Ravens Hope To Re-Sign Tyler Linderbaum
As free agency approaches, Tyler Linderbaum remains one of the top players on track to reach the open market. The Pro Bowl center is still in Baltimore’s plans at this point, though. 
Last spring, the Ravens declined Linderbaum’s fifth-year option. That move came as little surprise since option values are determined by grouping together all offensive linemen. The same is also true of the franchise tag, leaving it as an unfeasible means of Baltimore keeping Linderbaum in the fold. Whether or not a long-term deal can be worked out over the coming weeks remains to be seen.
“We’ve got some work to do on Tyler Linderbaum’s contract,” general manager Eric DeCosta acknowledged during an appearance on the Inner Circle podcast (video link). “He’s a free agent. We strongly hope to have him back. He’s a great player for us and a great leader.”
Linderbaum expressed a desire to remain in Baltimore shortly after the team’s 2025 season ended. Based on DeCosta’s comments, the feeling is mutual. Baltimore has other matters to attend to from a financial standpoint in time for free agency, however. The most pressing one is a restructuring of quarterback Lamar Jackson‘s contract; until and unless that takes place, the Ravens’ cap flexibility will be unclear. The team’s ability to authorize a major Linderbaum extension will hinge in large part on its success in carving out space for 2026.
Seven centers are currently attached to an average annual value of at least $10MM. That list will soon grow, as Linderbaum is a strong candidate to reset the market. The Iowa product could easily top $18MM per year, which is the value of Creed Humphrey‘s Chiefs pact. Entering his age-26 season and having missed only two games so far in his career, Linderbaum will have no shortage of suitors if he tests the open market.
The Ravens may have a veteran contingency in place in the form of Connor McGovern should Linderbaum head elsewhere in March. Their preference would no doubt be to maintain the status quo at the center spot, and it will be interesting to see if progress at the negotiating table can be made shortly.
Rams To Promote Nate Scheelhaase To OC
The Rams will take the expected route of promoting from within to fill the offensive coordinator spot. Nate Scheelhaase is in position to take on an elevated role in 2026. 
Scheelhaase is being promoted to the role of offensive coordinator, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. He will serve as Mike LaFleur‘s replacement as a result. Schefter adds that quarterbacks coach Dave Ragone will maintain his current role while also having co-offensive coordinator added to his title.
During a head coaching hiring cycle dominated by staffers with a defensive background, Scheelhaase stood out. The 35-year-old has seen his stock rise considerably during a brief period. Only in place with the Rams since 2024 – his first foray into coaching at the NFL level – Scheelhaase was one of the most popular targets for HC interviews around the league last month.
After starting out at Illinois in 2015, Scheelhaase worked his way up the ladder at the NCAA level. He spent six years at Iowa State, working as the team’s offensive coordinator and QBs coach in 2023. That was followed by an arrival on Sean McVay‘s staff, something which has quickly resulted in an OC gig in the NFL. McVay will no doubt retain play-calling duties moving forward, but Scheelhaase will take on added responsibilities for 2026. He will look to become the latest member of the McVay coaching tree to elevate his standing around the league and land the opportunity to lead a staff elsewhere.
Ragone had been the only coach connected to the Rams’ OC vacancy since LaFleur departed to take charge of the Cardinals. After three years as the Falcons’ offensive coordinator under Arthur Smith, Ragone joined the Rams as their quarterbacks coach. He has played a key role in Matthew Stafford‘s ability to remain highly productive deep into his career, including an MVP campaign in 2025. The two will continue working together for at least one more year, but Ragone, 46, will also take on OC responsibilities for the first time since 2023.
The Rams averaged 30.5 points per game this season, good for first in the NFL. With Stafford set to return – likely on another reworked contract – expectations will remain very high for the unit. Continued efficiency would go a long way in setting Los Angeles up for another deep playoff run, and it would help Scheelhaase’s stock rise even further. A strong year with the title of offensive coordinator would no doubt lead to another wave of HC interest during the 2027 hiring cycle.
Bears Approaching Indiana Relocation?
The Bears have looked into a potential relocation to northwest Indiana as they weigh their new stadium options. A move across the border appears to remain a distinct possibility. 
On Thursday, an amendment to Senate Bill 27 received unanimous approval in the state during a Ways and Means committee hearing in Indiana. As noted by All CHGO’s Adam Hoge, only a direct agreement between governor Mike Braun and the Bears themselves seems to be in the way of a final step regarding relocation. It was confirmed today the Bears are still willing to commit $2 billion to the construction of a new stadium in Indiana, as they have been for a potential move to Arlington Heights in Illinois.
“We’ve identified a promising site near Wolf Lake in Hammond and established a broad framework for negotiating a final deal,” a statement from Braun reads in part. “If approved, the proposed amendment to Senate Bill 27 puts forward the essential framework to complete this agreement, contingent upon site due diligence proceeding smoothly.”
An Illinois House Finance and Revenue committee hearing was scheduled to take place today, but it was canceled. Hoge reports the megaprojects bill which could have granted the Bears “tax certainty” regarding the Arlington Heights project was on the agenda but was not set to be voted on. The Bears still own a plot in Arlington Heights at this time.
“The passage of SB 27 would mark the most meaningful step forward in our stadium planning efforts to date,” a Bears statement reads in part. “We are committed to finishing the remaining site-specific necessary due diligence to support our vision to build a world-class stadium near the Wolf Lake area in Hammond, Indiana… We value our partnership and look forward to continuing to build our working relationship together.”
Hammond falls within a 75-mile radius of downtown Chicago. As such, the Bears already own marketing rights there in line with NFL rules for all of its teams. As noted by the Indy Star’s Joel A. Erickson, the Colts’ stance on this matter has not changed since a Bears relocation to Indiana became possible. The Colts simply “wish the Bears all the best on their stadium initiative.”
Connor Orr of Sports Illustrated reports a move across the Illinois-Indiana border “feels like an inevitability” at this point. Nothing has been finalized, but this is certainly a situation to watch closely. Interestingly, a move to Hammond would see the Bears play in the same location where George Halas spent time as a player in 1919 (h/t Mark Potash of the Chicago Sun-Times). The manner in which Illinois responds to today’s developments will likely play a key role in determining the Bears’ post-Soldier Field future.
Offseason Outlook: Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals were one of this offseason's teams to split up an HC-GM combo that arrived together. Hired in 2023, the Jonathan Gannon-Monti Ossenfort duo separated after a 3-14 season. Like the Ravens, Bills, Giants, Titans, Raiders and Browns, the Cardinals will give their GM more time after canning their HC.
Arizona certainly was not at the front of this year's line when it came to luring coaches. Rumored to want Klint Kubiak, the Cardinals pivoted once the Seahawks' OC chose the Raiders. Enter Mike LaFleur, who will become the fourth Sean McVay OC to land a head coaching job. As Ossenfort and LaFleur face an uphill battle in a loaded NFC West, they have a big decision to make; Kyler Murray's days in the desert may be numbered, but a quarterback upgrade will not be easy to make this year. How will the Cards proceed with the former No. 1 overall pick?
Coaching/front office:
- Fired head coach Jonathan Gannon
- Hired Mike LaFleur as HC replacement
- Added Nathaniel Hackett as offensive coordinator
- Retained Nick Rallis as defensive coordinator, Justin Frye as O-line coach
- Hired Matt Schaub as quarterbacks coach
- Hired Michael Ghobrial as special teams coordinator
- Pass-game specialist Connor Senger interviewed for Bears, Seahawks' OC jobs
While a pre-Week 18 report had Gannon on the right side of the bubble, it was certainly not shocking to see a team fire a coach after a three-win season. Following a 2-0 start, the Cardinals took a historic tumble. Close losses gave way to blowouts. After the Cardinals had shown improvement during an 8-9 2024, they nosedived in a season when Murray was limited to five games. The Cards looked to be OK shelving Murray while starting Jacoby Brissett, but their defense cratered as well. This proved too much for Gannon to overcome.
49ers Expected To Maintain High Asking Price In Mac Jones Trade
Teams in need of a new quarterback this spring could attempt to go down the trade route. In that event, Mac Jones would be a coveted passer. 
Jones’ impressive showing with the 49ers in 2025 helped rebuild his value. The former first-rounder was unable to duplicate the success of his rookie year in New England, and as of last offseason it was unclear when – or if – he would receive another QB1 opportunity. That time could soon be approaching, with a strong trade market being something to watch for in Jones’ case.
As things stand, the 27-year-old is under contract with San Francisco for 2026. Jones is scheduled to carry a cap charge of only $3.07MM, while his base salary ($1.4MM) would be highly attractive to any number of suitors. Those financial factors are of course among the reasons why San Francisco’s preference would be to retain Jones as affordable Brock Purdy insurance. When trade calls are made, the team is expected to drive a hard bargain.
“It’s a tough market to read this early in the process,” a personnel member whose team is in need of a new quarterback told SportsBoom’s Jason La Canfora. “I know that [head coach] Kyle [Shanahan] doesn’t want to lose him. I think they’ll put up a pretty good fight. You’re going to have to knock their socks off.”
Cost-effective passers are of course a highly valuable commodity in the NFL, so it would come as no surprise if the 49ers maintained a high asking price on the Jones front. The Alabama product could be viewed as the latest quarterback to spend time with Shanahan and then thrive elsewhere, not unlike how Sam Darnold‘s career has surged over the past two years. That leads Matt Barrows of The Athletic to write (subscription required) “circumstances are aligning” for San Francisco to receive a trade offer too strong to turn down.
Purdy’s $53MM-per-year pact runs through the 2030 season. The value and upside Jones provides will be accounted for as the 49ers plan their offseason approach under center. Whether or not they set the price of a trade too high for a swap to take place will be interesting to monitor over the coming weeks.
Eagles RT Lane Johnson Will Play In 2026
The Eagles will once again have stability at the right tackle spot next season. Lane Johnson‘s decorated career will continue in 2026. 
Johnson informed Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer that he will play next year. The All-Pro himself has since provided a confirmation on X. A retirement call will be delayed for at least one more season as a result.
Earlier this month, it was reported Johnson was one of two Eagles O-line starters giving thought to retirement. The other is guard Landon Dickerson, whose situation is based not on age but on his injury history. Johnson missed considerable time in 2025, but McLane notes his rehab from a Lisfranc injury is ongoing. A full campaign in 2026 would be critical for Philadelphia’s offense.
There will be plenty of new faces on the sideline for the Eagles next year. Offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo was dismissed immediately after the Eagles were eliminated in the wild-card round. Not long after, longtime offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland resigned. As a result, the team will have a new O-line coach for the first time since 2013. Johnson’s ability to maintain his Pro Bowl form upon returning to full health will be key in determining the success of the transition along the coaching staff.
In place with the Eagles since being drafted fourth overall in 2013, Johnson has cemented his status as one of the greatest players in franchise history. The 35-year-old has remained a full-time starter throughout his tenure, and that will of course continue next season as well. Johnson is under contract for two more years, although none of his 2026 or ’27 base salaries are guaranteed at this point.
Nevertheless, the two-time Super Bowl winner’s pact calls for a $9MM option bonus to be paid out on September 1. All parties can now proceed knowing there is no longer any uncertainty on that front. Johnson is scheduled to carry a cap charge of $20.3MM next season.
Cowboys Will Move Away From 4-3 Defense In 2026
New Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker confirmed that Dallas would be moving away from the 4-3 defense they have run for more than a decade.
“The first thing is we’re going to be multiple,” Parker said (via team writer Tommy Yarrish). “So our core principles, we’ll be a 3-4 by nature, but 4-3 spacing will be appropriate, 4-2-5 in nickel, different front structures, coverages behind it.”
The Cowboys last ran a 3-4 under Rob Ryan in 2012. They moved to a 4-3 when head coach Jason Garrett and defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin were hired in 2013 and kept that base system under three more head coaches and five more defensive coordinators. But Parker’s history under Ejiro Evero, Vance Joseph, and Vic Fangio, who all run 3-4 schemes, was a clear sign that Dallas would not retain the 4-3 in 2026. Hiring dedicated inside and outside linebackers coach – which is more common for team that uses a 3-4 – was another indicator.
However, Parker emphasized the importance “being multiple” and tailoring his scheme to his personnel. Modern defenses need to be flexible against the NFL’s ever-changing offensive schemes, which has precipitated the rise of hybrid systems like Parker’s.
The magnitude of the difference between the NFL’s two dominant defensive schemes has waned in recent years as teams switched to nickel personnel on a plurality, if not a majority, of plays. Technique, spacing, and strategy – particularly the interplay between first- and second-level defenders – are still key distinctions. But especially with his intent to build around his roster, Parker should not have too tough of a task in transforming the Cowboys defense into his vision for the unit.
Packers Line Up Special Teams Coordinator Interviews
The Packers are moving quickly to replace special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia after he suddenly stepped down this week. Their first three candidates are Cameron Achord, Tom McMahon, and Kyle Wilber, per Sports Illustrated’s Bill Huber.
Achord, 39, has been the Giants’ assistant special teams coach since 2024. He was retained by new head coach John Harbaugh after New York’s solid special teams effort in 2025, which featured top-10 finishes in yards per kickoff return and average starting field position. Achord previously worked for the Patriots, winning a Super Bowl in his first year as an assistant special teams coach and receiving a promotion to coordinator in 2020. He left New England when Bill Belichick‘s tenure ended in 2023 and quickly signed on with Brian Daboll in New York.
McMahon, 56, was fired by the Raiders during the 2025 season, his fourth as the team’s special teams coordinator. He was originally hired by Josh McDaniels in 2022 and survived the team’s head coaching change to Antonio Pierce in 2024. McMahon was retained by Pete Carroll in 2025, but a disastrous year from Las Vegas’ special teams units led to his firing in November. McMahon previously held STC jobs with the Rams (2009-2011), Chiefs (2012), Colts (2013-2017), and Broncos (2018-2021).
Wilber, 36, is entering his second year as the Saints’ assistant special teams coach. He was a linebacker and special teams ace for the Cowboys and the Raiders for a decade before he moved into coaching. His first job as the Packers’ special teams quality control coach (2023-2024) may give him a leg up in the race for the open job in Green Bay.
Bills Likely To Release WR Curtis Samuel?
Following a 2025 campaign where he was limited to only six regular season appearances, Curtis Samuel may soon be out of a job. As Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic writes, the Bills wide receiver is a clear release candidate heading into the offseason.
Following a solid final two seasons in Washington, Samuel caught on with the Bills in 2024 via a three-year, $24MM deal. He didn’t put up especially big numbers during his first season in Buffalo (31 catches, 253 yards, one touchdown), although he did have some key moments in the postseason. He caught three passes for 68 yards and a touchdown in the Bills’ opening-round win over the Broncos, and he added another score in Buffalo’s AFC Championship loss to the Chiefs.
With the departures of Amari Cooper and Mack Hollins and few reinforcements at the position, there was hope that Samuel could take another step in 2025. Instead, the veteran got into about 40 percent of Buffalo’s offensive snaps in his six appearances, finishing with only seven receptions for 81 yards and one touchdown. He also had a special teams role, where he returned nine kickoffs for 223 yards. He suffered an elbow injury in November that landed him on injured reserve, although he did manage to return for the Bills’ playoff matchup against the Broncos. He finished that eventual loss with a two-yard reception on three targets.
If the Bills made Samuel a post-June 1 cut, he’d save the team around $6MM against the cap. While this would only be modest savings, it’s still significant for a cap sheet that’s currently operating in the red. Even with the understanding that the Bills would find some cap machinations to open up breathing room, Samuel’s savings could go a long way, especially if the front office reinvests that money into a WR upgrade.
As for Samuel, the wideout will be entering his age-30 season in 2026. He was good for at least 500 yards when healthy between 2018 and 2023, but the last two years have surely hurt his free agent stock. He’d presumably get a chance from some WR-needy team, but it would have to come via a prove-it deal.
NFL Reserve/Futures Deals: 2/19/26
Today’s reserve/futures moves:
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams officially announced the signing of 15 players to reserve/futures contracts today, 14 of which were reported previously. The newest addition to the list is running back Jordan Waters. The former Duke standout spent his final collegiate season at NC State before going undrafted in 2025. He quickly caught on with the Rams, but he didn’t make it to the regular season with his new squad. Now, he’ll have another chance to make the squad in 2026.