Matthew Stafford, Jonathan Taylor highlight potential NFL 2027 free-agent class
While many of these players will sign extensions before hitting the open market, here's an early look at the top names set for free agency.
NFL
6th May 2026
2027 NFL Draft No. 1 pick odds: Arch Manning favored to be first pick over Dante Moore
Next year's NFL Draft No. 1 pick odds are out, and unsurprisingly, Arch Manning leads the way. But a couple of names are gaining steam.
NFL Referees Association reportedly schedules vote to ratify new CBA after negotiations with NFL previously stalled
The NFL has been preparing for the expiration of its collective bargaining agreement with the NFL Referees Association (NFLRA), complete with a contingency plan that’s included recruiting potential replacement officials, after negotiations stalled this past winter and as the May 31 deadline neared.
Stefon Diggs found not guilty of assault, battery, strangulation of former chef
Former Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs was found not guilty on Tuesday of assault, battery and strangulation of his former chef.
Giants, DJ Reader reportedly agree to 2-year, $12.5M deal as DT signing spree continues after Dexter Lawrence trade
The New York Giants and defensive tackle DJ Reader are reportedly in agreement on a two-year deal with a base salary of $12.5 million, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Misdemeanor charge against L'Jarius Sneed dismissed, lawsuit remains ongoing
Sneed was indicted in November on a misdemeanor charge of failing to report a felony stemming from an alleged shooting in 2024.
Are we BUYING or SELLING these 6 NFL offseasons?
. Subscribe to Football 301 with Nate TiceApple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeNate Tice, Matt Harmon & Charles McDonald buy or sell the 6 NFL teams with the most interesting offseason changes.
Chiefs GM says Patrick Mahomes is 'way ahead of schedule' after tearing ACL in December
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL in mid-December. When the Chiefs take the field in September for their Week 1 game, will their quarterback be able to play? Mahomes continues to receive rave reviews as he recovers from that injury.
Dante Fowler Jr. agrees to 1-year deal with Seahawks
Dallas, where Fowler played last season, is changing its defensive scheme this season.
5th May 2026
Dante Fowler, former No. 3 overall draft pick, signs 1-year deal with Seahawks
The 2025 Seattle Seahawks rode the top-ranked defense in the NFL all the way to a Super Bowl title. The team is clearly hoping to repeat that success in 2026. In order to shore up their defense, the Seahawks reportedly signed former No.
NFL OTAs: Top 10 storylines, including Ty Simpson's Rams career starting and new looks for Cowboys and 49ers
The NFL’s organized team activities program over the next couple months is crucial for teams, even if it is officially voluntary. Teams come together to install schemes and get some work on the field. Rookies and new additions are starting that process from scratch.
Lawrence Taylor discharged from hospital after bout with stomach-related issue
Taylor was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999 after a 13-year NFL career with the New York Giants.
Dion Jordan was poised for NFL stardom. Now he’s living a life no one could have imagined
Jordan, the No. 3 pick of the 2013 draft by the Dolphins, started only five NFL games and gave up on football before giving coaching a try.
Eagles, Raiders, Cowboys among 9 teams having best NFL offseasons
Kyler Murray to the Vikings, shrewd 49ers' signings and a Browns O-line overhaul have been some of top moves this offseason.
QB Brendan Sorsby's potential NFL path likely depends on 4 key questions amid NCAA gambling investigation
Late last week, as details of a gambling addiction and NCAA investigation involving Brendan Sorsby began to emerge, a senior level AFC personnel executive was rankled by media speculation that the Texas Tech quarterback could already be earmarked as a first-round pick in a potential NFL supplemental draft.
'Big Dom' DiSandro, NFL's most famous security officer, staying with Eagles on new deal
DiSandro has been with the Eagles since 1999.
Anthony Richardson reports to Colts' voluntary workouts amid trade request, uncertainty
While he still wants out of Indianapolis, quarterback Anthony Richardson reported to the Colts’ voluntary workouts Monday, according to The Athletic’s James Boyd.
Ravens sign Skylar Thompson, add fifth quarterback to their roster
Thompson becomes the fifth quarterback on Baltimore's roster this offseason.
Packers reportedly signing Tyrod Taylor, filling void at backup QB behind Jordan Love
The Green Bay Packers are signing veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor, NFL Network reports. Taylor will presumably take over the backup job behind Jordan Love following the offseason departure of Malik Willis. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Packers are releasing QB Desmond Ridder.
4th May 2026
Post-draft outlook for all 32 NFL teams: Which rosters improved most? Who got worse?
With offseason workouts approaching, The Athletic breaks down the overall outlook for each NFL team.
It wasn’t just the Fail Mary: Looking back at the NFL’s 2012 replacement referee debacle
The NFL could open the 2026 season with replacement refs for the first time in 14 years. It can’t be worse than last time, right?.
ESPN's NFL Draft documentary reveals Cowboys made first-round trade offer to Browns
The Dallas Cowboys weren’t shy in being aggressive in their attempt to move up in Round 1 of last month’s NFL Draft. Before moving from their original No. 12 overall spot in the draft via trade with the Miami Dolphins, the Cowboys made an offer to the Cleveland Browns to land in the No.
2nd May 2026
Uar Bernard welcomed to NFL — and to football — in Eagles' first rookie practice
The Eagles were impressed with his NFL combine testing.
2026 NFL Draft's best UDFA fits: 1 undrafted free agent to watch on each roster
Every year, several undrafted free agents play themselves onto 53-man rosters. Which sleepers will emerge this spring and summer?.
DK Metcalf will not face criminal charges over Lions fan altercation, prosecutors say
Prosecutors said "the fan did not appear to be injured, nor did he seek medical attention at the game" in its explanation of the decision.
Browns coach Todd Monken on QB competition: 'It's my job to let it play out'
Deshaun Watson and second-year QB Shedeur Sanders are expected to compete to be Cleveland's Week 1 starter for the 2026 season.
Why Ty Simpson's first 2 months with Rams will be important as he teams up with Matthew Stafford
When Tua Tagovailoa signed with the Atlanta Falcons, and when Justin Fields was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs, a similar narrative of opportunity unfolded. The teams’ incumbent quarterbacks, Michael Penix Jr. and Patrick Mahomes respectively, are recovering from late-season ACL tears.
Russell Wilson in talks to go into TV, with CBS the favorite: Sources
The longtime NFL quarterback could be Matt Ryan's replacement on "The NFL Today" studio show.
1st May 2026
What is the NFL supplemental draft? How would it work if Brendan Sorsby enters?
Sorsby, who recently entered treatment for a gambling addiction, would need to be approved by the NFL to enter the supplemental draft.
Execs unfiltered on NFL Draft for every AFC team: Are things looking up for Jets, Raiders?
Is it really OK to feel good about the Jets? Meanwhile, reviews were mixed on the Bills', Jaguars' and Texans' draft classes.
Explaining the NFL's rookie wage scale: How contracts for draft picks are predetermined
The rookie wage scale, introduced in 2011, means all draft picks have a predetermined salary slot when entering the league.
NFL Draft grades, unfiltered execs weigh in, plus latest on replacement refs
Mike Sando hears from NFL execs about the draft, plus an analytical look at the event's winners and losers. Also, Robert Mays dishes on LV.
Browns make case to host Super Bowl at stadium groundbreaking ceremony
Franchise owner Jimmy Haslam says new stadium, set to open in 2029, could "be a transformational movement for the city.".
Eagles first-rounder Makai Lemon to become first to wear No. 9 since Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles
The Philadelphia Eagles took Makai Lemon from the Pittsburgh Steelers and Makai Lemon is taking the No. 9 jersey number from Nick Foles. With Foles’ blessing, of course.
Four Verts, post-NFL Draft: Cardinals' moves may cast new light on Kyler Murray, and enough with the Ty Simpson pick PR
The 2026 NFL Draft is in the books. We graded the first-round picks, the Day 2 picks and each team’s draft class as a whole. Now this edition of the Four Verts column takes a look at some of the biggest stories in the fallout.
Edge Lukas Van Ness has 5th-year option picked up by Green Bay Packers: Source
Van Ness will be leaned on to produce while the team awaits the return of Micah Parsons.
NFL's 6 biggest unanswered offseason questions, including do Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes have enough weapons
Yahoo Sports’ “Football 301” podcast hosts Nate Tice and Matt Harmon dedicated a large segment of an episode this week discussing the key unanswered questions across the league following the 2026 NFL Draft.
Bengals decline DE Myles Murphy's 5th-year option, eyeing long-term deal instead
De facto GM Duke Tobin says the team would like to work toward a long-term relationship with Murphy.
Veteran DT Calais Campbell reunites with Ravens on 1-year deal: Source
Campbell, who turns 40 in September, is coming off a season in which he started all 17 games and had 6.5 sacks and nine tackles for loss.
Drake Maye shows support for Patriots coach Mike Vrabel after Dianna Russini scandal: 'We love coach'
There’s been increased attention on the New England Patriots following the Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini scandal. Vrabel was obligated to discuss the issue once multiple pictures emerged of the pair and he missed Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft in order to be with his family.
NFL begins distributing officiating crew assignments, showing progress on new CBA
The current deal, a six-year pact agreed to in 2019, expires on May 31.
30th April 2026
Roger Goodell says NFL plans to 'go full throttle' with trading cards as demand, prices rise
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is just as exited as collecting fans of Topps return to NFL trading cards.
This Week in Sports Trivia: April 30, 2026
How closely were you following the sports news this week? Find out and test your knowledge by taking The Athletic's weekly quiz.
2026 NFL Draft grades: An analytical look at the biggest winners and losers
The Browns and Jets aced the 2026 draft. But not every team fared so well last weekend in Pittsburgh.
Execs unfiltered on NFL Draft for every NFC team: Did the Rams get it right with Ty Simpson?
The Rams had the league buzzing after drafting a QB. Meanwhile, the Giants and 49ers stirred plenty of debate among rival execs.
Why some of the best athletes in the world pretend to be someone else
You change your perspective. Your mind shifts. You get outside yourself and the anxiety slides away. Who knows what can happen then?.
The Fail Mary tarnished the NFL brand. I saw it up close. Let's not do this again
If NFL owners again proceed with replacement officials when the real games begin, that’s on them — and it’s the fans who’ll pay the price.
How Cincinnati Bengals' Dexter Lawrence trade became about team ownership
Detailing the decisions that allowed the Bengals to get a Pro Bowl defensive tackle for the 10th pick of the NFL Draft.
Steelers expect clarity on Aaron Rodgers in the 'next few weeks'
Steelers team president Art Rooney II said the team has been in contact with Aaron Rodgers on a regular basis.
Steelers forcing Aaron Rodgers' hand? + Inside the Browns' NFL Draft room
Subscribe to Inside CoverageApple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeWhat is it like inside an NFL draft room when picks are flying off the board? Yahoo Sports’ Andrew Siciliano, Jori Epstein and Charles Robinson break it all down as Jori made the trip to Cleveland to uncover what the process looks like from the inside.
NFL post-draft team needs, 2023 class fifth-year option tracker and an apology
A quick look at post-draft needs for each team, plus a nod to an emerging (and forgotten) star and the fifth-year option tracker for 2023.
Cowboys WR George Pickens signs his franchise tag
Signing the tag doesn’t guarantee that Pickens will attend OTAs or minicamp but he will be expected to attend training camp.
Cowboys WR George Pickens signs franchise tag, will be guaranteed $27.3 million in 2026
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens has signed the franchise tag, the team announced Wednesday. After signing the tender, Pickens, who broke out in 2025 during his first season with the Cowboys, will be guaranteed $27.3 million this season.
Texans, Pro Bowl LB Azeez Al-Shaair reportedly agree on 3-year, $54 million extension through 2029 season
Azeez Al-Shaair was a first-time Pro Bowler and the Houston Texans’ Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee last season.
Texans, LB Azeez Al-Shaair agree to 3-year extension: Source
The 29-year-old was going into the final year of a three-year contract he signed in free agency with the Texans in 2024.
Rob Gronkowski, legendary tight end, voted into Patriots Hall of Fame on first ballot
Gronkowski, who won three Super Bowl titles with the Patriots, beat out Logan Mankins and Adam Vinatieri to become the team's 2026 inductee.
For sprinter Allyson Felix and NFL player Drew Dalman, two equally courageous decisions
Both athletes have rejected the conventional wisdom of what is expected of their bodies. It's hard to decide who’s more impressive.
Rob Gronkowski to be inducted into Patriots Hall of Fame
Rob Gronkowski has been voted into the New England Patriots’ Hall of Fame, the team announced on Wednesday.
Longtime Broncos S Justin Simmons announces retirement after 9 NFL seasons
Longtime Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons announced his retirement after nine NFL seasons on Wednesday. “Being a Denver Bronco was more than just a team,” Simmons said in a video posted on social media by the team. “It was my heart, my home and my story.”.
Justin Simmons, Pro Bowl safety and 3-time Man of the Year nominee, retires as Bronco
Simmons had 32 career interceptions, 30 with the Broncos, and was named second-team All-Pro four times.
29th April 2026
With a stellar QB draft class in 2027 coming, will we see NBA-level tanking from any NFL teams?
Tanking hasn’t become an epidemic in the NFL. Yet. We all know about the NBA’s problem. This season it reached new lows.
2026's Costco-value late-round NFL draft picks, plus examining the 49ers' confidence
Which NFL teams deserve the benefit of the doubt when it comes to drafting? That answer inside, plus the draft's biggest reaches and values,.
Yes, the 2027 NFL Draft class is loaded. Plus: Everyone is 3-2
Welcome to The Pulse, The Athletic's daily newsletter.
Why is mental toughness more important than physical talent? Peak mailbag
How much of the mental side is learned by playing sports all your life, and how much is learned by specific mental skills coaching?.
Which players from the 2026 NFL Draft are the best value pick for their team?
Which players have the potential to outperform their draft slot? The Athletic's writers pick one for each NFL team.
NFL fifth-year options: Tracking team decisions on 2023 first-round picks
Teams have until Friday, May 1 to decide on picking up players' fully guaranteed options for the 2027 season.
Brandon Aiyuk remains in limbo. How did we get here, and what comes next?
The 49ers made it clear Aiyuk won't play for the team again. So why haven't they released him yet?.
How the Rams made the bold business decision to draft QB Ty Simpson
Entering a season with Super Bowl aspirations, we dive into the Rams' reason for taking Simpson with their highest draft choice since 2016.
Arch Manning, Jeremiah Smith headline way-too-early 2027 NFL Draft top 25 prospects
It might still be a year away, but it’s not too early to do a big board for the 2027 NFL Draft class that has all the makings to be an absolutely loaded one in our nation’s capital. Let’s get to it you sickos.1. Arch Manning, QB, TexasManning is an excellent athlete with size.
Broncos QB Bo Nix undergoes scheduled cleanup procedure on right ankle: Source
Despite Nix's procedure, which came as part of a recheck, coach Sean Payton said the Broncos are "excited about his progress.".
Titans' Chad Brinker stepping down as president of football operations
The Titans hired a new general manager in January, functionally demoting Brinker in the process.
YouTube TV custom multiview to let NFL Sunday Ticket subscribers mix and match 4 games
YouTube TV users who start a multiview can use a builder with filters for categories that include sports, news, movies and other shows.
Titans president of football ops Chad Brinker steps down
The Tennessee Titans are about to have a new person running the football side of the business. Titans president of football operations Chad Brinker is stepping down from his role and leaving the organization, the team announced Tuesday.
NFL best available free agents: Stefon Diggs and Tyreek Hill among big-name veterans remaining
The NFL Draft and free agency are over. We’re starting to get a clearer picture of what rosters will look like with OTAs, minicamps and later training camps on the horizon. There are multiple big-name veteran free agents who’ve yet to sign.
NFL best available free agents: Some big-name veterans like Tyreek Hill and Stefon Diggs remain for teams to sign
The flurry of NFL free agency is over, and so is the NFL Draft. We’re starting to get a clearer picture of what rosters will look like with OTAs, minicamps and later training camps on the horizon. There are multiple big-name veteran free agents who’ve yet to sign.
Lions make fifth-year option decisions on Jahmyr Gibbs, Jack Campbell: Source
Detroit doesn't pick up Campbell's option and his situation is made more complicated because of his position.
Former Cardinals, Raiders, Giants DE Josh Mauro dies at 35 years old
Former NFL defensive end Josh Mauro has died at 35 years old. Mauro’s father, Greg Mauro, announced his death in a Facebook post on Tuesday. The Las Vegas Raiders later confirmed his death.
Chargers pick up WR Quentin Johnston's fifth-year option
Johnston, a 2023 first-round pick, has eight touchdown receptions in each of the last two seasons.
Jets reportedly meet with free-agent QB Russell Wilson
The New York Jets hosted a meeting with veteran free-agent quarterback Russell Wilson on Monday, according to multiple reports. Per The Athletic, the Jets are considering Wilson as their No. 2 quarterback behind Geno Smith for the 2026 season.
6 BURNING NFL offseason questions we still can't answer (& 2 we can)
Subscribe to Football 301 with Nate TiceApple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeNate Tice & Matt Harmon reveal 6 burning NFL offseason questions we STILL can’t answer post-draft.
Ravens sign undrafted rookie QBs Joe Fagnano, Diego Pavia to 3-year deals: Source
The former UConn and Vanderbilt quarterbacks received invites to Baltimore's rookie minicamp after going undrafted.
Steelers place seldom-used 'unrestricted free agent tender' on Aaron Rodgers
The Steelers are waiting on a decision from Rodgers for a second straight offseason.
Steelers place transition tag on QB Aaron Rodgers, giving team the right to match any offer he receives in offseason
The Pittsburgh Steelers are taking steps to make sure veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers returns to the team in 2026. The Steelers reportedly placed the transition tag on Rodgers, giving the team the right to match any offer he receives this offseason, according to ESPN. Under that tag, Rodgers could return to the Steelers on a one-year deal for roughly $15 million in 2026. If another team decides to swoop in and pay Rodgers more, the Steelers would have five days to match that offer and bring Rodgers back.
Steelers place transition tag on Aaron Rodgers, giving team the right to match any offer he receives in offseason
The Pittsburgh Steelers are taking steps to make sure veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers returns to the team in 2026. The Steelers reportedly placed the transition tag on Rodgers, giving the team the right to match any offer he receives this offseason, according to ESPN. Under that tag, Rodgers could return to the Steelers on a one-year deal for roughly $15 million in 2026. If another team decides to swoop in and pay Rodgers more, the Steelers would have five days to match that offer and bring Rodgers back.
NFL Panic Meter: Are the Commanders doing enough to help Jayden Daniels?
For a team that played in the NFC championship game just two seasons ago, the Washington Commanders had a lot of holes entering the offseason. The Commanders decided to invest almost all of their resources into fixing the defense. That isn’t the worst plan.
28th April 2026
2026 NFL Draft: Ty Simpson says he had secret meetings with Rams, Sean McVay before being taken in first round
In the immediate aftermath of the Los Angeles Rams taking quarterback Ty Simpson in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, some fans questioned whether head coach Sean McVay was on board with the pick.
Inside the NFL Draft: Ty Simpson pick explained, surging TEs and favorite strategies
A deeper look at the process behind some of the more interesting moves and trends of this year's NFL Draft.
Post-draft NFL Power Rankings: Rams slide but Eagles, Steelers, Lions rise after makeovers
With the draft and free agency complete, NFL teams now look mostly like they will when the season begins in the fall. So, how do they rank?.
Early 2027 NFL mock draft: Arch Manning, Dante Moore top potentially elite QB class
“Just wait until the 2027 draft class.” Well, with the '26 draft completed, we can turn our attention to that highly talented group.
Cowboys' George Pickens joins Eagles' A.J. Brown and Steelers' Aaron Rodgers atop the NFL's top unfinished business
Move over, A.J. Brown and Aaron Rodgers. George Pickens has just joined you atop the NFL’s pile of unfinished offseason business.
Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor hospitalized with 'stomach-related issue'
Taylor has been in the hospital since April 20, but his condition does "not appear to be life-threatening," according to his lawyer.
Eagles exercise fifth-year options for DT Jalen Carter, edge rusher Nolan Smith
Both are key players for the Eagles' defense.
Mike Vrabel back with Patriots on Monday after missing Day 3 of NFL Draft
Executive VP of player personnel Eliot Wolf ran the draft room without Vrabel on Saturday and make six selections in Rounds 4 through 7.
Inside Cleveland Browns' NFL Draft room, where trade calls keep phones ringing and high-speed databases whir
BEREA, Ohio — It’s 8:38 p.m. on Thursday in the Cleveland Browns' draft room and general manager Andrew Berry stands up, grabs a water bottle, then sets it down to take out his.
George Pickens has not signed franchise tag with Cowboys, despite reports of him doing so during NFL Draft
Wide receiver George Pickens has not signed the franchise tag tender offered to him by the Dallas Cowboys, according to ESPN’s Todd Archer, despite reports that he would do so during last week’s NFL Draft.
NFL draftees’ legacy, longevity comes down to getting there versus staying there
PITTSBURGH — In Jeremiyah Love’s euphoria of being selected by Arizona with the third pick of the NFL draft Thursday evening, I asked the former Notre Dame running back to do the impossible: Talk about longevity.
27th April 2026
Diego Pavia's NFL plight is misunderstood — just like him
Some people who cover the NFL have him mistaken for a Bond villain. Or a clueless slacker.
2026 NFL Draft's QBs were underwhelming, but 2027 class could be loaded
Dante Moore? Arch Manning? Julian Sayin? CJ Carr? Next year's class could be what QB-needy NFL teams are waiting on.
2026 NFL Draft takeaways: Browns' and Bucs' great drafts, best sleepers and values
Feldman's 17 thoughts from an interesting NFL Draft.
The Maxx Crosby saga made Eric DeCosta an NFL villain. Has the storm finally subsided?
After a turbulent offseason, Ravens GM Eric DeCosta got back to his sweet spot with a satisfying NFL Draft.
