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NFC Contract Details: Cards, Falcons, Panthers, Bears, Lions, Pack, Rams, Saints, Eagles, Hawks, Commanders

By | at April 1, 2026 6:43 pm

Here are the details on a boatload of contracts that NFC teams have given out in recent weeks. Unless specified otherwise, all information is courtesy of Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2:

Arizona Cardinals

Atlanta Falcons

Carolina Panthers

Chicago Bears

Detroit Lions

Green Bay Packers

Los Angeles Rams

  • Grant Stuard, LB (two years, $4.45MM): The max value of Stuard’s deal checks in at $5.05MM. It carries $3.5MM in guarantees, including $1.8MM in full guarantees, salaries of $1.5MM and $2MM, and a $300K signing bonus.

New Orleans Saints

Philadelphia Eagles

Seattle Seahawks

  • Brady Russell, FB (two years, $4.8MM): Russell’s agreement features $2.15MM in total guarantees, salaries of $1.5MM and $1.79MM, and a $1MM signing bonus.
  • Jack Stoll, LS (two years, $2.91MM): Stoll picked up $1.2MM in fully guaranteed money and a $500K signing bonus, per Brady Henderson of ESPN.
  • Noah Igbinoghene, CB (one year, $1.81MM): Along with a $1.22MM salary, Igbinoghene will collect $750K in full guarantees, including a $250K signing bonus.

Washington Commanders

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2027 NFL Fifth-Year Option Tracker

By | at March 31, 2026 11:37 pm

NFL teams have until May 1 to officially pick up fifth-year options on 2023 first-rounders. The 2020 CBA revamped the option structure and made them fully guaranteed, rather than guaranteed for injury only. Meanwhile, fifth-year option salaries are now determined by a blend of performance- and usage-based benchmarks:

  • Two-time Pro Bowlers (excluding alternates) will earn the same as their position’s franchise tag
  • One-time Pro Bowlers will earn the equivalent of the transition tag
  • Players who achieve any of the following will receive the average of the third-20th top salaries at their position:
    • At least a 75% snap rate in two of their first three seasons
    • A 75% snap average across all three seasons
    • At least 50% in each of first three seasons
  • Players who do not hit any of those benchmarks will receive the average of the third-25th top salaries at their position

PFR’s Offseason Outlook series examined each of these decisions in-depth, and weeks remain until this year’s deadline. In the meantime, we will use the space below to track all the 2027 option decisions from around the league:

  1. QB Bryce Young, Panthers ($25.9MM): To be exercised
  2. QB C.J. Stroud, Texans ($25.9MM): To be exercised
  3. DE Will Anderson Jr., Texans ($21.51MM)
  4. QB Anthony Richardson, Colts ($22.48MM)
  5. CB Devon Witherspoon, Seahawks ($21.16MM): Exercised
  6. LT Paris Johnson Jr., Cardinals ($19.07MM)
  7. DE Tyree Wilson, Raiders ($14.48MM)
  8. RB Bijan Robinson, Falcons ($11.32MM)
  9. DT Jalen Carter, Eagles ($27.13MM)
  10. RT Darnell Wright, Bears ($19.07MM)
  11. G Peter Skoronski, Titans ($19.07MM)
  12. RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions ($14.29MM)
  13. DE Lukas Van Ness, Packers ($13.75MM)
  14. LT Broderick Jones, Steelers ($19.07MM)
  15. DE Will McDonald, Jets ($13.75MM): To be exercised
  16. CB Emmanuel Forbes, Rams ($12.63MM)
  17. CB Christian Gonzalez, Patriots ($18.12MM): To be exercised
  18. LB Jack Campbell, Lions ($21.93MM)
  19. DL Calijah Kancey, Buccaneers ($14.48MM)
  20. WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seahawks ($23.85MM): Exercised*
  21. WR Quentin Johnston, Chargers ($18MM)
  22. WR Zay Flowers, Ravens ($27.3MM): To be exercised
  23. WR Jordan Addison, Vikings ($18MM): To be exercised
  24. CB Deonte Banks, Giants ($12.63MM)
  25. TE Dalton Kincaid, Bills ($8.16MM): To be exercised
  26. DT Mazi Smith, Jets ($13.93MM)
  27. RT Anton Harrison, Jaguars ($19.07MM): To be exercised
  28. DE Myles Murphy, Bengals ($14.48MM)
  29. DT Bryan Bresee, Saints ($13.93MM)
  30. DE Nolan Smith, Eagles ($13.75MM)
  31. DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Chiefs ($13.75MM)

* = Seahawks gave Smith-Njigba four-year, $168.6MM extension

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Cardinals, Dolphins To Host Miami QB Carson Beck

By | at March 31, 2026 11:07 pm

The 2026 draft class is not considered strong at the quarterback position. Projected No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza leads the pack with Ty Simpson seen as the clear QB2 who could also break into the first round. Beyond that, this year’s slate of prospects lacks another starting-caliber talent.

But quarterback-needy teams will always be willing to take swings on the most important position in the sport, especially on the second and third days of the draft. That is where former Georgia and Miami quarterback Carson Beck is projected to be selected.

As for his destination? The Steelers and Jets have already demonstrated interest, and the Cardinals and Dolphins can now be added to that list. Beck is scheduled to visit Arizona and Miami before April’s draft, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, both teams that could stand to add a young quarterback.

The Cardinals moved on from Kyler Murray earlier this month as expected. Gardner Minshew then joined Jacoby Brissett in the team’s quarterback room, giving them two veteran options to start this fall. But new head coach Mike LaFleur is surely looking for a long-term option under center. Next year’s draft offers a far richer well to draw from, but it would not hurt to take a shot on a less-heralded prospect in April.

The Dolphins are in a slightly different situation. They have a clear starter after signing Malik Willis to a three-year deal in free agency. But 2026 will be his first time in charge of an offense, and his small sample size of excellent play may not continue at a larger volume. Miami would be wise to bring in a younger passer behind Willis – who himself developed as a backup in Green Bay – to form into a backup or even the team’s next starter if Willis does not work out.

Beck would be an option for both teams. He brings plenty of experience at the highest level of college football, but that competition also exposed his lack of elite tools and potential. Landing in Arizona or Miami would not force him to step into a bigger role than he is ready for, but the two teams – especially the Cardinals – could offer more opportunities in the next three years of his rookie deal.

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QB Ty Simpson Arranges Visits With Cardinals, Dolphins, Browns

By | at March 31, 2026 1:13 pm

Pre-draft visits continue to be arranged around the NFL. The quarterback position is, as always, one garnering plenty of attention with one of the top prospects on the radar of a number of teams.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo report Ty Simpson has arranged a top-30 visit with each of the Cardinals, Dolphins and Browns. Today’s update comes not long after Simpson took part in a Jets workout. Further interest will no doubt continue to be shown as the countdown to the draft continues.

Arizona has been mentioned as a logical landing spot for Simpson. As such, it comes as no surprise the Cards are set to host him. The team’s post-Kyler Murray period will begin in 2026. Jacoby Brissett – who finished last year atop the depth chart – remains in the fold, and fellow veteran Gardner Minshew was added in free agency. Both can viewed as short-term options for new head coach Mike LaFleur and Co., though, and adding Simpson for the future could provide the Cardinals with a more permanent solution.

The Dolphins also elected to move on from their longtime QB1 this offseason, cutting Tua Tagovailoa. Malik Willis made the expected decision of following head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan from Green Bay to Miami once free agency began. The 26-year-old is in position to operate as the Dolphins’ starter for at least the next two years, although Sullivan has left the door open to a longer spell atop the depth chart. Miami does not have an immediate quarterback need through the draft, but Sullivan has mentioned his Packers background which values consistently adding rookie passers will likely carry over to the Dolphins.

The Browns have Deshaun Watson preparing to take part in training camp upon healing from two Achilles tears. The much-maligned veteran is in position to compete for the starting gig alongside 2025 draftees Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. GM Andrew Berry said yesterday another young passer could be brought in as well, pointing to potential a draft investment.

Fernando Mendoza remains on course to be selected first overall. Beyond that, the QB draft market has proven difficult to project. Simpson has drawn praise on a number of fronts, but the fact he only started one year in college has cast doubt on his NFL readiness. That will not stop teams from showing interest in this case, and the list of suitors which line up a visit will no doubt continue to grow.

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LB Sonny Styles Well Regarded By Cardinals, Giants

By | at March 30, 2026 10:41 am

Ohio State figures to be well represented early in the first round of April’s draft. Linebacker Sonny Styles is among the prospects who will not need to wait long to hear their name called on Day 1.

Styles spent his first two seasons as a safety, and he was a productive presence in that capacity for the Buckeyes. Starting with his junior campaign, he transitioned to linebacker. While operating in the front seven, Styles racked up 182 tackles, seven sacks and 17 tackles for loss. That production has led to interest from the Commanders, but he may not be on the board when Washington selects seventh overall.

The Cardinals “love” Styles, SportsBoom’s Jason La Canfora writes. Arizona is set to draft third overall. A defensive addition could prove to be highly beneficial, although many have pointed to the offensive line as a unit which the Cardinals should prioritize. La Canfora predicts Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa will be the pick, matching a number of projections in that respect. He adds, however, that if general manager Monti Ossenfort elects to focus on a defensive prospect, Styles will likely be the choice.

Elsewhere in the top five, La Canfora notes new Giants head coach John Harbaugh “has a thing for” Styles. New York has been linked on more than one occasion to fellow Ohio State start Caleb Downs, who is widely expected to be the first safety taken in the draft. More recently, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love has emerged as a potential target for the Giants. Both of those prospects could be available when New York is on the clock at No. 5, but adding Styles to the fold would be expected to yield a considerable upgrade to the second level of the team’s defense.

NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah ranks Styles third overall. Positional value will no doubt be a talking point as teams contemplate when to select him, but it comes as no surprise the Cardinals and Giants can be counted among his suitors.

4 comments 2026 NFL Draft Arizona Cardinals New York Giants

NFC Contract Details: Evans, 49ers, Kirk, Commanders, Wentz, Vikings, Cowboys, Cardinals, Seahawks, Falcons, Lions

By | at March 30, 2026 8:15 am

Here are the key details from some of the free agency deals agreed to around the NFC:

  • Mike Evans, WR (49ers). Three years, $42.5MM. More details are in on Evans’ deal, which is essentially a one-year, $14.3MM pact. Four separate $1.5MM escalators for 2027 are in place. If Evans finishes in the top 10 in receptions, yards or receiving touchdowns, he would earn $1.5MM for each such placement. The 49ers must make the playoffs for any of these escalators to kick in, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio notes. San Francisco winning a postseason game this season also would trigger $500K, with any additional playoff wins carrying the same bump (though, $1.5MM is the max Evans can earn from the win-based playoff component of this deal). Evans must play at least 75% of the 49ers’ regular-season offensive snaps to hit the playoff-win incentive, Florio adds. The same escalator steps cover the 2027 season and Evans’ potential 2028 compensation.
  • Amik Robertson, CB (Commanders). Two years, $15MM. While Robertson’s signing brought $9MM guaranteed in total, OverTheCap notes $7.35MM is locked in at signing. Robertson’s 2026 cap number sits at $5MM, his 2027 number at $10MM, via ESPN.com’s John Keim. His 2027 base salary ($6.35MM) is nonguaranteed.
  • Roy Lopez, DT (Cardinals). Two years, $10.5MM. Lopez’s Arizona return will bring $6MM fully guaranteed, KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson tweets. Lopez, who did not receive any 2027 salary guarantees at signing, will be due a $250K roster bonus on Day 5 of the 2027 league year.
  • Dre Greenlaw, LB (49ers). One year, $6MM. This deal is fully guaranteed, per ESPN.com’s Nick Wagoner. Greenlaw’s cap number checks in at $3.55MM, as four void years are included here. Greenlaw, who missed nine games as a Bronco in 2025 and was down for almost all of the 2024 season, will see $850K of his third 49ers contract tied to per-game roster bonuses.
  • Josh Jones, OL (Seahawks). One year, $4MM. Jones secured $3MM fully guaranteed, Wilson tweets. The base value and guarantee match Jones’ 2025 Seattle terms.
  • Christian Kirk, WR (49ers). One year, $3MM. The former Cardinals, Jaguars and Texans wideout will see $2.78MM fully guaranteed, Wilson adds. The deal can max out at $6MM.
  • Chris Paul, G (Commanders). One year, $3MM. The 2025 starter will see $2.48MM guaranteed at signing, according to Wilson.
  • Carson Wentz, QB (Vikings). One year, $3MM. The former No. 2 overall pick will see $2.65MM fully guaranteed, Wilson tweets. This is more than double what the Vikings paid Wentz in 2025.
  • Sam Howell, QB (Cowboys). One year, $2.5MM. Howell landed $2MM guaranteed, ESPN.com’s Todd Archer notes. The deal maxes out at $3MM, with a $500K incentive pertaining to a Cowboys playoff berth included.
  • Samson Ebukam, OLB (Falcons). One year, $2.77MM. Ebukam played out a three-year Colts deal worth $24MM; he will see $700K guaranteed on his Falcons accord, Wilson notes.
  • Malcolm Rodriguez, ILB (Lions). One year, $2.75MM. Rodriguez is staying put for $2.7MM fully guaranteed (via Wilson). Because this is the rare four-year qualifying offer, Rodriguez will count just $1.4MM toward the Lions’ cap. The cap number reflects the veteran minimum for a player with four years of service time, with the CBA stipulating a maximum bump from a four-year qualifying contract is $1.55MM.
  • Rachaad White, RB (Commanders). One year, $2MM. While the Buccaneers gave Kenneth Gainwell a two-year deal worth $14MM to replace White alongside Bucky Irving, White’s contract will max out at $4MM (per Wilson). The Commanders authorized a $1.72MM guarantee at signing.
  • Isiah Pacheco, RB (Lions). One year, $1.81MM. Pacheco’s bounce-back attempt will include a sub-$2MM contract, but NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero indicates the deal is fully guaranteed.
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Opinions On Alabama QB Ty Simpson Widely Varied

By | at March 27, 2026 9:52 pm

Even without Dan Orlovsky pouring fuel on the controversial fire, opinions on Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson vary widely across a spectrum from people who believe he’s QB1 over Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza to people who see him going in the third round. 27 days until the opening night of the three-day event, teams only have a short time left to determine where Simpson will fall in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Early on in his 2025 campaign with the Crimson Tide, Simpson looked to be taking the football world by storm as a first-year starter. As the season wore on, injuries seemed to contribute to some regression in his performance, leading to some concern about both his ability and durability. Early draft projections pegged Mendoza as the only likely Day 1 passer, but the need for a quarterback helped push Simpson’s name up into first-round consideration.

One popular projection saw Simpson going to the Steelers at 21st overall. On its surface, the move made sense, setting up the inexperienced starter to sit and learn for a year behind veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is widely expected to re-sign with Pittsburgh to play once again under new head coach Mike McCarthy. According to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic, though, Simpson’s lack of starting experience “will almost certainly deter Pittsburgh from picking him up in the first round.”

If Simpson slips far enough, DeFabo thinks the Steelers could reconsider, but how far he needs to fall DeFabo isn’t ready to say. Former contributor at The Athletic Mark Kaboly, now a Steelers correspondent for The Pat McAfee Show, believes Pittsburgh may be targeting a third wide receiver behind D.K. Metcalf and Michael Pittman in the first three rounds, though he doesn’t feel confident Rodgers would get much contribution from a rookie pass catcher, given his preference to target more-polished veterans.

For Simpson, though, even today, ESPN’s trio of Matt Miller, Jordan Reid, and Field Yates illustrated beautifully the array of opinions on Simpson. Asked what percentage chance Simpson has of going on Day 1, Miller answered 25%, Reid said 75%, and Yates opted for 90%. All three contributors for the network seemed to agree that, with the current draft order, no team makes sense for Simpson at their current draft position, but Reid and Yates answered with the belief that a team that is a good fit would find a way to trade back into the first round to secure his services, namely the Cardinals.

Jeff Howe of The Athletic attended Simpson’s pro day and noted that teams do like what they see. Specifically, Simpson’s intangible qualities seem to be a big selling point with some commenting that Simpson could eventually coach after his career as a player ends. His pro comps to two 26-year-olds even highlight his lack of experience and uncertain draft stock. He’s been comped to Bo Nix, a new starter in the NFL, and Brock Purdy, who was drafted 250 picks later than Nix was in their respective drafts.

Whatever the case, Simpson will almost certainly find his way to the NFL within the next 30 days. It will be fascinating to see what further developments alter opinions on the 23-year-old leading up to the draft.

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WR Rumors: Tyson, Eagles, Waddle, Moore, Giants, Bears, Cowboys, Cards, Colts

By | at March 24, 2026 8:33 pm

One of the wide receivers expected to go off the draft board in Round 1, Jordyn Tyson did not work out at the Combine and will not participate at Arizona State’s pro day Friday. Tyson missed time with a hamstring injury last season, and it has apparently affected his pre-draft timeline. Tyson, however, will work out for teams April 17, ESPN.com’s Field Yates tweets. That said, the former Colorado recruit will only do positional drills that day. As our Ely Allen pointed out in December, Tyson is a high-ceiling prospect but one that carries injury baggage. Knee and collarbone injuries affected Tyson in separate years with the Sun Devils, and this hamstring issue — when coupled with past maladies — could certainly affect his draft stock. But his 1,101-yard 2024 slate should provide a solid first-round floor. NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah ranks Tyson 21st overall in this class.

Here is the latest from the receiver ranks:

  • Regardless of their A.J. Brown decision, the Eagles will target a receiver in the draft, The Athletic’s Zach Berman notes. Howie Roseman hit with DeVonta Smith in 2021 but famously missed with Jalen Reagor (Round 1, 2020) and JJ Arcega-Whiteside (Round 2, 2019). A receiver move should be expected early, Berman adds, though he notes optimism exists among decisionmakers Smith can make another jump with a boost in targets. A Brown trade — heavily rumored to be in the works after June 1 — would create a critical need for Philly, but a rookie stepping in alongside Smith and Marquise Brown would stand to bolster the slender WR’s role within the offense.
  • Marquise Brown joined the Eagles on a one-year deal worth $5MM in base value, KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson notes. The former Ravens, Cardinals and Chiefs wideout can max out at $6.5MM on the contract. Brown’s $5MM is fully guaranteed, which marks only a slight discount from his 2025 Kansas City terms (one year, $7MM).
  • The Broncos have already used Jaylen Waddle‘s contract to create cap space, with Wilson indicating the team converted $15.42MM of the trade pickup’s option bonus to a signing bonus. Waddle is still due $17.24MM in 2026 compensation, 9News’ Mike Klis adds, but his cap number checks in at $4.88MM. That number will jump to $27.1MM in 2027, however, with $15.2MM of Waddle’s ’27 compensation being guaranteed. Acquiring Waddle’s $28.25MM-per-year contract from the Dolphins last week, Broncos hold $18.75MM in 2026 cap space, per OverTheCap.
  • The Bills also restructured their WR trade acquisition’s contract, converting $22.19MM in base salary into a signing bonus. This created $17.75MM in cap space, according to OverTheCap. D.J. Moore‘s 2026 cap hit sits at just $6.75MM, though like Waddle, he is due a hefty 2027 guarantee ($15.5MM). Buffalo holds $12.29MM in cap space.
  • Already reworking Terence Steele and Malik Hooker‘s contracts, the Cowboys adjusted Jonathan Mingo‘s as well. Mingo accepted a pay cut, per Wilson, who notes the former second-round pick is now on a $1.15MM deal that includes no guaranteed money. After underwhelming on his rookie deal and missing 2025 time due to injury, Mingo will vie for a roster spot. One year remains on his rookie deal.
  • Darnell Mooney was tied to a three-year, $39MM Falcons deal, but ESPN.com’s Jordan Raanan notes his one-year Giants pact is worth just $3MM in base value. That figure does come fully guaranteed, per Wilson, who notes the contract can max out at $10MM. Calvin Austin‘s Giants agreement comes in at just $1.5MM, according to OverTheCap, with $400K guaranteed. The slot receiver’s deal can max out at $3MM, per The Athletic’s Dan Duggan, who notes the ex-Steeler’s playing time incentives start at a 45% snap rate; his catch incentives begin at 35, with his yardage escalators starting at 400. Meeting the minimum thresholds in each category would earn Austin $150K.
  • Rounding up some other recent WR terms, the Bears are giving Kalif Raymond a one-year deal worth $3.5MM. The contract includes $3MM fully guaranteed, Wilson tweets, and can max out at $5.1MM. The Cardinals’ Devin Duvernay deal is worth $1.85MM in base value, per Wilson, who adds $550K is guaranteed at signing. The Colts will have Nick Westbrook-Ikhine tied to a one-year, $1.4MM deal, Wilson adds, noting $438K is guaranteed at signing.
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Brian Flores’ Suit Allowed To Move Forward Despite Possible SCOTUS Review; Flores Amends Complaint

By | at March 22, 2026 8:21 am

Brian Flores’ suit against the NFL and six of its clubs is inching forward; sort of. Although the league is presently attempting to secure United States Supreme Court review of the Second Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision that Flores’ claims against the Broncos, Giants, and Texans shall be heard in open court rather than remain in arbitration, the presiding trial court judge has denied the league’s request to stay the matter pending a SCOTUS resolution (per sports business reporter Daniel Kaplan). In other words, even as the “arbitration versus open forum” battle continues to play out, the underlying proceeding – which was filed over four years ago – has been allowed to continue into its next phases.

This represents another win for Flores, the current defensive coordinator of the Vikings, and co-plaintiffs Steve Wilks and Ray Horton. Successfully removing a lawsuit against the NFL from the hands of an NFL-appointed arbitrator and into the more objective purview of a trial court judge is obviously critical, and now the league will need to start defending the case on a more substantive level. 

Of course, the NFL could still prevail on its last-ditch effort to keep the case in arbitration. In order for that to happen, however, SCOTUS would first need to grant the league’s pending petition to hear the appeal and would then need to rule in the league’s favor, both of which are far from sure things. According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, a decision as to whether the highest court in the land will hear the appeal will be made within the next month or so (but that is only for the Broncos, Giants, and Texans portion of the suit; the league’s efforts to keep the Dolphins, Cardinals, and Titans portion of the claim in arbitration were denied more recently, and the NFL will likely try to obtain SCOTUS review of that decision as well).

This case has now officially evolved into a war on two fronts, and Flores & Co. have also made a potentially-significant addition to their request for relief. As Kaplan details, the plaintiffs are amending their complaint to include a count under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which banned discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, and national origin.

As sports attorney Chris Deubert explains, the Title VII count is significant because it allows a successful plaintiff to recover even if he cannot prove intent. Rather, recovery is still possible as long as the plaintiff can prove a policy that is race-neutral on its face has a discriminatory impact in practice.

The addition of the Title VII count was not made earlier in part because of the lengthy battle over the proper venue and in part because the plaintiffs had to receive a “right to sue” letter from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which was not issued until June 2024. With hundreds of NFL head coaching hires having been made over the course of league history, Kaplan believes Flores will have a statistically-significant sample to draw from and will thus stand a good chance of prevailing on his “disparate impact” claim.

After interviewing for head coaching jobs with three different clubs this year, Flores will remain in Minnesota on a $6MM salary. That may make him the highest-paid coordinator in the league, but the former head coach of the Dolphins still wants another opportunity to run a team.

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NFL Draft Rumors: Cardinals, RBs, Downs, Woods, Terrell

By | at March 21, 2026 3:33 pm

As free agency slows, the general focus of the NFL is starting to shift to the 2026 NFL Draft. For one team, though, the focus appears to be the 2027 NFL Draft, per Jason La Canfora of SportsBoom. As several teams work to secure optimal situations in their quarterbacks rooms, the Cardinals appear to be working around it.

After cutting veteran quarterback Kyler Murray, Arizona seems content to move forward in 2026 with journeyman backup Jacoby Brissett, who went 1-11 as the Cardinals’ starter last year. They supplemented the room with another frequent flier with starting experience in Gardner Minshew. Neither passer is viewed as the team’s future at the position but more as bridge options until that future comes along. The prevailing opinion throughout league circles appears to be that Arizona is tanking the 2026 season in hopes of setting themselves up well for a draft projected to be a bit more rich in quarterback prospects than this year’s draft.

With that in mind, the remainder of their offseason will be focused on building an offense around their future quarterback, starting with the construction of a reliable wall in front of him. For this reason, there’s belief the Cardinals will be targeting an offensive lineman with their No. 3 overall pick, and the popular opinion is that Hurricanes top tackle prospect Francis Mauigoa could be that target. The three-year starter out of Miami (FL) has a strong chance of being available as Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is expected to go No. 1 to Las Vegas, and the Jets are expected to add to their defense with the second overall pick.

Here are a few other draft rumors from around the NFL:

  • While only one or two running backs project to be top prospects in the draft, there are plenty of options for teams looking to build depth or add some fresher legs to their room. With Alvin Kamara‘s future in New Orleans in doubt, Tony Pauline of EssentiallySports reports that the Saints have shown interest in Arkansas running back Mike Washington. A Buffalo- and New Mexico State-transfer, Washington rushed for 1,070 yards and eight touchdowns for the Razorbacks last year.
  • When it was thought that Aaron Jones would be departing from Minnesota, some at ESPN believed the team would go to the draft, as opposed to the free agent market, to fill out the room. With Jones returning on a re-worked contract that expires after this year, running back may still be a focus for the Vikings in this year’s draft.
  • Despite re-signing J.K. Dobbins and restricted free agent Jaleel McLaughlin and having spent a second-round pick on RJ Harvey last year, the Broncos are doing research on the draft’s offerings at the position. According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2, the team hosted Indiana running back Kaelon Black for a top 30 visit. The national champion rushed for 1,040 yards and 10 touchdowns and has visited the Jets with visits with the Panthers, Bengals, and Raiders set in the future.
  • According to ESPN’s Matt Miller, some post-combine conversations with scouts revealed a dramatic range of opinions for Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods. The former five-star recruit took over a full-time starting position in his sophomore season and grabbed the attention of scouts everywhere with three sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss in 11 games while proving to be an elite run-stopper. His production declined in his junior year, which Pro Football Focus (subscription required) still saw as good but graded as his worst campaign in Clemson. As a result, some scouts still see the potential and view him as a top 15 prospect, while others have him “solidly” as a Day 2 prospect.
  • The Giants have had an incredibly busy (and in many views productive) offseason thus far, so many are eager to see what approach they will take with their fifth overall pick in the draft. According to La Canfora, despite their success rebuilding so far, New York still has a glaring hole in the secondary. New head coach John Harbaugh‘s former organization invested heavily in the safety position over the course of his tenure with the team, and it’s believed that that mentality has followed him to New York. Ohio State’s Caleb Downs has been tied to the Giants before, and La Canfora doubles down on the opinion that he could be the selection at No. 5 overall.
  • Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell, the younger brother of Falcons first-round cornerback and one-time second-team All-Pro AJ Terrell, is widely viewed as a top five prospect at his position. After suffering a minor hamstring injury at the combine, though, the younger Terrell will not be participating in the Tigers’ pro day, according to Jordan Reid of ESPN. Instead, he has scheduled a separate workout for scouts that will take place March 30.
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