less than 2,400 yards passing with 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Not great.

As for McCarthy, he has made 10 starts in the league. His totals are similar with 1,632 yards passing to go along with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

If you’re a Vikings fan, it would seem hard to get excited about this duo making up the vast majority of the quarterback room.

The writing appeared to be on the wall for Richardson recently, according to ESPN.

“That’s where it’s becoming increasingly likely that 2023 first-round pick Anthony Richardson Sr. will wind up elsewhere,” Stephen Holder wrote. “Richardson lost a preseason position battle with (Daniel) Jones entering 2025, and the Colts are openly stating their commitment to Jones for 2026. The Colts have also warmed to the idea that 2025 sixth-round pick Riley Leonard can ascend to their No. 2 quarterback spot given his practice performance and his play in the season finale.”

So with no place left for Richardson, the Vikings might be a welcome landing spot for him. McCarthy would be a reasonable target for him to compete with, given McCarthy’s shortcomings with accuracy (57.6%) are similar to those of Richardson (50.6%).

Whether the Vikings and Colts can make it work remains to be seen. But this rumor has traction for a reason.

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Reports indicate that the Packers had the biggest year-over-year drop in grades of any team in the NFL, according to Aaron Nagler of Cheesehead TV. Training room and staff, treatment of families, nutrition program, and head coach all dropped in grades. Surprisingly enough, LaFleur ranked nearly last in respect for players.

“The Green Bay Packers fell 14 spots, to 21st overall in this year’s Report Card – the steepest year-over-year decline of any team. The drop is driven largely by the decline in ratings for the training room and training staff, which now rank in the bottom third of the league. Players report a lack of space and outdated recovery equipment, along with a lack of communication and trust in the training room. These issues are a top priority players identify to be addressed.

“Players report that the team does not provide gameday childcare, as most teams do, contributing to their bottom-third ranking for treatment of families. The team’s nutrition program similarly ranks near the bottom, with players wanting improved nutrition plans and more nutritious food options to better support these plans. Head coach Matt LaFleur dropped a full letter grade this season and ranks second-to-last in the league in respect for players.”

Since taking over as head coach in 2019, LaFleur has led the Packers to six playoff appearances in seven years. Unfortunately, it has not led to a Super Bowl win just yet. After being eliminated by the Chicago Bears 31-27 in the playoffs last season, there was some speculation that Green Bay could move on from LaFleur.

Ultimately, the team signed Matt LaFleur to a multi-year contract extension, giving him about $12 milloin more annually. Despite his poor NFLPA grade, it appears LaFleur is here to stay in Green Bay.

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Panthers general manager Dan Morgan heaped praise on his franchise quarterback Bryce Young after an exciting 2025 season.

Morgan went back to the 2024 season to explain why he is so proud of Young.

“I’m proud of Bryce in general,” Morgan said on Thursday via The Pat McAfee Show. “To go through the adversity that he went through, getting benched. I remember him sitting in my office and talking to him about how like, hey, you’re eventually going to be back out there. Take this in stride. Try to go out there [and] just keep working hard. He went out there, he worked hard, he put the work in. I’m just so proud of him for doing that.”

Carolina benched Young just a few weeks into the 2024 season. However, Young got his chance to get back into the starting lineup when backup Andy Dalton got in a car accident and injured his thumb.

Young took that opportunity and never looked back.

Fast forward one year and Young blossomed during his third NFL season in 2025. Young threw for 3,011 passing yards with 23 touchdowns and only 11 interceptions.

Young posted career bests in almost every statistical category and finally looked like a former first overall pick.

Now the Panthers plan to pick up Young’s fifth-year option on his rookie contract. If Young has another successful season in 2026, he could be in line for a long-term contract extension.

It has been great to see Young emerge as a legitimate franchise quarterback.

Carolina should feel pressure to surround Young with even more talent this offseason to set him up for success in 2026.

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The main area of rebuilding for the Cardinals is the offensive line. The team ranked No. 26 in the NFL for the 2025 season, according to Pro Football Focus.

“The Cardinals’ offensive line was among the worst pass-blocking groups in the NFL this season,” Zoltán Buday wrote. “The unit ranked just 29th in PFF pass-blocking efficiency rating (82.3) after giving up 236 pressures on 746 snaps.”

So, under new head coach Mike LaFleur, the Cardinals need …

Cardinals’ free-agent fix is G Isaac Seumalo

The Cardinals are already solid at the center position. Hjalte Froholdt is underrated as a pass blocker, scoring a 72.0 rating from PFF. That put him in the top 10 among NFL centers.

And Seumalo would add strength to the middle of the line from a pass-blocking perspective. He was even better than Froholdt, with a grade of 78.5. That ranked No. 4 in the NFL.

Pairing these two guys in the middle of the line would soften the flaw that hounded the Cardinals through the 2025 season.

Seumalo earned Pro Bowl honors in 2024. That was the first such distinction of his 10-year NFL career. Age is a question mark for his free-agent value overall. He will turn 33 during the upcoming season.

But remember, this is a fix for 2026. The Cardinals have no realistic path to becoming a major contender this season. But they would like to win more games than they lose and have a reasonable chance to make the playoffs as the season draws to a close.

What would Isaac Seumalo cost on the market?

He won’t be cheap. Playing off of his improvements in recent seasons, Seumalo is expected to command a three-year deal worth just under $29 million.

That’s big bucks for a one-time Pro Bowler. But teams, like the Cardinals, realize there isn’t much available on the free-agent market this year in terms of linemen.

Assuming center Tyler Linderbaum accepts the Ravens’ generous offer, the next-best free agent lineman on the list, according to PFF, is Seumalo. And he stands at No. 16 overall.

Digging deeper, you have to travel to No. 32, where guard David Edwards resides. He’s one spot ahead of tackle Rasheed Walker.

It’s not that these guys aren’t good. But they aren’t game-changers. The lack of free-agent depth at this position increases Seumalo’s value and leverage.

Will the Steelers work hard to keep Isaac Seumalo?

They might. But it’s hard to get a read right now, according to steelersnow.com.

“Isaac’s been great,” General Manager Omar Khan said. “We’ve had some conversations with his people. And obviously, we’ll evaluate the free agent class and the draft class. But Spencer Anderson, he played some, and we’re excited about his future. He came in and did some nice things for us this year, and he’s another guy who’s just gotten better and better every year.”

Pull back the tea leaves and strip out the weeds, and it sounds like the Steelers aren’t that interested in keeping Seumalo. Why else would the general manager be talking up his backup? If Anderson was all that great, why hasn’t he played more?

Sure, Anderson is much younger at 25. But he’s a former seventh-round pick. And he only has 11 starts in three NFL seasons. Doesn’t sound like a plug-and-play replacement for a guy one year removed from the Pro Bowl.

Adding that together, it sounds like the Steelers are ready to move on from Seumalo. And that’s good news for the Cardinals.

Unfortunately for the Cardinals, their overall offensive line woes may not be fixable with one upgrade. However, if they get strong in the middle, it could alleviate some of the pressure at the tackle position. Therefore, a player like Seumalo could make a reasonable difference for the 2026 season.

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LSU football did not have the 2025 season it had hoped for entering the season. From starting the season ranked to unranked, LSU finished 7-6 overall and 3-5 in the SEC. Despite not playing well, the team still showcased a ton of talent on the field. Cornerback Mansoor Delane is projected to be an early first-round pick, and there could potentially be more first-rounders depending on team needs. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is projected as a Day 2 selection, with Harold Perkins Jr. being one of the better linebackers in the class as either a Day 1 or Day 2 pick.

For the first time in a while, LSU won’t produce a first-round wide receiver talent. Instead, Delane will take the reins as the elite skill player, becoming a notable pick. There is no doubt that Delane is the best man-to-man cornerback in the draft class. He finished his four-year career with eight interceptions, four forced fumbles, 191 tackles (110 solo), and 27 pass deflections. Delane played three years at Virginia Tech before transferring to LSU ahead of last season.

Because the cornerback is rated so high by many outlets, including Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN, there won’t be many teams that will have a shot to draft him. He could go as early as eight to the New Orleans Saints to keep him local in Louisiana, or he could go as late as 15 to 16 to either the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or New York Jets.

With the Saints (8) and Kansas City Chiefs (9) needing offensive weapons, it seems that there are really only two teams that will not let Delane slip past them.

2 best Mansoor Delane destinations in 2026 NFL Draft

Dallas Cowboys (Pick 12)

The Cowboys are the best fit for Delane. Kiper Jr. has Delane going to the Cowboys in his latest first-round mock draft. This is a clear fit, and it will be hard to see the Cowboys letting him slip away. Dallas needs many reinforcements on defense, but at pick 12, Delane would be the best defensive player on the board, maybe the best overall player.

The Cowboys’ defense was horrid last season. They allowed 30+ points per game and could not stop a runny nose. Trevon Diggs was released by the team last season, and now, the Cowboys have an opening and a need for another star cornerback. Deron Bland is the top cornerback as of now, but a duo between Bland and Delane could quickly become the best in the league.

Los Angeles Rams (Pick 13)

The Rams are also desperate for a cornerback upgrade. The Rams have two first-round picks in 2026 thanks to a trade with the Atlanta Falcons. LA will have the 13th pick and will likely consider taking a cornerback. Emmanuel Forbes Jr, Cobie Durant, and Darious Williams are all pending free agents, and there is a good chance they hit the open market. This means that the Rams could lose their three best corners. One may stay, but if not, it’s a good thing they have two first-round picks.

If the Cowboys pass on Mansoor Delane, then the Rams will likely draft him. Kiper Jr. has the Rams taking Jermod McCoy from Tennessee as a result of the Cowboys likely taking Delane. It will be very hard to believe seeing the top cornerback fall to pick 14.

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