🤔 Deep into the NFL offseason, there are still key potential NFL moves to monitor.
🏈 Status in flux for standout players
As the Steelers await a decision from QB Aaron Rodgers about whether he will play or retire in 2026, the team placed the UFA tender on him.
This seems like a procedural move for Pittsburgh in order to protect themselves, but the significant part of the tender is that Rodgers can only sign with the Steelers if he hasn’t made a decision by the start of training camp.
Additionally, Pittsburgh might at least feel some risk about Rodgers potentially signing with another team—whether it be Arizona (remember, Rodgers won back-to-back MVP awards under Packers HC Matt LaFluer, who is the brother of Cardinals HC Mike LaFluer) or a team that gets hit with an injury at quarterback this summer.
In the end, we expect the 42-year-old passer to reunite with former HC Mike McCarthy by signing with the Steelers for one final run after the team boosted the WR room with Michael Pittman Jr. and promising rookie Germie Bernard.
Things feel a bit more certain regarding WR A.J. Brown eventually being traded to the Patriots—but there does seem to be a very slight glimmer of hope about him remaining in Philadelphia after holding a youth football camp over the weekend.
At the camp (held in Allentown, PA), Brown’s son led an “Eagles” chant, and the wideout addressed the crowd to express his love at the conclusion of the event.
Again, it has seemed inevitable that Brown would be traded since ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported it as likely before the 2026 NFL Draft, but first-round WR Makai Lemon is a fit in the slot and could theoretically coexist with Brown and DeVonta Smith.
Elsewhere in the NFC East, Cowboys WR George Pickens officially signed his franchise tender after the team placed the franchise tag on him in February.
The move opens the door for Pickens to possibly be traded, as the team has said they won’t sign him to a long-term deal this offseason.
However, Dallas has expressed a desire for Pickens to be a long-term piece for them, and the official team website says they expect him to be present for mandatory minicamp in June—which would signal he’s ready to play on the tag in 2026.
🖊️ Retirement, contracts, and fifth-year options
Exactly 10 years after he was drafted, former All-Pro S Justin Simmons officially retired as a Bronco.
Simmons played eight seasons in Denver, one season in Atlanta, and was out of the NFL in 2025
The four-time Second-Team All-Pro selection recorded 32 interceptions in his career, including six of them in just 12 games to lead the NFL in 2022.
Perhaps the most memorable part of Simmons’ legacy will be him having a knack for getting interceptions against Patrick Mahomes—currently leading all players by doing it six times, including in four consecutive games.
For a former All-Pro still playing in 2026, DL Calais Campbell signed with the Ravens as he continues his quest for a Super Bowl ring in his age-40 season.
The Texans locked up LB Azeez Al-Shaair with a three-year, $54 million extension that keeps him in Houston through the 2029 season.
Fifth-year options were picked up for the following players from the 2023 draft class:
New Packers backup: Green Bay signed veteran QB Tyrod Taylor after losing Malik Willis in free agency.
The Saints bolstered their defense with post-draft additions by signing EDGE Anfernee Jennings and CB Martin Emerson Jr.
As top remaining free agent DL DJ Reader weighs his options, the Giants turned their attention to other veterans by signing Shelby Harris and Leki Fotu.
Also, the Ravens signed undrafted rookie QB Diego Pavia to a three-year deal, and LB Jamin Davis was released by the Raiders.
Our first fantasy football rankings for the 2026 season were released for redraft leagues, dynasty leagues, and rookie drafts—and all are updated with any needed changes throughout the summer. Below is a small glimpse at each set of rankings.
Redraft rankings
1. Jahmyr Gibbs, DET RB
2. Bijan Robinson, ATL RB
3. Ja’Marr Chase, CIN WR
4. Jonathan Taylor, IND RB
5. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, SEA WR
Dynasty rankings
1. Josh Allen, BUF QB
2. Jahmyr Gibbs, DET RB
3. Bijan Robinson, ATL RB
4. Ja’Marr Chase, CIN WR
5. Jeremiyah Love, ARI RB
Rookie rankings
1. Jeremiyah Love, ARI RB
2. Germie Bernard, PIT WR
3. Jordyn Tyson, NO WR
4. Ty Simpson, LAR QB
5. Fernando Mendoza, LV QB
📰 More NFL news and notes
Broncos QB Bo Nix had a follow-up procedure on his fractured ankle, but he’s still expected to be ready for the start of the season. For his part, Nix tried to qualm concerns with an Instagram post that includes him running.
Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes is set to participate in OTAs later this month while coming off his torn ACL.
Titans President of Football Operations Chad Brinker stepped down following the 2026 NFL Draft—expressing a desire to have more say in personnel.
Longtime Eagles executive and assistant GM Alec Halaby announced he is stepping away to start a new professional chapter.
The 2026 NFL schedule release—which had been expected to be next week—could be pushed to the week of May 18.
Other Sports Updates
🐴 Golden Tempo won the 152nd Kentucky Derby with a late push in a thrilling finish.
💰 The Padres have agreed to sell the team to a group of new investors led by Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano.
⚾️ The Phillies fired manager Rob Thomson—who took over as interim manager in 2022 and led the team to a World Series appearance—following a 9-19 start.
🩼 Tigers Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal will miss two-to-three months due to elbow surgery.
