Heading into the 2026 offseason, two of the NFL’s best wide receivers from 2025 will be eligible for a contract extension. Those two players are Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. While Njigba was a first-round pick and has a fifth-year option, the Seahawks will almost certainly […] Heading into the 2026 offseason, two of the NFL’s best wide receivers from 2025 will be eligible for a contract extension. Those two players are Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. While Njigba was a first-round pick and has a fifth-year option, the Seahawks will almost certainly look to get their star wide receiver locked in as soon as possible. Similarly, the Rams could wait until Nacua’s contract expires at the end of the season. However, waiting could end up costing the Rams with Drake London, Chris Olave, and Zay Flowers also eligible for extensions. When the Dallas Cowboys were in the process of extending Cee Dee Lamb, they made the mistake of waiting too long and it cost them almost $5 million. At the beginning of the offseason, they may have been able to get Lamb for around $30 million per year. However, Amon-Ra St. Brown and AJ Brown signed for $30 million and $32 million. Shortly after, Justin Jefferson signed for $35 million before Lamb and the Cowboys agreed to a deal for $34 million. Over the course of a four-year contract, the Cowboys cost themselves over $15 million. As it stands, Puka Nacua’s market value according to Spotrac is $38.5 million per year while JSN’s is $37.7 million. That’s below Ja’Marr Chase’s $40 million per year, but both Nacua and Smith-Njigba will be looking to surpass that number. As Smith-Njigba said earlier this offseason, “I know my time is coming, and when we get it done, it’s going to be a great deal…I believe I deserve to be the highest paid in my position. Just what I give to the game and the community, I give it my all, and I think that’s worth a lot more.” Over the past two years, Nacua is second in the NFL in receptions and yards behind only Smith-Njigba. With that said, on a per game basis, Nacua leads by a wide margin. In fact, Nacua’s 95.3 yards per game in his career are the most in NFL history. Nacua is second in NFL history in total receiving yards for a player in their first three years. The Rams wide receiver is also fourth in receptions for a player in their first three seasons in NFL history. There is a serious argument to be made for Nacua as the NFL’s highest-paid wide receiver. He arguably should have won the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023. Despite out-producing Smith-Njigba last season, Nacua was beaten out for the Offensive Player of the Year. However, he has made the Pro Bowl twice and is a first and second-team All-Pro. The Rams and Seahawks may try to get something done between the $35 million and $40 million gap that separates Jefferson and Chase. Given how both players have produced, it wouldn’t be surprising to see both try to surpass that number. That will especially be the case if the Falcons get something done with Drake London who could bridge that gap. This really comes down to which player’s contract gets done first between Nacua and JSN. The Rams will have the benefit of time on their side as Smith-Njigba technically has two years left on his rookie contract. Still, the Rams could always franchise tag Nacua which is what the Cowboys have done with George Pickens. The Rams haven’t been a team to utilize the franchise tag, but it is certainly an option. Even with the tag, Smith-Njigba’s camp can wait to see what Nacua and London get and then try and beat that number. Conversely, there will be more pressure on the Rams to get something done this offseason with Nacua to try and save money in the long run. At the end of the day, Nacua may cost over $40 million per year, but getting his contract done now and before JSN will cost less in the long-run. Nacua and Smith-Njigba competed for recognition as the NFL’s best wide receiver in 2025. It won’t be long before both are competing to be the NFL’s highest-paid wide receiver as well.
Will JSN or Puka Nacua win race to NFL’s highest-paid wide receiver?
Fernando Mendoza meets with the Raiders and gets a call from Tom Brady
The Las Vegas Raiders are at the NFL combine to study the whole draft. However, it is pretty much set in stone who they have in mind for the number one pick in the draft. That man is Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, the quarterback out of Indiana. Mendoza had a breakout season in 2025, […] The Las Vegas Raiders are at the NFL combine to study the whole draft. However, it is pretty much set in stone who they have in mind for the number one pick in the draft. That man is Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, the quarterback out of Indiana. Mendoza had a breakout season in 2025, leading the Hoosiers to the national championship, going undefeated in the process. He threw for 41 touchdowns and 6 interceptions and displayed accuracy all over the field. With his size and athleticism, all of his raised stock, and now he’s primed to join the Silver and Black as their franchise QB. The first time the Raiders met with Mendoza was at this week’s NFL combine. Most of the front office and coaching staff were in the meeting, and Mendoza even received a call from part owner Tom Brady. “When I walked into the formal interview for the Raiders, I was able to say a brief hi to Brady, and that was very special to me, and I look forward to meeting him in person one day and learning from him.” The coaching staff decided to pick his brain and see which concepts the former Heisman Trophy winner could pick up quickly. “They are very football savvy, which was great to see,” Mendoza said. “They taught me a play, and they had their whole progression of how they teach quarterbacks to play, and it was similar to how Indiana’s progression was. I am a very type A guy, and they had all the details of each play and what to do when you get a problem with each play.” Mendoza’s grit and intelligence make him a perfect fit for the Raiders. The approach to leadership and success will translate to the next level and, hopefully, turn this franchise around. “You need to play well and that’s where all my focus goes in. Football, football, football.” Raiders football. See More:
Fantasy Football: How do wide receivers perform after serious injuries?
Wide receivers tend to bounce back well from serious injuries, but treat things with caution in fantasy football. Expect a relatively healthy return from wide receivers who suffer serious injuries: Our 10-player sample averaged 69 catches for 894 yards and five touchdowns at 2.02 yards per route run for 188.4 PPR points in their returns from injury. That’s enough for the WR25 in 2025. Older wide receivers, understandably, have a tougher time bouncing back: Eric Decker and A.J. Green were nearing the end of their careers after suffering serious injuries. 2026 NFL Draft season is here: Try the best-in-class PFF Mock Draft Simulator and learn about 2026’s top prospects while trading and drafting for your favorite NFL team. Estimated Reading Time: 8minutes In our latest edition of this post-injury series, we’re taking a look at wide receivers. Malik Nabers and Tyreek Hill are the standout pass catchers who will be looking to make an impactful return to the field once they’ve completed their lengthy rehab process. But what should be the level of expectations for admittedly two very special talents at the wide receiver position? Much like our previous articles, we’ll be looking at players since 2015 (with one exception), when PFF started tracking fantasy data, and taking 10 names to build a baseline. Those 10 players, in order of the season in which they got injured, are: Julio Jones (foot fracture in 2013), Jordy Nelson (torn ACL in 2015), Eric Decker (2016), Keenan Allen (torn ACL in 2016), Odell Beckham Jr. (fractured ankle in 2017 and torn ACL in 2020), A.J. Green (ankle ligament injury in 2019), Chris Godwin Jr. (ankle injury in 2024), Christian Watson (torn ACL in 2024), Rashee Rice (torn LCL in 2024) and Stefon Diggs (torn ACL in 2024). Jones is the only exception, as his return season from injury came in 2014. But he was so special that it felt like malpractice to cut him off by just one year. Like always, let’s look at the numbers for the players in the games until injury struck, or the season before if they missed an entire season. Pre-Injury Player PFF Receiving Grade Catches Yards TDs Yards/Route Run Jones (2013) 79.6 41 580 2 6.40 Nelson (2014) 87.8 98 1,519 13 2.66 Decker (2016) 70.1 9 194 2 1.60 Allen (2015)* 78.8 67 725 4 2.16 Beckham (2017) 70.0 25 302 3 2.10 Green (2018) 84.9 46 694 6 2.39 Godwin (2024) 85.7 50 576 5 2.36 Watson (2024) 72.2 29 620 2 2.26 Rice (2024) 85.5 24 288 2 3.16 Diggs (2024) 79.1 47 496 3 1.84 *Allen technically played in the 2016 season, but it was for only one half before he tore his ACL in the 2016 opener, so we’ve used his 2015 numbers. Averaging out the above 10 names produces a stat line of 44 catches for 599 yards and four scores at 2.69 yards per route run. It’s basically an impressive half-season and would have resulted in a WR48 finish in 2025, with 127.9 points — the exact amount Luther Burden III recorded for the Bears this past year. When splitting those averages out for just Nelson, Allen, Watson and Green — we’re using numbers from the season before they got injured due to early injuries — we get an average of 60 catches for 890 yards and six touchdowns and a healthy 2.37 yards per route run. That would have landed them at the WR27 with 185 points for the 2025 season, a much healthier perspective. When taking the six players who didn’t feature as heavily, the average is 32 catches for 406 yards and three touchdowns at 2.91 yards per route run. The 17-game pace is 111 catches for 1,380 yards and 10 scores, which would have finished as the WR5 in 2025 with 309.0 fantasy points — a truly elite (hypothetical) player. Before his injury against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4 of this past season, Malik Nabers was the WR9 overall with 53.1 PPR points. Granted, a large part of that was his 37.7-point outing in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys. That week, Nabers led all NFL wide receivers with 167 receiving yards and earned the fifth-highest PFF overall and receiving grades among his peers (85.7 and 84.3, respectively). Though his season was heavily shortened, Nabers registered a 71.4 PFF receiving grade on the season, in large part due to his 52.4 and 56.9 PFF receiving grades in Weeks 3 (against the Kansas City Chiefs) and 4, respectively. Tyreek Hill also played in only four games in 2025, seeing his season ended by a dislocated kneecap and a broken leg. Before the injury, the Dolphins receiver logged 21 catches on 29 targets for 265 yards and a single score, with an 81.0 PFF receiving grade. Hill was having a bounce-back season in several metrics in 2025, including yards per route run, which was up from 1.75 in 2024 to 2.55 in 2025. His average depth target went from 11.9 to 13.1, albeit on a much smaller sample than his 81-catch 2024 campaign. All that to say, the two were on course to put together high-level fantasy seasons for their managers before their injuries. But there is hope for those dynasty managers who had to place them on injured reserve. Of the 10 listed names above, Allen, Beckham, Watson and Diggs all posted better PFF receiving grades after returning than they did even the year before their injuries. Allen went from posting 67 catches for 725 yards and four scores in 2015 to putting up a massive 102 catches, 1,393 yards and six touchdowns in 2017, finishing as the WR3 overall. Jones recovered from his broken foot to snag 104 balls for 1,593 yards and six touchdowns at a massive 15.3 yards per catch in 2014, the fourth-highest mark of his illustrious 13-year career. His 88.0 PFF receiving grade for that campaign was the sixth-highest figure of his career and the seventh-highest grade of qualifying receivers in 2014. Watson didn’t
Rams draft: Day 2 of the NFL Combine
Day 2 of the Combine brings the cornerbacks, safeties and tight ends into the spotlight. With the secondary being a Los Angeles Rams position of need, or more precisely, positions (plural) of need, there are a myriad of prospects to monitor and move up or down on draft boards. Here are a few of my […] Day 2 of the Combine brings the cornerbacks, safeties and tight ends into the spotlight. With the secondary being a Los Angeles Rams position of need, or more precisely, positions (plural) of need, there are a myriad of prospects to monitor and move up or down on draft boards. Here are a few of my favorites, tell TST about yours. Cornerback In dire need of a re-build, this unit is scary thin with only Darious Williams, Emmanuel Forbes, Cam Lampkin, and Alex Johnson under contract. Reports have Williams being released as the Rams made him a healthy scratch down the 2025 stretch. Forbes did show incremental improvement, but was still up-and-down at best.. Lampkin and Johnson will do well to be on the practice squad. L.A. will need to add 4 or 5 corners for camp and preseason. Mansoor Delane – LSU Three-star prospect with an interesting high school background, he played quarterback and was on the wrestling team. Recently turned 22 years-old. Spent his first three seasons at Virginia Tech, before finishing up at LSU. Delane started 40 of 44 college games with 191 tackles, four forced fumbles, eight interceptions, and 62 passes defended. In 2025 he was a unanimous All-American. Loose, fluid, and athletic, Mansoor is a standout defender in both man and zone coverage. The type of player you can put on an island against the opposing WR#1, allowing his teammates to concentrate on stopping the rest. In man coverage he’s sticky to the point of suffocating, He has the backpedal and footwork to mirror from the snap through the breaks. Aggressive and physical when carrying receivers, without being grabby (0 penalties in 2025). Looks just as comfortable in zone, showing patient technique, quick recognition and explosion as he triggers to the ball. Reads quarterback’s eyes and not afraid to gamble, baiting, undercutting or jumping routes. Even though not a big guy at 6’1” 185 lb., he’s a good form tackler in the open field while showing to be willing and aggressive in run support. Clearly made the step up to SEC competition. Mansoor Delane is the prize most Rams fans are eyeing. He is hands down, the best corner in the draft and quite simply, might not last until the Rams select at #13. I grade him as a Round 1, Top 10 prospect. He is sneakily versatile and while most ballyhoo is about his corner skills, he has the versatility to work in the slot or at both strong and free safety. Keith Abney – Arizona State Receiver/returner/ corner in high school was a three-star recruit. Recently turned 21 years-old. Over three seasons at Arizona State, Abney collected 98 tackles, six interceptions, and defended or broke up 48 passes. Interesting youth background, he was top tier speed skater, winning four national championships. Plays corner with a mean streak, well put together, almost stocky build. Played in a lot of Cover1 man and Cover3 zone at ASU, showing up well in both. Loose-limbed with twitchy short area agility. Played outside, mostly on the boundary, but has the traits to work on the slot. Likes to use a strong press and tries smother opposition, understands how to use the sideline to advantage, gets his head around and tracks the ball very well. Does a good job of placing himself between receiver and the ball and is ultra-competitive at the catch point. Processes very well in zone, baiting QB’s and bursting downhill to intersect. Aggressive run supporter, physical hitter that wraps up well, Doesn’t miss many. Although he doesn’t look as big as his listed 6’ 190 lb., Abney plays bigger and doesn’t have glaring weaknesses. While he doesn’t get the run that other top corners receive, he stacked two consecutive strong seasons against top competition. He does two things at a high level, the most important things pro corners are expected to do, be sticky in coverage and be able to tackle. I have him graded in the middle of Round 2, many reviewers have him a little later on Day 2. Safety A full room returns, with Quentin Lake, Kamren Kinchens, Jaylen McCollough, Tanner Ingle, Josh Wallace, and Nate Valcarcel under contract. Most fans would likely be content with Lake, Kinchens, and McCollough, but there is certainly room for a talent upgrade, particularly adding some athleticism. Ingle, Wallace, and Valcarcel are long shots to really make a difference. Again I cry out, “ A free safety…My kingdom for a true free safety!” Zakee Wheatley – Penn State Four-star recruit, recently turned 23 years-old. Started 28 of 58 games and was a package and special teamer over his first three seasons before getting the starting nod in his final 28 straight. Always around the ball from the beginning, Wheatley logged 223 tackles, 18 passes broken up, and six interceptions. Was named to the Senior Bowl and voted as Top Safety for the week. Versatile safety who can range deep, handle 1on1 slot work, or play near the line. Stellar speed, instincts, and read/react allow him to almost always be near the ball. Looks to have good length to go along with his 6’3” 200 lb. frame. Adept at both man or zone and run or pass. Against the pass, he shows the hand/eye coordination of a ball hawk and true center fielder range. He’s a reliable open-field tackler with good wrap-up technique. Closer to the action, let’s just say anytime vs the run, he triggers downhill in an instant. Not a thumper, although he is more than willing in run support. I’d put him in the chase-and-drag category, not that he doesn’t ever lay the wood, but generally a wrap-up
Bengals met with potential first-round pick Avieon Terrell at NFL Combine
The Cincinnati Bengals are racking up the visits in Indianapolis, and to no surprise, the early reports have been on the defensive side of the ball. Cornerback is a sneaky long-term need for the club, and they are doing their due diligence with a few high-profile prospects. One of which is Clemson’s Avieon Terrell, who […] The Cincinnati Bengals are racking up the visits in Indianapolis, and to no surprise, the early reports have been on the defensive side of the ball. Cornerback is a sneaky long-term need for the club, and they are doing their due diligence with a few high-profile prospects. One of which is Clemson’s Avieon Terrell, who is slated by most outlets to be a first-round pick in this year’s NFL Draft. Terrell is one of the high-profile prospects the Bengals have met with recently at the NFL Combine, according to Malik Wright. Terrell is a true junior and is coming off two solid seasons with the Tigers. He had 125 total tackles, three interceptions, and 25 passes defended in his Clemson career. His sophomore season was a standout year, wherein he had two interceptions, 58 total tackles, and 12 passes defended. In 2024-2025, Terrell had a combined 21 passes defended and eight forced fumbles, showcasing his penchant for offensive disruption. At 5’11” and 180 pounds, Terrell has solid NFL size to go with a respectable 83.5 overall PFF score for the 2025 season. Along with Peter Woods, Terrell was a defensive standout on a season that was an overall disappointment for Clemson last year. Cincinnati has an unclear long-term future at the cornerback position. DJ Turner played at a Pro Bowl level last year and is entering the final year of his rookie deal, while Dax Hill is playing on the fifth-year option in 2026. The team re-signed Jalen Davis recently, but Cam Taylor-Britt appears to be on the way out, so taking a corner early in the draft would be wise. What do you think about Avieon Terrell and the Bengals potentially selecting him in the Draft? See More:
Anthony Richardson Trade Incoming? — Top 10 Options to Challenge J.J. McCarthy
Vikings fans, is Anthony Richardson destined for Minnesota? In this episode of The Real Forno Show, Tyler Forness ranks the top 10 QB additions to push J.J. McCarthy, sparking heated debates on trades, reunions, and upside plays. In a candid discussion on The Real Forno Show, hosted by Tyler Forness and producer Dave Stefano, the […] Vikings fans, is Anthony Richardson destined for Minnesota? In this episode of The Real Forno Show, Tyler Forness ranks the top 10 QB additions to push J.J. McCarthy, sparking heated debates on trades, reunions, and upside plays. In a candid discussion on The Real Forno Show, hosted by Tyler Forness and producer Dave Stefano, the duo dissects the Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback conundrum heading into the 2026 offseason. Forness questions the team’s faith in J.J. McCarthy, citing head coach Kevin O’Connell’s calculated comments: “A lot of those feelings are still the same… It’s just the timeline is in a different place for all of us than it was in 2024.” Stefano counters, interpreting it as O’Connell feeling the heat: “Kevin O’Connell’s feeling the heat in this one and saying, I’ve gotta get this one right.” They explore Anthony Richardson’s trade rumors, with Forness praising his “alien arm” and upside akin to Josh Allen, noting the Vikings’ prior interest: “The Vikings tried to trade up for Anthony Richardson in 2023, 3 firsts two seconds.” Other options like Kirk Cousins’ potential return at veteran minimum and Geno Smith’s fit in O’Connell’s scheme are weighed, emphasizing cost, talent, and durability. The episode blends analytics, film breakdowns, and unfiltered takes, highlighting the Vikings’ need for competition amid McCarthy’s injuries and inconsistent play. Tyler’s Top 10: Anthony Richardson as #1: High-upside trade target; Forness predicts a deal involving picks 97 and a fifth for Richardson and a fourth, saying, “Richardson is Josh Allen waiting to just sprout.” Geno Smith at #2: Potential cut from Raiders; could provide top-15 play at low cost, with Stefano noting he could be “the adult in the room” alongside McCarthy. Kirk Cousins #3: Reunion for stability; Forness warns of PR issues but adds, “At the veteran minimum… Kirk Cousins can deliver baseline level of quarterback play.” Malik Willis #4: Growth under Matt LaFleur praised, but high cost ($20-30M) a deterrent; “If this were just a list of quarterbacks that I believed in, Willis would rank first.” Derek Carr #5 (Wild Card): Possible un-retirement; offers rhythm but panics under pressure. Lower Ranks: Kyler Murray (#6) and Tua Tagovailoa (#7) flagged for injuries and scheme mismatch; Mac Jones (#8) dismissed for lacking arm talent; Aaron Rodgers (#9) called “his worst season”; Marcus Mariota (#10) as safe backup. Overall QB Strategy: Debate on O’Connell’s comments signaling doubt in McCarthy; emphasis on traits, scheme fit, and cap implications. Listen: Watch: Dive into The Real Forno Show for raw Vikings insights, from draft scouting to offseason drama—this Vikings 1st & SKOL production delivers must-listen Minnesota Vikings podcast content weekly. Subscribe now for more episodes like this! Fan With Us!!! Tyler Forness @TheRealForno of Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL and A to Z Sports @AtoZSportsNFL, with Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare producing this Vikings 1st & SKOL production, the @RealFornoShow. Podcasts partnered with Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN. Question: Which QB should the Vikings target to ignite their Super Bowl run—Richardson, Cousins, or someone else, or any of them? Share your thoughts below! See More:
Dolphins meet with Carson Beck at NFL Combine
The Miami Dolphins have held a formal meeting with Miami Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck at the 2026 NFL Combine, as per David Furones of the Sun Sentinel. Each team is allowed up to 45 scheduled “formal interviews” with players attending the NFL Combine this week. Beck, a senior at the University of Miami, is widely […] The Miami Dolphins have held a formal meeting with Miami Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck at the 2026 NFL Combine, as per David Furones of the Sun Sentinel. Each team is allowed up to 45 scheduled “formal interviews” with players attending the NFL Combine this week. Beck, a senior at the University of Miami, is widely regarded as one of the better quarterbacks in this year’s class, albeit in a weaker class than years prior. The Jacksonville native threw for 30 touchdowns and 3,813 yards this past season, leading the Hurricanes to their first ever CFB Playoff Championship appearance. Beck also spent four seasons with the University of Georgia, winning two national championships as a backup. Early mock drafts suggest Beck will likely be taken in the 3rd round, in which the Dolphins have three selections (No. 75, No. 87, and No. 90). Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan has already stated that the team will be drafting a quarterback every single year. Sullivan has also spoken about a desire to get the team in a healthy situation in regards to the salary cap. Drafting Beck, letting him battle for starting job against Ewers, and finding a way to get out of Tua Tagovailoa’s contract will go a long way towards achieving that goal. When asked about the meeting, Beck said “I thought it went really well. Sometimes, I think it’s kind of hard to read how these interviews go…I just want to be myself, let them know who I am. Personally, I felt it went really well.” What are your thoughts on Carson Beck? Do you want the Dolphins to take a flyer on him? Let us know down below! See More:
Which prospect will see biggest rise up draft boards following 2026 NFL Combine?
In what feels like one of the true beginnings of the NFL offseason, the 2026 NFL Combine in Indianapolis is officially underway. For a handful of days, the area around Lucas Oil Stadium becomes the center of the NFL universe, giving fans the opportunity to become acquainted with this year’s prospects coming out of college. […] In what feels like one of the true beginnings of the NFL offseason, the 2026 NFL Combine in Indianapolis is officially underway. For a handful of days, the area around Lucas Oil Stadium becomes the center of the NFL universe, giving fans the opportunity to become acquainted with this year’s prospects coming out of college. We’ve already heard from top decision-makers like Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell, and we’ve also had the chance to hear prospects interact with the media. However, all of the extra stuff happening off the field comes secondary to what takes place on it. When you hear from general managers and other scouts around the game, they will tell you quickly how the tape is the biggest component. When you deviate too far from that core principle, you can get yourself into some hot water as an evaluator. With that said, the combine is still critical to the process. It’s a chance for teams to either confirm what they think they already know about a player, or a time for them to perhaps reevaluate what they originally thought. With day one already in the books—featuring interior defensive linemen, edge rushers, and linebackers—who do you believe will be the biggest riser up draft boards once the combine concludes? My answer: Maybe I am being a prisoner of the moment here, but I am going with Ohio State’s Sonny Styles. Standing at 6-foot-5 and 243 pounds, you see everything you want from an off-ball linebacker when you turn on his tape from his time in Columbus. Then he went out and posted a 4.46 40-yard dash, an 11-foot-2 inch broad jump, and a 43.5” vertical. Those are absurd measurables and will probably ensure that Styles is a top-10 selection in this year’s draft. What about you? Who do you think will be the biggest riser up draft boards once the combine wraps up this Sunday? Let us know in the comments below. See More:
Eagles’ salary cap will go up by $22M in 2026
The Eagles have always been really impressive with how they’ve managed the roster and the salary cap, and all the special loop holes they use in order to both pay their players well and stay under the cap. In the midst of the NFL Combine, the league informed teams that the salary cap will be […] The Eagles have always been really impressive with how they’ve managed the roster and the salary cap, and all the special loop holes they use in order to both pay their players well and stay under the cap. In the midst of the NFL Combine, the league informed teams that the salary cap will be $301.2 million for the 2026 season, up $22 million from last year. The quick ascension of the cap in recent years is going to be great news for Howie Roseman and the Eagles front office, especially with the timing of many of their star defenders coming up for new contracts in the next couple of years. As they’ve focused their wallets on the offensive side of the ball through Nick Sirianni’s tenure, the young defense is starting to approach the end of their rookie contracts and will assuredly deserve big-money deals — hopefully in Philadelphia. Roseman has been known to add out years to his deals, which some have suggested will eventually come back to haunt the team, but as the salary cap continues to rise, those out years and costs might not be so extravagant — especially considering they often re-structure things when the time comes, anyway. Now that the Eagles have hired Sean Mannion as their new offensive coordinator, and Josh Grizzard as their passing-game coordinator, they can turn their focus to upcoming free agency and securing those players they want back and begin planning for the NFL Draft. And now, Howie will have a lot more money to consider when making those decisions. See More: Philadelphia Eagles News
NY Giants rumors: Team looking at top RBs at NFL combine and free agency
The on-field workouts get the spotlight at the NFL Scouting Combine, but the annual gathering in Indianapolis is far more than just the workouts. It’s as much a league-wide conference and convention as it is a venue for gathering scouting information for the upcoming draft. NFL teams talk to each other, talk to players’ agents, and also look at what each other is doing to try and divine their intentions. This week sets the stage for teams’ entire off-season strategies, not just the draft but free agency as well. Here, of course, we’re interested in the New York Giants and what they’ll be doing over the coming weeks and months. And on that note, Jordan Raanan of ESPN reported that word around the Combine is that the Giants are looking seriously at the top running backs on the market. Not just the likes of Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame, who might be the best player in the 2026 draft, but top free agents like Kenneth Walker and Travs Etienne. Raanan states that the team’s focus seems to be “becoming a more physical run-heavy team.” It wouldn’t be a surprise at all to see the Giants add a running back at some point in the draft or free agency. Devin Singletary seems like an obvious cap casualty, and at least adding depth seems remarkably prudent. That said, they don’t have much work to do be a physical, run-heavy team. After all, they already are one. The Giants had the second-most rushing attempts in the NFL last year, four carries ahead of Harbaugh’s Baltimore Ravens. They were also fifth in rushing yards per game (129.1) fourth in rushing touchdowns (22, one fewer than the Ravens), and fifth in rushing EPA (+39.83). The Giants will get sparkplug runner Cam Skattebo back from injury, while Tyrone Tracy is the only player from the 2024 draft to top 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons. They also leaned into a down-hill power run game, with with 78 percent of Tyrone Tracy’s carries and 81 percent of Cam Skattebo’s carries coming between the tackles. In particular, the Giants a G/T Counter as their bread and butter running play. The follow-on to this rumor is how it will impact the Giants’ plans for their offensive line. Ravens’ center Tyler Linderbaum has been a frequent subject of speculation since John Harbaugh was hired, however it’s also been confirmed that the Ravens made a “market setting” offer to the center. Giants’ center John Michael Schmitz is a better pass protector than Linderbaum, but a worse run blocker — at least at this point in his development. The Giants also have to address the right guard and right tackle positions, and they would have to generate significant cap space to reset the center market for Linderbaum as well as sign Jermaine Elumunor and fill the hole at right guard. Meanwhile, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network is reporting that the Giants aren’t planning on overhauling their roster. John Harbaugh (reportedly) believes the Giants have the talent to compete, and is more likely to “tinker” with the roster than go through a tear-down and rebuild. All of these potentially interconnected reports should obviously be taken with a grain of salt. This time of year is also rife with smoke — be it misinformation or outright disinformation. However, we would probably be smart to consider running back as a real area of interest for the Giants, even with the position already a strength. How much do you buy the rumors? And do you think investing in a top running back is the right move for the Giants? See More: