All articles tagged with #contract negotiations
San Diego revealed its Opening Day roster and said Yu Darvish has been placed on the restricted list, meaning he won’t pitch in 2026 after elbow surgery and his salary for the year is uncertain as the team scouts options and potential contract restructuring or buyouts. The move frees payroll space and signals ongoing negotiations about Darvish’s future, while the Padres also shuffled roster spots and dealt with multiple injuries.
The 49ers will not exercise the $10 million option bonus for left tackle Trent Williams, which would push his 2026 cap to about $47 million and leave no guaranteed money in the final year of his deal. With negotiations stalled, San Francisco intends to rework Williams’s contract and keep him through the April draft, though the terms could change if no agreement is reached.
Starbucks Workers United submitted a comprehensive contract proposal seeking a $17 starting wage, 4% annual raises, and staffing-and-protections measures for baristas, as negotiations resume with in-person bargaining planned for March 30 after stalled talks and holiday strikes; the union represents about 6% of company-owned U.S. locations and the outcome could influence Starbucks's turnaround and shareholder concerns ahead of the March 25 annual meeting.
New Vikings acting GM Rob Brzezinski is trimming a roughly $45 million cap deficit by restructuring contracts, terminating bloated deals, and pursuing value signings. He has cut Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen, restructured Aaron Jones and T.J. Hockenson, and extended core players while keeping costs in check. Brzezinski is shopping Jonathan Greenard (with an Eagles trade angle) and let Jalen Nailor sign with the Raiders, while adding players like James Pierre and exploring a potential veteran‑minimum Kyler Murray signing; he avoided pricier bids (e.g., Travis Etienne). He’s using league-minimum ERFA/RFA deals for depth and may become GM, relying on Flores and O’Connell for scouting and football ops.
The Colts should reject a reported $50 million-per-year offer for Daniel Jones. His eight-game stretch in 2025 and career numbers show limited high-end production, a high interception rate, and injury risk, making that price tag a risky long-term commitment. The team should pivot to cheaper or higher-upside options (e.g., Kyler Murray, Riley Leonard) unless Jones’ value falls significantly.
On day one of NFL free agency, Trey Hendrickson remains the top available player on PFT's Top 100, with no deal yet as teams spend cap space. Hendrickson’s camp reportedly seeks more than current market offers, and while a multi-year deal could be on the table, some teams may push for a one-year deal this year with hopes to revisit next year; this dynamic differs from five years ago when he signed a four-year, $60 million deal with the Bengals on opening day.
Former UFC champion Jon Jones asked for his release from the UFC amid a public dispute with Dana White over negotiations for the White House card, claiming he was lowballed while White said Jones would not be on the June 14 event; Jones cited ongoing contract talks and his hip issues as context, as the card ultimately features Illia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje for the lightweight title while Jones had previously turned down big offers.
The Indianapolis Colts are still trying to re-sign wide receiver Alec Pierce before the NFL free-agent period opens, with negotiations reportedly going down to the wire; Pierce is expected to command at least $27 million per year and could draw interest from multiple teams, though Indy would like to keep him due to his rapport with quarterback Daniel Jones.
Multiple NFL teams, including the Seattle Seahawks, are hesitant to sign Kenneth Walker III at an estimated $15 million per year, as the top running back market heats up. While Giants, Titans, and Commanders show interest, price and cap considerations may deter offers, leaving Seattle to balance re-signing Walker with other extensions and budget concerns. Walker’s free-agent status could shape the Seahawks’ plans for the offseason and draft.
With free agency opening, conflicting reports gauge whether tight end Travis Kelce will test the market. The Athletic says he’s expected to return but not guaranteed to re-sign with the Chiefs, while AP notes that if he plays he’ll likely stay with KC and won’t test the market. The Chiefs’ offer may not meet his expectations, leaving room for talks with other teams, though business considerations could influence any decision as much as football value.
The Philadelphia Eagles are reportedly growing optimistic they can re-sign pass-rusher Jaelan Phillips before free agency, with NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport noting momentum toward a deal. Phillips, acquired for a 2026 third-round pick, posted 28 tackles and two sacks in eight games last season, and owns 205 tackles, 28 sacks, 68 quarterback hits, an interception, two forced fumbles and 11 passes defensed in 63 NFL games, though injuries sidelined him for parts of 2023 and 2024; if he hits the open market, he is expected to draw strong interest.
Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer says his relationship with George Pickens won’t change regardless of contract talks or the expected franchise tag, noting it’s part of the business side as CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott’s deals were handled. The tag would be a placeholder around $28 million for 2026 while a long-term deal is pursued, with a March 3 deadline to use it. Pickens had a standout 2025 season with 1,429 receiving yards, 93 catches and nine TDs.
The Kansas City Chiefs are preparing for both possible outcomes with Travis Kelce, who at 36 will be an unrestricted free agent this year. GM Brett Veach and coach Andy Reid say they’ve kept open dialogue with Kelce and his reps and will move forward with a plan regardless of whether he returns or departs, with a decision likely coming before the March 9 tampering window and a new contract expected if he stays for a 14th season.
San Francisco is working with Trent Williams and his agent to resolve the $38.8 million cap hit set for 2026; Lynch called recent meetings with Williams and his representative constructive and said the team is pursuing a solution, potentially a restructure, to keep the Pro Bowl tackle amid looming cap constraints.
The 49ers and left tackle Trent Williams, 37, are in a contract stalemate for 2026, with Williams carrying a $32 million non-guaranteed base and a $38.841 million cap hit; absent a revised deal, San Francisco could release or trade him, with $10 million owed on April 1, while Williams had previously suggested he’d be back in 2026 but the situation remains unresolved.