Seahawks Host DE Dante Fowler
Eleven years since the Jaguars took him third overall in the 2015 draft, defensive end Dante Fowler has suited up for five teams. Now a free agent after his second stint with the Cowboys, Fowler could join a sixth franchise. The Seahawks hosted Fowler on Thursday, per the league’s transaction wire.
An agreement with the Seahawks would reunite Fowler with defensive coordinator Aden Durde. They previously overlapped in Atlanta (2020) and Dallas (2022-23). With Durde as the Cowboys’ defensive line coach, Fowler combined for 10 sacks as a rotational player over two years.
Fowler exited the next offseason to join the Commanders, with whom he enjoyed a 10.5-sack outburst. It was the second double-digit sack effort for Fowler, who piled up a personal-best 11.5 with the Rams in 2019. The 10-year veteran has amassed 58.5 sacks over 159 games (58 starts).
Returning to Dallas after a successful season in Washington, Fowler inked a one-year deal worth up to $8MM in March 2025. Fowler wound up playing all 17 games for the fourth straight season and picking up 11 starts – his most since 2020. Despite that, Fowler was only on the field for a little over 32% of the Cowboys’ defensive plays. He finished the season with 15 tackles, 10 QB hits, three hits and three pass deflections. While those aren’t gaudy numbers, Pro Football Focus nonetheless ranked the 31-year-old’s play an impressive 21st among 119 qualifying edge defenders. PFF assigned Fowler an overall grade of 77.6, the highest of his career and a ways above his second-best mark (72.0 in 2019).
As the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Seahawks boast an excellent roster, but they could stand to add more pass-rushing options via free agency, the draft or both routes. The Seahawks have not replaced Boye Mafe, whom they lost to the Bengals in free agency. Fowler could pick up some of Mafe’s slack in Seattle, where he would rejoin former Cowboys teammate and fellow veteran pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence.
DE A.J. Epenesa Visits Dolphins
Free agent defensive end A.J. Epenesa temporarily came off the market when he agreed to sign with the Browns on March 18. Eleven days later, the Browns called off the one-year, $5MM deal as a result of a failed physical. Epenesa has not landed anywhere since, but he visited the Dolphins on Thursday (via Mike Garafolo of NFL Network).
A second-round pick from Iowa in 2020, Epenesa spent the first six years of his career with Buffalo, one of Miami’s AFC East rivals. Although Cleveland was not comfortable with Epenesa’s health, he has appeared in no fewer than 14 games in each season.
Aside from a 13-start 2024, Epenesa has typically worked in a rotational role. While he totaled just 2.5 sacks and logged a defensive snap share around 30% over 28 games in his first two seasons, Epenesa put together three straight six-sack years and averaged 10 QB hits from 2022-24.
After playing a career-high 55.43% of defensive snaps two years ago, his lone 17-game season, the number dropped to 44.6 over 16 contests in 2025. Working as a backup behind Greg Rousseau and Joey Bosa, Epenesa picked up 37 tackles, nine QB hits and 2.5 sacks. He also recorded the second two-interception season of his career and deflected four passes. Epenesa has averaged approximately five PDs per year since 2022.
After Epenesa and Bosa hit the open market last month, the Bills brought in former Dolphin Bradley Chubb to join Rousseau as their top edge defenders. Chubb led the Dolphins with 8.5 sacks in 2025, but they released him in a cap-cutting move. Looking for complements to Chop Robinson, the Dolphins have brought in Josh Uche and David Ojabo on inexpensive deals. Depending on how his visit went, Epenesa could be a candidate to join them.
Cardinals Exercise LT Paris Johnson Jr.’s Fifth-Year Option
When the Cardinals selected Paris Johnson Jr. sixth overall in the 2023 draft, he was expected to establish himself as a core figure on offense. That has proven to be the case, and his Arizona tenure will continue beyond next season.
To no surprise, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports the Cardinals will exercise Johnson’s fifth-year option. The move will ensure Johnson remains in the fold through at least 2027. A fully guaranteed salary of $19.07MM is in store for that season, although a long-term extension carrying a much larger price tag can be anticipated in this case. GM Monti Ossenfort has since confirmed the news (h/t ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss).
[RELATED: Fifth-Year Option Tracker]
Johnson handled right tackle duties as a rookie, but the decision to move on from veteran D.J. Humphries created a vacancy on the blindside. As expected, that resulted in the Cardinals moving Johnson to the left side with free agent signing Jonah Williams taking on the right tackle spot. That setup was in place for the past two years, but Williams remains unsigned deep into free agency. A new RT starter will be in place for 2026. The Cardinals could address the position with the third overall pick in the draft next week, though trading down is a possibility. Regardless, Johnson will be counted on in his current capacity for the foreseeable future.
A former Ohio State standout, Johnson was Ossenfort’s first pick atop the Arizona front office. Ossenfort traded from third to 12th and then back up six spots to select Johnson. The 6-foot-6, 325-pounder has begun his NFL career with 43 straight starts. However, his only 17-game season to date came as a rookie. He missed three games in 2024 and another five last year, which he ended on IR as a result of a knee injury.
Before spraining his PCL, Johnson played every snap during the Cardinals’ first 12 games. Pro Football Focus ranked Johnson’s performance a solid 23rd among 84 tackles. Now committed to Johnson for at least two more seasons, the Cardinals are confident he will continue to serve as an offensive cornerstone.
Connor Byrne contributed to this post.
Titans QB Cam Ward Expected To Participate In Minicamp
Cam Ward did not undergo surgery after suffering an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder during the Titans’ Week 18 contest. His recovery has of course been monitored closely since then, and progress continues to be made.
The Titans recently began their offseason program as one of the teams with a new head coach in place. Ward has been present while continuing his rehab, and no setbacks have been encountered. As long as that remains the case, 2025’s first overall pick will be able to participate in spring workouts.
“He’s been out there,” general manager Mike Borgonzi said on Thursday (via ESPN’s Turron Davenport). “I’m sure you’ve seen the videos of him throwing. He looks good.”
Ward is on track to take part in minicamp next month. Provided all goes well in that regard, he will be positioned for a full workload in training camp this summer. Ward’s health is obviously paramount to the Titans’ efforts to bounce back from a 3-14 2025 campaign. His presence was a key factor in Brian Daboll‘s decision to join Robert Saleh‘s coaching staff during this year’s hiring cycle, and a full stretch of acclimating to Daboll’s offense would set Ward up for a Year 2 jump.
Things did not go according to plan for Tennessee on offense last season, and it came as little surprise when Brian Callahan was fired midway through the campaign. Better play across the board will be required, including from Ward’s supporting cast but also the signal-caller himself. Ward will turn 24 next month, and his ability to develop into a franchise passer will be critical in determining the Titans’ level of success under Saleh. Reinforcements via the draft are forthcoming after Borgonzi and Co. made several big-ticket defensive additions on defense.
Bringing in notable defensive prospects will no doubt be a goal for next week’s draft, but Ward figures to have new faces around him when he is next on the field for full-team work. That is set to take place shortly.
Cardinals Considered Strong Candidate To Trade Down
The Cardinals hold the No. 3 pick in next week’s draft, the same slot as their original position in the 2023 draft. That year, they traded down to the fifth pick and still landed coveted offensive tackle Paris Johnson.
The Cardinals may make a similar move this year. They are considered a strong candidate to move down from the No. 3 pick, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. It could be an especially valuable selection in a draft class that is viewed as thin on elite talent that drops sharply by the middle of the first round and plateaus into the second round. The Raiders are expected to take Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza first with the Jets deciding between Ohio State’s Arvell Reese and Texas Tech’s David Bailey for No. 2. Whichever does not end up in New York could be a target for teams trading up to Arizona’s pick.
The Cardinals also have holes to fill all over their roster, so they may prefer trading back and targeting the strong Day 2 depth of this class. Their wide variety of needs is one of the reasons they are seen as a wild card in this year’s draft, according to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones.
“Arizona Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort is known to be willing to make a draft-day deal,” Jones writes. “You’ll hear plenty about teams being willing to trade down in this year’s draft, and I think the Cardinals are serious contenders to do just that. Looking around the league, folks believe the draft begins at No. 3 and no one seems to have a very good sense of what Arizona will do.”
Ossenfort could conceivable target any position except for cornerback and tight end with his premium picks, and the Cardinals still need some depth at the latter position. That will allow him to take a true ‘best player availlable’ approach as he attempts to rebuild the roster for new head coach Mike LaFleur.
Extension Talks Progressing Between Dolphins, RB De’Von Achane
De’Von Achane did not report to the beginning of Miami’s offseason program. To no surprise, his absence was linked to his desire for an extension.
The Pro Bowl running back is eligible for a new deal, and he has been mentioned on multiple occasions as a key part of the rebuilding Dolphins’ long-term plans. New general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan has stated an Achane trade will not receive consideration, distinguishing him from several other players Miami has moved on from. Signs continue to point to a long-term agreement in this case.
Achane was seen in the Dolphins’ facility on Thursday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. He adds this is viewed as a good-faith move with respect to contract negotiations. Achane’s presence comes shortly after Sullivan noted recent extension talks have yielded progress. Indeed, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald indicates an agreement can be expected at some point. A deal would prevent Achane from testing the market next spring.
As a rookie, the former third-rounder flashed considerable potential by averaging a whopping 7.8 yards per attempt. Achane was limited to 11 games that year, but he has been healthy since. The Texas A&M product took on starting duties in 2024 and remained a focal point on offense this past season. In 2025, he set or matched career highs in several categories and racked up 1,838 scrimmage yards and 12 total touchdowns.
A large payday is in store as a result. Achane, 24, is a logical candidate for a long-term investment on the part of the Dolphins. Six running backs are currently attached to deals averaging $14MM per year or more, and the likes of Jahmyr Gibbs and Bijan Robinson are in position to reset the RB market. Achane is unlikely to command as much as Gibbs and Robinson on their deals, but without a fifth-year option present in his case the Dolphins will need to move with a degree of urgency to finalize a pact prior to the start of the 2026 season.
Sullivan and Co. are of course focused on the upcoming draft as things stand. An Achane extension could be worked out over the coming days, but even if not a deal will still be expected at some time this offseason.
Commanders High On Jeremiyah Love At No. 7
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is considered one of the Commanders’ top choices for the No. 7 pick in next week’s draft, according to EssentiallySports’ Tony Pauline.
Washington has operated a backfield-by-committee for several years without investing much in any one individual running back. In 2025, they traded Brian Robinson – their last player to take more than 200 carries in a season back in 2022 – to the 49ers and split their touches between 2023 sixth-round pick Chris Rodriguez and 2025 seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt. The Commanders added former Buccaneer Rachaad White into their rotation this offseason, too.
Drafting Love would end the committee approach. He would step in as a full-time, three-down RB1 right away who will only need to be rotated out for rest and load management. The Commanders would be able to lean on a more traditional running game without putting Jayden Daniels in as much danger after an injury-riddled 2025 season. And when Washington does use Daniels’ legs, they may find that combining an elite running back with a mobile quarterback can lead to explosive results, as the Ravens showed with Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry in 2024.
Love was one of several projected top-10 picks to take a top-30 visit to Washington this week. He joined edge rushers Arvell Reese (Ohio State), David Bailey (Texas Tech), and Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami), among others, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Any would fill the Commanders’ significant need off the edge, though either Reese or Bailey is expected to be the Jets’ pick at No. 2. The other is unlikely to fall to the seventh pick, but Washington should have a shot at Bain with some teams scared off by his below-average arm length.
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs was also present for Tuesday’s top-30 gathering, but he is not expected to be the team’s pick at No. 7. They are returning their top three safeties from last season – Jartavius Martin, Jeremy Reaves, and Will Harris – and signed Nick Cross in free agency. Cross will take up one starting role, and the team is confident that Martin, a 2023 second-rounder, can bounce back after struggling in coverage last year, according to Pauline. Downs has more long-term upside than any currently-rostered Commanders safety, but the front office may value a position with more value or immediate need.
Instead, Pauline adds, one of the aforementioned pass rushers, a wide receiver, or cornerback are “in play” for the seventh overall pick, but that may not matter if Love falls that far. At present, that does not seem especially likely. He has been linked with a number of clubs with top-five picks, and in what is considered a thin draft class in terms of elite prospects, one may be inclined to ignore Love’s position and select him based on his pure talent.
49ers Host WRs Omar Cooper Jr., KC Concepcion
49ers general manager John Lynch recently indicated the team is likely to make at least one draft investment at the receiver position. A number of first-round options have received a look.
Omar Cooper Jr. spent the deadline for top-30 visits meeting with San Francisco, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. That completed a busy pre-draft process in his case. Cooper has visited numerous teams recently, and the Indiana product is one of several receivers with a strong chance of being selected during the middle or late stages of the first round. The 49ers own pick No. 27.
San Francisco also hosted KC Concepcion on a visit earlier this week, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. By means of a strong one-and-done showing at Texas A&M, Concepcion established himself as a first-round option for many teams. He has also received widespread interest leading up to the draft, so it comes as little surprise the 49ers have taken part in a top-30 visit as well. Denzel Boston is another WR prospect San Francisco has taken a close look at.
Free agent additions Mike Evans and Christian Kirk are set to top the depth chart for 2026. With Brandon Aiyuk unlikely to play again for the 49ers and Jauan Jennings set to sign elsewhere on the open market, though, adding depth via the draft would be a reasonable approach from Lynch and Co. On the other hand, receiver is not considered as much of an immediate need as other positions, so spending a first-rounder in that regard could leave the team thin elsewhere.
The 49ers have a second-round selection as well as four picks in the fourth round. Using one of those on a depth WR prospect could of course be in store, but the team will have done its homework on Day 1 options when on the clock Thursday night.
Teams Medically Red-Flagged CB Jermod McCoy
Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy is one of the biggest x-factors in the 2026 draft class.
His tape from 2023 and 2024 show a first-round cornerback with sticky, physical coverage and plenty of ball production (16 passes defended, six interceptions). But a torn ACL in January 2025 sidelined him for his third season, depriving scouts of another year of film to evaluate. That would be especially important after McCoy’s breakout 2024, as opposing teams would have been able to offer new challenges in 2025.
McCoy only participated at the bench press at the Combine, preferring to wait until his pro day for the rest of his testing. That seemed to pay off, as a 4.4-second 40-yard dash and strong vertical and broad jumps boosted his stock with a month until the draft. Not only did he show that he was fully recovered from his ACL tear, but his numbers cemented assessments of his high-end athleticism and seemed to lock him into a first-round pick.
However, teams have medically red-flagged the 20-year-old for a potentially degenerative knee condition, per EssentiallySports’ Tony Pauline. This could take him off some boards entirely, while others may drop his grade by a half or full round. This could result in a similar fall to Will Johnson‘s in 2025, when the projected first-rounder was not selected until the third round.
However, as Pauline notes, “medical opinions differ team by team since there is no central body to govern a physical.” Some clubs are willing to tolerate more injury risk than others, especially if they see McCoy as a potential lockdown cornerback
Giants Have Received Calls About No. 5
With one week remaining until the opening round of the draft, calls amongst teams will no doubt pick up. Movement near the top of the board could involve the Giants.
New York is currently slated to select fifth overall. The team has been mentioned as one to watch with respect to a move down the board, something which will of course only be feasible if a strong enough trade market exists. Things on that front can change over the coming days, but interest is being shown from potential suitors for the Giants’ top pick.
GM Joe Schoen said (via Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post) calls have been made recently with teams sending out “feelers” about the fifth overall selection. Interest to one extent or another is always present leading up to a draft, and in 2026 teams have indeed inquired about the No. 1 pick even though its fate has long been known. The number of teams prepared to move out of a premium spot in a class defined by its depth rather than its star power will make for a key storyline over the coming week.
If the Giants remain in place, they will have a number of intriguing options to choose from. Running back Jeremiyah Love has been named as a strong consideration, but even if the Notre Dame star is available the team could look to add on defense. ESPN’s Adam Schefter predicts (video link) preference will ultimately been shown for safety Caleb Downs or linebacker Sonny Styles. Both Ohio State standouts would be expected to make an immediate impact upon arrival and serve as a mainstay for several years.
Positional value will be put to the test in the opening stages of this year’s draft. Each member of the Love-Downs-Styles trio plays in a spot not weighted as heavily as quarterback, offensive tackle, receiver, edge rusher or corner when it comes to contract value or draft investments. That factor will no doubt be a major consideration as teams lower in the Day 1 order contemplate a move up the board. The Cowboys have emerged as a potential team to watch on that front, with a trade from No. 12 into the top five frequently mentioned as a possibility.
The Giants’ second pick is No. 37. Schoen indicated (via Dunleavy) he is confident a trade down from that spot can be worked out. The early and middle portions of Day 2 regularly include trading up and down the board, so it would come as no surprise if Schoen elected to add more picks for later in the event at that point. His preparation for No. 5 will continue, but a trade moving New York out of that spot could become tangible if a strong market develops in the near future.