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The Cincinnati Bengals will not have a bye after their Madrid trip to face the Falcons in Week 9; instead, they are slated for back-to-back primetime games in Weeks 10 and 11 (Week 10 vs. Steelers on Sunday Night Football at Paycor, Week 11 vs. Commanders on Monday Night Football on the road), with a later Ravens Thursday Night Football game on New Year’s Eve.
NFL executives remain divided on Jalen Hurts’ long-term fit with the Eagles: if the offense stumbles again, Philadelphia could consider trading him in 2027 due to guarantees and cap implications, while others believe he could thrive if the offense shifts to more play-action and under-center looks with a broader receiving corps and off-site work with players like Devonta Smith and Elijah Moore; a potential A.J. Brown trade could also influence the offense during this period.
The Cleveland Browns have signed eight of their ten 2026 NFL draft picks: Spencer Fano (OT, Utah), Denzel Boston (WR, Washington), Austin Barber (T, Florida), Parker Brailsford (C, Alabama), Justin Jefferson (LB, Alabama), Joe Royer (TE, Cincinnati), Taylen Green (QB, Arkansas) and Carsen Ryan (TE, BYU), with backgrounds and college achievements noted for each player.
Breer groups available free agents into five archetypes—overmarketed veterans, older players who may skip OTAs, injury-prone figures, those with off-field/character questions, and end-of-career flag-bearers—to explain why they remain unsigned. He also cites Seattle’s savvy Dante Fowler Jr. signing as an example of veteran depth helping a contending team, and adds notes on Anthony Richardson’s Colts progression, Alvin Kamara’s desire to stay with the Saints, Patrick Mahomes’ rehab progress, and Aaron Rodgers’ situational uncertainty.
Miami used Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft to add high-upside receivers Caleb Douglas (Texas Tech) and Chris Bell (Louisville). Bell, coming off ACL surgery, is viewed as a potential No. 1 receiver who could contribute as soon as health allows, while Douglas adds depth. The Dolphins say they are building for 2028 and beyond, banking on Bell's return and the long-term upside rather than focusing solely on the 2026 season.
On Day 2 the Eagles added tight end Eli Stowers (Vanderbilt) at 54 and tackle Markel Bell (Miami) at 68, then traded two 2026 third-round picks and a 2027 seventh for edge defender Jonathan Greenard, who signed a four-year, $98 million deal. Stowers offers elite athleticism but needs blocker development; Bell provides rare size and versatility, potentially starting later if development goes well; Greenard could be a meaningful rush contributor if he returns to form. Grades given in the piece: Stowers B+, Bell B, Trade B.
The Steelers, led by GM Omar Khan, are prepared to trade up across the first two draft days, even multiple times, to address major needs while limiting risk to their top-100 picks. Day 1 targets include Spencer Fano (OT), Makai Lemon (WR), Vega Ioane (OG), and Monroe Freeling (OT) as top options to upgrade the line and receiving corps; Day 1 notes suggest Caleb Downs and a few others are unlikely to fall into range. Day 2 options expand to a mix of guards, linebackers, and defensive backs—guys like Jacob Rodriguez, Treydan Stukes, Keylan Rutledge, Jake Golday, and Germie Bernard—depending on who’s available, with the goal of maximizing value while balancing positional needs.
In a hypothetical draft scenario, the Chiefs trade down with Dallas (giving up picks 9 and 29 for 12 and 20) to stack the offense, drafting Makai Lemon and Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq to pair with Mahomes, Kenneth Walker, Xavier Worthy, and Rashee Rice, prioritizing explosive scoring over defense to define Mahomes’ prime era while acknowledging defensive gaps and potential 2027 attrition.
A penultimate 2026 NFL Draft first-round mock (4.0) projects the Raiders taking Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza at No. 1, with a wave of edge defenders and offensive linemen filling the top of the board. The picks flow through the top 32 with some surprises, including Jeremiyah Love landing with the Bengals at No. 10, Ty Simpson going to the Jets at No. 16, and Kadyn Proctor and other big tackles/guards sprinkled throughout. The piece notes the draft’s evolving chatter and hints at chaos ahead as the final mock drops the week of the draft.
Eagles GM Howie Roseman repeatedly stated that A.J. Brown is a member of the Eagles, brushing off trade questions as speculation while post-June 1 trade talk lingers; the team has added WRs Hollywood Brown and Elijah Moore to bolster the group, and Brown’s recent production keeps him central to the chatter.
The 49ers addressed a weak pass rush by acquiring Cowboys DT Osa Odighizuwa, a former Cowboys captain known for strong double-team pressure and leadership. The move adds interior disruption as Dallas reshuffles its DL, and Odighizuwa’s off-field story highlights mental-health advocacy within his family.
CBS Sports lists the 10 remaining free agents entering Day 2 of the 2026 legal tampering period, led by Trey Hendrickson (DE) and Kyler Murray (QB), followed by Rasheed Walker (LT), Tariq Woolen (CB), Jauan Jennings (WR), Aaron Rodgers (QB), Braden Smith (RT), Romeo Doubs (WR), Nahshon Wright (CB) and Joey Bosa (DE), noting that while many headliners have signed, there is still significant value and potential bidding on a variety of positions.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, Detroit head coach Dan Campbell outlined five takeaways: Drew Petzing is a creative, versatile fit for the offense and is already working with Jared Goff; the defensive staff will tweak schemes as Campbell emphasizes tighter execution; left tackle depth is a priority if Taylor Decker retires and to prepare for injuries; Kerby Joseph's return from knee soreness is being carefully managed; and Mike Clark is retiring after 50 years, with Josh Schuler set to run the team's strength program.
Green Bay GM Brian Gutekunst provided a broad offseason update: Jordan Love finished the season largely healthy and avoided post-season surgery, delivering strong efficiency and a notable playoff outing; Micah Parsons’ arrival paid dividends in leadership and culture; Zach Tom is dealing with a knee injury that could require surgery but is expected to be ready for 2026; Tucker Kraft has an ACL tear with Gutekunst already discussing his future; Jordan Morgan’s versatility helped the reshaped line, while cornerback depth remains a focus after injuries to Hobbs, Melton and Hadden, with Nixon and Valentine stepping up and a Hobbs return possible. Gutekunst also said the Packers have room to be active in free agency as they shape the roster.
The Kansas City Chiefs are hiring two college coaches as quality-control assistants: Nate Pagan from Villanova and C.J. Cox from Coastal Carolina, highlighting NFL teams' ongoing trend of tapping college staffers. Pagan helped develop Jaaron Hayek, who earned an offseason roster spot, while Cox brings defensive backs coaching experience and multiple Bill Walsh Fellowships, including stints with the Chiefs in past offseasons.