Lavonte David's remarkable run, plus questions for Maxx Crosby, Puka Nacua and replacement refs?!
Two offseason questions that might be answered soon, plus one of the greatest-ever Buccaneers just retired and we might get replacement refs.
American Football
27th March 2026
Brady on comeback: NFL didn't 'like that idea'
Tom Brady says he explored the possibility of coming out of retirement and returning to the NFL, adding that the league did not "like that idea very much.".
Rams' Puka Nacua sued for allegedly making antisemitic comment, biting women
Nacua’s attorney has denied the allegations, labeling them part of an effort to blackmail the star wide reciever.
Tom Brady said he asked NFL if he could make comeback while owning Raiders: 'They don't like that idea very much'
Tom Brady isn’t coming out of retirement to play in the NFL again … but he did ask how that would work now that he’s a minority owner with the Las Vegas Raiders.
NFL Referees Association says league walked out of CBA negotiations
NFLRA's executive director says no one in NFL delegation was authorized to negotiate beyond the original proposal after rejecting a counter.
Analyzing what the Vikings have said about their crowded QB room ahead of league meetings
Minnesota coach Kevin O'Connell has given varied answers over the offseason on his four-man QB room.
QB Simpson says he's 'absolutely' 1st-round pick
Ty Simpson felt like he made a final impression at Alabama's pro day in front of NFL scouts. He believes he's 'absolutely' a lock to be a first-round pick.
An early look at 2027 free agency: Which playmakers could be available next March?
Which top players might be available in next year's NFL free agency? We picked out 50 stars to keep an eye on.
'What I'm thinking is arena football but outdoors': How Mike Repole is remaking the UFL
Repole is the man behind many of the UFL's changes, including smaller venues and the four-point field goal.
25 trends to know before draft season begins
Mike Clay shares his favorite notes from the research that informed his fantasy projections for 2026.
The NFL draft is almost here! Three biggest needs for all 32 NFL teams -- and a prospect fit
Our NFL reporters listed the top three positional needs for all 32 teams ahead of April's draft, and our draft experts found non-Round 1 fits to fill them.
Florida attorney general demands NFL suspend Rooney Rule, citing 'discrimination' around coach hiring
The NFL’s annual league meeting will begin Sunday, and Florida attorney general James Uthmeier has one demand for the league: That it suspend the Rooney Rule.
Florida attorney general demands NFL suspend Rooney Rule, citing 'discrimination'
The NFL’s annual league meeting will begin Sunday, and Florida attorney general James Uthmeier has one demand for the league: That it suspend the Rooney Rule.
26th March 2026
Ranking college football coaches and teams that are likely to improve in 2026
Curt Cignetti reset how we view coaching turnarounds while Oklahoma State, with a new coach, has nowhere to go but up.
Ben Johnson wanted to add grit to the Bears. He found it in Kalif Raymond
Raymond made his name as a return man, but blocking is his favorite thing, despite his diminutive size. "I’m going to knock your block off.".
Henry's handball, last-lap drama, Stanley Cup chaos: unjust moments in sport that could have been overturned
Following the result of the AFCON final being reversed, our writers have selected incidents where similar could have happened.
This Week in Sports Trivia: March 26, 2026
How closely were you following the sports news this week? Find out and test your knowledge by taking The Athletic's weekly quiz.
His pro day in the books, Ty Simpson remains the NFL Draft's biggest mystery
Simpson was sharp on Wednesday but it had little effect on his draft stock, which could land him anywhere in the first three rounds.
2026 NFL Draft rankings: Is Jeremiyah Love this year's best prospect?
The 2026 draft class hasn't generated the same buzz as classes in recent years, but there's still ample high-end talent to be found.
What are the Philadelphia Eagles' future stadium plans? It will soon become a hot topic
The Eagles' lease with Philadelphia runs through 2032, and a new or renovated stadium with a roof could allow the city to host a Super Bowl.
A closer look at every UFL team's new uniforms for 2026
All eight UFL teams will debut updated uniforms, including three relocated franchises.
Macdonald: JSN deal rewards 'foundational' player
Seahawks GM John Schneider and coach Mike Macdonald said they felt comfortable giving Jaxon Smith-Njigba his record-setting extension because of his "unique combination" of excellence on and off the field.
Sources: Labor talks stop amid NFL-ref impasse
Labor negotiations between the NFL and NFL Referees Association broke off earlier than scheduled this week as the sides were unable to make progress toward a new collective bargaining agreement, sources told ESPN.
Sources: Browns, Garrett modify deal language
The Browns and reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett have agreed to modified language on his contract that became official on Tuesday, per league sources.
McCarthy teases Rodgers' return + NFL considers replays for replacement refs (ft. Dion Dawkins)
Subscribe to Inside CoverageApple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeWhen will Aaron Rodgers reach a decision on whether to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2026? Yahoo Sports' Andrew Siciliano, Jori Epstein and Frank Schwab discuss the possibility after Mike McCarthy’s latest comments.
Tate doesn't run 'overvalued' 40 at OSU pro day
Receiver Carnell Tate elected Wednesday not to improve on his 40-yard dash time from the NFL combine, saying during Ohio State's pro day that it can be "overvalued.".
Sources: Las Vegas to host SB after 2028 season
NFL owners are expected to vote Las Vegas as the host city for Super Bowl LXIII after the 2028 season, sources told ESPN.
Mahomes shows progress, posts video throwing
Patrick Mahomes posted a short video clip Wednesday of himself in a training session where he dropped back and threw the ball, the first public footage of him doing so since he had knee surgery in December.
Seahawks to open on Wed. due to Australia game
The Super Bowl LX champion Seahawks will open the season on the Wednesday of Week 1 instead of hosting the usual Thursday night opener.
Nacua sued over alleged antisemitic remark, bite
A woman in Los Angeles has filed a civil lawsuit against Puka Nacua alleging the Rams wide receiver made an "unprovoked antisemitic statement" and later bit her on the shoulder.
Super Bowl expected to return to Las Vegas' Allegiant Stadium in 2029: Source
This would be the second time Las Vegas hosts the NFL's marquee event.
Seahawks to open 2026 NFL season on a Wednesday; 49ers-Rams from Australia to air Thursday
A belated Labor Day prevents the NFL from scheduling a Friday game in Week 1, so the traditional season kickoff game was moved to Wednesday.
NFL proposes rule to assist possible replacement officials for 2026 season
If a new deal is not reached with the NFLRA by season kickoff in September, the NFL would have to resort to hiring replacement officials.
2026 NFL season will kick off in Seattle on a Wednesday night, followed by Thursday game in Melbourne
About a week after a Wall Street Journal report signaled that the 2026 NFL season would kick off on a Wednesday, the league made it official. Next season will get underway on Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 8:20 p.
Patrick Mahomes posts video of him throwing, about 4 months after tearing his left ACL
Patrick Mahomes posted a reminder on Wednesday that the biggest story of the NFL offseason is still him. It’s just different this time.
Allegiant Field in Las Vegas reportedly expected to host Super Bowl LXIII
Allegiant Field in Las Vegas is reportedly expected to be named host of Super Bowl LXIII during next week’s NFL owner’s meetings.
Tush push to remain in 2026 as NFL has no plans to discuss play at owners meeting
When NFL owners gather next week, they will deliberate over different rule proposals, but banning the tush push will not rank among them.
Yes, Rueben Bain Jr.'s arms are short by NFL standards. Here's why it doesn't really matter
As April’s NFL Draft inches closer, one of the hottest debates this year revolves around Miami star edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. The debate isn’t surrounding whether or not he’s good enough to go in the first round; that much is a consensus and resounding yes.
Flacco: Teams 'dumb' for not signing me to start
Joe Flacco is back with the Bengals as Joe Burrow's backup, but he isn't shy about voicing his belief that teams made a mistake by passing on him to be their starting quarterback.
'Tush push' safe for 2026 as submitted NFL rule proposals do not include controversial play
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images.
‘Football is a priority’: How Adidas built its biggest and best NFL rookie class ever
PORTLAND, Ore. — Inside a building on the campus of Adidas North America headquarters one afternoon in mid-March, an elevator door opened to the sight of a pink fluorescent glow behind an illuminated, eight-word sentence mounted on the wall.
How changes to Matt LaFleur's coaching staff will impact the Packers
The offense brings back a familiar face in Luke Getsy, while Jonathan Gannon appears set to bring a 3-4 base.
Steelers lineman Alex Highsmith details team meeting in which Mike Tomlin stepped down: 'We were all in shock'
Mike Tomlin’s decision to resign as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers took many by surprise. Given both his excellence and longevity, it seemed possible that Tomlin would continue coaching the team for decades to come. His exit left many in shock.
Which teams, coaches and players have the most to prove in 2026?
From bounce-back hopefuls to hot-seat candidates, these people need to get it right this season.
25th March 2026
Ranking Ohio State's first-round receivers since 2022: How does Carnell Tate stack up?
Tate could be the WR1 of the 2026 draft. But how does he compare to the stars that came before him?.
Ranking all 32 NFL free agency classes: Which teams most improved their rosters?
How did every team fare in March, taking into account free agent signings, trades, extensions and departures.
Minnesota Vikings submit bid to host 2028 NFL Draft
The Vikings are bidding to host the 2028 NFL Draft, and the team intends to pursue the event annually until it is held in Minnesota.
NFL mock draft: What betting odds say about which prospects will land where
While Fernando Mendoza is the favorite to be picked No. 1 overall, the rest of the draft's first round could feature a few twists and turns.
The greatest NFL Pro Day ever: The day the entire NFL came to know Randy Moss
Before Randy Moss changed the NFL game, he changed NFL Pro Days — and took upstart Marshall even higher.
After U.S. flag football humbled the NFL, the Olympic conversation is very different
Team USA's dominant performance proved they're the ones to beat, and that NFL players have a lot of work to do to get in the Olympic mix.
Raiders' progress, Kyler Murray's impact among biggest questions as free agency settles
Plus, the Dolphins put Malik Willis in a precarious position, the 49ers try to gain ground and the Commanders still have offensive needs.
Sources: Saints fill out QB room, add Z. Wilson
The Saints have agreed to a one-year deal with QB Zach Wilson, sources confirmed to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Zach Wilson reportedly joins Saints as competition behind Tyler Shough
Zach Wilson is reportedly headed to the Big Easy. The former New York Jets and Miami Dolphins quarterback agreed to a deal with the New Orleans Saints, according to Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football.
Illini make OC Lunney their highest-paid assistant
Illinois offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. received a new three-year, $4.35 million deal that makes him the highest-paid assistant in team history.
Kiffin: 'Ton of work' remains to turn around LSU
Lane Kiffin cautioned that LSU's turnaround into the program he envisions won't "happen overnight" and that "a ton of work" remains.
Mike Tomlin reportedly signs with sports media agency, expected to have multiple broadcasting suitors
After voluntarily ending his 19-season run leading the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mike Tomlin didn’t hop aboard the coaching carousel this offseason. He’s remained quiet, but a report surfaced Tuesday that might point toward his next move.
NFL power rankings: Who's having best offseason so far? Vikings' Kyler Murray signing might not be the elixir it seems
The Arizona Cardinals had no backup plan at quarterback this offseason. They had a choice: Make it work with Kyler Murray, or take a $54.7 million dead cap hit just to be rid of him forever, without any idea who would play quarterback. The Cardinals chose the $54.7 million dead cap hit.
NFL's competition committee proposes 5 rule changes, including 3 regarding kickoffs
Another proposal would allow league personnel to consult with on-field officials when considering disqualifications.
Gambling addiction suit targets NFL, sportsbooks
The NFL, its data partner Genius Sports, and sportsbooks FanDuel and DraftKings have been named as defendants in a gambling addiction lawsuit filed Tuesday in a Pennsylvania state court.
NFL to consider rule tweaks for replacement refs
The NFL competition committee has finalized a series of wide-ranging rule change proposals to account for the growing possibility of a work stoppage amid tense collective bargaining negotiations with the NFL Referees Association.
Elite longevity: Flacco, 41, agrees to Cincy deal
Quarterback Joe Flacco is coming back for a 19th NFL season, agreeing to a one-year, $6 million deal with the Bengals, sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
Joe Flacco reportedly agrees to return to Bengals
Joe Flacco will reportedly return to the Cincinnati Bengals for his 19th NFL season, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Flacco is expected to sign a deal worth $6 million, with a maximum value of $9 million including incentives, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Joe Flacco agrees to 1-year, $6 million deal with Bengals: Source
The 41-year-old quarterback showed he still could put up big numbers in relief of Joe Burrow last season.
League personnel being able to weigh in on on-field calls among NFL's new proposals if replacement refs are used
Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesThe NFL’s competition committee submitted five rules proposals to the league ahead of next week’s annual owners meetings, and one of them appears to set the NFL up to prevent on-field officiating chaos in the event of a work stoppage by the league’s union referees.
League personnel being able to weigh in on on-field calls among NFL's new proposals
Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesThe NFL’s Competition Committee submitted five proposals to the league ahead of the Annual League Meeting on March 29 in Phoenix.
Lions GM Brad Holmes says he's in 'total lockstep' with Dan Campbell on roster talks
Holmes made it clear that he and Campbell are in alignment about their disappointment with how last season ended for the Lions.
Bills' massive bison statues anchor Highmark Stadium's Family Circle in new renderings
The three stainless steel bison will anchor a new year-round plaza outside Highmark Stadium.
Source: Falcons improve RB depth, add Robinson
The Falcons have reached a one-year, $2.5 million deal with running back Brian Robinson, according to NFL Network.
Tua: 'Got to play better' to become Falcons' QB1
Former Dolphin Tua Tagovailoa said Tuesday he has "got to play better football" if he wants a chance to become the Atlanta Falcons' starting quarterback.
LB David retires as one of Bucs' all-time greats
Linebacker Lavonte David announced his retirement Tuesday after a 14-year career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in which he was a 12-time captain and has led the league in tackles since he entered the NFL.
Brandt Tilis on Panthers QB Bryce Young: Still evaluating, no contract discussions
The team's executive VP of football operations said the Panthers are between building and contending in roster construction.
Jackie Robinson joins EA Sports College Football 26 in Record Breakers Vol. 3
The Baseball Hall of Famer and trailblazer was a football star at UCLA in the 1930s and '40s, and will join Dwight Freeney and Timmy Chang in the new release.
Expect J.C. Tretter’s playing background to shape NFLPA’s approach to an 18-game season, CBA negotiations and more
ASSOCIATED PRESSThe combination of Tretter’s playing background, his nearly five years working for the union as player president and chief strategy officer, and his academic experience studying industrial and labor relations at Cornell helped him win an election that in the fall seemed he would not win.
J.C. Tretter, back with the NFLPA as its top exec, says he'll use experience as a player to guide union over thorny issues with NFL
Rob Carr via Getty ImagesThe NFL Players Association’s new executive director has begun to establish his identity in the role.
Ravens were reportedly concerned about Maxx Crosby's degenerative knee issue for beyond 2026 season
It's been two weeks since the Baltimore Ravens backed out of their deal to trade for Las Vegas Raiders star pass rusher Maxx Crosby for two first-round picks. This trade would have marked the first time the Ravens used a first-round pick to acquire a veteran player.
The 6 best (and worst) NFL offseason plans so far: Rams, Steelers, Patriots & more
. Subscribe to Football 301 with Nate TiceApple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeNate Tice and Matt Harmon join forces to buy & sell NFL teams and their offseason plans so far.
Tua Tagovailoa gets a second chance in Atlanta: 'Got to play better football'
Tua Tagovailoa will freely concede that his last year in Miami didn’t live up to anything close to expectations. He won’t go into details, but nobody was happy — least of all him — with a benching-grade season in which he threw 15 interceptions and the Dolphins as a franchise cratered.
Lavonte David, a Buccaneers defensive icon, announces retirement after 14 seasons
David, 36, spent his entire storied career with the Buccaneers, who drafted him in the second round in 2012.
Ole Miss plans institute to study gambling risk
The University of Mississippi on Monday announced the upcoming launch of its new Center on Collegiate Gambling, which researchers describe as the "first of its kind in the nation" amid rising national concern about betting on collegiate sports.
Buccaneers star Lavonte David announces retirement from NFL after 14 seasons
Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David had big shoes to fill after the team made him its second-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Tua Tagovailoa on Falcons QB battle with Michael Penix: 'I am no stranger to competition'
Tagovailoa said he's ready to compete with fellow left-hander Penix for the starting role with the Falcons.
JC Tretter on NFL's push for 18th game: Going to 'defend our players and their health'
NFL owners want to begin discussions about increasing the regular season to 18 games. The NFLPA says it won't talk until it's ready.
JC Tretter on why he returned to NFLPA as executive director after tenuous exit
Eight months after resigning, Tretter is back in the NFLPA's top job. He says he wishes he had done more to defend himself last summer.
Meet the 'Tokyo Toe' -- the NFL draft's most interesting kicker prospect
After learning how to kick on YouTube and teaching himself English, Kansei Matsuzawa's dream of playing in the NFL is nearing reality.
McCarthy: Rodgers reunion would be 'great story'
Mike McCarthy said reuniting with Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh would "be a great story.".
Predicting Rounds 1-2 of the NFL draft: Yates' landing spots for 64 top prospects
Field Yates unveils his latest NFL mock draft. Which top prospects could go in the opening 64 picks?.
Feeling lucky? What turnovers and late-game success say about 2026
Some 2025 teams couldn't get a break. Others, such as Indiana, had luck and success. What changes in 2026?.
'A litmus test for the system': $50 million rosters and Nebraska's big challenge
Why Nebraska's recent challenge could have wide-ranging salary cap implications.
The Broncos' four biggest remaining needs after the initial free agency period
Except for one big trade, the Broncos have kept a low profile so far this offseason. Where does Denver's roster stand with the NFL draft on the horizon?.
24th March 2026
The trade that wasn't: Inside the Maxx Crosby saga between the Raiders, Ravens
We talked to people about the Maxx Crosby trade situation to find out what really went down between Baltimore and Las Vegas.
NFL stadiums must scrub all branding for FIFA's World Cup. One roof got an exemption
Of all the major steps World Cup stadium staffers have to take, this is what one VP of operations says is 'keeping me up at night.'.
Baker Mayfield is due for a new contract, one that could redefine the QB market
With QB compensation — and the salary cap itself — ballooning, Mayfield’s team-friendly deal is set to expire at a unique moment.
What we learned from Fanatics Flag Football Classic, plus NFL's best older free agents
Takeaways from a surprisingly fun game, the top remaining free agents and history's best past-their-prime signings.
'Going for gold': Burrow, RG III want in on Olympic flag football for Team USA
With Olympic flag football on the horizon, both quarterbacks recently shared their interest in representing Team USA.
How JSN's record extension affects WR market + NFL players dominated in flag football game
Subscribe to Inside CoverageApple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeWhat does Jaxon Smith-Njiba’s record-breaking contract mean for the rest of the receivers in the NFL? Yahoo Sports' Andrew Siciliano, Jori Epstein and Ben Fawkes discuss the impact of JSN’s extension on the future WR market.
HOF to honor 3 former NFL assistant coaches
Influential special teams coach Mike Westhoff, former 49ers offensive line coach Bobb McKittrick and longtime defensive coach Ted Cottrell will be honored with the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Awards of Excellence for the 2026 class.
How Jaxon Smith-Njigba's contract extension impacts Seahawks, Rams' Puka Nacua
Answering five questions about the record-breaking contract extension for the NFL's top receiver in 2025.
2026 NFL Draft combined big board: No. 1 overall prospect is a Big Ten star — just not Fernando Mendoza
We’re inside of a month until the 2026 NFL Draft. Both of Yahoo Sports’ NFL Draft experts, Nate Tice and Charles McDonald, have delivered their initial 50-player individual big boards (see below).
2026 NFL Draft combined rankings: No. 1 overall prospect is a Big Ten star — just not Fernando Mendoza
We’re inside of a month until the 2026 NFL Draft. Both of Yahoo Sports’ NFL Draft experts, Nate Tice and Charles McDonald, have delivered their initial 50-player individual big boards (see below).
Football 301's look at top defensive linemen in 2026 NFL Draft: From potential star in Arvell Reese to a 'Thanos'-like prospect from Florida
Yahoo Sports’ Nate Tice and Charles McDonald on the “Football 301” podcast recently dove deep into the 2026 NFL Draft’s defensive line and edge rusher class, unspooling their rankings, comps and assessments of this year’s talent.
