From high-profile signings to rookie QBs shining, we spotlight everything you should know from around the NFL in the past week.
🏈 Preseason highlights
Let’s start with the decision by the Vikings before their preseason debut: Veteran Kyler Murray has been named their starting QB over former first-round selection J.J. McCarthy. This move was fully expected from the moment Minnesota signed the former No. 1 overall pick. HC Kevin O’Connell explained the decision:
Sticking with the QB position, the first full week of the preseason included rookie QBs doing a nice job—headlined by No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza for the Raiders (97 yards, one TD), Rams first-rounder Ty Simpson (21/25, 190 yards, two TDs), and Steelers third-round pick Drew Allar (two passing TDs, one rushing TD).
While Mendoza and Simpson showed what you’d like to see, Allar’s performance might be the most noteworthy. No doubt, he’s getting coached up by Steelers HC Mike McCarthy and is in great position to develop and not have to play as a rookie—and McCarthy says when they got Allar it felt like they were getting a first-round pick.
✍️ Champs add Terrion Arnold
2024 first-round CB Terrion Arnold signed with the defending champion Seahawks on a one-year deal.
If you had to pick one “weakness” for Seattle, it might have been the CB position and depth.
Arnold is facing several felony charges—and perhaps his dishonesty over the situation with the Lions is really what got him released—that led to Detroit moving on in late June.
Last week’s Hard Knocks showed the Alabama product working out for the Seahawks—and GM John Schneider shared the glowing review Arnold’s former Alabama teammate QB Jalen Milroe gave.
After visits with multiple teams including the Texans, Giants, and Saints, it makes sense that Arnold decided on the Seahawks as he looks to quickly rebuild his career and value. Frankly, signing with a high-class organization like Seattle might help with his legal issues—but there’s no doubt some uncertainty over his status.
💰 Signings and extensions
The other big CB news for Seahawks was the extension for star defender Devon Witherspoon, who signed a four-year, $132 million deal to make him the highest-paid player at his position. Witherspoon unsurprisingly practiced despite no new deal, and now the ultra aggressive CB has been rewarded for his play.
The Steelers extended DL Keeanu Benton on a four-year, $72 million contract, adding to a group of Pittsburgh extensions leading up to the season.
Plus, the Cowboys adding former Super Bowl MVP EDGE Von Miller is a headliner among signings—which also includes a key WR and TE addition and two reunions:
Six-time Pro Bowl WR Keenan Allen is officially joining the Colts.
The Panthers signed Pro Bowl TE Darren Waller, who caught six touchdowns for Miami last season after a year in retirement.
The Bears signed EDGE Marcus Davenport.
The two reunions, with players returning to their former teams: Steelers LB Elandon Roberts and Chiefs EDGE Emmanuel Ogbah.
📝 Injuries and suspensions
Key injuries: Bears big free agent S signing Coby Bryant will miss four-to-six months following knee surgery, and Saints rookie WR Jordyn Tyson (hamstring) is expected to miss about two months.
Out for the season: Vikings LB Jamal Adams, Cardinals second-round rookie OL Chase Bisontis, Dolphins OL Jamaree Salyer, Texans QB Graham Mertz.
More injuries to note:
49ers EDGE Nick Bosa has tendinitis in his return from a torn ACL and is week-to-week.
Saints DL Cameron Jordan (hamstring) could miss the start of the season.
Jaguars G Patrick Mekari recently underwent back surgery but is expected to play this year.
Week-to-week: Cardinals first-round rookie RB Jeremiyah Love (high-ankle sprain), Panthers RB Chuba Hubbard (hamstring), Dolphins DL Zach Sieler (undisclosed), Bears RB Kyle Monangai (knee), Commanders QB Marcus Mariota (knee)
For positive injury news, Bears OT Ozzy Trapilo was activated from the PUP despite just tearing his patellar tendon in the playoffs, and Dolphins third-round rookie WR Chris Bell was taken off the NFI list in his return from a torn ACL last season at Louisville.
Now to the suspensions, with a few dropping last week including Falcons second-year star EDGE James Pearce Jr. being suspended eight games for his offseason arrest.
Six games: Titans CB Nazeeh Johnson (PED policy)
Three games: Bills DL Phidarian Mathis (substance-abuse policy)
One game: Commanders DE Dorance Armstrong (personal-conduct policy)
Fantasy football drafts are coming into focus as we hit the end of August, and everyone will be trying to come up with a great team name for their squad. We always try to be original with our recommendations, and below are three of our favorites for 2026:
-The Jahdyssey
-Widow’s Maye
-De’Zhaun of the Dead
You can see all 10 of our unique team names here, along with custom logos that should be ready to upload on all platforms.
📰 More to note around the NFL
Rest in Peace, O.J. Brigance, who the Ravens announced passed away after a battle with ALS.
Last ride: Seahawks EDGE DeMarcus Lawrence told Jori Epstein that this will be his final NFL season—his 13th in the league.
Despite potentially moving their stadium to Indiana, the Bears confirmed that they will not change their name from the Chicago Bears.
Week 6 Thursday Night Football will be one of the best uniform matchups possible when the Seahawks and Broncos wear throwbacks.
Bears HC Ben Johnson is setting lofty goals for his team: He wants to break the NFL’s all-time scoring record (37.9 PPG).
NFL franchise values: The Cowboys again lead the way with a whopping $15.5 billion value, according to Sportico.
The NFL Top 100 Players of 2026 latest includes Seahawks QB Sam Darnold at No. 21.
Other Sports Updates
🕊️ Rest in Peace, Tommy John: The pitcher who has the career-saving surgery named after him passed away at 83.
😳 LSU issuing the jersey No. 5 has apparently angered former Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels, who sent a cease and desist and reportedly requested their copy of his Heisman Trophy.
🤯 Cardinals rookie Joshua Báez became the first player ever to homer in his first three MLB at-bats.
🏈 Ohio State ranks No. 1 the preseason AP college football poll.
⚾️ The 2028 MLB All-Star Game will take place in San Francisco.
🌽 The Phillies routed the Twins in the MLB at Field of Dreams game.
